Eagledad

One suggestion for simple ideas to work the challenge is require 20 nights of camping with the troop plus at least one consecutive 5 night camping trip with the Troop. That would force being active with the troop for at least 2 years. Barry

In the old days maybe when the scouts selected were more mature. But I watched a couple scouts at an Ordeal on the verge of crying because they weren't ready for sleeping without a tent followed by the meager breakfast. Not talking was out of the question. One scout was holding his dads arm so he would be pulled away with the other scouts, while the other arm was dragging his sleeping bag through the dirt and mud. I think the SM needs to determine the state of mind of these scouts so as not to endanger a scouting career based from one really bad experience. Barry

I am a minimalist, mostly because I don't like to bring attention to myself. I also don't like to wear my WB Beads or OA sash. I do like my SM Patch. However, just from the couple of knots on one of my shirts, I do agree that patches are conversations starters with scouts. I have no problem with adults who shirts and jackets weighted down with knots, patches and other regalia. It's part of the fun. I even met a one legged SM who had camp brands all over his wooden camping leg. Barry

This was our troop. And, I think it was because this was how the SM wanted it because some scoutmasters push the scouts to pick everyone eligible. Yes, that is what I mean the Scoutmaster's idealism of the program can sway the scouts expectations of other scouts. I agree, scouts don't connect with character. They find Aims and Methods a language from another planet. They do, however, connect with brotherhood and as you pointed out, an early name, good or bad sticks for a long time. Young scouts learn quickly which older scouts to approach for help. But, the problem I see

If it’s just a matter of meeting the requirements, then why the vote. If getting voted is just a matter of luck, then where is the honor. In our district, 90% of scouts tapped out were no longer active in OA a year later except wearing their sash at COHs. I apologize for being cynical, but I remember the old days when Arrowmen were held in higher esteem than Eagles. Barry

And the election will never get past a popularity contest because voting is shots in the dark. It doesn't even make sense. There is nothing honorable about an honor society that wants everyone. But, there is still power in the reputations of the scouts. The Scouts in our troop held the top Chapter leadership position for 6 years. Chapter Leadership wasn't a popularity contest, it was getting folks who got things done. And, the reputation was the reason I was asked to takeover as OA Chapter Advisor. I declined, but I was humbled. Scoutmasters can set high ideals that scouts will carry on p

Arrowmen are supposed to be experts in camping and they should camp a lot to earn that reputation from their peers. To sort out the children (first year scouts) from the scouts, set a troop rule that only scouts with a minimum 0f 10 campouts and summer camp in the last 12 months can vote for OA candidates. Then, explain to the troop the noble qualities of an Arrowmen. Of course some scouts don't get selected. I will say that both in my troop as an adult leader and my troop as a youth, Eagle rarely was indicative of being selected to OA. Some Eagles are nerds who aren't great campers. Some

I agree with you about the selection process. In the 70s, I believe the age requirement was 14 to insure maturity and experience with camping skills. And, the scout would have a reputation of a servant because jerk was not going to get voted in by their peers. I don't know if that selection process could go back to those days, but the program sure could. Learning to lead a crew on a community service project requires a more mature person who believes in vision of cheerful service. Add to that practice of scouting skills and basically requiring Arrowmen to attend 90% of unit campouts, and you w

I don't know. Is any Pre-Twentieth Century ancestry imitated accurately? Many African Americans travel to Africa to see the place and learn more of their ancestry only to find little to their knowledge is left to explain more of the history than they already know. Does anyone really disrespect the movie Braveheart when they learn William Wallace didn't really wear a kilt? My ancestors were Vikings and rarely are Vikings portrayed to the accuracy you are demanding. Does that inaccurately takeaway from the costumes and customs in Viking dramas. Most people don't portray inaccuracies purposely t

Ah, Ok. At least We can agree to disagree. Have a great week. Barry

I agree and have been saying this for years. Outside impression is very important and that used to be Cheerful service and campmenship. Arrowmen in the 70's were the special forces of scouting. Only a few scouts 14 and older (two in our troop) could be voted each year by each member of the troop, so only the best of the best were called out. The Ordeals were challenging and strict. Not passing was not unusual. Quality was the control, not quantity. I don't even remember regalia, but it doesn't matter, OA has lost the image of Cheerful Service and Camping to Ceremony actors. I don't know

OK Barry

I'm taking this as intended humor. So, as someone who has spent almost their entire 64 year life in Oklahoma, I will go ask one if you want. You can't sing a cat here without hitting someone with some Native American blood. Was there a specific tribe from your area. My son-in-law is 1/32 Cherokee and went to a high school with the Indians as their mascot. That should do. However, we did a lot of Native American theme ceremonies in our pack and my experience is that Native Americans are less concerned about details of the ceremonies than they are of respect toward their culture. Oh, there

I think the how tos will be a little different for each troop because the personalities of adults. Adults must agree on the vision so that everyone buys in to it. Or, at least, they are willing to accept it as the course direction. I found that most adults don't really care about a vision so long as the Scoutmaster seems to have a grasp of where the troop is going. In my case, I lead a Troop meeting twice a year after each SPL election that required all the scouts and their parents to attend. I spent the first 20 minutes explaining Aims, Methods, Patrol Method (we call it boy run), and our tr

Great idea.

Hi All. I heard a lecture that put all my experiences and wisdom from scouting in a nutshell. This isn't a thread on god, or God, and scouting. This is about the scoutmaster setting the example of servant leadership by being a servant leader. Our definition of Servant Leadership here is Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy built on the belief that the most effective leaders strive to serve others. It's an easy leadership style to understand, but much harder to do because servant leadership requires the humility to learn the desires and needs of the followers, and then serve them

The little red wagon is next. Barry

Well done. When I was the district SM Specific course trainer, I preached for units to stop splitting their troop for the summer camp experience. Summer camp is the best and safest place for youth to practice independent decision making and pump up their patrol method development. We averaged almost 100 scouts (95%) at summer camp because they enjoy the experience so much. We typically put the adults in a separate camp site to reinforce the scouts independence. The SPL is the hardest working person in the troop because has all the decision making responsibilities. The only decisions the adult

We live in strange times. Seems that false accusations is becoming a common method of acting out at other people. My high school teacher son says the schools deal with it almost daily. And while many of the accusations are are obviously untrue at the time they are reported, they have to be investigate to show no bias. Forum moderators even have to deal with some of this stuff. Barry

Welcome, and have a great time. Take it easy though, cubs is 5 years long and tends to burn out even the best Eagles. I know of two active Eagle cub leaders that started with the vision of becoming a scoutmaster only to bow out from burnout at their sons crossover. Pace yourself because we need experienced adult leaders in the Troops. Barry

This is such and inspiring story. Thank you God. I love this scouting stuff. Barry

It was normal for me. I typically didn't sleep for two nights before a campout and at least a week before summer camp or high adventure. While we share the program with the ASMs, JASMs, committee, and other resources, the SM is still responsible for results. Even though everything is in place the way it should be, the SM suffers in the hope that scouts come home better than they left. Not just in safety, but in growth. However, on the other side, my wife will tell you there were many nights I didn't sleep because of something great that happened. I just couldn't help laying there with a

Well said. I remember back when this forum was the go-to place to learn more games. The Patrol Method and Open Discussion areas usually had at least 3 subjects going on at the same time discussing such ideas. Ah....the good oh days when 800 scouters were logged in. Barry

I believe Uniform and disciplining bad behavior are the two most challenging parts of a scout run program for adults. Adults seem to have an unbalanced passion for these two cases and typically takeover the scouts responsibility to get what they want. I certainly don't agree that the uniform is a main reason a scout doesn't want to go to meetings in a healthy program. The uniform is a great character builder because it clearly defines a scout's right or wrong choice. It also challenges them to define when the uniform should be worn appropriately. Youth today live in a world of me

First year I was Cubmaster I asked a den of Webelos why they chose the troop they were just about to cross over to. They said That troop had the best game at the meeting. A treat would be even better.😀 Barry