Eamonn

I think we are heading toward dangerous waters. Of course there are females who have a wonderful understanding of Scouting and have mastered the outdoor skills. There are a lot of males who do more to "siss-i-fy" the program, than any female. I'm happy to leave the demographics to those wiser than I. While I might be over simplifying what we do? I still like to think Scouting is a game that is supposed to be played in the outdoors. Most of the stuff we end up doing indoors is in preparation to do it outdoors. Sure I have seen and know of Troops that have put the outdoor program on a back burner and really if ever do outdoor activities other than a week at Summer camp rushing around enlarging the Troop Merit Badge count. I think most people who want to come into serve Scouts and Scouting do have their hearts in the right place. They want to do a good job. But we (who ever we really is?) are not doing a good job of helping them get the skills they need. The Sea Scout Ship in West Virginia has taken our Ship under their wing. The adults are the most helpful and wonderful people, but they are busy delivering the program to their Scouts. Trying to get get two schedules to work together is really hard. When I first started with the idea of starting a Sea Scout Ship, I filled out a form on the Sea Scout web page. I was really taken back when I received an E-mail from a person who said that he was my mentor. Soon I was firing off questions and concerns like crazy. When we held our organizational meeting he came from Maryland to help us out. (Yes Sea Bear it was Jerry Crabtree.) Some of the things I asked were really very stupid, but he was kind enough to answer them. While he didn't ever push he did nudge. He made sure that I met up with the right people and people who he knew would be willing to help. If the Commissioner team in our Districts and Councils were doing what they were supposed to be doing this would happen, but Commissioner Service just isn't working and I think it's never going to come back. Unit Service has been replaced by "District Dogsbody". We don't have real Training Teams, we use people who are good at what they do, but because they are good at what they do, they are busy doing it. I have no idea how much time this Pack Committee Chairman will devote to being a Troop Scouter? I'm also aware that all the good books say that we need to train new leaders before they start new units. Sadly we seem happy to pack them off to NLE and set them free. Of course some will make it and become great Scout leaders. Some will just become overwhelmed and because the system isn't working will quit. Eamonn.

The problem as I'm seeing it - Is that unless these new people go out and look for a mentor or a place to learn the skills, we (Me) are not doing very much to help them. We hear a lot of people say that they don't have the time to take training. But it seems that we need to look at a way of finding more local Trainers. Clearly it's not the role of the DE or any pro. The friendly helpful unit commissioner, seems to be a thing of the past. I'm doing what I have been asked to do, because the Training Committee is having problems. I feel bad for the new people, I feel worse for the new Scouts who we make a promise to in the Scout Handbook. A promise that if they remain in the new unit isn't going to be kept. If the "Every Scout deserves a trained leader" is to have any real meaning; something has to be done to train new leaders before we go about starting new Troops. Eamonn. Barry, I started this before reading your posting (Rory wanted to go chase a few Robins.) Part of the problem is timing. Cross over is normally (not always) in Feb. Trying to get two courses in, when the Training Committee is not up to par (Why else dig an up old has been like me?) is hard. Summer camp in the well established units has been planned for about a year. Much as I think people might want to help, they have their own Scouts and program to tend. Eamonn (This message has been edited by Eamonn)

I suppose we could debate the relevancy of the skills needed to become a First Class Scout. However the requirements as they stand now are the requirements. I covered the opening for the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Training a week or so back. We looked at the qualities of a Scout Leader. "Comfortable in the outdoors" was on the list. There were 21 participants at the Training. One or two were people I knew as they seemed to have been around for a very long time and came from Troops that have a active program. A few I'd seen around the Council doing their bit with Cub Scouts. A lot were people I'd never met, seen or knew anything about. I was a little surprised that about four of the participants were from Troops that were just starting up. Brand new units. One man who was silly enough to sit near the front?? Was there in full uniform, with the blue tabs and a Pack Committee Chairman patch. A really nice fellow. As you may know the specific training doesn't offer a lot of hands on or outdoor skill training. (In fact I think offering it as a one day course is not the way to go. It's too much information and hard on the participants sitters.) There is a knot relay in the syllabus. I was looking at what was going on. It wasn't hard to see that this poor guy didn't have an idea. I made a point of sitting next to him at lunch. He said how much he was enjoying the course!! He was very proud that he could now tie two knots. I really "Put the squeeze" on him to push him into attending the Outdoor Training. He is going to be the SM of one of the new Troops. They are starting with a over sized Webelos Scout Den that is crossing over. He did sign up for the Outdoor Training. I know the Training will be good. I'm organizing it and have selected an outstanding team of leaders who in the real world come from the better Troops in the Council. I'm sure that over the Training weekend they will do above and beyond to help this fellow. But it's only one weekend. He isn't in the same District that I'm in. I tried to find out who the District Training Chair is for that District, only to find that they don't have one. Roundtables in our Council stop in May and restart in September. I wish I had the time to take these poor guys under my wing, but I really don't have the time. I have offered the use of some of the Sea Scouts to visit the new Troop and cover some of the outdoor stuff. But the Scouts are very busy and distance is a problem. I really feel we need to do more to help this guy and people like him. I'm just not sure what. I'm only helping out with these Training's as there seems to be a problem. I don't have the time to return to the District or Council level in anything that doesn't have to do with Sea Scouts (As we are the only Ship in the Council, you can read into that what you like.) I did call the District Commissioner and ask if she could try and make sure that a good Unit Commissioner was assigned to this new unit. She spent 20 minutes telling me about her problems, mainly not having enough Commissioners. The DE for that District is not the outdoor type. So I'm worried that we are going to start a new unit, with adults who don't have the skills they need. I wonder if a year from now, if we will be asking ourselves why the unit didn't make it? Eamonn.

Hi Hubert01 What sub-camp were you in? All the Scouts in the Troop I served as Scoutmaster to are still talking about the Jamboree. All seem to think it was the best!! While I agree that the fireworks and the visit from the President were great. I wasn't very happy with the show -Or the lack of toilets!! Eamonn.

I've never worked with 9 year old girls, but I'm guessing they have about the same imaginations as 9 year old boys? I'd try and think like a nine year old!! Take a 9 year old in the woods and they become great explorers or early settlers? You can do a little imagine-erring and plant the seed. Explain how strange it must have been coming from far away and finding out about new plants and animals. Back in England, we don't have the poison ivy and poison oak. We only have two species of snake a grass snake and a adder which isn't very dangerous. You could talk about how they dressed, why they wore the wide rimed hats and long sleeves and this was before we had sun screen. Does the outing have a theme? If so tap into that. Eamonn.

I'm big on training and training's. I really like the Wood Badge Course and I'm happy with the changes that were made. I have been involved with a lot of courses over the years and have served as both a District and Council Training Chairman. The course is a Leadership course. While the skills that you can take home are really good, the friends you make are fantastic and the course is a time when most people have a lot of fun. I think you need to look at where you and the Troop are at. What impact will the time spent on the course have on the Troop and your family? What about the course fee? Will paying that have any effect on what you do with the Troop? Having read some of your recent postings. I think if I were you I would be inclined to not rush off to Wood Badge and use the time to go about strengthening the Troop. Of course, I'm not you!! I do know that given where I'm at with a new Sea Scout unit, giving up three weekends to attend Wood Badge isn't something that I'd do. Still I'm going to give up one weekend and pay $175.00 to attend Sea Badge. - Maybe I'm being a little unfair to Wood Badge? Eamonn.

At times I just don't know how the Scouts we serve find time to do all the stuff that they do. http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/search/s_438623.html Ida, is a Sea Scout, she dances, goes to school and works part time at a pizza shop. She is a super nice girl and a good Sea Scout, but Scouting will never replace her love of dancing. Eamonn.

I have to admit to liking the National and World Jamborees. Looking out over a ocean of Scouts, really takes my breath away. But maybe they have just got too big? A lot of the problems in 2005 were caused by the number of people. -OK and the heat!! Maybe we need to take a long hard look at why we have a Jamboree? If the only reason is because it's a PR exercise? It might be time to think about smaller Regional Jamborees? While I'm sure a lot of Scouts who come from a long way from Fort AP Hill, see getting there as an adventure. We go that far for a weekend. Many of the activities are almost impossible to do because of the long lines and Scouts waste a lot of time waiting in line. Much as I hate to say it the only Arena Show that was staged in 2005 was like watching paint dry. Of course the fireworks were good and Hops did a great job on the tower!! I have no idea what facilities would be available to gatherings of about 10,000? I heard that once upon a time a group of older guys got together at a farm outside of New York. But that was in a bygone age. Eamonn.

Of course Sea Scouts have a Working Uniform. Which we don't use to do work in. At present we are working on getting everyone in dress whites. I can't wait to see what they look like after a weekend away? Our goal is to have everyone who attends the http://www.seascout.net/chesapeake/special_events/RegattaBoardingManual2004.pdf in full dress whites. Eamonn

I'm almost sure, that there isn't a rule. I'm sure some units have rules? I kind of like the idea of everyone traveling in uniform. It makes it easier to find that Scout who is never where he should be, when he should be. It also lets everyone know that Scouting is alive and kicking. But a lot would depend on where we were going and what we would do once we got there. A weekend away where everyone would be rock climbing and getting dirty I would leave the uniforms at home. The activity uniform is fine for a Council summer camp -Changing into full uniform only means changing or adding a shirt. I'm happy to let our Quarterdeck decide what the dress code is for each activity. Eamonn.

My geographical knowledge of the USA isn't good enough for me to have much input as to where it should or could be moved to. I was at Moraine and it was a mud bath. I don't know if the BSA is going to win in court? I'm not even sure if we should? Sure I hope we do, but I'd need to read the pros and cons. So far from what I have read it seems to be a win, win situation, the army (DoD) likes us being there and seems to use it as a training and we like being there. But I'm sure there are other arguments out there as to why we ought not be there. Eamonn.

Wow this is hard. 1/ Queens Scout service at Saint George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. 2/ 1975 World Jamboree. 3/ Next weeks Sea Scout Bridge of Honor. (At my age you have to have something to look forward too!!) Eamonn Hey Hops your in the top ten.

I have very mixed up feelings about what's happening. I really want to see a strong Scouting program. I think we can do and do a lot of good. I'm not sure exactly why membership is down. I don't think it has anything to do with God, gays or girls. I think it has a lot to do with family life in the 21st Century. When I see and hear that families don't have time to eat together as families, why am I surprised that parents don't have time to volunteer as Scout leaders? Kids seem to be doing more stuff, than I did as as a kid. When I was growing up it was OK if your son opted not to go to college and choose to follow a trade. Today it seems that parents have far bigger expectations for and from their kids. I hate the idea that Scouting has become a resume builder. I still want Scouts and Scouting to be about fun, adventure and challenges. Sure I'm big on the other good stuff, but if it's not fun and adventure the kid isn't going to stick around and all that good stuff is just words on paper. I think with our kids having so many more opportunities we have to really work harder to ensure that the programs we offer are really good. When it comes to money. We know before we start that it's a hot potato. I know from working with different foundations that this is one area where the BSA stand on God and gays has hurt. But it seems there are so many more deserving groups who are becoming more organized and are now doing a better job of asking for funding. I really think we need to do a better job of training our top professionals in the fine art of raising money, budgeting and money management. It would seem to me that it would be obvious that most of the volunteers don't have that much extra money that they can donate. Most have kids, mortgages and are trying to save a few bucks to send junior to college. Most of the leaders I know are already putting their hand in their own pocket to subsidize the program or kids in the program. The idea of bashing the heck out of these people is just plain silly. If and only if we have to go to families and ask for money, I would much rather see a flat fee added to the membership fee. A couple of years back our SE sent back the FOS Community Goal I had sent him (I was District Chair.) He wanted more money. I wrote back informing him that in my little town of less than 5,000 we had 27 closed store fronts. Local businesses are under siege from groups who are looking for donations. I know that I received as many as six or seven letters a week from everyone ranging from the American Heart Foundation to the local soccer players. The local soccer players have a write up each week in the local paper -The Scouts don't!! While most of the professionals who work for the BSA really are great people who I like to think are trying to do their best for Scouting. They are facing the lack of income and have to spend more and more time working and worrying about meeting financial goals. This is hampering their ability to do what they should be doing. I'm not sure but I think maybe this is part of the reason why a lot of volunteers are not as trusting of them as they used to be? I may live in a fools paradise, but I really do believe that everything comes down to program. Good programs that kids want to be part of will fix the membership decline. A strong program will have the backing of the local communities and they will be willing to support something they see as being good. A strong program will ensure that the kids we have in Scouting today, will one day either return as leaders or be willing to in some way support. We are in charge. Changes may have to be made. Staffing levels might need to be looked at. We have to do a better job of marketing and telling everyone how good we are and what we are doing. We really have to take a long hard look at working a lot closer with other organizations. But at the end of the day, we do this best when we work with one kid, one Den,one patrol, one unit, one District at a time. I might not be able to make that much of a difference in a Council, but I feel sure I can make a difference in the life of one sea Scout. Eamonn.

How very sad. How very wrong. My $64,000 question is, who was at the meeting when the decision to expel the Scout was made? If the CO was not aware and didn't know or agree with the decision, the committee has over-stepped their authority. A Troop committee can recommend the removal of a Scout to the CO, but the CO has the last word. Of course if I was the Lad there is no way I would want to return. If I was the CO I would want the adult that brought the allegations forward (If he or she is a committee member ) removed. Eamonn.

I really enjoy working with the Scouts and the adults in our Ship. If someone needs a hand, I'll do what I can to be a good Scout and help. I do believe in God. I'm not gay. I'm more concerned about trying to raise money for the Ship than what a SE earns. I've never been to Chicago, been to Disney in Florida and don't have any real desire to go back. That might change when I get grandkids? I have used Delta Airlines and Atlanta Airport, but that's about all I've seen of Atlanta. Sure there are things I'd like to see changed and I hope that they do get changed. Yes I know that this may sound like I'm sticking my head in the sand, but right now I'm alright Jack and I'm having a good time -Thanks for asking. Eamonn.

I hope you have a good time. I do have to admit to finding your post a little strange!! When it comes to the troop committee challenge, we do it slightly different in our Council. The Committee requests the training and we send someone in to do it with the entire committee. As I posted in another thread, I'm coming out of "Retirement" to present the SM and ASM Specific Training on Saturday. I was hoping to go sailing, but things didn't work out. I think this is also the NE-Region Area 4 Quest Venturing weekend, which Potomac Council is hosting. Our Quarterdeck looked at it and thought that $40.00 was a little too rich for their blood. I was invited, but a weekend away without any Scouts, when we have a very hectic program from now till fall, would have landed me in the bad books with Her Who Must Be Obeyed. I know a Scout is brave -But not that brave!! Eamonn.

Her Who Must Be Obeyed has a friend who seems to spend half her time sending E-mails about kids who are supposed to be lost, Starbucks Coffee and a lot of other things that just turn out to be false. I was looking for something else and came across this: http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/benstein2.asp Ben and I are on the page. Eamonn.

Something must have gone wrong some where? Our Council Boy Scout Training Chair. Just phoned and asked if I would help out with the training this weekend. I gave my "Training Box" to the fellow who took over from me as Council Training Chair. I know I made copies of everything. I just spend the last 20 minutes going through CD's. Store bought CD'S are easy to keep track of. I can read the title on the spine. My problem seems to be the ones that don't come with cases and the ones that I burn myself. As a rule I either write on the disk what it is or just print a address label and stick it on. This works fine, but when they stand on their side, you have to go through the entire pile to find ( or in this case not find!!) What you are looking for. In my case this is several hundred. I don't think they make enough different color cases for that to be much help and the cases I have been buying (mainly on sale and black) don't have spines. I really like jump drives and they are coming down in price, but even with them you have to plug them in to see whats on the drive. OJ, has started putting some things on memory sticks(they are not allowed to bring CD's to put on the school computers) I'm not sure how he does it?? But with them getting bigger, that might be the way to go. I hate going through stacks of disks -Especially when what I'm looking for isn't there. Eamonn.

Eagle76 Why did I think about Her Who Must Be Obeyed, when I read your posting? Eamonn. (Ducking)

Man oh man do I hate that "Kick" word. Before I go on -What is your position in the Pack? The G2SS states: Adult leaders of Scouting units are responsible for monitoring the behavior of youth members and interceding when necessary. Parents of youth members who misbehave should be informed and asked for assistance in dealing with it. So I have to ask "Where were the leaders? Why was this allowed? Maybe the wrong people are in need of a kick? The Guide goes on to state: The unit committee should review repetitive or serious incidents of misbehavior in consultation with the parents of the child to determine a course of corrective action including possible revocation of the youth's membership in the unit. If problem behavior persists, units may revoke a Scout's membership in that unit. When a unit revokes a Scout's membership, it should promptly notify the council of the action. The unit should inform the Scout executive about all incidents that result in a physical injury or involve allegations of sexual misconduct by a youth member with another youth member. So have the committee met and discussed this? Have they met with the parents and tried to work out a course of corrective action ? It seems that the Adults didn't step in and nip this in the bud -When it ought to have been nipped. Start following the guide now. Deal with the problem now. Involve the parents now. And maybe think about looking for adult leaders who will do what they are supposed to ASAP. Eamonn.

We do have 3 crews. Along with the Petty Officers. I'm not mad about splitting the meetings,I think this would take away from us being one Ship. In time this will sort itself out!! Some of the Scouts are getting really good at some things and are starting to take on passing the benefit of their knowledge to the new Scouts. We have a Committee meeting tomorrow, I think it's time to change some of the Committee members over to the Leader team. Eamonn.

Part of the problem or parts of the problem are. Recruitment is a requirement for advancement in Sea Scouting. We are the "New Kid" on the block. The only Ship in our Council. The Scouts seem to be coming from two places: Our local HS Marching Band. The OA. There is a very good and successful Crew in the area, but it is in a School and is kind of a Club. It is chartered by a local church, but the meetings are during club time. It does a really good job of keeping the kids busy with monthly activities. The other "Crews" (And I don't think they are Crews!!) Are just Boy Scouts, who seem to never do anything as Venturers other than help out at District Camporees. We don't have any active Girl Scout units and there is a need for something for the females in the area to do. The adults (Me??) Are not doing anything to actively recruit new members, they just seem to come. Eamonn.

Growing up is hard. Lord knows we don't want to hurt or upset a little fellow. But one of the lessons we all have to learn is that you get what you earn. If you don't do the work you don't get the reward. Back when I was a CM, I had a couple of Den Leaders who would try and soften the blow of a Lad not getting something at the pack meeting by making sure everyone got something. Not the Activity Pin, but something. I didn't interfere, they were the Den Leaders!! I think you need to voice your concern to the parents of the Lads. Let them know, that you don't like seeing their little fellow being upset and that they need to really try and make sure that they get him to the meetings. I'm in total agreement with you that if they have not met the requirement they should not get the pin. Eamonn.

I wasn't sure if I should give his name but it's out there anyway and he is over 18: http://www.northeast.oa-bsa.org/index.php?p=leadership&s=schiefs&SFunction=printChiefsDetail&Section=NE-4B If you visit the site you will see that he talks about One of my adult advisors once told me: "I have never said no to a talk or a dance in my life You'll never guess who said that?? Eamonn

I never thought I would ever say this!! But I'm starting to feel a little in over my head with the Sea Scout Ship. We had 3 new members join today, which now brings us to over 30. Nearly all the committee members are new to being Committee members. Great bunch, but heck we have only been doing this for six months. The Petty Officers are doing a great job. But we don't have the experience and expertize that comes with time. I have two Mate's. One is ex-navy, likes to wear a uniform and doesn't do much. He works for a company that calls him out of town. At times at the very last minute, which has caused problems with transportation in the past. The other Mate is the father of two of the Sea Scouts. He is a very willing and helpful chap, but doesn't really even have the basic skills. He has taken the Training's, the Scouts like him. I really like him, but I'm beginning to think he has adopted the "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" philosophy. He drives the Scouts any place they want or need to go, but seems happy to stand back and become a observer. Trying to hold the attention and interest of 30 young adults at a meeting is hard. This afternoon we were working on a couple of sail boats. They need work!! But it really was a case of too many cooks. Having the boats ready is important to our future plans, but working with a large group just isn't working and trying to do it at some other time makes more demands on me!! Next week we have rented our local community pool and will cover swimming and Life Saving, but the boats will still be there waiting for to be worked on. I hate, really hate to turn any potential Scout away. The Committee is working on finding adults that want to get involved or who just want to cover something that they are good at!! I'm sure we will find these people, I'm just not sure when. We very easily could have 50 or 60 Sea Scouts by the end of the year, but without more active adult help the program is really going to suffer. I kinda think that by this time next year, the Scouts we have now will be more able to do more, as they will know more. But the problem is what is happening now. Maybe it's time, for a little time out from recruiting new members, while we use the time to get the Scouts that we have up to speed and able to train new members? I'm not sure that I have it in me to turn around to a young person who wants to join and say no or come back later. Of course with every new recruit there is the possibility of a new leader. Eamonn.