Eamonn

I may be guilty of seeing the world through rose tinted specs. But when it comes to Merit Badge Counselors, the Scoutmaster has no say. He or She didn't select or approve them, this was done at the District or Council level. If he or she is unhappy about a Counselor the District advancement committee will deal with it. None of this should in any way effect the Lad and his merit badge. If the SM thinks that a counselor is favoring his son, then the advancement committee needs to be informed and they will decide what the proper course of action is. The standard for each and every merit badge is clearly laid out and the Counselor needs to stick to the requirements or be removed. Eamonn.

Help me out here I think I must be missing something. Little Ed looks through the requirements and decides that he wants to do the Law merit badge. His Mom is a lawyer and since he was a very little fellow every night at dinner they have discussed her day at work. Ed goes to his Scoutmaster and informs him that he wants to try and earn the Law merit badge. The Scoutmaster opens his briefcase. He pulls out the blue application for merit badge card. He fills in the name and address of Little Ed, marks that Little Ed is a registered Scout in troop 123 in New Trails District in Two Thumbs Up Council, he dates the date and reads that Little Ed is qualified to begin working on the Law Merit Badge. He then signs his name. Little Ed then asks to see the Merit Badge Counselor List. The Scoutmaster goes to his briefcase and takes out the District Merit Badge list. As he takes it out he remembers that Bob the ASM, who was the counselor for the camping merit badge has moved and that he had intended to apply to the District Advancement Committee to have his name added to the list, and if he wants to get it in before the next District meeting he will need to do it soon. The Scoutmaster gives the list to Little Ed. Ed looks at it and sees that there are two people listed as counselors for the Law MB,one of them is his Mom the other is his uncle. He knows that of the two his Mom is going to be a lot tougher to deal with. So he phones his uncle. The only time that his uncle is free is the same time as the troop meetings. Ed is a PL and he now has to weigh up the situation. Does he go to his uncle who will not be as hard as his Mom and miss a troop meeting? Or does he go to his Mom? Ed spends a restless night thinking about what is the right thing to do. In the end he talks to his Mom. She explains that really it shouldn't make any difference as the requirements are the requirements and both his uncle and her are people who are used to sticking to the letter of the law and both will not change any of the requirements. He works with his Mom, meets all the requirements. Mom signs the blue card, Ed turns it in and is awarded the merit badge at the next suitable occasion. The Scoutmaster turns his application in to become a Camping merit badge counselor. The Dean of Merit Badges doesn't know him, so he calls and asks about what camping experience he has? Scoutmaster explains that he is an Eagle Scout and is very experienced. The Dean, knowing that a Scout is to be trusted takes his word for it and tells him that he is going to recommend to the advancement committee that he be added to the list. While the Scoutmaster has the Dean on the phone he informs him about one guy who is adding all sorts of extras to pioneering merit badge and about the Lady that isn't covering the requirements for the Dog care merit badge. When the new District list comes out the Scoutmaster sees that he has been added to the list (He had received a post card telling him that he had been added) and that both the Dog care and Pioneering counselors had been removed. What am I not seeing? Eamonn.

Hi,Ed The Mission statement reads: The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. You say: Sometimes helping Scouts make ethical decisions is making them do what you want. We could get into a very long and very useless discussion about the meaning of the word Decision. So let's use the wording in the Mission Statement and go with the word choice. When we deal with young children and we want them to do something, we jump through a lot of hoops. "OJ, Please pick up your toys." "OJ, if you pick your toys up, I'll read you a bedtime story." "OJ, if you don't pick your toys up I'm not going to read you a bedtime story!" "OJ, if you don't pick your toys up you can't go to the park tomorrow". Many of us old people remember when the final threat was "If you don't I'm going to smack you" Which at times was followed through with a crack across the backside. (And they call them the good old days!!) As children get older we want them to start making good choices on their own, not because we are going to reward them or because there is a threat hanging over their head, we want them to do things that are right because it is the right thing to do. Later on today OJ is taking his driving test. He is certain that he is going to pass. He has asked if he can drive up to camp on Saturday, but wants to come home Saturday night. I have some concerns about him driving off the mountain at night. The easy thing to do is for me to say that he can't drive and offer to take him and pick him up. He does what I want and what will make me happy. I could I suppose tell him that he can't go. I decided that I would put my cards on the table and let him know what my fears and what my concerns are. Of course him being 16, he doesn't always see where I'm coming from. But once I had shared my feelings he decided that he will leave camp before it gets dark. His choice. Once he gets to camp, if he is anything like his Dad he isn't going to want to leave, but he is going to have to make another choice. I haven't said that I'm going to reward him for leaving on time and there is no threat hanging over him. I think he knows that I am not going to be happy if he stays till dark and then drives off the mountain. Some choices he makes with little or no input from me. He selected what classes he is going to take next year. He has selected a very heavy load with extra math and science classes. I think that he has taken on too heavy a load, but he wants to be a math teacher and he has picked the college that he wants to attend and he thinks these classes will help him meet his goal. Sure there are times when his decision and mine go hand in hand, but I don't make him, he has to see things for himself. There are times when there may be only one right way to go, but he needs to work this out for himself. I think when we make people do anything we take away their choice. I also question if, once people get older if we can make them do what we want? My goal for my kid is that he will be a caring, loving person, he will only reach this if he is capable of making good choices not from fear or because he is going to be rewarded, but because he can make good and ethical choices. When we deal with Scouts, we can make rules that state if you don't wear your uniform you will be sent home. I don't think this teaches anything. How much better for the Lad to choose to wear his uniform because he wants to wear it and because he thinks it's the right thing to do. Eamonn

Some years back Hillary Clinton, in a speech used the term "It takes a whole village to raise a child" At the time Hillary wasn't very popular. I thought what she said was very wise and suited the time and place. Bob White has posted in another thread: "My job is to help boys make ethical decisions, not to make them do want I want them to." He really has hit the nail on the head. I can't help thinking how wonderful Scouting would be if all the adults used this as a benchmark. Eamonn.

I can't help thinking that we all can go to page 187 of the Boy Scout Handbook and read what the good book says. I also like to think that we are in the business of supporting the Lads in the program. At the District and Council level we have people who put a lot of time and effort into preparing a list of Merit Badge Counselors. I know in the District in which I serve our Dean Of Merit Badges does not rubber stamp the applications he receives for people who apply to be Counselors. All applications are discussed by the Advancement Committee and do need to be approved by the committee. After many years of having a list that just didn't work, I will admit finally getting an up to date working list which works was something that I took great pride in. When the Dean of Merit Badges meets with the advancement committee to look at people who have asked to be merit badge counselors, the first thing that is looked at is if the person knows the subject, and then if the person can work with Lads of Scout age. Some people who apply are willing to Counsel any Lad, while others only take Scouts from the Troop that they are registered in. The list is available from Scoutmasters all troops have a list which is updated quarterly. A more up to date list is available from the Dean who will e-mail the list to any leader or any Scout who asks. Some MB's have a gaggle of counselors, some only have one. Our District covers three small towns and a large rural area stretching up the Laurel Mountains in Fayette and Westmoreland counties at times during the winter months travel can be hard, so we have tried to ensure that we have qualified counselors in every community. Finding a Dean was not an easy task, once I got my grubby paws on him, the first thing I asked him to do was the Merit Badge Counselor list, our goal was to make it as user and Scout friendly as we could. Of course there are Troops in the District that for different reasons do all merit badges either in house or at summer camp. I personally like the idea that the Scout gets the list and makes an appointment and takes it from there. If the person he phones first isn't able to accommodate his needs for some reason he moves on down the list. I have known SM's who when dealing with a young or a very shy Lad will phone the counselor before the Lad and warn him that this is a very shy little fellow and to take care of him. Then you have Lads like my son who seems to know everyone in the Council and he thinks nothing of phoning people. The requirements of the merit badges are in most cases very clear, if the counselor is knowledgeable about the subject and doesn't change any of the requirements he or she is OK and good to go in my book. I don't care if he or she is the parent. We are here to support our Scouts not put road blocks or hurdles in the way. Eamonn.

"I don't know the reason behind the American policy." I'm sorry this is just to easy!! Is this then a burning question? Apologies to all!! Eamonn.

While I do admit that part of me was sad to say good-bye to the old courses (Boy Scout and Cub Scout) I was happy to think that this was the end of the good old boys Wood Badge Club. I hoped that a lot of what can only be called the silliness had also gone. I had seen all sorts of silliness, from really dumb ideas about Scoutmasters Chairs to changing into the same clothes as the SM was wearing. The course is a leadership course open to all adult leaders who have taken NLE and the specific training required for the position that they hold. The course does request that participants wear the correct uniform for the position that they hold. One Course Director I know and love went so far as to send out the Uniform Inspection Sheet. Still some people arrived wearing what they thought was an acceptable uniform. Did we send these people home? Of course not, the fact that they were willing to give up the time and part with some hard earned cash along with wanting to be better leaders, outweighed the uniforming. I see posted in another thread: Same reason electronics are prohibited at wood badge, I'd suppose. They interfere and distract from the program and the purpose for which the scouts are there. Where did that come from? There is not a word about not allowing electronics at Wood Badge in the Syllabus or Guide book. Many participants bring laptops,and hand held computers. Most bring cell phones. The only thing asked is that they turn off the ringer and if they need to take a call that they step out or away from what ever is going on. The new course is Wood Badge for the 21st Century, we may not like or approve of 21st Century technology, but it is here. I see more and more leaders tracking advancement at camp on a computer. I rarely leave the house without my cell phone. I'm to lazy to learn how to use a palm pilot, but OJ uses his for a lot of different things. The more we try and turn our backs on these things the more we are going to seem like old stick in the muds. Sure there is a time and a place for everything, but we need to allow people, adults and youth members the opportunity to work out what works for them. While I don't think anyone would want to tote a laptop with them on a hike, I know a lot of young people who would be willing to carry a small mp3 player and these same young people are willing to use it or not use it at the appropriate times. I am saddened that once again Wood Badge myths are on the rise, they do not add anything to the course and only do harm. Eamonn.

Boy have things changed. When I joined Scouting the prescribed method of disposing of tin cans was "Burn'em Bash'em and Bury'em". As for burning trash, I think a lot depends on where you are camping and what sort of camping you are doing. What might be acceptable at your local scout camp is not going to acceptable if you are out on the trail. Eamonn.

Tim, I will add Steve to my prayer list. I do agree that we must never take the people we love for granted. I thank the Great Scoutmaster everyday for making OJ as strong and healthy as he is, even on the days when I think about marmalading him!! Her Who Must Be Obeyed, has had a very rough time these past few months. I think for a while we had just got so used to being with each other that we took the fact that we still love each other as a given. That is not a good idea. Eamonn.

I have looked over some of the program books that came out just before and just as the programs changed. The balanced programs and ideas for troop meetings seemed like a neat idea. But with everything so "Packaged" how do you involve the Patrol Leaders Council in planning the troop meetings? Eamonn.

I have no idea what D&D is. Maybe I'm showing my age. I do have a problem with some of the ideas that have been posted: "Get them into archery and environmental science. That should take their time up easily." What if the boy has no interest in environmental science or archery? He paid to attend camp, he should choose what merit badges if any he wants to pursue. " We do not allow any electronics at any scout activity. Any that are brought are taken up and locked away until the next troop meeting. Same thing with cell phones" What gives you the right to take things that do not belong to you? If a Lad is supposed to be doing something he should be doing it!! If instead of doing it he was reading his Scout Handbook or the Bible he still wouldn't be doing what he was supposed to. My Son has a cell phone because I gave it to him, we have deep personal reasons for wanting him to have one, these have to do with the health of his mother. If any one took it off him I would be very upset. I have found that most young people are far more polite than most adults when it comes to cell phone use. Maybe because they know how to use them and can send and receive text messages and check their messages, without the darn thing ringing in the middle of a Scouts Own service. We have covered this cell phone thing at length and I for one do not want to go over it all again. My feelings are that whatever happens I never ever give up my rights as a parent, when I allow my son to attend a Scouting function. I believe that he has been raised to be Courteous and Helpful,if and when he steps outside of these and any of the other Scout Laws I would hope to hear from the Troop Committee Chairman. Scout leaders should be delivering the program, not spending their time making and trying to enforce stupid rules that have no place in Scouting. Eamonn.

Hi, Moving on to the Patrol Method. What do you do to make it work in your troop? If you don't use it why not? If you do use it what makes it work? Eamonn.

Hi, This has been on and off the board for about a week. I have to admit to being a little surprised that we didn't get more postings. As we all know the ideals can be found in the: Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout Slogan and the Motto. As a newcomer? To the BSA Oath and Promise. Only working with them for a little over twenty years. I have to admit that when I signed up as a member of the BSA, I didn't take that much notice of them. I had spent twenty years in Scouting in the UK using the Scout Promise and Scout Law over there. The Scout Promise is: On My Honour, I promise that I will do my best To do my duty to God and to the Queen, To help other people And to keep the Scout Law. The Scout Law is: A Scout is to be trusted. A Scout is loyal. A Scout is friendly and considerate. A Scout is a brother to all Scouts (A Scout belongs to the worldwide family of Scouts. This is the "New" wording -Maybe because there are now Scouts who are girls??) A Scout has courage in all difficulties. A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property. A Scout has self-respect and respect for others. My thinking then was that Scout Oaths /Promises and Scout Laws were much the same all over the world. This of course is not the case. I strongly believe that if we the adults have a problem with the ideals of Scouting, we are in the wrong organization and need to find another organization that has ideals that we can live with. How can we ever expect to pass on these ideals if we can't live with them? The first part of making these work is making sure that the Lad understands what the words mean. I have had a Lad arrive for a Eagle Scout BOR and he had no idea what the word Thrifty meant. In many ways I think that I agree with where Barry /Eagledad is coming from. We need to plant the seed. I think Barry and I might differ a little in what we do after the seed is planted? A Scout and the adults do get the opportunity to see how things are coming along when they meet at a SM conference or at the BOR (Different Adults.) But I have found that there are lots of other opportunities to discuss and take a look at these fine words, we just need too be ready when they do come along. I remember hiking in the rain talking to a couple of Lads about what Duty to God means. Not me preaching to them but a open and honest discussion. I know a great number of Scouter's who can out Scoutcraft anyone, but are uneasy talking about things like this to Scouts. I also think that we need to believe that Scouts are:Trustworthy,Loyal,Helpful,Friendly Courteous,Kind,Obedient,Cheerful,Thrifty Brave,Clean and Reverent. We need to let go and give them /him every chance to prove that they are. Sure there are times when a Lad will let us down, sure there are times when this will blow up in our face. But we use this as lesson for the Scout. Ceremonies can help to make a point.We lose a great opportunity to help make a point when the SPL stands up to do the usual unplanned opening. Stands there with one hand in his pocket, and rushes through the Scout Oath and Law. The words lose their meaning and in my view things like this do more harm than good. Those of us who have been involved in training, may have done the thing where you ask everyone to do what you sat to do. Then you ask everyone to touch their nose, but you go and touch your chin. About half the participants will have touched their chin. We lead by example. None of us are saints and I don't think anyone expects us to be. Before we beat ourselves up we need to remember that we along with the Scouts have said that we are going to do our best. I have always thought that the idea of doing a good turn daily is a good idea, but helping other people at all times is wishful thinking. Being prepared for any old thing, is also a very tall order. We do have a lot of things that we do and teach that help our Scouts become more prepared and as they take on more challenges and the activities become more adventurous they need to take more responsibility for their own preparations and preparedness. I do agree with Barry that we need to tailor what we do to the needs of each individual Scout. Some Lads will come from families that have values much the same as can be found in the ideals of Scouting, while other families may be a little thin in the values department. Eamonn.

Hi,ehcalum The help you need with this should come from your Troop Guide. He or She will have the final word. I of course agree with SWScouter, about making sure your goals are SMART Goals.(Specific Measurable, Attainable ,Realistic,Timely)It is also important that your goals (Ticket items) are helping you meet your vision and your mission.This is very important. While there may not be anything in the world with this goal, which with a couple of tweaks could be wonderful. You might want to backtrack a little. When you sit down to write your ticket you need to choose one role, normally the position which is your primary position. I have to admit that when I read this goal, I thought that you were a Merit Badge Counselor. Somehow I don't see that as your primary position in Scouting - But I could be wrong? Being a more effective trainer is a fine vision, but you need to make it work in the area where you work. Looking at your profile I'm guessing either the troop or the crew. During the second weekend there is a session on diversity. One of your ticket items has to do with diversity. I think you could your experiences with disabilities to write a ticket item that was "Closer to home". I remember at Nordjamb there was an excellent area that the Scouts could go through where they were put in situations where they had to do tasks while they were "handicapped". Some were blindfolded, some were on one leg and had to do an obstacle course using crutches. The Scouts had fun but also gained an understanding of the challenges that people with disabilities face. Eamonn

Ed. I think the cause of the stickiness has something to do with dates in uniform. Eamonn.

My heart goes out to the Lads Father and the Troop leaders. I am sure that Nicholas is in a better place, but I will say a prayer for him and his family. I can't even imagine facing OJ's Mum if a terrible accident like this happened to him. Eamonn Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen.

I let my knees do the talking. Well it worked back in 1977. That was when I met Her Who Must Be Obeyed. I have felt needed ever since. Eamonn

Hunt You mustn't have got the IM Parrots have been replaced by a mp3 player that plays troop by-laws. If you listen real hard you can hear Bob White and myself in the background pulling our hair out!! (Sorry Bob) Eamonn

Thanks wyomingi, While we could of course go over what we have already said and new members could add their couple of pennys,. The ear-ring thread isn't that old and bylaws seems to be ongoing,I don't think we need to go over it all again. But about them there cell phones..... Eamonn

Hi,Kahuna The link you provided brought me to a page with lots of information abouts lots of stuff. If you could be a little more specific it would be a big help. I did find this: Since the leadership is the responsibility of the chartering organization, the institution head should provide his approval of the committee's selection. The committee mentioned here is a nominating committee. They meet and nominate Troop Leaders and Committee members. The final word and final approval comes from the chartering organization and the institution head. Being as he approved the leader only he can dismiss the leader. In theory a nominating committee could comprise of people who are not in any way involved with the troop, maybe a Church Council might select the Scoutmaster and the introduce him to the Troop Committee without any input from them. Of course this doesn't happen very often, but it could. The institution head can of course delegate what ever he wants to the COR. I don't think we ever did hear if this ever became unstuck. Eamonn

I hate insurance companies. If I had all the money that I paid out for insurance I would be a very rich man. At one time I was paying $9,000 a year for Liquor Liability insurance. When I asked if I could be self insured I just held that amount of money in a company account and everyone was fine, it took me ten years to find that out. When we recharter we pay an extra dollar for some sort of insurance. The SE gave me details last week. They are still in the car, I will post what they are when I get there. National BSA has arranged for accident and sickness insurance for everyone participating in the 2005 National Jamboree. Posted on the Jamboree site: The National Boy Scouts of America headquarters has arranged for accident and sickness insurance coverage for every participant of the 2005 National Scout Jamboree. This coverage is above and beyond any council- or unit-purchased coverage that may be in force for your Scouts and leaders. The cost of this insurance is included as part of the national jamboree fee. Coverage for registered members of the BSA will be effective beginning with their travel from their homes to the jamboree site, from the jamboree site back home, and during their stay at the jamboree. Scouts and leaders also are covered under this program during the time of their prejamboree training. Scouts and leaders attending the jamboree as representatives of international Scout associations will be covered from their arrival in the United States to their arrival at the jamboree site, during their stay at the jamboree, and during the return to their point of departure from the United States. Coverage does not apply to employees of the BSA (national and local councils) while they are covered by any statutory workers' compensation policy. Note: Scouts (including those from international Scout associations) will be covered under this insurance plan only when they are traveling to and from the jamboree in the United States and are participating in the jamboree as a group under the supervision of their contingent leaders. Benefits for Accidental Death, Dismemberment, Heart Failure, Loss of Sight, and Paralysis Accidental death$10,000 Loss of one hand or foot, arm or legUp to $5,000 Loss of thumb and index finger of the same handUp to $2,500 Loss of two or more hand(s) or feet, arm(s) or leg(s)Up to $20,000 Heart failure$10,000 Loss of sight$5,000 Paralysis (paraplegia or hemiplegia)Up to $10,000 QuadriplegiaUp to $20,000 If multiple losses or death occur, only one benefit amount, the largest, will be paid for all losses due to the same accident. Benefits for Medical Expenses, Dental Treatment, and Ambulance Services Medical Expense Benefits: The benefits under this section are payable on a Primary $300/Excess Basis. This means the first $300 of any eligible claim will be paid regardless of whether the insured person has other collectable insurance. After the first $300 has been paid, the coverage becomes Excess, meaning benefits will be paid for those eligible expenses not covered by the insured's primary, or main, group or individual health insurance plan or prepaid health program. The goal of the national jamboree insurance coverage is that all eligible expenses are paid by the combination of insurances and there are no out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the insured or his parents. In the event the insured does not have primary health insurance, the national jamboree policy will become primary. Medical expenses benefits are per injury or sickness, and benefits are payable for medical emergency care expenses incurred within 72 hours of a covered accident, medical or surgical treatment, prescription drugs, hospitalization, durable medical equipment, or the exclusive services of a private duty nurse that begin within 60 days from the date of the accident. Benefits will be paid for services or treatment performed and supplies furnished within 52 weeks of the date of the covered accident up to the usual and customary charges normally made within the geographic area where the treatment is performed. Accidental Medical Expense Benefits: Up to $15,000. Specified Injury Expense Benefits: Up to $35,000. Maximum benefits of up to $35,000 will be paid for medically necessary treatment due to the following specified injuries: (a) loss of sight in both eyes, (b) dismemberment, © paralysis, (d) irreversible coma, (e) entire loss of speech, or (f) loss of hearing in both ears. Sickness Medical Expense Benefits: Up to $7,500. Dental Treatment Benefits: Up to $5,000. Dental benefits pays for dental injuries up to $5,000 for treatment and/or replacement, including dental x-rays for the repair, of each injured tooth that is whole, sound, and a natural tooth. If within the 52-week period your attending dentist certifies that dental treatment and/or replacement must be deferred beyond the 52-week period, this benefit will pay the estimated cost for covered expenses incurred for such treatment. This benefit will be in addition to any other benefit payable under the policy. Ambulance Service Benefits: Up to $6,000. Benefits will pay up to $6,000 for ground transportation from the emergency site to the hospital (included is an air ambulance when, in the judgment of a duly authorized medical authority or senior representative of the camp or activity, such service is required to facilitate treatment of injuries and no other ambulance service is available). This benefit will be in addition to any other benefit payable under the policy. Return Transportation Expense Benefit: Up to $1,500. Benefits will pay up to $1,500 incurred if, as a result of a covered accident, the insured's doctor requires him or her to return home from the jamboree. This benefit includes the cost of one person to accompany the insured on the trip. Benefits will not be payable unless it is authorized in writing or by an authorized electronic or telephonic means all expenses, in advance. Weekly Disability Indemnity Benefits: All registered adult leaders 21 years of age or older (18 if an assistant Scoutmaster) are eligible for this benefit. When covered injuries result in total disability beginning within seven days after the date of an accident, benefits will be paid for one day or more during such total disability at the rate of $200 for each full week, not to exceed 52 weeks for any one accident. Total disability means that period of time during which you receive medical treatment, are wholly and continuously disabled, and are completely unable to engage in your occupation. Exclusions: This policy does not cover (a) the cost of medical or surgical treatment or nursing service rendered by any person employed or retained by the Boy Scouts of America or Learning for Life; (b) suicide or any attempted suicide; © intentionally self-inflicted injuries; (d) eye refractions or the replacement or fitting of eyeglasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids; (e) loss caused by an act of declared or undeclared war; or (f) dental treatment or dental x-rays, except for injuries to sound, natural teeth. Benefits are not payable for any injuries covered under workers' compensation or employer's liability laws or similar occupational benefits. Claims: Prompt notice of any claim for benefits is necessary. Report all accidents and injuries to Health and Safety Services or council Scout executive as soon as possible. For your convenience, a claims representative will be on the jamboree site and may be contacted through the Health and Safety Service. For claims made after the jamboree, contact Insurance and Risk Management, S402, at the national office. See appendix I. Many Councils are now shopping for the best deal on liability insurance.Great American Custom Insurances Services, which provides general liability protection for Boy Scouts of America, is paying for the Emergency Prepared award patches. A patch for each member of the jamboree unit. Eamonn.

I got lost someplace near the second right turn next to the ABC. The Scout either did meet the requirements or he didn't. Merit Badge Counselors are not troop appointments they are appointed by the District Advancement Committee. There is no rule in the BSA that states a parent can't be the MB for his or her own son. The Troop Committee, Scoutmaster, King, Queen, President, Pope or the ACLU can't change the rules. Many parents choose not to be the MB counselor for their own son, but that is their choice. No need for a bylaw or a troop rule the BSA has it covered. Eamonn

The Troop Committee in the Troop that I served never invited the SPL to attend the Troop Committee meetings. I think in part because the meetings were dealing with very mundane things like insurance on the vans and maintenance on the building. I looked at it as the Patrol Leader represents the patrol at the PLC and I did the same thing at the Committee meeting, I represented the Troop. Eamonn.

Ed, I think Bob is talking about having the Scouts trained. Eamonn.

Hey Bob, "A scouter who does take reasonable steps to insure the safety of the scouts (appropriate training, adherence to policies and procedures) will find him or herself without protection from the BSA. " Kinda think you forgot the word NOT? Eamonn.