evilleramsfan

Thanks for the info gang! I will show the consent part of the form to the committee tonight. -Jeff

One thing that has come up in our troop committee recently is the idea of getting consent forms from all adults going on a trip in case they become incapacitated and need medical treatment. Has anyone heard of such a thing and is it a good thing or not? (I think it is overkill and not needed, but maybe there is something I am overlooking....)

I like the phrase....but I also realize the importance of being a good scout and living up to the ideals. I earned my Eagle just about a week before my 13th birthday....I earned it the hard way.....my dad was SM for part of the time and I am sure a number of people who did not know my situation would question if I had earned it. The drive and effort was my own and I had to not only convince the merit badge councilor that I knew the material, I had to prove it to my dad as well.... That being said, I learned a whole lot more about scouting and what it truly means to be a scout during the remaining 8 years I was involved as a scout and explorer. I truly wish every scout could experience that freedom. Scouts who do not feel pressure from advancement and yet are actively involved have a good idea. The Eagle opened many doors for me that would have been more difficult to open had I not earned it, but I could have done so with perseverance and determination. BTW- thanks for the Ask Andy piece on the other 98. I may use that in my next Scoutmaster's Minute at our next COH.

BTW- When do they plan on opening it for high adventure treks? Is there a waiting list our Troop/Crew can get put on so we can be notified when it does?

Thanks! Considering my youngest will be joining the ranks in a couple of years, I'm planning on holding over until he comes in.

I try to tell the parents of prospective members that if we create and keep a successful program, the Eagles will take care of themselves and there is not a need to push for it.

I have been posting for about a week now and figured I ought to introduce myself. I am in my 3rd year as SM, having served the prior 3 as ASM. This is my second go-around. My first experience was as a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Explorer. Eagle class of '78'. Earned my Eagle when I was still 12 (it was passed at National 2 weeks before my 13th birthday). It is important to note that I earned it myself. My dad...who was scoutmaster during part of the tenure...made sure that I had to go earn the merit badge from another, but he retested me on it after I had passed to make sure I knew it. There was one time where I really didn't study the subject as well as I should. I managed to make my way through it and was signed off. Dad looked at the card, looked at me, and said 'Sit down.' and began to examine me on the subject, merit badge pamphlet in hand. It readily became clear that I did not know the subject as well as I should, so he made me ride my bike back to the counselor, apologize, and ask him to reschedule for another conference. I can guarantee that I knew the subject forward and back for that one and every one since. Being the age that I was (I was one of the youngest in my class, but also one of the biggest in height), I knew that there would be a fair amount of criticism for earning my Eagle at such a young age. I made it a point that by the time I was ready for my Eagle board of review, I had earned it with the then current requirements, but also from the requirements from the earlier years (which applied). My board was grueling. I had several scouters from other troops that sat in on it and was grilled extensively. Despite meeting the challenge, there were still a few who said I should not get it because I was too young. They were overruled and the rest is history. I went on to get silver and bronze palms, was an active member on our local camp staff and OA. I can say that although I had a lot of fun traveling to Eagle, after the trip was made was just the beginning. I can say without a doubt that I learned more about what it really means to be a scout after my Eagle was earned. My first run through scouts lasted until just after I graduated from college. When my oldest son was wanting to join cubs, I felt I had to give back to help repay all that scouting has given me. Served 2 years as ACM and 2 as CM with son #1 before moving on to Boy Scouts. Am serving my 3rd year as Den Leader with son #2 (currently a Bear) as well as Scoutmaster for son #1. That having been said, I can definitely say that this second go around is much more enjoyable and rewarding than the first (and I felt I had one heck of a time on that one). I am glad to be in your company and hope to interact with anyone interested. (My apologies for the book, but figured it would give you about as good of an introduction as you could ask...) -Jeff (Troop 1031)

I was supposed to be on staff for the Surveying merit badge (had to cancel due to the economy) and I can tell you that any boy who earned it got a first class education. All the permanent staff members are registered surveyors and several have licenses in multiple states. I know several offered the use of their personal equipment. The results of the Jamboree are reported to the national association.

Thanks! I tried a search but it yielded all kinds of things that were not part of what I was looking for. Maybe once I get a better hang of how it works, I'll do better.

Commodore Longfellow (of the Lifesaving Service of the American Red Cross)used the phrase "Everyone a swimmer, every swimmer a lifesaver." I believe that everyone should have a working knowledge of basic water rescue skills. We also have had a boy who for medical reasons could not fulfill the swimming requirement. Instead, we felt it was more important that he know that he can help in water situations in a manner that still kept him safe. We required him to complete the requirements for the Red Cross Basic Water Rescue Course. We left it up to him as to whether or not he wanted to attend the actual course or just meet the requirements. There are numerous places where the course requirements can be found. NASAR (National Association for Search and Rescue) is also another good resource.

In my involvement in our troop over the last 7 years, this has never come up, but how do you all handle the "invite a friend" part of the requirement. In the past, we actually required the friend to come to a troop meeting or authorized activity. We now have a discussion going as to whether or not someone has to come and do we just take the boy's word that he invited him? After all, the first point of the Scout Law is Trustworthy, so on one hand I want to just ask him who was invited and leave it at that. What do others do?