fgoodwin

Definitely start early -- don't wait until the boys are 5th graders. They need to start getting a "feel" for the different troops so they can make an informed choice by the time they crossover. Also, starting in 4th grade gives the boys several chances to go camping with different troops. Ideally, a Webelos den (4th grade or 5th grade) will camp on its own at least once a month, but many WDLs find it hard to do that, so try to tag along on a few troop campouts. Finally, encourage the troops in your area to provide your den with a den chief. Boy Scouts who are FC and above can use DC as a "position of responsibility". The POR requirement to get from FC to Star is only four months, so be sure to ask early, otherwise you won't have a lot of time to use your DC before your den graduates, you hit summertime activities, etc.

I once saw a Pack conduct its PWD out in the open area of a shopping mall (inside, not out in the parking lot). I think the mall was hoping it would draw traffic as much as the Pack was hoping it would draw curious boys into Cub Scouting. Of course, this mall was down on its luck and so doesn't get a lot of foot traffic to begin with, but it was an interesting approach. I never found out if any boys joined the Pack as a result of seeing the excitement of a PWD live and in person, but I give the Pack leadership points for creativity.

Rodd, here's the info on the St. George from the NCCS webpage: http://www.nccs-bsa.org/emblems-awards/stgeorge.php As you can see, "It is improper to nominate oneself or ones spouse". One final suggestion: locate and join your diocesan Scouting Committee. Like most volunteer committees, I'm sure they are short-handed and could use more help. I'm not sure where that leaves you, but Kaji's advice is sound -- do what you can for the Catholic youth in your area, and the award will work itself out.

mbscoutmom, I don't know where you heard that or who told you -- but that's wrong. Preparing boys for Boy Scouts is just one of ten purposes of Cub Scouting. Here's the list: 1. Character Development 2. Spiritual Growth 3. Good Citizenship 4. Sportsmanship and Fitness 5. Family Understanding 6. Respectful Relationships 7. Personal Achievement 8. Friendly Service 9. Fun and Adventure 10. Preparation for Boy Scouts As you can see, preparation for Boy Scouts is the last of the ten purposes; none of the purposes is more important (or less important) than the others. http://www.scouting.org/factsheets/02-502.html

Akela, I am not Catholic, but the "Sorrowful Mysteries" patch can be earned by both youth and adults, as the website says. I'm not exactly sure what your question is, but if you are wondering if there are religious emblems that can be earned in the same way that a youth can earn one, I'm pretty sure the answer is no. Adult religious awards are by nomination only. Those are the only adult awards that allow you to wear the adult religious "knot" on your uniform. There are many other religious patches that adults can earn (for example, the God & Country mentor & counselor series), but earning them does not qualify you to wear the knot. Maybe that's why you're having a hard time finding any such requirements. If you can share with us what faith you are, we may be able to point you toward the requirements for the related adult award (again, the award will almost certainly be by nomination only and most awards don't allow self-nominations): http://www.praypub.org/promotional_adultnomination.htm

You are correct that time applied toward one training award cannot be applied toward another. Re: the belt loop program: that's just one option out of ten that could be applied toward the five required to earn the knot. But if you choose to do that, then I'd say its up to your Committee Chair to decide if introducing the belt loop program to the pack and letting the DLs run with it will suffice.

funscout: placement of the webelos den emblem is illustrated on p34 of the Webelos Scout Handbook (2003 edition). The picture itself, however, does not give the patch a name. It only shows how it is placed on the uniform.

Woody, welcome to the Forums. The uniform inspection sheet refers to that patch as a "den emblem": http://www.scouting.org/forms/34282.pdf Its not a patrol emblem, at least it isn't called that when its being used by a Webelos Scout. And because its not referred to as a patrol emblem, I don't think the Webelos boys should be referred to as a patrol -- they're still a "den", even when they use the den emblem instead of a den numeral.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS http://www.themonitor.com/SiteProcessor.cfm?Template=/GlobalTemplates/Details.cfm&StoryID=11712&Section=Local http://tinyurl.com/nsu78 Federal program seeks to reach children February 23, 2006 Andres R. Martinez The Monitor The federal government hopes cartoon mountain lions will do for emergency preparedness what Smokey the Bear did for wildfire prevention and McGruff the Crime Dog did for crime. Ready Kids, a program the Department of Homeland Security unveiled in early February, uses flashy graphics and mountain lions dressed as humans in hopes of preparing fourth-graders to middle-schoolers for natural disasters, terrorism and fires. Its not part of a curriculum, but DHS hopes teachers and parents will use it to stress skills government officials believe are essential in a post-9/11 world. Some local school districts are already ahead of the curve when it comes to updating emergency planning. The Mission and Edinburg school boards approved new emergency plans last week, ahead of a state deadline for all school districts. The state mandate includes recommendations DHS has already made. Texas is requiring training for all faculty and administrators in the new emergency plans before the 2006-07 school year. Schools are required to do security assessments of district buildings every three years, among other requirements. Ready Kids may be the first program to offer interactive tools, games and graphics to educate children about what to do in emergencies, but it isnt breaking new ground, said Mission school district spokesman Craig Verley. Its just organizing the information in a new way, he said. Missions new emergency guidelines already include many of DHSs recommendations and the departments National Response Plan, he said. "(Ready Kids) is what the American Red Cross has been saying all along in terms of being prepared," Verley said. "In a way, everyone is starting to talk the same language. Which is kind of nice." The thick binders full of emergency plans cannot address every situation, said Mario Salinas, Edinburgs assistant superintendent. "Its not an answer to everything, its just a general guide," Salinas said. And although Ready Kids may be redundant to what they already have, it might touch on some new issues, he said. Superintendent J.L. Salinas had not sat down to evaluate Ready Kids, but was optimistic that his district might have some use for it. "If you put the message in a cartoon form, you present it in a way many kids can like," he said. "Perhaps it is something an elementary school teacher can incorporate." Some of DHS partners for Ready Kids, like the Boy Scouts, say they are already teaching whats in Ready Kids. Boy Scouts must earn a emergency preparedness merit badge to become an Eagle Scout, the highest level of Scout. Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts can also earn badges and pins, like the ReadyMan, for first aid, CPR and other emergency training, said Jim Franz, executive coordinator for the Arrowhead district of the Boy Scouts. Arrowhead covers McAllen to Zapata. "We hope they choose to embrace these types of things," Franz said. It comes down to whether individual volunteer parents who lead Boy Scout troops want to use Ready Kids, he said. The Tip of Texas Girl Scouts, which covers the Rio Grande Valley, had not received information on Ready Kids yet, said spokeswoman Nancy Gonzalez. Any help from the government is welcomed, she said, and the Tip of Texas will pass it on to local groups, just like the Boy Scouts plan to do. DHS will provide 125,000 teachers in the largest 25 metropolitan areas with teaching materials to prepare children for natural disasters, terrorism and everyday crime. They paired with Scholastic Inc., the education company, to produce posters and other tools for classroom use. Andres R. Martinez covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4434.

My personal feeling as a former CC, TDL, WDL and ACM of two different Cub Scout Packs: I don't have a problem with the song, as long as the boys don't go overboard with it (I've never heard them do more than one verse, and I doubt if most boys know more than the first verse anyway, unless taught more by an adult), and as long as they don't continually break out in the song everytime the word "announcement" is spoken. Once is enough (hopefully) for the adults to get the message. WRT rudeness vs. courtesy: how courteous is a Scouter being to the boys when he or she drones on and on with their pet announcement? I've heard popcorn kernels and FOSs go for 10-15 minutes about popcorn or money, when 2-3 minutes (or less) with a reference to a printed hand-out would've covered it nicely. Is that an excuse for Cubs to return the behaviour with rudeness of their own? Of course not, but as adults, we should be better able to control our own behaviour, understand how our behaviour affects the boys, and deal with the boys' reaction.

CP: thanx

We have a similar problem, exacerbated by the fact that we don't allow PLs (or any other youth) to sign-off on rank requirements. We do most of our advancement work on our monthly campouts. Occasionally, we will do some rank advancement work at troop meetings, like when an ASM or other adult leads a first-aid workshop. When done at a troop meeting, the instructor almost always signs-off and the only problem would be when a boy forgets his HB (or misses the meeting). But when done at a campout, sign-offs are the responsibility of the ASM over the first-year Scouts. He usually does a great job, but there are times when a boy won't ask for a sign-off, then has the problem that no one remembers him doing the work after the fact, or the ASM misses the camp-out and has to rely on the recollection of others, etc. A system ripe with the potential for problems. I think the PLs who teach and see the younger boys do the requirement, should be allowed to sign-off at that moment. Now that I know where the authority is given (SM HB, duh!!), I will approach our SM about sharing that authority with the boys. Thanx all!

So, would anyone like to venture a opinion as to what the provision that I quoted means?

BW, welcome to the Forums. I posted a couple of notes about Louv's book last summer: http://www.scouter.com/forums/viewThread.asp?threadID=96115 http://www.scouter.com/forums/viewThread.asp?threadID=100005 I also have the book, but due to my own lack of time management, haven't yet been able to sit down and finish it!

SDS: thanx, and welcome to the Forums. So what do you think is the meaning of the provision I quoted?

Thanx -- that means, if the SM wants to limit sign-offs to ASMs, then the PLs are SOL.

Can PLs sign-off on advancement requirements? My son's troop does not allow this, and I've looked through the youth training and the PL HB, and don't find this among their responsibilities. Is there anything in writing that states PLs may sign-off on the advancement requirements of Scouts in their patrols? I think this is a great idea ("boy led") and teaches leadership & responsibility. But I know the adults in our troop won't go along if I can't point to something in writing. Fred Goodwin, ASM

JD asks if there is any training or materials that explains how BORs, SM conferences, etc. might handle such a complicated scenario? I don't know if any such detailed guidance exists, or even if that's a good idea (do we really want another document like G2SS that always gets bigger and never gets smaller, all in an attempt to cover every known or unknown possibility to make make Scouting "safer"?). But I am aware of two supplemental training modules recently released by National and available on the BSA website that provide general guidance on how to conduct a SMC or BOR, with suggested questions: =========================== Supplemental Training Modules: Supplemental training modules are designed to provide orientation beyond the basic training offered in New Leader Essentials and leader-specific training. Each module is a unit of training that can be used as an outline for a group, for personal coaching, or for self-study. Most of the outlines should require about an hour to complete. Consider each unit of study to be an introduction to the subject. Scouters are welcome to download subjects that are of interest for personal or unit use. There are no training credits associated with the completion of these units of study. Additional training units are being developed and will be continually added to this site. http://www.scouting.org/boyscouts/supplemental Scoutmaster Conference Training: This module will teach Scoutmasters, assistant Scoutmasters, and other troop leaders about the purposes of the Scoutmaster's conference and will offer suggestions for questions that could be asked at these conferences. http://www.scouting.org/boyscouts/supplemental/18-629 Board of Review Training: This module will train troop committee members and others in the purposes of the board of review, offering suggestions for the types of questions that can or should be asked. http://www.scouting.org/boyscouts/supplemental/18-625

Nick, I would never suggest that a SM should withhold advancement because a Scout differed with him politically. But Scouts are taught to honor and respect the flag. There are many ways to express one's political views besides burning the flag. I think it would be a fair question for a SM to ask a Scout how burning the US flag comports with the Scout Oath and Law. If a Scout felt strongly that burning the flag was appropriate in the circumstances, it would also be a fair question to ask the Scout if there were alternative ways to express his political views that might better comport with the Scout Oath and Law. I believe those are fair questions that do not in any way impose the SM's political views on the Scout.

Akela, welcome to the Forums. "Centurion Pack"? Must be a local thing -- I'm one of the district training chairs in my council, and I've been to "Training Cub Leaders" at PTC, but I've never heard of such an award. If it works to incent leaders to get trained, then go for it. I would think getting trained in order to put on a better program (and to earn Quality Unit and wear the "Trained" strip & leader knot) would be incentive enough, but some folks need that extra bit of motivation. Your best bet is to ask your district training team about this -- they would surely know more about local awards then anyone on this Forum. Good luck.

One of the requirements for advancement is that a boy live the Scout Oath and Law in his daily life. So, at least with respect to advancement, what a Scout does away from the Troop IS the business of the Scoutmaster.

As I said in my response to Lisabob, I am not a lawyer -- so to those who are, I wonder just what exactly is the meaning of Article III?

FP, welcome to the Forums. According to the following chart: http://www.scouting.org/boyscouts/resources/18-260/chart.html climbing a commercial or "horizontal" wall (whatever that is) is appropriate for all Cub Scouts. Climbing a vertical wall or tower is appropriate for Webelos. I don't know where your activity fits in that description, but it does not appear to be a "commercial" tower. If I were you, I'd ask your DE for clarification and I'd do it sooner rather than later. Depending on what your DE says, the troop / crew who is setting this up also need to be made aware of the age restrictions. When I was CC for my son's pack a few years ago, we climbed a commercial indoor wall as a winter activity (in MD that time of year, its sometimes hard to find outdoor activities that are appropriate for Cub Scouts). It was hugely popular with all the boys, siblings and parents. Good luck and let us know what you find out.

Time management key in balancing kids activities, experts say http://www.jg-tc.com/articles/2006/02/12/news/news001.txt To say some students are busy as bees is an understatement. By KRISTA LEWIN, Staff Writer Published on Sunday, February 12, 2006 10:10 PM CST Maintaining grades and social ties are sometimes more than the average school student can handle. But for Shelby Corbell, Mattoon Middle School eighth grader, homework and socializing with friends are just a part of the activities she adds to her itinerary. Corbell participates in softball, basketball, volleyball, track, scholastic bowl and band. Some activities are sprinkled throughout the school year, while others overlap. I enjoy all of them, said Corbell. Keeping organized and having a calendar are the ways she deals with her busy schedule. And most importantly, Grades come first, Corbell said. Some students are capable of handling additional activities, while others break under the stress and may need intervention from an adult to help with time management. Susan Harding, nationally certified psychologist and Mattoon school district psychologist said, Today more children than ever before, like adults, are involved in far too many activities than they can realistically handle. Recently, Harding received a call from a parent indicating her child was anxious, having trouble sleeping and that he was tired all the time. A doctor said the child had no medical problems and then referred the child and parent to Harding. The psychologist asked the woman about the childs schedule. His mother told me that, in addition to school, he was involved in three team sports, church activities, Boy Scouts, and had guitar lessons twice a week, said Harding. Finding nothing else to explain the childs symptoms, I suggested his stressful schedule might be the cause. The mother told Harding her child could not be stressed because he thoroughly enjoyed everything he was doing. However, when I spoke with her son, he indicated he missed playing games with friends in the neighborhood, Harding said. Such simple things as riding his bike, playing touch football, and watching movies were important to him. Many parents feel if their child is involved in multiple after-school activities, then they will have a leg up when they apply for college, Harding said. Tim Condron, assistant principal at MMS, said middle school students are offered many choices when it comes to the extracurricular activities. Added to all the changes they are going through, it can be stressful, he said. When MMS added girls softball to the lineup of extra-curricular activities, Condron said the season overlapped with the start of girls basketball. When we have sports overlapping, our coaches try to make the practices shorter and our teachers, who work in teams, try to decrease the workload, Condron said. Michele Sinclair, assistant principal at Mattoon High School, said high school students also have to budget their time wisely. MHS participates in the Big 12 conference and this requires long trips to away games, Sinclair said. When games are scheduled on week nights, sometimes the only time the athletes have to finish their homework is on the bus, Sinclair said. Condron and Sinclair encourage students to talk with parents and or school staff if they are feeling overwhelmed or need advice about scheduling. We want the students to be successful, said Condron. Condron suggested parents and students talk to the coaches or activity sponsors before the students sign up so they will know the schedules. We talk to our seventh and eighth-graders at the start of the school year about becoming overwhelmed with school work and activities, said Condron. We try to make them aware of it. Kim McQueen of Windsor, parent of Bailey, 10 and Brittany, 14, said she and her family have a calendar with big boxes so they can write their schedules on it. The calendar shows where everybody is going to be, said McQueen. My husband and I try to work it out where one of us is at a game. We dont want to be over stretched and we dont want to send our kids to these activities and not know what they are doing. Bailey McQueen, a student at Windsor Elementary School, is active in several activities including cheerleading, sports, church youth group, student council, BB gun and 4-H. Mrs. McQueen wants her daughters to experience different activities, but said the parents have to set limits. If it upsets our family harmony or if it interferes with church, then it has to go, said McQueen. But McQueen said they also teach their children responsibility and commitment. If they sign up for something, they need to finish the season unless they are injured or if it interferes with their grades, she said.

Terrorism - Are America's Children Ready http://newsblaze.com/story/20060205142029tsop.nb/ Ready is a national public service advertising campaign created by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in partnership with The Advertising Council, which is designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. As Homeland Security encourages families to prepare for emergencies through Ready, we are regularly asked by parents and teachers if there is information appropriate to share with children. In response to these requests, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and The Advertising Council have created Ready Kids, a family-friendly extension of the Ready campaign. Ready Kids is a tool to help parents and teachers educate children, ages 8-12, about emergencies and how they can help their families prepare. Ready Kids includes a family-friendly website (www.ready.gov) and in-school materials developed by Scholastic Inc. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security consulted with a number of organizations experienced in education and children's health to develop Ready Kids, including American Psychological Association, American Red Cross, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of School Psychologists, National PTA, National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Their expertise helped present emergency preparedness in a way that is understandable and suitable for children. The Ready Kids website (www.ready.gov) features fun games and puzzles as well as age-appropriate, step-by-step instructions on what families can do to be better prepared for emergencies and the role kids can play in that effort. The website also has additional resources and information for parents and teachers on emergency preparedness and response. In addition to the website, Homeland Security has also worked with Scholastic Inc. to develop in-school materials for fourth, fifth and sixth grade students nationwide. These activity sheets offer lessons that meet national standards for language arts, social studies and geography, while providing teachers and parents with a vehicle to explain important emergency preparedness information to children. The in-school materials are being distributed to 135,000 middle-school teachers in the 25 largest metropolitan areas. The materials will also be available on www.ready.gov for teachers to download. The Ready Kids materials feature the Ready Kids mascot character, a strong and confident mountain lion named Rex, who encourages children to help their families prepare for emergencies. Rex and his family - his wife Purrcilla, daughter Rory and best friend, Hector Hummingbird - explain how families can take a few simple steps to prepare for all types of emergencies. The Ready Kids mascot was developed with The Advertising Council, which has a long and successful 64-year history of developing mascots for other educational programs including Smokey Bear and McGruff the Crime Dog. Prominent organizations such as the National PTA, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. and Boy Scouts of America are supporting the Ready Kids program by distributing information and materials to their members. For example, the Girl Scouts will use their intranet website to reach the nearly four million Girl Scouts in this country. The Boy Scouts will reach their more than four million members by sending information to their more than 300 local councils and featuring Ready Kids on their website and in an upcoming issue of Scouting magazine. This fall, the National PTA will include the Ready Kids in-school materials in its back-to-school mailings to 26,000 PTAs across the nation. Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security