Frank17

Our sister Troop 173 still owns a school bus, and have for years. They actually purchased it new and converted it for extra storage racks and a full kitchen in the back. Each scout is required to bring in 15 lbs of aluminum cans each month to help pay for the maintenance / registration costs. They have several adults with CDLs who take turns driving it. It takes a lot of effort, but it seems to work for them.

Interesting that there are so many opinions. I personally think swimming is a life skill everyone should know, and am glad scouting includes it. The same for all the 1st aid skills. I do agree that almost all the skills taught are not used by the public at large, but are still used as adults who enjoy outdoor activities. Ultimately, a lot of the method of scouting is to foster a love of the outdoors in the boys that they will carry into adulthood. That is what I see the skill set consisting of.

Interesting that there are so many opinions. I personally think swimming is a life skill everyone should know, and am glad scouting includes it. The same for all the 1st aid skills. I do agree that almost all the skills taught are not used by the public at large, but are still used as adults who enjoy outdoor activities. Ultimately, a lot of the method of scouting is to foster a love of the outdoors in the boys that they will carry into adulthood. That is what I see the skill set consisting of.

Our District generally has 4 to 6 Eagle BORs per month, and a similar number of project approvals. We do the the same day each month, over 2 hours on the 2nd Wednesday. Each Eagle candidate who comes is to bring 2 adults from the Troop with them (SMs or Committee members). The Committee members sit on other Eagle BORs, and the SMs introduce the Eagle candidates and do the Eagle project reviews. In addition, there is a hard core group of about 6 to 8 district scouters who show up every month to help out.

It generally works out pretty well, as it takes the load off the DAC, who supervises the whole event. The only real problem comes from some of the project reviews. Occasionally, we get a project that is incomplete, and the scout is sent home with revisions to incorporate. When they return next month, rarely do they get the same group reviewing their project. This can lead(and has occasionally done so)to situations where the new reviewers have additional comments or don't like the revisions made. Our DAC usually has to step in at that point to make sure the scout does not get beat up with an unfair project review.

For boy scouts and venturers (NOT CUBS!), I have also seen the Zero Hero award & patch for camping outside when the temperature drops below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Definately takes some advance planning though, and a northern State to camp in.

I was looking through an updated Boy Scout Handbook and noticing the newer requirements that have been introduced since I became a Scoutmaster (invite a friend to join, personal safety, and internet safety) and was thinking about how the program has changed over thge years. At the same time, a lot of the requirements that I did as a boy (30+ years ago) are still there. I wondered about scouter's opinions on requirements that may have become dated over the years (after all, some of the early MBs have been discontinued). In my tenure as SM, I have only seen requirements added, never deleted.

IMHO, I feel like most of the knotting skills are of limited use in present day scouting and camping. When I was a boy, the tents, tarps, backpacks, etc. all required the use of numerous knotting skills to set-up, maintain, and transport them. Now, most of our Troop's camping gear is velcro, bungee cords, or carabineers. I realize that some knots are still used for other common purposes (tying one's shoes), but I am not sure that it is a "life-skill" that should be left in the scouting program. I believe this is also part of the problem with our scouts remembering how to tie knots: they simply do not get enough practice after they have learned the knot. I contrast this with a skill like cooking, where even untrained scouts that recently learned can remember how to cook, as we use cooking skills everytime we have an outing.

What does everyone else like / dislike as skills?

When I took Wood Badge training, there was a big discussion held by the SMs from all the different units around the campfire about how their units were run. One of the main differences I found was how the units awarded ranks. Some awarded rank advancement cards immediately at the end of a sucessful BOR. Others, like our Troop, only gave out rank cards and badges at the Troop's quarterly COH. One of my patrol's Woodbadgers even tried to come up with a goal for his ticket to award the rank patch immediately following the BOR for the rank; he was told that went against council policy, as an advancement report had to be filed and approved first. He claimed his scouts did not feel like they earned the rank unless they had the patch on their uniform, and wanted the immediate recognition.

In the 3 years I have belonged to our Troop with 60+ scouts, I have never heard a single complaint from a scout about having to wait to get their new rank at the next COH. The opposite seems true: we have many scouts who have old ranks on months after they advanced simply because they have not taken the time to sew or iron the new one on. I would have to agree with RangerT that my troop has this trend also. Our boys seem to be into scouting more for the friendships and experiences rather than the advancement, which I do not necessarily see as a bad thing. Not to say they do not advance; it is just not their main driver.

Oops. To correct part of my answer myself, current BSA policy is:

"There is no limit on the number of merit badges that a counselor may counsel with one Scout. However, the Scout will benefit the most from working with a variety of outstanding adults. "

Not at all. It is fairly common. The only rules are that you cannot teach more than 5 MBs to the same scout. You can teach the MB to multiple scouts at the same time, but they must be evaluated individually. You are even allowed to be a counselor for your own son (although I try to avoid that, personally)

It is not falsifying records to correct the mistake that was made. The scout completed his service and the requirements; his BOR was just conducted too early. Just because it was caught late does not mean something was done falsely. It simply means that computers are better counters than humans. If you consider this falsifying records, I guess that means the rest of us posters cannot correct spelling or punctuation in our posts without "falsyfying" our messages. ;-)

Reading your original post; it seems to me that you really have 2 concerns:

1. The scouts disruptive effect on your meetings, via inappropriate comments; and

2. His parents response (or lack thereof) to said comments and overall attitude towards his aggressive behavior.

As I am sure you know (and others have pointed out), talking or joking about violent acts is not that unusual for cub scout age boys (and boy scout age boys as well). So unless he becomes physically aggressive or destructive or bullying, I would not be too concerned about his welfare. On the other hand, his disruptive behavior MUST stop. It is now your den, not his mothers. Talk to the boy about his actions, and let him know you will be implementing a strike-out policy. If he continues to disrupt meetings with inappropriate comments, he will be required to leave that meeting. Make this policy clear to all your scouts; do not single him out. If that ticks off his parents, too bad. It is your den & you need to set the conduct rules. Consider even implementing a reward system for all your cubs who behave well during your meetings (beads, stars, stickers, with a small prize once enough are accumulated). He may feed into this and use this as a means to control his behavior.

As far as his parent's reaction, you will not be able to change that. It should be obvious based on the varied responses in this post that everyone has a different tolerance / concern level for violent talk. In fact, BSA promotes some of it by allowing archery, BBs, and shooting to be taught at their camps. It may be a phase or it may be an early sign of a future problem. As his parents are obviously aware of it, no need to point it out further.

Talk to your District Advancement Chair about the situation. What you are talking about is a paperwork / recording error, and not a deficiency on the scout's part. They may need to re-enter dates of rank completion in the council computer so it does not throw a RAM chip fit when it calculates he is one day short of 4 months for Star. It it obvious (from his 23 months of Life tenure) that he has enough accumulated time to qualify.

BTW, the 4 months tenure that the handbook requires is a little inexact. Depending on the year (leap or not), and number of days in each of the months, 4 months can range from 120 to 123 days total (try it in Excel). I would bet he has already met the minimum for this.

Frank

According to Scouting regulations: "Webelos Scouts must have completed third grade but not completed fifth grade or age 10 but not yet 11 1/2." So depending on their age, they can be part of your pack for a while. There is really no difference between a W1 & W2 program other than the age of the boys. Once they earn the Webelos rank, they are all working towards the Arrow of Light and compass points. You might let the older W2s join with the younger ones and then all work on the required activity badges for AOL 1st, before you start in on the additional ones. That way, they will have a chance to be done with the main part of the webelos program (AOL) before they have to move on. They will also form the nucleaus of your new Troop. If they complete Webelos before the troop is organized, they could still join boy scouts as lone scouts, and continue to advance that way. Once your Troop is organized, they could then switch to that. Good luck!

Frank

Be sure to include songs sung at your local BSA camps. They are unique for each area, and the local units hear them whenever they go. It is nice to be able to sing along. Contact your local camp rangers for them.

We also have an interview process as well. You must submit a resume, show that you have adequate vacation time and finances to pay for the trip, and then you can be interviewed. I believe there are 3 to 4 scouters for every open position being filled. From one of my fellow Wood Badgers who is applying, I am led to believe there is also a fair amount of politicing that goes on as well.

ebay is always a good place. I purchased a used BSA bugle from the 1960s in good shape (no dings, just tarnished) for $40.00 plus shipping from there. There are several varieties (valved & valveless / different keys), so make sure you do your research. In a pinch a trumpet will do also; just set it on B-flat and do not use the valves.

Veterans of any era have my complete respect, as both my father and father-in-law are vets as are uncles, aunts, cousins, and brothers-in-law. That being said, scouting is about scouting, not other outside service. All the recognition items (including knots) on the uniform relate to the scouting experience, either currently or as a youth. Anything else is inappropriate.

However, being veterans day, it is also a good month to invite a vet to your unit to talk to the boys about their service to their country. To most, that will be a bigger honor than any uniform emblem. Our unit will be visiting our local VA hospital next month, as we do annually.

Realistically, you are probably going to need at least 2 pairs. A lightweight, over the ankle casual hiking pair (for day trips or mild terrain), and a heavier, potentially insulated, mid calf pair (for backpacking or rugged terrain). I have a 25 year old pair of Redwings (re-soled twice) for my heavy pair and a newer, vibram sole Columbia pair for my lighweights. I would recommend both brands. Also have a pair of Tevas for canoe shoes that are great. 2 of the 3 shoes came from the deep discount bin at Famous Footwear, if you have that chain by you. Can you say 60% off!

Eamonn:

IMHO, if they are happy playing basketball or (gasp) video games while they are living the scout oath / law, more power to them. Of course that will satisfy very few, as they will not be advancing, earning MBs, or "living the promise" (outdoor camping). But, if they are actually following the scout oath & law in their lives, that is what scouting is striving for. "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."

Don't get me wrong, we (probably like most troops) ban video games on our outings. But we also have patrol level activities where the boys can relax in smaller groups, go to the movies, watch TV, or play video games so they can get to know each other better. We do these as a day activity about once per quarter, in addition to the monthly camping, hiking, etc. It really helps foster patrol unity and camaraderie (and does not require much planning to implement).

Frank

The ideal troop is whatever satisfies the boys who are in it and follows the Scout Oath and Law and BSA policies.

This was done at my training by the Fox patrol, in costumes as a skit. Very funny. (Longer versions available on the net).

If you've ever been driving at 60 MPH and suddenly slammed on the brakes because you thought you saw a Patrol critter at a yard sale...

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

If you were ever late for work because you couldn't find your patrol flag ...

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

If your yard has grass 10 inches high but Gilwell Field looks great...

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

If instead of a night out with the boys, you prefer a night out with the "Bears" or "Owls" or "Beavers"...

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

If your baby's first words were, "Back to Gilwell" ...

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

If you don't understand why tuxedos don't come with neckerchiefs and knee socks...

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

If you think campfire building should be an Olympic sport...

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

If your idea of a trip to the HolyLand means Gilwell Park in England...

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

If you list tin foil cooking as a skill on your resume....

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

If you bought that '89 Chevy Caprice for the fleur-de-lis hood ornament...

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

If your favorite color is olive drab...

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

If you decided to lash together the new deck on the back of your house...

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

If you plan to serve foil meals at your next dinner party...

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

If you walk the streets in broad daylight with a coffee cup and flashlight hanging from your belt...

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

If you raise your hand to the Scout Sign at a heated business meeting...

ou Might Be A Wood Badger!

If you were arrested by airport security because you wouldn't give up your pocketknife until he said "thank you" ...

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

If you don't mind losing power to your house for 3 days...

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

If your son hides his copy of Boy's Life from you (get your own)...

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

If your plans for remodeling the bathroom include digging the hole deeper...

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

If you trade your 25 foot center console fishing boat for a 15 foot canoe...

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

If you disconnect the automatic dishwasher in favor of the "3 pot method"...

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

If you named one of your kids Baden...

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

If you are convinced the center of the universe is Gilwell Park, England ...

You Might Be A Wood Badger!

No way I am smarter than a TF. Every time I need to tie the taught line hitch, I have to get out the book!

Finally, Californians backing a non-nutty issue that makes sense to most of the other 49 states.

And BTW, I am a non-Mormon too. Why single them out as the only supporters of the ban?

I volunteer for all kinds of organizations (my church, school, sports, outdoor groups, and local museums) in addition to scouts. Without fail, living in the post-911 and post-Columbine era, ALL organizations that I work with youth in any way require a child abuse clearance and a criminal background check. Some even require additional child abuse awareness training.

Now I still have kids involved with these organizations. But in 4 years, when they are both off to college, I don't expect to be asked to resign my VOLUNTEER positions, simply because I am now one of the "creepy adults". My kids are taught by teachers in our public schools without kids, coached by coaches who are not married, and spend time around music instructors whose kids are grown & gone. I have no problem with that. Do you restrict your kids education & development to only married adults with kids in the proper age backet? At what point do they suddenly become creepy?

Our troop relies heavily on our "serious backpackers" (The ones who backpack apart from scouting) to guide the scouts on menu planning. The general recommendation is to go heavy for the first day and light after that. What that means if we pack in fresh fruits and veges and frozen fresh meat for the first day's meals, and then switch to freeze dried or condensed on-pot meals after that. It gives the scouts some variety in their diet and they do not get sick of beef jerkey stew quite so fast.

On longer trips, such as 7-10 day hikes, it all becomes lighweight meals (even some MREs) and we also try to do some trail rustling in the form of fresh fish. It also adds to the variety.