Frank17

We have never had to reduce offered positions, we have a 50+ scout troop. In fact, we had an informal position of webmaster for the troop's website before it was approved by National, as an offshoot of the scribe. We generally have 4 ASPLs, 4 PL / APLs (4 patrols), 2 Troop Guides (for the 2 new scout patrols) and 2 QMs. Everybody else is solos, except den chiefs and instructors which we tailor to fit the need. We do not always fill some of the positions (such as bugler), but generally get a full complement each time we hold elections.

We come from a large troop (50+ scouts), and always seem to have a few that are taking trumpet in band. They were shy for a while about taking Bugler on as a POR, until I explained we would not require it at every meeting, only on COHs, summer camp, and other formal events. This took some of the pressure off and gave them time to learn the calls. Since then, we have had some do it at every meeting. Fun!

Longest post I have seen. Been following the story ever since I joined, and still not resolved. Although, now that I look, I am starting to wonder as the post started on April 1st. Joke anyone?

Glad it was resolved. I'd like to think the union would have done this on their own, although I'm sure the uncomfortable national spotlight on the union sped them along.

"Working on merit badges is not forbidden during Troop meetings." I would agree that the rules do not forbid it, but I am in general agreement that it should not be a normal part of Troop meetings. I left a Troop as a youth because of this very issue, sinece the Troop was too focused on MBs and not on camping or other outdoor activities. We often do some MB work before canoeing / biking / backpacking in the form of safety talks, gear demos or inspections, and how-to-use training. This does double duty to prepare for the trip and also covbers some of the MB requirements. We tell the boy

Renoed said: "I think it will be more useful if I spend some time with the pack before I consider Wood Badge." I would agree with your assessment. I considered taking it while in cub scouts but did not yet have enough adult scouter experience to really be able to appreciate and understand the program. Life conspired against me for a few years after that, so I was in our Troop for 3 years before I was able to take it. As a result, I really understood the mechanics of the program and where our Troop's weaknesses were before I wrote my ticket. It was worth the wait.

"I think what they are referring to is the new "Cub Scout 2010" program" I hope you are correct. I too was taught that working on MBs during regular scout meetings was a no-no. It is not that unusual for reporters to get the terminology mixed up between scout programs. They often confuse packs/troops and cub scouts / boy scouts when doing articles. I have seen it in some of the quotes I have given the local paper related to our troop.

I attended Wood badge well into my scouter career, after 5 years in cub scouts (DL, WDL, CM) and 3 years as an ASM in boy scouts. What it did for me was to refocus my attention back on what the goals and aims of scouting were and give me some tools and ideas to be able to achieve them. It is fundamentally a team management course (it will not teach you about scouting skills - take Outdoor Specific SM training for that) that allows you to learn ways to problem solve and work together to achieve goals. Much like how scout troops and patrols are supposed to function. It will also give you home

Our wise scouting foreparents (Lord Baden Powell / William Boyce and Elizabeth Anne Seton) made the correct choice in making two separate programs for boys and girls and not one combined one. The fact is that girls and boys have different needs and interests, and combining the two together would be doomed to failure. This is especially apparent as the kids get older and mature and have to make their own decisions. I am glad the programs are separate, as it gives each group a chance to capitalize on their strong points and to build up the weak ones. That being said, I think a closer union

I was just inducted as an ordeal member into the OA, and witnessed my son's ceremony for brotherhood. As a roman catholic, I had no problems with the OA oath(s) and ceremonies; in fact, I was more comfortable with them than I was with the Knights of Columbus secret ceremonies which I was told I could not even tell my wife about (I left K of C over this). Although the OA likes to keep their ceremonies a surprise, they are by no means secret, as parents and others are able to witness them if they desire (as I did for my son's). In fact, one of the OA brotherhood members I met was a catholic p

Anyone familiar with this? Article in our local paper describing a pilot program for earning merit badges during den meetings, that will be soon rolled out nationally. I do not know if they are referring to Webelos Activity pins during den meetings (or something else cub scout related) or boy scout merit badges during Troop meetings. Anyone? "And a program begun in Wisconsin three years ago and spread throughout the Midwest lets boys work on merit badges during den meetings, rather than exclusively at home with their parents. That program, which will be implemented nationally next year

HOOT, HOOT, HOOT! HOOT, HOOT, HOOOOT! Sorry, but the coffee had not kicked in yet when we came up with it.

This is a common misconception left over from the old days when women could only be den mothers (and den fathers were not allowed). She is welcome to any scouting position that she is capable of, limited only by her talents, interest, and proper training.

The girl scouts are getting one too (they just have to wait a few more years): http://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/10/girl_scout_coin.php

Welcome back to the fold. I spent 4 wonderful years in Golden, Co, and really like it. I also had as much fun the second time around in scouting watching my son make the Arrow of Light and Eagle while being an adult leader. It was time well spent (9+ years).

Ignore it. He is doing more damage to his reputation by refusing to stand (and thereby drawing attention to himself about his beliefs) than you can do by calling him out about it. Train the scouts properly and leave the adults to their own devices, as long as they are legal & non-disruptive. It is bad enough we are sometimes treated as babysitter; do not volunteer to be a referee too!

From the SEIU webpage: "Fact: Nick Balzano is with the Allentown chapter of SEIU Local 32BJ and is NOT the president of the local or the International. Indeed, his comments were completely unauthorized and inappropriate." Glad to see the union is distancing themselves from the statements made as well. Also glad to see they are bowing to public pressure and realizing how they look to non-union persons. They may be justified in protecting their jobs, but there are right and wrong ways to go about doing that. This was definately the wrong way. They are not alone in fighting the re

Swimming is a life skill, like preparing your own food (cooking), walking (hiking), fixing injuries (first aid), not getting lost (orienteering), and staying physically fit (exercise). It may be hard for some boys (I too had problems as a youth), but just because it is hard does not mean it should be eliminated as a requirement.

We only seem to run into this problem when parent(s) start pushing the kids to advance faster. Most of the scouts are content to stay in scouts, attend outings and trips, and earn ranks / MBs as they come. It is only when Mom or Dad start questioning when that next rank is going to come that we get the requests for early rank advancement. I constantly stress to parents that scouting is a marathon, not a sprint, and that the goal of scouting is not to make Eagle rank, but is to instill into the boys the values of the Scout oath / law. Most say great, but when is my son going to get Eagle? P

I agree with Lisabob. It is not a potential Eagle Scout's job to investigate every single entity who might have a vested interest in what they are planning to do as an Eagle Project. If that were the case, no Eagle Project would ever get done. The Scout went to the landowner, sought legal permission, received it, and did his project. End of story. If someone has a problem after the fact, take it up with the landowner (the city), not the scouts.

Lisabob / Eamonn: I hope your reasoning is correct, and they are just looking out for their own people and not knee-jerk reacting to anything that is being done that infringes on what they perceive as their turf. Regardless, the statement: "We'll be looking into the Cub Scout or Boy Scout who did the trails," Balzano told the council is one of the stupidest remarks I have heard in a long time. If the dispute is between the union & the council, leave the scouts out of it. What's next: Scout scabs?

Sorry, but this is exactly the problem with unions today. When the mentality goes from protecting my work and job experience from someone lesser qualified to only I can do my job, no-one else, there is a problem. Why should the city agree to ban volunteer labor to make trails, plant flowers, or do landscaping? They will not be as fast or efficient as the union members, but they can get the job done and give back to their community. BTW, I am an employee at will and have to justify my salary for my position every day.

Just to clarify: We give the scouts credit for "Be active in your troop and patrol" over the summer; we are still a Troop even if we do not meet those 2 months. We just do not give credit for "serve actively X months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility", since we do not meet. As far as Summertime meetings go, I am not going to debate the merits of that in this discussion. Suffice it to say we are a Scout led troop, and the boys vote every week based on their attendance. Normally, we have 50-60% attendance at outings and 80%+ at meetings. When we have tried t

Most of the troops in our district (including ours) do not meet over the summer months. We have our last Troop meeting and COH in early June, attend week-long council Summer camp in late June, and are done as a Troop until our next meeting in early September. Some of the scouts will attend other camps or merit badge camps sponsored by council in July & August, but we as a Troop do not plan or attend these events. The Troop does plan some high adventure trips for the summer, but they are attended by only about 20% of our scouts, in a camping patrol organization. Now my question: fo

We are rechartering now, with out charter due by December 15. We generally receive our new cards and documentation by early February (6 to 8 weeks after we turn in). We also have had some move up on the due dates but only by a few weeks.