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fred8033

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Everything posted by fred8033

  1. fred8033
    I create a custom scoutbook report that shows rank, age, eagle required badges, etc. Scoutbook would be a bit more useful if we could sort and invert the columns into rows. But it's still a pretty good report.
  2. fred8033
    The key is that each project is owned by the scout. Planned, developed and led. I've had projects where we coordinated with other projects. But my project is still my project that I'm the driving force on. As for the scoutmaster, "it should be" outside his control. His chance would have been during scoutmaster review of the proposal. Perhaps the scoutmaster could have refused to sign proposals because he did not see it as three separate projects. But he did sign. Now it's the scout's project and it's up to the scout to plan, develop and lead. I'd imagine the Eagle board would
  3. fred8033
    Qwazse ... and HashTagScouts ... I value and recognize your points. There is a long tradition in OA using indian lore for ceremonies and to communicate OA lessons and values. I can see it being really cool to younger people and very meaningful. It's just that society has changed and we are very sensitive to the past errors and abuses. I quoted "local nations" as it's really a hard thing to define local in a 50 state organization. Plus, tribes are made up of many many individuals. I could see some agreeing and some having major issues with it. I could also see this changing easily
  4. fred8033
    Trouble is scouts and their parents have preconceived notions of how US wronged native americans. They will cringe. I know I did and I still do if I have to explain any of the ceremonies to people not already involved in OA. You have to be an OA insider to know it's okay. Needing to be an insider to know it's okay begs the question whether it's okay. I'm okay with your position that "local nations" have helped and approved. I'd ask though if they still approve this year. It is something that you will have to re-ask yearly. Times change and they change quickly these days. Washing
  5. fred8033
    Well, I never knew. I've always been on the edge of OA. Involved and supporting, but never in the guts. Interesting. AIA, American Indian Activities. Now, that I see it. It makes sense. AIA is a shell around which meaningful ceremonies and memories are created. Thinking more on it, I'm uncomfortable with using AIA to make OA meaningful. We try to be respectful, but OA is appropriating another culture to serve our purposes. It's one thing to have a dance team to teach native american history. It's very different to use AIA to make our program meaningful. Part of the issue is a
  6. fred8033
    I'm still confused. Is "American Indian Affairs (AIA)" something you created or is it an organization provided by local native american tribes ?
  7. fred8033
    What is this? What year was it ? It's an interesting comment and I'm wondering if it's still current. I find many quietly cringing at the use of indian lore for OA ceremonies.
  8. fred8033
    I so so like the statement. It's dead on right.
  9. fred8033
    There is the ideal and what often happens. Ideally, the existing troop leaders focus on developing new volunteers who can step up in the future. Often, key people need to leave and create an empty position before new volunteers step up.
  10. fred8033
    I agree. I want my sons in scouts because of the outdoor aspects. Outdoors is the meat of the program. Arts, tech, STEM, leadership, etc can be explored in many channels (academic teams, robotic teams, etc). Outdoors is the special part. I view the merit badges and awards as a really good side dish, but it's not the meat of the program. BSA's competitive advantage is the outdoor program. Camping, hiking, cycling, shooting, etc, etc. For me as a parent, it's also the draw. I want my sons to be comfortable in parks, camping, etc. I really don't think they would grow that comfort
  11. fred8033
    My first reaction was a chuckle when the scouter threw a match and the fire instantly started. Generally, I thought the video was very good and the lessons very meaningful.
  12. fred8033
    I absolutely agree. I'd extend it even more to scouting leaders having such strong opinions on how to run a troop that they often step on each others toes to the detriment of the scouts.
  13. fred8033
    I always wondered if OA should run a youth troop leader training program at round table. Essentially, a district level program for youth to teach youth leadership and how to run their troop. Very similar to the Boy Scout breakouts at round table ... maybe with some suggested structure. Like twice a year have patrol leader training. Twice a year have SPL training. Twice a year quarter master training. Patrol method training. Other topics I'm sure are out there.
  14. fred8033
    My experience is it's better to NOT see everyone. IMHO, the patrol system is much harder when you can see each even if you are hundreds of feet apart. Some local camps are perfectly setup to have small patrol sized sites 100' to 200' feet apart, but the trees and bushes fully obscure each site from the others. You have to trust your scouts more, but it really works out better.
  15. fred8033
    I could be wrong. I thought the registrars are council employees, not national. I could be wrong though.
  16. fred8033
    Your suggestion is much better than mine. Well thought out.
  17. fred8033
    I'm betting more than 50% of the printed cards never made it to the scouts. Often lost in a pile papers. We've been involved since 2000. 18 recharter cycles. I've seen at most five of my cards. My sons have maybe received two each. It's sad to see going away as a tradition, but it's an easy money saving decision ... especially in our council where BSA membership fees went to national and card printing was done by council employees. I suspect there is some money transfer going on, but it's still a fairly easy decision.
  18. fred8033
    I'd challenge this statement. The SM works with the scouts. The scouts camp, cook and do activities mostly on their own. Your other adult leader could help run interference.
  19. fred8033
    Sadly, then you need an adult on the camp out who's job it is to distract the adults and get them away from the scouts. It's not a bad job. Invite the guy to go get coffee. Invite him to sit with you at your camp fire. Break out a deck of cards. See if he wants to walk with you to go visit another side of camp. Heck, new friendships are often built this way.
  20. fred8033
    It's also a great way to separate the scout from his parent. Often kids do better when their parents are not present. Also, it's not just distance. It's visibility. It helps if there are trees or other obstructions so that when patrol A is cooking and eating, they can't see patrol B or see the adults.
  21. fred8033
    Great advice so far. Patrols bonding as a team. Rewards. Duty roster buy-in. I think there are many 11 year olds that have never had real chores. Wash dishes is alien and repulsive. For me, that was dissecting a frog in school. That was hard to overcome and do. I think there are kids that cleaning and doing chores is like my dissecting a frog. It's repulsive. For those scouts, we have to help them overcome it until they realize that it's just not that big of an issue. I hope the SM, SPL and PL can learn techniques to de-escalate, district and guide the scout to do his work. Eve
  22. fred8033
    I suspect not. This is a matter of suing those with deep pockets. Each charter org would be alot of cost to sue and there are questions of links to deep pockets, etc.
  23. fred8033
    Post removed. It's the same thread that's been posted for years here.
  24. fred8033
    Yeah. I agree. If you show respect and value their experience, you can usually build great relationships and join the team.
  25. fred8033
    Your comments are aligned with my experience. People want "values taught" that are "inline with" their own faith. It's not that scouts is a key factor in teaching faith. It's more about scouts being compatible with their faith.
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