hotdesk

What do you all do during your troop meetings. What sections do you break them down into and who takes responsiblity to make sure that they are planned and carried out??? Need some ideas to encourage scouts!!!

Our troop does registration, Boy's Life, and troop dues all as one billing to the families at a time close to rechartering. However, as stated above, BSA also does give the opition to have the dues collected weekly by the patrol scribes. The first thing that I would do is send a letter home to the scouts and parents explaining that the troop is changing the way that dues are collected. Explain how the Patrols will be collecting dues (give the amount and when they are due) and that the scouts are expected to pay the dues out of either a scout account or on their own. Without explaination to the parents things don't seem to work. The next thing that I would do is work with (either you yourself or a Patrol Advisor (position held by ASM) to explain the importance of writing down when scouts pay there dues and when they don't. Without them buying into the system it won't work either. Communication with key people is important in getting anything to work. Also, just for extra input, an easy fundraiser to do is cartridge fundraising. For information on how this works go to www.cartridgesforkids.com Our troop usually gets about $100 every 1 1/2 months.

There is one problem with determining if a scout is active by using the PoR as a factor. Boy Scout Advancment Policy states that as long as a boy holds the position (the title is given to him and isn't withdrawn) it counts. That gets into the question of what exactly is being active enough to hold the position and how to take the position from a scout that isn't active.

Being active can be defined (by dictionary.com) as "Marked by or involving direct participation." In my troop we do not have a set attendance policy for rank advancement, because it is not in the requirements. Just like a Merit Badge Books states that a counselor can not add requirments, we feel that Scoutmasters/Committee Members can not add requirments to rank advancement. However we do have things in place to help with active participation in the troop: 1. We have Pre-Election requirements. To be elgible to run for SPL/ASPL/Troop Guide a scout must have attended 2/3 of the meetings in the past six months and at least 50% of the troop campouts in the past 2 years. For Patrol Leader we require that they have attended 1/2 of the meetings and 1/2 of the troop campouts (during the same time). 2. We do more than just campout. In any given month we have Service Projects (we have 11 Life Scouts), Family Activities (once every other month which is a day event like haunted house, bowling, mini-golfing, etc.), and a prime campout. We do strongly encourge (through emails, phone calls, and weekly promotion) that the scouts go on the activities that they able to go on. However, it is important to realize that scouts are involved in many other activities. Some may be involved in 4H, co-cirruclar activities at school, and/or jobs, along with many other things that kids at that age can do. While it would be nice to see them participate at a rate of at least 75% of the troop events, it is sometimes not possible. Therefore, instead of worrying about their participation in scouts and interfering with their rank advancment let's work at encourage them to stay out of trouble, do good in school, to have fun in scouting, and give them somebody to talk to when they need it. THIS RIGHT HERE is far more important then how many different things they go on.

anarchist brought up First Class in First Year. An idea created by Boy Scouts to get all there new scouts to First Class in there First Year. However, I have mixed feelings about as my troop's Membership Coordinator and New Scout Patrol Advisor. If your nephew comes to all the meetings and outings (thus he should be achieving Rank Advancement requirements) his progress toward First Class should resemble his active participation. This means that as he proves to another person (approved by the Scoutmaster to sign off requirments)it should be signed off. In my troop each Patrol has an adult Patrol Advisor, a Patrol Leader, and an Assistant Patrol Leader. The Advisor works with the Patrol Leader in a similar way to that of the Scoutmaster and SPL. The Patrol Leader comes up with a short (10-20 minutes) Patrol Meeting Agenda to use during Patrol Time at Troop Meetings and is encouraged to have advancement be part of it at least once a month. In the patrols with scouts not yet First Class the Asst. PL is explained the importance of rank advancement is strongly encouraged to work with these scouts. Also, in our troop, the Troop Guide position is year round and his job is to directly work with any scouts not yet First Class in their First year(during the Sept.-Jan. months he works with any scout that is not yet First Class). Rank Advancement is important. It helps keep scouts intrested in the program.

Some of the "powers" or responsibilities of our PLC is that they: 1) Establish and "enforce" guidelines for scouts who want Jr. Leadership Positions such as SPL-(to be elgible)must attend 2/3 of the troop meetings in the last 6 months,attend 50% of the campouts in the last 2 years, be a Star Scout, and set the example through attitude and uniform 2)Attitude Problems- the PLC is the first place to discuss and work on changing "behavior problems" within the troop 3)Program Planning-what the troop will do, when it will do it, and what will be done when doing it. 4)forumlate any other troop policies or goals for review by the troop committee Sample PLC Agenda for our troop OPENING A. Recite the Scout Law or Oath B. Take Attendance (Scribe) C. Review Notes of Pervious Meeting JR. LEADER REPORTS A. Assistant Senior Patrol Leader report on requests from non PLC Jr. Leaders. Such things would include purchasing Merit Badge Books or troop equipment, help with packing cartridges, or help with large projects. B. Troop Guide Should report on any upcoming recruitment activities, any hazing or harassment problems of younger scouts by senior scouts, and other issues needing attention C. Troop Scribe Should report on advancement of scouts in the troop (upcoming dates for Eagle Projects, scouts needing or having completed a SM Conference, Service Hours needed, and upcoming Court of Honor Dates. D. Fellowship Fun Coordinator Should report on what we will be doing during Fellowship Fun in the upcoming month PATROL REPORTS Report should focus on what the patrol has been doing. What Merit Badges they have worked on, any activities they have done or are planning to do, work toward special awards (like National Honor Patrol, 50 miler, SCUBA, etc.), and/or any requests they would like to make of the troop OLD BUSINESS Any New Business from pervious month that was not finalized or still needs to be discussed by the PLC. NEW BUSINESS Any new business that needs to be brought up. (See past agendas for info) OPEN FORUM The chance for all to speak on anything not mentioned earlier MOMENTS SPL and Scoutmaster say something that needs to be worked on or thought About. (Just like Scoutmaster Minute)

1. In our troop the scouts that are expected to be there are: Senior Patrol Leader Asst(s) Senior Patrol Leader Patrol Leaders Scribe Troop Guide(s) and Fellowship Fun Coordinator(they manage the "games" portion of our meeting) of course all the scouts are always invited to attend and they have a right because there are no SECRET GROUPS in BSA 2. Most Patrol Leaders will only serve in that position for 6 months (in our troop) so they don't have a problem coming.

1. In our troop the scouts that are expected to be there are: Senior Patrol Leader Asst(s) Senior Patrol Leader Patrol Leaders Scribe Troop Guide(s) and Fellowship Fun Coordinator(they manage the "games" portion of our meeting) of course all the scouts are always invited to attend and they have a right because there are no SECRET GROUPS in BSA

Our troop has been doing a cartridge recycling fundraiser and now wants to start getting local businesses to participate. Through my research I have found out that the cartridge recycling companies all advise that you can tell them that their donation is tax deductable. However, how do you provide a receipt. What should be on it? Should it be on a special type of paper? Who should sign it, the Fundraiser Coordinator, Treasurer, Committee Chairman? etc. What and how do you do this?

First, what exactly is a big troop? Some districts may consider a big troop to be only 30-40 scouts while others may have a much larger number in mind. The size of the troop depends on where you are and what resources you have available. Rual districts and inner-city troops may be much smaller than some other troops, but that doesn't mean that they can't have quailty adult volunteers guiding quality boy leaders. Also, very large troops can create 1 big problem in the fact that it will be hard for the Scoutmaster to carry on a close relationship with the group of scouts that he works with. Smaller troops can have just as high of a quailty program, leadership (training, desire to be there, etc.), equipment, etc. than a big troop. It just depends on the wants and goals of the group of volunteers and leaders you have.

What is the minimum age that a person has to be in order to be a Troop Committee Member? and if it is 21, why has BSA decided that it must be that and not 18. At 18 they allow "adults" to work with scouts in the role of Assistant Cubmaster, Assistant Den Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster, and Assistant Varisty Leader (and in my experiences the Assistant Cubmaster has more responsiblities than the Cub Scout Committee).

As being a member of my Lodge's LEC (as a Chapter Chief) for the Order of the Arrow, we have talked about this (for the purpose of OA). It was finally decided (after input from our Policy/Rules Advisor) that it is the final call of the Scoutmaster. If the Scoutmaster wants to count (going to the extreme) sleeping at the Sheraton as camping then that his all on him. However, as far as your question, I would sit down with your Scoutmaster and Advancement Coordinator and determine what should count for camping (for Rank Advancment and Order of the Arrow). You alone should not make the call because scouting is a thing of communication and team work between the CC, SM, and members of the Committee.

In our troop the only set "amount" for food is the following: 1. We tell our scouts to plan a simple 1 pot meal. They can save the extras for home (but we do allow deserts, smores, etc.) 2. We show them how to shop. a. Look at quantities. Buy just enough b. Comparsion shop. Don't need brand name. Bargin Shop c. Look at the store you are going. Don't go to the Jewel, Eagle, Kroger, find somewhere inexpensive. 3. After a new scout goes shopping for the first time we treat them to a beverage. We then talk about the key points that were learned so that he knows them. With this said I have seen our scouts spend any where from $1.75 per meal per scout all the way up to about $5.00 (they had store bought fish and french toast on a "luxary" campout.) However the average is about $2.00 per person per meal.

I know all about the National Honor Patrol because my patrol has earned that in the past. What we have tried in the past, also, is an patrol competition that gives them a maximum amount of points for attendance (how many of the members are there and on time), uniforming (wearing the correct uniform according to our troop's policy), Being Prepared (coming with pencil, paper, and Scout Handbook), Participation, and a thing we call Fellowship Fun (our patrol games). I just wanted to know what other troops may have done as far as something like this goos and how you do points.

Do any of you have a Patrol Contest in place that gives them points for things like attendance, being prepared at meetings, Participating, etc.??? I am in the process of forming one for my troop and just wanted to see what you all use. Thanks

Wojauwe wants to know what happened with our SPL problem. Well we decided to hold elections this month (a month ahead of schedule). The SPL also had a discussion with the Scoutmaster to resolve any problems that remained. Now about the Venture Patrol. We took a few steps to solve one of the problems: 1. We took out the scouts who didn't want to do the adventure program. 2. We elected a patrol leader who wanted to do lead the program with advice from the advisor. 3. The patrol leader appointed positions to other scouts. Activities Coordinator: Make Reservations Fill out the tour permit Arrange Transportation Assistant Patrol Leader: Assist the Patrol Leader as needed Supervise other scouts in performing tasks Patrol Leader Lead Patrol Meetings Represent the Patrol at PLC Meetings Lead patrol during troop activities Quatermaster Maintain Patrol Equipment Suggest Equipment for trips Find a way to get needed equipment Treasuer Set up fees and collect money for outings The only other question for you guys is what should the patrol do???

I've got a bit of a problem. A few years ago the troop decided to start a Venture Patrol. They allowed the kids (that were elgible according to BSA guidelines) to decide if they wanted to join it or stay in their current patrol. However, this patrol simply became the "older" scout patrol. It hasn't done anything except for Quetico in the last two years, but that was planned by adults and not the patrol. Some scouts have talked to me (I'm currently a JASM, but have been the SPL-1 total year and PL for a total of 2 years and my dad is the scoutmaster). They have told me that they want to do high adventure outings and want the troop to allow it or they will simply leave the program. The main problem is that since this patrol has been used just to put "older" scouts so not everyone wants to do high adventure. They would be more content sticking with the basic troop outings. However, they are in what the troop has considered the venture patrol. The other problem is that I don't know what to do. They have approached me about running for Patrol Leader so that I can jumpstart the program (I was the first boy elected SPL and was the first SPL in our troop to guide a PLC and plan the meetings---before me the adults did everything). But I'm happy in my current position also. I get to do what I want and help were I want. I've got to assist with the first successful year that we've had a New Scout Program, help the boy chairman of our cartridge recycling fundraiser, and guide the Senior Patrol Leader run the troop himself. So here's the questions: 1. What type of stuff should a Venture Patrol do and can they do a sports competition with a Venture Crew? 2. How would I go about getting everyone in the patrol intrested in High Adventure outings or just simply helping the patrol out? 3. Do I stay at my JASM postion or should I go for the Patrol Leader position? PS: I am already the Chapter Chief for the OA Chapter that I live in.

Our troop got back Friday night around midnight. We left for Ely on Thursday, August 5 around 9AM. The troop had 12 people (7 adults & 5 scouts)so we were split into two groups of 9. We stopped for lunch at the McDonalds at the Wisconsin Dells (that was a nice looking place). We then stopped for dinner at Pizza Hut near Ely. We finaly got to our campsite around 9PM and everyone was in their tents by 9:30PM. Friday morning we woke up around 4:30 and went to a sit down restraunt in Ely for breakfast. We finally got to Moose Lake around 6:30AM and packed the canoes. The group started canoeing around 7AM. After a small trip we came across our first portage into customs. I was surprised how quickly we were able to move in and out of there. Around 12PM we stopped for lunch. A pine squril came and joined us and stole some nuts from one of the adult leaders. We got into camp about 2PM. When we got into camp an adult leader realized he left one of his bags at a portage (we were only suppose to bring 1 bag with us). So him and a canoe buddy needed to go back and get it. When he finally got back the other two adult leaders in my group pulled the third adult leader to the side and compiled most of his stuff (he had way too much---3 water bottles, 4 flashlights, 4 books, binoculars, bilge pump, knee pads, etc.) into one bag and put the rest of it into troop gear. So then we did some more canoeing Saturday and got into camp around 2:30. Monday we canoed and arrived at camp about 12:30. After eating lunch we fished for dinner. We caught plenty of fish, but the two gentlemen that make an annual troop there were surprised at how small all the fish appeared to be this year. We did the same thing on Tuesday, but it got colder in the afternoon. Wednesday we layed over, but it was cold and an all day rain came. However, we did fish. This was one day that we could have used a small pair of dry gloves and a winter hat. Thursday we canoed the Basswood Falls. Then travled to Canadian Point and arrived around 3:30. First evening the entire trip that we could actually see the sunset. After the sunset (just before nine o'clock) we heard a strange noise (it sound like mosquitoes, but a lot of them in one small area) turned out that they were actually mosquitoes. Friday we started about 8:00 and arrived back in Ely about 12. Went shopping and then departed for IL about 2:00. So suggestions for next time!!! don't bring bug spray (they weren't too bad on the portages and we went to bed around 8:30 every night) don't bring shampoo or soap bring a small pair of gloves and a winter hat even adults need their backpacks checked If anyone has any comments or questions feel free to make a reply.

Okay one of his new policies is that he will only provide Board of Reviews on the third monday of every month. However, there has been months where scouts need a board and wait until the third Monday and no boards are planned. A classic example is the fact that we have a scout that is 2nd Class and has been waiting for the Board of Review for over 3 months now. If he could've had his board when he was first ready he would be within a month of becoming a Star Scout. Another thing that has people real annoyed is that we rent out two canvas tents in our troop. Both tents rent for over $100 a shot. In some years we have made as much as 1,300 to 1,500 just from this. However, we usually have at least 6 or 7 rentals a year. The problem is that since he took over as coordinator this year we have only had 2 rentals and those were from parents of a scout in our troop (and troop members get a 50% discount). The guys that are our big backers as far as this fundraiser go have disappeared and no one has any ideas why. He was asked by some in our troop to share the responsiblity but he said no.

The only problem that I have seen with the advice is that if he tried to do what has been suggested he would go and tell his mother, who happens to be the Chartered Organization Rep, and she would be rather upset. She sees him do good, quality, work. Not getting on the nerves of scouts and scouters and driving some of them out of the troop. She would not be too happy with the commitee. So how do we get around the fact that he has her to back him up??? And anyways when he does his most important job for the troop, that he has, Advancment Coord. he comes up with crazy policies and rules that prevent scouts from advancing in a timely manner. And on top of that he does things that aren't his responsiblity without asking the person who actually has the responsiblity. He is always finding a way into everything. Rather it be that he simply shows up to things that the PLC does and won't respect the SM's wishes or that he gets upset when others try to do their job.(This message has been edited by hotdesk)

Thanks for all the great advice. As far as the food goes, I do need it. We are not going through the scouts or through a supplier. The troop has all its own canoes and all its own equipment. So we do the trips on us. The adult leader in charge has been up their plenty of times before. Some things that I see that I need to add to my equipment is duck tape a few black garabge bags (i found one of those dry bags at Wal-Mart for $12. And just to let you know Coleman sells them for $10.) (I have a life vest with a small whistle and compass together.) and just too let silver-shark know the price on the water shoes has gone down $2.00. if you have any more advice let it come out!!!

Well the troop committee is suppose to work with the scouts through the Scoutmaster link. So I really don't know what you're doing working with the SPL. That's suppose to be left upto the Scoutmaster. Our troop switches between boy planned Court of Honors. These are planned by the boys on the PLC and then ran past the Advancment Coordinator. We also have some Committee Planned Courts of Honors. Usually the boy planned Court of Honors go a lot better.

Okay, we all know that you can't fire a volunteer, but what can you do? What do you do with a scouter who trys to do too much and tends to take over others jobs??? What do you do when his mom is the Chartered Organzation Rep. (which our troop regards as the highest position in the troop)??? The scouts and scouters really don't respect him much because of his leadership methods and his personality. He trys to do so much between District, local scout camp, troop, OA lodge, wrestling fed that he is in, and church that he doesn't get anything really "done". He's caused many to flat out leave the troop. However, his main problem is that he doesn't see himself as a problem. He thinks he is just a normal volunteer. We suggested that he shed off some of the extra duties he has gathered but he said now was not the time. What do you do??? How do you remain nice and kind about it??? Any ideas or suggestions???

You know I completely still agree with what I said eariler, but camp staff??? These guys are suppose to be at the top of their game. They are suppose to be the type of scouts who are willing to live up to the Scout Law and do their best to set an example. A lot is expected from them, but these people are suppose to be the ones that can live up to it. So since they are on camp staff, the punishment needs to be harsher than the punishment would be for a scout who isn't on camp staff. That is the only way they will learn that what the did was wrong. However, like I said eariler they should not be kicked out of scouts. Come up with a clever solution.

I strongly dislike when people turn to expelling kids from school or clubs. We as a society tend to use this punishment too often and need to find another way. Instead of this final and end all punishment being common we need to search for something a little bit more meaningful. Community Service and Character building need to be used as an alternative. We need to allow creative people to handle punishments. Kids will be kids and the only way to change their behavior is by teaching them that something is wrong. Simply kicking a kid out of something that is suppose to be doing them good is not an answer. Scouting is suppose to teach kids how to become quality adults and good leaders. When the program fails we need to look and see if it is the fault of the kids or the fault of the leadership that we put in charge. Do they understand the program and are they executing the program correctly? All involved need to be looked at.