infoscouter
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Posts posted by infoscouter
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Yes, Wolves may use pocketknives and earn the Whittlin' Chip - check the Cub Scout leader Book index under knive safety, and see the "Age Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities"
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Until they open up the Innovation Engine to volunteers, there is a version for volunteer input on the Scouting Community at myScouting.org.
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Better alternatives include a pack Yahoo! Groups page - invitation only. Use ScoutTrack or ScoutManage - password protected w/ automatic invitation e-mails, calendaring, etc. Even a traditional web site w/ pictures and the unit calendar behind a password protected link.
There are a number of services which provide templates for Scout unit sites, some at no cost.
You could even create a group page on the Scouting Community on myScouting.org. (although it doesn't have as much functionality as some of the other options)
MySpace would not be my first choice.
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Ultimately, the Cubmaster is the program leader of the pack. He has to think about the whole pack and how to keep as many boys as possible in a strong program. Right now, he sees two capable leaders, with successful dens and one floundering den. For the health of the pack, what would you do? Close down the not so successful den, turn it over to a less than capable parent or try to add the still interested boys to the successful dens? From his standpoint, his best bet in keeping these boys in Scouting and providing them with a successful experience is to call on his dependable, good leaders to step up to the plate.
Sure - it's possible you'll get more 4th graders, but the reality is that very few 4th & 5th graders join Cub Scouts. It's also the point at which we lose the largest groups of boys, so it is likely that some of the current Scouts may drop out.
Yes, your group dynamics will change if you have to add two new families to your established den. I can't imagine however that these other boys are total strangers. The odds are they attend the same schools as your current Scouts, and may have interacted with them in other settings as well. Who knows - they may have great things to add to your den.
This is your opportunity to show the best of Scouting to these boys who may not have had a great experience so far. The ultimate in "goodwill" could result from welcoming these boys into your den. You're not just the leader of _your_ den - you are a member of the pack's leadership team. Think about being a team player and doing your best for *all* the boys in the pack.
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PTC is a great experience. We took our two sons both times - because there were four of us, we had two tents, but I saw other families where a young child shared w/ mom & dad.
On to your questions:
The spouse/child programs are excellent my hubby had a great time - museum trips, COPE, horseback riding, hikes. The kid programs are sort of like day camp - crafts, shooting sports, pony rides, hikes. You'll get him back at lunch. How old is your son? If he's a Webelos, there is an overnight away from camp (with a parent) that's a great experience.
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You can visit Base camp, and a trip to the Tooth of Time Traders is obligatory :-). The snack bar is a treat would be a treat. One night is Western night, where the menu includes Buffalo (raised on the ranch) - they have branding, and you can have your boots, belt, etc. done. They sell items at the Crafts facility or at the trading post, which are suitable for branding as well.
The beds are larger - a full twin size bed. Mattress are standard Scout camp issue - about 3" thick. Unless you think that's not thick enough, I wouldn't haul the other matresses. What I remember is that they shoe-horn in a third bed - not a camping cot. It' basically wall to wall beds - very tight.
3'x5' or 4'x6' for the rug. Shower facilities are generous - I never really had to wait, but I showered at night, not in the a.m.- it may be different. Distances from parking to tents/showers/headquarters cabin aren't huge - 1 to 5 minutes walk
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-TaggNQDaZI/SE86fXpoVQI/AAAAAAAACNs/SPpOt6SZcmM/IMG_3054.JPG
you're in the mountains - it gets COLD at night - heavy sleeping bags or extra blankets are not out of order. On the other hand, during the day it can be quite hot. A small fan for the tent isn't a bad idea. Camping chairs for sitting outside the tents are nice (but not essential).
How are you traveling? That would govern what else I could tip you about. PM me for more.
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Actually, this was the first year I saw anything on the national web site about the annual meeting. It was however, buried.
You had to log into MyScouting and happen to click on the event reservations link - they did online registration this year.
Here is a link to the program:
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They have to be ordered through your Scout Shop or directly from National Supply. here is a link to the order form:
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ScoutParents.org, just let me download this:
http://www.scoutparents.org/sitecore/content/scoutparents/Resources/OrientationVideo.aspx
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The new courses are "Swimming and Water Rescue" and "Paddle Craft Safety". Information about those courses can be found in the new Aquatics Supervision Guidebook:
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Community civic celebrations - parades, displays, picnic etc can be good opportunities to "piggy-back" pack participation without huge amounts of programming by the unit.
We are going geo-caching in a state park for one event.
Swimming event, skateboard park, hiking (in conjunction with a picnic or not), nature center visit.
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Many dens still charge dues, separate from pack fees, to defray the cost of supplies. This is still an accepted practice, and mentioned in the Cub Scout Leader Book. Even a pack which does well with fundraising may not make enough to provide each den leader with the materials they need.
That said - $15 per month per Scout is exhorbitant!! Most den leaders I know charge $1-2 per meeting. If she had 6 boys in her den that comes to $90.00 a month. I sure hope those boys went on some awesome field trips and brought home some really elaborate craft projects!
The recommended procedure for handling den dues is that the den leader turn them into the pack treasurer (in the Den Dues envelope).
The den leader then submits receipts to the pack treasurer to be reimbursed for the items the dues are supposed to cover.
It is a cumbersome procedure, and most packs trust the den leader to spend what is typically "petty cash" responsibily. However, in this case, considering the amount of money involved, some sort of oversight would have been prudent.
This is one reason the Cubmaster should be visiting every den periodically. If the pack leadership had been aware of how much money was involved, a procedure could have been developed so that the den leader was accountable to the parents. Or the den leader could have (hopefullY) been reined in.
Is the pack on the hook for anything here? Yeah - I think in a way. There should have been some discussion at a leader's meeting about den dues, and "what's reasonable in our pack". That same information should have been communicated to parents at a pack adults' meeting, so the parents knew what the *pack's* expectations were. I can see how the parents feel that they've paid all this money, and there's nothing to show for it.
To some extent, they're right in feeling that way. Who's to blame for the situation? Well, mostly the den leader, but the pack leadership has some responsibility, because they didn't learn enough about how the den leader was operating, and were therefor unable to provide any oversight/guidance for the den leader and parents.
Is there some way the pack could pay for some basic supplies? Markers, etc.? Just enough to get them started again.
Then I'd suggest you have a discussion with all your leaders about reasonable dues, and how to be responsible for the monies they receive. Also, a parents meeting with these den parents would probably be a really good idea, to soothe feelings and make sure all the grievances have been aired.
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While there's not an explicit "rule" in the Insignia Guide, there is a general statement about excess insignia, which may be the source of the information you've been given.
"Members should make every effort to keep their uniforms neat and uncluttered."
There is also this statement:
"Two Badges With the Same Meaning
Cloth badges and embroidered square knots are representative of metal pin-on awards and are designed for the convenience of the wearer. Generally, when a cloth badge is worn, the metal one is not worn."
Note - the language says "generally". Most Scouters interpret this to mean that they shouldn't wear the medals which correspond to the training or award knots when they are wearing the knots on the shirt. This guidance gets extrapolated to the youth.
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The device goes through the center of the knot. If there are two or three devices that are earned, then they are spaced evenly across the knot.
You can see pictures here:
http://www.mninter.net/~blkeagle/trdevice.htm
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Our council hired a local writer who specializes in these types of projects:
http://www.northernstarbsa.org/News.aspx?articleID=167
http://www.northernstarbsa.org/UploadedFiles/file/Communications/HistoryBook%20PreSalePromo.pdf
There is a softcover edition - $25.00, with an accompanying DVD for $5.00
The hardcover edition, autographed by the author is $95.00
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Like many of you, I have several which I've outgrown!
Right now -
One yellow short sleeve blouse with Cub RT Commissioner insignia
One yellow short sleeve blouse with Pack Trainer insignia
One pair of blue trousers
Two pairs of blue shorts
Two pairs of blue culottes
One blue wrap around skirt
One tan short sleeve shirt with troop committee insignia
One tan Centennial long sleeve shirt with district committee insignia
One pair of old style olive long trousers
One pair of Switchbacks
Two pairs of old style olive shorts
One olive skirt
I also have a complete navy blue skirt/blouse 1980's style den leader uniform without insignia, and a 1970's vintage navy blue dress. I hope to set these up with appropriate insignia for next year's centennial celebrations.
In the closet I have a yellow blouse with my Cub Scout Trainer Wood badge insignia, as a keepsake (besides, it's too small - that was 14 years ago.)
Various socks, belts, hats (including two overseas style Den mother hats, two navy blue berets and the Oscar de la Renta navy female leader hat).
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John - your councils org chart resembles ours. We're a 200 series council with a Director of Field Service, FOUR Field Directors, a Field Services Manager, Camping Directors and Execs, various finance, IT and Marketing staff, plus DDs, DEs and support staff. http://www.northernstarbsa.org/Contacts/Staff.aspx
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When I worked my CS Trainer WB ticket, I documented some of my items with photos and others with notes from others who could verify that I had completed the item (for instance served on RT staff). Part of this was because my coach/counselor was in Wisconsin & I'm in MN.
In my roles as Cub RT commissioner and Cub Training Coordinator, I have written notes for my staff members to their ticket counselors.
As others said, it was very low key.
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This WAS an April Fools joke posted by a Scouter on Scouts-L. Apparently people took it seriously. Don't believe it.
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A District Director is a paid council employee with responsibility for a larger district. S/he will sometimes supervise a District Executive in a very large district. In this case since the Advancement Chair is listed, I would go straight to that person, rather than approach the District Director (who really shouldn't be involved in this issue).
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No, the rules haven't changed. Wolves and Bears may also earn the World Conservation Award.
You're right, that page only has the Webelos requirements. There is a reference to Wolves here:
http://www.scouting.org/CubScouts/Library/Boys/33450.aspx
But I can't find the requirements on Scouting.org.
Here are the requirements from the U.S. Scouting service project:
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"I believe historically, TDC was "owned" by the Cub Scout program at the national level, while Wood Badge was "owned" by the Boy Scout program"
Well, Kinda sorta. Some of what is the the Trainer Development Conference is content recycled from Cub Scout Trainer Wood Badge syllabus. Which may well have previously existed the the Scout Trainer Wood Badge (which if I remember correctly existed at some point in the far past - 1930ish?)
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There were indeed skirts of various types for female leaders. At one point the skirts were the wrap around style. Later they were a-line first without and then with elastic in the waist bands. At one time there were both olive green and blue dresses. The blue dresses evolved over the years, and there was even a jumper. I have been able to purchase skirts on eBay.
When the Oscar de la Renta uniforms were debuted, ALL female leaders wore the "traditional yellow blouse". This was a garment without a pocket on the right side. This is only blouse on which temporary patches may be worn above the Boy Scouts of America strip. Female leader tops which have a right pocket are *not* the "traditional yellow blouse", and temporary insignia is worn on the right pocket, as it is on everyone else's top.
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The Northern Star Council has had an active committee working on the Centennial for two years.
http://www.northernstarbsa.org/100Years/
We are planning a centennial history book.
Events include a super event in May, a Scouting for Food collection designed to bring our historical collection total over a million pounds, and a dedication of our new urban camping area. Units are being encouraged to have open houses and special Scout Sunday/Sabbath celebrations.
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Generally, at these types of events we have stations devoted to the various Webelos activity pins. For Outdoorsman you could do knots, tent pitching contest, fire starting, etc.
Similarly, build stations for Forester, Geologist, etc. Concentrate on the outdoor badges and Readyman. You may not be able to cover all the requirements for all the badges, but you'll give them good starts.
We've also done Scientist, Citizen (we played a variation on Jeopardy),
Roster Check
in Council Relations
Posted
Some people are not paper work whizzes. They receive a registration from a family, put the kid in a den or patrol, and then never turn in the form to council. It gets lost someplace.
Alternately, a unit turns in the forms, and they mysteriously disappear at the council. Our council signs up several thousand Cubs each fall - its not unknown for one or two (or more) registrations to go astray in that process.
The two most common times for this to happen are in the fall when lots of new Cubs sign up, and in March/April when lots of Webelos cross to Boy Scouts.
I have known of entire dens or patrols who have gone into "limbo", due to missing paperwork.
The council gets cranky when you turn in paperwork for a whole bunch of tenderfoot badges and the registrar can't record the badges because the kids aren't registered. Less common of course with internet advancement, but then how can you use that if the boys aren't in the system?
The DEs are just trying to make sure everyone's ducks are in a row. They're not questioning your integrity - just making sure the council records match those kept by a unit.
We routinely do roster checks in November and May.