insanescouter

I think you should have a 2EM (Double Eagle Mom) leather stamp made (once they are both Eagles of course)... Congratulations to both boys for all their efforts so far. Nothing stand out more then results. Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

I generally prefer to see the extra temp patches on a vest, patch blanket, scrapbook, pack cover, jacket, etc ... I personally (IMHO) think having them on the back of the sash is gaudy... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

I would say yes he should, once he has merit badges. However I would not expect till roughly the Star board depending on the Scout. I still have my sash from when I was a Scout and it still has all 22 merit badges that I was presented at the Court of Honors on it. I personally do not like the look of the OA and MB sash being worn together - just seems a bit busy and way to showy for me. (IMHO) In our Troop if the Scout is not in proper uniform they are not allowed to go to the BOR, they have to wait till the next one is held. Just my wacky 2 cents... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

The first thing I want to tell is great job, keep up the effort, don''t let up the praise and encouragement! I give you the Scout salute in honor of your efforts. Second, alternate requirements as far as I know this is left up to the discretion of the Troop Committee. I would personally say don''t make this decision easily, if the Scout really can''t meet the same requirements for mental or physical reasons then the committee needs to come up with something equally tough (at his level) for him to do. On the flip side if you believe he can do it, then work really really hard and help him through it. Third, have you talked to the mom and the Scout separately to see if maybe there is an emotional reason, a fear (not like fear of the dark, but a real phobia), etc that may be causing the problem(s). Anyway this is all I can think of for the moment. I hope my wacky 2 cents was of some help. Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

Wow what a wonderful story and a great group of kids and leaders. Does anyone know how we can how once could give these young men a virtual Scout Salute? Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

To my knowledge they can not stop you from recruiting out side of your district. The big thing is try and follow the Scout Law and Promise when recruiting don''t step on another units toes. Work together not against each other is such a case arises. Just my wacky 2 cents... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

Just a word to the wise BSA does not allow raffles as they consider it gambling and inappropriate. Just my 2 cents and a kind just so that you know ... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

I agree that it needs to be a descion of the pack committee. I will add that my person belief is that it is a bad idea - a Cub Scout should not be treated like a professional sales person. They should not be give the stress and pressure of wanting to sell their heart out for that "toy". They are kids and should have fun and do their best. If you want to do awards find a way to determine what a Scouts best is, and not some stupid predefined goal (meaning a made up goal like Johnny''s goal - 50 boxes - not real life goals). It needs to be determined based on the individual, their personality, etc. Ok that was my wacky 2 cents at almost 3am. Hope I wasn''t to out there Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

Take a pot cook rice and vegies ... then mix in diced summer sausage ... tada you have dinner you could also do something simliar with mac and cheese.... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

Philmont is awesome, it is fun and it is challenging I recommend any one that can to go. Philmont has a lot of spirit and drive from those who have gone and this is will deserved. I should not here to that all Philmont treks are different, pick one out carefully and let the Scouts be part of the decision process. Now with that said there are other options that may be just as good and in some cases better then Philmont. If distances, money, etc is an issue it may be worth looking into them. I have many fond and wonderful memories as a lad backpacking with my Troop and this includes Philmont. I even still have my map, and on the back a list of animals I saw, places we went, etc... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

a lot of meat such as hamburger, bacon, steak (ok through it in for the leaders), pork chops could be cooked on a flat clean rock. You can also cook bacon and eggs in a paper bag ... Try roasting a ham in a melon (see thread a few days ago on this) make a solar oven to cook in hot dogs on a stick over a fire cook on the Sterno thingys but supervision and being careful is important come up with things that dont have to be cooked also make sure you teach them about 10 essentials and "extra food" means food beyond what your menu already calls for ... Hope my wacky 2 cents and now hungry tummy was of some help... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

simply you pick the number of months left to recharter.... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

I would make sure law enforcement is aware of the parents activity... However I am a big believer that all kids can benefit from Scouting and should not be punished because their parents / guardians are well idiots.... However that does not mean the parents should be encouraged to hang around ... Remember the biggest disservice we can do to a boy is not give them the opportunity to benefit from scouting. Now if the Scout or the parents are causing a lot of problems that is another story ... Also you have to look at the whole situation standing back, look at everything. What is best not for you, but for everyone including the son of the drug users. No matter this is something the committee needs to decided on and the committee should elect one person to be the one to publicly deal with the issue. We are here to help kids, not judge people. However we have to judge people to ensure the safety and well being of all. Now that I have babbled on, said nothing but double talk... I hope something was of help ... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

Make sure you get youth protection training too. That is another one you can do online. If you plan to take them camping you now have to have BALOO (I think thats whats it called now) Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation or something like that .. sorry been a long time since I did cubs ... Before they went to the new training system I was the OWL trainer Outdoor Webelos Leader ... As far as running the den ... plan, plan some more... and yet plan more ... over plan, you can always take stuff out or move it to a different week. The more you keep things fun, and moving the easier it will be. If you give them time to tie there shoes you are also giving them time to cause you problems. Make sure you are working through the Pack to get a den cheif from a Troop. You will find this young man will help you so much and make it so much easier for you to remain sane. Don''t just look at the official BSA resources. Resources are everywhere, you will find tons of wonderful websites, groups like the park service, or maybe your local archers club ... and of course the parents. I hope my wacky 2 cents helped you ... also you may find good resources at my site (see link under my name).... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

Do a bunch of run ons ... some one runs on to stage yelling its all around me... some one else asks what all around you... the first person say "air" a bit latter repeat but this time instead of air its a belt a bit later this time make it a piece or rope.... ok this example is old a bit lame at times ... but you get the idea be creative look online you will find lots of run on examples, fast, usually no or limited props.. and great fillers between skits when the scouts are sorting out that last minute bug ... Hope my wacky lame 2 cents helps Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

Our newsletter is done in publisher. The newsletter is done quarterly, and distributed at troop meeting in printed form. There is also a pdf version that we send out via email. Additionally (once I can find a new dedicated server or get a place to put my servers at) it will be on the Troop website as well. There is also a weekly troop update email that goes out usually every mon or tues. Sometimes it will come out more then once a week if there are changes or more things come up. We use email more then anything else for communication... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

As I have ADHD (memory problems, Dyslexia), among 50 or so other problems ... as a result it seems I could add more perspective to many of the questions out there. We do think and learn in different ways. At one time I did use my problems as crouch as an excuse... then 10th grade i said no more it took me another 5 years yes I said five years after deciding no more to learn how to control myself without meds, different styles of learning, remembering things, tactics and i guess even a few tricks ... I have even work with a handful of kids in the past teaching them a lot of what I had to learn myself.... If anyone wants to know what it is like to live (as a youth or adult) with adha, or about the methods I have learned to control myself, remember things, etc... please feel free to talk to me to ask me ... remember the only stupid question is the one not asked.... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

I have known people in the past to do both a Troop role and a Pack role. As I recall the rule book says you cant be CM and SM ...but other wise its fine I really like the idea of find a replacment and take that person under your wing and train then on-the-job and then you slowly back off and let them fly. This could take 6 months it could take 2 years ... just depends on the people involved... No matter some one has to set up and be the person to save the show and be there for the kids... Just my wacky 2 cents... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

I have decided to test the waters and hope that I am not making a mistake... Basically I am looking for 1 or 2 people to help me with sales, whom will be paid based on performance (commission) plus bonuses. The job is open to anyone 18 or older who can make sales. The job is telecommute (work-from-anywhere), and is part time. If interested send me an email scott@insanescouter.org for more details ... Please take note, I am not trying to rake in big bucks, fill my pockets, or commercialize Scouting. My goal is to be able to get some capital to move several Scouting projects forward. I hope the waters I am testing our not rough, but rather are kind, forgiving and generous ... crosses fingers and hopes for the best... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

You have few options then. The first thing I suggest as did LisaBob, try talking to the leader(s) of the other pack. You may want to involve your Unit Commissioner of District Executive. They should be able to help. If the town is that small, and only has one school, then I don''t think trying to zone it out into turf''s will work. How big are the two packs, are they both pretty small? (if both are small maybe they need to be merged together, not enough potential boys to properly feed both packs) What are the good and the bad about each pack? (answer this one yourself may help you find a way to find middle ground) Hope my wacky ramblings are of help.. Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

I have read studies that explain things like this... The brain can not process a negative. I want you to try this "Don''t think about ice cream." What happened? Did you see ice cream cone, or a bowl of ice cream in you mind, before you could not think about it? You have to think about a negative before you can not think about it. (how well this works on everyone I do not know, it comes from a business audio book I have been listening too) I like to ask new leaders if they know the differences between kings, guides and followers. The short answer is ... Kings are the big boss, the iron fist ruler do it my way or off with your head... the Guide is the one that gentle shows some one the way and kind of almost in a sneaky way teaches them to fish so the guide doesn''t have to do it all the time... and followers ... followers are the ones who well follows the leadership, but a leader is not always a leader there are times when the leader needs to step aside and become a follower... The key to controlling the Troop is "control through activity", keep them so busy and having so much fun that they don''t know that they are working on something... if they have time to tie there shoes there is to much free time ... also make sure everything is positive. Don''t forget the adage ... Praise in public and punish in private ... Ok I am kind of rambling off topic sort of, but I think you get the point ... and I hope my wacky ramblings have been of some help... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

I first discovered Buttons the puppet on youtube a few months ago ... me likes Buttons... good job Troop 68 Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

Yes. A few things we have done when we have the money is to pay all or portion of registration and or boys life... also you could use it to create a summer camp or training scholarship ... you could use to hold a special activity like maybe at an amusement park, etc ... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

I am going to something a bit strange today ... The ADHD kid bouncing all over the places sounds bit like me at that age ... I have ADHD, Dylisixa, short and long term memory problems, speech problems, coordination problems and goes the list. I was in special ed most of my school years. Yet I managed to graduate HS with a 3.43 gpa and Community College 3.53 gpa deans list honor roll. Now keep in mind, my mom was a active Den Leader when I was a Scout and was known for her short temper and hard rule. My dad was also often the Cubmaster or other active role. If I didn''t behave I would feel it when I got home. Later when I went to Boy Scouts my dad was still active, but mom wasn''t. There were even times my dad had to tackle me because I was acting up so badly. I can remember a few times at camp I got grounded to the seat in the truck. Later I found out the Troop had tried to kick me out a number of times and each time my dad stood up to the committee and the troop and said ok but you lose me too ... some how I made it through and even earned Eagle (still one of my proudest moments). As you can see the big differences is my parents did everything but kill me or duck tape me to a tree to keep me under control. Scouting was / is one of the best things that has every has happen to me,it is a big part of who I am today and who I will be tomorrow. Without Socuts I do not know where I would have ended up. I am sure Scouting can help that Wolf problem of yours, however if the parents are doing nothing to try and control him. Do not sacrifice 10 families to save one. In the end we can not help them all. I will also say the one thing that drives me nuts to this day... a mom comes up to me says "my son is adhd, you will need to treat him different." ... my answer.. is "no i do not, no I wont, and let me tell you my story..." ... of course this is not always true, each one has to be taken on a case by case basis, but my experience is keep them busy, keep them moving, don''t give them any dead time ... if they have time to tie there shoes you are have to much slack time ... keep it organized and moving and you will be surprised what the results can be... Ok, yes I am taking 2 sides with this one ... if the parents step up and do everything possible to control the kid (I can tell you total control is impossible they will never just sit there, but control in a general since is possible) ... else suggest another unit that may be able to "better" work with him... I don''t mean pass the buck, sometimes the difference in leadership, program, location, activity, what ever can make the differences.... and if all else fails the committee not the cubmaster, not a den leader it has to be the committee chair based on committee vote that asks them to leave... Ok now that I have spelled my guts.... I hope my 2 cents is of help ... feel free to pick my brain further if you want ... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

I am always a beliver that if a Scouts come to you and wants to join you shouldn''t turn them away... however that also does not mean you have to actively recruit, and shouldn''t if you are bigger then you can handle, some times it takes an extra year to adjust especially if you have a large growth spurt. Also you can explain to the parents the problem, we are so large we just can''t handle right now, we suggest you join the pack that meets at x place. You may even want to get fliers for those other packs. Again if they want to join your pack. As I believe it was Baden Powell once said "The greatest disservice we can do is not involve a boy in Scouting" (ok I adlib a bit I think its actually ask them to join scouting...) you get the point ... Hope my 2 cents helps ... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org