insanescouter

Welcome aboard! I am sure we will help each other out along the way. You may also want to check out scoutlink.net if you would like to chat with Scouts and Scouters from around the world. Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

I spend a lot of time online looking at other Scouting sites, Official and Unofficial. There are notable ones like usscouts.org and macscouter.org ... along with my site www.insanescouter.org. There are many wonderful scout muesum, troop, pack, crew, sites and even all those good non-scouting sites like about local places to camp, crafts, cooking, etc. What sites do you find the most useful and why? Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

I snap to attention and give you a Boy Scout Salute. Awesome job!!! Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

I know what you mean, that has happened to me a few times... There are also good scouting videos on video.google.com ... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

I am working on a very very large elephant right now... anyone want take a plate full away ... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

With several discussions of late, I thought many of you may find this interesting ... yeah yeah its a youtube video ...

Eamonn, I agree with you. I know of many parents who do not have the ability to help. You tell them they have to they will run with their kid, will most likely will never go into Scouting. Isn't this a greater dis-service? Are we not here to help every lad we can? I do believe parents should be asked to help in anyway they can. However this has to be done on a family by family basis. If they can not help, it should not prevent jr from being in Scouts. Before we start a new thread on this subject I already said this in the other thread. Yes, I know alot of this depends on location, the people involved, how big the unit is, how big the city is, how many other units are around, and a hundred other things. What works, for one unit won't work for another. My personally belief is that any kid who wants to be in Scouting, should be able to be in Scouting ... (yes with in certain conditions).. Ok my rant is over lets not start a new thread on this ... lol ... Basically in short what I am saying is .... Eamonn - just because you didn't help the Troop directly does not make you a bad parent... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

Offers JeffD a for his desire to uphold Scouting standards

Duh my point was ... if a whole den can do it in 13 months, with all activity pins ... a single scout can certainly do it in 6 months ... if they are willing to put in the effort and don't take short cuts on the requirements I say you should support them in their attempt.

Depending on the age of the Webelos he may need to have the AOL... if he is younger then 10.5 he has to have AOL to join a Troop, after 10.5 (at least here) we are allowed to take them no matter. As a side note I am not a believer in the 2 year Webelos program for many reasons I think it is a bad idea, however that is not my point... this is ... as a Webelos DL (in the past) I ran my den in about a 13 month cycle ... in those 13 months they could earn all 20 Activity Pins, Webelos and AOL. At that point they would be generally be eligible to go into a Troop. I should also note over those 13 months I had pre-arranged with the Troop to attend roughly 4 campouts, a few day trips, and even a court of honor, etc... Here is the impressive part that webelos den I ran grew in a few months to being two dens (ran as one - if you want to know I will explain how we did this) of over 20 kids, with 4 adult leaders and 2 den chiefs plus more parents then we could use waiting to help. Of those 20+ Webelos in the den something like 85% of them joined one of two troops. The rest either were moving (and said they would join a troop) or did drop out for one reason or another. Eeeeekkkk sorry didnt mean to brag or start a thread about 2 year webelos... I know there was point in there some where... anyway ... me will end my babbling here and remind all just my wacky 2 cents... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

Officially as I recall no the Scoutmaster nor the ASM are members of the Troop Committee. However most units I know at least allow one (and sometimes all) member(s) of the SM Corps a voice. I know many SM that if the committee took that voice away would just throw up their hands and disappear. That is not to mean they are bad SM, some of them are the best of the best. Others, well no comment. Ok I guess what I am trying to say is every unit, every group of people are different. What works for one unit wont work for another. I know of no unit that 100% of the time follows the BSA rules and guidelines 100% to the letter. That is not to mean I believe in following what is convenient to follow and ignore the rest, it is just a statement of fact. And please lets not start a policy war, that is not my intentions. Yes some units do a very good job at following the policies, and others to lesser degrees - but as I said I don't know of any that can say they have never, even if by accident, screwed up... (sorry I felt like a lawyer witting that trying to prevent being flamed... lol) Anyway I guess you get my point is to say that parents should or shouldn't have a say on what is going on? After all ASM, SM, etc are generally parents too ... It really comes down to what works for you, not what works for some one else. As I said above officially only committee members (as far as i know) have vote. In reality at least in my Troop all adults have a say including the parents. Keep in mind its rare to have more then 4-6 total people present anyway . Ok I am babbling again and going to get myself in trouble... take my babbling 2 cents for whats it worth and ignore the rest ... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

*repeats with * "its only an hour a week" and then adds "per Scout"...

The tools do all have purposes and the Scouts should know how to use them regardless of where you are located. However if you live in middle of a barren sand pit dessert like I do, the chances the Scouts have to really use wood tools is much lower then some one in say a wooded area I bet. The same is true with open fire. About 3 month out of the year it seems anymore fires are allowed in my area, do to fire danger levels. No matter we go, we have to bring in out own wood, and the boys know that is all they are allowed to use or cut. Give you an example why we enforce this rule, only wood we bring ... about 8 years ago a local troop was camping at the local mountain which has strict rules about trees, wood, fires, etc ... they decided to cut down something like 5 living trees. The forest service found out and the unit was fined something like $5,000 per tree. I never heard if they worked out a settlement or the parents end up paying for it or what. No matter how would have you liked to be in that mess? There are at rare times real reasons to cut down living trees. For paul buyan award we helped the local scout camp clear out some bug infested trees that the camp and the forest service said had to go. No matter always make sure you have permission of the owner of the land and any required permits. In our case we set it up in advance as a service project with the council and the camp ranger. No matter its like anything ... you let the kids see something but don't properly introduce them to it eventually their curiosity will get the better of them - that will often lead to serious consequences when it comes to wood tools! Teach the scouts to use all the tools properly, let them use them in a safe controlled environment, when not in use make sure they are secure in a car or some kind of locked box. If these tools are not used as they are meant to be they DO become and in all reality are weapons. Just my wacky 2 cents ... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

I checked scoutstuff.org and could not find it listed there... I am thinking maybe it is being updated or something... I really can't see them doing away with it... The Boy Scout Troop one is still listed ... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

Ok this topic always opens a can of worms with me... I am over trained in the use of "wood tools". I have been trained by many organizations including the National Park Service, National Foest Service, Americorps*NCCC, etc for Trail Crew work, Trail Crew Quatermaster, and as a NCCC team quatermaster. Any first let me make this clean and VERY clear ... every tool has a purpose and when use for that purpose in the RIGHT way is safe. The size of the tool makes NO differences, it is the way we are taught to use it. Next, a HAND AX and a Hatchet are totally different tools. I wish people would stop refering to them together. A hand as looks like a small version of a full size ax or a three-quarter ax. The hatchet is designed mostly for splitting wood wood that is already quartered, has a bigger & thicker head, a bigger butt (the back end most people use incorrectly as hammer and wonder why they get cut) and most distinctive feature is a BIG "V" (not the little nail removing "v" most hand ax's have - this "v" is much bigger). The hand ax is meant for smaller work, similar to what a full size ax is used for. An no, no "hand" size ax or hatched would be any good or safe to use on large wood, they are not designed for that. Keep in mind last time I checked a double bladed ax is not allowed in Scouting, check recent copy of guide to safe scouting to see if this rule still exists. A general way to tell if a Scout can handle the full size ax is have them hold it by the head (not the blade) straight out and do a blood circle. If they have the strength to do that smoothly then they have the strength to use it. That, however, does not mean they have the mental age to do so. Some other things to note always keep your blades clean and sharp. Also inspect the tools before every outing, to ensure they are still in good shape. Make sure you don't just have the Scouts read about the safety and then give them the totin' chip card. Part of the requirments (at least last time I checked) is to "Demonstrate" your ability to use the tools. Thus the Troop I work with the Scouts at the end of the course are asked to enter the ax yard one at a time and are asked to demonstrate using the tool. The instructor is on hand and helps the Scout with safety concerns, handling, posture, etc. This usually takes about 5 mins per scout. Later in the day or the next day they usually have time to work with the tools more to become more comfortable with them. As the California Conservation Corps saying goes "Safety First, Safety Always", forget that and bad things happen. Minimize the risk don't become paranoid over it. I would not recommend it as good idea that any Scout posses their own Ax of any size. This should be Troop / Group equipment only. Please feel free to ask me anything you may want to know about any outdoor hand tools, I know about many of them. Such as did you know most shovels need to be sharpened. Please take a look at the "wood tools course" I developed at http://insanescouter.com/t276/files/wood_tools.html. Yes I know this document is a bit dated now for example it says BSA does not allow us to have knives bigger then 4 inches, which is no longer the case. I guess as you can tell I for the most part, at least, agree with CalicoPenn ... Hope my wacky 2 cents is found helpful... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

fgoodwin, yeah I have heard of such problems many times ... it sounds like you are trying to head in the right direction... remind the SM or who ever controls the annual planner that Scouting is not a secret organization and all meetings most be open to parents, etc... 2nd, don't only introduce them to program feature, but other resources out there too some Scouting some not... 3rd, my dad (our scoutmaster) has put together a packet of sorts the PLC uses which has some of the data pre worked out like when holidays are, district and council events, school things, etc... so that they can be worked around. Also as part of this packet is a list of "approved" themes that they can pick from, usually around 30... some have a * next to them and they are required to include at least say 4 of those base skill themes that are needed every year. The PLC get to pick when the themes happen in the year. Then at the monthly PLC meetings they plan out the details. After the annual planner the SPL reports to the committee with their plan and seeks approval. Of course this often takes a rewrite on the PLC's part because they want to go some where to far away or go back pack Death Valley in July.... but they learn from ... things like hey lets go paint ball shooting or fly an aircraft for aviation month the SM will stop because of safety / BSA policy issues ... 4th and very important make sure your PLC and for that matter adult leaders get trained. The Troop Level Youth Leader Training is a good place to start. The NYLT course is also awesome (I have been on staff for 2 NYLT's). The big thing is you have to step back and let them fall a few times, until they see you will not be doing it for them or stepping in to "save" them they will not do it themselves. Yes, obviously you will need many "emergency backup plans" but you need to be careful you don't offer them to fast or readily, just enough to keep things moving forward and the transformation process as invisible to the younger scouts as possible. Anyways I have stuck my big wacky nose out again, and hope it was at least some what useful... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

GREAT ANSWER...

Make the cards your self... 1) get blank index cards and draw them on the card your self 2) Get the cards for a printer and print them on 3) Get cards that can go through a copier (usually laser), and copy them onto cards Ok I am a bit wacky and crafty right now ... lol Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

This was posted on a Scouting mailing list I am on, and being reposted here with permission... every time I re-read it, it brings tears to my eyes... If you would like to pass on any messages send an email to Cindy, the boys Den Leader, at mouseshouse@comcast.net Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org > I mentioned this before, but we have gotten a final diagnosis on the 7 > year old boy in my den. His name is Matt, and he was adopted 7 years > ago by a wonderful family. They had tried to adopt for 9 years before > getting the call that they had gotten Matt. He passed out in July and > stopped breathing. He was flown from Hawaii (parents were on their > 25th anniversary) to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He has been > undergoing a lot of tests and they have finally diagnosed his > problem. It is ALD (adrenoleukodystrophy). > > This is a HORRIBLE fatal disease. He has already started losing his > eyesight (he is almost blind) and is starting to have trouble hearing > and walking. The doctors have given him anywhere from 6 months to 2 > years. There is NO treatment once symptoms occur. Some of you may > have seen a movie around 1997 called LORENZO'S OIL. This is the > disease this little boy has been diagnosed with. Once the symptoms > occur, they progress quickly. This disease basically kills the brain > one section at time. The really bad thing is that it starts showing > up between the ages of 4 and 10 in boys. > It is genetic and the parents were unaware of the problem (because he > is adopted). > > In less than 1 month, this little boy has went from being one of my > most active scouts to one who can hardly see or get around. His father > is keeping him in my den as long as he can. He wants the boys > to continue in Matt's life until it is uncomfortable for him. > > What I am asking is for you all to keep him in your prayers and to > look at your children and give them a little bigger hug than normal. > > These parents are going thru HELL right now and they need all the > support they can get. The father is a police officer, a fire fighter, > and my assistant den leader. His mother is now staying home with him > to spend as much time as they have together. > > Cindy

I would like to pose a hypothetical question... Lets say BSA or maybe a private company provided the funding to pay one Adult in every Scout Pack, Troop, Crew, etc a full time wage. (This is not like the part time Scout Reach for poor, or troubled areas)... What position would be paid (IE: Scoutmaster, Committee Chair, or maybe a new combined or totally new position)? What would the duties of that position be? My answer would be a new position of sorts that would be a combination between mostly the SM and Committee Chair. Duties would be on the lines of: - Actively work to recruit new Scouts, families and leaders - Actively set up fund raising opportunities - Over see the Troop Committee and The overall Unit Program - Arrange to obtain the necessarily awards and turn in assorted paperwork to Council - Work with volunteers to ensure they are trained in their positions and help them as much as possible to make their jobs smooth (not necessarily easy, but easy and organized as possible to perform) - Attend monthly Roundtables and stay in contact with the Unit Commissioner - Stay on top of and keep the committee informed of upcoming events, things going on at the Schools the unit services (where the kids attend), the location where the unit meets, with their sponsor organization, etc. Ok that is enough to give you all an idea of what the question means... I do not mean this as a debate, but more just a fun question... after all how many leaders do I hear mumble they wish they could do Scouting full time... We all know its one hour a week ... per scout... right? As always my wacky 2 cents .... take it or leave it Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

I am one of those that thinks we need to allow the PLC (at scout level) pick the themes with in certain guidelines. That does not mean that we don't present them with the pre-made themes, and some times they do go with them and alter them or use them as is, other time they go on their own. There are thousands of places to find ideas, and things to do. Online and off line. Like in our Troop one month the theme was Cycling, one of our adults found out a Olympic cyclist was in our area, we contacted that person who came out did stuff with the Scouts. Another time it was Caving and we found the local "Grotto" (caving) club who had several members come out and teach the scouts about caving and even arrange to take them into two safe caves as part of a campout. Don't get me wrong most of the time the older scouts teach the younger scouts, but their are times when it is better or do to safety and expert is needed. The big thing is no matter the level they need to be doing something different all the time, have no dead time when they can get into trouble, have lots of chances to learn new things with out knowing and most of all beyond everything else it most be fun. I am a big believer in KISMIF (keep it simple make it fun) and "Control through activity" meaning you they are always doing something and don't know they are learning something, completing a requirement, and just as importantly don't have time to get into mischief. Anyway I am babbling on again ... as always just my wacky 2 cents... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

There are a few things I can think of... 1) my most treasured postions from my time as a Cub are my pine wood derby cars (so maybe some kind of shadow box for them would be nice) and the arrow I received from Akela when I received my Arrow of Light which to this day still hangs proudly on my wall. 2) A shadow box of sorts for their blue uniform and patches 3) Some kind of patch blanket or vets 4) A keep sake memories photo / scrap book 5) Lastly specific to your question... my acheivments not the patches but the cards, certificates, etc are stored in a binder using sport card sheets, page protectors, and other kinds of orgnizers based on size needed like maybe the cd, floppy or zipdisk plastic protectors for binders. Hope my wacky 2 cents were of some help... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

As a Scout I was Troop Librarian for years.. we had a wooden box that the books were kept in, organized alphabetically... at any Troop function the other Scouts or Leaders could come to me and check out a book. We had a limit, like 3 at a time or something like that. There was a form where we kept tracked of who had what book, when it was checked out, and when it was returned. We also checked condition on checkout and return. Once every so often I went through it and gave out of date books to the committee to do with as they saw fit. The committee would then approve funds for replacement books if needed. Often newer books came to use becuase we didn't have that one, so a Scout would go buy it, get the merit badge, and then give the Troop the book. I would also like to recommend the library have other reference material too, such as a Scout Handbook, Field Book, Program Features, SM Handbook, Guide to Safe Scouting, Audbon type nature books, knot books, etc anything you can think of along these lines may be appropriate. They would also be good when the committee needs to look something up, or the PLC needs a reference, etc... Just my wacky 2 cents... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

Welcome aboard... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org

On once campout I was on there were two adults and a small pick up. The kids were dropped of by a parent with a mini-van but they couldn't stay. Later that day a thunderstorm rolled in. No big deal where we live its common. But a lighten strike started a brush fire. We were told by the local volunteer fire department to evacuated, even though the fire was still on the other side of the mountain. They were afraid it would come over the ridge, and if it did we would of only had minutes to escape it. The problem was a different parent coming up that evening also with a mini-van wasn't due for like 5 hours. We with the reserved permission of the fire fighters stayed at the campsite for several more hours. But the glow on top of the ridge was growing brighter. Finally with about an hour to go we put all the kids in back of the pick up and headed down the dirt road to wait closer to the free way for the other parent. We meet the other parent about 75% the way down the mountain. The fire never came over the ridge. The next committee meeting the decision was made no campout would occur unless enough seat belts for each person adult and youth was available the entire trip. This may seem like an obvious thing, but when you know you have a small group of Scouts, as I recall it was like kids and 2 adults. And a parent can drop them off and a that evening another would be there for rest of the trip, would you cancel the event? At that point we were still a really small trip and we needed every activity we could just to stay afloat, keep the kids interested and keep them advancing. Just something to think about... and more of my insane cents.... Scott Robertson http://insanescouter.org