jbroganjr

I still think the boy should be removed from the troop. If this was one or two incidents, then a suspension would be in line, but the wanton killing of an animal and behavior towards other scouts in addition to a blatant disregard to the PLC tells me that this kid has to go. This also does not address the mothers constant threat of physical abuse. By this troop doing nothing, this behaviour is being condoned. If you where to ask the PLC their thoughts, what would they say, suspend, keep or let go? I'd bet they'd move for removal, as kids are much tougher with rules and conducts of behavior t

Well I have always let the boys know where the phone is and tell them to talk to me first about calling to go home. I also strongly stress to parents about homesickness, what not to say to the scout (like " I miss you too!" - guarrantied to come pick him up), but instead to ask about activities, etc. It is also important for the parents to understand that their son needs a goal(s) whether it is a merit badge, etc. (Talk to the SM of camp about what topics would be good for their son first, typically homesick kids will not want to willingly talk about all the fun stuff they do during the day as

Even if they triple your scout pay, 3 x 0 is still nothing. Since there is a history here of trouble, and the fact that threats and violence are absolutely not to be stood for, It is time for your troop to kindly show them the door. I would have done this the instance the toad was killed. I definitately would not tolerate a couple of times of a kid disappearing and creating a lost scouter situation. Scouting is supposed to be fun, get rid of this scout, otherwise the troop and rest of the boys will leave you first. Tx. Jbroganjr

Great Points...though I don't agree with the no phone deal. I tell my new scouts that they are now big guys, and there is the phone, BUT they should be trustworthy and let me know if they call home about homesickness. This experiment worked real well in years past, not so good this year. I had a scout go home this year. I believe this was a battle between mom and scout, and this may have been the first time mom said no to the scout and the scout was not about to allow this pattern of behavior continue. Now I know that all of us scouters are paid handsomely to deal with these problems, but this

Came back last night from a presentation of wood beads to a good friend of mine and as is normal, the after meeting discusion between scouters from the area began. The topic that came up and i have seen this in threads, is that all training is going to be geared toward developing leadership skills, not outdoor skills. Hello, is Texas asleep???? While leadership skills are an important goal of scouting, best realized by the boys by doing instead of being told, it is the outdoor experiences that are the enticements of scouting. If we present to a boy an opportunity of being outdoors, with

I agree that this fast track mentality is absurd...it has now created the 13 yr old eagle for pete's sake. Luckily, my troop and SM expect a scout to be able to do the task required... and not immediately after learning them, normally 2 to 4 weeks after "completion" of the requirement. So you quessed correctly, we do not get to many 1st class ranks earned by the end of one year. It normally takes One year, a lot of outdoor experiences and two summer camps. One of the greatest helps though in having the boys master the rank and want to achieve the rank is the normally overlooked Webelos re

Yes, the prices are a bit steep, but I wonder how much national's cut is on the price. More importantly, is how badly designed the uniforms are, especially the pants. I am no longer a Little Kid and don't feel the need for the stretch waist band whose only purpose seems to be to let my shirt fall out as I bend over to start/cook on a fire, etc. And what knucklehead thought it a good idea to have a pocket on top of a pocket? Did they think it a wise choice to have bulging material as you fill both pockets? And having a square bottom pocket I find lends itself to letting the things in that p

I think that the only new merit badge to be created should be named "Exploiting Innocence" where we teach the boys that there is always more to the headlines. I hope everyone else in scouting is out promoting the good that scouting promotes in youth, as Hell will freeze over before there is a national campaign. I am happy to report that the many people I encounter feel that scouting is on the right path. thanks john

Here are a few ideas, some will take some effort in preparation. Medieval Themed - there are re enactor groups out there who would gladly come and help. Some activities - archery, catapult competion, storm the the castle, axe throw... Civil War Themed - lots of time needed to get re enactors lined up. We had one in 2000, North and South, troops were participants in the drills and re enactments. Use period cooking recipes, methods. Even had a 1863 church service with an antique organ in the middle of the field. Here is one I am working on now, it is not complete - the Posh Resort Inn Camp

There are lies, damn lies and statistics - Mark Twain It is incredibly scary to read this post, almost to the point of getting out torches and going on a gay witch hunt. It does sound to me that most of the respondents in this column have never known or worked with homosexuals, except the one reply about the only difference is choice of partner. I also come away with the impression that these arguments are religious based, which is fine, but show me in the new testament where it is written that we should cast out the homosexuals. When I read it it, it says to love one another, accept th

I believe the access issue is a whole lotta of nothing but politicians blowing hot air. Access to public institutions does not need another law. BSA will prevail on this issue. Please keep in mind, IMHO, that BSA knew this would be one of the downsides of fighting the Dale Case. As for charter organizations abandoning BSA, many of them have their hands tied by public law...the same law BSA is standing upon. It will mean a rededication of parents to find new charter organizations to keep up the great scouting program. It is my wish that the hypocrosy of many scouters be realized... It is

While I support the decision in regards to a group having the right to associate and limit association, as per the 1st amendment, I have a problem with showing (teaching?) boys discrimintation. I viewed the program in question last night and while the subject is controversial, I came away with the following thoughts. First, the program is correct in stating that no where does BSA state that homosexuals are not allowed in there handbooks, registration forms etc. Second, I believe all the scouts shown on last nights program exemplified the boy scout law and oath. In fact, there was a com

Contact the council training chair (a volunteer) and ask him/her for this information. Better yet, ask the council to put on a one day training session.

I completely disagree with the idea of not using a theme. All patrol competitions can be tailored to a theme. A theme makes things "new" and can be used to help promote/sell the idea to the boys, so that not only do they just show up, but, can grab ownership of the idea/theme and prepare for the camporee. Themes are also important in carrying over to the cub side of things. Our district has made the mistake of splitting cub/boy scout camporees and in doing so have thrown out a great recruiting tool. Having run the the last three camporees I wholehearted encourage all scouters not to be laz

In addition to colors you mentioned: Dk Blue for Webelos badge, thin black lines for act. pins, purple for world conservation, purple/silver for any religious awards. I also suggest Blue and Gold flights for the arrows, as it is cubs they are coming from.

This recently happened in our district. A CM left, no one would take his place. the previously CM stepped in temparily. Again, no one would take the job. The district stepped in (Contact your districts Commissioner and Unit Commissioner). You might not have a unit commissioner, but every district has a DC. Our DC & Dist. Executive went to the next pack night, and after their talk, got two co leader CM. Sometimes it starts out that way, with two, but normally within the year, One individual becomes the lead dog. I hope this helps along with the other good advice posted above JBroganJr

First off, what is the theme? Many ideas can be incorporated into a theme. I am assuming (a dangerous adventure that ;-}, that a cub o ree is the same as a cub camporee (without the camping) Ideas: Get the Cub Scout How to Book, The sports and academic pin book, and peruse the scout books (wolf/bear/webelos) for activities, make them fit the theme and you should have enough ideas for 20 units to do. Also, what games do you like to do? Pick a couple that the boys can do either solo or as a den or as den/den competition. I'm a big believer in having a slide making station. Examples I've seen in

I currently live on both sides of the communication sword, nicely put as a two way street... but sometimes your D*&^ if you do and D*&^ if you don't. As cubmaster, I put out a monthly Pack Newsletter, handed out to DL's at pack night to hand to every boy in their den. The pack (80+ boys) has a great bunch of leaders who understand the need to communicate effectively, but we seem to always have a few families who don't get the message... They normally are the same families month to month who don't bother to read the newsletter, rarely show up but get incensed when little johnnie did not

I currently live on both sides of the communication sword, nicely put as a two way street... but sometimes your D*&^ if you do and D*&^ if you don't. As cubmaster, I put out a monthly Pack Newsletter, handed out to DL's at pack night to hand to every boy in their den. The pack (80+ boys) has a great bunch of leaders who understand the need to communicate effectively, but we seem to always have a few families who don't get the message... They normally are the same families month to month who don't bother to read the newsletter, rarely show up but get incensed when little johnnie did not

My suggestions, fortunately, or unfortunately, will require some work, and hopefully fun... 1. Fun, creative and new camporee ideas... our district just did one in the spring where the boys became reenactors in a Civil War theme. Camporee had about 40 re-enactors, divided between two camps. Boy Scout Camping was set up different... campsite set up as military streets, all cooking done on fires, no lights, except lanterns (flashlights in tents only). The weekend was set up as a drill, practice, lessons on life in 1863, and concluded with a re-enactment. Yes, it was a lot of work (I was on co