johnsned

I have been on staff for 5 WB courses this fall I am going to be Course Director, I am also on staff for our councils TDC (Trainers Development Conference), where one of the sessions is How Adults Learn they do and exercise where they dived the group into three teams, each need to learn a phrase in American Sign Language. Group #1 has written instructions on how to make the gestures Group #2 has the written Instructions and cartoon drawing of each sign. Neither of these groups instructors can show them and they are discouraged from practicing. Group #3 is given both sets of instruction plus the instructor shows them how it is done and has each person try it. The point is by doing you increase your retention from 10% by reading 20% by seeing to 80% by doing.

Writing the ticket is an exercise in understanding and application of what you learned at Wood Badge. It is an opportunity for the Troop Guide and the Course Director to see how well they 1) understood the Course and 2) how well they are going to be able to apply what was taught. The ticket is the culmination of all of the learning, Vision Mission Values, Project Planning, Aims and methods, and others.

Frankly if the ticket is an enormous struggle and very cumbersome people (Staff and/or Participants) do not understand the material at Wood Badge or their position in Scouting. It would be concerning if the first symptoms that the material wasnt getting through was at the point they start writing tickets.

John

Dan... Dan... Dan...

I know exactly what I posted. It was a JOKE!! You know what that is right? Something said or done to evoke laughter or amusement, especially an amusing story with a punch line."

A story about someone taking things way too seriously, completely fictitious. Before I posted this I couldnt have imaged people seeing this as a true story, I wasnt trying to express my opinion on matching pants, scout socks or neckerchiefs. It was like I said about people who take things to an absurd extreme.

I will make sure that I submit any further posts to my attorney, so we can avoid this type of misunderstanding in the future.

As I said earlier some people are unwittingly making themselves the butt of this joke. You know showing absurd behavior or opinions that are out of proportion to the circumstance.

I think I may be nominated for the Noble Peace Prize since I was able to gey Bob White and Fat Old Guy on the same side of an issue.

Isn't this one of the signs of the apocalypse?

JohnSned

The only bad thing is not they are both comming after me! :-)

Amen! FOG

TwoCubDad get's it. This story was a joke about the people who take it seriously and are too anxious to judge others and point out there shortcommings.

I guess I wasn't sufficiently clear when I started this topic. This is a joke, not an actual event not even a parable. When I said "I thought this was funny and made some good points" Again I was unclear. Some points good some point perhaps not so good. I agree with the spirit of the story not every point. I thought it was more humorous than educational.

Bob White, I appreciate the way you voiced your concern. "My concern johnsned is your willingness to assume that anyone who uses the uniform as a method to achieve an aim of scouting is some nitpicking, child harrassing, rule spouter. So to remedy that prejudice you seem willing to discount the value of the entire method."

I agree whole heartedly that the Uniform is a valid and powerful method to achieve the aims of scouting. I only think that people who are nitpicking, child harrassing, rule spouters are such, not those who take using the uniform seriously and are encouraging youth and adults alike to give due respect to the uniform. Sometimes we adults can take ourselves too seriously and when we do that underminds our influence with the boys, as does not being consistent.

I am still not sure how Dan read into this that I am trying to do away with the Uniform.

Thanks for your responses.

John

Did I suggest that anybody suggested anything else?

I was just giving my opinion.

I think some of you unwittingly became the butt of this joke. I do not disagree with placing importance to the uniform; I think it serves an important purpose. I do think you can take this way too seriously and I think that is what the fake, made-up, imaginary story illustrates.

On my honor I will do my best I encourage my scouts to do their best, as I get to know them I understand more what their individual best is. I then encourage them to meet that, but hold back judgements until I know what their best is.

It is no business of mine if I see a Scouter who sewed on a temporary patch, or doesnt have his knots correctly aligned. Nor should I publicly point out that Billys pants while the right color arent BSA issue. I should understand the situation intimately before I offer guidance. This could be an incredible sensitive issue for the boy.

I think the award should be awarded base solely on the quality of contribution to youth, and the impact that persons contribution had on youth. Unit, District or Council Level regardless.

It should be an outstanding contribution something above and beyond the call of duty. Not because the Council Chairman was the council chairmen for 3 years does he deserve a Silver Beaver, it needs to be exceptional and outstanding his personal contribution to youth.

The heart and soul of Scouting is at the unit level.

A friend of mine posted this on another site, I thought it was pretty funny and made some good points.

"OK, I have a confession to make. I used to belong to the Uniform Police. Yes, it's true. I rose quickly through the organization. First I worked part-time answering the phone at the "Uniform Snitch Hotline", and then assisting at Uniform Inspections, and then I became a full-fledged Uniform Inspector. Then FINALLY I got the big one, a promotion to become an undercover Insignia Placement Enforcement Officer, top grade. Oh baby, I had finally arrived! Wow! You should have seen me walking around so proudly with my clipboard of Uniform Inspection Sheets and a quick draw holster holding my micrometer. I loved yelling at newbie Cub Scouts and their clueless parents. And those little rug rats, I loved screaming, "Your Iron-On is peeling TIGER BOY!" They cry so easily. I loved to find merit badges upside down, or rank advancements sewn on the wrong pocket. I showed no mercy to people wearing more than one Quality Unit patch.

But the best was interrupting Eagle Courts of Honor, screaming wildly as I ran onstage if the mother pinned her son's Eagle medal on incorrectly. Ooooh, I lived for that one! But, as in all perfect stories, one fateful day I went too far. It was nighttime and I was at a council dinner looking to make a big score. That's when I saw him, an elderly man, Silver Beaver, 4-beader no less. Decked out in his finest set of Class A's, chest covered in knots, a real trophy bust. I thought nailing him would make my career! I quickly got in position and made my move. He didn't know what hit him. I slammed that old Woodbadger against the wall, getting right in his face I screamed, "I WANT TO SEE A SHINE ON THAT BEAVER, MISTER!" That's when it all came crashing down. I thought they'd just suspend me, maybe punish me, like a transfer down south of the Red River. But they kicked me out completely. I was a Uniform Police washout!

It was so humiliating! I was required to enroll in one of those 12-step programs. It was during one of those meetings that I finally saw the light. We were all in our "friendship circle" quietly chanting our mantra, "Uniforming is a Method, not a Goal", when suddenly it hit me! Uniforming is one of the Eight Methods of Scouting; not one of its Three Goals!!!

I fell to the floor. Bright light invaded the room. I had the sensation of floating in mid-air. Time seemed to stand still. That's when I heard this deep powerful booming voice coming from nowhere and everywhere all at the same time, "UNIFORMING IS A METHOD, NOT A GOAL!"

My life was forever changed after that incredible awe-inspiring experience. So now, years later, as a Scoutmaster and a reformed Uniformaholic, I can quietly and calmly share with you these simple but treasured thoughts. We have eight methods in Scouting, but we have to understand and accept that not every boy will become an Eagle, not every Scout will climb a mountain at Philmont, and the uniform isn't about how much of it you wear, but the reasons for which you wear it. Methods are ways of accomplishing Scouting; they are not an end in themselves.

Our Uniform should be about a bridge bringing people together, a reminder of the ideals we hold and a commitment to an Oath and set of Laws we share, a pride in what we are a part of, and an outward symbol of good to the community. For many people that uniform stands for hope, as they see a group of boys, tomorrow's leaders, learning about doing good works as they gather food for the hungry or care for the environment. Our uniform has come to stand for an organization that throughout its inception has helped over 100 million boys grow while doing their best.

A uniform can accomplish all of those things even if the patches aren't placed perfectly or the pants don't match.

Some people see the Uniform as a goal. They want their troop to look sharp. Getting everyone in complete uniform becomes the goal they seek. Suddenly what they're wearing becomes more important than why they're wearing it. Fostering citizenship, developing character, and promoting fitness are the three goals of the Scouting program. The uniform, in whole or part, is an outward symbol we use as one of the methods for getting us there. "

Garmin ETrex Legend GPS

Camelback SnowDAWG Daypack

(I got this from a friend, I thought it was funny)

Greetings,

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of your choice, with respect for the religious and secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, including their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all.

May you have a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2004, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great, (not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country or is the only "America" in the western hemisphere), and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, or choice of computer platform.

By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for himself or herself or others. This greeting is void where prohibited by law and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first.

Warranty is limited to restatement or replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.

One correction, it is not the Varsity/Venture letter. It is the Varsity letter, the two programs are separate and don't share awards. The first requirement to get the Varsity letter is be a registered member of a Varsity Team. Only members of a Varsity Unit are eligible for the Letter and Denali award.

That would be great. What language did you program it in?

JohnSned

Here in sunny California we seldom even use tents, sometimes the Camporee is the only time we use them.

What is the big difference if the boys use their tent, the troop tent or no tent? Sounds like a power play to me, aren't the boys supposed to lead. To let them lead you need to empower them, let them make decisions and deal with the consequences, then the adults help them understand the consequences, and how making decisions lead to consequences.

I also think that you should wear the uniform. I think the more adults that come in uniform the better. I think it is a powerful gesture of support.

JohnSned

I used to be a Fox! WEM-51-2-00

John Snediker

Course Director Fall 2004

Is anybody going to attend the Course Directors Conference at Phoenix this Weekend? I'll be there and I'd love to meet anyone that is going to be there.

John

I will be the 1st Assistant Scoutmaster for a contingent from California; we are going on a 15-day tour before we arrive at the Jamboree. This will be my first Jamboree as an Adult Scouter.

Hello Dave,

I am very familiar with Central America and have very close friends from all over Central America.

I agree the typical tour you'd get from a Travel Agency is far too bland for my tastes as well. You can however work with Travel Agents from the country of interest and get a real Native look at the country.

Costa Rica is great, so is Guatemala, there is a really great city called Antigua really beautiful also there is Pacaya and Calderas, real great eco tourism there.

What I have done is booked a tour through a local and stayed in pensin, it's like renting a room with a local family. They are extremely hospitable and take amazing care of you, they will steer you in the right direction and help you find things off the beaten track.

Anywhere is Central America is safe these days, there is some political tension in Chiapas, Mexico and also in Nicaragua, even so very safe.

Knowing the language will greatly enhance your experience and will increase your possibilities. I am fluent in Spanish that has more than come in handy, the more remote the location the less likely youll run into English speakers.

Sounds like you are going to have a great vacation, need a guide?

John

I live in the Los Angeles area and Yes Scout shirts have become popular in the 17 - 24 crowd. They use them because theyre stylish. It is common to see punk/rock stars wearing BSA uniforms. They have really caught on, it is very difficult to find "experienced" uniforms in second hand stores. They all get bought up and believe it or not are then resold at stores on Melrose Ave (were you buy hip clothes) They dont want new shirts they want them with all the cool patches, the more obscure the patches the better, the older shirts have character. I went to a second hand store in my uniform to find some for some boys that couldnt afford it. When I asked them if they had shirts, they said they had sold out and even offered my $30 for mine, cuz I got cool patches n stuff.

Good or bad like all fads they wont last long.

I am a Gen-Xer in my early 30s, I started as an Assistant Scoutmaster when my wife was pregnant with our first child. He is now 7 and just started Tiger Cubs this year. In the Past Seven years I have served as ASM, SM for 5 years, District Training Chair, Roundtable Commissioner, Wood Badge Staff 5 times I will be the Course Director in 2004, I am currently a Cubmaster, Assistant District Commissioner, and I will be ASM for a council National Jamboree Troop in 2005 years before my oldest boy is eligible to attend. All this before my three sons are even in Scouting.

Part of the problem with new volunteers committing more time is that parents work more, commute longer than ever before, to have a stay at home mother is the exception rather than the rule. In my families case we decided that it is worth having a smaller house, older car etc to have my wife be at home and raise our children. I am lucky to have a job with very flexible hours. I can be home in the afternoon with my children then put in another couple of hours of work when theyve gone to bed. Not everybody has this much time. We were going to move further out in the suburbs to get a bigger house but decided that the extra 2 hours a day in commute werent worth it.

When I started becoming more involved with the District it was very similar to Old Gray Eagle, I love the imagery of the Musk Ox huddle, which described our District committee. Some are helpful and some we might be better off if they backed off some. They were very territorial and all the meeting, training and roundtables were aim to their tastes. Their attitude doesnt encourage people to step up. Well to quote BP A fisherman does not bait his hook with food he likes. He uses food the fish likes. So with boys so it is with Gen Xers and new potential volunteers. Some people have been around so long they cant remember what it was like to be new, not know anything or anybody.

I have been quite successful on the troop and district level in getting new volunteers/leaders. If you arent getting new leaders stepping forward or accepting positions we need to understand why and to simply say oh theyre just GenXers isnt enough. We need to make new people feel welcome at the Musk Ox huddle.

Your friendly neighborhood GenX'er,

John

Hello Scoutingagain,

I used to live out your way, I lived in Lowell Mass. It has been a while so I don't know specifics off hand. I know you have many options. You can go into your local Sporting Goods store and ask there, or buy a book on local trails, and camping areas, buy a topographical/trail map of an area close to you a State or National Park and you can usually find some good hikes.

On the internet there are several sites the host 'Trail Finders', these are databases usually, or lists of hikes, they'll contain information on difficulty, distance, and some further discriptions. Once I see one that looks interesting you can do an internet search on the trial looking for 'trail journals, logs' When I was able to find these they were quite helpful. If I can't find a lot of info about it I'll check it out first.

Here is a link to a http://gorp.away.com/gorpapps/trails/search_results.tcl?stateid=31

I hope this helps. I worked for a Summer at the High Adventure Base in Maine, 'Sebomok High Adventure Base' near Moosehead Lake in Maine. I loved it there.

Good luck to you!

JohnSned

With the new Wood Badge Course 21st Century Wood Badge most of the outdoor training was taking out, now the emphasis is on Leadership Skills. I think it is a good change; the Old Wood Badge didnt have that much Outdoor Skills training. The National Training Committee felt that there were more appropriate venues for outdoor skills training. Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is just that, and Introduction, there are many other courses that can be given. From the High Adventure Training to Roundtables to other training courses there are courses set up to teach these skills. I am Roundtable Commissioner and Assistant Training Chair we have a lot of supplemental training sessions, I poll the district as see what people want and need to learn then we put on a course.

We have yearly Winter Survival and Camping courses, Pioneering, Outdoor Cooking, and Mountain Man Events training in my District. If you dont have enough training in you District talk to your Training Chair, or volunteer to be the Training Chair, or put the training events on your self. It isnt too hard to find instructors.

Just my opinion,

JohnSned

I don't think you can name any major movie studio that supports scouting. Who knew that Follow me boys would be controversial.

JohnSned

Unless I am missing something the requirement doesnt specify if the camping is done with the Troop, Patrol or Unit. I dont see how you can compel the boys to adhere to requirements that are implicitly in the official merit badge requirements.

Is this not the complete requirement for how many nights camping and what those nights must entail? I dont see where it mentions who must oversee the camping or what group it should be. It just says camping.

Show experience in camping by doing the following:

Camp out a total of at least 20 days and 20 nights. (You may use a week of long-term

camp toward this requirement.) Sleep each night under the sky or in a tent you have

pitched.

On any of these camping experiences, you must do TWO of the following, only with proper

preparation and under qualified supervision:

Hike up a mountain, gaining at least 2,000 vertical feet.

Backpack for at least four miles.

Take a bike trip of at least 15 miles or at least four hours.

Plan and carry out a float trip of at least four hours.

Rappel down a rappel route of 30 feet or more.

On one of your campouts, perform a conservation project approved in advance by the

private land owner or public land management agency.