Yes... too many. 

I can understand the adults desire to go, but it's a boy's camp.  Too many adults interfere the boys handling there own affairs.  Remember too that in addition to your Troop's adults you have the camp staff adults providing supervision.  I would comfortably take 30 to summer camp with 2 or 3 adults.  The tough part will be deciding who goes.  Maybe a few can split the week(s). 

 

 

Use official number 365 for all official purposes, especially registrations.  Web address ourtownpack5 should link to ourtownpack365.  IT may take years for a new number to be universally accepted...  still  better then two numbers.

If 365 is a combo of consolidated Pack numbers, that makes sense to retain the heritage of the Units.  But if your number went from a single digit # to a three digit number ending in #...  are you sure it was because of consolidation rather than changes in the Councils registration system.  In similar changes the registrar in my Council was able to create a number like "005" in the system.

It seems to me the main issue the Treasurer has is incurring and reimbur5sement a $75 expense that may not have had prior approval.  It is not at all unreasonable in any organization for an expense in excess of petty cash to be approved before payment/deduction/reimbursement.  

"Whats done is done", so I would report the $75 to the Committee, but not discuss it.  But... with the transition between Treasurers...  the Committee discussion should be what the expense policy & procedure is and communicate it to the Den and Pack leaders.

If the Treasurer's duties are "too much for one person to handle"... for many reasons give consideration to eliminating "scout's account(s)"

Yes, involve the Mayor !

I assume those who object is not involve any political position. 

If not an award presentation, maybe leading the Cub Scout Promise in the opening ?

Probably nil BSA products sold outside the USA.  Assuming main buyers are BSA members buying patches and T Shirts, $75 mil from 2 mill people seems reasonable.

Reading the magazine article footnote, the revenues may be self reported.  Not much representation on the list from Asian companies.  Many companies probably will not disclose such proprietary info.  Thus the list is not "global" and not all encompassing.  Many organizations are self promoting themselves to attract licensees, like the BSA...   http://www.licensingbsa.org/

I hope the BSA has a stringent review process of the product & manufacturer to maintain a high quality image and we'll not find BSA logos on products at the $1 store or a product safety recall!

WHY?

  “…trademark licensing program has grown from $6 million dollars in retail licensed product sales annually at the end of 2006 to more than $75 million dollars in retail licensed product sales annually at the end of 2016…”

WHO?

Mr Greg Winters, Manager, Licensing Programs, Boy Scouts of America

http://www.hktdc.com/ncs/alc2018/en/s/Speakers.html

According to a trade magazine http://images2.advanstar.com/PixelMags/license-global/digitaledition/05-2016-top150.html#46  the BSA is # 150 of the Top Global Licensors.  Bigger than I would have guessed!  Girl Scouts were # 104.  That's a lot of cookies and pinewood derby cars.

As a revenue source licensing make sense for the BSA and if I was in charge I would do it.  But... on the bigger issue of BSA as a franchise and public image (brand), the BSA has not done well.  At least in my Council the number of Organizations interested in chartering a Scout Unit continues to decline.  The BSA is a tough "sell" and  assigning your newest entry level person, the District Executive, as your "sales rep" has not worked well.

 

What's the point?  Alas, too often for too many the point is to have a meeting.

The Roundtable point should be additional training with camaraderie, but my experience:

o   Agenda is usually nothing of value worth the trip and time to attend.

o   Roundtable Commissioner lacking the skill or drive to make it worthwhile.

o   District leaders do not appreciate that for many dedicating another evening a month for Scouting is not easily or willingly done. 

 

Thus when the Unit Scouter does give the Roundtable a try... if not a good event (program, location, day of week, camaraderie, food, whatever)... it’s difficult getting them to come again.

 

When I was a District Commissioner... The Commissioner staff scheduled (4) four well-planned Roundtables per year.  The same Unit Leaders were also invited to awards dinner, camping promo, recruiting events, etc.

 

It didn't turn out well...  the District Executive (DE) scheduled monthly Roundtables.  Since there was no agenda attendees were unlikely to come back.  The "silver lining" is that the DE did not give the Friend of Scouting or Popcorn pitch.

What I suggest:

Rather than the onus on the Cubmaster, try getting other Pack Leaders to take turns attending the Roundtables.

Request your District distribute Roundtable “minutes” or newsletter with the info for those who could not attend.

 

I've been with a few Troops...

 

Dues determined by adults and collected by Treasurer every September to cover annual registration (due to Council in Feb-Mar), awards, leadership patches etcetera. 

 

The costs of common equipment (tents, pots, etc), "subsidizing" for all the cost of far away trips, financial aid for some boys, et al, was funded by fundraising and/or Chartered Organization budget.

 

Boys' Life subscription varied by Troop... (a) required of all and included in dues, (b) only for younger boys or © optional for each Scout with addition dues payment.

 

Adults in Troops with a few ASMs & Committee members did not pay their own registration. Adults in Troops with many adults paid their registration fee.

 

One Troop added the cost of Troop T shirt to dues.  Others do not want the hassle of maintaining inventory.

 

Some Troops attempted weekly/monthly dues collected by Patrol and/or the Scribe keeping dues records...  never worked!

 

Fund raising decisions had at least youth input & buy-in from the youth and ideally final decision making since they are the ones selling product, washing a car or making a spaghetti/pancake breakfast. 

 

All avoided candy or popcorn sales where product had to be pre-bought and no return of un-sold product.   Christmas trees were very profitable high margin, fun, profitable and lots of work for adults.  Once had concert performed by professional parents with their own "following" which was easy money.

 

 

Do you really want to decide who receives the scholarship, especially if more then one person is interested?  Potential for misunderstanding and hard feelings?

 

You indicated funding one a year for ten years, alternatively consider funding all who want to attend in the next year or so and see how it goes.  Unlikely you'll be swamped.  Better chance of people attending if they go with someone.  Your check should be made payable to Council Wood Badge account, Chartered Organization, Troop... minimize notion of charity to the individual.

 

Your offer is commendable, especially if there are some in your Unit who could use the help but are hesitant to submit a Council financial aid application. 

I've always wondered roughly what percent of Cub Scouts actually meet in Dens SEPERATLY and then attend a monthly Pack meeting.  In my urban District there are no truely seperate Den meetings.  All meet weekly as a Pack.  The 2 or 3 bigger, better Packs at least have Dens go to a different room or corner of a room for part of the meeting.

 

Reason I ponder this now...  In my District any CO registering girls will most likely not have SEPERATE girl or boy dens. 

Similar to Packs who do not have enough youth or adults for seperate Bear and Wolf Dens.

     My Council has had issues for as long as I can remember over 30 years thru different Professional staff, Advancement chairs, systems, etc.

     In the era of the paper Advancement Reports, the problems included illegible hand writing and matching names on the Report with names in the membership roster due to name variation, lapsed registration, etc. At various times they were not input by anyone.  Reports not getting from National Scout Shop to Council office.  Same problems wether volunteer or office staff doing the entry.  Seems often the task might not have had Scout Executive's backing to improve.

     Currently reporting only on-line by the Unit which makes sense to me, but as a District Commissioner I quickly learned the Units who didn't submit paper don't update their on-line records. Only time it mattered was when an Eagle candidate from a lax Troop submitted his application.

     Suggestions I tried to no avail (as expected) to push up the Council - Region - National chain to ease record keeping was first (minor) eliminate Merit Badge reporting & second (major) eliminate all reporting and rely on the annual rechartering membership update to monitor the advancement method of Scouting.

     Side note... One similarity between some bosses at my job and some BSA professional or volunteer leaders... if a report is printed out from the computer system it's assumed to be accurate, despite advise that the info is far from 100% accuracy.

 

Your SPL son is doing the right thing.  He's working with the ASPL.

As a practical matter, it's Sep 3, the event(s) are Sep 16-17 and his term ends at the end of Sep...

Any election advanced with nil notice to the Scouts before Sep 16 is a farce.  And wat are the prospect of new SPL doing a decent job with a week's notice compared to ASPL?

In summary, SM is an ass. 

If not already done... your SPL son should get the Patrol Leaders to decide and announce date of upcoming election so potential SPL candidates are aware.

Yelling... Not good. If you have to yell, you've lost control, you're setting a poor example.  Ask a new first year teacher and an experienced one about yelling.

I find it "telling" there is no mention of the Webelos Den Leader in the  original post, ie lack of leadership. Do the Webelois have a good program to keep them busy, ie "idle hands..."?

Re the one boy in particular being trouble, different Scout leaders have their own limits with how much to put up with... but if you going to suspend or expel, do it now at the start of Scouting/School year.

Re: "...Den Leaders this year who have stated they have not taken YPT..."

 

ScoutMom

 

My Council will not register Leaders who have not completed YPT.  Some Councils may register with a grace period of future YPT completion.  Some units may not complete and submit Leader applications to the Council. 

 

I'm guessing your Den Leaders are not registered with the BSA.... so I'll add one more suggestion:  Communicate your concern to the Pack Leader about Den Leaders not registered with YPT.  A lack of protection for all... youth, adult, and chartered organization, including no background checks. For the adults... The BSA General Liability Insurance provides primary coverage for registered Leaders, but for unregistered voluntees its excess over other insurance the volunteer may have.

 

Thank you for your interest in making the Pack's program better.  As with any organization... you work with who and what you got.  but YPT & registration can be achieved with some patience and prodding.

There may be applicable clauses in the Council(s) Charter & By-Laws. but as a practical matter... (a) Troop Committee and CO pick the preferred Council to register with. (b)  IH, COR and/or you (SM) meet with the DE, and © sign papers and and pay whatever is due.  If the Scout Professional is new, he/she will probably have to ask the boss.

 

I assume you want to stay with current Council, the services they provide and keep existing Troop #.  If the Council of the new CO location is not far away, at least investigate if this Council has better benefits .. camperships, activities,  etc.

 

It's all possible in the Scouting computer system... I'm familiar with a Unit whose CO is within Council A territory, registration is with Council B and meeting place is in Council C. 

(1)  Council is probably not concerned because BSA does not require parents who are not Leaders to complete YPT.  The BSA Council will confirm YPT of new Leaders and the Leaders registered annually when the Pack re-charters with the BSA. 

Some units ask parents to take YPT to familiarize them with BSA policy and especially when adults who are not BSA registered and are helping out with tasks such as driving to day camp...

 

(2) If I recall correctly... Generally two deep adult leadership does not apply to a car ride. No one on one contact applies. Two deep applies to the trip, ie  day camp. Lack of seatbelts is a no-no...!!  good sense, safe Scouting, State law.... et al. !! 

 

I would speak with the Pack Leader about it before I let anyone in my care get in a car associated with the Pack and ask about the Pack's plan for a Time To Tell meeting... a youth protection video that Scouts should view annually.

If I understand correctly... selling is done individually.  It's likley turnout woud be better if fundraising is a group activiity. XMAS trees, car wash, pancake breakfast, spagetti dinner etc.

More fun, teamwork, leadership opportunity for PL, SPL, Scribe...etc.

Agree with Eagle94, with caveat that it's been same CO.

My Troop has personal camping equipment (newly bought and hand me down) such as sleeping bags and packs for loan, assorted used uniforms for the taking and annual funding from CO to spend. 

 

CO funding used primarily to subsidize some big trips for the benefit of all participants, replacing equipment and financial assistance at CC & SM discretion. Summer camp paid by Council "campership".  Thus in our situation uniform, equipment and summer camp taken care of.  For dues and weekend trips, we require that all pay at least something. 

 

We keep accounting simple... no individual scout accounts, no budget items for individual trips, equipment, etc. No money given direct to any needy Scout family.  Any "shortage" resulting from a Scout not paying the full list price of dues or camping trip is indirectly covered by CO funds and Troop fundraising.

 

As a start for your Troop:

a) Set up at least a used uniform and camping equipment supply. This also useful recruiting tool for any new boy who may not be 100% committed yet.

b) Ask your Council about summer camp financial aid.

c) Boy's parent should check their assistance program for summer camp (some may include)

 

Since your CO forbids diverting general funds to the benefit of an individual, the problem is dues and weekend trip fees...

 

It's commendable if someone takes a a personal interest for a boy and writes checks, but assuming uncertainty of commitment, it's unlikely Council will fund an individual in your Troop ....  as a last resort inquire of a Commissioner or DE if any nearby traditional Troop may be better suited to provide Scouting to the boy or if the Council has Scoutreach or some such program.

Don't do it !  It's make work for overly involved adults who nit pick !

Get copies of Guide to Advancement, Troop Committee Guidebook, etc.

BSA GTSS: "Patrol Activities—A Boy Scout patrol or Varsity Scout squad may participate in patrol activities with the permission of its Scoutmaster or Coach and parents/guardians. Appropriate adult leadership must be present for all overnight Scouting activities."  And if not a BSA activity... If I became aware of an overnight trip, I would say something to them and be sure their parents knew.  Probably not expel them for that alone.  As a practical matter... good luck to unaccompanied minors finding a legit place to camp.

 

Where more evaluation and lots of gray area... unaccompanied daytime Scout excursions trips. Where, how far, how long, who, ages, transportation involved,  etcetera.  In most cases an adult (18+) would accompany the patrol.  As often noted, in too many cases the adult leads, rather then staying in the background.

 

As a younger teenager I and friends were also Scouts would take a day trip without adults. Once got picked up by police as suspected runaway! As older teenagers we went camping... didn't occur to us if unaccompanied minors were allowed or not, but no one was at the trailhead. anyway.

Always required one for any outside of CO activity. Primarily to make sure parent/guardian knew where the boy was and to be sure we had their urrent phone number.  (For some phone number seemed to change a lot!)

 

Knew they were worthless regarding liability if there was negligence.  Never sure if it was needed at an emergency room.

The goal is for the Patrol to stay together and if the Patrol has different ages, don't split them up. 

A backpacking trip might not be the ideal first trip for a new Scout. So whenever your Troop gets a batch of new Scouts plan accordingly. 

I would encourage all camping to be "rustic", ie no car camping, no cabins (well maybe winter !)... boys learn fast

Apparently the Scout is registered with a West Coast Troop. It's the West Coast Troop who had the Board of Review, signed off and did the paperwork.  Courts of Honor is a Troop responsibility, not recipients family.  Thus CoH should be West Coast.

 

Also apparent is the boy has Scout friends from East Coast Troops and East Coast family. Thus it's okay and a complement to the new Eagle Scout that his East Coast frends and family arrange an Eagle recognition event for him.

While the BSA registration systems may not be programed to prevent dual positions,,, the Commissioner Administration of Unit Service Manual Page 9 (amongst other BSA material) cites:

 

"... Commissioners must not be registered as unit leaders. Although some commissioners may be registered on a unit committee because they have a child in the unit or because of previous personal history in the unit, their principal Scouting obligation should be with commissioner responsibilities.

Please don’t assign unit commissioners to their own units or chartered organizations. A commissioner needs an objective view as an arm of the district and council. Avoid potential conflicts of interest..."

 

Despite the above, often a Scouter volunteers with a Unit and as a Commissioner. Some people do multiple positions well, but the downside of being a Commissioner for your own Unit usually outweigh the benefits. Unfortunately the benefits in some circumstances involve ego, Journey to Excellence stats, etc..