jr56

If anybody has a burning question that they can't get answered by online training, they can always address a question to their commissioner staff, or at the next roundtable. There are outlets available for unanswered questions.

Agreed, I think it is much better to have a strong troop program, teaching many of the T-1st class skills before camp starts, and then doing whatever "leftovers" the boys need while at camp. I like the idea of First Aid and Swimming merit badges as well.

Unfortunately, this boy has committed several acts which constitute assault, and possible harrashment. You have several boys ready to quit, you can't sacrifice the needs of the entire troop for this one boy.

True, some people are moving away from Blue Cards, but they are still nice to have just in case there is no record of a scout earning a particular merit badge at council when he goes to fill out his Eagle Application. He has to provide some written documentation that he earned the merit badge, and the blue card provides one form of such.

I feel that for the most part, the forum has gotten a little more civil recently.

I have always believed that if they do the job right, DE's are overworked, underpaid, and underappreciated. I love scouting, but I wouldn't want to do that job.

I certainly think that the current program is much better than the attempt to take the "outing" out of scouting back in the mid 70's. I suppose more outdoor emphasis could be instituted, but then, it's a different world today than the one I grew up in.

Yes, at least 3 individuals must be present at all times, unless it is a father with his own son.

Used to be collected annually.

A lot of times these situations have a way of working their way out.

I have known several boys similar to your son. They sat at Tenderfoot forever. Then something happened to motivate them, a high adventure trip, wanting to join their friends in the PLC, or wanting to join their friends in the OA. Then they advanced like crazy.

You didn't go wrong at all. Your son is an individual who can choose his own path to follow. Also, just because he feels this way about things at this point in his life, doesn't mean that he won't change his views in a few years.

Thanks for sharing. What a remarkable group of young men.

Nice points. Eagle, class of 1971.

Thanks for the inspirational words, reminds me what Scouting is all about. God Bless You.

No one person can do it all. You have the help and support of your fellow Scouters, God bless you, and keep plugging along.

From what I've seen over the years, if you have a good DE, they are worth their weight in gold. I've also seen several that were mediocre and some that were not very good at all. I mostly see the DE position as a thankless job of selling scouting, I sure wouldn't want it. If they do their job right, they work lots of hours for their money. Lots of evenings and weekends.

don't get too discouraged, sounds like you did a great job, ask the Den leaders for any specific reason why the other troop was chosen over yours, maybe it's something you and your boys can work on in the future

Your COR can request a different UC.

Consider it done, how sad.

Thanks for sharing the story. Sorry for the family, but it does uplift your spirit to see how the community came together to help in their time of need.

I don't think Cub Scouts is bad. It is a different program than Body Scouts, and that is good, because it's designed for younger boys. I think alot of Weblos don't get the message, they think that Boy Scouting is just going to be more Cub Scouting. Plus, there are some that are really into Cub Scouting, but don't want to go camping. Then there is another big group that is so into sports, that they just don't want to devote any time to Boy Scouts. I guess better communication between the troop and pack would help somewhat, but, I feel alot of the attrition is due to the way the world works these days, and 100% of all Weblos are never going to go into Boy Scouts no matter what we do.

I agree, the District Committee or the Council Committee meeting would be a better venue to direct that question to. Also, as was previously stated, some research on what other SE's in comparably sized councils would be appropriate.

When I was a scoutmaster, I would make contact with the Weblos 2 den leaders as soon as school started. I would inform them of troop meetings and outings and special events we had planned for them throughout the fall and winter, leading up to bridging in Feb- March.

Wow, Earning my Eagle, getting inducted into the OA, 69 Jamboree, 99 Philmont, 05 Jamboree, Recieving the Silver Beaver.