jr56

Yes, I can identify. I don't think term limits should be in place, as long as the people doing the job are happy doing it, and there is no drive to replace them with somebody else. I've also noticed the districts reusing the same people and not utilizing new faces that want to come up.

It really doesn't matter what we think of it, but what your District Eagle Board thinks of it.

Let the Scoutmaster and SPL know what the possible consequences could be, and let them spread the word. I would alos descretely investigate, and make sure that this practice is really happening, or if it is just a case of boys telling stories to impress other boys.

Actually, Troop Program Features is an updated version of Woods Wisdom, so we use both, I guess.

I have always had to use judgement on a case by case basis. Scouts can be prepared for just about anything. But, as weather conditons get worse, you need more and more experience to keep yourself comfortable. If, in my judgement, the scouts I were taking out were not experienced enough to handle the weather, I would cancel the outing.

Sorry to reveal my ignorance Eamonn, but is a scout leader not allowed to wear his knots on the sea scout uniform? We have a sea scout skipper in my council who has 18 knots on his sea scout uniform.

Any knot that you are entitled to wear can be worn on any uniform shirt you have.

Good luck to you, hope everything turns out well.

Get as many assistants as you can.

For whatever it's worth, I went through all the same problems with a Venture Crew a few years ago. It is discouraging, and I too wish I had some answers.

Thank you for sharing.

I generally don't worry about it unless it becomes a real hygene issue, (the kid stinks). At that point, I tactfully suggest a shower, with the appropriate YP guidelines of course. With the pool, and other waterfront opportunities at camp, it's never been an issue for me.

I feel that any boy who has the dedication to complete his Eagle should be commended, sadly, no matter what the circumstances, there always seems to be somebody to criticize the accomplishment. He's too young, he's a "deathbed eagle", he hasn't been around the troop much lately, etc. Just congradulate them for a job well done, and realize that whatever motivated the individual to achieve the rank, he did it, and shut up and move on.

Sounds like you hit the nail right on the head again, Eamonn.

Thanks for all the input. I respect your opinions, but that is the way I see it in my particular council. Who knows, to be perfectly honest, maybe I am a lousy trainer and scout leader and that's what they are trying to tell me, who knows? Maybe things will change with the new wood badge course, but of course, unless I step down and redo the course, their's no way for me to ever serve on staff (We have been told this in our council, that you cannot ever staff a wood badge course unless you have taken the new 21st century course). I still don't think that there should be any age restrictions either, to refer back to the original question addressed on this thread.

Wasn't it Eamonn who said something to the effect of train them, and then let them lead. Same thing with menus. The scouts must be properly trained before they can be turned loose on menus.

Loop up.

I don't feel that it is necessary to have an age requirement for a wood badge course. Everybody matures at a different rate, and there are many young men out there under 21 who would get alot out of the course. You are never too young to learn. I may get flamed, but the more I see, wood badge is becoming more like a "good old boys club", where if you rub the "right" people the right way, you will get invited back to serve on staff, and maybe even be a course director someday. If you don't fit in with the "click" you are politely snubbed and avoided. Sorry, but I don't have time for that kind of nonsense.

Thank you for sharing the blanket ideas.

That is good news.

True, if everybody could do as they pleased, we wouldn't have a uniform program anymore. The "scouting program" would be whatever the CO decided to make it.

Here's hoping that your "sell by date" gets extended indefinately.

This subject has been discussed in my troop at length. The final consensus was that scouts get plenty of opportunities to cook as patrols on their weekend campouts throughout the course of the year. Summer camp gives them a different perspective, giving them the opportunity to earn some merit badges as well as participating in the various camp wide events.

Excellent post, but, Owls are food for Foxes.

I must admit that I have mixed feelings on this. I see your points Ed and Lisabob, but I somehow feel the program could have been laid out a little better to avoid all the duplication of requirements (such as the physical fitness portion). If I had to make a decision on that today, I guess I would have to take it on a case by case basis, and check with the boy and or his Weblos Den leader to get a detailed account of what was done to fulfill the requirement, and more importantly, what the boy feels he has learned.