jr56

Welcome to the forum, I ditto everything eamonn said. It is your responsibility to offer a good program that gives opportunities for advancement. If an individual chooses not to take advantage of the offer, that is their decision and they don't earn the rank. Simple as that, rank advancement is an opportunity to be taken advantage of, not a right.

Actually, I wouldn't penalize the boys for a situation beyond their control. The advancement policies state plainly that the decision of the merit badge counselor is final. If in your opinion, the merit badge counselor did not do a thourough job of making sure the boys met all the requirements, take it up with them, not the boys.

Orennoah, If you're using two smokers you must be making roast Bob White!!!!! Tastes good, less filling!!! I used to be a Fox, a good old Fox too. C-11-96

Eagle Adult Religious Award Tiger Cub Den Leader Award Den Leader Award Weblos Den Leader Award Cub Scouter Award Den Leader Coach Award Scouters Training Award Scoutmasters Award of Merit Scouters Key District Award of Merit Silver Beaver Commissioners Service Award OA Lodge Flap- Brotherhood Trained Patch On all uniforms. I add my service stars and 7 devices for special occasions like Courts of Honor. I add my Eagle Medal and Silver Beaver Pendant for really special occasions like Eagle Court of Honors, or scout sunday services.

As stated earlier, this troops BOR process is way out of line. It would be best to start low key and be polite. Talk to the Advancement Chair and show him a copy of the Advancement Policy Manual. If this doesn't work you can go to the Committee Chair. If still no success, go to your troops Unit Commissioner, and or Chartering Organization Representative. You can point out to them that when they charter the unit every year they agree to abide by the policies of the BSA, and the troop is currently in violation of the BSA's advancement policies. Good luck, it's up to you how persistent you want to be.

Great news, I'm happy for the fine young man.

1. A 2 hour BOR is totally unacceptable. 2. As Scoutmaster you are permitted to inquire of the scout how he feels about it. 3. If the CC won't do anything about it, go to the COR. Take along a copy of the Boy Scout Advancement Policy Manual for documentation.

Thanks for sharing

Good point FScouter. I would say it is up to the merit badge counselor to determine if the boy had a noteworthy experience at the National Jamboree to meet the intent of that requirement.

Fire starting competitions, no matches allowed. Have an older scout hide in a defined area with his pockets full of treats. The other scouts try to find him. The one that does gets the treats.

Bob White is right, the parents are responsible for their own families. You worry way too much.

Yes

You are right, these things need to taken on a case by case basis. There are some instances where the Scoutmaster is bringing on his or her own problems because they aren't following the program. More often though, I find the problem is often parents who have no concept of what the scouting program is supposed to be, and have unrealistic expectations that are not being met.

Thanks for sharing your good news. I used to be a Fox, a good old Fox too. C-11-96

I have attended Philmont as a unit. The problem is that so many treks are taken up by Council troops, it is virtually impossible for a troop to get a trek scheduled.

The biggest problem that I have seen is the competition from other activities. There is only so much time to devote to extra-curricular activities, and parents usually encourage sports because the program is pre-set for them. I agree with acco40, the kids just want to be entertained and don't want to take any ownership in their program. It is really frustrating.

When I did my ticket, I was also told by Wood Badge staffers that there was a six month minimum, but I admit, I have never seen anything offical in writing. I used to be a Fox, a good old Fox too.

I don't recall reading about an intitiation ceremony where boys jump over a campfire with adults permission. But I agree with the principle of your post, we must set the proper example at all times as registered leaders.

Too bad, sounds like this guy has an attitude which is going to make it difficult, if not impossible to succeed as a Scoutmaster. If he doesn't improve with training, get the COR to help in removing him.

Some things I have seen, plan high adventure trips, special campouts, merit badge work(some people are critical of this), teaching younger scouts, in general running the troop.

I will third it.

Usually the way this has played out in my units, is 1 older boy ends up in a tent by himself when there is an odd number of scouts on an outing. The older boy ususally likes it better that way anyhow.

Donated to the local fire department this last weekend.

All you people have way too much time on your hands.

Four Lakes/ Sinnissippi Councils have merged to form the new Glacial Edge Council.