ScoutMomTex

Not super happy with the way expenses are handled in our Troop..I suspect there is a large balance as well. More transparency would be good, and if movie is to be saved for big purchases, I think everyone should know that. We do a BIG fundraiser every year, and from what I can tell, Scouts still pay out of pocket for most everything other than equipment. I think after selling $210 in tickets for our fundraiser, they get $1 from every $6 ticket put into their account for camping. Similar ratio for silent auction items they donate. I'd have to see the financials to make a better judgment, bu

Yes, and after Packs and Troops were organized based upon that promise. Now, less than a month before the program begins after summer break, and recruiting starts very shortly, functional units are being disrupted and potentially divided by the new rules. Moving forward, for new members starting out now, one knows what one is signing up for;..but existing packs and troops who are now being told if they want to follow their religious convictions, they can find a pack that is more aligned...whole packs and troops can be completely divided, when previously their only concern was the new Cu

The method by which BSA made the change, and the stealth in which it did it, has done a disservice to many BSA families. Historically, in my area at least, Packs and to a lesser extent, Troops, have been organized by geography, not denomination. You go to XYZ Elementary..your Pack is down the road at ABC Church. You don't attend ABC Church or agree with all of it's beliefs? Fine, no problem, this is still your Pack. Now BSA is saying that members have the choice to affiliate with a unit aligned with their own family's beliefs. But, the parents whose children are existing members

I don't think you are overthinking things. I have many concerns as well, ours is a Pack primarily for boys from a particular elementary school, which happens to be chartered by a church that would be less likely to prohibit homosexual leaders. The parents are not members of the charter org. I see any changes to policy would be a problem for many of the parents in the pack, including leadership. It could be very divisive if the charter organization does not feel comfortable prohibiting.

I'd like to know when this February meeting is? I'd like to be concentrating on my pack's Blue & Gold, not THIS. I don't appreciate it being dropped on us like this, even though it's not a done deal yet. The last policy in July seemed to make it clear that this was off the table for several years. This will be end up being very divisive for our pack, and we will lose a lot of families, although I think they would move to other CO's who would maintain the status quo.

I'd like to know when this February meeting is? I'd like to be concentrating on my pack's Blue & Gold, not THIS. I don't appreciate it being dropped on us like this, even though it's not a done deal yet. The last policy in July seemed to make it clear that this was off the table for several years. This will be end up being very divisive for our pack, and we will lose a lot of families, although I think they would move to other CO's who would maintain the status quo.

"Umm, where are there "toy anythings" at a scout function? Really, I can see a hard "No Toys" rule for Cub Scouts, or at camp "No toys out of your tent", for those with security issues. Don't they have enough distractions with the sticks, rocks, and other great outdoor stuff? " We actually think it's necessary to ban all toys at a weekend campout? I'm totally behind the necessary ban of toy guns and the like, and can understand the necessity. Also, a pack-wide ban on electronics for the Scouts at a campout. But we feel the necessity to ban toys? I think that's a good way to show the p

Well, I think my Webelos 1 have settled on a Patrol name...Thunderbirds. 2nd choice was Komodo Dragons, but I think Thunderbirds has a much nicer ring! Any ideas on a good den yell?

Well, my son is not a Boy Scout yet, so my opinion is not from experience. I'd not be a fan of the boys eating Pop Tarts for breakfast, but I also don't see anything wrong with a convenient breakfast if it a little more healthy, especially on the day they are going home. Oatmeal or grits (we're from the South), a banana, and some oj should be fine, if that's what the patrol prefers. I can understand them being excited about the activities for the day and putting their energy into other areas where breakfast is concerned. Putting 30 minutes of prep in the night before, as someone

You know, if you didn't feel comfortable, then obviously you shouldn't do it. But I think that familes that are in Cub scouts should be able to camp on their own time with whomever they choose. I understand if you wouldn't feel comfortable if there were BB guns involved and some of the kids were Scouts in your Pack. I wouldn't feel particularly care for BB guns to be part of my camping experience outside of Scouting. But I'm a den leader and our neighbors are our friends...we go camping together in rv's, and I am in charge of my kids, they are in charge of theirs. We don't hav

This may not be the case in every situation, but I think we need to be aware that at least part of the problem is usually that the leaders do not get to focus on or correct their children in the same way other, less-involved parents do. Also, that these kids are generally tagging along for longer to events..set-up and take-down and planning meetings. So, constructively pulling the kid who is misbehaving aside and giving him something productive to do or some attention may be all that is needed. I'll give you an example..I have two boys in Cub Scouts, my youngest is now a Wolf and

Thank you for your replies. We are an existing Pack, and to date, since I've been around we have selected leaders much as you describe. Find a promising candidate or two and feel out their interest. There has always been a concensus amongst the Pack Committee, and little input from the Pack as a whole. (We always do announce that positions are opening and ask for volunteers, but that doesn't usually draw any new volunteers. Any one that wants to be involved generally already is.) Of course, the charter organization has to approve as well. So, our new Pack Committee chair thinks it w

What is the accepted method of selecting Pack Committee and Cubmaster positions? Is a vote (by the parents in the Pack) ever used? Or is it always recruitment, volunteer, and then approval by Pack Committe and eventually COR? Thanks,

We do share a CO, but we have separate COR's for the Troop and Pack, so not really a moot issue in that regard. Although any interaction I do might be a chance to learn more about the CO's position (I think they are basically pretty hands off) and the Troop in general. I do have some time to work out these issues, it just came to mind when all the discussion about female leaders in general was re=opened at the same time I was mentally preparing for the transition to Webelos.

as to den chiefs, we very recently acquired a den chief, and he has already been a great help. He is 15, and a great role model for the boys. I look forward to having his help next year, and to giving him the opportunity to grow as a leader. we do have two fathers who haven't been interested in official den leader status for a variety of reasons, but I do call upon them as they are able. one led with our pocket knife meeting last week, and I definitely plan to continue to reach out for their assistance. will definitely inquire as to the protocol as to interacting with Troops.