jtswestark

Try your own silkscreen!

Can't encourage that enough - find a local mom and pop t-shirt shop that will help you. They can do anything, come up with all kinds of cool designs - you are only limited by your imagination - add one to the pack tshirt for resident camp, for pinewood, for good turn... . The best part is watching a kid screen his own shirt! All you need to do is silkscreen the shirt and let it dry for an hour or so. Tell the kid he can wear it right away, but must throw it in the dryer for 20 minutes when they get home before they wash it. We do this all the time at OA events, camporees, and soon will do more troop events. We can make all kinds of logos for all kinds of events and will screen on the new logo on whatever they want it on. That kid won't wear a t-shirt more proudly than one he decorated himself!

Every two years I buy a new pair of boots so I can slowly break them in as the old ones are wearing out. I use to wear them daily at work, so it was an easy cycle to get into. By the time the new ones are fully broken in, its usually time to retire the old ones. This last time, I was a little tight on cash so I stopped in at Walmart and picked up a simple pair of LaCross leather boots, they go mid shin height. Very light and give great ankle support, which I am always concerned with, much more comfortable than the high tech, heavy, and bulky Columbias that Ive never really been happy with. These rival the jump boots I just loved when in the Air Force for comfort and support. They quickly became my favorites and hope to find a new pair again this next spring.

oooooh, I'm about to be sick!

I've thrown out numerous tents that are exactly as you explain - not toothed, coiled.... all I needed was a new stinking slider.... oh boy.....

thanks so much, a little late to save a lot of tents we already pitched, but this will save our current ones...

man.....

woah, woah, woah, please define the parts you are talking about!

When I have problems with zippers it is usually a 'tooth' on either side is bad - meaning each time the zipper 'slider' (piece you grab and pull?) goes over it, it gets hung up and both sides don't join. Replacing the slider wouldn't help in that case...

What is BWCA??

Ok, Rick, Ill bite.

So who is supposed to buy the tents then?

Let me ask you guys - I've had nothing but problems with the zippers in Eureka tents going bad... just infuriating as I can fix anything in a tent execpt for a zipper, to put a new one in costs as much as a new tent... have any of you had that problem?

Thanks,

Jack

I'm eyeballing some of the pop-ups canopies (ez-up is one brand) for our patrols. We've personally used them for baseball and soccer tournies over the years. You can pay anywhere from $80-$200 depending upon the name and quality. I want to get one for each of our three patrols. They are easy to set up, but not the best in wind. Was thinking we'd just make sure they drop them after taps to save any overnight damage. As it is in any kind of inclement they all end up huddlig under the main troop fly; and I get testy when they keep stepping on my toes...(This message has been edited by jtswestark)

rr: I have an old flap on my red jack, too, and same to Sheldonsmom: leave them and enjoy the conversations they bring. You aren't going to change minds on the forum so just let it go. Just be forwarned that somewhere, sometime, people will actually question your ethics over having it there.... sheeze...

Yep, got the 2010 registration packet via email the other day.

Confirmed on-line here: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/2010_philmont_registration.pdf

Look at the bottom of the first page, it says exactly what Trev said.

Too bad, wonder what the story there is.

JTS

One of our former DEs used to sport a poncho made from a surplus army wool blanket. He told me he got it from a leader during his time in a Michigan Council, and had all his patches sown on it. He raved about how warm it was and somewhat waterproof, wearing it all the time. It was really cool (but warm...), other than the fact that he was wearing around some valuable flaps and strips

I wouldnt mind finding one of those ponchos if this rings a bell to anyone.

JTS

And people wonder why good quality adults dont want to get involved today

As a SM, I cant tell you how many conversations Ive had over the years about particular Scouts with other leaders, and parents dont have any right to know what we are talking about in these private conversations. But when a leader goes and formally submits a written complaint to a higher level, thats a whole nother story.

You say the ASM has had issues with the family before. Either choice of putting the guy on a very firm warning or just go ahead and tell him it's time to move on would fit. I would also tell the parents you all are handling it and drop the issue. If they insist on going forth with anything, I would ask them to leave as well. This kind of thing can kill a troop if it lingers. Id be very cautious about the parents of the youth that conferred with the attorney. One who threatens to do something eventually will.

A word of caution out there, I personally have been threatened with a lawsuit, from a fellow leader no less. When I informed who I thought was my buddy, the DE, he jumped all over me. So you better be careful, were only a hair away from it any time we open our mouth and friends disappear very fast.

I believe everything goes to the Scoutmaster as I usually am the one that gets to break the news that his application was rejected - "OOOps, I mean accepted..." , but that may vary by Council.

I get nothing directly from national. But it looks like national sends the certificate and all to our council, who add to the Eagle pin and additional congrats letter before sending to me. I'm presuming that is the routine through the eight Eagles I've had the honor to work with (currently have 7 Life Scouts that are in some stage of their Eagle project!). But I've never really discussed it with anyone before. The additional hands it goes through may explain why mine typically take longer than the 4-6 weeks national says.

JTS

My experience has been two to four months.

Like Eamonn said, depends upon a whole lot of variables. I've also been told it depends upon how backed up Irving is, seasonal timing can effect that, too? (passing the buck?)

Our council used to buy and send to me (the SM) the big kit with parents, mentor, and Eagle pins and Eagle patch, but the newer SE changed that just to the Eagle pin itself.

JTS

I've heard the grommets were good luck. Ive seen them put on patrol flags.

As a boy I remember digging them out of the ashes to bury separately along with any other remnants we found.

Jack

One thing I am continually surprised to read here is how often it is suggested that when things arent going well to go find or start another troop. Stating up front I have a real problem with quitting anything, I do recognize at times it is the best solution; have seen it myself. And maybe by the time it gets to someone posting on a forum that is the best option. I still cringe a little each time I read it. Please make sure all options are exhausted before going that route. I sadly see it all too often from others. How can we lead by example to our sons to do their best and follow through (a Scout is loyal) when we are so willing to chuck and run without really trying to do our best 'loyally' ourselves?

Boysmom you all had a good troop, you had a good thing going on before you all decide to leave too, please do all you can to salvage the situation. Like printman and others have said, if its that important for you to have your son involved, maybe backing off something else may be necessary. I think it IS our responsibility to CONTRIBUTE to reshaping the troop leadership, because thats what involved and caring parents do.

Good luck in your dilemma.

Jack

he is just enthusiastic

Don't loose that either! I would suggest it's good practice to have a SMC as soon as a Scout notifies you he is eligible for one. Sometimes you just can't get it in that night, so I'll have them see me immediately after opening the following week or we make some other plans, like at the upcoming campout or come a few minutes early next week... Within a week is pretty reasonable, but the evening he notifies you he is ready is always best.

If you are a troop that utilizes the Scout's own handbook for his records, tell him to go to your Advancement Chair to make sure the Troop's records are consistent and current. After we finish, I direct him to contact the BOR chairperson (or whomever sets it up in your troop) to request the BOR. Always encourage them to hold that as soon as possible as well (there are plenty of threads on here discussing BOR frequency - theories abound!).

Keep him moving and try not to delay this part of the process!

Jack

You walk in with that Venturing uni and you'll have a position in a heartbeat!

Have some fun, that's why we do this!

Not a good indicator for future interactions. This may exactly be one of those families you point to a friendly neighboring pack/troop.

Do they waive the any fees for Scouts? I don't think I'll have too many takers if not.

Jack(This message has been edited by jtswestark)

I really didn't want to post on this, but my gosh does this sound petty... Like Printman said - what are we really here for? Relax man, why did you join the committee to begin with? Not to stroke your ego but to make a better program.

If you just can't get along with these folks or it just isn't any fun, that's a whole nother story. But just because someone else sees a bigger and maybe better use for someone you brought to the table isn't a reason to take your ball and go home. Who are you to hold a guy back? There's no 'dibs' in this game.

Have you all taken that on-line district committee training? You've got to make the best use of what you got, regardless of how they got there.

Heck, two years ago I had a Dad that refused to do any more than pick up and drop off Junior. Now he's my wonderful committee chair and sits on all kinds of council and district committees. One of the best breaths of fresh air that's happened to our district, well, since me(!).

It's a mafia thing: I made him....

Jack

Is this the group? http://www.honorflight.org/

Jack

Follow up Bob - does any District or Council folks actually check the names of people that are signing these blue cards as counselors? We've done ski trips up at Peek & Peak, NY and climbing at Laurel Caverns, PA, some boys got snow sports and climbing MBs respectively. Nobody's ever asked me about the signatures and names on the cards.

I'm afraid I know the answer and I don't like it....

Agreed with most already stated, we use email for announcements only to the parents. I try and keep it infrequent, only use when very necessary. Tough to keep appropriate, someone always sends on spam politcal, religious, naked cheerleaders pics, had email flame wars pop up between adult leaders and that is no good at all...

I don't talk to youth through email, they can either call me or talk at a meeting. It's amazing how often a youth's email is actually from M or D and the kid knows nothing about it....

Being OCD type I am, I manage the website with all the weekly announcements going there. I have an ASM that helps when Im too busy to keep up with it, but he knows how particular I am! (www.Troop935.com)

I get multi emails per week, sometimes multi emails per day from my daughters HIGH SCHOOL soccer parents club and it drives me bananas, especially when they say virtually nothing of substance. Need to be considerate of others time.

Dealing with Scouts is to be through the SPL and PLs, so if I need to get anything to them en mass, I have those guys handle it either through phone chain or at a meeting.

Jack

This is always a hot one in our district, I presume it will be here as well. I spun this thread from the one about Scouts contacting MBCs and even assigning ones across district lines.

Our District runs things kind of funny, and at times very inconvenient, but it does seem to make sense after a while. And yes, our Scouts are to contact the Counselors. We teach them how to go about it, but they must do it.

We have our district MBC list that is accumulated/mananged by our District Adv Committee, updates far too infrequent. It is very much encouraged by the district and by our troops Adv. Chair that we send boys to counselors not affiliated with our own unit. When the Scout comes to me to approve a blue card, I have chance to chat with concerning YP, be on time, wear your uni, etc. then I send him to the troop Adv Chair for a MBC. The Adv Chair actually tracks what MBCs hes historically assigned for each Scout. Since some counselors are signed up for multiple badges, he will try and mix them around as much as possible so we dont get the Scout going to the same person each time. We instruct the Scout to leave blank the MBC name/address until he gets a confirmed appt. with them as some mysteriously disappear, die, are too busy, never return a call, etc If he finds this is the case, he needs to call the Adv Chair or wait until the next meeting to get another MBC and contact info.

After completion of the badge, he comes back to me to sign the back of the card, I give a quick interview about how it went. He then takes the completed card back to the troop Adv Chair, who usually asks the same questions. This is how we find out about a real poor quality MBC or if something else odd or inappropriate has happened. We will sometimes scratch a MBC off our list and sometimes I contact our District MB coordinator to advise what is going on. But we do not let the Scouts have the MBC list, they will cherry pick names they know. We want to expose them to as many different adults as possible. Some of this can be time consuming and frustrating, but it does work well and the Scouts meet many new adults. It can be a management nightmare for our 27 boys, but my Adv Chair is a saint and has an awesome system!

We have four different public school systems across two different scouting districts and one even lives in a neighboring council. Our District maintains that they need to come to our districts counselors to try and maintain the consistency, but weve never been questioned by anyone about a MBCs status. Our District Adv Comm says they can only go to a neighboring district if there isnt a MBC in our district (which isnt all that rare!). But Ive also learned over the years they dont verify the MBC on the card anyways. We had an ongoing problem with making sure our MBCs were even REGISTERED for a number of years before they finally started leaving them off the list. I openly questioned if they were going to invalidate the MBs earned if the counselor wasnt current!? Or if the MBC was just not registered for a particular year!? What a mess.

So I guess my answer to Raisenemright is, if you were in my District I would just tell you to give our District committee MB coordinator a holler and let him know of your circumstances; like I've done numerous times. At least then (hopefully) youve got your son covered in case someone should decide one day to check the MBCs.

My question to the forum's ever deep knowledge base - qualified with "I'm not a district guy" so don't beat on me too hard:

1.) Does crossing the district line for counselors jive with the official rules? (does anyone really check?)

2.) Is this process remotely similar to what troops are doing elsewhere?

Jack

Im a few years removed from Cub Scouts, but I would put him with like age/grade Scouts. If he doesnt earn AoL, thats the way it goes - you cant cram down his throat all the years hes missed into a few months. Mom & the boy need to understand that, and most reasonable folks will. When they cross over to BS theyre all fresh anyways and by that time he will hopefully have built friendships from school that will go with him into the Troop.

Not earning the AoL isn't all that big of a deal - I decided I didn't want to earn it but that didn't stop me from earning my Eagle at 14.

Jack