KenDavis500

The way I understand the original program, the merit badges were optional; not required for rank advancement. Too often I see the Scouts (and parents) get tied up in knots about the merit badge offerings at this summer/winter camp instead of focusing on actual Scout skills and having fun.

The first "summer camp" had no merit badge courses. The Scouts just camped, interacted with each other and worked on Scout skills. I proposed that once 3 years ago for winter camp but got promptly shot down.

Merit badges and the process is still a good thing. I think they should be kept around but as an option, not a requirement to advance. What are your thoughts?

I had to look up the definition for "myopic".

In a recent topic, handing in your Patch (SM in this case) over a dispute with the parents. It got me thinking, do you have a Point where enough is enough?

I currently do not have a point. But I haven't been SMing very long.

What is your Point? And why? When does the hassle of (fill in the blank) out weigh the joy/responsibility of mentoring young men?

The goal should be measurable. How would you measure "pack committee is functional"?

The ticket/goal should follow the SMART system. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-based

Let 'em know you'll pay for it next year out of the Scoutmaster salary they have now approved.

Update - last night was the Round Table "meet the Troops" night. My Scouts decided on LED lights as something to engage the Webelos. It met my criteria (hands-on, inexpensive & small area needed). They talked with the Webs while instructing them on how to make on. The Webs ended up with something they could take home with our Troop website on it.

I talked with the adults. Part of the explanation was while we don't usually learn electricity in our meetings, the process was very typical of what happens. Older Scout instructs younger Scout with younger Scout actually doing (not just listening).

It was well received.

LED lights = 1 CR2032 watch battery, 1 LED, 1 rare earth magnet, 1 label (used address labels with our Troop website printed on it). Total cost ~$25. I already had the LEDs. I just bought the batteries and magnets for $16.

Technology is a tool. All tools must be used responsibly.

I've seen bugles on ebay for a reasonable price (<$40), but I know nothing about bugles or trumpets. If a new to music person is learning the trumpet would he be able to play the bugle? Or would it just add another level of difficulty?

I would love to have a Troop bugle for use at camps.

Our Troop's first Bugler played Taps tonight. Not well BUT he nailed the last part. It gave me chills. 12 yr old just learning the trumpet.

​Do y'all have a Bugler? Does he play a bugle or a trumpet/coronet?

My question is, should troops have minimum participation standards for a boy to be eligible for an elected troop position?

Wouldn't that be the fairest to the boys who are putting in the time? Wouldn't it get boys more involved?

Troops CAN set minimum participation standards.

I think we need to look at the root cause. Is it the parents driving the boys schedule- wanting them to be better, achieve more and do more then others for the sake of a college application? Or is it the boys choosing sports over Scouts?

I confused with the "fairest to the boys" question. I'm guessing the Troop schedule of elections is set by the adults in order to maximize the number of Scouts in a POR in any given year - probably every six months for an election. MOST Scouts don't typically fixate on the "6 month POR term" unless driven by a parent. Notice I said MOST. Some will do exactly the required amount, check that box and move to the next item.

If POR terms were not a set time but performance driven, that would be "fairest" to the Scouts. If the Patrol thinks the PL is not doing the job, they vote him out. If they are happy with his performance, no election is necessary unless the PL wants to step down. The Scouts will determine what is fair. This system will work only if the parents aren't interfering.

The Scouts may decide they should help out "Johnny Absent". If so, aren't they showing Scout Spirit by helping their Patrol mate?

Last question - I think it would drive more Scouts away. Too many parents agree with the Ideals of Scouting but get caught up in the coach's requirements. If push comes to shove, their boy sitting on the bench would win out over Scouts.

In the above post try the link "https://d85.camscanner.com/sync/dll/7......" Does that one work? For me it downloads the pdf.

I haven't found it as a pdf yet. Bought Vol I a couple of months ago.

First impressions:

1. the "old" Program Features is in alphabetical order, new one is not. This bugs me.

2. They've added "Group Instruction" time in the Troop meeting plan. Seems to get away from Patrol method.

3. The new layout is prettier.

I'm attaching a link to a pdf of Communications week 1 Troop meeting plan both new & old for your comparison.

Edited to add:

The attached link got shortened and therefore didn't work. Trying this again. May have to copy/paste into your web browser.

https://d85.camscanner.com/sync/dl/766/EEA0673AC0204AD692A507P0.pdf?title=New+Document+2.pdf

Sometime early last year, the BSA put out a video with a slide show about Boards for Review. I've been trying to find it to give to my CC with no luck.

Anyone know what I'm talking about and/or know where I can find it?

We've got a recruiting opportunity coming up and I need your ideas. At District Round Table in December, the Troops are invited to set up a display to woo visiting Webelos. Each Troop will be given a 5' diameter table and the Webelos/Parents will wander around to each.

Based on previous experience, there will be anywhere between 50-100 Webelos there.

Most Troops make a display board with pictures of their previous year, have their Scouts there to talk to the Webs and Scouters to talk with the Parents. I'm looking for something hands-on to engage the Webs. Yes, I've asked this same question to my Scouts and they're thinking on it.

What ideas do you have? My criteria: hands-on, inexpensive(?), small area needed.

The Scoutmaster should work with the SPL and the PLC to plan out the Troop meetings.

Have you or your son talked with the SM?

LeCastor - that sounds like a success story to me. He integrated the Ideals of Scouting.

Our last troop put on our own BWCA trip last summer. 50 Scouts/adults broke in to 7 different crews. The adults & older Scouts got WFA trained, everyone went thru the Canoe merit badge course and we chartered a bus (we're in Texas). Came out to $725/person thru an outfitter in Ely, MN. Everything was included except personal clothes/cameras/fishing gear. It was an awesome time.

Hopefully we all have success stories where we've connected with a Scout at one time or another or maybe the Scout "got it".

I had one this weekend. The revived Troop's first backpack trip. Saturday night, sitting around the camp fire I ask the Scouts what their favorite part of the weekend was so far. One Scout tells me "I loved the hike in because it was beautiful and I could relax."

What are your success stories?

First backpacking trip with the gear was a success. The QM's job was a little bit more difficult as he has to track who has what but he came up with a system. The Grubmaster had a hiccup on Sunday morning's breakfast. He didn't consult the equipment list he generated at the previous meeting and therefore didn't pack a spatula. Again, he overcame the obstacle and he was able to cook pancakes.

The Backpacker Oven worked well. I was able to bake chocolate chip cookies during this backpacking trip without a huge weight burden.

Same hat on Amazon but the reviews are terrible.

Rothco campaign hat link. Right around your price range.

I'm bald and live in Texas. Had a waxed canvas "outback" style hat for a while but it was extremely hot. Now I wear a Tilley ventilated hat. Crushable, washable, and light weight. Plus the mesh near the crown allows for a nice breeze.

Blindfolded Steal the Bacon was a winner with the Scouts.

My Scouts are trying Steal the Bacon tonight. According to the PL - anything that has bacon and blindfolds will be a winner. I had to remind him real bacon will not be used.

During your Troop meetings, do your Scouts participate in games/competitions? If so, what are their favorites?

My Scouts do. Their favorite right now is Spud. They got the idea from the Troop Resources manual. I'm just fishing for other ideas to feed them. I started limiting Spud to every other meeting.