koolaidman

Don't forget the dutch oven table so you don't have to lean over to turn your lid.

peridochas, it is explained on the inside cover of the 2013 Boy Scout Requirements Book: "Starting Jan. 1, 2014, Cooking merit badge will Be Required for Eagle Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the Cooking merit badge will be required to obtain the Eagle Scout rank. Regardless of when a Scout earned the Life rank or began working toward Eagle, unless he fulfills all the rank requirements--with the exception of his board of review--before Jan. 1, 2014, he must earn the Cooking merit badge to become an Eagle Scout."

disclosure: Going off of memory here. I think it is mentioned in the first few pages of the 2013 requirements book, but I could be mistaken. Alas my copy is at home and I am at work.

Nothing replaced them. Keep the old book though. It could come in handy. Also be sure to get the 2013 requirements. The requirements in the handbook are superseded.

Options for finding the contact info for your district: Google your district website and look for the information. Ask someone in your Pack. Ask a Scoutmaster in your prospective troop. Some Council websites list district contact info. Call Council.

chirstineka, Yes, women can be merit badge counselors. Fill out the application, and turn it in. Sometimes district/council procedure is to turn it in to the district advancement chair, so the district can keep up with the merit badge counselors list. As to the rest of your questions: I gently suggest you get in touch with your district and find out when a Merit Badge Counselor orientation class is being held and attend it. I don't think they last over 2 hours. That training session should answer all the questions you come up with, including counseling your own son. Beware,

Alternative solution: When a requirement is performed, cross it out in pencil in the MB book. Keep books on desk or dresser. When MB is complete, put book on bookshelf or donate to troop. Open Merit Badges = number of books on desk or dresser. Works as a visual reminder every time he is in his room.

Feels right to me!

The link in the second paragraph goes to another story about the perp's admission. It states the abuse happened in 2010, so he was either 15 or 16 at the time: http://www.oregonlive.com/clackamascounty/index.ssf/2013/08/former_eagle_scout_admits_abus.html

I don't have an iphone, but my son does: Saw a National Geographic bird guide. I think it was about $10, but if it includes all the birds in North America and samples of their songs. The free lite version has 20-50 birds (I didn't count) and the songs as well Since he has to come up with the cash for $ apps, I haven't had a chance to look at the full version.

This is a thing of beauty. I must admit though, since we're based in southeast TX: I can not even think of hot tea unless its is January or February.

Thank you for the link dc. This is good stuff.

What dedkad said. However, if I could, I'd like to take a CAD merit badge class and Welding and some other "vo-ech" merit badges. There are some things I've always wanted to learn how to do, but never had the time or the chance. I'll gladly settle for watching some boys earn these badges if they want to.

BD, maybe its a money thing and they are thinking of all the stuff they have to buy? Did you cover financing and let them know any shortages come form the Bank of the Basement? <-yes a joke. based on reality

Is there a guardian arrangement with the exchange student? Surely there is some written documentation granting guardianship, in case the kid breaks an arm or something and needs to go to the doctor. Also in this day and age of Skype and phone service, surely the kid can call up his folks and ask permission. TwoCub and SSScout have it right though. He doesn't need to actually make the pledge. He just needs to repeat it. The other scouts may get a kick out of learning if there is a similar pledge in China.

What's wrong with doing the items in Boy Scouts that they should have learned as Webs? That's what I meant by "age appropriate". So many cross over not really knowing the skills required by Arrow of Light. I guess what I should have said is "review the reqs in TF and SC that are covered by AOL. Really drive those home.

See page 16 of the 2013 Guide to Safe Scouting upper right-hand corner: "At least one adult on a pack overnighter must have completed Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO, No. 34162) to properly understand the importance of program intent, Youth Protection policies, health and safety, site selection, age-appropriate activities, and sufficient adult participation. Permits for campouts shall be issued locally. Packs use the tour and activity plan, No. 680-014."

Build a shelter out of a tarp. Show them why its important to know their two-half hitches and taut-lines. Making a competition out of things with a reward helps to keep them focus. Maybe the winners get to lead the Webelos-Only hike. Tree Identification is another thing to work on. For second year Webs, look at the outdoor requirements for Tenderfoot and Second Class that are age appropriate, find fun games that can support that knowledge.

Ted sounds like a cool dad.

I would ask the den leader, since that who is responsible for signing off. If the den leader is not available then, discuss with the cubmaster. In my opinion, the boy shouldn't be penalized because adults get their act together, but my opinion doesn't count for beans (pun intended). Maybe transfer to another pack temporarily?

Since the insignia guide is careful to point out whether items are for uniform, non-uniform or formal wear, it must me intentional and therefore OK to wear the medal in civilian dress.

"earned the right to carry a pocket knife to designated Cub Scout functions" The word "designated" gives you a lot of control as to when the boys are allowed to actually have a knife.

Welcome back Beavah! Glad to see you still give a dam. Everyone else was starting to sound the same. Missed your flat-tailed accent.

I think the ultimate answer is what ever you choose. I had the same dilemma when I was an assistant den leader to an eagle scout's younger brother. I wore civilian clothes. The uniform would have been OK too, however, I had an appointment just after the ECOH. His grandfather wore the uniform he made eagle in. If you want to wear the uniform, wear it. If you don't, then don't. All eyes will be on the eagle scout anyway...

My first draft of the hike: http://goo.gl/maps/ZfWTM I think I need to come up with an alternative loop plan in case we're low on adults to run cars. We'll see what the boys come up with if they want to design a route.