KoreaScouter

It sounds more like creative use of the rules than cheating, if he did it before they were explained, and only proxy voted for his family -- I assume they'd vote for his car anyway, and it's not exactly "stuffing the ballot box", unless the ballot box is an Altoids tin. On the other hand, what the committee did by "throwing out the ballots" provides the real life lesson, and not a positive one, either. The message I'd get is "why bother voting; some brahmins will just engineer the outcome, anyway". There's plenty of hijinks associated with PWDs; the rules designed to thwart the scoundrels have gotten more complicated as a result. Designing heats and brackets, getting the track and timer working, checking in cars, and channeling all that fatherly testosterone is complicated enough. Why make it worse with ballots that introduce another way to pull a scam? How about having disinterested 3rd parties look over the cars the night before, pick the non-race-result award winners, get the ribbons filled out, and concentrate on racing on race day? KS

Assuming the guy needs to go, your Chartered Organization is a big stick, if they're a real CO and not just a name on a piece of paper. I will also assume the CO is involved and wants the Troop to run well, and be led by competent, properly-motivated leaders who are delivering a youth program the CO envisioned when the agreed to accept the charter. Look at the adult leader application form. The CC signs it, then the COR does, then the Council does. If the SM and CC are in cahoots, go to the COR. If there's inertia there that you can't overcome, go to your District/Council. It helps if you have specifics, and it helps more if you have a Unit Commissioner who has identified the same things you did in the unit "report cards" from his periodic visits to your meetings/activities. Training's great, but it only improves people who are in the receive mode to begin with. In my experience, people like you describe operate only in "transmit". Training doesn't do anything for them, even if you can get them to go. KS

I agree with Scoutldr. Most of the frustrations you mention are or should be committee "qweep" that shouldn't interfere with program delivery by the DLs and CM. If there's been mission creep and you've inherited it, try to divest it where it belongs -- off the "line" and onto the "staff". I've been both a Cubmaster and Pack Committee chair; big part of the job was helping people stay in their lanes and focus on what they needed to do. This is pretty simple unless we let it get complicated. Example; watch out for overly complex by-laws -- if the committee wants them to govern their activities, that's fine. But, if I need by-laws to tell me when and how to conduct Troop elections, you don't need by-laws, you need a different Scoutmaster! More often than not, our frustrations turn out to be self-inflicted wounds. If your committee is acting as "union stewards" to shield the DLs and CM from the administrivia, you're doing them a greater service than you may realize. KS

I just got my 7th ASM volunteer yesterday, so I'll have one for each patrol, plus an extra. I did assign ASMs with function-based program responsibilities, but I found the requirements for them to do these things ebbed and flowed depending on whether or not that particular function needed their attention. So, we're in the process of lining up an ASM with each of our patrols. I know the concern about them being glorified den leaders. My reply would be, if you're aware that's a possibility, watch out for it and don't let it happen -- it's not an independent variable. I like ASMs designated for patrols for a variety of reasons, patrol meeting and activity oversight being just one. Shell, I don't mean to nitpick, but from your last post, it appears your ASMs are doing largely committee or MB counselor tasks. Shouldn't the committee Equipment Coordinator be working with the Troop Quartermaster, rather than an ASM? Likewise for the Events Coordinator -- that's a committee job, too. My ASMs would give me the skunk-eye if I asked them to take that stuff on -- if they wanted to do committee stuff, they would be committee members. Straighten me out if I'm missing something. KS

Dutch Oven Pasta Bake Recipe assumes a 12" DO, adjust if yours is bigger/smaller Ingredients: 2 bags of spiral pasta noodles (plain or vegetable, doesn't matter) 2 cans Hunt's (or equivalent) spaghetti sauce, meat or sausage flavor 1 8 oz bag of shredded mozzarella cheese 1 3 oz package of sliced pepperoni 1 box(?) frozen chopped spinach Grated parmesan cheese if desired Directions: Boil the pasta noodles till they're "al dente", or cook them up at home and put them in a tupperware container in the cooler. While boiling, start your charcoal and line the DO with wide, HD foil. Drain the noodles very well, pour in the DO. Mix in the pepperoni and chopped spinach until it's all evenly distributed. Mix in 1/3 of the cheese. Pour in both cans of spaghetti sauce, unheated, so that it covers the noodles evenly and seeps down to the bottom. Cover the DO, and put it on the coals to get a temp of about 350 -- even coals on top and bottom. Don't stir it. When the sauce starts to boil, remove the DO from the coals, but leave the ones on the lid. Pour the remaining cheese evenly on top of the noodle mix, and replace the lid. Check it after about ten minutes. When the cheese is melted, but before it turns brown, remove the lid and serve. Top with parmesan if desired. KS

I'd recommend a couple enhancements, if your design rules allow it. First, rather than using screw bolts to hold the wheels on, I'd use solid metal axles, and secure them to the wood with those things you use to hold conduit onto the wall. When we did it, the solid axle cars required no maintenance between heats, while the screw-bolt cars had to "pit" after nearly every race. Second, instead of the wood seat, get an old kindergarden classroom chair, with the molded plastic seat and the metal leg structure. Unscrew the molded plastic seat from the legs, discard the legs, and screw it into the plywood on the car. You've got a good bucket seat with good side and back support that your Scout(s) won't slip out of. Third, I recommend using the belt. The track on those cars is so wide, and the front axle will only turn so far with the limiter, that a flipover virtually can't happen. However, they can run headlong into a curb, another car, or some other fixed object. That can and will propel them right out of the seat. We used a snap-closure hip belt from a backpack, and it worked great. Cubmobile was great!! Better than Pinewood, space derby, or raingutter regatta put together. KS

But, that was my point, illustrated by the example I gave -- the current handbook doesn't contain all the information a Scout needs to get to First Class -- steps to perform CPR being the example. Maybe a "sample of one" as far as content is concerned, but there you go. And, it's still true that laid side-by-side, more Scouts will pick up and read the old book than the new one. I like the CD/DVD idea, but not necessarily with every book; perhaps as an option or a supplement... KS

And, here's the sequel to the story. The same unmotivated Scouts and apologist parents you're looking at today will be banging on your door at 17, in a panic because they realize they've got a year or less to earn Eagle before they age-out. They've seen the college applications, which ask for community-related activities, years of involvement, and yes, LEADERSHIP POSITIONS HELD. They're also looking for scholarship $$ from organizations that give money to kids who participated in civil activities, have performed significant volunteer hours, served in a leadership role in an organization, or other qualifying activity that is interwoven in Scouting -- when one is dedicated, active, and seeks opportunities and challenges. And, they also see the applications ask for letters of recommendation from adults outside the family...and they're thinking of you. Do we bend over backwards to help? Tempting, because we're living the Oath/Law, even if they didn't. It would have been a heckuva lot easier and more beneficial for all concerned if they "got religion" on your timetable instead of theirs, but there's nothing you can do about it after the fact... KS

I happen to be a life member of the "Older Handbooks are better" club. I'm not talking about the 1910 "Handbook for Boys" here, either. Even the Tenth Edition (1990) is better illustrated and has more information -- star charts, animal footprints, and much more. For Norman Rockwell illustrations, you have to go back to the Ninth Edition (1982). I have copies of both, and am in them all the time. I've shown them to my Scouts on numerous occasions, and almost all of them prefer the layout/design of the older books to the latest one. Here's a head-scratcher from the 11th Edition. First Class Requirement 8d -- five signs of a heart attack, and explain the (steps) procedure for performing CPR. Go to the First Class section on p. 151, and you're told to go to pp. 294-298 for an explanation of CPR. On p. 298, there are two short paragraphs that define CPR, and tell you that it requires careful instruction, recommending that you get it. But, what about explaining the steps? Nowhere in the Handbook...the 11th edition, that is. However, if you're fortunate enough to have a copy of the Tenth Edition, it's right in there, on pp 408-413. I know, I know, we don't want our lads reading about CPR and then considering themselves qualified to perform it, which may be why the steps were removed from the 11th Edition. But the requirement to explain the steps is still there, and as long as it is, I think the steps should be in the Handbook... KS

I, too, have a red vest, made of a cotton/poly blend. It has a snap, or a zipper if you need it really snug. It has 7 pockets, for notebook, hand sanitizer, altoids, cell phone, etc. I have my name embroidered on it, Troop numerals on the pocket flap, my WB patrol emblem, and am filling the back with patches as I get them. I don't wear it with the official uniform; only on campouts with the activity uniform. It's a real conversation starter, and helps me keep all the stuff I need to carry with me I also have a fishing-type vest with many more pockets, but it's heavier and hangs a little farther down -- not as comfortable... KS

I get up to 30 extra days of non-chargeable leave per year for Scouting-related activities. My boss has an Eagle Scout son, and another knocking on the door -- needless to say, he's very supportive. Former Scouts and Eagle Scouts are over-represented in leadership positions in DoD, so I've never gotten what I'd consider a "pushback" regarding my Scouting time. It certainly helps to have a Presidential Executive Order directing DoD to support Scouting (BSA and GSUSA) in overseas areas. In my experience, though, most people in a position to support you aren't aware of the EO and support you anyway. Our kids get jerked around enough as it is; we collectively, and perhaps subconsciously, bend over backwards to give them as normal a life as possible -- this is just one of many ways we do it. For perspective, in my experience everywhere I've lived, anyone doing anything youth-activities related (sports, chapel, JROTC) got the enthusiastic support of their leadership. Any Scouters who work for the ACLU or the Massachusetts Court System want to weigh in? KS

Not so good: - The Baker Tent; nostalgia value only, although it is considerable. Heavy, too many poles of various lengths, too many guy ropes, rear of tent at 15" height virtually useless. Highly prized by Civil War re-enactors. We had one in my last Troop, and took it on every car camp we did, nonetheless -- lots of character. - The official canteen; a technology long overshadowed by bladder-style hydration systems. Although, little KS has an official canteen, and uses it often, including on his grass cutting jobs...perhaps I withdraw this nomination. Good: - The older handbooks, and I guess I'll include the tenth edition here, although the ninth is a far cry better. In a side-by-side comparison, boys like the older books better. Fortunately, the new Fieldbook is much more reminiscent of the old Handbooks in layout, number and quality of illustrations and photos, and readability. - Cast iron cookware, especially dutch ovens. Enough said. KS

Maybe we ought to re-familiarize ourselves with the description of the uniform method and what it's meant to contribute to the aims. It ain't about lookin' stylish. I inherited a Troop from a SM who, supported by the committee, emphasized full uniforming, and wore it himself. Guess what? The Troop is fully uniformed, and so are the leaders. In my profession, our military working dog handlers have an expression; "What goes down the leash comes up the leash." In other words, the dog senses the handler's attitude, and adopts it as his own. We may be doing the same thing; our Scouts sense our attitudes, see our example, and follow suit. KS

Free rank badges with an advancement report?! Hey, Aloha, are you listening? KS

Troops may design their own neckerchiefs, and many do. Hence, you could design a neckerchief in a camo pattern, or with smiley faces, or with Bart Simpson emblazoned on the back...no matter how atrocious any of those would look with the uniform. KS

We set a minimum First Class rank for SPL, no minimum for PL. All Scouts interested in an elected or appointed POR get a paper to take home that has internet links to the job descriptions, and a place at the bottom where the Scout and the parent sign so we know that they know what they're getting into, and that the extra responsibility won't hamper school, sports, other extracurriculars, etc. KS

My last Troop kept a stash, more out of necessity than anything else. We were at the end of the supply line, 2 hours from the service center, and our service center was frequently out of various items. My current Troop doesn't, because we're 15 minutes away, and they always have everything we need. KS

When you go to a unit meeting or outing, what do you haul with you and what do you haul it in? I'm not talking about the outdoor essentials or overnight gear, but in the bag where you put your "leader stuff", what's in it? I'd like to get an idea of how "heavy" or "light" the rest of you travel. I'll go first. I have one of those somewhat oversized notebook computer cases (alas, without the computer). In an outer flap pocket, I have various pens and markers, Quality Unit patches, wooden nickels, blank firem'n chits and totin' chips, and my business cards. Pocket next to that, I carry blue cards and clean dues envelopes. Big compartment next to that, I have some books (SM handbook, Scout Handbook, SPL/PL Handbooks, 2004 Requirements Book), and my binder. Binder's got contact rosters, council and troop annual calendars, monthly program helps through August, MB counselor list, council/district event flyers, and plastic sleeves for event permission slips, etc. Next big compartment has the G2SS, Troop Record Book, Game instructions from Troop Program Features, health history forms, rope for whipping, rope for fusing, and a tin of Altoids. There's probably a few gum wrappers and some spare change in there too, but I'm not counting that. KS

I just bought one yesterday for little KS, the hardbound. Now, he's gotten into his Handbook and the MB pamphlets when he needed to, but they weren't night-stand reading material for him. I gave him the Fieldbook with sufficient fanfare for a $23 purchase. He flipped through it, stopping at several of the excellent photos and illustrations -- "...hey look, a GPS.." "...animals; cool...", and so on. A short time later, the TV was off, and he was in my recliner, reading the new Fieldbook as a leisure activity...without prompting. Outstanding effort and results, BSA! The number of illustrations and photos alone is a big improvement -- reminds one of the 9th Edition of the Handbook in some ways. If you haven't gotten one yet, check it out. KS

Hey, Wheeler, thanks for introducing a homosexual-debate angle to this. Now, all we need is to somehow weave a uniform fit/quality argument into this tapestry, and all our computers will spontaneously explode... KS

Ditto to Acco40, with a little spin of my own: - There's a good reason why Blue Cards are in three parts -- this is it. - Even if the Scout finds his sash, and it has all the badges he claims, I still wouldn't use it alone to determine if he earned them. A TroopMaster IHR (he may still be archived if he was inactive), a ScoutNet printout from previous Council, etc., can substantiate his claim. - What's his handbook show? - Get the former District's MB Counselor list. Ask the Scout for the name one of the "disputed" MBs. Run down the list of counselors, and ask him which one was his. Contact the counselor him and find out if he's still got his copy of the blue card -- they're supposed to hang onto them for 7 years, right? Now, some of the counselors may no longer be on the list, or he may not remember some, particularly if they were at summer camp or a roundup or something. So, he may not bat 1.000, but he shouldn't bat 0.000 either. As a side note, this also makes a strong argument for ensuring all your MB counselors are registered with BSA, doesn't it? - Does the former Troop retain their copies of the blue cards? Ask them if the Troop Advancement chair will sift through the pile to pull his out (his cards, that is). Never underestimate the willingness of some people to do something underhanded to get what they want. For most of us, we mean what we say when we repeat the Oath/Law. For some, it's just words. I had a similar situation in my last Troop with a transfer Scout, deathbed Eagle situation, two older brothers were Eagles, dad insisting he would be, too, claimed he started his project in his last District, no evidence of it, no workbook, etc. That one is in my "Top 3" for Creepy Adult Behavior. This one may very well make yours. Good luck. KS

I'm also registered as a leader in both GSUSA and BSA. I don't have a copy of GS "Safety Wise" (their GSSS) in front of me, but if I recall from my training, it doesn't permit me to be the only adult present with girls, under any circumstances, although a female leader may be. I understand it, follow it, and don't have a quarrel with it. I realize that they're simply managing risk; instances of men molesting young girls are more common than women molesting young boys. Like it or not, that's the reality. So, I don't think we should be treated the same. Our policies, and the policies of any organization, should reflect the risk or threats to its members. Let's face it, men and women are different, biologically and behaviorally. Here's an example I used on both my kids when they were old enough to walk and get lost. You know how we always tell our kids not to talk to strangers and if you get lost, find a policeman? Well, at most places where kids will get lost, there aren't policemen standing around. There may be security guards, or UPS guys, or somebody else in a uniform...who is -- a stranger! What I told my kids repeatedly is if you get lost, find a woman with small kids, tell her you can't find your parents, and ask her to help you. Easily identifiable, present everywhere, and much more likely to immediately get involved, and for the right reasons. Managing risk. KS

You know, I heard somebody say once that if a group of people were sitting around a table, and we could throw our problems up onto the table, we'd all take our own problems back...gladly. This is a perfect example. I tear my hair out when a Star Scout forgets a mess kit at a campout... You guys have the patience of Job. If this happened around me, either they'd be gone or I'd be gone...you pick. KS

Heacox; Your original post included several questions; we seem to have focused more on the last one. I was in a similar situation in my last Troop, with a World Jamboree predicament. Also very expensive, and five of our Scouts wanted to go. For reasons beyond our control, we received registration packets late, and the deadlines for the deposit and first payment had come and gone. No worries, said Western Region, you can catch up (good buncha folks). Now, the question was, how can these five Scouts do this enormous amount of fund-raising in addition to all their other Troop/patrol activities? The committee agreed to "sponsor" their fund-raising efforts by submitting unit money earning applications on their behalf, with the understanding that it would be just those five participating in these particular activities. They also stipulated what the fund-raising could be used for, and what would happen to the funds if they wouldn't/couldn't go, quit, moved, or whatever. Council approved the applications, and we were off and running. BTW, all five Scouts had parents on the committee (but not the CC). Well, they got thrown a huge curve when the primary fund-raising method got pulled out from underneath them by the organization that originally allowed them to do it. It was a real blow because it generated lots of $$ without product overhead, etc. So, they had to move to less profitable activities, which took more time. The Scouts involved began missing Troop and District activities because they were WJ fund-raising, and I could see that they were getting frazzled over it. I expressed my concern, but the families and the committee (largely synonymous in this case) were on this "Thailand or bust" bandwagon -- if something had to give, it was the Troop activities. That hurt us, because by definition, these were all older Scouts who all had significant PORs. To make matters worse, the fund-raising goals morphed from the WJ fee, to the WJ fee plus airfare, to the WJ fee plus airfare plus uniforms, to the WJ fee plus airfare plus uniforms plus incidentals, etc., etc. It started stinking like dead fish, especially considering that, for example, we didn't allow other Scouts in the Troop to use raised funds to purchase uniforms... Long story short, they raised enough money, they went, they had a good time. That said, here's the lessons I learned: - Some goals aren't worth it. If the fundraising burns you out and as a result the event becomes anti-climatic, what's the point? - Get everybody's agenda on the table up front. It'll help frame the discussion, the plans, and help prevent any misunderstandings. Everybody ain't a saint. - Know that any additional fund-raising must come at the expense of something, unless your son has lots of time when he sits around doing nothing. That something could very well be his involvement in the Troop/patrol programs. - Volunteer parents have only so much initiative for Scouting. If they hold Troop positions, don't be surprised or disappointed if they begin "mailing it in" so they can support their Jamboree son's efforts to get this paid for. - If you live in a small community, consider the effect of the fund-raising on the good will you may have built up. It's not just Scouts who can get burnt out -- the people who support you can, too. There's a good reason why GS only sell cookies for a short time, once a year. Good luck; keep your hand on the stick, check six, and keep the aims/methods for the entire Troop on your HUD... KS

I think what BW meant is that a unit leader can't also be a unit commish for his own unit. I know that sounds like it should be intuitive, but I'm sure there are some out there who would see absolutely nothing wrong with it... KS