LPC_Thumper

Hi... west coast camps

Camp Chawanakee - Sequoia Area Council this is one of the grand-daddy camps of California. Have fun

Camp Cherry Valley & Camp Emerald Bay - Both on sunny Catilina Island. Far enough off the mainland you can't see the coast, you are adventure bound.

The Argus - Can you say Tall Ship? Can you say 2 staff memebers, rest of crew is your troop/crew? Can you spot the whales? Can you set sail up and down the California Coast? Get the picture?

Camp Oljato - High Sierra Camp, opposite side of lake from civilization. This place rocks too!

Rancho Alegra - Los Padres Council, GREAT first year camp, not good for experienced scouts, but they are getting a better program for older boys.

Then of course, Philmont, Northern Tier, and Sea Base. If you can get in, your boys will love these 3 National Camps...

Well said...

I volunteer as a member of the District Adancement Committee (for those unsure that's the "Official" title of the person that chairs Eagle Boards. I've lost track of how many boys have sat in front of me, and talked to me about their projects.

So what do I do? I ask them where their money came from, and then I ask if it could have come from someplace else. Not because I think they got it from the wrong place, but just to get thinking. If "The Bank of Ameri-dad" funded it, it has no effect on my decision. If mom and dad feed the crowds, it has no decision. If the scout figured out how to pay for it my themselves, I commend the young man for a job well done. As previously posted you can't fund raise for anything other than supplies, etc. I have a hard time thinking the Court of Honor is supplies, or that lunch for the workers falls there either.

Good Luck!

So it was one of those long nights. You know the kind, brand new SPL, troop meeting was out of control, SPL wanted to talk after the PLC, and meeting, and tried to resign. "It just wasn't like this last week! See I knew I couldn't do this, I'm such a loser!" The SM and I (the CC) told the boy to get in my car. We called his folks so they wouldn't worry, and went to our local Dairy Queen.

Little ice cream, a few laughs, a couple of stories, and then when it was time to pay the bill, no bill. I asked the kid behind the counter. He smiled, and held out his left hand to shake mine. He looked at our new SPL, and said "First meeting blues?" I nodded, he smiled and then said "I remember those... Tell him it'll get better."

He wouldn't take the money, I gained respect for the program. The next week, we had more boys go with us. This time we paid. Sure made up for some of the headaches. I'm not looking forward to the next set of elections.

Yes sir, what you are thinking about is EXACTLY what you DON'T want to use in the water. You also need to understand that soap will change the pH of water it has come in contact with. This is a type of pollution that will cause the damage described above. You really shouldn't be using soap in waterways EVER. It's not just because we are trying to be "hug a tree" types.

There are more service projects besides the one for Eagle. What you are suggesting would work great for any of those three, or for multiple boys for those three.

Remember just because it won't work for Eagle, doesn't mean it wouldn't work for Star, or Life. If you catch my drift...

In my troop, we buy two copies of the G2SS annually. One goes in the SM book, the other goes in the SPL book (you have notebooks for these important leaders right?) The PLC knows that the only way to get blown out of the water is not meet the requirements in G2SS. We may tell them that we need some more time to pull off an event (like taking them to Philmont, Northern Tier, Sea Base which we have done from CALIFORNIA), but we won't shoot down their plans UNLESS the G2SS does. If they make plans that are in conflict with G2SS, the SM merely points out to them why National doesn't want them to do it.

We also help them remember that Rule #1 of Troop 26 is "Stay off the front page of The Trib (local paper)". We do all we can to get their pictures on the community pages often, but NOTHING on the front page. It covers all our problems. Hope this helps!

A quote that I think really applies to me and my "boys":

A hundred years from now it will not matter what kind of a car I drove, how big my house was, where I went on vacation, or how much money was in my bank account. The world maybe a better place because I had an influence in the life of a boy.

Now with that said, one of my boys was part of the team that discovered Taxall (I'm sure that's not spelled correctly). It was found originally by mistake as his children were not careful with some petri dishes he had taken with them as they camped in Glacier National Park. It was later learned that this substance kills all sorts of cancer cells rather effectively. I had NOTHING to do with this discovery, other than developing a love of the outdoors in a dad, who happened to be working on his PhD, and wanted some time with his kids because he hadn't stopped and smelled the air for a while.

I think my legacy is more about a dad doing family things, than a man discovering what may turn out to be a cure for cancer.

Since I was asked about either National supoprting the idea of patches on the red jacket, or just enduring it... let me say this,

In 1965 I started my Scouting career as a cub scout. I stayed in program until 1975 when cars, girls, jobs, girls, college, (did I mention girls?) on it the way. It seemed then like a much better way to spend the weekend, was with the above list rather than 11 year old boys.

Anyway back then, EVERYONE work red jackets with patches, including the models in the Scout Catelog. SO I'd say it was the proper use of the jacket then. Now sometime between 1975 (when I left) and 1984 (when my son was born) it became BAD and WRONG to put patches on your red jackets.

If I were kind we'd go back to those days with the jackets. Just trying to clear up the position. Thanks!

OGE,

That's a great idea... See I was able to gain my composure again.

My wife took our son's tee-shirts, cut the silkscreens out of them into squares, and quilted them into a blanket, but not the patches and things. That really would be nice! Thanks for sharing that GREAT idea!

Hi,

Is this too arogant? I don't think so. You need to remember (in the words of my son) you get to pick the Scout Unit, he get's to pick the rest home. Now remember Dad pay back can be a problem...

Now honestly, what do you look for in a pack? In my mind, are the leaders trained? What activities have they done historically? I'm very cautious about the units that try and wine and dine you (which is nice, but really?).

When we were shopping what we looked for was a pack that paid a lot more attention to our son rather than us. I have been a Council/District volunteer for many years, so many leaders were very interested in what I would bring to their unit, or yeah and by the way, he has a boy too! We found a great match with a unit that approached it through my son's eyes, and casually mentioned they could use my help if I had the time. Good Luck!!

Let's see here... Fire + Scouts + Food = FUN

Why not a Dutch Oven dinner? Talk to most Boy Scout Troops and find out if they will show you how! Lasagna, or fried chicken & potatoes, or a stew, or ... If you can make it in an oven at home guess what?

OK so you don't want to do that... Why not bring a small foldable grill? You are now open to hamburgers, BBQ whatever (chicken, roast, steaks, shish-ka-bobs) Let the guys cook, they can if you'll let them. Just watch them to ensure they cook it long enough.

In my experiences with Boy Scouts, pancakes for breakfast are hard to mess up. That is as long as you don't forget the turner, and then if you do there is my all time favorite (scrampled pancake batter) Yummy!!! eeewwwww

Have fun!

You want what I know as best, or what National says?

Yes folks thats right, Thumper has an area where National needs to WAKE UP!!! We need to be able to decorate the red felt jackets like we did when I was a boy!

Ok I'm done venting now... National suplies a red vest to put patches and things on (but not rank badges), or you can get a "brag rag". These could be a cloth where patches and their associated rockers could be displayed. Most are about 3 square feet of a felt material, but the best was always the red jacket... sorry trying to control myself. I'd be interested to see what others say on this post. Hope I can hold it together... in with the good air, out with the bad air, one more breath... Must have red jackets!!!

I think it matters to a GREAT extent the rold these official members of units take in their unofficial role. Let me explain what I mean. If you asked me what I do in Scouts, but first answer is always, "I'm our troop's Eagle Advancement Person". You'd think someone like me would know better, "there ain't no position like that in the manual". Nobody even blinks when I say it. What I really am is my primary registration is as a Troop Committee Chairman, I also am our District's Training Chair, and a member of the District Advancement Committee (I conduct Eagle Boards of Review).

So when I help our boys get their Eagle what do I do? Well, I don't tell them what Merit Badges to get (that's the role of the BOY and his SM & ASMs) nor do I read ANY of the requirements to them. Again that's the job of the SM, ASMs, or maybe the school. I help them develop the paperwork to get their idea through the process of approval. I'm an editor. I see things from other troops that would just send you crying into the woods.

I hear all about you have to make 1st class in 1st year, and think that is a great goal. We have campouts to help our guys gain the knowledge they need for the skills required of a First Class Scout. And who teaches them these skills? Why the older guys of course. And why do the older guys go on these camp outs? Simple, the adults cook for the staff on the Advancement Campouts. We also have some that involve cooking contests, and demos. Our guys love this. If we're not bringing the program... sorry, we thought the program was all about helping to raise (not raising, that's the parent's job) young men of character, who are service minded, aware of their environment, and developing good citizenship traits... or am I confused on that one too?

I have a question about Pepper's post (which except for my question I think was well written).

I didn't think that boys could sign off advancement sine the late 80's. Did I miss something here, and have been doing things wrong for 20 years? I thought boys could (and frankly SHOULD) teach skills, but as far as actually demonstrating the skill, that is only done by a Scoutmaster, or an Assisstant Scoutmaster.

I'm not trying to be arugmentative, I'm trying to learn. Could someone quote chapter and verse for me, simply because I'm pulling this from my readings of the Scoutmaster Handbook, and the Advancement Committee Handbook, and this is what I understand.

Thanks!

BTW, as the person that has had this role for the past 10 years, I have NEVER told a scout he couldn't get Eagle when he was ready. But on the other hand he doesn't get the "You are too smart, and have worked too hard to stop now" speech until he has his 17th birthday. My son was only Star for 2 days longer than minimum time (he had enough Merit Badges before he got his Star to make Life, so only needed the time requirements and the Actvities, PoR, SP etc) but was Life for 3 years.

You really won't need the extra food. When my crew went to Philmont, we only ate what they provided, we starved. At Sommers (another of the bases for Northern Tier) they fed us like you wouldn't believe. We could barely finish the food. It was good, and there was LOTS. (The other adult in the crew was a collegiate Water Polo Player, even he couldn't make sure there were no left overs)

Have a GREAT time!

In my troop the PLC and the SM plan all of them. The SPL is MC. He turns time over to each of the ASMs for presentations a certain rank. (Mr ASM-A recognizes all Tenderfoot Scouts, Mr ASM-B recognizes all 2nd Class Scouts) We pass out the recognition card, and mother's pin at CoH (badge was previously awarded) SM recognizes all new Eagels, Eagle Palms, and Merit Badges (all we do for that is say, "John Scout has received the following merit badges, hang-gliding, underwater demolition. James Scout has received the following...) I'm amazed how fast that actually goes.

As CC I then thank those for attending, and invite the parents to enjoy the refreshments. Once parent's have had a couple of minutes, the SM invites the boys to enjoy the refreshments. Our Advancement Chair goes over all the awards with the PLC to ensure they know what's coming. If a Scout would like to conduct the CoH (for Communication MB, for example) the SPL is happy to allow that. We have had some do that, other's that would rather present a campfire program. I'm not saying this is the only way, just they way we find works for us. Good luck!!

Wow Eamonn that's too bad. I too am upset when kids are kids. But look at the good side. These guys have stepped up and tried to correct a mistake. I also think that kids need to learn that their actions have results. So many don't get that concept. This can also make it no fun.

Hang in there, these lads will pull through. I'd be surprised if the SE tells them to hit the road. They may not be going to Jambo, they might not be heading on any big trips for a while, but they should have the right to make things OK with all involved (through restitution of property, and revocation of some of their abilities). In the long run these guys can rise above their blunders and make something better happen.

Just my 2 cents worth.

I have this position in my District. What I do is that when I get a packet, I call the SM, and we set up a date ASAP (usually 2 weeks out). There are times when I hold one per month. There are times when it is more often. It all depends on the demand for them.

As for the original question, Advancement Policies and Procedures Committee Guide p. 17

Eagle Scout Boards of Review. The Boy Scouts of America has placed the Eagle Scout board of review in the hands of either the troop . . . committee or the district or council committee responsible for advancement. The council will decide and promulgate which method may be used.

On paper, in theroy, your Unit Commissioner should represent the District/Council for you. (I started this post that way, because you asked the question)

If this person is stopping around, or if you have an easy way to contact this person just tell them you don't want to rock the boat, but you saw on a website that people were talking about how much fun scouts have going on patrol campouts. And you were just noticing that your leaders don't do this, and you were wondering why not... I find if you just play "dumb" with a lot of this, you can get all sorts of things.

Now if you are reading this and saying "What the heck is a UC?"A phone call to your District Office, and just ask them should do the trick. Many times office folks know most of the answers and are happy to answer without knowing what unit you are from...

I'm sure others will also have good ideas.

Good Luck!!

I have been an adult in two different troops.

The first one I was the founding Scoutmaster. I served until my minister (COR) asked me to step aside. No hard feelings, he just had someone else in mind. No big deal, honest.

The second, I offered to act as the Outings & Activity Chair, and got roped into being the Equipment Coordinator as well. I was then asked to work as the Older Scout ASM. I was then asked to work as the Committee Chair (when my son graduated program).

There was never a term limit in either of these units. Now on the District/Council positions I have held, it was for a certain period of time, and I knew that when I accepted the position. When I served with the Regional Office it was for a certain time as well.

In my experiences with Scouting, seeing any skill no matter how outstandingly performed is not the same as doing that skill no matter how poorly attempted.

I would expose your Cubs to a well done flag ceremony or two, and then help them do what they have seen. Only after they have done the ceremony themselves would I sign off the requirement.

Not to be rude... I'm of the opinion that trying to skirt the issue of not being a patrol but rather a group of friends is avoiding the point.

I realize I'm thumping manuals to say "Hold on, if it walks like a duck, smells like a duck, looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it's a duck." I think it would be much better to get these young men talking to their unit commissioner, or their Scoutmaster, and getting some real advice as to why they can't do this, even if it means the patrol has to go sleep in someones backyard while they get their answers.

A long time ago (back when the San Jose Sharks were a brand new NHL team) we had a new patrol forming in the troop. We had always taken the stand that if it was in the Catelog Scouts could use it. One young man saw that the Shark Patrol Emblem looked an awful lot like the the Shark's logo. They decided it would be cool. They then found a San Jose banner, took the hockey stick off of it, and had the best patrol flag I've ever seen. Was this classic copyright enfringment (sp?)? You bet it was. Do I think the offended would come after the BSA? I'm not so sure.

Anyway other than that one episode we keep the rule that if it's in the catelog you can use it, except for the blank emblem. This has worked for us.

I AM THAT KID, except I'm the Committee Chair for your troop.

When we went to Northern Tier, I fell into a ditch the night we arrived in Minniapolis, and twisted and ankle. The next day, I skinned a knee on our way to Emmerson Camp, the following day bruised knuckles at base camp.

Then the ultimate, on our very first portage, we got across Moose Lake (this is the lake base camp is on, for those of you that haven't been there), I was thinking cool we're finally here, I survived the trip, etc. The scout in the front of the canoe didn't know what to do, hesitated, and then pulled the back of the canoe around to let me out first. I told him that'd be fine, so I felt with my paddle for rocks. Find some slid out of the back of the canoe. Well, where I felt and where I landed were not the same place, and rather than being in water about knee high I was in mud up to my knee, and water above my waist. The boys in the canoe became concerned and tried to get it closer to me (did I mention it is in a good spot before they put it on my back). As they moved it closer it came from my side, and pushed me over. Problem is, my foot was stuck in the mud, so knee pops, and tears. (I still hurt from this episode.) Plus they are now on me, our 300 lbs of supplies are on me, and I'm UNDER WATER!!

My foot is still stuck in the mud

Well I finally get them off of me come up for air, and survey the damage. Like a dummy I decide I can go somemore, and learn after two more portages, that I'm not OK, I'm going to slow the group down. They insist I stay with them, and we have a trip. I'm glad I went because it was pretty. Any body else have good stories?