baden

I'm back at the Jamboree Post Office.

Does anyone know of a Leave No Trace trainer course in the midwest this spring or summer?

The Scoutmaster's Other Handbook is a nice resource. It was written by a long time SM & eagle Scout, Mark Ray. It is a source of practical usable program info. Some of the topics are program planning, outings, high adventure, Troop meetings, ceremonies, advancement, parents, Troop admin., money, and more. This is real world advice. A lot of it you know, but I pick it up and skim through from time to time and always get some ideas. The author is BSA friendly and does not get into Council or pro bashing. It is very positive. I like it so much, I bought a copy for the SM of a Troo

The most extreme case I have seen was a member of my WB patrol. I was part of a pilot course for 21st Century WB @ Philmont. We got broken up into patrols and were sent off together to become acquainted. Usual chitchat, been SM 12 yrs, been ASM for 8 yrs, etc. Finally the last patrol member spoke up, "I've been SM for 6 weeks" I asked what he'd done in Scouting before and he said I've been a Scout Leader for 6 weeks. I said 6 weeks and you're at Wood Badge at Philmont? It's gonna be a little downhill from here. He stated that he was called to be SM for a Troop chartered by his LDS Church.

Other useful skill for a D.E. are call screening, not returning phone messages, and not responding to e-mail. Until FOS time.

OK, staffing is fantastic. Actually it sort of is. I'm going back for my 3rd hitch. You will be busy. Every Staff is different. Some work one day on and one day off. Some work every day with scant time off. Most Staffs work it so everyone gets at least one day off to see the Jamboree. Especially newbies. Depends on the needs of your group and how well they have done at filling their needs. And, at the last minute some people no-show for whatever reason and can create a bind. Any time off you have will be well spent getting out and seeing the sights. Housing. It varies. Some staffs ar

Story of my life.Just bought one for my son for Christmas.

Our Troop has used Cliff Wold's Canoe World at least 10 times. We are happy customers.

A wise Scouter told me a long time ago, "Food eaten outdoors doesn't count". It really is the other 28-30 days a month that impacts your (my) girth.

A few years ago at summer camp I was wandering around our campsite, looking things over ahead of a visit from the Commissioner to do a campsite inspection. I spotted some stuff sticking out the back of a tent. I pulled it out and "Hello Miss October". Fortunately it was an issue I hadn't seen. I asked the two occupants of the tent about it. One rolled over on the other immediately. I didn't send the offender home, but told him I was going to mention it to his Mother when she came to get him. I think he would have rather had a whipping. Mom showed up and I told her. She promised to get into it

Several people responding to this thread have mentioned going to J.C. Penneys to get their uniforms. It is interesting what you remember. Several years ago, on our way to Philmont, our Crew stopped at the Central States Scout Museum in Larned, Kansas. As we wandered around I felt an almost electric shock as I stood in front of a J.C. Penneys floor display. It was identical to the one our local Penneys store had in the late "50's. I remember standing there with my Mother getting my Cub Scout Uniform. I had to show my membership card to be allowed to get it. We had to recite the Cub Scout promis

Our Troop has used Cliff Wold in Ely since the '70's. Good equipment and good food. Cliff's crew spends the winter dehydrating and packaging their own trail meals. Their rates are very competitive and has discounts for Scout groups. Cliff is a former Scoutmaster.

I'm getting old and for some time I have had the feeling we are going off the track to some extent. I have thought for a long time that we definitely took a wrong turn when we vertically integrated Wood Badge. I have staffed a 21st Century WB course and had a great time. But we seem to be turning out formin', stormin, normin, performin 1 minute managers instead of Scoutmasters. We have dumbed down and compressed Cub Leader tng to the point that many Cub Leaders have little idea what the program is about and have no clue as to how a Pack operates. The online training is better than nothing

I was elected PPL of our Wood Badge patrol. I was told my responsibilities were to keep in contact with Patrol members, encourage all to complete tickets, and take custody of the Patrol flag. (which I still have)

The District Chairman, Commissioner, and Executive make up what is known as the Key 3. This is the senior leadership group in a District. The District Chairman is a volunteer position. The Chairman is primarily responsible for filling the positions on the District Commitee such as Camping Chair, FOS Chair, Training Chair,etc.etc. He also should Chair the monthly District Committee meeting. Expected to give leadership to the District FOS campaign. This person frequently does not have an extensive Scouting background, but is well regarded and connected to the community, especially the busin