Mike F

Our success rate is about 95%. The only "failure" I recall in recent memory was about 2 years ago. To paraphrase from the BOR guidelines, the purpose of the BOR is for members of the TC to ensure that all requirements have been met. When questioning a scout about what he had accomplished as Troop Librarian, his reply was "nothing." More questions revealed the fact that he had never so much as opened up our library cabinet to take a look at it, much less take any action whatsoever. More questions revealed that he had never been trained or received guidance about what he was supposed to do

Roger, Are you still hoping for more books? -mike

Hillis, Get copy of the BSA Fieldbook and study Chapter 1. It's excellent! Heed Trevorum's advice. I have led a lot of high adventure trips through the years and consider them to be about the best that Scouting has to offer. My observations have led me to believe that a successful crew is based about 30% on skill and 70% on effective teamwork. Teamwork is certainly built camping, but you can also have some fun and build friendships just doing things like all meeting for pizza together, going out to a movie, or having an X-Box marathon competition sleepover. (Never thought I would admit

Dang - poor planning - I'll be at Enchanted Rock climbing that weekend. Our troop is locked into that date due to schedule with Venture Crew that specializes in climbing and could only support that weekend. We've been up to that area twice in the last few months (Dec & Jan) at Bastrop State Park for orienteering. It's great! Too bad about sched issue - I would really like to meet some of you guys (or is it gals?)!

I used a bag rated at 20-deg a couple of years ago and was so warm that I unzipped the foot vent every night on the trail. The coldest I got was at Base Camp! I know this doesn't make sense, because every night on the trail was at higher elevation, but it was true on first and last days. I slept in clothes reserved for sleeping only to eliminate potential for food smells. I also stashed a warm pair of synthetic socks in my bag for wear only at night. In case of cold, I had a poly-pro hood and silk liner in my stuff sack for tent use, but pulled them out. Since I tend to sleep cold, I'll carry

When is it?

Semper, Thanks! I needed that after a camping trip that missed the mark this weekend... Make it a great week!! -mike

It's been a few years since I researched this, but recall that simple foam pads were the lightest. But also bulky. I went with new Therma-a-Rest ProLite 4 Regular and loved it. Packs into tiny package that fit inside my pack. I've used a 3/4 pad and didn't like it. Feet got cold. Never did manage to get the right stuff under my calves/feet to prevent it on that trip. Now it's always full-length. (Note: For long-term storage of these self-inflating pads, open the valve, let them inflate, and slide under your bed. That keeps them used to being inflated and spread out. Internal foam wi

EagleInKY, Interesting point I hadn't considered. Thanks! -mike

Neither of the two troops I actively serve uses NSP. One troop is very large - over 100. They used to use NSPs and found retention went up after immediately integrating them into existing patrols starting about 3 years ago. The other smaller troop (~20) has never used NSPs and has what Beavah referred to as a great ethic of older boys lookin' out for and takin' care of the younger guys. Retention in that troop has been 100% for the last 3 year groups - simply amazing. I think it's because the older guys really do understand the future of the troop depends on those guys, so they take care

One exception to what I just posted about adults always cooking for themselves: About once a year - usually during some really cold weather - we'll send the guys out with full gear after dinner on Saturday night with instructions on how to find their next campsite (compass course, GPS coordinates, etc.). The guys will do a little night navigation and set up a new camp on their own. (We check in on them - discretely.) When they come hiking back into base camp in the morning, we'll have our special Mountain Man breakfast waiting. Eggs, sausage, tater tots, & cheese all baked up in a D

Our adults always cook for ourselves. As others have said, we usually try to eat really well as an example for the guys. The SPL and ASPL also will start eating with the adults on the campout this weekend. In the past, we've always had them eat with their old patrol, but are now making the change for several reasons: 1. As SPL and ASPL, they are not members of a patrol. 2. We've noticed that Patrol Leaders have a hard time clearly remaining in charge of their patrol when SPL/ASPL step back into the mix for meals. 3. Meals with SPL/ASPL and SM, etc. will allow for more adult intera

I serve two troops. Neither puts much effort into fund-raising and they both divy up differently. Troop 1. Scout keeps 40-50% in personal "Scout Bucks" account, which is tracked by troop treasurer. This can be used to pay dues, recharter, summer camp, high-adventure, etc. In theory, a scout can use to funds to be reimbursed for purchase of uniforms, camping equipment, etc., but I don't think it's ever been done. If a scout leaves scouting, the Scout Bucks account is erased and the funds stay in troop account. If he is transferring to another troop and they have a similar account, we'll

I agree with the others - let them know when you're coming the first time. yes - this means you'll probably spend more time getting their "sales pitch," than observing scouts in action, but that's OK. If they look interesting, ask if you can come back again to just observe or participate as events allow. I didn't do this with my first son and wish I had. The sales pitch was slick - we didn't visit again - joined - and within months, my son wanted to drop out. Fortunately I was able to convince my son to go check out some other troops and we found a good fit for him. When I start

Yes - get the boots! Also consider replacing the generally inadequate insole with a tougher one - I'm a believer in one called "Superfeet." It adds more support and protection against the hard rocks that others have mentioned. And wear them a LOT before hitting the trail. You're not just breaking in the boots - you're getting your feet used to wearing them. Even the best boots are likely to rub you somewhere. By wearing them a lot in the weeks and months before you go, you'll toughen up your feet. I read a great story about an Appalachian Trail through-hiker who blew out his boots on

We did something similar a couple of years ago. Permanent Crew Leader and Asst Crew Leader. These guys functioned similar to Patrol Leader and Asst for all crew activities starting many months ahead during shakedown and all preparation activities. Crew Leader was crucial in pulling the team together before we hit the trail. Crew Leader assigned permanent duties which were accomplished as soon as we arrived in the campsite every day. Dining fly - 4 guys Bear bags - 2 guys Water boys - 3 guys (gather, fill, treat if required all empty water bottles and dromedary bags for dinner prep)

Barry, You have an incredible gift!! Your insights and clarity of thought are an inspiration. 3 Cheers!!! -mike

First critical timing is SM Conference, which must be completed before 18th birthday. (My #1 son was very active all the way through, but intentionally slid in with 3 hours to spare.) SM Conference cannot be accomplished until Project (Req #5) is completed - including the workbook with all required signatures. Workbook is part of the project. (In theory, some might argue that nothing says the SM Conf must wait until all other requirements are complete. Instead of splitting hairs, just think of it as all "requirements", except the BoR, must be completed before the clock strikes midn

Two comments: As I just said in another thread, there's no such thing as a scout "needing" a POR. He may want one for rank advancement, but that's not a fundamental need or right. He has to earn it. How? By being active in the game. By stepping up to serve whenever the need arises. By showing other scouts he is responsible and can be depended upon. This can't be placed all neat on a timeline - each scout will get the opportunity when he's ready. As Kudu said, I think BSA's recommended 6-month term of office is primarily to keep churning leadership opportunities for advancement. One o

CNY, It sounds like you're right on target - the adult leadership has low expectations and the boys live up to them. Kids today are busy and seem to have more opportunities & demands on their time. So they learn at a young age how to prioritize. About a month ago, the mother of two of our junior leaders (ASPL and PL) tried to explain to me that her boys wouldn't be able to attend our troop junior leader training weekend because their Jr ROTC commander had rescheduled a leadership class for the same Saturday. I volunteered to call their commander to explain we had set our date to avoid

Wow - this thread kinda blows my mind. I was lost right from the beginning with the statement "...scouts that need a position of responsibility..." and downright disgusted later with description of signoffs for merely wearing a badge of office. There's no such thing as scout who "needs" a POR. He needs water, food, love, and shelter. He (or his parents) might "desire" for him to have a POR to fulfill a requirement for rank advancement, but nobody should confuse that with a need. He'll earn it through election or appointment when he's ready. Adults never make it better when we mess wi

There is no rank requirement established by Philmont, but many troops will require all high-adventure participants to be at least First Class and maybe to already have earned some applicable merit badges (Camping, Canoeing, and First Aid come to mind). Good luck getting into Philmont. The slots for 2007 have already been handed out. Lottery takes place in the Fall for treks over 1.5 years in the future due to huge demand. Don't sweat it too much. In addition to troop treks, there are also options to a trek through your local council or to join in with another group that has open

I took 3 crews to Philmont in 2004. I'm not sure if it was a hard "requirement" that couldn't be waived, but it was explained to us that small single person tents were not allowed. Since we weren't planning to use any, I didn't soak in all the details, but recall it was described as a safety issue. Seems the really small 1-person tents look too much like a log that might reward a hungry bear with grubs if he rolled it over in the middle of the night. I'm certain that buddy system was not discussed as part of the rationale. We had one adult sleep solo in a tent, but it was a 2-p

Good discussion! I'm a big believer in socks. For cold weather camping, I stuff a big, thick pair of SmartWool socks in with my bag. The only time I wear them is at night. I also pack a polypro hood in the bag. It weighs nothing at all and makes a huge difference. I prefer not to cinch the hood tight around my face. When the weather's really cold, one of the tricks I use is to pull a dry shirt or sweater into the bag and place it across my body - forming an air dam to keep warm air in and cold drafts out. Again, this allows me to keep the top of the bag a little bit open

I'm sure he wishes he had just dropped the knife. There's a lot of mass behind that skinny blade on a Leatherman - that's what made the difference. And roger that on the Bermuda triangle!(This message has been edited by Mike F)