mschwartz

I had submitted a Local Tour Permit application a few days ago (the first one this year) and got an email back from Council saying that someone on each trip is now required to have completed Hazardous Weather Training. Granted, this is an online training through MyScouting and doesn't take all that long - but I think I'm fairly aware of program changes, etc. and I don't recall seeing anything about this new requirement! Does anyone have any info? Links to official announcements?

thanks much,

Marietta

Our pack has used classb.com for T-shirts, hats, and custom patches. The people at classb.com are the most helpful, friendly, cheerful... anyhow, they're great to work with. And everything came through in a timely fashion, looking good.

I've been using HomeSite for years - I believe it is now a Macromedia product (at least when I installed Macromedia Contribute, which is required for web page updates on one of our servers at work, it came along for the ride - btw, I do NOT recommend Contribute as a web editor!). I really like HomeSite as it allows you to work with the straight HTML but also has a WYSIWYG preview function.

Wait, was just going to doublecheck to see if it's still around - and apparently Adobe has gobbled up Macromedia! HomeSite 5.5 is available from Adobe - they also own Dreamweaver.

I loved Kelly's Heroes when I was a kid - probably saw it three or four times over the years (and now I want to go on Netflix and see if it's still available!).

My son watched "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" for the MB and thoroughly enjoyed it. He and his friend (they were both working on the MB) kept talking back to the TV and pausing the movie and going back to watch bits again... it was great to see.

I wasn't sure if MA did a Scouting plate or not (was pretty sure not) so I googled "scouting license plates" and found this: http://www.angelfire.com/wy/gilwell/plates.html. It's pretty comprehensive, although I can't speak for its accuracy. But it's fun to look at the photos of license plates!

The group of boys in the Troop who were working on E-Prep (one of the ASMs is a firefighter and registered MB counselor for this one) did a really neat emergency rescue scenario. The town that we live in has a "reservation" (heavily wooded park with both paved walking/biking trails and more challenging hiking trails). The ASM got a "rescue dummy" from the fire dept, as well as a rescue basket. He and another adult went up into the woods and hid the dummy near one of the trails. The boys all met at the entrance and were presented with the scenario that a group of boys were hiking in the woods; one fell and was injured; the others managed to make their way out, gasping 'He's up there!' and pointing in the general direction of where they had been. So the scouts (we had about a dozen boys) did a grid search to find the dummy. When they located it, it had notes pinned to it regarding injuries. They had to do appropriate first aid, load it into the rescue basket, and pack it out, about a mile. (The whole thing weighed about 150 lbs - not a light load!). All involved thought it was a great activity, and the boys felt like they really did and learned something important.

I spent my Mother's Day morning delivering son #1 to our local "reservation" (hiking area) to participate in an Emergency Preparedness Rescue. One of the ASMs (a captain in the fire department) had hidden a rescue dummy up near one of the hiking trails. The boys had to do a line search to find it, perform appropriate first aid (per notes attached to the dummy), load it into a rescue basket, and pack it out. The whole apparatus weighed in excess of 200 lbs. Gorgeous day for it, the boys had a great time, and the "rescue" was successful. And while he was doing that, son #2, dog, and I did a three-mile ramble along the paved part of the hiking trails. All in all a great way to spend my morning!

Not sure if this is what you had in mind..

http://orderofthefork.org/

http://lenslinger.blogspot.com/2006/06/order-of-fork.html

http://www.geocities.com/~pack215/clipart-sanda-menu.html - look at the logos (the belt loop ones are actual photos of belt loops on a belt)

http://www.derose.net/steve/guides/scouting/beltloops/ - scanned photos of the actual belt loops

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Gorge/6928/beltloops.htm - similar to above, smaller pictures

I know this is getting a little off the original topic, but having just had a group of boys in the troop go through the First Aid merit badge, this caught my eye. Requirement #1 of the merit badge: Satisfy your counselor that you have current knowledge of all first aid requirements for Tenderfoot Rank, Second Class Rank, and First Class Rank ranks.

To me, that implies that if the Scout does not have those already signed off in their book, they have to demonstrate them to the counselor. In our situation, the counselor is also an ASM, so with a couple of the younger Scouts, once they had demonstrated those requirements, he signed them in the book.

Technically double-dipping, but in this case the merit badge seems to require it!

Just an observation.

Just finished watching the set. I especially liked the Jim Lovell video. I also passed the set of links around to the Troop Committee, Pack Chairman, and whoever else I could think of.

Happy Birthday Scouting!

Ummm... why is this question in the "Scouting the Web" section of the forum?

There is an extensive thread on exactly this question at http://www.scouter.com/forums/viewThread.asp?threadID=112410 in the "Advancement Resources" section. Lots and lots of good movie ideas. (The last group of boys I saw working on this badge watched "Mr. Smith goes to Washington", just to add that in.)

FWIW, if you have access to Internet Advancement, you can get a troop/pack roster that lists all adults and Scouts, and includes the BSA ID. I've had to look them up a couple of times for adults wanting to do online training and needing that #.

Well, that was exactly the problem. The wording on the form seemed to imply that 10% of the scouts should have participated in a troop activity (and it specified camping) every month. We were all extremely confused. We do easily have 10% of the troop participate in every campout, but it's not the same 10% every time. Our UC decided that we had enough camping activity and participation that we qualified. But hopefully next year's form will be a little clearer!

We actually invite parents/inexperienced committee members to sit in on the BoR (as long as it's not their son who's up for advancement!) to see how they work. We also distribute a guide (found at http://www.macscouter.com/Scoutmaster/BoR_Guide.asp) that explains a bit about the expectations at the different ranks and provides some sample questions for each rank level. We've found that extremely useful.

We have also (with the permission of the scout being reviewed) brought in the newly-crossed-over Webelos-now-Boy Scouts to quietly sit in the back during a BoR so they can see what's coming.(This message has been edited by mschwartz)

We just went through the exercise last night at our troop committee meeting (which our UC attended). Looking at the form that was filled out at the beginning of the year, one of the items in particular is completely impossible. We were supposed to aim for at least 10% of the scouts going camping once a month. I don't think (or expect) that a single scout went on every single trip that the troop had this year! The 2008 forms have "camping or other group activity" which makes it a little more possible that someone would participate in SOMETHING every month (we read that as counting service projects, camping, hiking, parades, etc.) - but that's still a lot to ask, I think. I'd be happy if 25% of the scouts went on at least half of the troop activities!

Boy, I can hardly wait for the online tour permit system! Right now, I have to wait for the info to be sent to me by one of the Assistant Scoutmasters (and I am gradually getting through to them as to what information I actually need - like who's driving, and their car/DL info if they haven't driven a trip before!). Then I have to fill out the permit and fax it to Council, and then wait for them to fax it back to me. And worry about the fax machine jamming or me not being around to collect the incoming permit and how do I get it to the trip leaders in time...

Our troop has regularly scheduled Boards of Review on the second Tuesday of the month, during the troop meeting. The CC always reminds the committee members in advance that we are having Boards, just to be sure there will be at least three people there, but since it's such a regular thing, we all put it on our calendars. With 50+ scouts in the troop, there is ALWAYS at least one Board on that second Tuesday. Often two or three. Something like 65% of our scouts advanced this year (and that doesn't count the ones who joined during the calendar year, most of whom also advanced).

Having a pre-planned time for BoR has made it much easier for everyone.

I've never seen the red vest anywhere but in a Cub Scout context, hence the title of the thread. Having been pointed to the Insignia Guide, I went looking for it, and found this (http://www.scouting.org/forms/34283.pdf): "Merit Badge Sash. If worn, merit badges are attached to front (and back, if needed) of sash. Venture/Varsity letter is attached at bottom front corner. Temporary insignia may be worn on back." This form is dated 2007, so I assume it is current. So what is the definition of "temporary insignia"? I went looking for that as well, and found this: "Here's what the BSA's National Uniform and Insignia Committee defines as "temporary insignia" (this is also found in the 2003 (and earlier versions) of the BSA Administration Guide). Temporary insignia: This consists of badges, pins or other items which does not fall into the advancement, position or title, unit, personal achievement, service, tenure, aquatics, or equipment decoration insignia categories. This insignia is worn, ONE piece at a time, centered on the RIGHT pocket of the official Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Venturer, Sea Scout or Scouter field uniform; or suspended from the right pocket button of the field uniform. Additionally, Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts may choose to wear an unlimited number of temporary insignia items ONLY on the BACK of the merit badge sash starting three inches from the top edge or seam of the sash. All members may choose to display additional temporary insignia on a blanket, vest, or jacket at the option of the wearer." So I guess that answers the question! Thanks to everyone who gave answers pointing me in the correct direction. YIS, Marietta

The Pack that my boys came up with sold candy bars every year as a fundraiser. That was the only fundraiser they did, and they did extremely well at it. We used to buy the prepackaged cases of candy bars from one of the fundraising companies; the last few years they bought cases of bars at BJ's and that way the boys could customize their boxes. (One of our committee members found plain white "suitcase" boxes and we put the bars in those.)

And now this year the high school Music Boosters are selling candy bars too. Lots of sugar in town.

M

I've gotten this question from a couple of parents of new Boy Scouts, and have to admit that I do not know the answer! The boys get patches for (for instance) doing the Polar Bear program and the Trailblazer program at summer camp, and for other things as well (Klondike Derby comes to mind). I know that they can wear one "temporary" patch on their pocket in that plastic patch holder thingie - but what do they do with all the other ones? Someone told me (can't remember who) that the boys can put those sorts of patches on the back of their merit badge sash (obviously reserving the front for the merit badges) but I don't know if that is a true statement or not.

Anyone have any insight on this? I don't want to tell them no you can't do that if in fact you can; or the other way around.

thanks much,

Marietta

I'd be very much in favor of a "Family Consumer Skills" merit badge - sewing, laundry, fundamental cleaning, basic grocery shopping... the sorts of things that young men out on their own (first apartment, off at college, whatever) really should know how to do. After all, isn't the Scout Motto "Be Prepared"? Shouldn't they be learning how to Be Prepared for Life?

We use Badge Magic for everything BUT rank badges - because it is such a pain to remove, and every time you advance in rank you have to take the old badge off before you can put the new one on! I've sewed them on for my boys so far, but when my First Class scout makes Star, he'll be doing it.

YIS,

Marietta

Our Webelos II den did this a few years back. They handed out pamphlets on organ donor awareness at one of the Pack meetings, including information on how to become an organ donor in Massachusetts. They also discussed the need for organ donors at one of their den meetings.

http://www.usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/donor.asp has information on the Scouting program.

http://www.miraclesforlife.org/registertodonate.htm - you can find out the information specific to your state here. In Massachusetts, you check a box when you renew your driver''s license. Very easy.

Worth doing all around.

YIS,

Marietta

P.S. I looked into "Who can be an organ donor" - MetLife has this to say. "Everyone can become a potential organ and tissue donor. Your age or medical history does not determine whether your organs can be used; rather, its the condition of your organs and tissues at the time of your death that are the determining factor. Even when the organs are not viable for transplantation, some families choose to donate for medical research to help find cures for illness and disease.

Most religions support organ donation. If youre unsure about your religions stand on the issue, speak to your religious or spiritual leader."(This message has been edited by mschwartz)

Here''s a simple one that can be done by anyone (saw it at the campfire on this weekend''s campout):

Person #1: walks into the "show" area and "sits" on air.

Person #2: walks up, sees #1, says "What are you doing?" #1 says, "I''m sitting on the invisible bench." #2 says, "Oh, can I join you?" #1 says, "Sure!" and #2 then "sits" next to him.

Repeat as necessary until you have a reasonable amount of "sitters" - 3 or 4 is good.

Last person walks up, sees all the "sitters", says, "What are you doing?" They chorus, "We''re sitting on the invisible bench." Last person says, "Oh, didn''t you know? They moved it last week!" at which all the "sitters" fall on the ground.

Simple, no props needed, funny.

M

For years the Pack that my boys attended has sent out a monthly paper newsletter (I was the editor for five years). It had that month''s upcoming events on one side, and on the other side a calendar, contact information, etc. Everyone found it very useful - the calendar side wound up on countless refrigerators and bulletin boards. Take a look at the website for the Pack - they post PDF versions of the newsletter there as well. (http://www.geocities.com/pack712).

The Troop that the boys are now in also sends out a paper newsletter, but with much less frequency. They do send out frequent email updates (more than once a month, I know) that are basically reminders of the upcoming events.

Hope that helps!

Marietta