ntrog8r

Well, let's hope so! If you go to the Issues and Politics forum I think you'll find there are plenty of liberal Scouters. But I don't think the issue is whether or not there is room for a liberal in Scouting. Racism and homophobia are not conservative, they are wrong. There is NOT room in Scouting for racism and homophobia. Sounds like you and the other "new" leaders need to get together, talk about what you've just experienced, and get a plan. That plan may include starting a new troop, confronting these "forever" leaders (tactfully, of course) about their unacceptable behavior, or

People shut down in the summer? We faced this with a troop where everyone bridged together from Webelos. So the Cub Scout thing played a part as did the, "We all need a break" thing. We did not shut down and now, based on what I hear from the SM of that troop, theya re busier than ever in the summers! Scouts are available all day, the hard part should be keeping with them. Of course, Patrol hiking and camping and service projects can all be done without us.

Back when I was a SM whenever new/prospective parents asked about our advancement program/policies/etc I explained we didn't have one. We discussed the goals (aims) of Scouting and then reviewed the methods (advancement is a method). I let them know about how long the average Scout took to achieve 1st Class, and that Eagle would come only to those who really wanted it and focussed on it for the long haul. In our troop, Eagle was never the goal, but often a result, of the program. Interestingly, our troop always grew. But the parents who let their sons ask me questions and hang out with t

I'm 5'11", my son is is just over 6'1" tall and we've had no problems. If it makes a difference, we wear the "Centennial Boy Scout/Male Leader Cotton Rich Poplin Uniform Shirt". http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/ItemDetail.aspx?cat=01RTL&ctgy=PRODUCTS&c2=UNIFORMS&C3=USHIRTS&C4=&LV=3&item=629BSS&prodid=629BSS^8^01RTL&

I'm not sure if you're asking for opinion or BSA policy but they already are... From the membership application: "The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God and, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but it is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training". http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/28-406.pdf Since the Brights share the philosophy of Naturalism, and more specifically metaphysical(or ontological) naturalism, and so are ath

I think it happened in 1910, give or take two or three years If you look at the old photos you will see LOTS of mixed uniforms, The obvious exception of course is nearly any official publication. Since Green Bars Troop 1, the most photographed troop in the history of BSA, was the model troop for all official pubs those pubs were filled with 100% uniformed Scouts. But press photos at the big events show Scouts not in 100% official attire. Maybe National should put greater emphasis on using only photos of Scouts in 100% uniforms but that is another discussion in itself. > Militar

Unfortunately it's gone, at least for now. It was a true wealth of information so hopefully it will reappear soon!

A diploma is something you give yourself by completing someone else's known and established requirements. An award is something you're given by others in recognition of your accomplishments; the requirements may be objective (and published) or subjective (and unknown). Rank is positional and defines where you stand in relation to others in the same group. Eagle is all of the above, but ultimately it is what you ARE. A reflecton of what you become after a journey. How the program is implemented may cause one or more of the above elements to appear larger than the others but an Eagle is

These are some great suggestions. A common theme seems to be discussion and interaction among the Scouters. Frankly, I think this might need to be directed or guided to keep conversations on track, relevant, and useful to all present. What do the rest of you think? Should the groups be broken down by experience level, interest, other? Thanks for all the feedback, keep it coming!

The Guide to Safe Scouting reference for Family Camping and Pack Overnighters can be found here: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/GSS/gss03.aspx Leadership (YP) requirements are here: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/GSS/gss01.aspx The only complication really comes from the mixed genders. So, arrange the cabin sleeping area by family. If possible string up sheets/blankets to make separate cubbies for each family. If not possible, use the packs/bags to create a barrier between areas if appropriate and string off one area for changing clothes.

You're in charge of the next Roundtable. If there were ONE thing you've always wished they'd do - What is it? What training, activity, whatever have always wished they'd cover at Roundtable? OR What is the ONE BEST thing you've seen/experienced at Roundtable?

Thanks for the updates; like John-in-KC, I need to ruminate for a bit. Though I'm always open to see things improve. This is a great example of this forum's strengths. When I get back in town I'll need to ask around about these changes as well.

Eamonn, I'm pretty sure we agree. If the Council has specified a particular piece of headwear, it is the uniform hat and should be worn. However, the BSA gives a lot of leeway in (some) areas of uniforming. Troops can design their own neckerchief (or not wear one), wear unit t-shirts, choose from a variety of "centennial" shirts currently available, use a Bolo, select the official hat for formal occaisions, choose tehir belt (and buckle), etc. There are also all the optional pieces like Jac-shirts, nylon jackets, patch vests, patch blankets, MB sashes, et al. When it comes to the "c

Having been in several districts and Councils over the years, I have seen one reason Troops (Scouts) don't participate in Camporees - adults. >Adult Camporee staff plan Camporees based on things THEY think are fun - like Scout Skills competition, Gilwell Park, 1910 Scouting, etc (which all are exactly the same). >Adults fear looking like failures. SMs don't want to be judged by the rest of the adult Scouters when their Scouts look inept at the scout skills so they (a) don't tell the Scouts about the upcoming Camporee, (b) tell them it won't be fun or fit in the calender, © tell t

I've never heard of anyone "kicking open" their nalgene in the night, but then I've never seen a "nalgene-type" bottle used for this either. Personally, I've never needed to leave the bottle in, but my wife does. As for rocks, you'd have to be very careful about overheating them and melting the material of your synthetic bag. They'd have to be wrapped pretty well to keep dirt and grime out, too. Mentioning my wife reminds me of another issue I've seen - short people in tall bags. This applies to younger Scouts and shorter adults, of course. If you are not as long as your bag, there

Best for what?

We used them - and liked it. The PLs rotated through the all duties during the various camping trips but only one duty per campout. Of course the PL was involved in ALL duties, just like the ASPL, when you consider checking, demonstrating, teaching, showing, finding, explaining, telling, reiterating, etc. The duties reflect the specific camp. The permanent are cooking, clean-up, water, fire (this could be fuel and stoves instead of wood and fire ring). For cooking, if an inexperienced Scout is learing, an experienced Scout is assigned to help. Aside from this, all duties are shared

Unless your Council has specified differently - and they may have - the uniform hat is what the contingent Troop selects. Echoing Crew's comments, I would avoid a full cloth hat for the middle of the day at Jambo. There are lots of options out there, from high tech to low tech, just have the Scouts choose the one they like and add the patch or universal hat pin, etc. You'll see contingents in their custom hats that are neon hot pink, hunter orange, etc which does make it easier to spot each other in a crowd as well. The visor you mentioned would probably work pretty well most of the time, too.

You can also boil water before bed, put it in your nalgene. Wrap the nalgene in a t-shirt, putit in the foot of the bag about 15 minutes before you climb in. The fleece should help a lot, as will adding a skuill cap. Stay warm!

Hmm, tough call. Personally, I'd talk with my son. How would he feel about it? How does he feel about Scouting if the Cubmaster becomes the Scoutmaster? What do the other parents think? What do you think? Some time with just you and your son may help sort it all out and there would be no conflict.

I asked this question in two different Councils and was told by the Execs that NRA is the only BSA cert. Since I am NRA cert I've never pursued it any further. I'd love to find out the ground truth.

Thanks to all, including joel, for their reviews. Sounds like SPoT is pretty reliable for those that choose to use it. This sounds like it could be pretty useful when used appropriately by folks out for extended periods. I know there's a few times when we were in AK my wife would have liked to hear from me.

Terrific post! It sounds like you've put together rosters, etc in computer format - I'm guessing Excel, some Gillwell Gazettes, and the referenced "handbooks", that could be used by others? Are you the source for these things that future scribes should seek? Again, a great post - informative, interesting, and relevant! Thanks for contributing your experience and knowledge to the group, and to me.

Yes, saying it was seen on TV and then added to Troop equipment does read a little a deceptive. Maybe it wasn't meant to, I don't know. But if the equipment has been used there must be experiences - good or bad - that go along with it. That's the point of this forum, right? Sooo, back to equipment reviews. For those with "SPoT" experience: Any problems with transmission - in the mountains, in canyons, in inclement weather, etc? Has anybody dropped it - does it still work, how about below freezing? How long did your batteries actually last - alkaline or lithium? Any drops in the

Not knowing what you've already tried, this is a little difficult but, > Scoutmaster Conference, on 0n one with the troublemakers. Direct questions about the behavior, frank open discussions about respect, teamwork, cooperation, Scout Spirit, and their continued involvement with the Troop - i.e. Do they want to be there, why/why not. > Scoutmaster Conference with parents, AND THE SCOUT, about the same topics. > As sandspur said, send them home - the SPL or you can make this call. > Depending on how bad it is, the next time they disrupt the SM "to get a laugh", stop