ntrog8r

The "official" definition and description of a DE:

A professional Scouter who works under the direction of the Scout executive and is responsible for providing direct service to one or more districts. This is an entry-level position.

DEs receive their direct taskings from the Scout executive (CEO) of your Council. As you see, this is an appropriately ambiguous definition. You can expect what they are willing and able to give. Ask for what you need help with. The DE may or may not come through but then you'll know what YOUR DE is there for. Hopefully, the DE is out recruiting businesses and organizations to support Scouting and getting more volunteers to spread and strengthen the program. Unit commissioners are the volunteers that provide direct support to (or link you up to the direct support) units. If you have a unit commissioner, explain what you're looking for or trying to achieve and they can probably help.

Yes it could be as simple as picking up trash. There are no restrictions or standards to be met outside of you determining what is appropriate for your group. Keep in mind, it could also be "pick up trash and make demonstration at the Nature Center, local government meeting, etc" or make Leave No Trace posters to hang up at school,church, etc. or something else entirely. You want your Cubs to apply what they've learned in a meaningful way. Have fun!

Back when we had a Scout interested, he found one at a music store that sold used instruments. It was in an ald beat-up leather case and needed a new something for the mouthpiece. They bought it for around $30.

It would also be nice to see it online. I can't find it on Scouting.org

bnelon,

Thanks for the information; a useful post.

Most campfire program planning was done above troop level - Camporees and the like. I've never seen a formally planned Patrol campfire program. For Crossover Ceremonies, its usually planned by the Pack with the troop participating - at least that's I how we did it when I was in CS and after we moved to BS.

Well, I guess if its a disaster, that will fall mainly on those of us that are staff. There will likely be lots of complaining from returning Scouts that have started with lots of complaining from the adults in their lives.

Example - a group of Venturers going I talked with recently was looking forward to being at the Jambo with no hot showers and having to trek. Their leaders have been talking it up. Two staff members and three Scouts from the contingent I spoke with this week-end were complaining about having to wear their uniforms, the lack of hot water, and that "National had better have cell phone coverage".

I suspect each of these groups will have a completely different experience at the Jambo. Having worked at AP Hill and having a son who attended, I don't think it was as perfect as some (who probably didn't go) seem to think it was. OTH, I saw more Scouts than I could count enjoying themselves, rushing from event to event, and coming back to redo events that really liked. Even when it was hot, or far away, or they had to wait in line...

As far as the "hundreds and hundreds of Scout participants who were essentially blocked out of the main stage show with Mike Rowe because visitors and staff flooded in a took their spaces"... I was on staff. We went in last. Sat in the very back. OA led the Troops in and sat them in their designated spaces - in front of our designated spaces. I stayed near the back - by the porta-pots - for ease of getting out of there after the show. I didn't see anyone blocked/turned away/kept out of the show. At one point my and son I were invited by a Troop we had past personal connections with to come down and sit with them because they had plenty of room.

Visitors at the Actions Centers, etc DID have an impact. We had so many that we had to make sure the Scouts who payed for the Jambo got in to participate ahead of visitors. That's why there is a visitor area and visiting hours at the 2013 Jambo.

I'm trusting those responsible for planning to do the best they can. I'm trusting my fellow volunteers to put on the best experience possible for the Scouts. I will probably be disappointed in some things but the adventure, excitement, and being part of it for the Scouts - well, that's worth saving my money and paying in installments for me. I'll probably also be amazed at some things they do manage to pull off!

@ PackSaddle:

Your insight into the mind of the Beast is dead on accurate.

Limits on Patrol activity always bum me out. OTH, I understand WHY the limits keep growing in today's world. I mean, parents of 16 and 17 yo Scouts want to stay at meetings to supervise their babies. Others, many others, won't get babysitters and go out because there's "no one they can trust". Our fear grows daily about leaving our children to experience ANYthing that is not completely scripted and controlled like a TV show.

I don't see problem with the blue card. After all, I can track progress any way I want as long it ends with a blue card record. As a MBC, I've been doing that for years. Is there something that prevents that?

As far as Bill Gates goes, and you've hit a nerve with me on this one, the fine folks at National explain their reasons best...

BSA Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca was impressed with this former Scout's legacy.

Our country and its young people need great leaders and visionaries like Bill Gates, Mazzuca said. Service to others is at the core of what it means to be a Scout. The Silver Buffalo Award is our way of honoring individuals like Mr. Gates, who, through his incredible success, has provided tremendous opportunity and help to inspire others.

http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2010/09/14/bill-gates/

So if I'm understanding this correctly, he USED to be a Scout, has NO CONNECTION to Boy Scouting now, but he's rich and gives (a lot) of money to help others through his foundation. To include more than $2mil to the Girl Scouts in the Pacific NW.

http://www.gatesfoundation.org/grants/Pages/search.aspx

Of course the Silver Buffalo doesn't require any commitment to Boy Scouts...

"This award is Scouting's highest commendation of the invaluable contributions that outstanding Americans make to youth. The service must be national in scope and can be independent of, or directly through, the Boy Scouts of America."

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Awards/SilverBuffalo.aspx

rainman,

From the Adult Leader Application:

"All leaders must be 21 years of age or older, except assistant Scoutmasters, assistant den leaders, assistant Cubmasters, assistant Webelos den leaders, and assistant Varsity Scout coaches, who must be 18 or older."

I'd point out as well that a Unit commissioner really needs TIME in the programs of Scouting as an adult leader. A Unit Commissioner serves as an adviser, guide and help to unit leaders. To do that effectively generally requires some experience so you can understand their position, maybe have seen and dealt with the problem (or similar) before, and be listened to. It would be a difficult position to be in as an 18yo to mentor or coach a 40yo CC or SM with 4-8 years adult leader experience. They would likely question your Scout (adult) leader experience more than your age.

The point is to prepare your Cubs to move into Boy Scouts so if one young man is ready don't hold him back. He should be encouraged and congratulated! The other two Webelos will continue to work together and will cross over when they are ready - which will again not be together.

Tom,

You may want to check with your Council on what agreement(s), if any, they have made with the local AHG. The Council needs to determine/put out guidelines for what events are open and how they will be communicated.

The generator does seem more geared to "Doomsday Preppers" than a Scout trip...

I guess its for the "Be Doomsday Prepared"!

Did this in AZ one year:

Camped in mountains at a Baptist youth camp ($5 per Scout use fee). This gave us use of the pool, some barrel and bungee "bulls" to ride, etc. Went to nearby Army post to use the rifle range and used their stables for horseback riding. Did a trail along the border (Border Patrol dads with us) and cleaned up along the way. Each Patrol did its own cooking but we had one night the ingredients were provided and the NEXT night we judged their cooking. There was one campfire area on site - a small amphitheater type with a stage so we had a campfire there each night with a final campfire program on the last night. The Patrols rotated duty for raising and lowering the flag for the camp. We did two service projects (besides litter clean-up on the trail) that week. It was a great time and the Scouts loved it. The only drawback was having to drive off-site (trail and range) during the camp.

Did this in AZ one year:

Camped in mountains at a Baptist youth camp ($5 per Scout use fee). This gave us use of the pool, some barrel and bungee "bulls" to ride, etc. Went to nearby Army post to use the rifle range and used their stables for horseback riding. Did a trail along the border (Border Patrol dads with us) and cleaned up along the way. Each Patrol did its own cooking but we had one night the ingredients were provided and the NEXT night we judged their cooking. There was one campfire area on site - a small amphitheater type with a stage so we had a campfire there each night with a final campfire program on the last night. The Patrols rotated duty for raising and lowering the flag for the camp. We did two service projects (besides litter clean-up on the trail) that week. It was a great time and the Scouts loved it. The only drawback was having to drive off-site (trail and range) during the camp.

Did this in AZ one year:

Camped in mountains at a Baptist youth camp ($5 per Scout use fee). This gave us use of the pool, some barrel and bungee "bulls" to ride, etc. Went to nearby Army post to use the rifle range and used their stables for horseback riding. Did a trail along the border (Border Patrol dads with us) and cleaned up along the way. Each Patrol did its own cooking but we had one night the ingredients were provided and the NEXT night we judged their cooking. There was one campfire area on site - a small amphitheater type with a stage so we had a campfire there each night with a final campfire program on the last night. The Patrols rotated duty for raising and lowering the flag for the camp. We did two service projects (besides litter clean-up on the trail) that week. It was a great time and the Scouts loved it. The only drawback was having to drive off-site (trail and range) during the camp.

Yes, there was an "armed guard" at Columbine.

However, in accordance with established protocol at the time, he LEFT the school and did not enter. The responding law enforcement then took up positions outside the school to secure a perimeter before entering.

It is true that armed people outside a building where murder is being done will have little effect. That's why Columbine - and most other jurisdictions - have changed their protocol. Now they enter to locate and engage the murderer(s).

I carry often. The only time times I remember being afraid was for the safety of my wife and son when I was absent - overseas. I carry as part of my profession. I carry as part of my second job. I carry when I go to certain population centers - of course I also don't go to those places unless I "need" to. I've never carried in fear. Having a tool does not equate to fear.

If I knew I was going rafting I would have a PFD; if I knew I was building a tree house, I'd carry a hammer; if I knew I was going into the woods I'd have a means to collect and purify water. I always have first aid materials; I am CPR and AED certified - and take that knowledge with me everywhere. I don't think any of these things equal living in fear. To be honest, I've used CPR far less times than I've drawn and fired aimed shots at someone. Thankfully, most people don't have to say that. I've never had to present a weapon while shopping, going to church, at a school, at a restaurant. I have had a McDonald's manager come out and thank us when a group of male teens left when we came in with our firearms openly holstered on our hips (we were coming back from the range). Apparently he felt threatened by their behavior and they felt threatened by us. We barely noticed them except they cleared away from the counter so we could order sooner. But we were also wearing Police Academy polos - maybe that's why they left.

I make choices on information, training, and equipment that _I_ consider reasonable based on the activity/location. I do have a pretty fair understanding of what my fellow man is capable of when things are not going the way we think they should. Some resort to some terrible, hard to imagine things. Others reach out to take care of the community around them. I have never carried firearms for protection on a Scouting activity. I have had (law enforcement) parents carry and was glad they were. I have carried (and will again at the Jambo) as part of shooting activities, of course my black powder muzzle loader takes awhile to reload.

I don't really like the comparison of bearing arms to driving or any other activity. After all, it is not a RIGHT to drive on a public road. On the other hand, I've always said individual liberty lasts only so long as there is individual responsibility. If a "liberty" is abused it is sure to be restricted. Why are there laws that restrict yelling "fire" in a crowded place or talking about "bombs" in a plane? Because some person thought it would be funny and then defended their actions by talking about the "Freedom of Speech" - the same argument the Westboro people use to defend calling fallen Soldiers "Faggots" at their funerals, while simultaneously claiming to be a "church".

In the end, I'd rather figure out how to stop crimes by addressing the person rather than the thing they use. I read an article that the CT shooter tried to purchase a firearm and was denied because of the mandatory wait period for background check. Instead he left and later STOLE a weapon and MURDERED the owner - his own mother before going on a killing spree. The thing about people bent on destruction is they always find a way. Lock all firearms in a gun safe - guy breaks in, holds your wife at knife point and has you unlock the safe. No easy answers exist for such a complicated, and emotional, issue.

Yeah, the will of man vs the power of God. Why does God allow man to act freely? If we were automatons I guess life would be simpler.

There is tragedy and death that confronts and confounds me far too often in life. Most I can "understand" but the intentional targeting of children - in any place on earth and in any way - is horrible and incomprehensible. The depths and breadth of mankind - for beauty, greatness, compassion, and horror - still exceed my expectations.

Where is God during these awful times? Right beside us; mourning the loss of the innocent. Reaching out for us to "love one another" and "turn the other cheek" and "do unto others". But it is hard to ask why God "allows" tragedy while we also deny a higher moral standard exists or insist on making God in our own (convenient) image. God is love, but not a dictator. We are left to make our own choices - good and bad - and live with the consequences.

I hope and pray for the families of Newtown; for healing, for compassion, for the ability to continue on. I hope and pray they are able to see and feel the arms of God through the actions of all of us as we reach out to them in whatever way we are able. After all, aren't we the instruments God intends to use - if we allow it?

CA Scouter, they gave you good advice. The instructions from Gore-tex are here:

https://www.gore-tex.com/remote/Satellite/content/care-center/restoring-water-repellency

A quick dry does reactivate the DWR. There are also spray-ons available once the DWR coating is no longer working. I've got Gore-tex from the '90s still going strong.

One of the Troops and Crew I UC meet at the same place and time and the "Crew" does exactly what is on the Troop schedule. The only difference between the Crew and a Patrol is that the Crew members show up in jeans and t-shirts and the rest of the Scouts come in uniform.

There are no separate activities, no HA planned. Young women that inquire about Venturing are told to check out a different nearby Crew. The CO not only accepts, but actively encourages it, to stay exactly the same.

Well, Ive noticed that a lot of Troops have and support "family scouting" at meetings, fundraisers, activities, and camping. Little brother and sister allowed to participate in activities while parents weave in and out. I've been told lots of reasons for this - "if that's what brings the boy...", "Well, he is a cub in the feeder", "I think of this as a family program", "We've always done it this way", "That's the (CC's, SM's, etc) kids".

Personally, it always seems disruptive - not necessarily to the group at large but certainly to the actual Scout from that family. Instead of Scouting being about THEM and THEIR fun, THEIR experience, etc it becomes a SHARED activity - often with the expectation that they should "look out for" the sibling. I think Scouting should be FOR and BY the Scouts - we include family at recognitions ceremonies, some campfires, etc. But Scouts like having something of their own - there's a reason kids don't come home and tell you everything about their day at school...

I did have a summer camp experience where a lot of parents insisted on tagging along. It was to a beautiful location, our first "big trip" as a troop, and many were "nervous" because we were "so far away". Parents couldn't accept that I spent most of time in the campsite away from the Scouts. They thought I should be parenting them each step of the way - one (Eagle Scout Dad) wanted to literally hold his (13 year old) son's hand as he walked him to his activities throughout the day. Fortunately, the camp had lots of opportunities for the adults to do things during the day to serve as distractors. Most of the parents responded well to some gentle conversations about Scouting and the need for their "boys" to be left alone. No parents ever attended another of our camps (that weren't ASMs) and even the hand-holding Dad finally left the camp and went to a hotel for the rest of the week; they left the troop a year later to find something "less outdoorsy".

Patrols function best without parents. Generally speaking, "family" troops operate as troops, not Patrols.

I think our Scouts are pretty perceptive. If we are bitter, angry, resentful, cheerful (mostly), helpful, kind, courteous, mean, giving, or selfish - they see it. They aren't often fooled, at least for very long, by posturing. Then again, everyone has a bad day - or a button that can be pushed. Even Jesus once made a whip (demonstrating knot tying, braiding, and maybe even splicing) and whacked some folks with it...

Almost all the posts here seem to be written by Scouters wanting to help other Scouters. There are some posts that appear (to me) to get away from the question but folks see things based on their own local/unit issues and problems that I might not see.

WCScouter,

If you are near a military base, then certainly give them a shot as well. The BSA has not lost the support of the military (though there are more restrictions on military support to civic organizations) and in many locations it enjoys a very strong relationship. Individual members of the military are often terrific MB counselors and units may be interested in providing support for larger events. I'm active duty and serve in multiple positions, the Council has a Military Liaison Executive here, we have Scout units chartered by the MWR, the post - and units on it - support Scouting in a lot ways.

If you are not near a base though, then all this is moot.

A list of open positions is Southern Region can be found at:

http://www.scouting.org/careers/employmentopportunities/entrylevel/southern.aspx

You may also want to review the information here:

http://www.scouting.org/Careers/WorkingWithUs.aspx