ntrog8r

I don't really eat much popcorn but the Trail's End is at least as good as any other I've had. But we're not rreally selling popcorn are we? We're selling Scouting.

As a fundraiser, it has been phenomally successful for each unit we've been involved with. We went, in one Pack, from barely scraping by to paying for registration, Boys Life subscriptions, leader registration, all uniform patches, handbooks, all activities and transportation, etc because of popcorn sales. Another Pack made enough money they provided all renewing membership costs for the Cubs and leaders AND uniforms. We've had a Troop pay for all Scout activities and transporation, another that paid for all annual high adventure trips, another that paid all registration costs with money raised from popcorn. All of these were in mixed rural and urban areas where the community is not exactly "high-end".

In fact, in our experiences - with our own Scout and with units - the people that buy the most (and most consistently) are the working class. When we tried targetting upper class neighborhoods, in multiple areas, sales were always low - too much going to the mortgage I guess.

We've seen popcorn sales liberate the unit from cost concerns and enable Scouting to reach families that might not otherwise be able to fully participate. More than half of the Scouts in units we've done popcorn sales with earned enough for the Trail's End scholarship. As a fundraiser, it has been very successful from what we've seen. Most of the adults I hear who don't support popcorn have never tried it as a fundraiser or are against on "principle" - council-run, interferes with the program, too corporate, etc.

Things I think could be better:

1. Timing, the sales start right after School Night for Scouting - Welcome to Scouts, now go sell stuff. Also too early, in many parts of the country, to sell the chocolate at Show and Sells.

2. Prizes, these have gotten pretty lame over the years.

3. Council incentives. Two of the councils we've been involved in were VERY reluctant to provide any real value incentives for top-selling (or most improved) units or individuals. Also would like to see more of the popcorn money raised go directly to help Scouting in poor areas of the councils or struggling units. This of course may vary with your local council.

4. Trail's End Scholarship. Great idea but poorly handled when it comes time to pay up. They are slow, non-communicative, and generally frustrating when it comes time to release the money. Every Scout I've dealt with has had issues with getting the scholarship money released. Not so much anyone trying not to pay - it's terribly inefficient.

"In the place I was at that time, my liason warned me about the practice and had evidence that children had been intentionally maimed by a parent and sold or rented across the border for use by professional beggars in order to gain greater sympathy from their customers. Every cent given to this system supported the intentional harm to innocent children."

PackSaddle - You're absolutely right and I couldn't agree with your decision more. There are many places where children are exploited by maiming to increase the "charitable giving" of western tourists that take pity on their condition. It is a sad and terrible thing preying on the child and the caring instincts of the giver. As I said, my wife is a giver, and I've had to explain how "giving" can further fuel this atrocity. If only giving and helping were simple! Even in the US, direct giving often enables more alchohol/drug use which is why I encourage gifts of food and not cash.

In times past I used to offer the beggars that gathered in the entrance of a box store in town all the water they could drink, three meals, a shower, and $20 to come work on our property for a day. The willing would get a ride out to our place and back, help me get my outdoor projects done - digging, moving rocks, etc. I once got a guy tell me about his days as a mechanic - he worked on my vehicle, the well pump, helped install some solar panels, and taught me quite a bit while earning extra money. My "neighbors" ran a Christian mission - provided free room and board, three meals a day, job training, and paid $100 a month but they had to work the farm and attend religious services. They stopped this when hit with a lawsuit by a couple of their guests and the ACLU.

In the end, how we "help other people" is a very personal choice - which is why it is a _personal_ commitment. Organizations do wonderful work, programs enable a wider reach than the actions of a single person - but in the end we each have to decide who and how to help for ourselves.

The "obligation" is for the individual Scout/scouter to provide help to others - not "to support" other people/programs "which profess to help" others...

I recognize a need that I am able to address, I help the person in need.

I see a homeless man sleeping in a culvert and winter is coming. What can I address and how? Do I provide blankets, canned food and a can opener/spoon, a ride to the shelter, a piece of canvas, money, job training/counseling, mental health diagnosis, a tip to local law enforcement, petition local government for support/assistance programs, develop a support group, work with local business owners to provide appropriate work (sweeping, cleaning the parking lot, moving boxes, lawn work, etc), give money/time to the local homeless shelter, or just drive on by and tell others about the poor guy living in the culvert?

Any of the above may be the appropriate response - even the last one. After all, I don't want my 8 year old directly interacting with a stranger, unsupervised, and would prefer they come to me and tell me what they saw - then we can work together to identify the issues and possible solutions.

Beggars, hmmm. My spouse is a giver - right there on the spot; I am not. I tend to think its OK that we have different responses to the same problem.

If you're looking for a veteran's day tie-in, you can contact the local American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and AmVets. They may have a variety of resources - flag retirements, post/lodge bands, provide judges for events, have some great stories of their days in service, old military equipment to display or demonstrate, honoray camp Scoutmaster.

You could have a giant card to be delivered to nearest VA hospital for the Scouts to sign and then deliver after Camporee, multiple cards for Scouts to sign to send to Soldiers overseas (orgs above may even pay for postage), you could collect items for a care package to a hometown Soldier deployed (if there is one) or at basic training, etc.

Each station could be themed after a different American conflict - Scouts arrive and are met with props, costumed station judge, or contest with the theme. French and Indian War = Navigation, RevWar = Fire by flint and steel, Civil War = Signaling, Desert Storm = GPS, etc.

Maybe have night where each troop/Patrol "hosts" a vet for dinner at their campsite. Lots of wide games have themes that can fit.

If you're close to a military base (Active/NG) they may even be able to set up a static equipment display for a day.

ScoutFish, you fell for the oldest trick in the book! Someone noticed you're competent, capable, motivated, and willing - and recognizing this they...

asked you to do more.

The greatest compliment is to be invited back. I'd not think you're a sucker - a valuable asset to the Scouting program sure, but not a sucker. As long as you're enjoying what you're doing and able to stay balanced in your life - live it up! You're good at what you do and others want your talents put to good use.

We usually see about a third of the Scouts that start the "training" swims complete the week and the mile swim at camp. The swim is in a lake (5 laps). So for numbers, about 15 - 18 sign up, 5 or 6 will do complete. We have on Scout who does it every year, a fewe that do it once and that's it, and the others might repeat the swim at a future camp once.

Adults alternate - I do it every year, an ASM signs - up every year and doesn't finish the training swims, a committee member signs up every once and awhile - but he always completes it when he does.

I've never been involved with a troop that did a "troop program" outside of camp.

The Scouts who do it are justifiably proud of their accomplishment. Its a big deal to them when they actually stay in the water that long finish.

SctDad,

Within the parameters of your choices, I'd buy the smallest one that my gear would fit in. Most people tend to "feed" their pack until its full. Kind of like all the cool loops and straps and "tie-down" points folks like to fill with danglies on the outside of their packs. Open space just seems to make us want to fill it, to avoid that get the smallest pack you need. You'll cut weight and remove temptation.

If there's an REI or similar store where you live, go and try on a couple of packs AND see if your gear will fit in the space. If you NEED the 1050 extra cubic inches, the price difference doesn't matter.

Had a PLC plan one for a troop as an overnight that worked out really well.

The Scouts provided the consoles and games. We established rules about the games and the SPL and ASPL checked the games as the Scouts arrived to make sure they were OK. (No swearing, nothing rated "Mature", etc) The consoles and games were inventoried as they came in to make sure there no mix-ups at the end.

There was pizza, a video game tourney, and lots of free time to just play the games. The Scouts loved it, the PLC felt successful in planning the event. nothing was lost or broken - it worked for everybody.

Traditional Scouting? No. Fun, exciting, empowering? Yes. Opportunities to model values and character? Sure. As fun as it was - and the Scouts talked about this one for a LOONG time - we never did it again.

The Scouts "tested" the idea that they could choose and plan almost anything they wanted with this and an odd trip. We did both, meaning the PLC planned, the committee resourced, and the troop executed. After that the ideas seemed to be outdoors and adventure oriented all on their own.

Well, the difference is mostly in the eye of the beholder - or the pen of the writer.

A skit is usually less 5 minutes, humorous, satirical, and informal. Skits are generally performed at a club or in a classroom.

A one-act play would be 10 - 30 minutes (very general) and probably have more than one scene.

Of course, many modern writers have dispensed with any traditional use of scenes or acts at all. So a skit and a one-act play are _both_ plays of a type. The one act play generally follows the rules of formal theater with scene changes and a skit is much shorter, based on humor, and less than 5 minutes. Theater majors and others will likely have very definite ideas about each of these that are markedly different.

How to apply to Showman? You can check this website (http://www.jimmybrunelle.com/kidsplays.html) that has scripts for kids one act plays and see the difference in application.

Hope this helps!

Our troop did Peaceful Valley (Colorado) our first "break out" from the Council camp. http://www.denverboyscouts.org/openrosters/view_homepage.asp?orgkey=51

Everyone loved it. Traditional Summer Camp experience for the younger Scouts, HA opportunities for the experienced Scouts and, most importantly, separate activities for the adults! Fortunately, this was only a few hours from us and well worth the drive, I'm not sure how far it would be from you.

This camp was attended by many parents anxious their young men would be so far away. But the camp's organization and professionalism got everyone out of the way. The Scouts did their thing and the adults did their own thing, too.

Truly a great experience and led to many opporunities for the Scouts in the future. Now Philmont, backpacking, National Jambo, etc are accepted norms - without parents.

Acitivities included horseback riding, black-powder and rifle shooting, a lake with full aquatics and boating, trails and trails and trails, a ghost camp, etc. Large dining hall - plenty of food, definitely the menu is planned for the Scouts. Lots of options for campsites, if you plan early enough. The one drawback - their "Penquin Swim" is done in a _heated_ pool. All in all a great "transition" camp, if that is what you're looking for. There are actually TWO camps on site - one for dining hall meals one with Patrol cooking. Each offers their own program and a HA base (Tahosa?).

In every unit I've seen, our QM has always been a member of a Patrol and QM is an additional task (aka POR) at the troop level he has. The SPL usually appoints the QM; I've been in one where the Scouts elected and another where the SM selected.

In current troop, our QM:

* maintains inventory list of all equipment

* maintains troop numeral, council patches and troop t-shirts

* conducts "regular" inspections (about once a quarter)

* signs out (troop) equipment to Patrols

* inspects equipment after use for turn-in

* guides Patrols in repairs and maintenance

* addresses equipment issues to the Committee

The QM ASM also trains/mentors the QM.

I've seen them go over the dBase (really a spreadsheet), discuss "how to repair/maintain" various items, the finer points of rolling/stuffing tents, even trail fixes for boots, tent poles, backpacks. The ASM is really good and the Scout leaves the position much more knowledgable about gear than when he begins.

We have two locks on our shed (the first I've seen this), the QM has key to one and the (QM) ASM has key to second. Both are present in order to unlock the shed.

This troop's system works the best I've seen. The two parts I'm most impressed with are the QM addressing the Committe and the training given by the ASM. The last QM is now a Den Chief.

"So maybe this was one of the guys who earned every MB when he was a scout.. Does that make him qualified to teach every MB?"

No, it doesn't. Requirements for MBs have changed over the years, some quite significantly. Many MBs didn't likely exist - at least not in their current form - depending on when he was a Scout.

"Our council does have the requirements that with guns you need to be certified, and with swimming/lifesaveing you need to be certified by red cross as a water saftey instructor.. After that we have no guidelines."

Or is this one of those things that since there are no guidelines, we have to accept everyone regardless of if they are qualified or not"

If you really think there ought to be more "guidelines" talk to the council about establishing some. But certainly feel free to contact the volunteer and determine their qualifications.

"Husband is District Advancement Chair, and he has this question into the Council Training chair but just wondering wha the forum thinks."

Is this a "training" issue or an "advancement" issue? Seems like it would be an advancement question to me. I am interested to hear what the Council response is when your husband hears back from them.

On the other hand, I've never heard of really getting that much into a MBC application. Generally the apps are processed and the person is a counselor. I mean, we don't check to see if the person really is "proficient" based on what they list, we kind of trust what they have to say. What makes this one stand out - the number of MBs, the troop only, or does your District just have more scrutiny than others, all of the above?

I myself am a couselor for many, many MBs and have been for 18 years in various Councils across the States regardless of my "official" role in Scouting. I no longer have any children in the program and have never been "troop only" - which I don't really know the reason for anyway. I am, however, quite handy in a variety of things for multiple badges. Do I make baskets? Yes, from a variety of materials - that I collect myself - from cattails to used newspaper. Do I have "formal" training in basketry? No. Do I sell my work? No, but I do give away quite a bit for formal display. My qualification? Avocation - which started as a Boy Scout when I earned my MB at Summer Camp from a youth counselor who certanly was no more proficient than reading the instructions on the kit and the requirements in the pamphlet.

Is this guy the same? I don't know but I wouldn't assume he isn't - just ask him. Maybe he doesn't know any better...

I don't really know what the SM has to do with the application. SMs have no role in MBC application process - besides taking the form because they're the front man of the BSA. The SM's role is providing MBC names to the Scouts. Are you thinking motre along the lines that when a SM sees an odd app that he would ask about it and ensure the person understands the intent? That can work, as long as the SM "is on board" with you. Many do indeed see a merit badge mill as a good thing...

As a (small) tangent, to engage the SMs out there maybe having the shining star MBCs come to Roundtable and the District showcase what's really out there in the talent pool would help the SMs when making recommendations to the Scouts. Or at your annual Scout Show, or a day at Summer Camp, or University of Scouting, etc. This can be very difficult, especially in large districts, I know. But it may work for you and your area. Just a thought anyway.

Welcome Rascal. I'm sure you have much to share with us as well. I spent 12 Scouting years in eastern AZ and western NM myself. Hope you enjoy the forums!

Oh how I hesitate to enter this fray!

As an advocate of "300 feet",

Personally, I think the "separateness" is more important than the actual distance. After all terrain, vegetation, etc can all combine to create isolation at varying distances. Scouting in southern AZ often required at least 300 feet to get Patrols far enough apart to function independently of one another - and the adults. BUT, when we ventured into some of the canyon areas less than 300 feet was needed - and honestly who carries a yard stick or does pace counts to measure this anyway? I suspect, but do not know for sure, the reason a distance needs to be stated at all is not for the Scouts but for the adults.

When, as the newly appointed SM, I began to implement my own crazy ideas of Scouting (like Patrol hikes, Patrol camps, Patrol flags, Patrol yells, Patrol equipment, crazy stuff) there was quite a bit of resistance. Parents and committee members (and even the DE) were just not sure why the Scouts would have Patrol meetings every week instead of troop meetings or if it was "healthy" for the troop to have inter-Patrol contests. Patrols out on hikes or learning outdoor skills separate from one another was sure heresy, besides just "asking for trouble".

Over time, PLs got the hang of things (PL/SPL training - different topic). Patrols really started to bond and developed their own identities. And, over time, their campsites kept moving further and further away from each other. To achieve change required training for the youth and adults. Part of that training (for the adults) included the GOAL of 300 feet, although it started at 100 feet.

I imagine though, without a stated distance (50 - 100 yards) many adults would be content with "separateness" of 25 feet or less regardless of terrain or conditions. 300 feet defines the idea of "separateness" a little better and helps everyone to understand what the intent is. At least that has been my experience in a couple of troops and Councils.

((Edited to repair links))

I always thought our mascot was... a Scout.

The one image associated with Boy Scouting is a Scout - with or without a hiking staff, neckerchief, campaign hat, uniform pants, etc. - but always a recognizable Scout:

http://www.osagecohistoricalmuseum.com/scouts.html

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cQxTVEjThKE/SOieUqoP5WI/AAAAAAAAAnc/_6FonzPTsnc/s1600-h/Boy_Scout_Memorial-27527.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Boy_scout_godollo_sculptor_Lorinc_Siklody.jpg

Kind of like what they TRIED to do with the postage stamp that looked like a hiker, (http://scouting.org/100years/100years/100YearsStamp.aspx) but NOT necessarily a Scout...

Of course if I were looking for a BSA mascot, it would have to be an American animal - and probably a mammal - who wants a jellyfish or slug or termite! Ooh, The star-nosed mole! http://ugly-animals.blogspot.com/2011/01/star-nosed-mole.html

OK, OK; just kidding!

I'd probably go with a bison.

Though Vulpes Vulpes, or a more general fox, would be more "international".

((Edited to repair links))(This message has been edited by ntrog8r)(This message has been edited by ntrog8r)

Just got off the phone with Jim, Camping Services, at Philmont.

The policy of no tarps for sleeping is weather based more than hantavirus. Hantavirus is more of a concern in the base camps and cabins, where people tend to be for longer periods. Tents with floors are required PRIMARILY for protection from rain, mud, etc during the rains.

Hope this helps with the original questions.

ScoutStuff reports:

Availability: This product is currently BACKORDERED, will be available on 07/27/2011

http://www.scoutstuff.org/patrol-leader-handbook.html

A 1950s version is here: http://www.thedump.scoutscan.com/patrolleader.pdf

The one UCEagle72 references is on eBay for $10:

http://compare.ebay.com/like/380309200332?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

The link Oak Tree provides (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/philmont_redux_returning_scout_report.html) offers this: "Philmont requires that each crew take a dining fly and offers to supply a 12 x 12-foot tarp and poles. The crew is expected to bring its own guy lines. Packs and other gear are stored under the fly at night, and the fly serves as a kitchen or group refuge in inclement weather. Interestingly, Philmont will not let Scouts sleep under this or any other tarp. A tent is required. I dont know whether this requirement is related to bear safety or privacy issues." Which leaves the question open.

Looking at the Philmont website (http://philmontscoutranch.org/), offers an answer, I think. They have a page about Health and Safety (http://philmontscoutranch.org/Camping/TrekPlanning/Safety.aspx) that answers the question about hantavirus, Yes they do have it. In the notes "Protection From Hantavirus" it says, "If possible, do not sleep on the bare ground. Use tents with floors."

The "Use tents with floors." seems to address the difficult of telling the difference between a tarp and a tent. Though someone out there may be ready to make a case against it.

But I am curious if there is anything else related to this - mud when it rains, dust when its hot, privacy, vermin barrier, etc. Has anyone been to Philmont and asked them about this rule? My last trek was 2005 and I don't remember this being a an issue - but then we didn't plan on using tarps for sleeping. I'll try to call this week and see if I can get any other information.

Depends on the camp.

Our local Council Camp is Patrol cooking breakfast, pack and carry lunch, mess facility dinner. There we are Class B for breakfast and lunch and Class A for dinner.

When we travel to a camp that is mess facility breakfast and dinner, we are Class A for breakfast and dinner.

Any flag ceremony we are Class A.

We started with zero full uniforms (Scout or Scouter) and over a two year period moved to full uniforms. PLC set the GOAL for 100% uniforming at about the one year mark. It was summer camp outside of our Council (and state) where they first saw fully uniformed troops. Then we had an international contigent attend an event at our Council Camp. The foreign Scouts were in full uniforms, sang songs at every gathering, etc and won every competition.

The next year saw a complete change in the troop that has lasted since (8 years).

I'm assuming this is the correct Nieli...

Russell K. Nieli is a lecturer in Princeton Universitys politics department. Author of an important study of the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, he has written numerous articles on public policy topics and edited an anthology of writings on affirmative action. Nieli graduated summa cum laude from Duke University, received his Ph.D. from Princeton in 1970, and taught at several colleges before returning to Princeton. He is the author of a paper published by the Pope Center in March 2007, Russell K. Nieli is a lecturer in Princeton Universitys politics department. Author of an important study of the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, he has written numerous articles on public policy topics and edited an anthology of writings on affirmative action. Nieli graduated summa cum laude from Duke University, received his Ph.D. from Princeton in 1970, and taught at several colleges before returning to Princeton. He is the author of a paper published by the Pope Center in March 2007, The Decline and Revival of Liberal Learning at Duke: The Focus and Gerst Programs.

Do you have a link for the recent study? The sites I'm finding are basically requoting the above.

Why not just hit "Reply All" and send out the same explanation you just posted? You can address the fact no one (other than the Council Advancement Chair) tried to contact you about this in the same email. You can also give the "oops" apology for the paperwork.

Bring the original blue card with you to the next committee meeting.

Not just at Summer Camp but...

Our SPL conducted camp inspections, whenever he wanted sometime during the day. The PLs had the list - no trash, sleeping bags canoed, no dirty clothes, fire ring clean, food stored properly, etc. Some PLs would do an inspection, some wouldn't.

Buffalo Skipper,

Having just replied to your second question, I thought I'd check your original thread. In the same reference(BSA Troop Committee Guidebook For Successful Troop Operation, Copyright 1998, Boy Scouts of America, ISBN 0-8395-4505-3) you'll find this:

The committee meeting is attended by all committee members and the Scoutmaster. Occasionally you may want to invite guests such as your chartered organization representative and unit commissioner.

The Scoutmaster is not actually a member of the troop committee, and has no vote. The committee should not forget that its primary responsibility is supporting the troop program. The importance of mutual cooperation between the two groups of leaders is critical for the smooth and successful operation of the troop.

The support and administration of an active troop requires the participation of every committee member. Every member should have a working assignment. This will not only help the troop to operate effectively, but will assure team spirit and promote attendance at meetings. When people feel that it doesn't matter if they attend or not, often they will choose to do something else.

________________________________________________________________________________________

So the Scoutmaster is NOT a member of the Committee and does not have a vote. However, in Chapter 1 this nugget reads: Working as a team in support of the troop and its Scoutmaster, you can help your youth members to develop the confidence, skills, character, and mental fitness that will allow them to give quality leadership to a changing society.

I really like that "working" as a team part!

The Assistant Scoutmasters are NOT a member of the Committee, their role (see Chapter 3) is:

... to help operate the troop. Each assistant Scoutmaster is assigned specific program duties and reports to the Scoutmaster. They also provide the required two-deep leadership standards set by the Boy Scouts of America. An assistant Scoutmaster may be 18 years old, but at least one in each troop should be 21 or older, so he or she can serve in the Scoutmaster's absence.

Types of assistant Scoutmasters include:

Assistant Scoutmaster - New-Scout patrol

Assistant Scoutmaster - Venture patrol

A troop should recruit as many assistant Scoutmasters as possible. It has been found that many successful troops have three or more.

On online version of this guidebook can be found at:

http://www.math.msu.edu/~mccarthy/troop272/guidebook/

A training presentation on Troop Committees can be found at:

www.scoutmaster.org/UnitCommitteeTrainingApril2005.ppt

The guidebook does state who attends the meeting, it also states guests may be invited.

There are many good reasons to hold business meetings - and that's what this is - in a "closed" session. It limits distractions, it enables the agenda to get accomplished, the Committee (Board of Directors) may be handling issues that aren't everyone's business - discipline, funding, aid to a particular Scout, etc.

I dont know the people involved in your committee and won't try to guess their motivations but maybe the committee just doesn't want every parent showing up with their other children to "sit in" on the meetings and start asking a ton of questions not related to the business at hand, or having to ask them to leave during certain topics, etc.

Or maybe, as we Americans are quick to believe, there is an attempt to consolidate power and and control the organization in a secretive and illicit way. I'm not saying it doesn't happen - we really are suspicious and often for good cause. But how the TEAM works together is critical to success. Maybe the UC (who was quoted by the CC) and you all need to sit down together and figure out what's happening and why.

Well, according to the BSA Troop Committee Guidebook For Successful Troop Operation,

Copyright 1998, Boy Scouts of America, ISBN 0-8395-4505-3:

The troop committee is the troop's board of directors and supports the troop program. But you ask, "What does the troop committee do?" The troop committee does the following:

* Ensures that quality adult leadership is recruited and trained. In case the Scoutmaster is absent, a qualified assistant Scoutmaster is assigned. If the Scoutmaster is unable to serve, a replacement is recruited.

* Provides adequate meeting facilities.

* Advises the Scoutmaster on policies relating to Boy Scouting and the chartered organization.

* Supports leaders in carrying out the program.

* Is responsible for finances, adequate funds, and disbursements in line with the approved budget plan.

* Obtains, maintains, and properly cares for troop property.

* Ensures the troop has an outdoor program (minimum 10 days and nights per year).

* Serves on boards of review and courts of honor.

* Supports the Scoutmaster in working with individual boys and problems that may affect the overall program.

* Provides for the special needs and assistance some boys may require.

* Helps with the Friends of Scouting campaign.

* Assists the Scoutmaster with handling boy behavioral problems.

bnelon44,

I suspect Beavah is referring to slide #36, "Directing-Explaing, Team Stage: Forming". The drawing of a troop meeting you refer to certainly does not indicate a SM doing anything other than enjoying the Scouts efforts - out of the way. Slide 36 has a photo of an adult sitting in camp chair pointing into a trailer while the Scouts are working. I believe this is what Beavah is referring to.

Without wanting to read too much into the photo, I suppose it would be less onerous if the SM were seen "directing" to only the SPL/PLs off to the side. This one gives the impression the adult leader is just sitting telling all the Scouts what to do.

BTW - I applaud your efforts; it obviously took a lot of work to put this together.