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ntrog8r

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Posts posted by ntrog8r

  1. I have heard of it. Though I understand the intent, there is no authority to place age limits on MBs. Scouting is not about limiting opportunities but expanding them. The SM has the chance to influence Scouts on MB choices based on ability, interest, advancement, etc.

     

    To those who will say younger Scouts can't meet the requirements - well, the problem is they often do. If a particular Scout can't, that needs to be handled appropriately for that Scout, not all Scouts. And no, I'm not defending myself, my son completed his Eagle nine days before his 18th birthday.

  2. Well, I saw this one coming after the comments on the Eagle for adults topic...

     

    NESA, or not to NESA, that is the question. I've never seen NESA (the organization, not its individual members) accomplish anything on its own that was very significant in any of the Councils we've benn involved in. So no reason to join - right?

     

    The one thing NESA does, and the reason I made sure my own son has a lifetime membership, is maintain contact with the Eagle. No matter where they move that magazine subscription comes in - even if the Eagle is not registered with a Council. This reminder of Scouting MAY one day influence the formerly active Scout to reconnect after college, military service, etc. and get involved with Scouting in their community. Does this work? I don't know. I have provided memberships to the new Eagles in three Councils. Most are involved, one is not (except for taking on a staff position at the upcoming Jambo). Did NESA impact any of these? I honestly can't say.

     

    Now I think NESA COULD and SHOULD be accomplishing more. But like all things in these organizations it requires active and motivated leadership with a vision. I have never made NESA my own priority for involvement and those that have do their best and I am glad they were willing to take it on.

     

    I think NESA should be actively involved and represented at every Eagle ceremony. NESA seems a natural resource for advancement committee folks, outdoor folks, etc. NESA members seem to be the right choice for helping get the word out about upcoming Eagle projects (to the press, other youth organizations, other Scout units, etc) and to mentor upcoming Eagles, and maybe even to provide speakers to community organizations about Scouting. There could be a lot of ways for NESA to be tapped as a resource. But it takes members who are willing to do it and a leader with the vision (and time) to bring it all together.

     

    Now, individual NESA members have been some of the most actively involved Scouters I know. Especially in major, but usually behind the scenes, positions. They are often the bulwark of Scouting traditions and activities in a community. But this is because they believe in Scouting, not because of their NESA affiliation.

     

    I encourage all Eagles I meet to join NESA - and I provide the form. I believe its potential is worth the effort.

     

     

  3. Bando,

     

    I had an (diferrent)issue with the medical forms. The e-mail for any and all questions concerning medical issues is jamboree.medical@scouting.org. I don't know if this is the pone you have or not.

     

    I called National at Irving, asked for the Jambo rep, about my issue and it was cleared up the next morning. If you need the number, PM me.

     

    Hope to see you there.

  4. We tried magnets when I was with a Pack. We gave out nearly 200 magnets and received less than 10 call backs and zero recruitments from people that did not give us their contact info when we gave them the magnet.

     

    The following year, the Council gave out magnets and declared it a success; I have no idea what their numbers/responses were.

     

    Later we made magnets with key contact info for the Troop to the Boy Scouts' families. Parents loved them and used them. So, good for those that joined (in Boy Scouts) but no luck as a recruitment item in Cubs.

  5. So what were (are) your associate's arguments FOR the distinction?

     

    Personally, I don't know why it matters. Maybe we should distinguish those who work "more" than others, or who did the "right" projests thorugh the year, or gave the "most" support, etc. Elitism is a disturbing thing - especially among ADULTs in a YOUTH organization. I continue to wear my Ordeal sash to most OA events, and always will. When and how I became a member and my level of membership are not important, especially as an adult.

     

    On the other hand, recognition of achievements is valid and important. The trick is to make sure we recognize achievements, not every action and possible distinction.

  6. This is a NEW and OFFICIAL change to the leader patches to reflect earning the "Unit Leader Award of Merit". They can be ordered online at ScoutStuff: http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/ItemDetail.aspx?cat=01RTL&ctgy=PRODUCTS&c2=UNIFORMS&c3=INSIGNIA&c4=&lv=3&item=UNITLEADEREMB&nimg=610094&us7=Y

     

    RememberSchiff posted the link to the requirements for the award above.

     

    Agree, why a square knot and a star? Maybe the star on the patch is to "...recognize the successful contributions of quality unit leaders" while they are still in that position but the square knot is the permanent award. Also the star instantly says it is related to the leader position but the knots on uniforms are often a mystery.

     

    [EDIT] Note the patch is only $2.59 through Supply Division vice $20 on eBay.(This message has been edited by ntrog8r)

  7. Gracekouca - I know of no supplier for pre-made commando ropes.

     

    Resqman (and others) wondering what this is,

     

    The "commando rope" or toggle rope, is a length of rope (commonly 6 - 10 feet)with an open eye splice in one end and a toggle, secured with a second eye splice in the other. Commandos (or scouts) could each carry a length of rope with them around their waist, over their shoulder, etc and join them together as needed for longer ropes. Nobody had to carry the whole load of rope alone and by slipping the toggles through the open eye splice, no knots were needed, saving time.

     

    There are many sites with directions for making these, my favorite is the "buddy rope" which adds a thimble and carabiner for greater security. The directions are can be found online at: http://trooponesixteen.org/Documents/Camping/BuddyRope.pdf

    Thanks to Troop 116, Fayetteville, Arkansas for posting.

     

    For some historic (and decidely NON-Scout-like) footage of the commando rope in action check out: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/bataan/sfeature/sf_rangers_pop_11_qt.html

  8. Since when are insects NOT animals? Kingdom Animalia still includes insects.

     

    I could guess by ANIMAL it means MAMMALS - but then we could shoot targets that look like tuna, jellyfish, sharks, snakes, toads, spiders, crabs, leeches, and birds... The reference quoted also states "should not" vice "will (or must) not" and while splitting hairs is an important distinction. Also the G2SS quote seems to disallow using targets that represent living things, at least to me. After all, bear, deer, and turkey targets would be representing living things - whether they are paper, plastic, or wood seems to be irrelevant. However it does seem to restrict activities such as paintball and laser tag specifically and not address ranges at camp.

     

    JoeBob, Since your Council put this out I would ask them for the reference and then you can post it here for the rest of us. I'm pretty interested in the answer. As a guy who loves to shoot and hunt I may have inadvertantly violated this myself.

  9. You could do a Patrol relay - different skills at each station.

     

    Possible competition events, in any format:

     

    Pioneering:

    Timed Tripod lashing - tripod must support weight of a Scout (or water bucket, whatever)

    Timed Flagpole lashing - time ends when flagpole is raised with Patrol flag attached

    Roman Chariot race - I haven't seen this one in a looong time!

    Basic knot relay

    Navigation:

    Terrain feature ID on a topo map

    Orienteering course - this can be as simple or complex as you have time/desire for

    Geocaching - will require GPSr for Patrols

    First Aid:

    Timed bandage/splints

    Carrys relay

    Patrol Spirit:

    Give Patrol Cheer at each station - judge best throughout day

    Teamwork - Assessed at end of competition

    Camp-site inspection

    Sing a camp song

    Best Patrol flag

    Cooking:

    Provide a box of mystery ingredients and judge their creation

    Start a fire with two matches - you can include building proper fire ring, collecting wood, etc

    Cook without pots - announce before camp so they can arrive ready

    One pot meal

    Meal under a pound (or two or ...)

     

     

    Hope this helps and would love to see more ideas posted!

     

     

     

  10. I don't recall an official streamer or ribbon for the Patrol flag for the Baden-Powell Patrol award, but certainly there may have been.

     

    Most of the things I remember getting for the Patrol flag and that I've given out for Patrol flags have been made or found in shops. We've done shrinky dinks, painted pine cones, stuff from scrapbook departments, pieces of fur and feathers, beads, etc. Supply division does sell "Patrol Competition" ribbons for 1st thru 3rd, but they aren't "flag ready" as is.

     

    For the Honor Patrol award, we presented a glow in the dark plastic star and the Patrol members put their names on one side of it before hanging on their flag.

  11. Buffalo Skipper,

     

    I think the award can be a great incentive for the Patrols. This used to be the Baden Powell Award but changed in the mid-90s to the National Honor Patrol award. As you've noticed, the requirements do leave some room for interpretation by the units and I presume this is purposefully done to allow leaders to apply the award appropriately. A great article from Scouting magazine can be found here: http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0401/d-gbar.html

     

    Can Patrol meetings at troop meetings count? In the end it is up to you. In the troop we first instituted this program, the troop met 4 times a month - meaning all three patrols met in the same place at the same time. The Patrols performed their own opening/closing ceremonies and planned their own meetings but the whole troop was there. This allowed overlap in some areas - like skill presentations, games, etc between Patrols. The last meeting of the month was the troop meeting. So HOW your Patrols are doing things is important. In the spirit of the award, is the Patrol coming together, planning and doing things together as a Patrol? If it's a Patrol meeting - and not just the Patrol members are there - it counts.

     

    I certainly think a district Camporee would count as a Scouting event. Again, the spirit of the award is the Patrol is functioning as a team and doing things together. If the Patrol is intact and competing together then sounds pretty reasonable to me.

     

    Your math for the stars is correct. The award is worn as long as a Scout is a member of the Patrol. Patrols can earn it more than once, I think eight or nine stars fit around the patrol medallion, and those members who earn it wear as many as they were part of.

     

    Good luck with the program, our troops benefitted from it.

     

     

     

     

  12. BadenP - I agree, attendance is usually pretty poor at a lot of RTs. Getting leaders to come is key to their success. I've seen different strategies to address this but the number one issue must be making sure the attendees leave feeling like it was worth their time.

     

    Buffalo - sounds like a great way to make a plan.

     

    Any other ideas out there? What topics would make you come to RT? DO cooking, G2SS, equipment classes?

     

     

  13. @ John:

     

    Rabblerouser? Hoseblast?

    "Are you a RT Commish? Have you volunteered for Staff? If not, why not? Be an agent of chnage, working within the system, rather than a rabblerouser. The folks who volunteer RT staff are Scouters like you, with families, day jobs, and Scouting responsibilities. Friendly cups of coffee discussing how to better things are welcome, using the hose blast isn't."

     

    Gosh, John. I've never considered myself much of a "rabblerouser". I thought this forum could be a discussion around a friendly cup of coffee, and certainly don't know how this particular question could be seen as a "hoseblast". In fact, it was an attempt to be just the opposite, an attempt to focus on the positive things we've seen at RTs or to bring up how folks would like to see RTs done. I don't believe I've accused or intimated anyone doing something unsatisfactory at all. I am a bit offended by the tone and am not sure where it's coming from...

     

    Like you, I am a believer in not just complaining but getting involved and making a positive change. In fact, outside of the "Issues and Politics" discussions (which I don't read) I am often impressed with the help and advice you give here. So I'm a little surprised at your reaction. Isn't the purpose of this forum to have open, polite dialogue to provide the best program possible?

     

    I'm not sure what my status has to do with asking for ideas about reaching adult leaders with topics they want or in a way they feel works for them has to do with anything but since you asked:

     

    I am currently a volunteer - in multiple positions in my council.

    I have been, but am not currently, a RT Commish in three different districts.

    I am still a regular trainer at RTs and many other venues whenever asked.

     

    If any have been offended by this topic, or felt I was directing a "hose blast" at them or anyone else in the program - I apologize.

     

     

  14. Bags at Smithsonian are OK. Most places in DC are filled with tourists carrying all kinds of things after all.

     

    The Washington Monument will allow bags, but it is crowded in there and you will probably want to go inside in groups, leaving bags with the other group as you go. National Holocaust Museum and the Wahington Monument will allow NO knives or other blades (like a small razor or scissors found in some first aid kits) inside.

     

    Many places will only allow CLEAR water bottles, if your Scouts are packing Nalgenes.

     

    If there are folks in your troop who collect National Passport stamps, remind them to pack them because there are probably over a hundred you can get in an hour there!

     

    Enjoy your trip!

  15. According to the National website, http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/eagle.aspx , Bugler is NOT an option for Eagle. The acceptable PORs are Patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, troop guide, Order of the Arrow troop representative, den chief, scribe, librarian, historian, quartermaster, junior assistant Scoutmaster, chaplain aide, or instructor.

     

    Of course, your point is still valid - SPL is defineitely more leadership than say historian. But the requirement isn't for leadership, its for responsibility. So while the SPL my be responsible for the Scouts and the troop meetings, the quartermaster is responsible for all troop eqiupment.

     

    How each troop uses each of these PORs varies widely, and I've seen some scribes who do absolutely nothing except wear the patch. I saw a Chaplain's Aide who never led a single service, presented a blessing, etc. He was the Chaplain's Aide because he had earned the religious square know as a Cub. I once had a troop historian who I gave some goals and a "to do" list. In six months, and with monthly conferences he accomplished exactly none of them. As the SM, I did not count this for rank advancement, and told him so four months out that I wouldn't if he didn't try to complete his tasks.

     

     

     

     

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