ozemu

I understand that the homeschooling rate of progress is often accelerated ie on some sites parents are advised to do no more than three hours academic work per 'school' day. Therefore the rate of progress may be several times faster than traditional scouting expectations. If lots of merit badges are being done concurrently with a homeschool curriculum then the family may have problems accessing councellors. Also homeschooling means that the work is done at home - if the badges are tied in to the academic work then they may have few options than to be very involved in the sons merit ba

Yarrow, a big emotive topic. I couldn't figure out how to make my contribution flow so excuse the numbering pls: 1. Yes, rings can be dangerous. I explain why and people remove them or ask to have them taped flat when doing ring unfriendly activities. ( I daytime at an outdoor education centre) 2. Body 'art' and dress is a cultural thing. Cultural misunderstanding is a big issue. 3. Due to 2. wearing unusual things (including rings etc) can be misconstrued by people even if you are of shining character. For this reason restraint is, I think, the best policy when wearing

We have also, in the past, come to an agreement with the Scouts about uniform. Sometimes none, other times shirts only, other times full uniform. If it was an issue we have tried a 'wear what you think our uniform should be' night ... at the meeting explain your reasons and have a troop discussion. Some very reasonable discussions ensued and usually a Troop policy that all agreed on. Did I say 'in the past'.... seems that I have slipped! I started a new troop 1 year ago and haven't worked on this issue. Is that why one or two are rebelling on uniform? I can be thick sometimes. Than

You're dead right sctmom. I have had any number of boys with behavioural difficulties and have two currently in my Troop. Yes; what you say is what happens. I have only seen one outstanding change in over ten years as a leader yet I know that others have benefited. Scouting does contribute and looking around at Jamboree's etc there does seem to be a scout personality of sorts. A relaxed approach to where they fit in how they relate to others. Trouble is that sometimes, and at present, I get some parents who find it difficult to tolerate the 'behavioural' kids. They don't realise tha

My previous post was not very clear. While new scouts are enjoying the whole Scout experience they progress through the award scheme simply by being there and learning. I make an effort to keep their records up to date - but this may not be the case in all Troops. Some of my parents keep an eye on what their kids have done and bring gaps to my attention so I can remain up to date. These kids pass more tests because two adults are keeping a quiet eye on things. Inevitably, and either way, the Scout 'realises' suddenly that they have almost earned a badge / level etc. What a great

Australian 11 year olds often concentrate on fun rather than progression in badges too. It seems to take about a year for them to realise that they have covered a lot of ground in badgework just by turning up. And then they get excited. The number of times scouts have come to me and said 'Emu, I've only got two things to do and I've got ... badge!". Keep an eye on the troop program. Make sure that things are signed off and followed up if that is the requirement for passing tests. Most of them don't look at the badge requirments from one meeting to the next. If you keep an eye on thi

Some great suggestions on this post. I think the parental nurturing can be extended. Parents are concerned about who the other scouts are and what their child will learn from them - good and bad. Possibly get the P/L's to make contact with new members by phone or visit between meetings to make sure that the new scout has the right kit, is informed, etc. This shows the parents that scouting is a lifestyle and allows them to see the older scouts doing the role model bit. This should work better in the US than over here where all scouts go on to venturers at age 15. Even so we ge

I agree with Chipewa29. A high turn over is undesirable. At the point in their lives that we lead them there are many uncertainties. Their bodies, intellects, hormones and roles in family, school etc are all developing. Having a safe refuge with a consistant role model may be very important. Obviously inappropriate styles and 'grumpiness' is to be avoided. Having other good adults around in formal and informal roles is also important. The kids need to examine alternatives to mum and dad and a variety is as important as consistency. They need both I suppose.

We have our national flag above the left pocket. At jamborees it seems to be fairly normal. About the world 'brotherhood' badge. Do you mean the purple membership badge? We use that one and have since 1973. Trouble is every such badge on a uniform, letterhead etc costs us a royalty to WOSM. We are about to make a national scout membership badge to replace it so I suppose we are going your way. Thought the international perspective might be useful.

oh yeah. and I agree about heavy awkward boxes. Our boxes are a 2 scout lift and that allows them to get the gear across the creek and up the hill etc.

we hike and then equipment is down to pairs within their patrol. The point of boxes of gear for patrols is that they learn to manage the gear, keep it clean etc. If it is issued from a central QM store then it will be more organised. By the adults. I agree that it is an uphill battle and often causes me to get all military about inspecting the patrol gear. But I think that is the whole point. When you get out a frying pan with yesterdays (or last camps) remnants still inside you learn that keeping up with chores is an important thing. We do some hike camps, some standing c

I wear my uniform to every scouting event. Weekly meeting to Jamboree. None is Scout pattern nor bought from Scout shops. No-one says anything to me about it. It looks close to the real thing I suppose. None of my scouts have bought from the Scout shop either. Cost, quality and accessibility are all reasons. I encourage thrift shops and buying similar colours in any style they want. If a kid likes it they might wear it. Besides, when it's covered in badges who looks at the lable inside the collar? It's what they do not how they look that people seem interested in. I just a

Look for scoutmasters from outside the parent body. Dads can make great leaders but teenagers need role models who are not family members so that they can compare. Having said that most of our leaders are, in fact, mums and dads. Yet it seems the leaders who hang around the longest are not.

Similar concerns in Australia. Disclosure is not evident and most opinions amongst volunteers are (due to lacking disclosure) fairly anecdotal. However, we do NOT have proffessional scouters (bar the state chief exec and a few secretaries). Council staff consists of a part time secretary. There is almost no advertising, few camping grounds (private property is the go) and the few camping grounds have volunteer staff with barely adequate equipment. It strikes me that they may be a bit like the self fulfilling prophecy. They exist and raise money etc yet they cost a lot which means

We are different here but I keep mine light enough for an 11 year old to carry. We use plastic meat boxes that are stackable and have lids. Not very backwoodish I know but hygenic and younger scouts cannot say that the box is 'too heavy'. Being uniform I can stack the whole troops boxes easliy for travel.

I require my Patrols to conduct a camp or half day activities each quarter. I check on these activities once only and have adults within a few minutes distance for a scout in a full panic sprint. Adults are otherwise NOT around. I explain this to parents on joining. When adults are not present kids generally do not take stupid risks. however when adults are nearby they think that if they get out of their depth they will be rescued. Before they go on camp I explain to my Scouts as many possible ways that they could be killed or injured as i can think of. I talk the P/L's through pos

1. I use a plastic onion bag. it allows the soap to dry faster, i would think, than the stocking idea already mentioned. a bit rough i admit but envigorating! 2. An antiseptic solution in an old dishwashing liquid bottle is part of each patrols kitchen gear and also outside our toilet. No dishes and no need to pour water through containers. Just squirt, scrub and flick your hands dry. obviously this is for hands only.

Not sure if I'm in the right place but my mixed Troop has six girls, 10-12 years, who wish to send a fluffy mascot an a tour of the USA. We seek hosts. Girl Scouts of same age may be interested. Troop council meets about 23 Jan to plan program so responses before then would be helpful Graham