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I usually have that question asked of me by non-eagles/non-scouts. I find answering in the affirmative difficult because sometimes they are trying to fit me into some imaginary pecking order. Most of the time, it's just smalltalk. I ended an argument about another scouter by pointing out that he was, in fact, an eagle. I'm sure if he were in the room, he would have resented it. But, I needed to put an end to a strained conversation about who I allowed to lead a contingent of ours. Pointing out that he'd hiked overwhelmingly more miles than I did wasn't cutting it. Technically, th

Do we really want to be suggesting that the SM be "removed immediately" based on this flimsy report of a report of a report on one-sentence sound bite, devoid of any context or history? Who is suggesting that? What we want, is to understand how our slips may bother the guys and make them feel unwelcome in their positions of responsibility. It is possible to "over coach" an SPL or a crew president. I do it all the time, and manage to apologize for it most of the time.

I think there's a distinction between substance and form. In both instances, the parents were bring up discussions on content (rather than dickering about the meaning of the word "report").

Depends on the Jew. But I haven't met many who want religion (be it mine or theirs) swept under a rug. Likewise, the Moslems I know have voiced a higher respect for Christians who are public (and even a little dogmatic) about their faith. Meanwhile, I've known parents who've avoided BSA because of its broad stance on religion. But maybe that's just me.

Snipe!

While traditional scouting skills are important and our bread and butter......the modern boy needs more. I was just on this topic last night with a Venturing Advisor. Youth have access to tremendous communications tools. They need to be taught how to use them. This involves increasing one's level of: 1. Discernment 2. Time management 3. Courtesy And, maybe, a little accountability.

Also, have a parent meeting and let them know your boys are on the hunt for camping locations. There might just be a family farm that would welcome the troop for a weekend.

The thinking is that you're going to be stumbling over these patches anyway. Might as well assemble them in a way that reminds the scout of his career, but keeps his room in order. Personally, I think a scrapbook is the best way to go. Include pictures of his friends at the activity with the patch. It's a really great gift to be able to loan out those pages for a friend's court of honor or high school graduation.

Local hikes are still an option. Historical sites are always worth walking to. But there might be an interesting business that might want to host the boys. County seats and other places of governance are good at this age, especially of the boys get a chance to meet the mayor!

We want you all to learn this stuff so you can hand down on the great traditions of scouting to the next generation. Needing it for Eagle is secondary. So I kind of understand what the SM was driving at. I wouldn't keep an SPL from phrasing it in his own words.

Shout-outs to the camp staff are always good (and quick)! "Everyone, on three, good morning ranger __. One, two, three .." Baseball and Hockey scores are nice. Or, if there's a cricket or soccer tournament in some obscure place in the world that you can follow for the weekend ... Knock Knock joke of the day ... Hopefully, that will get your gears rolling. Like everyone above says, short and sweet wins.

Ya BP, I think we are in a Post-Modern society, so your Modernist black-and-white exclusion of certain narratives won't be tolerated. The BSA's declaration of religious principle gets them in a lot of doors. But that doesn't mean that we don't work with groups whose aims are more narrow. I can see a fundamentalist CO sponsoring both AHG and BSA units and everyone walking in lock-step for a large part of the program. (Until they join a forum like this and someone throws stones.)

Agree with BD. Cubs think that ASM is the same as CM or ACM anyway. Update your existing uniform to the troop insignia. That also sets a really good example to pack parents, who will see you helping even though, according to the uniform, you've "moved on." On the other hand, boy scouts expect the ASM to attend to the program, and if they see cub colors, they may not tap you as a resource. (They may not anyway, but at least the uniform won't render you "invisible.") If your troop is really into uniforming for every occasion, a second shirt is not a bad idea. But, you can cross th

I think it is frustrating to parents when we tell them one thing before the trip, and afterword they find out we do something different. Falling back on a plan B happens all the time. And, I find the best thing is to explain to parents why you made the decision that you did. The parent begins to gain trust in your judgement, and you might actually discover that you did make a bonehead move! (No point in keeping the "What I would do differently" file empty.)

The point is to encourage boys to use their family as a sounding board about sexual norms. Really, the purpose is to get beyond mechanics. For example, as a result of my son working on that requirement, I realized that the most important thing from my perspective was that my children treat every person they have an interest in as though they were someone else's spouse until they officially become their spouse. My wife put things a little differently, but it was a great opportunity to discuss an issue proactively. I have no idea how much my son discussed the conversation with his counselo

I want to thank MIB and T/S all for putting yourselves (or getting put?) out there. The rest of us have the advantage of anonymity in the sense that we don't look any of the posters in the eye the next morning. (Or if we do, we don't know it!) In spite of the emotional back-and-forth, we all are learning from this sort of thing. I think it's a good scouter who gets wrapped up in the success of their youth. We need our boys to be in the hands of the caring adult who has to think real hard about hanging back and letting another adult have complete sway in a situation. That other adult migh

Calico, It would be nice if wrongs could be parlayed into gift cards. Better yet, cash. I am fully aware that EDGE proponents have broadened the definition of the terms to the point that It means nothing. The CC's signature was needed for the Eagle application, which he refused to sign after the MBC voiced misgivings about having signed the blue card the following day.

Ask if he knows the scout slogan. (He should.) Ask what his good turn was today. Be prepared if he asks you what yours was! (You could say giving a star scout an SMC!)

I don't have a good answer as to why. Maybe we're more matriarchal than we give ourselves credit? The requirement is that he has to have a family meeting on the subject. He only has to report to the MBC that he did. Does it ease his mind knowing he'll need to just bring you, dad, siblings, and pets into the conversation?

2cub, you just described the venturing recognition program. Youth earn national (i.e., not exclusive to BSA) certifications, not MB's. Share (in front of other youth, not an adult counselor) and/or apply what they've learned. Qualify for an award.

Okay. That does make a difference. Oh and since we're crossing threads, you have to cut your son some slack about the "submit a report" definition. You see, thanks to WB21C he was brainwashed on the EDGE method, which does not include any notion of the written word as an essential tool for successful transfer of skills. Therefore, he thinks report is something verbal, sort of an ExplaiDemostro thing. He doesn't realize that by requesting something in writing, you are in fact enabling the presenter to encapsulate his core thoughts and distinguish himself from any other species on the p

Actually, they did. I saw a film about it. It was only 14 feet tall, but it was your standard COPE element (except helmets were nowhere to be seen).

I got to "Call BS" on your son and future D-I-L. They have their own trails to walk. Sit on the couch, be silent, and pray. But, may I suggest you give the troop committee chair the right to "Call BS" on you. The all-in-the family routine can erode trust. Get some accountability into the situation. The boy's SM and CC will have to put their signature on the application. Tell them the nature of his work. Describe the exact quality of the chart. If the boys unit leaders have doubts, they can call your husband. Bottom Line: I had a scout/venturer whose Family Life chart was clear

"I'm under no obligation whatsoever to countenance violators of the 5th point of th scout law." Usually this kind of behavior doesn't manifest itself until about 13. Does this kid have an older sibling. For the older boys, my line is "At what point did your pubescent angst become any concern of mine?"

My boys and my daughter made the the same decision over the past three Jambo opportunities. and we have done a lot with the money not spent. If he's catching on with the glucose control, he has it in him to prepare for a wide array of opportunities.