RememberSchiff

Not to worry, it doesn't ring much. Maybe because council does not publish and distribute the list, maybe because I will not do merit badge universities, maybe because a SM directs scouts elsewhere, maybe the boys expect an express pass, maybe they expect a real subject expert (I do my best).

It's been years, maybe more than 10, since I have successfully recruited someone outside of scouting to be a MB counselor. And Council dropped him the following year as he "forgot" to renew, so he took the hint as this was BSA's gracious way of thanking him for his service. Seeyalater.

Some more points:

About a dozen years ago, there were 8 or more mbc at the local high school. Now ZERO, "I'd like too...but no, this is headache"

Why should teachers, policemen, nurses, fire chiefs...who regularly teach young people in community outreach, are parents themselves, been fingerprinted, background-checked already go through all that again. And please, their time is money, don't solicit them for FOS!

Compare the red-tape: BS MB counselor to Venture consultant

The challenge is not for me or another scouter to sign up to counsel a dozen more merit badges, that is neither a challenge nor a solution. The real challenge is to recruit another dozen new, outside experts as counselors. To do that, the merit badge process needs to be fixed.

Another $0.01(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

That's the status quo - inbreeding with often less-qualified scouters (like me ) volunteering outside their expert level just because outside experts are turned off by the current process of becoming mb counselors.

The challenge is to fix the broken merit badge process with all its hassle and nonsense.

BTW, I am a mb counselor for 4 or is it 7, maybe 9 who knows but me who sends the paperwork to council, which never publishes the list, which doesn't matter as the SM will likely only give a scout the name of a counselor in his unit and not the name of a counselor just down the street...and on it goes.

Back in the day, all that was required was expertise and an interest in teaching kids - one sheet of paper with name, address, phone, Merit badge, experience, references. No SS, no YP, no yearly renewal, no dummy course about being a mb counselor, no joining the BSA, no SM filtering as the approved counselor list was there for all scouts to read. You taught scouts a little, developed some skills, had some fun.

Go back to that.

Buttta, buttta no YP. Yep optional, the MB counselor provides the expertise and we or parents go along to provide the YP (got to drive them anyway). That is one reason parents like the current MB colleges, there is perceived safety in numbers at those school/church venues.

KISMIF and the outside experts will return.

My $0.01

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My thoughts...

Youth led = youth do the planning, make decisions

Youth run = youth execute the plan, change decisions (Plan B)

Execution is the harder part.

My $0.02

So are you saying you want the Tour Plan to remind you when to execute on H/W issues for each tour?

More than remind, state Yes or No whether H/W requirements apply for tour. Makes it clear who can participate. Whether they will abide is another matter.

How would you set it up so that it would be clear to all using it?

That is already stated in Form C. Is it clear there?

But honestly, I don't see anyone out in the field checking a participant's weight for their unit-planned high adventure trips. I have never seen a unit check driver's licenses or auto-insurance either.

My $0.01

No coordination with new Tour Planning Worksheet, i.e., on that worksheet there is no consideration of time to reach emergency vehicle access roadways or even a definitive statement that the weight chart applies for planned tour. Easy fix for the latter, under "Type of trip" add "Health & Medical weight restrictions apply to ALL participants."

Require ALL scout camps to state upfront, in writing, whether weight restrictions apply to their camp in general or their programs selectively. Do it NOW.

No mention of Jamboree or Summit.

Expect more updates.

My $0.02

Production. Yes, I fear we are heading in that direction, i.e., Cub Scouts who 'go through the program graduate' with the highest award in Cub Scouting. Similarly, Bob Scouts who 'go through the program graduate' with Eagle. The failed public school model. Little earned, little learned but get them through the program with a water-down diploma.

My $0.02(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Being unprepared for conditions either in equipment ($$$) or experience is a valid reason for cancellation. Knowing that and making the call takes leadership experience which is what we are here to develop.

In my experience, the first safety concern that cancels a winter trip is driving. Ice storms cause dangerous driving, down branches and trees. High winds can blow down trees and branches as well.

Avoid the fool who brags 'We go no matter the weather'.

My $0.02

This raises another question regarding ready, maybe another thread, 'Should OA candidates have prior expressed parental permission to join'? IMHO, I think it is bad practice for a SM to nominate a scout without first speaking with the scout's parents to ensure they have a basic understanding of the OA (specifically that it is not a troop activity) and the time commitment involved.

My $0.02

An example of how to do it right with some help.

Elizabeth Hughes, 8 years old, National Anthem, Norfolk Admirals Game (yes hockey)

(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

A Scout is loyal to whichever patrol and troop he belongs. And from my experience, scouts migrate to be with their friends or get away from adults, the program content is usually an after thought.

I have always encouraged Webelos to visit other units in hopes of keeping more in Scouting. Their choice should be respected.

BTW, I have not been a member of any of the Charter Organizations that have sponsored my units.

My $0.02

???

Tomorrow be a Dad, take a photo of you and your son in uniform wearing your Eagle medals.

Congratulations.

I wish I had an answer as it wears on me too. Shake it off and help the boys who want to be real First Class scouts. Those that don't, maybe put an "This way to F-troop" at the exit door.

It's a damn shame there is no top-down quality control in the Scout program. There used to be, back in the day of Neighborhood Commissioners, not these powerless District Commissioners of today. And if raising program quality lowered membership, so be it.

Find satisfaction in the small victories. Sorry, I know that does not help much.

Another $0.01

what we can do to help Scouts live up to the Scout Law, you Trustworthy and all that

I emphasize that a man's word is his bond, that if I cannot trust you then I will be following you around all the time and it is easier for me to shadow if you are staying behind doing clean-up (the chicken-s-list jobs like tarp pole polishing, arranging water buckets,...) while the rest are off having fun (the "carrots"). I firmly believe the "stick approach" should be used with the "consequences". You're being mean...yeah the water buckets need to form an arrow pointing north, I want the water magnetized. I may remind the scout that magnetized water must be demagnetized by boiling otherwise pasta will stick to the metal pot. Yeah I'm mean.

Okay he seems to get the message but more likely he is playing me, so now WE go back to his patrol where the message is Johnny needs some help becoming a scout or he will need help arranging water buckets. Peer pressure can be a good thing.

The Scout Law starts "A Scout IS...." well scouts don't start that way if they did we would have no job to do. Over time scouts BECOME Trustworthy, Loyal...and if you are very lucky Clean. Our goal is to develop a First Class Scout who can say I AM trustworthy, loyal ...I am a scout.

Today, there is often little support for old school discipline measures (can't you just talk to him again, you know that scoutmaster conference thingy or give him a merit badge..) and a boy can transfer to F-troop and get his double E (express Eagle). I envy the discipline measures that high school coaches have ...run laps, situps, benched, suspended,..

My $0.01, time for a coffee break. Sometimes a break is good.

P.S. Good to hear about your Life Scout, he IS a scout. That other probably not.

(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Sorry to hear this. I have felt disappointment and even betrayal when undeserving scouts "get" Eagle by working the system.

I think there needs to be a big RED flag on any scout who transfers to another unit in his district within a year or so of coming to the District EBOR. Was something wrong with the unit and/or the scout? Maybe a question will be asked at the EBOR, but there will be no pause or resolution by the Eagle Board, district commissioner or DE. And on it goes.

Are your scouts now thinking that the path to Eagle is a less worthy path?

My $0.02

Guidelines.. may or may not, most are not willing to risk losing $$$ and vacation time over the uncertainty. So the worst case is assumed, and the guideline is perceived as a rule.

Adults, in particular, adult leaders with no kids in unit running their own Adult Outing Club.

Our experience and relationship with ARC is similar to Proud Eagle. Disappointing and what relationship? While their course books have improved, their instructors have been page-flipping volunteers with little real first-aid experience (except for a pet first aid instructor). Their demographics seems to be those that want or need a "card" cheap and quick - teachers, youth leaders, nursing home assistants. Sound familiar?

So for CPR/AED certification, we take American Heart Association courses instead. Their instructors have been ER nurses, paramedics, and EMTs. I have found their frank discussions regarding the limited success of CPR and how to handle post trauma for the rescuer to be of great value. My understanding is that ARC gets their CPR/AED course content from AHA.

For WFA certification we take SOLO courses. And yes it is certification, you take a practical and written test and upon passing, you receive a card good for two years. Also, if you hold a more advanced WFR, you can re-certify for WFR by taking a WFA course.

Looking at SOLO's upcoming WFA course schedule - one is sponsored by a council, another by a troop, and another by a crew, along with many outing clubs. The good thing about sponsoring a SOLO WFA is that you can request added content and an instructor specialty to fit your needs and the sponsor can subsidize the course to cut costs for participants. For BSA units, a common issue is asking SOLO to accept those younger than 16. We have negotiated with SOLO to drop the age to 14 provided we follow their rules, so if Johnny Boy Scout misbehaves or arrives late both he and his tuition are gone no BS nonsense. I have asked Council to experiment with bringing SOLO into summer camp as an option for adult leaders but nothing came of it.

SOLO instructors are both experienced in the outdoors and emergency medicine, often to a very impressive extent. Another point, if you want to learn more about the subject, SOLO (NOLS, and others) offer AWFA, WFR, WEMT, AWEMT,... ARC WFA well I guess the next step is you can become an instructor of ARC WFA?

Seeing what the BSA has done with First Aid merit badge and BSA Lifeguard, I have little confidence . I do not know of any outdoor group (park rangers, NOLS, SOLO, college outing clubs)that recognizes ARC Wilderness First Aid for volunteers, employment, or as a prerequisite for the above advanced courses in Wilderness First Aid.

Cost for SOLO WFA is about $160 for a 16-24 hour course where the longer course certifies for CPR and covers added topics. I would rather spend my money for WFA than uniforms, bling, rubber chicken banquets, Wood Badge,...

So do you want to learn and become skilled in wilderness first aid or just get a quick insurance document in hopes of limiting your liability?

My $0.02

(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Transportation plan? It ain't that complicated. The scouts find adults to drive just like they do for a movie or school event.

IMO, if a senior patrol cannot independently (without adults) plan and execute a hike and campout, then we have failed to deliver the Promise and are no more than Cub Scouts Part 2.

Qualified supervision for swimming? Who is qualified, a certified lifeguard in the patrol or a fat adult who took an online internet course?

Don't hike much in farmer's pastures. BTW, my son is planning a weekend AT backpack this summer with some of his buddies and no adults, though Dad will drop off and pickup. They gave up trying to make this outing a scout activity.

My $0.02(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

ABC Nightline's did a report on 17yr old Life Scout Michael Adelman's death on 20 mile Everglades hike and his parent's lawsuit against SM's, CO, and BSA.

Text with video

http://abcnews.go.com/US/boy-scout-death-20-mile-hike-heat/story?id=11861418

http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/boy-scout-death-12635667

Also, for the actual ship, what kind do you use? Schooner, Trawler, Cruiser, etc.?

Maybe you could get a deal on the U.S.S. Olympia?

Old

Leadership and Youth Protection Training: Boy Scouts of America policy requires at least two adult leaders on all camping trips and tours.

- 2 pages long

- 2 week lead time

New

"Leadership and Youth Protection Training: Boy Scouts of America policy requires at least two adult leaders on all BSA activities.

Unauthorized and Restricted Activities: The BSAs general liability policy provides coverage for bodily injury or property damage that is made and arises out of an official Scouting activity as defined by the Guide to Safe Scouting. Volunteers, units, chartered organizations, and local councils that engage in unauthorized activities are jeopardizing their insurance coverage. PLEASE DO NOT PUT YOURSELF AT RISK

- 4 pages long but larger font.

- 3 week lead time

- No more pledge to get scouts to their religious services!

More lawyering with "official BSA activities" will likely mean fewer "official BSA activities".

Let's have a family outing and go play laser tag.

My $0.02

RELAX. Don't stress over this. Don't buy expensive gear. Keep it simple.

If a sled cannot be made in the remaining time with available help, NO PROBLEM

1. Try borrowing a sled from a Boy Scout troop who might be interested in recruiting your Webelos.

2. Just go with what you have such as a regular plastic sled (call it a sledge) or a wagon if no snow.

This is Scouting, it does not have to be the perfect, just fun.

My $0.02(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Seems like Western Mass Council is looking at selling Moses. They probably want to sell Chesterfield too, but the deed requires that it can only be sold as one complete parcel, no subdividing.

There was a meeting this week with about 50 concerned scouters. A Friends of Moses Scout Reservation non-profit is forming to raise $100K to save Moses. Donors will be refunded if the camp is closed. More details in this article

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/01/western_massachusetts_boys_sco.html

where there is an interesting sentence:

"To save the camps, Boy Scout leaders are going to have to find solutions to a number of problems, including programming, a lack of communication, dropping membership, recruiting and fund-raising..." Interesting in that only "programming" is a camp problem. Maybe camps need to be separate from councils? I think we might preserve our camps and consolidate under-performing councils.

Another note about Chesterfield, the Mass Junior Conversation Camp has again reserved the camp for two weeks this summer - same camp as the Boy Scouts used except their program is coed, age 13-17, oh they shoot pistols and have no problem fully booking their two weeks at our camp.

http://juniorconservationcamp.org/aboutthecamp.htm

My $0.02

See few scouts wearing a necker except at formal meetings. Seems backward that a functional accessory gets worn only on formal occasions.

What this old scout would like to see

1. Size is getting better but geometry is still wrong. Square size 38" or larger (Reason: should be large enough to make an arm sling, use as a signal flag)

2. Wear necker with class B as other countries do as it is, as mentioned, a universal scout symbol and it is a functional accessory.

3. Go back to one neckerchief for Cubs. They can grow out of everything else.

4. Definitely encourage making your own slides. Store bought slides are for woosies (wussies?).

What I predict - extinction. Most now prefer a cool baseball cap.

My $0.02

Dick Winters, the former World War II commander whose war story was told in the book and miniseries Band of Brothers, has died.

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/01/dick_winters_of_band_of_brothe.html

When teaching leadership and patrol method, I have often used his "Leadership at the Point of a Bayonet - Ten Principles for Success". It is genuine leadership and resonates what Scouts is to me.

"1. Strive to be a leader of character, competence, and courage.

2. Lead from the front. Say, Follow me! and then lead the way.

3. Stay in top physical shapephysical stamina is the root of mental toughness.

4. Develop your team. If you know your people, are fair in setting realistic goals and expectations, and lead by example, you will develop teamwork.

5. Delegate responsibility to your subordinates and let them do their jobs. You cant do a good job if you dont have a chance to use your imagination and creativity.

6. Anticipate problems and prepare to overcome obstacles. Dont wait until you get to the top of the ridge and then make up your mind.

7. Remain humble. Dont worry about who receives the credit. Never let power or authority go to your head.

8. Take a moment of self-reflection. Look at yourself in the mirror every night and ask yourself if you did your best.

9. True satisfaction comes from getting the job done. They key to a successful leader is to earn respectnot because of rank or position, but because you are a leader of character.

10. Hang Tough!Never, ever, give up."

Scout salute to a great leader and a generous,humble man.