rkfrance

Go to discovery.com and read the posts on their forum about the show. The show is maybe 10% practical for survival situations. Most of the stuff the guy does is stuff you should never do, but he does it for entertainment. This guy isn't even the survival expert he claims to be. Watch the credits at the end. They have a survival expert on staff to cue this guy.

I watch Survivorman. I like the show. I don't agree with everything he does, but it's much closer to reality in dealing with survival situations, but it's still entertainment.

I've seen episodes of I Shouldn't Be Alive that are much more informative, but I don't like the way they jump from interview to re-enactment to how-to.

Are there established guidelines on the death of a Scout or leader? I imagine there's a lot a flying by the seat of your pants in these situations. No where in any of my trainings has it ever been mentioned.

Our situation - the Institutional Head of our CO passed unexpectedly a couple of days ago. We're trying to put together the proper course of action.

TV for the purpose of entertainment with a little learning in there too. I can live without it, but this is what I like right now.

Survivorman. Discovery Channel. My kids and I are hooked on it. My older two are boy scouts, the youngest is a tiger. From a practical point, Survivorman does some stupid stuff, ie - drink unfiltered jungle water. But he helped spark an interest in wilderness survival and outdoor skills that is helping all of us to become better scouts.

I Shouldn't Be Alive. Discovery Channel. I've only caught a couple of episodes. I don't care for the re-enactments of those that "shouldn't be alive". I watch for the "how to" stuff.

Man vs Wild. Discovery Channel. New show. Only saw first episode. Simply put, whatever he does, don't ever try it. Entertainment only.

Campfire Cafe. RFD channel. Exposing my kids to the realities that you can make more than cobbler in a dutch oven.

Dutch Oven & Camp Cooking. RFD channel. Same comments as Campfire Cafe.

Aside from that, about the only shows I watch on regular TV are Smallville and Extreme Home Makeover.

BTW - I only had 3 channels as a kid, 6 if the weather was perfect.

We just had our fall camporee. We were allowed only above ground fires. Several units chose not to have fires because they didn't have an above ground fire pit.

Simple solution, use an old gas grill. Take out the guts, line the bottom with some grating, cut the legs down, lid optional. We have two of these, small and large. They stand about 1' above the ground. We had a lot of leaders comment that they would've never thought of that.

The funny thing is we used the same fire pit at our spring camporee.

Sorry, I should have said recommended, not required.

Who is the CO? If it's a church or an organization like American Legion, they are required to comply with ADA. As an entity of such, the scout troop would also.

The more correct answer would be yes if the district you're going to for training is in your council. Yes, they use the same syllabus, but each council sets its own policies for cub scout camping - baloo and webelos outdoor are affected. If it is out of council, you have to check with your council office to make sure you are made aware of any differences in policy. It still can be done and most councils from what I've seen would rather see you trained.

We collected den dues. The amount can vary ($.50 - $1) and is usually determined by the den leader. The den leader could use that money toward expenses for crafts, etc. At the end of the year, any money left would go into the pack general fund, or with committee approval, be carried over for the next year.

The double bag option is good. Remember a Sharpie for names on each as yellow hammer said. Tongs are good to stir, but not always to pick up. We use silicone oven mitts, good to 500 degrees and waterproof.

I'm reminded of the phrase "Character is what you have when no one is looking."

Most politicians could care less who's looking, or that they lack any character at all, with the simple exception of just being CHARACTERS.

They need to know they're not alone when they move into Boy Scouts.

When they cross over or just come straight in to Boy Scouts, there's all kinds of people wanting to see them succeed. For a while, they'll probably be overwhelmed and not sure what to do because the safety nets might seem to have been taken away. Boy led vs adult led is something they need to get an idea of and see in action. Interaction with a troop on several different occasions can help releave most concerns they (or their parents) might have.

But let them be Webelos. Focus on "DO YOUR BEST". Get them to understand that and you'll give them a foundation to build on for the rest of their lives.

As a leader, your focus should be to remember to keep it fun, for the boys, and for yourself.

Glad to hear it. I love the show. It keeps the attention of all 3 of my boys. They like to see the different meals being created. It keeps my oldest wondering what we can cook on our next campout.

Effective May 1st in my council. I just got the info today. It's been on our council's website for a couple of weeks. You can still do the 3 part form (if you'd like). You can't do Eagle rank or meritorious awards.

Summaries are available, and you have current records on all youth in your unit.

Delaware is just north of Columbus. Westerville is on the north-east side.

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Name: Simon Kenton Council

Council # 441

Location: 1901 E. Dublin-Granville Rd.

Columbus, OH 43229-0207

Phone 614-436-7200

Camp Lazarus is the home of the council's Cub Scout summer resident and day camp and is located in Delaware County off State Route 23, approximately 9 miles north of Columbus, Ohio. The camp features easy access to Columbus and Delaware, cabins, a large amphitheater and accessibility for the physically challenged. Other features of the camp are a pool, small boating lake and a small fishing pond. Facilities available at Camp Lazarus are: dining hall, training center, ranger residence, maintenance sheds, 6 scoutmaster cabins, shower house, 4 program buildings, director's cabin and 5 program shelters.

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Tree Haven Campground

4855 Miller Paul Road

Westerville, OH 43082

Local Phone: 740-965-3469

Fax: 740-965-1651

Delaware County

130 sites with water and electric, dump station, graywater drains, dump cart, phone, store, showers, restrooms, playground, pool. Open 5-1 to 11-1. I-270 and Exit 30B, east 4.5 miles on SR 161 to New Albany Road East exit. Turn left, travel 1.4 miles to dead end at SR 605. Go left 0.4 miles to Schleppi Road, turn left onto Schleppi Road. Go 3.8 miles to camp on right (Schleppi Road changes to Miller-Paul Road about half way to camp).

5/1 thru 11/1 Dates of Operation

130 Total number of RV sites

20 Number that accommodate pull-thrus

80 Number that accommodate double slide-outs

- Number of sites with full hookups

40 Maximum RV length (in feet)

50 Max. AMP's available for hookup

- / - Number of cabins / Number of rental units

YES Tent sites available

NO / NO Group facilities / Some handicap facilities

NO / NO Gasoline / Propane

NO / YES Sewer / Dump station

YES Swimming Pool

NO Swimming Lake

NO / less than 5 Fishing / Size (in acres)

YES / YES Phone hookups / Compatible with modems

NO TV hookups

YES Camp Store

YES Laundry

YES Pets Allowed

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Cross Creek Camping Resort

3190 South Old State Road

Delaware, OH 43015

Local Phone: 740-369-2900

Fax: 740-369-2900

Email: crosscreek@alumcreek.com

Delaware County

102 full hook-up sites, 78 with water and electric, plus 20 primitive spaces for a total of 200 spaces! Open year round, swimming pool, tennis & basketball courts, playground, store, laudnry, shower house, clubhouse, propane, pets on leash, planned activities, close to Alum Creek Reservoir. Close to Polaris Fashion Mall and many restaurants.

All Year Dates of Operation

200 Total number of RV sites

14 Number that accommodate pull-thrus

102 Number of sites with full hookups

- Maximum RV length (in feet)

50 Max. AMP's available for hookup

- / - Number of cabins / Number of rental units

YES Tent sites available

YES / YES Group facilities / Some handicap facilities

NO / YES Gasoline / Propane

YES / YES Sewer / Dump station

YES Swimming Pool

NO Swimming Lake

YES Boating

YES / less than 250 Fishing / Size (in acres)

NO / YES Phone hookups / Compatible with modems

YES TV hookups

YES Game Room

YES Camp Store

YES Laundry

YES Pets Allowed

Are you looking for a Scout camp or just a campground?

Has he been tested by a doctor? Does he have an IEP at school? These would provide documentation to support autistic tendency (more likely autistic spectrum disorders) and any modifications he goes through for school. It also would indicate if you should consider getting the paperwork going for a Scout with a disability.

How has he done before? Were there any issues at previous BORs?

I too use charcoal chimneys to start my charcoal. I've found them at Walmart (about $9) and Home Depot (about $12). They hold about 4-5 pounds of charcoal respectively, more than enough for most cooking, etc. Two pieces of paper, one match, NO lighter fluid. Takes about 15-20 minutes for your coals to be ready.

I would look at it from the point of who's paying. If it is the Scout or family that continues to pay the fee, the Scout should be on the charter and considered "active". Yeah, they should let you know what is going on or why he's not coming.

If the unit or CO pays, then we come into a question of padding numbers. If it is done out of good faith because Scout or family couldn't afford it at the time is another consideration.

At recharter, our District has taken a position to call all dropped boys and those not advancing. We've come across several units that chose to pay for boys that quit coming years ago to maintain their numbers. It really affected the units financially to maintain the charade. Then when they couldn't afford it anymore, tons of dropped boys in one year. Big red flags.

Committee Chair

Maintain a close relationship with the Chartered Organization Representative, keeping this key person informed of the needs of the pack which must be brought to the attention of the district and council.

Report to the chartered organization to cultivate harmonious relations.

Confer with the Cubmaster on policy matters relating to Cub Scouting and the chartered organization.

Supervise pack committee operation by:

A. Calling and presiding at pack leaders mtgs.

B. Assigning duties to and training committee members.

C. Planning for pack charter review, roundup and reregistration.

D. Approving bills before payment by treasurer.

Conduct the annual pack program planning conference and the monthly pack leaders meeting.

Complete Pack Committee Fast Start and Cub Scout Leaders Basic Training.

Ask committee to assist with recommendations for Cubmaster, Asst. Cubmaster, Webelos Den Leaders, Den Leader Coaches and Den Leaders, as needed.

See that new dens are formed when needed and be alert to the need for more Webelos dens.

Work with Chartered Organization Representative to provide adequate and safe facilities for pack meetings.

Cooperate with the Cubmaster on council-approved money-earning projects so the pack can have money for material and equipment.

Control finances through adequate finance records.

Maintain adequate pack records and take care of pack property.

Assume active direction of the pack, if the Cubmaster is unable to serve, until a successor is recruited and commissioned.

Provide a parent training program.

Develop and maintain strong pack/troop relationships, sharing with the troop committee the need for graduations into the troop.

Work closely with the unit commissioner and pack and troop leaders in effecting a smooth transition of Webelos Scouts into the troop.

Help bring families together at joint Webelos den/troop

activities.

Support the policies of the Boy Scouts of America.

Treasurer

Help the pack committee and Cubmaster in establishing a sound financial program for the pack with a pack budget plan.

Open a bank account in the name of the pack and arrange for all transactions to be signed by any two: Cubmaster, Chairman, Secretary or Treasurer.

Approve budget expenditures.

Collect dues from Den and Webelos Leaders at the monthly pack leaders meeting.

Keep up-to date records. Enter all income and expenditures under the proper budget item in the finance section of the pack record book.

Be responsible for thrift training within the pack. Encourage each den leader to explain the pack financial plan to each boy and his parent.

Make periodic reports on the packs financial condition.

Provide petty cash needs by leaders. Keep record of expenditures.

Guide pack in conducting council-approved pack money-earning projects

Secretary

Keep informed of all Cub Scout program literature, materials, records and forms so as to help leaders function effectively. Help new Cub Scout and Webelos den leaders by telling them what items are available.

Acquaint Leaders w/ the contents of Pack Record Book so they will know how to supply information to be recorded there.

Maintain the inventory of pack property.

Handle correspondence for the pack.

This may be writing letters of appreciation, writing for reservations, or sending orders for supplies to the council service center.

Keep notes on pack leader and committee meetings. Only key items need to be recorded, such as things needing follow-up or items for the history of the pack.

Notify leaders of monthly pack leaders meeting and other activities.

Record advancement in Pack Record Book.

Provide den leaders with records and forms for meetings

I really think it's more

= or & on one side

and

+ or - on the other

Wingnut makes a great point. Cub Scout leaders do a great job preparing boys that choose to move on to Boy Scouts. But, if they've been in for several years already, how much longer will they stay with the program? Very few boy scouts I've seen end up staying active after 8th grade. That means on top of their Cub Scout career, the boys generally might be around for another 3-4 years.

Put it together from Tigers and you have 8-9 years of Scouts by that point.

The bigger point of retention needs to be addressed with parents. They need to be aware from the beginning that this program can run up to 11 years (and then the boys can become leaders). How do you maintain interest in both boys and parents for that length of time?

Our council would say the first thing to be looked at is splitting the unit. National's recommendation for the size of a Pack is 60, Troop is 40. Too much beyond these amounts creates chaos and an impersonable atmosphere.

I won't say your unit is too big. I don't feel 40% is a high number. In our area, most units run 30-35%. The bigger units run around 40%. I just know from recent discussions with our DE and commissioners what our council is focussed on. They are really looking hard at the numbers I gave above to keep as norms.

When is the best time to start a new Troop, Pack, Crew? Is there ever a good time to start a new unit? Would you start a unit with just 1 patrol or den? Would it be better to feed them into an existing unit?

All good questions to consider. Here's my take. I am involved in many areas of the District I serve. I am also one of the members directly responsible for starting new units. We started a Pack 2 years ago. We went from 7 boys to start to 31 boys with a full compliment of Den leaders and proper level of Committee members in a little over a year and a half. How? My wife and I each had several years experience in Scouting. We had issues with the leadership of a previous unit we served. The District knew the issues. We waited. We bounced around to another unit, to have somewhere for our sons to go.

Now, we have a situation with the Troop our Pack was set up to feed into. We knew going in that eventually, we would/could start our own Troop if it was necessary. There are tons of issues with the leadership of the Troop across the street. We share the same UC. Restructuring that Troop is going to take some time. There are huge questions on how the leadership - particularly the SM will react. If he voluntarily or is requested to step down, over 1/2 of the leaders could also step down because they're related. Talk about stacking the deck. Then, there's other baggage, conflicts between parents and another Committee member that is gaining more authority in the Troop. It is deep and there is no quick fix.

Last week, our son, who is a PL, but usually ends up serving as ASPL because of attendance, was attacked by several Scouts during one of their activities. The SM had "a talk" with all the Scouts. No one sent home. No parents called. No one removed for any length of time. Simply, no big deal. To top it off, he's a local police officer that just got promoted to SGT.

Now to go back to the beginning. When is the best time to start a new Troop?

Try this link to Horizon District of National Capitol Area Council

http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/documents.cfm?documentID=1482

Thanks for the input so far.

We will have a combination of cross-over Webelos and several experienced Boy Scouts plus we are expecting to have a Spring roundup. (We have several very unhappy parents of Scouts from the Troop our Pack feeds (will be transferring). (Too many issue there, and that's not on topic).)

I'm looking for input from those more experienced in this area. I'm not going shopping tomorrow, but I would like as many ideas as possible. Funding right now is going to be as we go. That's how we're going to have to get equipment. I just really need to know the priority of the equipment we will need.