rldavis

I just wanted your opinion on our OA banquet this weekend. It started 45 minutes late and went over an hour - no big deal. I had my son get in line first - his portions were small and the food was cold. When I got up to the line they had ran out of food and told us it would be an hour before new food was ready. This was a RSVP event and was planned in advance. We left.

I try to be a good example for my famiy and my troop. But, as said, this was a RSVP event at 15.00 a piece. My family gives countless hours to scouting as well as donations to friends of scouting. I was just wanting your opinions on a plan of action to address this. I was mad at the time, and I am still mad!

Thanks,

Robert Davis

Could you please give me the advantages/disadvantages between a small vs. a large troop? By small I mean 5-7 and large over 25. I am considereing moving from a large to a small troop, but I am worried about the leadership positions and how the troop will function.

Thanks,

Derick Davis

As a scout I earned all twelve and explain to my sons that they were sort of a warmup for merit badges. They were phased out and I am kind of sad about that. I am not sure why. I think they were a great idea. Now, we have to force first class on scouts within there first year. I think this is too much. Anyway, many times change is not for the better.

Take care,

Robert Davis

I am a member of a new chartered troop in a community of about 3,000. There is another troop in our community with a 30+ year history. I was wanting some suggestions on some effective recruiting methods. The troop has about 7 scouts now. I am interested in putting my all into growing this small troop into a great troop with a strong committee, PLC, community involvement, and of course, a strong committment to the scout oath and law. I am also interested in getting involved with OA. Our troop is sponsered by the American Legion - and since I am a veteran I look forward to serving these men and women who gave so much for our country.

Thanks for your help,

Robert Davis

I am SM for a troop with a tradition that I would like some advice on. I understand the patrol method - that the patrols meet to buy their food for campouts and they prepare their food by patrols - this is fine and dandy, but the adults seem to have put a barrier at out campsite where no scouts are allowed. I know the scouts are supposed to be on their own, but what about a set time at evening campfires for all patrols to meet with the adults for stories and bonding? The adults of our troop tend to act like this is the military and they are officers - meaning no enlisted allowed!

I have two sons in the troop and I have little communication with them the entire camping weekend because of this. My son is actually afraid to even go near the adults. Quite frankly, I am a little fed up and I am considering stepping down and possibly leaving this troop. I am a veteran and was a medic, drill seargeant, infantryman, and artilleryman. Got my dose of the military and I am tired of seeing it here.

Please don't say anything about a troop committee. We do not have one! Really, we do not! (another irritation)

Just wanted your advice and what you do in you troops.

Robert Davis

Our kids are homeschooled and I feel they are getting a much better education this way. I won't tell you my feelings on public school - I would be edited out. Also, my kids help me with my lawn business - they are learning all the tools of running a business including the working part. There are many merit badges that focus on business issues and these are the basis for the American spirit and success.

Being homeschooled they also have time to work on other merit badges that interest them. Anyone that says scouting is not relevant should take a look at the merit badges and the many subject areas they cover. Try to get this in any school system!

You have to acknowledge the signs of the times. Obesity is rampant among youth because of electronic media. I have attempted to work on this merit badge as a troop, but I have few who are interested. I am working on it with my Philmont crew for this August - as a part of our conditioning. We will earn the backpacking merit badge and the 50 miler while there.

I hope you all understand the predicament we are in as a nation. I left public school teaching because I got no parent support, no administration support, and the state of Texas continues to do things that defy logic and common sense. I can see why shows like doomsday preppers is so popular - just remember you all the scout craft we all practice over and over - one day we will be using them to survive!

God Bless!

Robert Davis

Dear members,

I recently drove to my administration building and turned in my keys - I am done with public education. I am looking at starting a lawn business with my two sons. I wondered if any of you are in the business, or know anyone who could give me some advice. I especially need some good ideas for marketing because there are a lot of people out there doing this.

Thanks alot!

Robert Davis

Does anyone have experience with the new unit award program that is broken down into bronze, silver, and gold? How do you track this - is it online or do you work it on paper? Who do you submit the paperwork to?

Thanks,

Robert Davis

I appreciate the advice from this forum. It has been helpful to me to get a variety of opinions and experiences. Three years ago I was unhappy with the troop my sons were in - no uniforms, no regular meetings, no trailer, few campouts. I investigated a troop that had all these things and a scoumtaster at the head for over 30 years. This scoutmaster decided to retire and I casually mentioned that if they could not find anyone I would not mind taking the job. I was not interviewed by the committee or even told I was the new SM - just announced at the end of one of the meetings - a complete surprise.

Move ahead two years. The old scoumaster put on an ASM patch, but still seems to control the troop. All the ASM's and parents are used to him and have worked with him for years. It seems to be a big family except that I feel left out and seem to get little respect from adults or scouts. I have tried to implement new ideas, but many of these adults meet for breakfast once a week and go to each others homes for troop projects. I have never been invited. I have attended Woodbadge and want to get more involved with OA. I also want to work on the Hornaday award and this means projects. The old SM runs the tower training for the council and many of his old scouts help him. I have attended several of these, but still feel that I am not a part of it. I will not attend anymore of these and will go out of council if necessary to get certified. The yearly training meeting seems to be a rehash of things he has always done. Some of these things I am not interested in. Does a SM have to attend everything? He has the troop checkbook and keeps the trailer at his house inspite of me buying a new truck to haul it. He keeps his 12 passenger van and hauls scouts to campouts. He writes the weekly newsletter. He recharters. He keeps up with rank on software. Tonight one of the ASM's told me that it is ok that they do all the work. I have looked at my duties as a SM and it seems that I am doing what I need to do, except for one thing - being in control of the troop.

I just do not know what to do - I try to always be courteous and respectful, but they seem to take over everything and control everything. I am not sure I can be successful as long as the old SM shows up and everyone runs to him for everything. I was a drill sergeant in the army and know full well how to be aggressive and assertive, but is this the place to be this way? Should I continue to go with the flow or step down? I really love the job and I love scouting. It seems to be an impossible task to take over this troop under the circumstances. Thanks in advance for your advice and suggesions.

Maybe I am making too much of this. Maybe I am not doing enough.

Thanks,

Robert Davis

I am a 3rd year scoutmaster and Eagle Scout class of 1982. I have just completed Woodbadge training and last night at our Court of Honor I spoke to the troop about my vision for our future. (ticket) I have a son in the troop who is a Star scout and a younger son who is a Webelos 2.

I have hinted several times in scoutmaster minutes and in campfire conversations at my desire to be a part of the OA. It is acutally a part of my ticket to incorporate the values and ideals of the OA. I have several dozen books on the OA - its mission, its founders, its organization. I have searched this forum and found that others here suggest the scoutmaster be a part of OA. My son is being tapped out next month. I never had the opportunity as a scout to be a part of this, but I believe in it, and would like to work with my troop and incorporate OA into our activities. One of my ticket items is to work on the Hornaday award at the troop level - this would work great with OA activities. What should I do?