RuddBaron

Does anyone know the procedure for getting re-certified as a BSA Lifeguard once the certification has expired?

"Mr.SPL, have you noticed the trash on the ground? What can be done about that?" That is a fine way to handle it in some circumstances. But, to use my cliff example, "Mr. SPL, get those Scouts away from the edge of the cliff now" is much more appropriate. The example you gave above, though, is still a means of directing. It's a not-so-subtle hint to the SPL that there is trash on the ground and the area needs to be policed.

A sliding price scale? Would you have to bring in tax papers? But then how is it fair to say to someone that they can afford it, so they have to pay a higher price for uniforms, effectively subsidizing everyone who pays the lower price (the revenue has to come from somewhere)? The prices are a bit high. Perhaps they could be lowered for EVERYONE. $70 for a campaign hat? That's a real deterrant to boys choosing the traditional Scout hat as a uniform hat. The shirt price deters Scouts from having both a short sleeve and a long sleeve shirt. The list goes on. So, cut costs, perhaps in part by

There is no kayaking award YET. However, there is Boardsailing, BSA, Snorkeling, BSA, and Mile Swim, BSA for the sports of boardsailing, snorkeling/diving, and swimming...not to mention Paul Bunyan Woodsman for the serious axeman, and Hornaday and World Conservation for the serious conservationist (though not a sport).

Close...Jeff Daniels. Yes, Jeff Daniels of *Dumb and Dumber* played (and very well) the role of Chamberlain in both Gettysburg and Gods and Generals. Chamberlain makes a good role model for Scouts because he was first and foremost an educator. He only was soldier because of circumstances. I am not from Maine, though I have a lot of friends there and am very fond of it. I believe Maine was voted the number one place to raise children in the country. One person I know in a relatively large (for Maine) city has never locked his door. Now...this is a much more pleasant discourse!

You have expressed my point well. Perhaps ADHD is too touchy to discuss on this forum.

As I am now on the computer with my intial requirements, I thought I'd post them. As to the complaints over the badge, someone suggested to me that a "saddle blanket" emblem be used. Not a bad idea. Requirements: 1. All Section I and Section II requirements must be met. 2. Candidates may choose to fulfill the requirements of either Section III or Section IV. Section III consists of jumping exercises, while Section IV consists of trail-riding/hacking. 3. A minimum of six months of riding time must be included after the Scout or Scouter has fulfilled the requirements for Hor

I am faint with shock, for we finally agree. YES, good leadership does indeed entail all of that and knowing when to employ what method. Part of Patton's effectiveness was his study of many different military leaders and their styles of leading. This is why, whether we're a military group or not, we can learn from the examples of the people I mentioned.

First, I'm moderately impressed if you know who Joshua L. Chamberlain was. Second, their leadership skills were applied to MILITARY purposes out of necessity, but were easily applied to anything else. To use Chamberlain, he applied his leadership skills as Governor of Maine and as President of Bowdoin College. And yes, here we go again with this nonsense about not having anything "military" because of Scouting being non-military. Of course a youth program is non-military. Aside from the 17 year olds, they're too young. BUT...one MAJOR reason B-P founded Scouting was the lack of preparedn

Thanks to all who contributed their opinions regarding the proposed new horsemanship award. I regret that such an opportunity for Scouts was not met with more favor.

"I wish the scouts in your troop good luck. Because after reading some these threads, I worry for them." Rest, rest, perturbed spirit! No need for personal attacks here, though I stand, as did Napoleon, with my breast laid bare, ready to accept your volley.

Not "in charge?" I'm not suggesting Scouters be despots or tyrants, but ultimately someone must be "in charge" of the troop." That certainly isn't going to be a teen. How is that teen going to learn to be a leader himself in adulthood without adults to set an example of leadership. Patton, McArthur, JL Chamberlain, etc. are excellent leadership models. Very effective. Tried by fire.

1. A knot for everything else? Other than the religious medal, about the only way that a Scout can earn something that has a knot is by saving a life. Horsey-back riding doesn't fall into that category. ** I was referring to the adult knots when I said there is a knot for everything. After looking at the list, one might think BSA is for the adults. Scouts can also earn the OA distinguished service medal and the Medal of Merit...plus wear the Quartermaster award and a few others. But, a patch suitable for right-pocket wear is fine. This is not "horsey-back" riding. It is a serious disc

Various doctorates, ole boy? Just how many does one need?

Jumping and dressage aren't useful? Try moving cross-country with obstacles in your path. (Like when the electrical systems shut down and the cars can't get gas, and the local BSA troop has to get a message to someone in the next town, but can't take the roads.) There's no medal for BSA Lifeguard, but there is, again, for Hornaday, and a uniform patch for World Conservation. Of course, the exact method of recognition isn't THAT important. A uniform patch or simply a knot is fine. (There's a knot for everything else.) Cavalry heritage as follows: 1. B-P was a Cavalryman and even he

Why do we need to medicate when discipline and guidance works? Better to learn to control one's self with influence of drugs. I've seen it work plenty of times. A lot of it comes down to being raised improperly and medication being an easier solution to "little Johnny not wanting to settle down." While there are legitimate cases of ADHD that warrant medical attention, it has been diagnosed far too much. Einstein wasn't normal? Well, perhaps his "abnormality" allowed him to see things in the new and different way that he did. Then again, maybe his genius only made him APPEAR abnormal.

Because of the cavalry heritage of Scouting, for one thing. Is there even a plumbing merit badge? No, there is no need to create an expert rating for each merit badge. That would be ridiculous. The same basic argument you made could be made against the World Conservation Award, the Hornaday Award, BSA Lifeguard, Paul Bunyan, National Camping, etc., as "expert level ratings" of merit badge or other qualifications. While we're at it, do we NEED Wood Badge beads? Isn't that just an expert version of Basic Scouter Training? Do we NEED Vigil Honor, Silver Buffalo, etc.? No, we don't. F

Who do WE think WE are? WE are the adults in an education program to turn boys into men. Just like parents who are in charge of what the boys do when at home, and the teachers who decide what they do when at school, we are in charge at the troop. We're only talking about a few months to a year here. I realize that is a long time to a youngster, but really...they need to learn to deal with it. Another way to demonstrate this is that, when I teach certain merit badges, they must be done over time for me to be convinced they know what they are doing. When it comes to Sailing and Horsemanshi

Ah, twocubdad gets it! The point about the size of the troop was that the entire troop was considered at the disposal of the EAgle candidate, and Scouts were expected to help out their fellow Scouts on their Eagle projects. In fact, many projects were camping trips. Mine was 400 miles away and took a week. So, with the troop tradition of working on the projects as a troop, that is a HUGE labor supply. My own project indeed had around 40 people working on it from the troop alone. It's EASY to get WELL over 200 man-hours. It's just a matter of the culture of the troop. In a different troo

I must stand corrected on the blue card issue. However, in the case of things like First Aid, Lifesaving, etc., I must say I would support a troop who wouldn't recognize a merit badge knowingly performed in a half-ass (can I say that on here?) manner...policy or not.

Let me put this out there and see what people think.... I am working on an Expert Horseman Award that goes beyond horsemanship merit badge and is for the dedicated and serious horseman. It would be to horsemanship what the Hornaday award is to conservation. The requirements would be met with anyone qualified to be a horsemanship merit badge counselor. The award consists of a knot, a medal for youth, and a medal or neck medal for adults. Currently this is being proposed via my District. Let's hear those thoughts....

My dear Scouting Legal Gray Eagle, Here's another one.... If an Eagle Candidate showed up to an Eagle BOR out of uniform, let's just say the BOR wouldn't have gone so well. There's no REQUIREMENT to be in uniform that I have seen. But...especially since the troop maintained a supply of FREE uniforms, there was no excuse. And, while we're at it...most colleges have set requirements for a degree. However, the adviser, chair, and registrar generally have to approve all courses for a degree. At least where I went the individual school could make some changes. Courses had to be complete

Ruddy Buddy? There's a college flashback! I'll go look at a blue card again. It's been a long while since I've done a merit badge, but I seem to recall having to have approval before AND after from the SM. But, I'm going to my Scout office today, so I will check. As for the summer camp, the troop DID tell the Council. It told them that they would not acceot First Aid until the Council changed the quality of its program. In the meantime, the troop had a responsibility to maintain standards, especially with something like First Aid. As for the troop not following the program, I

Absolutely the requirements cannot be changed to include a time requirement without National's approval. The only leeway locals have is not to sign off on certain requirements that have not been done up to standard. But, I don't agree with holding back Scouts from advancement artificially. I was in a Sea Explorer ship that really dragggggggged things out in allowing the kids to do things for their requirements. Most frustrating. But, time in rank is different...even if moderately annoying to the boys. There is something to be said for taking time, letting things sink in, and then moving

The Troop Committee oversees all advancement within a troop. No, they can't add/subtract requirements. But, it is their role to determine if the advancement is carried out properly, by the rules, and up to standard. Of course the Troop Committee can refuse to recognize a Merit Badge if there is reason to believe it was not done properly. If I recall, there are places that troop leaders must sign on the blue card. One blanket policy was that our summer camp's First Aid MB course was never accepted. Why? Because you could half-do things and get signed-off, including passing off a ready-made firs