schleining

Our Troop guides were the final approving authority on our tickets also.

In fact once it was approved she stamped a BIG Beaver on the top! If you came back to the Patrol table with a bog Beaver on top of your ticket we gave the Patrol Yell!!!

Really ticked the other Patrols off for a while, then in became a Patrol yell contest... the last patrol to give a yell was the final ticket approved... it turned out to be real fun.

Our CD/SM was a fantastic guy and our SPL (while I knew him before the course) was great too...

But what a relief to get that ticket approved. I only had to rewrite mine once and it was all small stuff that needed to be zeroed in on or refocused.

Our Troop guide emailed all of us between sessions to get us started on our tickets too...so that was very helpful.

Remember... this is Scouting! It is designed to be fun... loose the stress!

Jerry

Never done Beavering!

Well there is the timing issue, but the fact of matter is my last ticket item is to start a Scout Sunday Committee at my Church and then put on the Scout Sunday program.

I have the committee started and we are meeting, but I have to wait till Feb. 6 to do the Scout Sunday program.

My troop Guide said that maybe... just maybe... I could be beaded on Scout Sunday after Church... that might be real cool.

Anyway... I keep working that ticket.

Funny thing is that everyone of my ticket items led to more things.

This Scout Sunday project has led me to being a Religious Emblems Counselor and starting a Venturing crew for the church.

Jerry

The Happy Beaver

I think too many of you are looking for some sort of conspiracy here...

The "Old timers" vs. the "new comers"

I really do not think the BSA is looking at that at all... I think they are looking for fresh ideas and relevant ways to present them.

The Wood Badge for the 21st Century is a great course. It presents material that makes sense in the Scouting World TODAY!

I have no beef with the "Old Timers" I think that Everyone has something to offer and with all that experience it would be foolish to get rid of there valuable knowledge.

I really do not think there is a conspiracy here.

Jerry

WELCOME TO BEAVER COUNTRY!

AWESOME!!!!!

I'm Dancing around the house singing... kids looking at me like I am nuts!!

LOVE GILWELL!!!

Jerry

BEAVER

WE1-492-01-05

That is right... BEAVERS are ALWAYS first!!!

Congrats Sue!!!

I wish I could say the same about my Patrol... A great group of people..Great Scouters!

I am on my final ticket item. Should be "beading" in February.

Jerry

And I'm gonna work my ticket if I can!

Whittlin' Chip Cards are available at your local Scout Shop for 7 cents a piece.

The Card should be given to the Cub Scout at the time he completes the training.

Remember it is a privilege to carry and use a Knife in Scout... not a right.

The program clearly outlines when a Cub Scout can carry and use a Knife.

You Den leader need to look at the actual requirements.

Jerry

I had lunch one day with our Course Director during our course. He was saying that there were changes coming.

Of course I asked if they were for the better or worse...

He said he was not worried about it, because like everything, they will work the bugs out, the first year will be rocky, but then the links will start to work out and it will be fine.

I am sure that if you ask anyone that attended Wood Badge, dating back to the early 1900's, you would find they all had the same experience, no matter what the course.

NOW speaking for myself... Wood Badge is the best training I have done in Scouting. And Second only to the fact that we do this for the Scouts, Wood Badge for me provided focus and direction unlike any thing else Scouting has to offer.

Having said all that... Let the changes come, this is not the first time Wood Badge has changed, and it certainly will not be the last.

Gilwell is still the Happy land..

Jerry

and a Good 'Ol Beaver too..

[spelling errors corrected in edit](This message has been edited by schleining)

EO in the Knights is the Grand Knight.

Elected by the Council. The Executive "Branch" of the Council is the Grand Knight, the Deputy Grand Knight, and the Trustees.

By default the Grand Knight is the EO of the Chartering Organization.

As our Council charters a Cub Scout Pack, Boy Scout Troop, and as of tomorrow a Venturing Crew.

An update-

We finished the recharter.. everything went well. I Chartered him as the EO only and then went down and put his application back in as a paid member (ASM). So we had to work around the system, my DE did not understand why we could not do it in the recharter, but helped walk it thru. A tad bit confusing, but we got thru it.

And we don't have to worry about it for another year.

KC- we are right... it is a win-win. But we do want him to not loose Tenure and recieve the benie's of Scouting Mag. etc.

Jerry

I am not sure where it is written... I wish I did..

My Council office told me this and when working with Troop master it won't allow it either.

I also had a lengthy talk with my DE and he was not sure, but is looking into it.

I really wish I knew.

Jerry

Our Sponsor/Charter Organization is the Knights of Columbus Council #3179.

They hold election every year for the officers of the Council to serve one year terms.

Therefore the Executive for our recharter can change every year.

The BSA says that the EO can not be an ASM. The EO can hold positions on the committee as well as the COR, but can not be the SM or ASM.

Jerry

That is correct...

However, if we make him a member of the Committee he will have the same effect as he will have a vote. Unless he abstains from every vote the same conflict will arise until he is no longer the Executive Officer.

And the wheels on the bus go round and round...

Jerry

Well its that time of the year again when leaders frantically try to get all their paperwork in order and figure out just who is leading this organization and who is showing up... oh and who has not yet paid...

It's the recharter Blues....

For most of us its not that big an issue, but I ran into an interesting note that I was unaware of until this morning.

We have an OUTSTANDING Assistant Scoutmaster in our Troop, he is always there, a great teacher, the kind of guy you can always turn to.

Well, this guy was elected as our CO Executive officer a couple months ago.

We did nothing about it, knowing recharter was coming up and we would fix it all then.

Turns out the Executive Officer CAN NOT be an Assistant Scoutmaster in the Troop. he can hold Committee jobs, but he can't be an ASM.

So we can not recharter him as an ASM, which will effect his Tenure in that position.

Can anyone (because my local council can't) tell why an EO can not be an ASM. Other than - "thats the BSA policy" which I will support, I can not for the life of me figure out why this is.

There is no conflict of interest that I can see.

Jerry

Learning something new daily

Two things-

We use the quartermasterstore.com very happy with them, quick turn around and good product. Lots of choices.

Second-

Placement of the name tag is found in the uniform and insignia guide.

The name tag can be worn on either the Pocket flap of the Right pocket OR above the Boy Scouts of America strip.

IF you are in the OA and wear a Flap Patch than the name tag MUST go above the Boy Scouts of America strip.

IF you wear an interpreter Strip.. the name tag goes above it.

IF you wear a National or World Jambo patch it will go below it and above the Boy Scouts of America Strip.

It really is simple. If you open the Scout Handbook or look in the Guide.

Jerry

The uniform is always a favorite subject of mine here in this forum...

It comes up and becomes a heated debate about once a year.. I love it.

Uniforming is not required...But it should be.

Uniforming is a method to achieve the Aims of Scouting.

Uniforming starts with the adults. If the adults wear their uniforms properly, and when I say properly I mean... Complete, all patches in the right place, not making things up on it, not adding unauthorized patches and pins, not mixing and matching.

Soooo... if the adults are doing this thing called "Setting an example" of proper uniforming and enforcing good uniforming in the unit, than you should not have problems or issues when it comes to a Scouts Eagle ceremony.

This last weekend we too had a fall camporee... it includes Webelos Scouts. I was not suprised when I saw Scouts of all ages with their shirts untucked, hats on backwards, camo pants (a HUGE PET PEEVE OF MINE) and all kinds of variations on what a Scout uniform is supposed to be. It really is simple. If you can't find it in the guide or the inside front and back covers of the handbook... Don't wear it.

So what to do?

Our Troop ran a booth teaching basic Map and Compass... as Scouts came to our station I approached their leaders on how they wore their uniform if it was incorrect. I had a couple "Leaders" tell me that it didn't make a difference and that it was an approved "Troop way of wearing it". I asked if that was in complience with BSA policy???

They had no clue. And what a suprise.

I even heard... "Well this is our Class "C" uniform". I had to ask what a Class "C" uniform was.. as far as I know there is only a Field uniform and a the Professional Blazer and Slacks.

Units can have an Activity uniform, but it does not replace the Field uniform as the "Official Uniform".

Anyway...I could go all day on Uniforming.

Just wear it right if you are going to wear it...

Portland... as in Oregon..

I am the "Greater Portland Area"... No suprise there....

The finger is just something that the Fair citizens of Portland love to throw around... thank goodness for the "burbs".

Anyway- its interesting to see how people act vs. what they profess.

Jerry

I used to be a BEAVER and a Good 'ol Beaver too...

And now I'm finished Beavering... I don't I don't know what to do...

I'm growing old and feable and I can Beaver no more...

So I am going to work my ticket if I can...

Back to Gilwell.. Happy Land.. I'm going to work my ticket if I can...

Join in...

Jerry

Don't worry-

Wood badge will be the greatest experience in your Scouting life.

Gilwell is in fact a happy land...

Enjoy time spent with your Patrol and soak in the experience.

I used to be a BEAVER... and a Good 'Ol Beaver too..

Jerry

While the Boy Scout Uniform is not "Required". There is an "Official way to wear the uniform.

If the uniform is being worn than it needs to be worn properly as outlined in the handbook and other documents from the BSA.

If your Scout wants to wear a kilt... Great... just not with a BSA Shirt.

The kilt is not a BSA uniform and should not be worn as part of the uniform.

This is an old agrument and the answer will not change.

Those of you that are anti uniform or anti BSA policy need to give it a rest.

Jerry

Scoutmaster who wears the uniform properly.

Good point.

On my truck I have a couple BSA Stickers. It is totally obvious that a Scout or Scouter is driving my Truck.

As I was coming home from work the other day, driving down a major street, doing the speed limit. I was passed by a BMW. As the BEEMMER passed me, out of the sun roof popped a lone finger, I think the lady was telling me I was number 1.

Of course I pulled in right behind her at the next stop light... and what do you suppose adorned her bumper...

"Know Jesus...Know Peace" and "Do unto others..." you get the point.

Now I am a devout Catholic and have nothing against such bumper stickers... unless of course they are represented by a single finger protruding from the sun roof.

I do think there is a certain amount of accountability when you put Scouting stickers on your car. The same expectation that comes when wearing the uniform.

Jerry(This message has been edited by schleining)

Without a doubt...

WOOD BADGE was the best training I have had in Scouting.

The people made the difference. My Patrol was/is the best.

The training approach gives you material that you may already know in a completely different format that makes it realivant to Scouting.

The program offers a lot of reflection on you as a Scouter and how you can make a difference in your unit. It is all about making the Scouting program better. And all the while making the Scouter a better teacher, coach, mentor to those boys in our units.

Jerry

I used to be a BEAVER... and a Good 'ol Beaver too.

1. I would not mind seeing the National Jambo move around, or at least move to a centeral location. I also like the idea of keeping it at A. P. Hill. It is a great facility and the infrastructure is in place to play host.

2. The ACLU does not have a dog in the hunt...

Do they not know that the Charter Organization of the Boy Scouts of America is the Congress of the United States. Therefore... the BSA is using Charter Org Property when camping at A.P. Hill.

3. Philmont is not a viable location. We go to Philmont for the pristine environment. The National Jambo would kill it.

The location would need to be a place that the weather is good and there are other things to do. One of the features of the Jambo is the extra tours (Gettysburg etc).

IF the Scouts are less "Scouty" than I would point to the Scoutmaster being less "Mastery"....

One of you wise men once said that being a Scoutmaster is being a master of Scouting, not a master of Scouts....

So if the Scouters can not point out the big dipper...guess what...neither will the Scouts.

If the Scouters can not tie a bowline... neither will the Scouts.

Ladies and Gentlemen... its all about Programs!...

If you build it they will come.

PROGRAMS..PROGRAMS...PROGRAMS...

And E.. the good news is that there is plenty of opportunity to be Scouty.. just like when we were Scouts.

My Troop knows how to tie knots..doe Pioneering projects, pitch a tent, build a fire, cook amazing meals, pack a backpack, paddle a canoe, make s'mores, sing songs and do silly skits..

Hmmmmm..... no computers in the woods... just a backpack and a hiking stick.

The point here is that if the Scouts are not Scouty... it's because Scouters have forgotten to provide a Scouty program.

The good news is that there are still a bunch of units out here that do. Rest easy my friend... Scouts are alive and well.

Jerry

We tried the code of conduct, and I suppose that if the need arose we would reference it.... But went away from it for practical purposes.

Wew realize that all we really need is the Oath and Law...

So here is how we practically use it.

When a Scout is disruptive, mean, hurtful etc. We simply ask him...

"What part of the Scout Law are you living right now?" We do this in front of everyone and ask the Scout to explain which value of the law he is currently demonstrating. This usually happens once.. there is a look in the Scouts eyes that says... ok I get it.

Consistantcy is key. All the ASMs and I use this to get our conduct "Policy" across to the boys.

You know... they do know the difference between right and wrong, sometimes they are just goof balls and need to be placed back on the right track... a quick question that reinforces what they already know is extremely helpful.

Jerry

I do not think this is an actual rule or guideline, BUT... you have to comply with state laws also.

In Oregon there is a weight limit for front seat passengers, heck they want you in a child car seat till you are 60 pounds.

We have a Tenderfoot that is barely pushing 90 pounds soaking wet with rocks in his pockets.

Then there is the air bag argument. Unless you have a system to turn off your passenger side airbag, it is not a good idea to have a kid in your front seat.

So I am with half of you on the list....

I do not have a problem with putting Scouts up front.... as long as they can be safe and not in violation of the law.

Jerry

I think that every Troop has one of those parents in the evolution of the Troop.

Yeah we have one too...

I had a couple complaints from other parents about him, I had overheard some things also, so I thought honesty and candor are the best policies.

I took him aside and explained to him what we were trying to accomplish with the Scouts. He got it.

I also told him that if he did not want to conform to our program than I would have to exclude him from activities in the future.

I also told him about the great kid he had and what a fantastic contribution he makes to the Troop and that during a SM Conference his son expressed to me the fact that he wants to hang out with his Dad. Well this got the guy.. What Dad does not want to be woth their son...

I have not had a problem since. He comes to campouts (will not register as a leader) but he helps when and were he can, and we have not had the issues of the past.

Candor and Honesty... sure went a long way for me.

Jerry