scoutldr

I hate the trend toward Merit Badge Universities, Virtual "classes" (you don't even have to be in the same Council or State), and working on MB during troop meetings with a MBC registered "for Troop XX only". I am old enough to remember when the training I took (and later taught) that the Merit Badge program was designed to not only stir interests in subjects that may result in advanced skills, but an introduction to lifelong hobbies and vocations. The "Merit Badge Counselor" concept was to encourage the Scout to a) take initiative to choose a badge to work on, after consulting with his SM, b) take initiative to reach out to a counselor that he probably didn't know who was a recognized "expert" by vocation or avocation, and c) to work on the badge with the counselor's guidance independent of troop activities. AKA, the "adult association" method of Scouting. Now, none of that happens. Scouts are told to show up at the MBU, or Troop meeting and in some cases TOLD what badge they are going to work on, which in some cases means just sitting there through the "lecture" as a group. Sure, some MB are suited to be incorporated into the Troop Outdoor program, such as Camping, Cooking, Orienteering, Hiking, etc, and should be a byproduct of the program, not the purpose of it. Scouts get enough of "classroom" with an adult lecturing at them. Scouting is not school. I agree with the opinion that Scouting has been watered down to the point of being ludicrous. For us, back in the day, it was a way of life, not just an "extracurricular" to list on the college application.

That's the risk of pouring millions into improvements of a property you don't own.

Since that is a primary responsibility of the job, perhaps they are not the right person.

Section 6: Rules around the number of local council members, the composition of members, the size of the local council board, and the composition of the board were eliminated. The new proposed Local Council Bylaws Template gives local councils flexibility to structure their own governance according to their needs. Of note, in order to allow local councils more flexibility in determining the appropriate number of members and in selecting their members, chartered organizations will no longer be automatic voting members of the local councils. Local councils can continue to elect chartered organization representatives as voting members if desired. Source: Facebook post by J. D. Urbach in "Talk About Scouting!"

The values of the DoD and woke Scouting no longer align. Predictable.

I get the impression that a troop is for ALL ages.

I was an Explorer for 4 years and wore the square knot with dark green background. The pocket had the patch shown in my profile pic to the left. I earned Eagle as an Explorer, so never wore the oval rank patch...which was OK with me.

A primary purpose of the BOR was to get a chance for Committee Members (who were less integrated in troop activities back then) to get to know the Scouts and have a conversation about their experience....feedback on how the troop program was meeting their needs. Also it was a chance for encouragement and goal setting for the next steps.

Absolutely. They can (and should) be held whenever and wherever is convenient for those involved.

We never had a set schedule for BOR. They were scheduled as needed. A BOR for T, 1,2 should never last more than 15-20 minutes. They can easily be done before or after a regular meeting if necessary. We have even done them on a Sunday afternoon to accommodate a Scout.

I just realized a pet peeve....people who disagree with and are obviously unhappy with the organization, yet continue to voluntarily sigh up for it.

I do it not just to congratulate the Scout, but to let them know they are joining a Brotherhood (Sisterhood) of Eagles who are welcoming him/her to the fold. Many went before you and we are glad you are joining us to continue living by the Scout Oath and Law. Eagle Scout, Class of 1970.

I could write a book of pet peeves...

A quick check of patches shows a new scout will need about $25 to put patches on a new uniform. Why do they remove all the old patches?

Like when I tried to reiterate that BSA policy (then) was single gender units, not full co-ed. They responded, "we just do what works best for us."...I wondered what else "worked best"...ignoring YP policy...G2SS...safety afloat? No wonder the BSA gets sued.