scoutldr

1730

SueM: Alternative advancement requirements must be approved by your local Scout Executive. Medical documentation will be required, in most cases. There are lots of guys with disabilities who earn Eagle, so don't give up on this! Contact your District Advancement chair for more info on how to proceed.

From the Guide to Safe Scouting: Swimmer Test The swimmer test demonstrates the minimum level of swimming ability required for safe deep-water swimming. The various components of the test evaluate the several skills essential to this minimum level of swimming ability: Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth, level off, and begin swimming. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating. The test administrator must objectively evaluate the individual performance of the test, and in so doing should keep in mind the purpose of each test element. "Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth, level off, and begin swimming... The swimmer must be able to make an abrupt entry into deep water and begin swimming without any aids. Walking in from shallow water, easing in from the edge or down a ladder, pushing off from side or bottom, or gaining forward momentum by diving do not satisfy this requirement. "...Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl..." The swimmer must be able to cover distance with a strong, confident stroke. The 75 yards must not be the outer limit of the swimmer's ability; completion of the distance should give evidence of sufficient stamina to avoid undue risks. Dog-paddling and strokes repeatedly interrupted and restarted are not sufficient; underwater swimming is not permitted. The itemized strokes are inclusive. Any strong side or breaststroke or any strong overarm stroke (including the back crawl) is acceptable. "...swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke..." The swimmer must indicate the ability to execute a restful, free-breathing backstroke that can be used to avoid exhaustion during swimming activity. This element of the test necessarily follows the more strenuous swimming activity to show that the swimmer is, in fact, able to use the backstroke as a relief from exertion. The change of stroke must be accomplished in deep water without any push-off or other aid. Any variation of the elementary may suffice if it clearly provides opportunity for the swimmer to rest and regain wind. "...The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn..." The total distance is to be covered without rest stops. The sharp turn simply demonstrates the swimmer's ability to reverse direction in deep water without assistance or push-off from side or bottom. "...After completing the swim, rest by floating." This critically important component of the test evaluates the swimmer's ability to maintain in the water indefinitely even though exhausted or otherwise unable to continue swimming. Treading water or swimming in place will further tire the swimmer and are therefore unacceptable. The duration of the float test is not significant, except that it must be long enough for the test administrator to determine that the swimmer is, in fact, resting and could likely continue to do so for a prolonged time. The drownproofing technique may be sufficient if clearly restful, but it is not preferred. If the test is completed except for the floating requirement, the swimmer may be retested on the floating only (after instruction) provided that the test administrator is confident that the swimmer can initiate the float when exhausted. Reference: Swimming and Lifesaving merit badge pamphlets

We have a web site, but it is not very dynamic. Case in point, I had to survey all units to see where they were registered for summer camp. You'd think I was asking for their personal bank account numbers. The only e-mail I (or anyone else from District) sends is scout-related (no jokes or spam). Either time sensitive info, or a request for information. It would take less than a minute to read and respond.

Serving on the District Committee, part of my job is to communicate with unit leaders on a regular basis to get information or to pass information. My communication method of choice is e-mail, mainly because I find it the most efficient use of my time. I can get a message out to 85 unit leaders with the click of a mouse. Unfortunately, the response is dismal. My last communication resulted in 3 responses, one of which was 2 months later. When I mentioned this at the Dist Committee mtg, I was soundly trounced by those around the table who hate e-mail. They "get too much spam", "do it all day at work and refuse to do it at home", "never check their e-mail at home", etc. Well, the one or two nights a week that I am home, I don't have the time to spend every evening on the phone, playing phone tag with answering machines, or waiting for people to relay messages and return my call (and I'm never at home to receive them, either). Trying to get this info at Roundtable is useless, also, since only the same 6-7 units are represented. I tried phoning for FOS...spent an entire Sat afternoon on the phone and only actually reached 2 people. Any solutions? How do you prefer to receive communications from District/Council that is fair and efficient to all?

As Freud allegedly said.."sometimes a cigar is just a cigar." Could be the guy just likes Scouting. My own kids have aged out, as have the kids of my two Scouter buddies who are keeping the troop afloat. I would hate to think that people were reading too much into that. I don't know if it's written anywhere, but anyone with "direct contact" should be either a parent or a registered leader. To assuage the concerns, ask the guy to fill out a leader application, check the references, and get him to YP and other training. And strictly observe the YP guidelines (2-deep, no 1 on 1 contact, etc). If he has evil intent, threatening him with training should do it.

EagleinKY posted, "Webelos should not participate in Winter Camping" While I don't disagree that this is BSA/G2SS policy, what is the definition of "winter"? Does it go by calendar or by temperature? Winter in Miami is not the same as winter in Duluth. In my area, if we schedule a "Freezoree" in January, we are just as likely to have 70 degree weather as we are 30 degrees. There for a while, the "Freezoree" was a joke as it was warmer than the Spring Camporee in April. What with global warming and all, maybe we need to reconsider.

THat's assuming that the MBC is registered with the District...many are not, and seldom are signatures checked against the approved list. Does your district conduct MBC training? Based on what was said, the SM can just refuse to refer any more Scouts to her. THis troop needs the services of a Unit COmmissioner...do you have one?

I just read the list that Kudu posted, and I think we're all better off for that guy's leaving the program. I should add that, in this area, things are compounded by the fact that leaders here are highly transient due to military transfers. Once or twice, I found a good trainer only to have them say, "sorry, I'm transferring in 6 months." It's rare that a leader, who in this area tends to be military, is around for more than 2-3 years. Not to turn this into a training thread, but the materials leave a lot to be desired, and are sorely outdated. Leaders are frustrated when they are told they need to be "retrained" every year as they advance through the program, and most don't bother. I think the old "Cub Scout Basic Leader Training" program was superior.

When the PT role was announced, the idea was that Cub training (Fast start, NLE, Leader Specific) would occur at the unit level. The District Trainers would "train the trainers". To be "Trained" as a PT, you have to take the BSA Trainer Development, which in my opinion is pretty useless in it's current form. I agree that PTs do not need to attend Training Committee meetings, but they should attend Cub Roundtable where perhaps they could have their own breakout session. In our area, we have Packs with 15 dens...with that many parents, there's no excuse not to have a PT. Smaller units could share PTs, much like Unit Commissioners, that other mythical creature. For various reasons, the PT never caught on in this area. I have also heard "pushback" from District trainers, who don't want to "give up" their jobs to "amateurs who won't do it right."

Burnout has to be at the top of the list. When I was District Training Chair, I was also the entire training staff. Efforts to recruit new trainers, including Pack Trainers, was fruitless. Those who did volunteer I never asked back again, because they presented "their view" of scouting and ignored the syllabus. Being a 30-year SM doesn't mean they know the program well enough to teach others. I used to teach new leaders that "Everyone can do something". But unfortunately, the truth is that "a few do everything", and the rest are content to watch from the sidelines.

As I understand it, "prospective members" may be invited to unit activities, and are covered by BSA insurance.

At a recent Disrict meeting, we had a discussion about terminal Life scouts (the "Life for Life" syndrome). One opinion was that "we simply don't PUSH them enough...everyone, SM, ASM, and parents need to PUSH them and NAG them to complete their Eagles." I, for one, disagree. If a young man can't make Eagle without having someone PUSH him, or having his SM manage his blue cards for him, then perhaps he's not Eagle material. This is the same discussion I had with my own sons, neither of whom chose to complete their Eagle on time. Their decision, not mine.

mom, My opinions were meant to be honest feedback, not criticism. Hope you took it as such. Good luck and as Semper said, keep us updated. Don't give up on Scouting. The boys need it. scoutldr

It's just not the same entertainment without the bickering.

Unfortunately, people do judge by what they see. An employer will have to make a judgment as to "who do I want to represent me and by business?" Someone who is 5 feet tall and 360 pounds should not expect to get a job selling health club memberships. Someone who cannot write a complete sentence in proper English should not expect to get a job where writing and communicating is a valued skill. At one time not too long ago, IBM had a dress code...conservative blue or gray suit, clean shaven, white long sleeved shirt and conservative tie. Your suit coat would be worn at all times, except when seated at your desk. "Fair"? Maybe not, but how bad do you want a job? The lesson is, rebel, explore and be "unique" all you want...it's a free country...just be aware that you may be severely limiting your opportunities by being "nonconforming" or appearing to be illiterate. Be prepared to accept the consequences of your choices, whether you view it as "fair" or not. It's not "right" or "wrong"...it just "is".(This message has been edited by scoutldr)

If your Scout Shop doesn't have it on the shelf, ask them to order it. Costs about $3.50, and a new one is issued every couple of years.

Local custom varies. In these parts, leader training awards are presented at Roundtables, and the award is held until the person finally shows up (incentive!). District and Council Recognition Dinners are for the District and Council awards (District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver, etc).

Welcome to the forums. A couple of observations and opinions: 1. If a CO wants to restrict membership to those of its own faith, they are free to do that, then they can "keep kosher" all they want (not to assume we are talking about Judaism, since other faiths also have dietary restrictions). But if they have signed a charter and welcome members of any faith, then they must adhere to the policies of the BSA, which is to respect the differences and practice of the faiths of all members. 2. If the troop committee (which does not include the SM and ASMs) disagrees with the policies of the CO, they should work through the COR to resolve their differences. Failing that, the District/Unit Commissioner and DE should discuss the issue with the IH. The charter is a contract between the BSA and the CO...parents and troop leadership are not parties to that contract. That being said, I'm not sure under what circumstances a parent should be contacting national leaders of their chartered partners over a troop dispute. That probably won't win any friends. 3. As you have learned, the CO "owns" the troop, its money and equipment. If the CO is adamant that it will be "their way or the highway", then you have two feet you can vote with, but that's about the only real power you have. Be prepared to move to another unit or start your own, but you probably won't be taking any funds or equipment (or unit number) with you unless the CO agrees. 4. We have a unit in our council comprised of Muslims. If a scout doesn't want to face East and pray to Allah five times a day and memorize the Koran, they need to find another unit...not expect the CO to change their ways. We also have LDS units who do not camp on Sundays and do not permit female leaders. Everyone knows who they are and if you don't want to pack up and leave camp at sundown Saturday, there are plenty of other units to choose from. In fact, we have had LDS parents move their sons to non-LDS troops because of these policies. 5. Yes, I think you may have overstepped. If the SM, ASMs and/or PLC have issues, they should be presented to the Troop Committee for resolution. The CC then interacts with the COR to represent the wishes of the Committee...not individual committee members. Good Luck. (This message has been edited by scoutldr)(This message has been edited by scoutldr)

My opinion...pro rate the dues for all (perhaps monthly dues with a free month if paid yearly in a lump sum)...and sell more popcorn! Also, sounds like your Pack needs to trim expenses...never heard of having to "rent" a PWD track. In my district, most Packs have their own, and those that don't borrow from other packs. Those electronic gizmos are nice, but not necessary.

To answer Lisa, I would say yes. Attending summer camp as a provisional is "active", as long as he is otherwise "active" in his own troop. Frequently, scheduling problems are unavoidable, and the scout should not be penalized for it.

Armistice Day...The War to End All Wars...the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

Unless they are worn with a "high and tight" haircut, they will look just as stupid as they did in 1971, when we tried to wear them with the shoulder length hairstyle of the time.

My "big reward" came last year (no I'm not dead yet). Met a former Scout mom in a restaurant, and she went on to say how well her son (one of my former scouts) was enjoying Army basic training. His words, "this stuff is so easy...because I already had done it in scouts." (rappelling, shooting, land navigation, first aid, survival, etc) The Drill Instructor immediately recognized his skill and leadership bearing and made him the Squad Leader, helping the other recruits get through. He is now a SPC (E-4) serving in Iraq. I hope that what he got from scouts is helping to keep him and his buddies alive. That's why I'm still a scout leader after 32 years in the program, silly uniforms and all. In some small way, I feel like I'm making a contribution to the country.

If he's being "forced" to attend scouts, could be he's discovered a legal loophole that even his Father can't control. BSA policy is clearly stated in the Declaration of Religious Principle that all members must agree to. I would ask the scout to read it carefully and think about it...then come back to you with his decision to either remain a member or resign. It's his choice...not yours.