scoutldr

Right, Bob. I said I was a new trainer, but not yet a know-it-all. The know-it-alls in my District wouldn't volunteer for this job, so they're stuck with me. Maybe after 20 years in this job, I will know everything, but for right now, I have to dive for my references (or this forum) when I have a question...which is what I just did. And guess what, the references (Venturing Leader Specific Training Manual) tell me you're wrong. Male Venturers may indeed continue to earn Boy Scout recognitions (Star, Life, Eagle, Merit Badges) IF they became first class while registered as a Boy Scout (and

One night a week at summer camp, and usually on Saturday night during Ordeals, Camporees and Fall Fellowships. Usually hosted by the OA. A "spread" is put out consisting of cookies, crackers, cheese, cold cuts, desserts, bug juice and maybe even leftovers from dinner. Just an unstructured time for fellowship, patch trading, telling of jokes and sea stories, or whatever. Sometimes limited to SMs and SPLs, depending on the event.

To piggyback on Ed's suggestion...put all BSA publications on a CD=ROM in PDF format.

Check out eBay item #2162594033 "Sponsor a Scout to Summer Camp". Begging for donations to fund their summer camp and Northern Tier trips..."and you don't have to buy popcorn or candy you don't want"! How many rules does this break? Not to mention eBay rules. No bidders so far as I can tell.

bump

Thanks, Bob...but as BSA policy seems to do, it only led to more questions. From what I understand, 1. Venture crews may NOT hold elections 2. Once elected, an arrowman is a member for life as long as his BSA registration remains current, but only in a Pack, Troop or Team. 3. OA flaps may be worn on the Venture uniform, if a bona fide member So, extrapolating, it also seems that: 1. If a Scout/Scouter transfers to a Venture crew as his sole registration before being called out, he forfeits the chance to become an arrowman. 2. In order to continue as an active OA memb

Our last Lodge chief (male) was from a Venture crew. If there's a rule against that, what's the reference?

I would endow the BSA with enough money to operate without having to strongarm parents and volunteers for donations and making kids (and their parents) sell popcorn for 3 times more than what you buy it for at the grocery store and that nobody really wants. The other side of that coin would be that every local Council's financial books would be published on their web site for all to see.

Not to beat a dead horse, but here is the specific language from the G2SS: "Never fuel a stove, heater, or lantern inside a cabin; always do this outdoors. Do not operate a stove, lantern, or charcoal grill in an unventilated structure. Provide at least two ventilation openings, one high and one low, to provide oxygen and exhaust for lethal gases. Never fuel (example: all liquid fuels, charcoal. etc.), ignite, or operate a stove, heater, or lantern in a tent."

Check out this one...it's a hoot! (This is a prerequisite for the Homeland Security MB!) http://www.troop99hiltonny.gobot.com/custom2.html

Having been in the movement since 1962 (Eagle '70), some pet peeves: 1. No good ole' boy networks. Allow everyone the same opportunity to serve at such events as OA, Jambo and Philmont Treks...(youth and adults). 2. Recruit vols at the District/Council level who are actually interested in and capable of doing the job. Dont' just "fill in the blanks" with names. For example, I will have little respect for a Unit Commish who was recruited "off the streets" and has no experience OR expertise to share with me. 3. Ease up on the fund raising. In my opinion, FOS should be focused on

I am amazed that a simple question generated so much passionate discussion...but pleasantly so. I think we can all agree that safety of our young charges is the #1 priority in any Scouting function. As one who has conducted swim checks every summer, taught swimming, lifesaving, BSA Lifeguard, former Red Cross WSI, yada, yada, yada, I have to side with the aquatics experts here. To quote the G2SS which was found in a previous post, "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

The most complete site I have found is http://usscouts.org/awards/knots2.html You might consider the Scoutmaster's Award of Merit...although designed for new SMs, if he has never received it, it would be nice. In my Council, adults fend for themselves...I try to provide blank forms for award applicaitions in all training sessions, but it's up to the Scouter to track his/her progress and get the paperwork submitted. There are two sides to that approach...one is that adults are expected to be adults and are not spoonfed, but the other side is very few of them bother to apply, either out o

Any source of combustion will produce carbon MONoxide...a silent killer. I would not gamble my own or my Scouts' lives on whether we have "adequate ventilation" or not. You won't know for sure until the next morning and you count how many wake up. Most young scouts will button up a tent so tight that NOTHING will get in or out, not even monsters, bears, or AIR. It's just not worth the gamble, in my opinion. And for those of you familiar with the old white gas/Coleman fuel catalytic heaters, the "catalyst" was a layer of asbestos cloth. Not sure what the new ones are made of.

The prudent employer will not sponsor events which serve alcohol. Too much liability. If they do, the prudent employee will not imbibe to the point of jeopardizing his/her career. In situations like that, there is no such thing as being "off duty". Your behavior and judgment are being constantly observed and evaluated. As regards the religious accomodation question, I will defer to the attorney, and keep my opinions private.

Great question, RMV, but recommend you start a new topic. I'll wait till then to jump in.

Great! I just bought an obsolete book! The least they could do is put them on a half price clearance rack! &^%#*&^%(#%&^%#!@^*(*&)(#*$&)*&@#^%!(@&^%#

Sounds like a Silver Beaver to me... http://www.scouting.org/forms/92-103.pdf

PS: Record cards for all awards are also in the publication "Leadership Training Committee Guide", Pub 34169E, available at your Council Center.

Here's one site...in .pdf files http://www.indianhead.org/Northwest/BoyTrain.html Scroll all the way to the bottom. They also have the CUb awards under "Cub Scout Training"

At our recent UofS, I attended a Life to Eagle seminar...very well taught. The instructor emphasized that, on the Eagle app, a total of 180 days in one or more leadership positions, (since the date of the Life BoR) is what they look for. There is no minimum tenure in any one position. Also, it is not necessary to list more than 180 days. If they see 180, the box is checked. No extra credit. It is logical that the most responsible positions would be listed (i.e., SPL rather than Den Chief), however that is NOT a requirement.

While a First Class Scout, serve actively for 4 months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility (or carry out a Scoutmaster-assigned leadership project to help the troop): Boy Scout troop Patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, troop guide, Order of the Arrow troop representative, den chief, scribe, librarian, historian, quartermaster, bugler, junior assistant Scoutmaster, chaplain aide, or instructor. THese are Troop positions, not Patrol positions, unless it qualifi

Or an anatomy major! If the organism is that infectious, a nose clip won't help...it will enter through the mouth and then go up into the nose, since they are all connected. That would not meet the definition of "safe swimming area" as required in Safe Swim Defense.

If I remember my training correctly, Den Leaders (whether married to the CC or not) are NOT members of the Pack Committee and should not be called upon to chair the meetings. If they attend Committee meetings at all, they should not have a vote. One of the other committee members should be designated as "Acting Chairman" for that meeting, or the meeting rescheduled.

Welcome, Sparkie! Met you last night in the chat room! I was amazed at the ton of information this resource provides. It's like an instant Roundtable! Some of the threads get pretty emotional and intense sometimes, so a thick skin is required...it's not for the faint of heart! Scout Oath and Law are in effect, and we try to keep things on a friendly, professional level. YIS