scoutldr

"Developing Leaders in a World of Followers." I love it.

Thanks for the heads' up, prairie. I was going to buy several mugs for Xmas gifts, but never mind. Sure wish we could get quality stuff from BSA, instead of crap made in China.

One reason that UC are seen as "spies" is because they show up with a "Unit Health Checklist" evaluation form which is turned in to the District. I attended a session on UC at the last UoS and they told us that the form should be "filled out in the car after you leave the unit" so they don't think you're a spy there to "inspect" them. Sorry...but that doesn't pass the "duck test". Not agreeing nor disagreeing with the process...just giving an observation as to why that perception exists.

It's not slander if it's true...but it could cost you and your CO a fortune in legal fees to successfully defend yourself. "She dropped the charges a month later." And that's why these guys continue to get away with it.

I saw "event planning" taught at the OA LLDC...excellent. Set the event date and work backwards...and you quickly realize that the planning needs to start MONTHS in advance. I found this on the internet after about 2 minutes of searching...could be customized for any event. The only thing I would add is what we call "Action Officer"...who is responsible for each item. http://www.buckskin.org/Resources/Outdoor/campout_event_planning.htm

Welcome! Nice website. Hmmm...same last name...Pennsylvania...we may be cousins! (Family from Northampton/Lehigh/Schuylkill Counties)

Unit budgets have to be "approved" by the District??? Never heard of that, either.

"Letting them fail" I have always told the parents, "My responsibility is to get them there and back home alive. They may be cold, wet, hungry, dirty, smelly, bored, or pissed off, but that will be because of choices they make, not me." Never had to break out the body bag once. There have been times when someone forgot the hot dogs or the can opener. They will survive on what they DID bring (maybe having one serving instead of three), and they do better next time. I remind them that they each should have a pocket knife and that little curly thingy can be useful for opening cans. I always have a spare sleeping bag in the car to prevent hypothermia, but I don't let them know it's there.

This method is actually taught in Leader training. Or at least it was. Be direct. Be specific. Everyone is expected to do something.

The PLC Annual Planning Session is the key. The session is not optional. Not planning is not an option. The SPL runs the session, but the SM should set the ground rules, such as: 1. Minimum of 3 troop meetings per month, with monthly themes. 2. Minimum of 1 outdoor activity per month (campout, hike, Camporee, etc) 3. Summer Camp 4. High Adventure trip (if age appropriate) 5. Fundraising (enough to fund the plan) 6. Service 7. Holidays and school dates to avoid (Mothers Day, etc) Like Eagle92 said, start at 0800 and stay till it's done. Then the SPL presents the "plan" to the Troop Committee for approval and support. Then publish the calendar and execute! (Provide a copy of the calendar to your CO, UC, feeder Packs and parents.)(This message has been edited by scoutldr)

I frequently sit on unit EBOR as the District rep. Most scouts will have ALL of their cards (rank, MB, Blue cards, Mile Swim, etc) in a 3 ring binder with plastic baseball card pages. While interesting to thumb through, we don't inspect them too closely. The Eagle Application certified by the Council registrar is what counts. Like stated above, if the Council records are not correct, he may need a blue card as documentation to correct ScoutNet. Your Council/District policies may differ.

If you are a new troop and your son is Historian, get him a cheap digital camera, and tell him to "document" everything! Then let him learn to download the pictures and create slide shows. (Even hook him up with a Photography MB counsellor). These can be VERY entertaining and valuable in 4-5 years when the guys start making Eagle. When our troop started, digital photography was still new and expensive and I wish we had more photos. Those who took photos are long gone...with the photos. Just think in 50 years what those photos will be worth to those inheriting your troop! (If the technology can still access the files!) Just a thought.

I'll wait for the clearance sale in 2011. Or eBay.

I thought I had it, but it turned out to be "Scout Vespers"...sheet music. Anyone interested, shoot me a PM and I'll .pdf it.

I understand it comes with "reproduction" memorabilia. I prefer to collect the real thing.

A good friend, former leader and Eagle Scout from WV in the 60's likes to tell me about his SM (who he still visits) who would just announce at the end of the meeting, "our next campout is the weekend of 15 Sept at XXX Camp". And not another word was mentioned (by him). Then sit back and see what happens. Never had the guts to try that in my troop...don't like camping alone.

As long as you understand that the PRIMARY role of the SM is to train the youth leaders to run the troop. He/she is the primary mentor to the SPL, who in turn mentors and trains the ASPL(s) and PLs. But, yes, the BOYS run the troop. They do the planning and the execution. And deal with the consequences of their decisions. Safety is always important, and should be a key consideration of the planning process. BTW, the term is "Scoutmaster". Troopmaster is a software program for managing troop records. ;-)

For the record, our camp does not provide ice either. It is nice to have, but is not necessary for hydration. It is available at the Trading Post for $1.25 for an 8# bag...and then when they run out by Tuesday, there is no more. Several things still bother me. Advancements should be part of the troop overhead. It's not proper, in my opinion, to withhold advancements if the scout doesn't have money in "his" account. My unit still charges $25 per year annual dues (which includes registration fees and Boys Life), plus $1 per week patrol dues. That covers the "overhead". Fundraisers cover the rest, including equipment purchase and planned replacement due to wear and tear. IF the fundraisers are real successful, the scout can have his entire year of scouting paid for (in his scout account), never having to ask his parents for anything. One of Baden-Powell's tenets was that a scout should earn his own way. A Scout is Thrifty. (A SM Minute for next week, perhaps?) Finally, I reread your posts to find out your position in the troop. You said, "I am not a Scoutmaster I am a mother who is the advancement chair, I hate financial stuff it creates such problems with everyone" I think that's the answer to your dilemma. To put it as gently as I can, focus on your job...and let the CC and Treasurer focus on theirs. Good luck and enjoy the journey! It's not supposed to be this stressful. Edited part: Wow! Just read your last post more carefully. My opinion is that using the troop account to avoid paying tax is probably illegal and could put your CO's tax-exempt status in jeopardy. The behavior of the CC is bizarre, as you describe it, but to be fair, we only hear one side of the story on this forum. SOunds like your unit is in trouble and could benefit from some "therapy" from a Unit Commissioner and Troop Committee Challenge training.(This message has been edited by scoutldr)

What an odd thought. Alphabetical would mean you had to rip them all off and re-sew them every time you earned one. I don't know anyone willing to do that. Not criticising...just wondering, "huh?"

Hadulzo...that may be true in your council, but it is by no means true throughout the nation. How Eagle candidates are processed is up to each Council Advancement Committee. In my council, the process is handled by the Troop Committee with a District Rep attending the Troop's Eagle Board of Review. How they handle the letters is up to them...all the scout needs to do is furnish names of people who would be willing to provide a reference.

Never heard of "unit contact"...perhaps "direct contact". THat would be anyone who works directly with youth such as DL, ADL, WDL, SM, ASM, MBC, etc.

"Scouts today are basically incompetent -- don't know how to act, behave, prepare for the wilderness." It's not just Scouts. It's everyone. Just read an article about the failing local school system...and how teachers can't teach because they spend too much time just keeping kids from tearing the place (and each other) apart. Just got back from my weekly trip to Costco. One of my pet peeves is the gas pumps and people who can't wait an extra 30 seconds and pull ahead of the car in front of them. This clueless moron in a Jag with FL plates had pulled around to get to the front pump and had effectively blocked everyone else. He, apparently in a stupor, proceeded to pump his gas, then took his time inspecting his receipt, putting his gas cap back on, and then several more minutes behind the wheel before pulling off. I wanted to get out of my car and box his ears and say "what the hell is wrong with you!!!" People today are totally self absorbed and have no awareness, much less consideration, for others. What we are seeing is this attitude passed on to the kids. I want it all, I want it now and I don't care what anyone else wants. As we have discussed before, I don't think we need paid Scoutmasters. For one thing, I don't think we could afford the good ones if they are paid what they are worth. WHat we DO need is to quit proliferating "Webelos III" troops. Feed the good troops that already exist and support those with good programs. I'd rather see two good troops of 30 boys each solidly using the patrol method with experienced, trained leaders, than 6 troops of 5 boys each giving the rest a bad name.

Yes, I think you are a troll. But for the benefit of others who may read this: It doesn't matter whether I think you are "deserving" or not. You have stated "I am an atheist". Therefore, you do not meet the BSA membership criteria, much less the criteria for Eagle Scout (that pesky "Scout Spirit" requirement, doncha know). The fact that you have X number of merit badges and completed a project doesn't matter. If you submit an Application for Eagle Scout and purposely mislead the Eagle Board about your beliefs, you are a fraud and a liar and certainly not "Trustworthy" or "Reverent". As OGE said, I will have much more respect for you if you stand behind your beliefs, even if it means never receiving the Eagle. If you are willing to lie to the EBOR, then what else about your life is worthy of trust and respect? Let us know what you decide.

That makes 3 IH's so far! Small world! See my post at the beginning of this thread.

Nice try.