ScoutPerson

Funny how this topic just came up as Im dealing with that same issue, we just got back from summer camp and last night was our weekly meeting. I discussed it with the PLC and last night I informed everyone that phone calls are NOT allowed during camping trips period. Calling home has never really been allowed but the rule has been relaxed. What weve found out, is over the last year, cell phones and calling cards are common place with calling cards being our biggest problem. Parents are giving their kids calling cards and saying call anytime and this is starting to be a problem. Now,

We allow them during the drive only and only if the driver allows them. Having CD players on is better than having them argue etc. and our drives are sometimes long. After we get their, they must stay in the vehicle.

I started a new troop three years ago with 4 youths from running a troop with over 50. Had the same issue, I did what BRAZZIN suggests and keep changing as the troop grew and the kids increased. I focused on making the campouts a blast as they would say while working in youth leadership. I even changed the campout leader each day as activities changed. Going on a campout which was a blast with being in charge of something was a big deal to the scouts. I had parents call me after the campout telling me that their 11yr old has done nothing but talk about how much fun he had and how one day

Also, forgot to mention that even though we mostly do family style dining we still do other types too because it isnt always easy to setup the scout kitchen. This is usually the first campout of the year after crossover which is when we do foil dinners by patrols kids coming in from the Cub Pack love it and they get their Fireman Chip also. Patrol leaders coordinate it and they make them in patrols cooking over an open fire. The kids really like this as we cook eggs in a bag, boil water in a cup, etc. Its fun for the adults too as I really like the foil dinners. My favorite is boneless c

This is something I love to talk about. For over the last three years Ive had the fastest growth rate in council and have won their Build a Troop award for the last two years. Youll find plenty of help with the scout office, school night etc. but here are some additional ideas: 1. I budget yearly dollars for recruiting: a>. Each scout that recruits a boy gets $5.00 in McDonald gift certificates after their recruit joins. Works really well with the 11-12 yr. old scouts as they seem to like McDonalds. b>. Every A they get on their report card they get a $1.00 gift cert

Ive done several approaches which have been mentioned here which all work. But now I have the kids plan the menu prior to the outing. Steak, chicken, pop-tarts, etc. whatever they like as long as its balanced. My wife then asks for volunteers to join her shopping, usually after everyones gone once or twice she goes herself as they have their requirements completed, usually this is about through each year. When there are no volunteers she goes herself which by then shes ready to do alone and enjoys shopping as she does other shopping too. But, when the kids go she only shops for the troo

The Troop in mention is from PA and I was involved in starting the new Troop that ScoutParents son wants to join. I personally was thrown out of the Troop with my Committee Chairman and several others when we had a disagreement within the adult leadership over 3 years ago when we had a new Father replace the old one at our Catholic Church. At this time a new COR was appointed and the new COR removed me along with anyone that disagreed with him much more details then I feel like typing and it is best summed up as a mess. The general fund at that time had over 30k in funds with over 15k