SemperParatus

Each day I consider myself so very fortunate for marrying that beautiful young woman 20 years ago, who has proven to be more frugal than I in spite of the resources we have been blessed with. One day that $900 purse will appearing at a yard sale, marked for 50 cents.

Good article...thanks for sharing...you and your son must be very proud...what a great memory in the making.

Definitely a lot of issues here. As others have said, any disciplinary action should come from the committee, although you could recommend certain actions for its approval. All the facts need to be gathered and laid out for them so that they can make an informed decision. My preference would be to have a conference with the scout and his parents before the committee takes action to try and ascertain what may be causing the behavior. You are most interested in making sure it never happens again. Punishment usually only results in temporary changes in behavior. Realizing that you are not equipped to handle the psychological issues, it still may be that the source for his behavior is easily discovered and some limited discussion can take place to help him understand appropriate actions. Then again, his anger may be deep seated and he needs professional help. In any case, a nice long chat could be beneficial to him and you. Hopefully, the parent can offer some insight on things that may be going on in his life. We had a 'significant' discipline issue several years ago with two scouts. In both cases, the parents were mortified at their son's behavior. The punishment was suspension from camping trips for three months. One scout quit. The other is now one of our finest young men in our troop. The strange thing is that I would have guessed that if anyone quit it would have been the scout that later grew so much from the experience. Good luck.

Back when... Our Webelos adopted patrol names with matching patrol patch and flag (just like boy scouts). The younger dens (Tiger, Wolf and Bear) used their den numbers on their flag. Some added representation of the current rank (a Tiger flag would typically be orange with a Tiger pictured, Wolf - red, etc.) Some dens created a new flag each year for the current rank, others used the same flag throughout, adding to it. Comes down to what each den decided.

Your issue is larger than recruiting committee members, its all about you and the SM working off of the same page. I would suggest a very long lunch together to discuss troop operations and how to improve your program by utilizing the time and talents of adult volunteers.

Good story. The BSA Membership Card - "Don't Leave Home Without It"

The 'Eagle's Nest' term is basically a made up term by the unit (albeit probably pretty common), as a means of recognizing the members of the select group. I have only been to two Gold Award ceremonies, but my suspicion is that there is not an 'official' term that the GSUSA uses for such occasions. You could just as easily make up your own term to encompass all the Gold Awardees and Eagle Scouts among the audience: Golden Circle Scouting Circle of Honor (Girls scouts like circles it seems) Ring of Honor Scouting's Elite Shining Stars etc. etc. etc.

Thomas Edison would be proud of Mr. Booger.

I always enjoy those scouts whose moms put a daily change of clothes (shorts, socks, t-shirt and underwear) in separate plastic bags (with the air sucked out to boot). The scout's pack is neatly arranged with separate packages marked for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday... By the Saturday morning departure, the scout may have worked his way up to Tuesday. The next year, its pretty obvious that the scout packed himself. Scout shorts, a bathing suit and 2 extra pairs of shorts will do, along with 1 long pair scout pants. I would go with the short sleeve shirts instead of tank tops for protection from sunburn on shoulders (scouts rarely put sunblock on either).

I was in a very similar situation years ago. Inherited a very disruptive family, past criminal problems, foul language in front of scouts, etc. The boy was constantly picking fights with other scouts. The parents refused to hear that their son was causing problems from the DL and myself (CM). The council professionals and district volunteers ignored our pleas for help for over five months. Finally, I was charged by the committee with telling this family they had to leave (exactly as Ed suggests). The father became very belligerent and threatened physical violence. He continued to bring the boy to pack meetings and stood over him daring anyone to say anything. The first night, nothing was said. The second night, after the meeting the CC and I approached this parent to discuss this matter. The father began pushing us and was ready to begin an 'all-out' brawl until he realized that he was outnumbered with the arrival of other den leaders. After that, we did not see him again. Although, I still run in to him occassionally around town, where we generally try to ignore each other. It was a very trying and emotional time for me and my family, as I am sure it was for the other families involved. Lessons learned: 1. Seek the help of the professional scouters first (right on up to the Council Scout Executive). I am sure there are some that will help. In our case, we had a very weak DE and SE that chose to treat this as a 'pack' problem and not worthy of their time. 2. If you get no response from your professionals within a reasonable period of time (e.g., 2 weeks) then act quickly. 3. Do as Ed Mori suggests. Some confrontation is inevitable and if your professionals are not willing then you as a volunteer must do it to protect your program and scouts. 4. You cannot control how this family will react. They may simply go away or they may cause even more trouble. Try and have all conversations with plenty of witnesses around. If they threaten violence then it will be a perfect opportunity to kindly inform them that their threat will be reported to the local police. Good luck.

Great story. Greetings from the mid-Atlantic.

The fact that 2 years ago, the pack was picking up 25 new recruits and now you are getting 2 would indicate to me that it is not a community problem, but a pack reputation problem. Is there another pack that these boys are joining? Or, was this the only pack in town and the reputation has soured everyone towards scouting? This pack is dead...as a doornail. While I admire your and the CM's interest in possibly resurrecting it, the interest is going to have to come from the parents of potential recruits, who are willing to volunteer their time to help create a worthwhile scouting environment from scratch for their own sons. I think your recruiting efforts would be better served by focusing on potential adults (with kids) who are interested in (re)forming this pack, rather than simply on the boys. Maybe a spiel at the PTA meetings would be more appropriate.

When separate adult facilities are not available and the occupied sign is nonexistent, I always announce my presence before entering. If a boy(s) is in there, I remain outside until he is finished. While doing my business, I find that singing a song makes the time go by much easier and ensures that possible entrants are aware of my presence.

Welcome to the forum. Perhaps its just me, but your post seems to focus on what 'I want us to do' rather than on the 'we'. As the new CC of a struggling pack (with a weak CM and a speedy DL and a whole host of other characters) it is very important to build a sense of teamwork and consensus among the leaders you are serving with. The summertime pack program should be a collaborative effort of the pack leadership that supports the fullness of the cub scouting program, with a little advancement work, a little skill development, exploration and discovery, and LOTS of FUN. But, all pack leaders should have some input on what may be offered and promoted. In the long run, your program will be stronger for it. As far as the speedy DL, in my opinion, imposing a committee directive on this DL would not be a positive response. It may make you feel better but I don't see how the DL could feel anything but a criticism of what he is doing or trying to do. Its not clear if this DL is Wolf/Bear (family-focused advancement work) or Webelos (den-focused advancement), or that others share your concerns. Have you attended his den meetings to see what he is doing with advancement? Could the possibility exist that his den is hugely active or the parents are working hard with their kids and the requirements are being adequately met? In any event, discussion and tactfulness is in order, rather than a top-down directive to 'slow it down'. Maybe ask him to share (publicly at the next committee meeting) with the other den leaders his 'secrets' for motivating his scouts to meet the advancement requirements so quickly. This could lead to a discussion among all the leaders as to the depth at which the requirements are handled, which may open his eyes (or others). Best of luck to you. (This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

I'm pretty familiar with both (from a volunteer/parent point of view). They are both great programs and serve our children well in providing an organized activity that gives them a greater appreciation for the world around them and their role in it. Here are some things I have noticed: Girl Scout Advantages - 1. Particularly at the younger ages, it provides a strong sense of community involvement and personal responsibility. 2. It promotes thoughtful creativity in much of the badge work and events like 'Thinking Day'. 3. The cookies can't be beat (especially Thin Mints). Girl Scout Disadvantages - 1. Troops are basically single-aged and terminate when the girls 'age-out'. There is less of a sense of 'older sisterhood' except for larger cluster/community events. 2. The program for older girls is not as engaging and far too many older girls leave before high school. I don't think the national leadership has a clue as to how to fully engage 13-15 year old girls, making the troop leader's job that much harder. 3. The advancement programs/requirements seem to change more frequently creating confusion and a sense of inconsistency. 4. High adventure opportunities at the national level are available but are very very limited and expensive. 5. National seems to lean on the liberal side, which trickles down to the girls through advancement and other literature. Boy Scout Advantages - 1. The program gets better and more engaging as the boys get older, especially in the area of leadership development and high adventure. 2. Troop perpetuity adds a sense of history and tradition, while mixed-age troops/packs offer a stronger feeling of 'big brothers' setting an example. 3. Packs and troops are typically larger and able to involve more adults (den leaders, ASMs, committee members, etc.) and youth that can add depth to the organization and the program it can offer. 4. Boy scout facilities (scout camps) are an incredibly valuable resource. 5. Program resources and training is exceptional. Boy Scout Disadvantages - 1. The Tiger Cub program still needs some work to capture the boy and adult and hook them on scouting. Too many packs still do not dedicate the time and attention that is needed to make a great first impression. 2. The advancement focus tends to overwhelm the entire program and all that it can offer (witness scouts spending all day at merit badge classes during summer camp, the 'eagle mills', etc.). 3. Whereas GS USA tends to change with the direction of the wind, BSA is very slow to adjust to a changing word. Merger? I guess it could happen, but probably not for many years. I think the impetus of a possible merger would probably be 'business' related (e.g., one of the organizatons can no longer support themselves and needs a bailout) rather than out of a sense of creating a new and improved 'scouting model'

Wulakenimgussin!

"It is evident that one of the boys has not actually done what he was required to do to get the requirement signed off..." Just out of curiosity, which requirements did he not do and what was the evidence that proved he had not done them?

Do you report to council because your reports to your troop committee have been ignored? What has your council done about your reports?

Sounds like you had a great time. Thanks for sharing.

You did the right thing. Your scoutmaster did not. The YP violation was minor and probably not deserving of a report to Council. That sounds like it was done out of spite rather than a real concern about your protection.

Good story about a great day. Thanks for sharing.

Welcome aboard.

Hello, world, hear the song that we're singin' C'mon get happy! A whole lot of lovin' is what we'll be bringin' We'll make you happy! We had a dream, we'd go travelin' together, We'd spread a little lovin' then we'd keep movin' on. Somethin' always happens whenever we're together We get a happy feelin' when we're singing a song. Trav'lin' along there's a song that we're singin' C'mon get happy! A Whole lot of lovin' is what we'll be bringin' We'll make you happy! We'll make you happy! We'll make you happy! *** NOW THAT'S A SONG!!!

We've done it. For cubs, it was done during the gathering time of our B&G. For troop, it was done during gathering time of a COH. Scouts are usually in their best uniforms on those evenings. Everyone had an individual portrait taken and den/patrol portrait (buying was of course optional, but most people buy). The photographer had the option of superimposing the portrait on a faux cover of Boys Life. Having the US flag in the background looks good too. We also had families show up decked out for family portraits (sisters in girls scout uniforms, parents were uniformed). It pays to have the order packets in people's hands well inadvance to speed things up. The sports photography guys are usually the most reasonable and work well with kids. Always well received.

I would not think co-ed scouting would be well received by the majority of boys and girls, especially at the younger ages. The 'average' cub scout age boy does not want to 'hang' with girls in his spare time. The 'average' brownie is not interested in hangin with boys. I would suspect that the programming/requirements would be rewritten to be more 'sensitive' to the gender differences and in the end you would end up with a program that neither gender can fully embrace. There are plenty of co-ed activities that boys and girls can be involved in, scouting should not be one of them.