silver-shark

"All the BSA suggests is 'this is the program and it works'. 'Do this and you will have a scouting program'. Why would you expend the time and energy to change what works, and what Scouting says is Scouting? Hi Bob, You seem to be saying that ALL troops were experienceing the problems that led to the creation of New Scout Patrols, and First Class/First Year Program. I don't beleive this is an accurate interpretation. I'm sure there were MANY troops out there, that through a quality program, were not experiencing the dropout rates that the others, with weaker overall programs we

Here's a pretty extensive one for you to look over. http://www.troop55.org/documents/campmaster/Campmaster%20Handbook.htm This came from a Google Search using "campmaster".

"Yes, we have had a parent conference where we indicated what was, and what was not acceptable behavior, and we indicated that he would not advance until it improved." Hi CA_Scouter, Without specific expectations written out, in stages, I'm afraid you are setting yourself and this boy up for continued disappointment. He did not become this way overnight, and will not be able to rectify all aspects of his behavioral issues overnight either. For example, pick one or two points to be acheived for a period of time prior to Star Rank. Then a couple more prior to Life Rank,

If I remember correctly, there is a separate set of Program Features that provide plans in 3 month increments for Venture Patrols/Varsity Teams, just like the regular Troop Program Features. It lumps the Varsity Pins and Venture Pins all together and lets you wear the pins of either on a large "V" on your M.B. Sash. I think I saw this in the Scout Stuff Catalog that comes in the mail each year. Our Venture Patrol boys haven't run out of their own ideas yet, so they haven't looked into these. We adults put one restriction on this group. That is, "with priviledge comes responsibility".

Great insight here. I've recently been struggling with the same situation between my 13 (almost 14 year old) and my (just turned) 12 year old. Our troop has several brother pairs that we have intentionally separated in the past, but my 12 year old REALLY wants to be inb the same patrol as my 13 year old. I asked the older one what he thought about it and he says that he doesn't have a problem with it. They do fight quite a bit amongst themselves, but not anymore than other brothers do. I'd looking forward to hearing about more experiences in this thread.

What is this young mans actual leadership position in the troop? Is he the Troop Guide, a Patrol Leader, or an Instructor? If not, it sounds like you may be adding to the requirements for his rank. Asking a First Class Scout to be more involved in the First Class trail of other boys sounds like it might be a little premature.

"Trash Can Turkey" for the November campout each year. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

"I have said before that I think he's wasting his time here. Finding one or two examples of the behavior he objects to across the many thousands of Scout units just isn't very persuasive--and he's talking here to people who aren't that receptive to his message in the first place." Hi Hunt, John 10:10 tells us, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Persuasion isn't always the intent. Often times fear, anxiety, frustration, anger, etc... are the intent. Regardless, I'll continue to pray that Merlyn

GREAT JOB GUYS ! (Don't forget the praise for the SPL for a job well done after the situation is under control.)

"The Handbook does NOT say The uniform is optional, Wear whatever uniform parts you like, or The PLC or Scoutmaster or Committee shall decide what constitutes a uniform. The Handbook correctly describes what the uniform is, and when it is appropriate to wear it." Hi FScouter, Take a look at Page 13 of the Boy's Handbook. I don't have it with me today to cite it word for word, but read the part starting with "Wear the Field Uniform"... past the part obout the Activity Uniform... and through the remaining thought that it presents.

If prayer is us talking to God... Why is it so difficult to imagine that intuition is God's way of talking back, for so many people? You're on the right path KS! Stay on it and keep those great stories coming!

"They don't understand that I'm there to support the will of the boys." Hi EagleInKY, Unfortunately, your committee doesn't realize that they are also there to "support the will of the boys." In fact, supporting the Troop Program is THE PRIMARY function of the Troop Committee. I have to agree with Eamonn. It sounds like the you are very rich in committee. Dare I say to the point of it being diffucult to arrive at decisions of any kind in a voting "School Board" type atmosphere or mentality as BW has suggested. The Troop Committee is there as a "Checks and Balances" for your

Hi EagleIn KY, I've got to ask you a few questions. 1. How many boys are in the troop? 2. How many committee members do you have? 3. Who presents the plan to the committee? (Is it the boys, or the SM?) 4. Either way, does the committee know that the plan has the backing of the PLC, the SM, and the ASMs, and that they have already reviewed it and approve of it?

"The best leaders are those the people hardly know exist. The next best is a leader who is loved and praised. Next comes the one who is feared. The worst one is the leader that is despised. If you don't trust the people, they will become untrustworthy. The best leaders value their words, and use them sparingly. When she has accomplished her task, the people say, "Amazing: we did it, all by ourselves!"" LAO TZU "TAO TE CHING" Which kind of leader uses push ups as a motivator? What kind of leade

",,,and a 40 minute program takes an hour and a half." Hi Boleta, This is a problem we are having lately as well, and meeting content seems to be the major cause. The boys should have about 2 hours worth of meeting planned, to leave them wanting more, and with a level of excitement towards next weeks program. Another problem we are having is the same old opening week in and week out. Mix it up to eliminate boredom. Boredom at any stage of the meeting, brings out inappropriate behavior in boys. Having the boys remain at attention following the opening can bring a