Sir_Scoutalot

Welcome. Are you scouting in the Pine Burr Area Council? I moved back to Tennessee from the Hattiesburg area about 1 1/2 years ago. I saw the story in Scouting magazine about outside scouters working on Camp Tiak. Wondering if you could provide a status report.

Last night we had an Eagle scout earn his silver palm. Quite an achievement and well deserved. In looking at the Requirements book, I thought this was the end of the line. Another leader tells me they can earn double palms, etc for each five additional mbs and keep on going. Where can I find info on this?

Our troop has a large number of high ranking scouts that need a position of responsibility. At present, we have every position filled with the exception of den chief and junior assistant scoutmaster. We have a couple of positions where we have "doubled up" (ie quartermaster and instructor). Interested to hear how other units are dealing with this issue. We currently have several Eagles on the roster. A couple of these are holding leadership positions. Any feedback on moving Eagle scouts to junior assistant scoutmasters?

I guess I'm looking at this from the vantage point of the displaced scouts. Can't tell you how many adults I've worked with that dropped out of the program because their troop shut down or adults did not step up. I remember not getting to participate in Webelos because the den had "too many boys". I'd work with your district and council to identify another organization that might sponsor a unit. In the meantime, look for a way to help keep the displaced kids in scouting.

We were pulling for the Steelers at our house, but when I saw the pregame story about Holmgren's wife and daughter missing the Super Bowl to do mission work in Africa, I thought perhaps the stars might be aligning in favor of the Seahawks. Luckily things worked out. Nice retirement statement by The Bus. Class act.

This is probably more a parenting than scouting question. We've been sharing a family email address for several months, but I'm getting tired of my kids' friends instant messaging me when I'm online. I'm considering letting the kids have their own email accounts. Is there a way I can keep an eye on what's going on other than demanding they give me their passwords? I realize they could go a free site and perhaps set up an account I'm not aware of. My son has also joined many of his peers in setting up a personal internet page where he blogs, posts photos, etc. He is able

Our troop has not purchased new tents in several years. We currently utilize a system where all the tent parts (ie tent, fly, tent bag, pole bag, and stake bag) are numbered identically. We have tent 1, tent 2, ... Over time we have to replace lost or ripped bags. You'll also have situations where perhaps a tent or fly must be retired, but the other portions are still usable. I often wonder what's the wisdom in our system vs one that perhaps labels the parts with their purchase dates. Or perhaps no labeling at all might be best. What system (if any)

I think there are certain activities (like BB's and archery) that you'd be run off if you didn't offer them every year. I'd encourage you to consider embracing whatever your theme is. Several years ago I served as a day camp director with a space exploration theme (To Infinity and Beyond). We divided the boys into groups named after Star Wars and Star Trek groups (ie Ewoks, Vulcans, Klingons, etc) and tailored many of the activities to our theme. There's no rule that says you have to shoot your bbs or arrows at a round target when you can shoot at space invaders instead.

I have not done the out island adventure, but 10 or so years ago I did accompany a group for coral reef sailing. Still my favorite scout trip of all time. Many of the programs feature snorkeling activities. I'd recommend earning the Snorkeling BSA award. Some training in salt water fishing technique might benefit your group as well. Best wishes for a great trip.

The 2005 National Jamboree stuff went on sale at the perfect time. Santa brought my son numerous items to remember the trip to DC and AP Hill. My dad's wife quilted him a nice BSA fleece throw. I plan on hiding it in a few years when he packs for college.

Might want to check out Boxwell Reservation outside Nashville, TN (www.mtcbsa.org). I attended two weeks there last summer. Troops from Florida, Louisiana, and Texas were in. I moved to Tennessee from southeast Mississippi a little over a year ago. I know the damage to the Pine Burr Area Council's Camp Tiak near Wiggins, MS was pretty extensive. All the fall programs were cancelled. Wondering if anyone might provide a status on Camp Salmen, which serves New Orleans area troops. The camp is located near Kiln, Mississippi, even further south and close to where Katrina came ashor

Our troop considers the large box on the right the area for signoff. We don't have an official policy regarding the checkbox, but I will share one use we found recently. We usually conduct a troop review of the lower rank advancement covered at summer camp. We confirm the skill(s) was learned before updating their handbooks. We used the checkbox to mark the requirements covered at camp so the boys and their families can better prepare for the reviews.

Our district fall camporee is next weekend. Adults are being asked to provide the skits for the campfire. Looking for a good online resource. Thanks in advance ...

I've seen some office support ladies that I thought were being worked like dogs. Answering phones, handling tons of paperwork, running the scout shop, etc. I don't know how they get it all done. Close behind would be anyone handling troop or pack finances, advancement records, and the popcorn sale.(This message has been edited by Sir_Scoutalot)

Prepping for a second week at summer camp with my son and a few others unable to attend our regular week. My son will then have a few days off before boarding the bus for DC and the National Jamboree. Scoutalot will stay at home and recouperate. This is his first trip to jamboree. Wondering what advice previous attendees might offer in terms of tips and activities not to be missed. Thanks in advance.

I have been asked to put together a troop level junior leader training course. I have a copy of the Patrol Leaders Handbook. Anyone know where I can find course outlines or other good resource materials online?

Might want to check out Middle Tennessee Council's Boxwell Reservation, which is actually a complex of several camps located about 30 miles east of Nashville. Nice facilities and a very comprehensive program. We were at summer camp a couple of weeks ago. We had troops visiting from Pensacola, FL and New Orleans, LA. I imagine that speaks somewhat to the quality of the camp.

Last week at summer camp a scout dad shared a book with me entitled "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson. It's a story about two average Joes and their quest to hike the Appalachian Trail. Some adult language but quite humorous. A thumbs up on the first half that I've completed.

I say bring the chairs. Just back from our week at summer camp. 18 in camp. Picnic table held eight max. Boys also had a number of program areas with no chairs (or logs). Would be a hassle to sit in wet grass and mud on a rainy day. There was an out of council unit at camp whose boys all had matching camp chairs constructed with two boards. It's been a while since I've seen those used so widely.

It's been so dry up here the past few weeks that many yards have already "browned". Headed up to camp this AM to do some preliminary set up for our week at summer camp that starts tomorrow. Light sprinkles today. Looks like Tropical Storm Arlene will be right on us come check in time. Should be "interesting" ...

What's the best place to locate large leather or canvas pieces for constructing a patrol flag? I tried this a couple of years ago and was unable to locate a big leather piece at the local craft store. Any advice on paints, sealants, and other materials related to construction would also be appreciated. Thanks in advance ...

I have a backpack that my father gave me that is approaching 20 years of age. I've noticed the nylon is starting to fade, but my bigger concern is that several of the zippers are starting to rust and getting hard to open. Any tips from the wise on saving my aging backpack?

I think the award does have value in that it establishes criteria and goals that when met generally reflect a unit headed in the right direction. Story is disturbing from the standpoint of the professional. I hope they are not evaluated on number of quality units as most tend not to be involved in the weekly/monthly operations of the packs, troops, etc. I immediately thought of how sad it would be to be a scout who continued passing scoutmaster conferences and boards of review based on "close enough", only to discover at his Eagle board he was not prepared.

My son is attending the national jamboree. I understand that many of the patches he wears locally (council strip, troop numerals, patrol, office) will be replaced by patches unique to his council troop. I assume he can wear advancement items such as rank, religious emblem knot, arrow of light. What's recommended in terms of quality unit? Can he wear the regular flap of his local OA lodge? Assuming (again) that the round jamboree participant patch goes in the position above, do most scouts wear anything on the temporary insignia pocket? Thanks in advanc

Not sure anyone has answered my question. Am I correct in going with the requirements listed in the 2005 Requirements book over those in the pamphlet and at www.meritbadge.com ?