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SM406

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Everything posted by SM406

  1. Congratulations!!! I use to be an eagle ...... SM406
  2. Is it a national policy that requires Councils to approve unit fund raisers? Or does it vary from Council to Council whither they require approval? Some very knowledgeable people in my Council say that Units do not need our Council approval for Unit fund raising. SM406
  3. Me, being an uncomplicated fellow and always trying to keep things simple, follow the path of a Scout is Honest. Trying to keep secrets from one set of parents let alone dozens of sets of parents would become totally unmanageable for me. Somehow somewhere I would let the cat out of the bag and ruin my credibility with both the boy and the parents. Bottom line there is too much to manage and too much at risk to spend time keeping secrets. Following the honest vein, if a parent asks I tell, if they do not ask and it impacts a boys health and safety I tell. Otherwise, if the issue requires
  4. BW, I have a small troop, 12 boys registered, 7 - 10 that attend regularly. The regulars are Tenderfoot to First Class. I have one older boy about to turn 18 (in August) who is my SPL. I recently inherited this troop and the previous SM is a great guy and super Scouter (had the troop for 15 years). However, because of the low numbers, he did not have the boys in any formally structured patrol (no name, no flag, no yell, etc.). The SPL just ran things at our regular meetings. Believing in the Patrol method as you have outlined, I wanted to bring some form of a Patrol to the Unit. At
  5. How would you respond if the Scout had difficulty with the knots or any of the lower rank requirements? Would you deny him? Are not the Eagle SMC and the Eagle rank about leadership and the boys demonstration of those skills? If a scout is not in an environment where he is asked to use the skills taught in the Tenderfoot through First Class ranks, is it fair to expect him to know those skills? I still believe that the Eagle SMC is not the time or place to weed out Scouts because of their skill level, which should be done at the appropriate SMC for that rank. Again check the Scout Handbook
  6. Thanks BW, with those references you sited and the knowledge that this is done regularly; I do not need anything else. Your guidance as to your requirements for the Patrol outing will help tremendously. Thanks again. SM406
  7. WOW. I am sitting here just blown away Bob White, you, Old Grey Eagle and others have taught me so much about some of the finer concepts of Scouting. I am deeply appreciative of the knowledge you so freely share. It is taking me a while to get my arms around the concept in this thread. The idea of Patrols without adults is really powerful, but in these modern times I just can not visualize National supporting it from the liability standpoint. As a Scoutmaster, I have always encouraged Patrols to meet outside of the Troop gathering but with registered adults tagging along. If I could have
  8. All great responses. I just experienced something similar with my middle son and his Scoutmaster for his Eagle scoutmaster conference. This scoutmaster wanted my son to tie various knots as a test. (The testing issue) However in the Boy Scout Handbook on the page listing the requirements for Eagle rank it says nothing about being able to tie knots. He was adding to the requirements, which according to the handbook of requirements for ranks and merit badges says you are not allowed to add to and delete from the requirements. I do not think anybody would debate that it would ideal for the bo
  9. SM406

    Rules?

    David, It seems to me you already know the answer to your question. Scouting's program has for the most part stood the test of time. If you feel your unit would benefit from being more by the "book" - go for it. I do not see any reason the adult leaders would not support you for the change. Personally, I think it's great you want to take your unit in that direction. One word of caution do not lose the fun part.
  10. Hey nldscout You raise good points. Maybe the Jamboree should close it's gates to all those that don't pay the "fee". Keep out all those Scouts from Washington DC, Richmond, and Baltimore and other areas in the surrounding region that come over for a day or two because they don't have the resources or opportunities of other Units. Let's keep out other Scouts and Scouters that do follow the rules of the Jamboree (such as my wife and son), so those that pay the "fee" can have the total experience. There will always be those who try to beat the system unfortunately, even in Scouting (t
  11. The Jamboree is an awesome experience. Two of my sons went this last time as part of the Council contingent and I went as Region Staff. My wife and our youngest son attended as visitors and had a tremendous experience. At the motel they were staying at nearby the Jambo site, was a troop that was "visiting" and they also were having a great time. There are numerous campimg oportunities in the surrounding area, however they fill up fast with visitng units. I agree, the Jambo is geared towards those that are participants, however visitors can still have a memorable experience. I would recomme
  12. The previous posts all gave Skerns123 great advice. Let the boy try, go through the proper channels to resolve the issue, etc. However, if the comments attributed to the Troops's adult leaders are correct, shame on those leaders. They have lost sight of the program. Rather than loose a boy because his self esteem has been damaged, because of the thoughtless comments, I would walk, ney run from this troop. There are better opportunities for this young lad to have a positive Scouting experience. I know, for I have been there.
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