sm41

Here are a couple:

1. Use plastic staws to carry your spices. Cut about 1 inch off of each end. Fold one end and place the cut peice on it. Fill up with your spice. Cap the other end with the cut peice. Place them all in a zip lock bag.

2. For a hicking staff I went to Home Depot and purchased a 3/4 6ft rod for $3. Rubber funiture items for $2. (50 cents apeice) added rope, fishing line and a hook to th end. Its great.

3. Sew a pocket to the outside of your tent bag, place the ground cover in it. You will always know where it is.

4. I use a hammack for camping now. Good to about 10 degreef F.

YIS SM41

All,

I am looking for a in-expensive solution to creating or purchasing 3 dining flys.

We are a new troop with out much in the way of funds (yet).

I was thinking of purchasing tarps and then crating poles using oak closet poles.

What have others done?

YIS

SM41

My pack always borrows camping gear from the local troop. We go camping twice a year as a pack, and our second year webelos go once a year on there own.

I always cook dinner sat. night for 120+ people. Dutch ovens all the way. The Cub Scouts are involved with preparing the meal.

If you can, borrow a turkey fryer. It's a great way to make Pasta for dinner, and the do your dishes.

YIS SM41

Hi all again.

This will be my last post on this topic for a while. At least untill after our first camping trip.

We held our first real Troop Meeting last night. I say real because it was not a informational meeting.

We are starting with the camping theme. (out of the troop program resources)

We started with boy introductions and then SPL elections. (I went over the requierments before hand)

We had 4 scouts out of 10 that ran for SPL. I told them all that they had the floor and could speak to the group. I allowed the group to ask questions, And I asked one question of each of the canidates. After all this all four canidates were up front and had time for a rebutal. Then the vote.

Our elected SPL had 4 out of 7 votes. (Only 7 scouts were there at the time of the vote)

In my opinion he is the best scout for the job. (No I did not tell any body who to vote for)

After the elections they formed there own patrols at the direction of the new SPL (With my direction)

Then the patrols elected there PL's. I had to step in because every one wanted to be the PL. I had the boys determine if they wanted to set term limits on the PL. They did, Then I had them set either 1 or 2 month limits. One patrol is a month, the other is 2 months. Then we flipped a coin to decide on the first PL.

After the patrols we started on ropes. They all learned how to properly whip and fuse rope. I wanted to get into knots, not enough time to start. This was there home work. Square, Taut-Line, Double Half, and clove hitch.

We will be starting on axe, bow saw, hatchet and knife saftey at our next meeting.

We are going great.

YIS

SM41

No need to harass me about Wood Badge.

I will be in the Class of 04. (Going this summer)

I have looked for an older scout to help out. No luck. Most in our council are in a Venturing Crew and such.

I have even tried to bring a boy from our pack back into the troop. No luck. He likes the troop he is in. I am not going to "Steal a Scout" from another troop.

Roundtables are great, and I go often.

Thanks for all the encouregment.

SM41

YIS

All,

First I would like to thank you all for your replies to my first post. (New Troop)

I had our first meeting last night. 10 of my 12 scouts showed up. The other two had really good reasons not too. (they both are in the same clss and the teacher slamed her whole class with homework. I have always told my scouts that school work comes first, and if the need any help to ask for it)

I did a parent scout oriantation. I had them laughing in the halls and answering question.

We played one game for them to learn each others names, and form a small bond of friendship.

5 of the scouts showed intrest in being SPL. Much better then I thought. I have since given there parents the SPL handout and info on the election process.

In two weeks we will have our SPL elections.

The boys voted 9 to 1 on the neckercheif they want, and the hat. They also voted to be a complete uniformed troop. (complete with green pants and all).

It looks like it is going to be great.

Thanks again

YIS SM41

This year I am doing somthing Unique.

My 2nd year webelos are going to start the flag prosession.

In the middle they will be handing the flags two my 1st year webelos.

Saluting the flags, then the 1st years will post the colors.

This way it shows the pack a hand off for the flags.

YIS

SM41

Hi, Cubmaster myself.

1. Have the CM say it one more time at a commette meeting. We have a Leaders parents meeting.

Let them know that he will be stepping down, not that he wants to step down.

2. If you have a couple choices in mind. First recruit a replacment for there den

Then recruit them as a CM.

3. Offer the new leader all the training with out the cost.

4. If one does not step up, Have a parents meeting before/after a pack night and explain the situation.

Try recruiting there

5. Ask you Chartering orginazation (if possable)

6. Target the new scouts coming into the pack.

No one will volenteer untill asked.

SM41

Why the troop:

3 reasons:

1. One troop in my area already has 60 + boys, and they do not activily recruit. Also it is not Boy Run they way I would like. I tried to get into the troop and help but no dice.

2. The other troop in the area have two many clicks. You cant go camping unless invited, etc, etc, etc. It is also what I call a badge factory. The had an Eagle scout at 14 who did not know basic first aid. I know this because during a cross over ceramony last year I was discussing this with him.

3. Distance for the parents to drop and pick up there boys was too far.

Pitfalls.

The biggest one is getting a Charter orginazation that will actually help you. Equipment, and always money.

The SM needs to be fully trained, preferably wood badge also. (Going this summer to start). I have also went on my councils training staff. I learned a lot training others the craft of scouting.

Look at a lot of other troops to help you determine how you want to run yours. (Still in this process)

Recruiting. I have yet to send flyers out. I have been recruiting through scouts. My DE has been very good at this also. The boys crossing over have also been recruiting.

I recruited via my church, school, and Little League. I contacted the other pack 1 1/2 ago to let them know what I was planning on doing. I have gone to there den meetings and started to teach them things. Ready man and Outdoorsman. as webelos.

Talk to all the parents, and do not promise the Moon to the boys. Let them know what they do is largly there responsability.

Go to Round Tables and talk with other scout masters.

If you want to get together sometime, Let me know. I am not to far away from you. About 2 Hours to be exact.

I used to go to the bar Spys Demise. Don't know if it is still open though.

SM 41

YIS

Bob,

you mis-understood me. Only one will be elected, there are two that may be elected due to popularity. One from each pack.

Sorry for mis stating my-self. And yes as SPL he would appoint his own officers. IE Scribe, ASPL, etc.....

Thanks all for your help.

YIS

SM41

Thanks all,

This is great stuff.

I do have the base plan from the program helps (even have program helps) and all the other info.

I have never seen the first 6 months for a new troop though.

I am going to implament the rotating Patrol leader idea. Elect a new patrol leader, not the one you have had prevously or somthing like it.

I will only elect the SPL at the second meeting, and wait for the third to elect/appoint a PL.

I do have one boy who has never been in scouts. He will be the one who does not naturaly gravitate to any group.

2 boys who will probably be elected SPL (from diffrent packs)..

HMMM, i think this will work out after all. I have been trying to figure the best way for a while.

Thanks All.

PAT

Hi All,

As some may read I am starting a new troop.

I getting ready to order tents and other equipment needed for our camping trips.

Alps Mounteneering has some great deals on equipment, but I have never used them before. Any body have any experience with them.

http://www.alpsmountaineering.com/

They have Scouter Discounts.

YIS

SM 41

JLT,

Thanks, i was starting to work on my JLT program and 6 to 8 months sounds about right. When I was a scout I had to wait almost a year before I could go.

Should I do some teaching of basic scout skills to my SPL/PL's before a camp out, or should I teach the whole troop.

I like the SM creed of "Never teach a scout somthing another scout can teach".

I think having a couple of mini JLT's (and not calling them that) would be a good thing. These skills would include: Foil pack cooking, dutch oven cooking, knots, hiking, and any thing else that mey be needed to have a good patrol.

I was also going to start the Service and Program patrols off during the first camping trip.

YIS

SM 41

Thanks all for the great information.

I have been hearing and reading some info.

What do you all think of rotating the PL's? say once a month for a while. This way they all get exposed to it.

I will need to see how they reacte to the Idea of electing each other to position of leadership, and if they can handle it.

As there Mentor I was planning on helping them develop there leadership styles and skills.

I need to tread a fine line between Boy Led and Adult led though. I don't want my over ambitous ASM's to get to comfortable in doing the work of the scouts.

YIS SM41

I love traditional camping. It is they way I did it back when I was a scout.

As a new SM though, I think it is best left up to the scouts. Make some hints to it though.

I was going to make a standared (not a rule) that at least on meal on a two night camping trip be in a dutch. Only one meal could be hot dogs, and only one breakfast could be ceral of any type. (including Oatmeal).

As the Cubmaster for a pack, We go Family camping twice a year. And I always bring my dutch ovens as I make dinner for the whole pack Saturday night. My scouts and parents can not get enough, I have needed to by two more just to keep up with the demand.

YIS

SM41

Thanks for the reply. I forgot to include this in my first message. During the first troop meeting I have a 15 Minute presentation that outlines the Boy structur part of the troop, sftey rules, and leadership position duties. This is for the scouts and parents both to attend to.

I also have a informational packet going out to the scouts and parents that include items such as. the PL,ASPL,SPL etc. Responsabilities. Fire and knife (ax bow saw) saftey rules. as well as other documents. (this is much like a packet received for OLS trainees, but geared toward the scout).

Good point. Thanks

YIS

SM41

All,

I have been in discussion with my Distrect Executive n this vary subject.

Th offical BSA Policy is.

Any of the past headgear may be worn if you can find it.

Example: If your troop vote to use the Overseas hat, then use it, if you can get enough. Or the Berets is another good example.

A hatless troop is also fine. (I dont like the Idea personally because of sun burn etc.)

My troop is voting this month on there head gear. Options will include the following:

Berets, Baseball Cap (BSA style), basball cap (our style with BSA logo and such. The design has already been approved by my local council).

YIS SM41

Hi All,

I am a reader of the forum, but not an avid poster to the forum. I love all the advise that all the Scouters give.

He is my situation. Some of you may remember my prevous post on the same topic.

I am a brand new scoutmaster for a brand new troop. We are going to start having troop meetings this monday.

Through my recruiting efforts I have 12 boys. Ages 11 to 12. Most of them will be webelos scouts from local packs. Most of them will have some experience with camping and the such.

I have a great ASM, CC, COR, and most of the parents look to be on-board also.

MY Plan:

1st troop Meeting. I am going to run (Like the SPL should, but not as the SPL) It is going to include some team building games, and informational gathering games. This way the boys get to know each other, not just the Webelos from there pack. The Webelos from my pack (cubmaster) will be running the flags and closing ceremonies.

2nd troop meeting. I am again going to run it like the spl should. During this meeting they will choose up patrols (6 boys per patrol) and work on some of there tenderfoot requierments as I hold SM conferences with each boy. (5 minutes tops). Then we are going to hold elections for SPL and PL. I will not be involved with the elections except to count the votes. (Mr. Scoutmaster, who would you vote for to be SPL? Well Johnny, it is not my decision, so that does not matter, who do you think would be best for the position. ETC....) We will have a short PLC after the meeting.

3rd troop meeting. We are going to have a PLC a couple of days before the Meeting. I will guide the SPL before the actual PLC. At this point I am going to allow the SPL to run the show, (Filling in as needed for him to do a good job, I will let him succeed or fail as he determines). Our PLC will consist of: SPL, ASPL (If determined), PL's and APL's if determind by this point. My CC will be at the first PLC to observe. (I will tape his mouth shut if he interupts).

First camping trip will be 6 weeks after the troop starts meeting. This will be a informational camping trip. IE Toten Chip and Firemn Chip will be worked on and awarded. (These skill will be worked on during Patrol activities at the troop meetings) I will be the instructor for these. (P.S. I am currently on staff for my councils OLS, First aid, Knots, Knifes and Axes). This will be a two night camping trip, I will make dinner Friday night (since the scouts will not have there Firemn chips yet) I will also be making Breakfast the Next morning. (the scouts will be helping of course).

Any thought?

All will be greatly appriciated.

Thanks

YIS

SM41