SMEagle819

In my district, WB still exudes the "elitist" attitude. What I mean is, if you have something to share, or an opinion to offer, it doesn't seem top be taken seriously (or sometimes, even acknowledged) unless you have the WB beads and other accoutrements. I'm trying to have an open mind about the course, but still can't get past the "upptiness" of many involved in WB. From what I read on these posts, I think I would like to take it, but the attitude here in my district, turns me off.

I agree with you, zippy. Scouts seems to take a back seat to all of the other activities a youngster may be involved with. I have seen many kids "fade out" of scouting due to other interests, and/or being told by parents to choose one or the other, not both. Yes, scouting does take up some time, but consider: we meet once per week, go camping once per month. Many of the other activities they are involved in meet/practice every day, have events one, two, sometimes more, per week. I really think scouting should tout the fact that it is a learn at your own pace type of thing. We do that when we meet with prospective new parents. We also tell them that the more that the boy participates, the more opportunities he will have for advancement and awards.

Good question! I have been around a while, and still cannot pin down what these people do. Hardly ever see them, even at roundtables. Hope someone can answer this one, as I would like to know as well....

Just received this in my email: http://bookstore.gpo.gov/collections/boyscout-centennial.jsp Good link to various books that can be used for merit badges. Also, nice message from them regarding the Boy Scout 100th anniversary.

Brent, Yes, this Eagle candidate brought the letters he obtained with him to his EBOR.

I guess I am one of the SMs who is not worth their salt.... Yes, this is one topic that does seem to come back around every few months. I have decided to respond to this one. In my district, eagle candidates are not required to obtain letters of reference. As many have pointed out before, the Eagle Application is very clear (copied directly from Requirement 2): "Demonstrate that you live by the principles of the Scout Oath and Law in your daily life. List the names of individuals who know you personally and would be willing to provide a recommendation on your behalf." (underlining added for emphasis). If letters were required for the Eagle application, then I would think it would be explicitly spelled out, like Requirement 6 (copied directly from the Eagle App): "...Attach to this application a statement of your ambitions and life purpose and a listing of positions held in your religious institution, school, camp, community, or other organizations during which you demonstrated leadership skills. Include honors and awards received during this service." (underlining added for emphasis). To be honest, I do not know if the district which we are affliated with follows up with these references. However, it is made clear to the Eagle candidate that this part of the form needs to be filled out in full. One of my recent Eagle candidates took the extra step, and had reference letters with his Eagle application at his EBOR. I told him that he went the extra mile, as the requirements do not explicitly say that refenence letters need to be obtained by the scout.

In my district, we will be recharting at District Roundtable this week. A couple of years ago, we rechartered in February. Then, the council made a change to have all districts recharter by the end of the year (December 31). This year, our district decided to move the recharter up so that rechartering would not interfere with all of the upcoming holidays. In my opinion, a good move. Here is my question for all of those gathered around our virtual campfire: when do you recharter, and when do you receive you new membership cards and recharter documentation?

I second the motion, Eagle90! I will say our district's roundtable has gotten better recently. More guest speakers coming in, such as loacl rec department with potential locations for camping and day programs for the scouts. Definitely would like to have a t least one meeting set up as an actual "roundtable" discussion, or even a break out with a "roundtable" discusiion on the status of the district, upcoming events, camping spots, etc.

Twocubdad hit it square on the head with his explanation/reasons. We are going this evening to our District Camporee. At first, we were not going to go. However, we really need to recruit new members, and a Den of Webelos that one of the scouts is a Den Chief for requested us as the "sponsor" for the weekend. The PLC changed their mind in a hurry, because they realize how important it will be for us to get an infusion of new scouts come crossover. Here is one more reason to add to Twocubdad's list: too many council/district events planned within weeks of each other. For example, our district camporee is this weekend. Then, next weekend is the kickoff for Scouting for Food in the council (troops go house to house placing grocery bags for donations to the local food pantry). The weekend after that is picking up the food bags. Two weekends prior was OA Fall Fellowship. I have asked why our district consistently plans the camporre in the fall with all of these other events going on, but really have never gotten an answer. I cannot remember when we had a spring camporee when district and council events are relatively quiet.

It's too bad that the school administrators cannot use even a shred of common sense. Quote from the article Beavah posted: "There is no parent who wants to get a phone call where they hear that their child no longer has two good seeing eyes because there was a scuffle and someone pulled out a knife," said George Evans, the school district board's president. Poke out someone's eyes? Can't a pen, pencil, finger, paper clip, or crayon do the same thing? If I can recall my Cub Scout years, one of these "weapons" this Cub had a school, the knife would have trouble cutting butter. C'mon people, just a little common sense in the world would go a long way....

Our District approves Eagle projects at roundtable as well. This seems to work in that the DAC is there, and can have the projects presented to a panel rather than one person for approval. They have recently instituted the process of having the initial project presentation being very detailed, in order to get a better feel for the project. The communication issue in your post disturbs me. How was the DAC contacted? By phone, email, letter? If the DAC is not returning messages, then you should go have the proverbial cup of coffe with the District Committee Chair and/or the DE, just to clear things up. Also, I agree that a write up should not be sent out or left in the care of someone, as it can get misplaced. The Eagle candidate should have control of the project and its details at all times.

When I started in Scouts, we were transitioning from the OD green shirts to the tan (de la Renta) shirts. I started in an OD green shirt, as my mom bought it second hand. Tag shows 65% polyester and 35% cotton (yes, I still have it). Th etan shirt is very comfortable in my opinion. I usually wear it with a synthetice shirt underneath, so do not have the sweat issues. I have looked at the new shirt, but will continue with the old until it wears out. I thought the same thing about the pocket on the sleeve; a "smokes" pocket, if you will. I thought that pocket was rather unnecessary. Also the bellows style really doesn't work (for me at least) on a shirt. The lack of color is another issue with the new shirt; I really like the red numbers and epaulets for the scouts. I'm not sure if the different colored epaulettes are being kept for the different scout orgs; if not, I think that's unfortunate. It was/is a quick way to tell who belongs to what group. I do like the new pants and baseball style cap. I have even mixed them with my older shirt. I can deal with change, but I agree with one poster that there should have been some research done in the field for the design of a new shirt.

Great tips and stories all around on this topic. Let me add one of mine: We were recruiting heavily with a pack, sending DCs and having them camp with us. Our CC and a ASM had really sold the program to the W2 group that was getting ready to cross over. Come cross over time, of the 12 W2s, we end up getting 2. Come to find out that another local troop was "poaching" (I like this term!). After 4 years of this group of W2s being in scouts, we retained the 2 that crossed to us; the 10 that went to the other troop, I think 4 are still involved. Some of what we experienced was the parents thinking our troop wasn't right for their child. The young man had made his choice, but was swayed by the parents. I have come to realize that even if we do present a good program, one that the boys like (which includes boy led), we will always have a problem convincing the parents that we are a good option. I can honestly say this: whenever anyone visits our troop, be it a Weblo den or someone who has just moved into the area, I welcome them in when they arrive, and say as they leave, "We would really like for you to join our troop. However, if you don't plase join a troop somewhere."

I haven't seen any official word from my council yet. I did run across the online training when I was updating my Youth Protection training online. SInce I had a few minutes, I went ahead and completed the weather training as well. I do have one question about the online training: the YP states that it needs to be renewed every 3 years (I think this is correct, trying to remember off the top of my head), and the weather training is good for a certain time fram as well; is there a way that ScoutNet can notify via email you that your training is expiring?

After re-reading the rule that is being referenced for the original post, it clearly states that "Youth members shall not be permitted to serve as solicitors of money for their chartered organizations, for the local council, or in support of other organizations." Now forgive me if I am misinterpreting this, but shouldn't this apply to popcorn sales? Considered the money that is raised by selling popcorn goes to the local council (an approximate 80-20 split), are we bumping up against ambiguous rules and/or wording from National again? I don't want to be a nit-picker, or trying to find out the definition of "is," but the wording that is there can be interpreted in many different ways. I agree with many that have said the BSA needs more positive press; what better way than having uniformed scouts ringing bells for the Salvation Army? Don' both organizations have the same goal, to help people?

I agree with most of the postings: yes, the way it is written is very ambiguous. National could have done a better job with it, and hopefully, they will revise the wording. I also agree with BW in starting a "Scouters weight loss challenge," even if it is only for support. I could definitely stand to lose 20-25 pounds...

Not only am I overweight according to the chart, but apparently I can't read either. As stated on the new form (first page, Part B, 5th sentence): "It is important to note that the height/weight chart must be strictly adhered to if the event will take the unit beyond a radius wherein emergency evacuation is more than 30 minutes by ground transportation, such as backpacking trips, high-adventure activities, and conservation projects in remote areas." As many others interpreted this, one cannot be more than 30 minutes from emergency services. So, this throws us "fat" people out, especially if the verbage of "strictly adhered to" is followed. Page 3 of the form, right above the chart: "Individuals desiring to participate in any high-adventure activity or events in which emergency evacuation would take longer than 30 minutes by ground transportation will not be permitted to do so if they exceed the weight limit as documented at the bottom of this page. Enforcing the height/weight limit is strongly encouraged for all other events, but it is not mandatory. (For healthy height/weight guidelines, visit www.cdc.gov.)" Again, the form clearly states here that cannot be farther than 30 minutes by ground transportation should not be allowed to participate. The wording here not only states high adventure, but any activity that is 30 minutes out. Maybe someone out there knows of an instance where the BSA or a council has been sued by an overweight person who did not receive medical assistance? I wonder how this is going to be enforced by the BSA? I can see the overweight people being excluded from council or national sponsored events, but how about troop events? Very interesting that this wording is being included now on the forms. Will this now be a joining requirement as well?

Wow, a recommended weight chart that doesn't want people participating in outdoor activities, especially high adventure, if they don't meet the standards. I agree with scoutldr, if this is enforced, many adult leaders will drop out. I admit, I am overweight, even without looking at the chart. However, I have hiked, camped, and canoed with no medical issues. I guess we should change the Scout Law from "physically strong" to "physically fit."

Scoutldr is correct; Robert E Lee council is now Heart of Virginia council. Website is scoutingvirginia.org. Also, Camp Brady Saunders website is http://bradysaunders.net/camp/.

Yes, GW, I feel your pain. Being a scout in the 80's was much as you describe: SM, 2 or 3 ASMs, and no parents at meetings. Sometimes a parent would drive to a campout, but if it was close by, they would leave and not come back until Sunday morning for pick up. Very few would stay the entire weekend. Nowadays, it's not unusual to have a 1 to 1 ratio of adults to scouts on trips. I also agree that many scouts take a POR so they can get that next rank. Very few care about teaching new scouts. There are some, as I have a couple in the troop now. I am working on training our new youth leadership to operate as "boy led," using the 2 older ones I have that care as trainers/mentors. This is where I believe a JASM can make the most impact, as a tariner to the new boy leadership in a troop.

Yeah, I'm one of the creepy ones that do not have a son in the troop where I am SM. As a matter of fact, I don't have a son, but 2 beautiful daughters. I stayed on with my troop after I turned 18. When I went off to college (in another state), I joined a troop there as an ASM, and was active until I graduated. Moved back to my hometown, became an ASM in the troop I grew up in, and eventually became the SM about 12 years ago. Yes, I am one of those "creepy" people who believe that it is good to give back to a program that one believes in. My wife is all for me staying on as SM. I remember when I took over as SM; there were rumblings that I did not have a son in scouting, I wasn't married (at that time), I was too young, blah, blah blah. But, as the parents saw how the troop was functioning, and how the program was being driven, they bought in, and the rumblings stopped. Currently, some of the new parents I am meeting are amazed that I give my time to other people's sons. They are truly thankful that I am there. This is my opinion, but the people I find "creepy" in scouts are the adults who are there for their own recognition; they seem to be there for themselves, not the scouts. A while back in my district, there was this gentleman who owned a business that began making items for scouting events, and offering them for sale. He became the "sole supplier" of items like t-shirts, imprinted bags, and the like. It seemed he only "showed up" when there was a district event. Somehow, he earned the District Award of Merit, and kind of faded away. Did he "buy" this award by making items for sale at events? Who knows... As someone stated in another thread (excuse me for not remembering who), "Scouting is my drug." I believe that statement. It is something I really like doing; I really like seeing the scouts learn something new, and applying it in the field; I like giving out awards to those who have earned it. I plan to stay on as SM as long as the CO will have me.

We actually run a "Haunted Cabin," as our meetings are held in a log cabin. We have done this for the past 5 or 6 years for the cub packs in the area (recruiting opportunity). Everyone in the troop helps out, under the direction of the SPL, and we serve refreshments and have games. This year, looks like we will have approximately 90+ cubs go thru...

Thanks, gang, for all of the replies. Now that we can fill the permits out in an Adobe PDF, it saves my wrist and hands from cramping up doing all of the writing!

Yes, it is yearly recharter time in my district. We have recently been changed to recharter at the same time as the entire council in December. So, I went to the roundtable, picked up our packet, and received instructions on "Internet Rechartering." I have done recharter for the past 10 years, so it was no more than a refresher for me. We were informed that any adult leader that were registered before background checks became mandatory, and had not submitted their SS number, would be identified on our recharter report with 3 *** at the end of their name. We are supposed to have these adults fill out new applications so the SS number will be there, if they wish to continue with Scouting. Since everything is now internet based through ScoutNet, when I returned home, I logged in and printed our report. All of the adults that had not submitted their SS numbers were gone, and even some of my newer adults were not listed. I can understand the more experienced ones missing, but the newer ones, I don't think so. I even found some of the newer one's applications, and SS numbers are present there (on the carbon copies, there is a dark field where this info is, but I make see where the numbers were written in, but can't make them out; pretty good SS number protection). Editorial comment: I thought the BSA wanted to increase their adult numbers? Why all of the fuss about back ground checks for long tenured adults? I fall into that category, and did submit my info in. One of my other adults has not submitted his in, 37 years as an adult leader, District Award of Merit recipient & Silver Beaver. How can Scouting not recognize that someone with that long of tenure be asked to submit their SS number for a background check when they have been involved for that many years? End Editorial I will be contacting my DC to find out what is going on. Also, I wanted to share this with everyone else so they can plan accordingly if they may have some long tenured adults on their rosters that may not have submitted their SS numbers.

All right, I know, tour permits have been beaten to death recently. However, does a unit need to submit a tour permit to attend a camporee in its own district? I actually asked the question during the "indoor" phase of training so everyone could benefit. We were told by the trainer that you did not need to do a permit since you were at a district/council sponsored event. I can't seem to locate this exact reference in the literature out there. I know one of the answers will be, "When in doubt, fill it out," so let's skip that answer...