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bilgerat

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Posts posted by bilgerat

  1. Greetings!

     

    Hope you can offer some insight..

     

    Is there any "official" BSA policy on the minimum rank required to hold a Scout Leadership position in the Troop (example - SPL must be at least Life, Troop Guide must be at least Star, etc.)?

     

    Reason I ask... every election this comes up and the canned answer is "I think it's this..." or "I remember that..."

     

    I'm kind of "thinking" that there's no official BSA requirement on this... just Troop legend and folklore...

     

    (oh - and I do understand why it might be "preferred" to have certain ranks serving in selected positions...advancement requirements, maturity, etc. Just looking for the "official" BSA position.

     

    If there is one, could you please cite the source so I can reference it...

     

    Thanks!!!

     

    SCR

  2. Is this a good camp?

     

    Not much detailed (and current) info on the Council website.

     

    On a scale of 0 - 10 (0 = don't bother; 10 = next best thing to Sea Base), how is their Sailing adventure?

     

    Do they offer water skiing still?

     

    How are the facilities?

     

    Is their First Year Scout program good?

     

    Would your Troop choose this camp, or do something like Skymont?

     

    Our Troop is fairly landlocked in west Tennessee (albeit canoeing).

     

    Thanks!

     

  3. Anyone know of a Summer Camp with an outstanding sailing/watersport theme within, say 4-5 hours of Memphis, TN?

     

    Our Troop regularly goes to our local Council - which has a good program; however, next year we are looking to visit another camp to provide variety for our Scouts.

     

    I'd love to suggest to them a Camp with a strong sailing/water sports focus.

     

    We're looking for something in between another canoe trip and Sea Base!

     

    Any ideas?

     

    Thanks!

  4. We need a good online email and calendar service to use for our Troop.

     

    Troopmaster has both functionalities, but they are klunky, buggy, and had to use.

     

    Scouttrack.com has a great calendar feature and their email is pretty good, but they have no ability to create distribution lists or add "ad hoc" email addresses to an email - which are critical for our Troop.

     

    Google products are OK, but we've run into security blocks on some corporate email accounts.

     

    Also would like the ability to tie in cell phones for SMS texts.

     

    Anyone got any ideas?

     

    Thanks!

  5. Thanks for the great detail in the replies.

     

    We boil our water over a Turkey Fry burner and usually have used the Frying pot; however, this method of heating the water directly in the washtubs (I don't know the official #, but they are about 18 inches across - three in our wash station (one for soapy water, one for bleach, and a cold water rinse tub).

     

     

  6. Question:

     

    It was recently suggested that we boil our cleaning water directly in the galvanized tubs we use at our cleaning station.

     

    We tried it and it worked great.

     

    However, a concern has been raised about possible health issues resulting from heating galvanized materials (zinc issue).

     

    Does anyone have any solid info on this?

     

    Can you point me to a reliable source on the subject?

     

    Thanks!

  7. Already - thanks for the great replies!

     

    Buffalo Skipper - that's the direction I've been looking towards.

     

    Historically, our ASM Equipment and Supply Coordinators have pretty much done all the inventory themselves, bought the needed supplies and restocked themselves, and grabbed some Scout Puppets to help load the trailer with "TLAR" (That Looks About Right) Patrol Equipment, etc.

     

    I suspect doesn't fully embrace the Scout-led principle.

     

    I am looking towards stepping into more of an "Adviser" role. What you indicated is exactly the kind of insight I'm looking for. I don't want Scout Puppets, and I don't want "Blind Man's Bluff". I'd like to mentor the Quartermaster(s) and as they become more proficient, step back and let them run the show.

     

    Tomahawk - you asked about the "Equipment and Supply" puzzle... good question. I'm just finding out what we have (literally), looking for ideas from you all, and then looking forward to working with the Scouts as "they" make it happen.

     

    I think this will be more of a marathon than a sprint, given our Troop's culture, but I know the best place to start is getting ideas from those who have experience in this area, then involving the Scouts.

     

    Please continue to pass along your ideas!

     

     

     

  8. Wow!

     

    Didn't know one little question would generate so much traffic!

     

    No official guidance, and from what I've seen with some BSA regulations, not sure we want any. Otherwise, the Scouts will be using biodegradable round-tip scissors and gluing Popsicle sticks together during their once-a-year campout (in the church gym).

     

    Thanks to all!

     

     

  9. SPL1Warwick,

     

    Wow... tough situation. Lot's of good advice from others on the thread.

     

    You've got a "control" issue in play in your Troop, and that is a hard nut to crack...

     

    I find most people (Scouts and Adults) don't have a clue what "Boy-led" is. Some folks genuinely believe they are fostering "Boy-Led" by giving orders and dictates to the Scouts - when in fact, they simply have "Scout Puppets".

     

    Other folks think they are fostering "Boy-led" by letting the Scout do "whatever" and letting nature run its course. I don't think that is what Lord Baden Powell intended either.

     

    Turning the Scouts loose without any framework or guidance is what I call "Blind Man's Bluff".

     

    Balance is everything. One Senior Scouter on this forum told me once "It's OK to let a Scout fail. It's NOT OK to let him flounder".

     

    You may have a Scoutmaster who's a control freak. You, as a Scout, may also be a normal teenager who is questioning authority. You know the situation better than I do, so I'll let you decide which (or both) it is.

     

    Personally, I think it's important for a Troop to have a defined framework to operate within. That said, once that framework is in place, the Adults need to back off and let the Scouts lead and learn. Yes, Adult Leaders may need to "guide" a Scout Leader on the side - and the Scout should welcome constructive guidance. The more experienced and responsible the Scout, the more the Adults should back off. Ideally, the Scouts are so well trained and mature that the Adults sit around, shake their heads, and say, "wow... looks like they've got it. Why am I here???"

     

    Question - Would it help to sit down with the SM and see if you two can arrive at common "goals" for the Troop? Many times the reason we have conflicts is because we have different visions - or maybe we both want the same thing, but have different ways to get there.

     

    I know it's much easier for me to back off if I know that in the end I and another person have the same goal...

     

    I think most of us guys are wired to compete - whether intentional or not. Insecure guys will want it "my way or the highway". Secure ones may have differing visions, but will always keep the welfare of the Troop and its members as their highest priority.

     

    As St. Augustine said, "In essentials, Unity; In non-essentials, Liberty; but in all things, Charity."

     

    Hang in there!

  10. Question:

     

    What are specific characteristics that you feel makes an outstanding Patrol "stand out" in the crowd?

     

    When I ask this question, I get a lot of "I'll know it when I see it", but I'd like to hear from our experienced members - what are specific qualities you would say make an "Outstanding Patrol" what it is?

     

    Of course, I have the National Honor Patrol Award list, but I'm looking for something a little more concrete, and I know you folks have seen the best and the worst...

     

    Thanks!

    (This message has been edited by bilgerat)

  11. We have several 2nd year Scouts who have completed requirements in Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class Ranks using the "old" handbook.

     

    One of them just completed his Tenderfoot Rank. Does he use the new Handbook to finish the Second and First Class Ranks, or does he use the "old" handbook to finish those (since he already started them under it) and use the "new" handbook for Star.

     

    Please provide official reference info if possible.

     

    Thanks!

  12. OK... I give...

     

    I've searched and can't locate an answer to this (though I'm sure it's there somewhere...)

     

    Any age restriction for Boy Scouts on .22 rifle shooting?

     

    How about Shotgun?

     

    I see the G2SS info. Just want to make sure I'm not missing some clause or footnote somewhere. If you have specific info (other than the G2SS), please let me know the specific document source.

     

    Thanks!

  13. Scoutfish,

     

    Lots of great comments in this chain!

     

    My son just crossed over last year, so we now have a full year in Boy Scouting, as well as the 5 in Cubs.

     

    I look back at our Webelos years and ask myself... "What would I do differently"...

     

    I think I'd have done a lot more "Saturday" day activities and fewer "Tuesday Night" meetings. Our Webelos really enjoyed the team building and leadership challenges (e.g., give them a spool of string, a piece of aluminum foil, and a hair brush and ask them to figure a way to cross the "canyon" without touching the ground - kind of exercises). They also liked building "real" stuff. They loved games. I often found myself on Tuesday night having a V-8 moment - realizing what a great outdoor game or activity we could have done.

    I think I'd have done more of those kinds of activities, plus had them make "useful camp gear" - Especially in Webeleos I.

     

    Like others, for Webelos I - I'd probably have a campout or two in the Fall and same in the Spring. Also, for what it's worth, Boy Scouts don't do "family camping" - take these last couple of Cub years to allow your families to enjoy that time with their sons in Scouting. It goes WAY too fast!

     

    In Webelos II - I'd recommend start setting up your troop visitations in the Spring/summer at the end of the Webelos I year if you can - get 3-4 different Troops - if available - each with a connection to a Scout in your Den. In our area, most Troops want to wait until August to plan much of anything. That's understandable, but unfortunate, in that it seems like they all want you to visit the week in November!!!

     

    I would plan to do at least 1 campout AND one Troop meeting with each Troop you've selected. If you do that, it will probably fill most of your Webelos II year and give your Webelos a great picture of Boy Scouting.

     

    Oh - and BTW - we REALLY stressed communication with our families. I did a weekly email to the Den, keeping them posted on upcoming events, Den Needs, "great jobs", etc. With families as busy as they are, I found the more I could give them a good "head's up" well in advance, the more they would be able to make Scouts a priority - and most really do want to make Scouting an important part of their son's life (mine did, anyway).

     

    I think your positive enthusiasm will be a big factor in their continuing in Scouting after Webelos.

     

    Hope that helps!

  14. Thanks again to all. These forums certainly are helpful!

     

    Like most things, it sounds like moderation is the key. Don't "convoy", as Beavah says. Great idea to pass out maps, swap cell phone numbers, and go over the route before departure. Nothing wrong with "caravaning" in the way Beavah described.

     

    Thanks also for pointing out the safety issues on both sides. I usually find that understanding the core issues is more helpful than having a blanket policy, but no insight.

     

    Blessings to all!

  15. Your insight, please...

     

    Since joining the Troop I've heard on many occasions that BSA policy prohibits "caravaning" vehicles to/from campouts, etc.

     

    If such a policy exists, could someone please steer me to it (document, please)?

     

    As a matter of practice, a number of drivers "wink" at each other, say they are just "following at a distance", and caravan anyway.

     

    Is this "policy" Troop folklore or is there really something to it?

     

    Thanks!

     

     

  16. Follow-up...

     

    We did our first campout with temps down into upper teens/low 20's.

     

    Did the following:

     

    - 2 pads: 1 Thermarest closed cell + 1 Thermarest foam/air pad

    - Summer Sleeping bag (fleece-lined) inside Slumberjack 0F mummy bag

    - Wool Army blanket on top

    - Duofold Varitherm Wool/poly base layer (top/bottom)

    - Fleece mid-weight cycling jacket

    - Smartwool Medium cushion socks

    - Pearl Izumi Cycling Baraclava

    - Eureka ALPENLITE 2XT tent

     

    Stayed very comfortable throughout the night.

     

    I tried the hot water bottle. It did work, but I abandoned it on night 2 just for the hassle-factor. Didn't notice any appreciable difference.

     

    Also, night 2 at about 2 am, felt a slight chill, but my bag/body seemed nicely warmed. Felt that it might be from the cold air intake. Tried an experiment and put a small tripod over my head and hung an afghan on it to form a "mini-tent" over my head/neck area. Took care of the problem. Afghan was a little moist, but sleeping bag was not affected.

     

    Also, another interesting thing I noticed - when I had the baraclava over my nose and mouth, plus had both arms inside inner bag, kept waking up with "panic" feeling (claustraphobic). Pulled baraclava off the nose and placed arms outside inner bag, but within outer bag. No problems after that.

     

    Thanks again for all the help!

  17. Insight and advice, please...

     

    To date, our troop has had all-male leadership.

     

    With our visiting Webelos, the Den Leader said his wife would like to become involved with the Troop as a leader when their son moves up into Boy Scouting.

     

    One of our Troop leaders has apparently told her that women aren't allowed in the Troop.

     

    Is there some BSA policy that prohibits female participation as an adult leader (I think I've seen females serving in various Boy Scout roles). If so, could someone please steer me to that policy (document name or number)?

     

    For the record, I think there is a time when boys need to be led by men, and don't necessarily think it's in the best interest of the boys to have females as leaders on the campouts. I do however, feel torn in that many of these moms have given their heart and soul in Cub Scouting, and would probably do the same as a Boy Scout Leader.

     

    My gut feel is that when we cut away "political correctness", most Boy Scout leaders would prefer women not be leaders in the Troop (or regular participants on campouts), but I don't know that you can bar a female from being a leader - and that there may be circumstances when such leadership might be welcomed. Any know what BSA has to say about this?

     

    Insight?

     

    Thanks!

     

     

  18. Other than the GTSS large open blade statements, is there a BSA policy restricting pocket knives to specific standards?

     

    Reason I ask... I'm a fairly new Adult Leader in Boy Scouting (Legacy Cub Leader though). Soon after we joined the Troop, an experienced leader (well-meaning, I have no doubt) said that BSA Policy states that Scouts' pocket knives must be "locking" and no longer than (I think it was) 4 inches. I have not been able to locate this restriction in my online searches.

     

    For the record, I think this is probably a good idea, but am not sure this is a BSA policy. If it is not, we might want to establish a Troop policy about this, but I can't in good conscience tell the Scouts and families that something is "BSA policy" if it isn't.

     

    Any insight?

     

    Thanks!

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