SSScout

Once upon a time I was a dispatcher for the Transit System. I was responsible for closing up the garage after all the busses came home at night. If all went well, I locked the doors and went home at about 1:15am. One friday night , about 11pm, I answered the phone and the conversation went something like this: "Good evening, this is Busses Are Us, how can I help you?" "Can you tell me about the Subway system?" "Perhaps. What is your question?" "Well, my son is attending a special class downtown tomorrow ((*tomorrow would be Saturday*)), and I'd like to know how to get to the XYZ University at Muddy Bottom Station". "Are you going with him?". "No, he'll be going by himself". " (??) Ahh, how old is he?" " He's 15." "And he is attending a class at a university?" "Yes...." " Shouldn't I be speaking with him, then?" There was a noticeable silence on the other end. The male voice said "Wait a minute...." A younger voice came on: "Hello?" "Are you the student going down to XYZ University tomorrow?" " Yes..." " Do you know where you're going? Ever been down there before?" " Oh sure, I went down there before to sign up for the class!" " And do you need to hear the directions on how to use the Subway to Muddy Bottom Station?" "Nah, I'm Okay. " and here he recited how he would board the subway, buy his farecard, and transfer at Midtown Station to the line to Muddy Bottom. "That sounds about right. Is that your dad I was speaking with? Do you think he knows that you know? Could you maybe let him know that I know that you know that he should know you know how to get there? " "Uh?" I spoke to the adult voice again, and assured him I thought the young man knew how to get there. I suggested he review it with him, but let the boy do the reviewing. He thanked me and we said goodnight.

The SM names some Instructor/Guides. He might actually have some idea who is good at what skill. SM and ASMs teach the I/Gs some skills (Totin Chip, knots, etc. ) . These I/Gs teach the younger Scouts the skills. Use the EDGE method, if you wish. This is where the adults model behavior...... The SM INSISTS on this. He then instructs the Patrols to elect their PLs. He then convenes the PLCouncil, where he trains the PLs in PLeading. See www.scouting.org/Training/Youth Or, send them off to the Council's NYLTS. Give each of them a copy of the PLHandbook. INSIST they do PLeader things! When they come up and say "you mean I can DO that?" the SM says yes... Choose a SPL and a ASPL or two. SM might appoint the first time out, and after a year or so, the Troop or PLC elects them. The adults drive the cars, catch the kids that fall down, but they do not prevent them from falling down! Howzzat?

"..... and when they got home, there was a HOOK stuck in the car door handle!!!!!!!!"

C'mon gang, you're running out of nits to pick. Parents can "observe", any time... This is about an Adult Patrol, playing Scout, being in comparison/competition with the Boys. This is not about escorting Scouts to summer camp (requirements are still there: YP, Two Deep, etc.), or staying over at camp when they are not "vetted" (what exactly is that? I wanted a Mustang, anyway....). "Old Goat Patrol", Rocking Chair Patrol, 273 meter camping.... let's get on with encouraging the "Patrol Method".

Wood Badge and IOLS are set up and run LIKE A TROOP WITH PATROLS, but they are NOT a Troop for adults...... , and I think this is where the OP's friend got confused, it is not how the adults should operate, but how they should encourage the boys to operate. Yes, "Old Goat patrol" is an un-official thing. ASMs, Patrol Dads, SMs, CCs etc. are all ex-officio members, but to try and compete as an actual Patrol, no, not good. Watch from a distance. Teach your expertise to the SPL, Instructors, PLs, then step back and let them teach and example themselves for the younger boys. I have a wonderful photo of Scoutson, filing an axe, while another Scout watches and points at the activity.

2CD: You had a problem , alright. Maybe the CCh should delegate alittle? My home Troop has a dedicated (as in this is her whole job for the Troop) membership person. She keeps up with registration, training, stuff like that. Not the Advancement Chair. Our CCh is very capable, and keeps in touch with everyone, but HIS specialty is organizing summer camp. When Recharter comes around, half the work is already done. Ms MP cranks up the rechart website, types in the new access code and away she goes. They were still late with the finalities, but that was admitted to be the Council's problem, lost paperwork, new hires, bad arithmetic, etc.

"Leave no trace, just leave your money". Yes , in this day and age, it is not unreasonable. It will help in the preservation of this natural wonder. Many moon ago, our family visited the GC, and were suitably impressed. Did the short mule ride.

Sprout18: Greetings from the Old Line State and welcome to the Wonderful World of Wondering if I'm doing it right. And to the Scouter Forums. Never anything wrong with getting some more training. The worst it can do is make you think. And give you another excuse to go camping.... In our home district (sounds like yours) folks that attend IOLS can stay another two hours and get the philosophy/safety part of OWLS and leave the site with IOLS and OWLS certs. Yes, it is another step up from BALOO. As has been said, BSA is concerned with safety and accountability. So Cubs camp in a Pack with mom and/or pop. Webs camp as a Den with the WDL and his/her colleague AND pop/mom, as possible, drive the car up to the campsite, YP rulings apply. If you are going up to Cunningham Falls, be aware they close early in the fall! Camp Bennett may be open for group camping.... Back yards of grampa's farm is always available. Thanks for all you do! YiS

And.... DCh can be a long dedication. I agree with KDD, why not ask to be the Tiger Den Chief? He can "grow up" with them, and, if he's good at it and enjoys it, he can be a "big bro" for these Cubs right on up thru to crossover. AND... he will be the de-facto DCh for his real lil' bro anyway, count on it! There is no requirement that his PoR change every year, he could be a DCh for as long as he is welcome! I helped in the Eagle investiture of a young man who had served as a DCh for a least three of his Scouting years. And yes, check with his SPL. He will need the approval of the DL, the CM, and the SM. And welcome to the forums!

As in many things, "it depends". Commissioners come in all types. Mostly, around here, they tend to be older, Scout experienced folks. Our area is no where near the one Commisher-to-three units ratio National recommends. Most of the Commishers I know are multi talented: they Commission, do OA stuff, are ASMs, teach U of S courses, do CSDC, lead Roundtable, teach IOLS, coach new units (used to be a Deputy Commissioner patch for that), recruit MBCounselors, AND make sure the units get rechartered. I do 4 units, all at the same CO, and am consulted at times and get invited to the B&G banquets, and spaghetti dinner fundraisers. I became a Commisher because of my Woodbadge tickets. Mostly, they had to do with Cub Scouts, but I was registered as a Boy Scout ASM, so my TGuide suggested I become a Commissioner, because as a Boy Scouter, I would not be allowed to do Cub Scout Tickets, and a Commissioner can do pretty much anything Scouty, so he said. So I said what's a Commissioner, and the rest, as they say is history. That said, the question is what's a Commisher supposed to do, and what should a Scout unit expect one to do? Other than help shepherd the recharter process, a good Commisher can offer ideas and advice but should mostly step back and watch the fun. I have always been welcome at any of my units meetings, and if I make a comment or pass on info (what? Scout accounts are bad?) I am at least listened to. I am often reminded of the joke where the coat and tie man comes up to the flood evacuees and says, "hello, I am from the Federal government and I'm here to help". Then he has to prove it.

CSDC.... We had our share of picky eaters. On the first monday, we met one boy who REFUSED to drink, anything. Not plain water, not sweet stuff, nothing... At lunchtime, the Denwalker finally brought him up to Admin and told his story. His folks were called and he went home early. Came back on Wednesday, and all was well, he drank when reminded, and had fun thru out the camp. Why the difference? I never heard.

Wow. Very neat trip. A traveling summer camp. How was this organized? Who did the bulk of the itinerary and schedule? And I notice (BSA take note) the uniform of the day seems to be a tshirt and a necker! And we can't get Scouts to wear the necker and make slides/woggles.

Scoutnut has the idea, in fact LOTS of ideas! All good! KisMif! And please take'm out places, at least once a month, GO someplace! A museum, the zoo, a hike around the lake, a dad's work place (how fun is that for the Tiger, to show off where dad (or mom! Ooops, sorry!) work. Mention "Scouts" and watch doors open! Yes, not everyone will be able to go on every "Go See It", but make the plans.....even the most boring (to an adult ) office can be an adventure for a 6 year old. Make the Cubs the "gang" for them to want to hang out with. Cub Promise, Law of the Pack, etc. : Write each word on a 3x5 card, throw them in a bag. When you are about to ask Johnny Cub to lead the (?) , hesitate, and say "ummm, I wonder if the adults have been paying attention? Here, (offer the bag to the adults) , take out a word, and let's see if they can line up in the right order to make the Cub Promise, ...." The Cubs will love it, Keep order, let the adults do the work, let them re-arrange themselves until they have it right.

Why not just give the 2.9mil directly to the school district? Why make the BSA Foundation the donor? Anonymous is anonymous and strings are conditions.... I do not understand the need to donate THRU another foundation/organization. Did the BSA Foundation gain some bucks too? Or were they only the pass thru? Are there tax benefits this way and not the other? It sounds strange. And as to the " ... when the facility is not being used by the district during non-school hours, the Boy Scouts of America Capital Area Council would have priority access to the building..." I would presume that the BSACAC would pay the same fee as the Karate Club or the Junior Republicans...

There is NEVER any reason to humiliate, or purposely physically harm anyone in Scouting. Any organization that dictates such activity as a requirement for membership, or allows such to happen or otherwise encourages it does not equate to the Scouting ideals with which I am familiar. When my son became a Cub Scout, I noted the "tradition" of holding a Cub up-side-down to receive his Bobcat pin. I immediately protested this and , much to some adults chagrin, it stopped. "But all the Cubs before did it." No, not all of them did. Someone, somewhen, DECIDED that it needed to be done. Why? To prove what? The Cub is rightfully proud to receive his pin, he earned it, yes? Why make him a source of embarrassed entertainment? "Boys will be boys", indeed, but my boy will not be THAT kind of boy. He has been on the receiving end of similar behavior (not the "sacking") and by our discussion, sees the "other" in himself. This is what is lacking in all fraternity hazing, bullying and such. The actor never sees himself in the "other", only someone who must be "educated" or "made to be worthy" or "made to be subservient" to their "betters" or "seniors". Look up "cognitive dissonance". When I was asked to join the High School service club, I felt honored, right up to when I was interviewed by the Club BoD. The teacher advisor was present. The most of them, all of whom I knew, asked some really good questions about why, and what and how. Then one of them asked if I sh*t in lumps? I responded how was that germane to this club? Perhaps this was not the club I should join. The advisor was obviously non-plussed and that was the end of my interview. I joined and the asker was not as happy the next time I saw him. It is sufficient that I know the Scout has promised to abide by the Scout Promise and Scout Law. If he doesn't, then that is the reason for the next discussion with him AND if necessary, his parents.

Scoutmaster stuff.... Filson... Made in the USA...http://www.filson.com/mens/the-cruiser-shop/-1015/ I still have a vest made out of my dad's cruiser coat, Scoutson wears it now, 70 plus years old...

Eclipse, Buster Brown Shoes, Campmor is still cataloging.....American Chair Co. made my pack frame....

I have seen whole steer roasts, but THIS is the most extravagant thing I have EVER seen....

Stosh: The "jet stove" was one of those propane stand alone burners. My Leader always called it a "jet" stove because of the noise it made. And, yes, it was a big FOOOSH, but the dinners didn't take on any kero taste/smell, it had burned down considerable before the aluminums were put on the coals. I like your last comment about "I can do that".

Here's what I once saw at a IOLS camp cooking demo: On the camp driveway, two feet wide heavy duty aluminum foil, doubled, laid out 25 feet long, held down with some rocks along the edge. Foot wide charcoal piled along the center of the foil. Looooong squirt of kerosene into Charcoal. Light it off. FOOOOSH! Meanwhile, Scouters (25 or so) make aluminum dinners, chopped steak, fish, various veggies, double wrapped and seamsealed. Coffee pots filled with cocoa, coffee, hot cider, When charcoal (maybe three 40 pound bags) is hot, dinners were laid on, pots pushed in. Someone even attempted a chocolate brownie thing in foil, It was like a chewy cookie when done. It burned for an hour, plus. True, they didn't COOK by Patrols, but they did PREPARE the meals by Patrols. Clean up was rolling up the foil. Clean up water was done over a big jet gas stove. You folks have any other interesting demos, examples, ideas?

It is recognized the "Join Scouting Night " in September is a Cub thing. At recent BSRT this was passed out and discussed: Stuff To Do To Spread The Scout Gospel, And Invite Boys (and parents!) To Your Troop It’s not JUST for September! If Scouting is such a good thing, why are you keeping it a secret? And don’t do it (recruit!) just once a year! Boys can join any time! Get your Committee to work! They can’t (and won’t) join if they don’t know you’re there. Suggestions we have collected: 1. Article in local community newspaper. Did you go to Philmont? The Summit? AT hike? Call the Gazette or the Sentinel! Don’t forget the photo and contact number! 2. Let Church members know about the Troop. Church Bulletin? YOUR House of Worship, not only the CO! 3. Flyer/ table at local middle school's Back to School Night. (Coordinate with Cub Scouts!) Check for Public School Disclaimer paragraph! 4. Letter sent to all graduating 5th graders inviting them to join Boy Scouts (check with the Principal, see above) 5. Boy-to-boy recruiting - most successful method for us. Create a card to pass out to friends. 6. Web site that people can find by Googling ( Is your www.BeAScout.org account accurate? If not, inquiries go to the Council office.) 7. Pass out cards @ sporting events, parades. 8. Flag ceremony for PTA. Presentation to PTA. 9. Sign outside your CO: “Home of Troop , Crew, Ship XYZ†10. Make contact with the Middle School Counseling Office. 11. Demonstration/exhibit at Library. Check with Head Librarian/ Media Specialist. 12 Sponsor /Donate a Boys’ Life subscription to the Library. 13. Speak to Scouts about their “angst†at wearing uniform “in publicâ€Â. 14. Make sure everybody has “Class B “ T-shirts or sweaters. They can be worn anytime, not just to Scout events. 15. Listen to Scoutcast podcast. See Brians Blog: http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/201...rs/#more-28161 16. Make sure you have a “Boy Led “ Troop, and a quality, high energy program. The successful, large Troops are active, going places and doing stuff every month. If a boy joins your Troop, why should he stay? Your Patrols should be encouraged to do stuff AS A PATROL, don’t wait for the Troop to go out. 17. The Adults can wear their Scout belt, cap, jacket outside of “campâ€Â. Conversation starter. 18. Den Chiefs. Appoint to local Pack. Make that connection. Cubs watching and looking up to “big brother†Scouts in their Cub Dens. 19. Offer to do a “Whittlin’ Chit†class for the Pack’s Webelos and Bears.

Howcum I see nothing in this proposed "Rule" about the Scout Law? Everything is covered in that. >>Taking good care of the equipment? Trustworthy, Loyal , Thrifty, Helpful.... >>Replacing stuff I helped break? Trustworthy, Thrifty, Helpful, Loyal.... >>Camping/Tenting with a fellow Scout? Friendly, Trustworthy, Loyal..... >>Not tenting with dad anymore? Brave, Friendly, Courteous, Kind..... >>Being there when needed? Trustworthy, Helpful , Kind, Obedient ,.... >>Looking after my "buddy's" welfare? (he'd do the same for me): Helpful, Trustworthy, Kind, Friendly.... * see also your faith's version of the "Golden Rule".* Sooner or later (hope it's sooner) every boy says "no thanks , mom, I'll fold my own underwear". Some need a push, some need an example of the other boys and adults. >> If you can't trust your SM to do right by the boys, then all else is moot. Policies are firstly to assure a uniform, expected response to a given situation and secondly, for folks who might not have the experience or other good judgement in a given situation. Hence, the G2SS, and SMST, and IOLS. Policies can be GENERAL or REALLY SPECIFIC. And what happens when the Policy doesn't include THIS situation? That's when policy writers go crazy.... I see this as a really good SMMinute possibility....

All good ideas previous. My Troop sold trees in days of yore, and I have seen other Troops sell. My thoughts: * Location, location, location. High traffic, high sales. etc. Parking for cars, pull over space. * Security: You will read about folks stealing not one or two trees off unattended lots, but DOZENS . Keep the big supply off lot, but ready to bring in. See below about recruiting...... * Publicity: Signage, newspaper article, even TV time can and should be pursued. Lights at night. Music in the back ground. (?where's the electricity coming from?) Burn (as permitted) old scraps and trimmings. Pine smell can bring folks in. Don't forget the local BSA newsletter/email flash. Church newsletters, etc. Poster in the library. * Scheduling the help. Insist on Scouts AND parents presence. Talk it up at every meeting. email, phone trees. * Recruiting: Put that axe yard up front, where folks can see, where boys can see. Set up a tent, keep Scouts there in a camp, if possible! Cook some meals there! Dutch oven brownies! Peach cobbler (even if only canned peaches)! Sausage and eggs! Camp biscuits and honey! Sell food or give away tastes! * Make the friends of your local police and fire dept. (volunteer?). They can and will be willing to help, keep an eye on things, etc. This is a real opportunity , if pursued effectively. Have fun and Good Luck!

Here's that discussion again. Does a Scout GET Eagle? Or does he EARN Eagle? I can GET a Maserati, with enough money. I can EARN (or GET?) the money , many ways, some more better than others. Some ways are judged by society as more appropriate than others. Convincing people to buy my pencils rather than someone else's. Curing cancer. Loaning money for sub-prime mortgages. Raising dairy cattle and making milk and cheese. Importing opium to Detroit. Building railroads and bicycles. Choices, choices. If the goal is the Eagle badge, sure, worksheets, wall charts to mark off progress, all good ideas. I agree with TwoCubDad, we already have the book. But my question is, HOW DO YOU GET THE KID TO READ THE BOOK? .Seems most boys nowadays WAIT for someone to TELL them what to do, how and when and where to do it. And because often they are told and given and so they never read the book. Where my BSHB was fairly shopworn when I "aged out" (never heard that term until I was an adult). The BSHB that our boys bring to their BoR is often uncracked, clean. Kept in a plastic bag by mom, so the BoR can sign it, neat. To treat the Eagle rank as a "goal" as a "reward" is only natural. One has to want it. But why want it?

My experience with the home Troop and others is this: If the adult was a Scout (BSA, GSUSA), they will usually stand up and ask, "what can I do? What needs to be done?" and we find something for them to do.... If the adult was never a Scout (or had a bad experience in Scouting), they are noticeable because they stand on the side and watch. These folks need to be approached, welcomed and ASKED to help in some small (or large!) way. Both of these folks, it must be remembered, are there in the meeting room either because they want their boy to be a Scout or the boy REALLY wants to be a Scout and has dragged his folks there! Either way, the Troop looses if the new parent is not soon involved in the culture of the Scout. Then, too, there is the third type, who drops the boy off at the door and disappears for two hours , only to show up later to pick the boy up . These you really need to approach and make to feel welcome.