SSScout

Well said, Eamonn. My reading of the ideal Scout Troop is the SM teaches the PLs, and Troop Guides/Instructors, and they teach the other boys. The Other Boys. Often, the SM is not the skilled axeman, or cook or knot tie-er, and hopefully another leader is there to teach the skill. Sometimes it is self taught , read the book, look at the pictures or video, and the skill will come to the one involved. If the adult is concerned with "earning " a rank, maybe that is a good thing, it can lead to being proficient in the skill. But maybe, just maybe, if the adult is interested in the skill for it's own sake, THAT is sufficient to the boy. Scoutson is like that. If I am splitting wood, he takes an interest in that. If I do a crossword puzzle, he will sometimes come and read over my shoulder. Even so prosaic an activity as properly loading a truck with brush and treelimbs to take to the dump (where the load is ground up into mulch, which we can then take back) so it can be unloaded quickly (there is a technique), was very interesting to him. Any skill is something to be "passed on". But does the Scout leader need another "rank"? There are recognitions to note our skill and training and service. Powder Horn, EDGE (shudder), Wood Badge beads, "Trained", leetle rectangles of knots, "Staff" of camp, oh there are lots of bangles to wear if that is your desire. And if one thinks about it, there are lots of skills and stuff that we learn and do and know that do not have a scrap of cloth as a result. Archery Range Safety Officer. CPR-AED. Merit Badge Counselor. Troop Treasurer. Pop Corn Kernal. District Eagle Coordinator. Need I go on? I have to agree with the idea that an adult leader does not need to "earn" a youth rank. It is sufficient to know that we are facilitating the boys (and girls?) in doing what they need to do. Learning to live by the Scout Promise and Law. (oops... Venture promise? Law of the Pack? Oh, you know what I mean).

Back from the weekend... Had to re-read my little story to understand the resulting comments. It wasn't me that was "angry " or "outraged", as seems to be the interpretation of some. In the first course mentioned, our scoutmaster/instructor leads his patrols in various exercises to show what a Scout needs to know to ultimately earn FC. Each Patrol has elected a PL, and my instructor deals with his "Troop" thru the PLC. He "awards" small trophy ribbons to the patrols who "win" the patrol competitions. While instructing, we have competitions in knot tying,lashing a tall pole together, finding your way around a compass course. He had me teach Wood Tools as a class, and then send them out to make a "perfect" tent peg. During their free time, they could come by my axe yard and "play" with my toys to make their pegs. As they finish, we critique them and give them lots of praise for their efforts (sound familiar?). And some are better than others. The final lowering of the flag at the end of camp (this is a saturday morn thru sunday afternoon course) is the time for cheers and awarding of "Trained" patches and cards. The other course (which I have helped with more than once now) was a "Sabbath Friendly " course, Sunday morn thru monday afternoon (take a day off work!). The course leader was(is) an experienced Scouter, but her philosophy is different. She doesn't divide the folks into patrols, but treats everyone as a Tenderfoot under her Patrol Leadership. Hence, I become a Troop Instructor/guide, in essence. She does not have any competitions, but lots of practice. As I mentioned before, I like to show that the knife part of T/C is essentially the Cub Scout Whittlin' Chip, and what better way to get the Cubs interested in Boy Scouting than a couple of Scouts teaching knife safety? Which is why I asked her about awarding W/C, which she had not considered. Evidently, she was used to presenting all the Scout patches during the course as evidence of completing the material, (along with the T/C), along with the "Trained" patch. I think I must have been the first one to question this. I wasn't angry, I just didn't think, from my previous experience and reading of the manuals, that it was appropriate. She backed off and did not present the T/C that time and I did not see the other patches presented either. Only the "Trained".

Ummmm. I am reminded of a certain lunch counter....

No need to "dump" them. Suggest that the Council Shop donate them to local public libraries. Many of the local libraries in my area have Scout sections, including MB books and other references. I would not expect any Media Specialist (read: Librarian) would EVER refuse a donation of books. Or, pass htem on to the Learning for Life section. Maybe they could use them. I the mean time, try pulling the binding apart, gently, spread some GOOP © in the cover, and push and mold the loose pages back into the book. GOOP© is tough, waterproof, flexible and almost as important on my camptrips as Duct Tape. Almost.

I teach "Woods Tools" at IOLS. I work with one leader that has it down and runs a good weekend program. He treats the nascent SMs and ASMs as a Patrol(s) and we lead them through the requirements of the T-2-1. It is understood that they will learn the knots and lashings and animal/plant ID and fire safety and map and compass AND how to SAFELY use a knife, axe and saw. Those that have some skill and knowledge already, help those that don't. It is understood that these adults are learning what it takes to "pass" the ranks, but not necessarily "pass" them themselves. I helped another IOLS class , with a different leader, who expected that the class would "earn" the Totin' Chip in my knife and axe class. She even had the badges to award them with. I reminded her that adults COULD NOT earn and wear youth awards, and she became almost angry. I told her that if these folks followed my instruction, they would in essence have "earned" it, along with the Whittlin' Chip (part and parcel with the Totin' Chip). Should we not award that too? She was confused by that. These were Boy Scout Leaders, how could they earn a Cub Scout award? I finally convinced her not to present the T/C patch. I like the idea of NOT having adults in essence in competition with the youth. If the adults are desirous of the experience and bling, there are lots of courses and classes and patches and awards to earn and be proud of on their side of the age boundary.

There ya go. Please shake that CM's hand for me. I train bus drivers. The requirements are in the Commercial Drivers Handbook of our state. They are what they are. There is no changing them. There is no adapting them. The tests are given at one site, not in the church parking lot we may practice in. The candidate can listen to me and I will answer their questions and show them what they need to do to pass the test, but the state will not take my word for it. The state inspector tests them, on the state site, and he/she says yea or nay, not me. Same thing here, only with smaller candidates and (I hope) less important skills than directing multi ton vehicles on crowded roads. I hope Ms Cubscoutmom learns her lesson as well as the Cub.

Our Troop has used two different filter systems, and both were prone to clogging until they started following the directions, ie let the stream water settle out and then prefilter it through a clean hankee/kerchief. Made the filters pump easy for a much longer time. Rinse out the hankee, wash hands with soap, and reserve the hankee for that duty only.

You have been counseled in what equipment and oersonal gear to bring. But remember to take the REAL essentials with you: * Duct tape. * Extra rope. * A silly hat (pursuent to your PL request) * Modern Scout Manual. * Old Scout Manual or Fieldbook for comparasion. * Tarp (it will be far too big, or too small, or not needed. You predict). * A happy, expectant attitude. * A mug for coffee/etc. Thus being ecologically sound, eliminating the need for throw away styrofoam or paper. * Carabiner to clip cup to belt for ready access. * Our best wishes for a fun, successful WB!

"Character is what one does when one thinks no one is looking." The materials rightfully "belong" to the org that benefits from the project. If they don't want it, and the supplier doesn't want it back (for a cash credit, presumably to be donated to the EPBorg.), then I would either: * donate it to another charity, such as Habitat for Humnaity, or The Loading Dock (Maryland) http://www.loadingdock.org/ * Make a judgement as to the worth of the materials, make an apprpriate donation to the EPBOrg, and keep the materials for home use. * Offer them to another eager Eagle candidate for his project. *Offer them to another nonprofit that does good work for others. * Offer them for sale at the next church fleamarket/tardsale and donate that to the EPBOrg. * Put'em on Craig's List and donate the proceeds (if they ever sell!) to the EPBOrg. The nascent Eagle and his family are to be congratulated not only for his award, but for his thoughtful consideration of the disposition of the leftovers. That's why we're here, I guess.

""Two become first in state to be inducted in national society"" " THURMONT -- More than 300 people -- mostly Boy Scouts -- gathered on Friday at Camp Airy to celebrate outstanding leadership within their troops. The uniformed group filled a mountainside dining hall, where they ate chocolate cake in honor of two Frederick County Scouts who were recognized for their achievements." http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=139550

So "they" know more about us/me than me/us might. I recently availed myself of an offer of free biz cards from Vistaprint and , sonofagun, there it is in the top line, even as I type, "Vistaprint" offer of free bizcards AND a rubber stamp... But I also worked thru a problem with Black and Decker, but have yet to see them touted here.

I think this trhead should be transferred onto the "Faith and Chaplaincy" forum. Oh, wait. I forgot.

IMHWBO, I would want to know who will do the beading? Your friend? Your WBCD? Your TG? If the friend is doing the neckering and beading, use his necker and be proud. The WB course will be giving you your beads and new necker and woggle, in any event. You earned them. The "historic" necker will be a nice conversation starter and can certainly be worn. I sometimes wear the Troop necker from my youth for home Troop events and have a talk about the comparison between the present one and the old one: one's small, one's big, blue vs red, standard issue vs Scout designed patch. YOU only have to decide to wear it OVER the collar, or UNDER the collar, or fold the collar INSIDE the shirt...

Ah, but the answer to that is NOT that praying for God to cure the patient is a bad thing, the answer is to note that the surgeon's skill IS God curing the patient. The increase of knowledge is not merely because of human ingenuity. Else there would be no need for intuition and insight and the "aHA" moment. Logic may well be the highest form of human endeavor, but it does not and cannot claim all discovery and invention. One man's miracle certainly is another's coincidence.

Ah, but the answer to that is NOT that praying for God to cure the patient is a bad thing, the answer is to note that the surgeon's skill IS God curing the patient. The increase of knowledge is not merely because of human ingenuity. Else there would be no need for intuition and insight and the "aHA" moment. Logic may well be the highest form of human endeavor, but it does not and cannot claim all discovery and invention. One man's miracle certainly is another's coincidence.

Oh, ma goo'ness... http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=2013%20national%20jamboree%20patch&clk_rvr_id=375452032840&adpos=1t2&MT_ID=70&crlp=13281054852_2416792&tt_encode=raw&keyword=2013+national+jamboree+patch&geo_id=9232&adgroup_id=4028198172 all on ebay, and none of which look like what they sent me to "welcome me". This is what they sent me: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://lfcjambo.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2013-NSJ-Patch-on-Venturing-Uniform-FB-2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://lfcjambo.org/&h=517&w=460&sz=70&tbnid=9lmI7tTMBVCuKM:&tbnh=84&tbnw=75&prev=/search%3Fq%3D2013%2Bnational%2Bjamboree%2Bpatch%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=2013+national+jamboree+patch&usg=__jrdl7lXTFGUcf428UyCmEwgBP_U=&docid=dlFZGbrrVUfB5M&hl=en&sa=X&ei=pewqUPDsJ4bW6wHT34CoCA&ved=0CG8Q9QEwCg&dur=1128 Wow.

It looks comparatively smaller than the 3" diameter round patch of the past. And the embroidery is somehow different, I can't really say how; it just is a really small stitch, very smooth and sharp edged. And rather dark, it reminds me of the silohuette of the BSA postal stamp. New Jamboree, new image.

Don't know my own "submit" strength.

Mega dittoes to all the above. I will add one suggestion. Schedule a "transfer of command" ceremony, maybe at the next CoH or even a regular Troopmeeting. Such an event solemnizes and makes official the idea that HE is now the REAL Scoutmaster and HIM is the ustabe Scoutmaster. The boys will then know who to go to, for sure. No question about it. This can be as simple as a CC announcement and a shaking of hands and "congratulations and good luck" or as complicated as a laying on of hands, a blessing from the pastor, SM promises while grasping the Troop flag pole, a wife pinning on the patch, etc. But it should include the old SM spmehow being acknowledged for his service and the new SM being acknowledged as the new one (!). This makes it public and not a private and (somehow) reversable affair.

Used to be the sign off on rank requirements was on a seperate little card, much like the "Blue Card" for meritbadges, except it was tan (?buff?). 'Course back then, the Merit Badge was signed off on a seperate card too, without any "partial" passing. The MBCounselor either signed as passing or didn't. The book was a book, not a 'record ' book.

"Family " camping vs "Scout" camping vs "Personal" camping. As a Scout leader, I take training so I can do it Safely and in an organized manner. The training helps me to see and realize problems and possible dangers before they might occur. That's why the PTB make up the Guidelines and Rules. The precautions are well thought out and will be found to be good ones. With that training under my belt (maybe that's why they have extra buckle holes), I often find myself helping others: noting the need for a "designated" parent/lifeguard at the backyard pool party (no one thought of it), or the friend that wants to plink cans in his BIG back field with a BBgun (everyone shoot from the same place and wait their turn, and LOOK for others coming near). And when the kids learn the safe way to do things, much heart ache and pain can be avoided. You make the kid aware of the responsibility he /she has taken on with the activity and there is a new attitude, a new idea has taken hold of the boy/girl. They come away with a new maturity, discipline and pride of "doing it right". But for someone to actively try and make a Cub activity look like it's not a Cub activity, no, uh-huh, can't do that. It either is or it isn't. And even if it isn't, the activity can only benefit from a Scout trained presence. Make sure that parent goes and takes the Shooting Sports Training. May well open his/her eyes.

My daughter (who is now 28 and a married lady) became "Peanut" as a toddler and has remained "Peanut" ever since. When my Scoutson (now a bodacious 18 year old Eagle) first joined, he was renamed by the SPL "Hitler" because of our german heritage name and insistance that it be pronounced correctly. When I heard this at a Troop meeting, I spoke to his dad and we had a conversation with the SPL about respect and maturity and "courtesy and kind" issues. He saw the light and all such "nick"naming stopped. Turned out the SPL thought that since his football team coach did the same, that made it right. There were other nicknames used for other Scouts around the Troop, but none like that anymore. The given, real name became the norm. Names are important. How we refer to each other is important. The renaming of others can reinforce prejudice, lead to psychological problems, cause friends to become enemies, and lead to needless other problems. Such renaming and refferal is also an indication of one's opinion of the other. My equal? Inferior? Not worth my trouble? Friend? Helper? Threat? Call some child "stupid" often enough and might he not begin to believe it? If you want a confrontational culture, namecalling can be a good way to create it. If you want a cooperative culture, proper name useage and respect of name can be a good way to lead to that. I suspect the coach had an education too, courtesy of the SPL's dad.

Now THERE'S an idea.... One promise... "I promise to do my best, to do my duty to God, and to obey the Law of the Pack/Troop/Crew." And the various Laws are...?

Google: Basic First Aid: The Red Cross, http://www.redcross.org/takeaclass/ Boy Scout Council: http://ktc-bsa.org/wfa.htm Wilderness First Aid : http://www.soloschools.com/index.cfm?event=courses.show&ctid=1#### Hard to learn CPR without a "dummy"....

This is the same problem that all public access organizations have. I often tell the org to pretend they are the person looking for them and try to find them. What's in the phone book? Are you "Boy Scouts" or are you "Muddy Cedar Swamp Council"? Which one is the citizen going to look for? Or online... What happens if the citizen googles... what? Cross reference is a good thing. So .... Do not look at the process as someone RECEIVING the information. Put yourself in the role of the person PROVIDING the information. Our Council provides (along with the charter contract) a paper copy of the latest charter list, and then a DETAILED booklet that details the Why and the How, and answers just about every question ("do Tiger Partners need to provide the Social Security Number?") you can imagine, and then literally goes from step one ("create a myscouting" account), on to the providing of the required signatures on the updated paper charter roster. The next thing that is VERY useful, is a trained and knowledgeable Commisher for the Scouter to call and provide the shoulder to cry on and acknowledge the teeth gnashing. Oh, and answer questions. And encourage deadline meeting. Realize that the rechartering process is a goodthing, if only because it insists that the CO realize that they do sponsor a Scout unit. Who was that masked man? Why that's the Lone Institution Head.....(music over and out)