SSScout

If the "commands" make sense (and these are what are used in our area CSDC and Troop and Pack meetings: "Color guard advance, post the colors, Please join me in..., color guard reform, about face, color guard retire/dismissed..."), then where is the problem? The goal is a respectful placing of the national emblem at the front of the room. We, as Cub Scout or Boy Scout leaders are under no real obligation to follow any set military protocol. "It oughtta go like this..." is always a welcome comment but we are here as examples, not necessarily rule givers. I will remind us of all the "rules" about flag handling we have to debunk all the time. We are teaching respect, and the reasons for that respect. The necessary ritual need be adaptable to the situation and personnel involved. The boys will catch on. It is a learning process for the boys. Do they need prompting? often. Do we smile and gently shake our heads at the gaffs? yes. Do they learn? absolutely. Are we proud when they do it well? heartily so. When they smurk and giggle uncomfortably when the flag staff bumps the ceiling, do we chastise them afterward? perhaps in private. Maybe it is then an opportunity for a CMMinute or SMMinute about history and striving for perfection and not acheiving it.

Long ago, humans discovered that cloth/animal hides stretched between/around poles (trees)could protect from sun and rain. My Scoutdaze tents were of three types: * Tarps, either canvas or plastic. Drape over a rope stretched between two trees, or some other creative means of support. * Wall tent, or it's cousins, the Baker, or Camper or Explorer. Canvas and not usually anything else. * The Pup tent, canvas or coated nylon, of varying size. Surplus shelter halves, bigger Eureka types, or on up to the classic summer camp Wall tent on a platform. The rained on canvas was dry until you touched it. But , it kept the rain off and sun out of your eyes and the drip of what ever it was from the trees at night. Temporary shelter was changed forever by four developements, which seemed to come about the same time: The improvement in materials (coated nylon, plastic self healing zippers, fiberglass poles), the external support systems ("umbrella tent"), and attached waterproof floors! No more seperate ground cloth! Thus you had ease of erection, lighter weight, more unobstructed space inside, nothing to forget or set up badly (ever had the rain come down the tent, onto your groundcloth and into your tent? Tuck that GC inside!)and NO CREEPY CRAWLIES! I have found this last to be the single most unapreciated improvement between then and now. If you want a tent to entertain in, yu can get a big dome tent. If only shelter for the night, then a tarp will still suffice. I went on a Troop trip and the Scouts oohed and aahed at the tarp I set up. Course, it was only me, but what more did I really need? A 10 by 15 foot tarp, 5 feet on the ground, staked snug, folded up 4 feet with two poles I cut on the spot, and over the last 6 feet to cover with two more poles. I did bring the pegs with me, but cut four just for show. It was roomy and protected from the morning drizzle.

Parcel out duties such that the boys are not just busing tables. Boys should be cooking, serving, welcoming, cashiering, entertaining (skits, anyone?) right along with the adults. Make a display of activities, pictures and Scout memorablia in the entry hall. Get the media involved. Pester the local TV and newspapers to come and see some "good news" to report. Lots of advance notice. Taste test the menu a week before. Leave time to "correct" things. Bake sale? Dessert included? Make sure you invite the CO's IH and COR and get on their newsletter/ bulletin. And everyone wear the Troop Tshirt (or class As? Spaghetti stains?) and hats.

All of the above... Ask around and find someone with a good telescope and look at Jupiter and Saturn, both of which are visible this time of year, Jupiter early in the evening, Saturn much later (how late do you want to stay up??) http://www.astronomy.com/News-Observing/Astronomy%20Kids.aspx Altho it is no longer a FC rank requirement, find the North Star and talk about navigation. Learn the major constellations and you can tell some of their stories, either American Indian, or Egyptian or Roman or whatever. I always liked the Iroquois story about the bears...

But aren't things already "standardized"? Isn't that what the Scout Handbook is about? Unless we get specific "Train the Tester" requirements, then a Maryland First Class should still be equivalent to an Oregon First Class. It is the local folks' responsibility to see that the Scout really does know how to tie the knot and light a fire and ID Poison Ivy. That is where we have our discussions, how so and so isn't really REQUIRING the Scout to show "proficiency". Parlor Scouting vs Trail Scouting? It's not as tho the Maryland Scout uses a different HB than the Oregon Scout. Different school systems use different textbooks, BSA uses ONE textbook. We could, I suppose, start on about the "dumbing down" of Scouting, again. But that's been done. As to teaching to the test, at our last IOLS, our Fearless Leader reminded his staff that we had a syllabus from National to teach, but it was alright to add our own experience to it. For instance, teaching fire building and safety, not only what was in the BSHB (10'safety circle, fizzle sticks, etc.), but such things as using Cheetos© to start the fire, or demo a fire piston, or tell the story about how the OA wanted a really well illuminated Camporee campfire program, so they built twin 8' high oak pallet campfires but neglected to arrange any water source nearby...and how certain Scouters spoke gently to them about it...

Scoutnut has the correct answers. see also http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Awards/ReligiousAwards.aspx and www.praypub.org What is often not recognized is that ANY Scout may earn ANY religious award, with permission of the faith. I met a young man at a formal Scout event and recognized three religious awards on his pocket, the God and Country, the Ad Altare Dei, and the Ner Tamid. I asked him about this and this is the story he told me. His father was Jewish, his mother Catholic and the Troop was sponsored by a Methodist Church. He had no trouble finding the time to earn all three awards, the faith leaders involved evidently were very cooperative.

Anybody have a link to the Johnny Carson routine selling the "new and improved toy, Dickie the Stick"? Needs no batteries!

As WB Staff, I asked this question and was told: "it depends" * extensions are granted (house burning down just might qualify!) * ticket item situation might change due to no fault of the participant. * or... just sloth and poor planning might lead to a missed deadline, in which case, the participant can take the course again... AND "it depends" whether or not they would be REQUIRED to take the two weekends again, or just plan another set of tickets. That's what I was told. Now, that being said, I met an older man with a chest full of square knots. He said that this was the SIXTH WB he had been to, in more than one council. He just liked the comraderie and such... He was a 4 beader, but did not wear them thru the course, he was just "one of the boys". No, he was not a "plant" from National. Everyone on Staff knew about him.

Thanks, S/N, I couldn't get the National source to work...

http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/DocDownload.asp?orgkey=1933&id=33083 It really is all inclusive. The "Cub Scout Outdoor Program Guidelines for 2007" is the quotable source. Print it out and point fingers at will.

The idea of the Charter/sponsoring Organization is, I think, a good one. Compare to the GSUSA model, where the GS unit is "chartered" to the local Council, but the Leader(s) are the defining quality. After several years, that GS unit ceases to exist. The BSA unit, on the other hand, has some continuity. There are GS leaders that are seeeking to modify this reality, but that is another thread. Of course, that continuity depends on the BSA unit Leaders and Scouts in recruiting and such. I knew a Cub Pack that was very successful for 20 plus years, and then could not drum up any Tigers or Wolves for three years straight and , poof, no more Pack. It happens. As to the Charter Org being a "non-Scouting entity", I would think that most COs ARE truly Non-Scouting Entities. Just because the CO is a "Friend" of a Scout Troop, doesn't make it/them any more Scouty. What the CO needs to be is "sympathetic" to the purposes and ideals of the BSA. This could be a Lions Club or a church or VFD or Mosque. The important thing is that , if the Unit NEEDS some help, the CO should be willing to give it. If the Unit appreciates a "hands off" CO, great, but that is not the real idea, is it? ""I could see a potential CO having trouble committing to supporting a Scouting program with such specific, rigid and expansive goals and methods."" The goals and methods are hardly so "specific, rigid or expansive". Most COs in my experience do what they can for their units, or do very little, depending. It is a two way street. The unit can "require" and so can the CO. Or not. I knew a unit sponsored by a church where the Pastor actually DID NOT KNOW(!) they had a Scout unit until I called them (as a UC). Once the Pastor was more knowledgeable, the unit was much better off. The Charter Agreement (check with your local Council for a copy) is, I would say, loosely specific about who does what. I always liked the first paragraph on the Council side, tho: "Respect the aims and objectives of the organization and offer the resources of Scouting to help in meeting those objectives". What exactly IS/ARE the objectives and aims of the "hands off" CO?

Bandaid, Nylon, Plexiglas, Rayon, Walkman, Saran...

Trailer can have: >> Fenders over wheels are used to hold water jugs (eyebolts in wall hold bungies), only when in situ. >> Swing out arm is used to hold hand washing station (gallon milk jug on string, soap bar in nylon mesh on rope, towel) >> Small flood lights in rear, hooked into trailer electric wiring, for night loading/unloading. >> Separate rack over hitch triangle to hold tarps, firewood, etc. >> Signs on sides/rear give Troop ID, phone number to call. >> Include jack, patch kit, tools for tire change. Train Scouts in Tire Change (Auto MB?)

*sigh* BALOO G2SS and..."Cub Scout Outdoor Program Guidelines for 2007" (actively reffered to by the Council Cub Camp Program)::: http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/DocDownload.asp?orgkey=1933&id=33083 ...which talks about CSDC, Pack Camping, Cub Scout Resident Camp, and oh, just oodles of things to complicate your mind...

...and if you collect the poptop levers off soda cans, you can exchange them for time on a kydney dialysis machine...

It's an accronym, people, it codifies what successful teachers have been doing for centuries. Even the Socratic method can be seen as EDGE. Ask the right questions, you'll get the desired answers (or actions). Try teaching a Scout the Bowline without demo ing it with a piece of rope. Teach him with verbal direction, and see how that goes. I had a public speaking coach say it this way: "first, TELL them what you're going to tell them, then tell them, then tell them what you told them". And motivation. How do you make it DESIRABLE to learn the skill. That is not included in EDGE, but should still, I believe, be part of the process.

"Reverence to God and reverence for one's neighbour and reverence for oneself as a servant of God, is the basis of every form of religion. The method of expression of reverence to God varies with every sect and denomination. What sect or denomination a boy belongs to depends, as a rule, on his parents' wishes. It is they who decide. It is our business to respect their wishes and to second their efforts to inculcate reverence, whatever form of religion the boy professes." ==Robert Baden-Powell, Aids to Scoutmastership

Oh, the luxury of an active unit committee that has enough folks to be able to determine who may NOT vote. Treasurer: How's our finances? Popcorn raises enough money or not? Have we collected all the IOUs from the Philmont trip? Program: How are plans for the canoe expedition coming? Does the SPL need any help? The SM should always attend, even if he/she doesn't "vote". In a small Troop, where few people wear many hats, the SM may well be a "voting" member. In any event, the UC needs to hear from the SM as to how the Unit is doing. How'd that last hike go? Are the boys having a good time or only just "being there?" Maybe the old timers on the UC have some suggestions. The good UC will sense burnout before the SM is aware of it himself. The UC is the group that holds the "Operating Officers" of the Scout Unit responsible. And the consensus of this concerned group must be part of the corporate memory of the Unit. Blest is the Scout Unit with a Concerned Committee that puts the welfare of the Unit above petty ego things.

Depends on what kind of pin, and how perminent an attachement one desires. Safety pin type, usuually not a problem. Adjust the bend in the straight pin and the "lock" on the tip end. Clasp pin type, test periodically for tight attachement, clasp to pin. One can buy new clasps at your local hobby shop (sometimes!). If not available, you can try needle nose pliers and teeny bending adjustments of the clasp "handles". I have done this, until I discovered I could buy new ones! (now, where did I put that little plastic bag with the other 9 clasps in it?). And, lacking those possibilities, form a glob of "GOOP" on a piece of wax paper. Allow to dry thoroughly, peel it off the wax paper (plastic wrap is a perminent stick) and then you can push it onto the pin (it takes the place of the clasp). And then don't let the Cub Scout run around playing Steal the Bacon with his medals jangling and getting grabbed by his buddies.

And we still haven't started on the BACK of the shirt. Prime, vacant, undeveloped land, er, territory.

G2SS and SSD are what all Scout leaders (Cubs too!) should start with. Absolutely, go over with the boys, good, safe behavior at the pool. If you think about it, all the SSD things (subsandwiche?) are things that any pool operator, public or private, would want to consider. Your parents AND Cub leaders need to be mindful of them. Deep water needs to be respected by the beginners and you will find the pool staff lifeguards will not complain if your boys are the most respectful and careful ones in the pool. If you want to test your Pack for Swimmers and Beginners, ask the pool staff how you may cordon off a section for your swim test. If it isn't too busy , should be no problem. If you rented out the whole pool, ask folks to come 1/2 hour early to give the test. MiF, KiS&S!

"Hello? Oh, hello Mr. Eaglscouttransferparent. Good to hear from you. How's Johnny like Troopnew? Uhhuh. ummm-mmm. Well, you know, each Troop is different. No, we haven't thought about that. (((surrrre we haven't))). Well, since Johnny transferred out to that New Troop, Carl made Life and Sammy is the new SPL. Yeah, doing a good job too. No, haven't heard any talk about Johnny. Wait, I'm sorry, I think I do remember hearing that some of the boys had heard about Johnny's Eagle project. No, I don't know. They might, I don't know... Say again? Transfer back? After he completes his Eagle? Why would he want to do that? No. Ummmm, Nooo, I wouldn't think Johnny would WANT to come back here if we made him so uncomfortable. Listen, Mr. ESTP, I really don't think it's good for a Scout to bounce around between Troops without a really good reason. Boys need structure and stability, don't you think? Anyway, what's wrong with Troopnew? Uhhuh, uhuh... frankly, that sounds pretty usual to me. I don't think we'd do too much different. Have you spoken to their Scoutmaster? Yes? He said that, eh? Well,as an Eagle, Johnny would be expected to pull his weight in his Troop, don't you think? He could suggest more activities and... No, I believe that's up to the PLC. P-L-C. Well, the boys elect their Patrol Leaders and ... oh, no? He does? Uhhuh... No, I don't think it would, your'e right there, our Troop didn't act like that...still doesn't! eh,eh,eh... Well, listen: I am sorry your boy isn't happy at Troopnew, but he also wasn't happy with us. What makes you think things would be any different? Well, in my experience, making Eagle SOMETIMES indicates a maturation on the part of the boy, sometimes not. Yes, I'm sure you know Johnny better than anyone else. What does Johnny say about all this? Huhhuh...huhhuh... Okay, ummm...okay... (((sigh)))... Well, I still have to say it would not be a good idea for Johnny to switch Troops again. I think Johnny chose a good Troop and... yes, I said I think Johnny... oh, why would you say that? Don't you trust your son's judgement? You obviously supported the decision to switch before... No, it still would not be a good idea. I really believe that if Johnny switched to Troopnew with the intention of earning his Eagle with them, he owes some loyalty to them, don't you think?... They have served him well, don't you think? I think he might make a fine SPL for Troopnew, but then, I haven't seen him in 2 years. You'd have to ask the SM, or even better, I think Johnny should ask the SM. Yes. Yes, um-mm, ... Oh, your'e very welcome. Good talking with you. Good night."(click). Wow.... Martha? You out in the kitchen? I need some Earl Grey, here...Let me tell you about this guy...

I find agreement with everything above. The BL of my youth was a Scout magazine: how to do, make, go and stay. Since the "dumbing down" of the rank requirements (see other threads), the content of BL has lost it's purpose. Articles on finding the north star, morse code study and use, tracking, animal IDing, filled it's pages. It was a addendum to the "Handbook for Boys". It had advertising, but I remember most of it's content was articles about "them that are out doing it" and "how to do it", but that's how things were back then. We made our own tents, camped on a "budget". Here's something indicative: my son's Patrol buys it's food/supplies, THEN divies up the expense. In my Scout day, each Scout contributed, say, $3. (!) and we bought our meals from that. If we had money left over, great, if not, we didn't buy any more. The same attitude seems to permiate the BL of today. It says, "here's a product, already made, to take care of this problem/situation. Buy it". The BL of today resembles a comic book, not a useful how-to book. It is almost too slick. Where previously, only one "Scouts in Action" item would be in an issue, now more episodes are now included because (IMO) they are easy to produce, popular for their subject (action, heroism, reallife, the reading Scout can ID with the Scout in the episode, show how Scout training can really save lives) and no copyright issues. And it is a cartoon. Think Classic Comics. It makes it EASY to read it. The Bible stories are nice. But, as I have had to remind folks before, Christianity is not a requirement to join BSA. Sure, they are Old Testament mostly (haven't seen any New Testament stories for a long while), but where are stories from the Koran? Bhagavad Gita? Book of Mormon? Native American creation stories? Come to think of it, BL used to feature American Indian legend and mythology on a regular basis. When was the last time you saw an article about Kipling's Jungle Book? Jack London wrote for BL. So did Hemingway. Who writes for BL now? I like Gary Paulson ("Hatchet"), but even he is limited in his draw. Scoutson glances through his BL and is done in 10 minutes. It has no draw for him because, in his own words,"it's too young for me", and he said that when he was 13. He's now 16, and it really is "too young" for him. Yes, he receives the BS edition, not the CS edition. And why the perception of the need for seperate issues? Where is the challenge there? I read about the camping and hiking of Boy Scouts and my little Cub self couldn't wait to grow up. The BL of today is playing to the lowest common denominator, and not asking the Scout reader to step up and do more than they thought they could.

Beware the parent who poo poos the idea of any such problem. "one little taste..." We have some friends with which we went to a minor league baseball game. Their boy was 8, ours was 10. Both loved Baseball. We were sitting in the stands behind and beyond first base, about 7 or 8 rows up. Foul ball gets hit toward us, lands in the stands and rolls right up to our feet. Friend's son picks it up happily, and within 30 seconds, his throat starts to close up. The ball had rolled thru some peanut shells on the floor. The parents knew exactly what needed to be done, and he was fine within minutes. But without that knowledge, it might have been diffferent. He only needed a special inhaler. Take it seriously.

1) Things change because the new thing is "better": more logical, longer lasting, cheaper, more useful to those involved. 2) Things change because the people in charge must recreate their world in their own image. This happened EVERYTIME my department got a new manager. Something always changed. Something. Always. 3) Things change because the 'changer' needs to justify his/her existance to the bosses. 4) Things change because the rest of the world has moved on and unless the change is made, the stuff in question will become historic, rather than relevant. 5) Things change because no one resisted the change (for whatever rationale) and it happened. 6) Things change because time only is measured in one direction, at least in our experience. 7) Things change because meteors are non-returnable.