SSScout

"wowser, (wows'-er), adj. obs. 1. Exemplary, marvelous, tending to be amazing; 2. Worthy of a young person's adulation or immediate attention; as in "thats a wowser of a helicopter, grandad, fer shur". See also Inspector Gadget. "

Yes, if one quality of a person is desirable (bullet 50 yard passes), then one can ignore other, less desirable qualities (knock up as many females of the species as possible).

Tonite, I will gain "personal experience".

It is the first Troop Committee Meeting of the year. We are a smallish troop (maybe 20 or so boys) and the dictum of 'the jobs get done by whoever shows up' is very true.

The idea here, originally, is to start planning and laying out the years activities and assigning adult leaders/sponsors for them. I suggested to son (SPL, brag) that he might want to call SM and ask to come to the Committee meeting to talk about what the boys might want to do. His response, "aw, they won't let us do them". But he eventually called SM and SM said "sure, bring your ideas". Son was surprised and said so.

So son and I have spoken about what Troop might do in the coming year. He often finds his 4H and Church youth group and camp more exciting and rewarding than Scouts. Altho I encourage his interest in the other things, I am dissappointed that he does not find more satisfaction from his Scout involvement. Too often, those schedules take precidence over Scout stuff.

Possibilities that son and I have discussed: attendance at Canandian Jamboree instead of regular summer camp, canoeing, horseback riding overnight, target shooting at local indoor range, more trail hiking/camping.

He also has a hard time believing that the other boys would be interested in some of his ideas, and he has reason to feel that way, judging from response to many of last years activities. But I tell him, he needs to put forth the things he would like to do. That all one can do is offer, if the SM and TCom support his ideas, then he can make it happen.

But it won't happen if he doesn't ask.

* I have a hard time rooting for anyone who is paid more per hour than I make in a year. They need MY support?

*I like to point to the Medivac helicopter pilots and paramedics that "entertain" by flying wowser 'copters AND save lives.

* College Ball is more exciting to me, anyhow. They seem to do the different, the riskier plays, they take chances in the tactics and strategy more than the pros.

* This guys car washing bill would buy a months worth of food for a village in Dafur.

Archery : history : skill : arrangements.

Check out:

http://www.archerylibrary.com/books/badminton/

YiS

Wow.

?2005? Anything new known?

Man, I will just do anything to avoid housework. And that was one of the things my wife said attracted her to me (my willingness to help with housework, not my desire to avoid it).

When a thread becomes a hawser so quickly and consistantly, I tend to wait to read thru the history.

I think kudu sees a trend and BW sees an improvement. The first sees a lack of real training and the latter sees a continuence, an addition to.

What I see in my small experience as an ASM since the boy became a Scout, in many Troops (not just ours) is a desire of the boys to LET the adults do the planning, the arranging, the leading. So long as the adults are willing to, and MODEL such behavior, the emphasis will be NOT on the DOING of outdoor stuff by boy led Patrols.

I think I agree with what some threaders have posted.

If the desire is to encourage the Scout to be knowledgeable and self-sufficient in the out of doors, both alone and in teams (Patrols), then the training will be arranged accordingly. Knowledgeable adults will teach other adults(BSLS, IOLS) who in turn should be able to teach/encourage the senior (PLC) Scouts who in turn should take pride in passing on this woodslore to the junior Scouts. And the circle should be self powering and self healing.

If the desire is to teach "how to lead", then the question becomes "lead what?"

I would posit that the activity should drive the need for leadership, not the need for "scientific" leadership drive the need for an activity to lead.

I am not an authority in any of the academic leadership curriculums cited above. I am close to completing my WB tickets. The WB course I took was worthwhile, for an adult to lead and organize adults, in hindsight not much for encouraging boys to lead boys. But what it did do for me and the others in my Patrol (hoot hoot) was to 'empower' us to organize stuff for our boys, hence the 'tickets'.

I reviewed the BSLST manual I was given three years ago. It has alot of "National" pages, and alot of "inserts". There are 6 pages on "organizational charts, Leadership principles, Leadership Styles, Leadership skills and Adult Job Descriptions". There is ONE page titled The Boy Led Patrol. It is a description of the Patrol organization, and types "Regular, New Scout and Venture". ONCE is mentioned "That size (about eight boys) is appropriate... also for hiking and camping without leaving a trace." It then suggests the reader refer to 'Chapter 13, The Outdoor Program". Although there is LOTS of reference material in this three ring binder (some of which reminds me of the Boys' Lifes I read), there is NO "chapter 13" in the book. Don't remember recognizing that way back when.

It is a wonderful compilation of info, skills and observations about what a Scout Troop CAN be, but little about how to obtain a Boy Led Troop.

I'm not sure how much of our discussion back then included how to obtain a Boy Led Troop/Patrol. It sure ain't just saying to the boys: "go do it".

'Nuff for right now.

YiS

I received TWO copies this month. I cannot descern any difference in the two address blocks, they are identical. I will call them later.

I cannot fathom preferring an electric version over the paper version. That might label me as old fashioned, but you can't sit back in the woods and worry about the battery on my laptop to read it. I just got back from a 50th anniversary camp out at my church's camp. A very good time was had by all. Got to acquaint the camp with the Campfire ash tradition and added the camp to the pedigree.

Ditto eagle92.

Shall we talk about bank fees too?

kenpen: Welcome to the virtual crackerbarrel. Pull up an invisible bench (see classic skits) and get comfortable.

Good Question.

Nielup has the bear's share of the answer.

1) The BoR is not a 'final exam' pass/fail, or graded.

2) The 'knot' is, traditionally, an "overhand knot", but like jet526 sez, it would be hard to duplicate it as an actual, useful, recognized knot. I like his instructions. My older manuals all mention the bottom knot as an 'overhand' knot, and mention it's symbology: "the knot on the scroll reminds you of your obligation to do a good turn daily". Unfortunately,the type of knot is missing from my son's manual.

3) The knot hangs from the 'scroll', which is a part of the Second Class, First Class and Eagle badges. The First Class badge is de facto the BSA symbol, and is also within the Star badge, and the Life badge, so the knot is also included in ALL BSA badges. Must be important somehow, huh?

4) The knot appears to me to be more a 'hank' than a 'knot'. A hank is a bunch of rope or cord one would hang on your belt just to have a length of cord with you for whatever use . Practice your knots, throw for a rescue, tie up something, hang something from a tree limb, harrass your little brother, whatever. Be Ready, right? Or Available, or well equipped or...

5) The knots on the metal pin/badges are a twist of wire, not a knot. On big wall mounted carvings, I have seen carved knots and attempts at hanks with small cords. But not a simple overhand knot.

6) I seem to remember an older Scout book that counseled tying a knot in a loop of string (on one's belt? in the pocket? around the finger? don't remember that) and when one's 'daily good turn' was done, the knot would be untied. Tie it again the next morn, and repeat as possible.

But why stop at only one good turn?

Does that tie things up?

(This message has been edited by SSScout)

Wow, what a trip.

From my reading of the above,(anything to avoid house work)I think:

Bob White is correct: The "Official" BSA program is there for all to read and know and follow, and if you start with that, you can't go far wrong.

Beavah et al is/are correct: The CO makes the rules in THEIR situation, as they DO own the unit. The people involved ultimately are the ones that gotta do what they gotta do, because...

Bob the Tomato is correct: "It's for the kids" (Scouts in this case).

And 'Murphy' (of the Law) is correct: "The work that can get done will be done by whoever shows up".

In our Unit/District I happen to know that the predominant way of choosing leaders is to see who shows up and then train them, either "on the job" and or thru formal class.

My supervisor is correct: You can over manage the group. If all the workers are in agreement with the GOALS of the organization, and understand their responsibility in the heirarchy, then the best thing is to do is empower folks to do the best they can do. Familiar?

And, yes, unhappy customers do go to other "need providers". Frinstance, if your Cub Pack is attached to a Troop whose SM ASSUMES all your Webelos will automatically become HIS Scouts, then it is no surprise to anyone (except the SM!) when the Cub Pack thrives, the Webs cross over to OTHER STroops, and the Troop shrivels.

And Quality Circle Management is correct: Seek Consensus in Decisions, encourage creative responses to problems, and ultimately work toward the Organizations Goals.

F Scouter is correct: Some times the best leaders have no boy connection. My boy's CC has not had a Scout in the Troop for many years. Excellent organizer.

GW is correct: All our relationships with others and decisions are benefitted by applying the Scout Law and Promise.

And BP is correct: (fill in the blank with your favorite quote from G2S).

Thank you, one and all.

I forget if I've mentioned "Same River Twice" Feature Films for Families (there are two films of this title. You do NOT want the one with the naked folks on the cover.) Old friends reunite for another white water raft trip. Close small community, depending on each other.

Excellent, many thoughts provoked. Good white water sequences. A Study of not only human dynamics but hydraulic dynamics as well!

It may not be "official BSA", but if you want real 100% wool outdoor wear, and to put things in perspective, see www.filson.com

Check out the 'Double Mackenaw Cruiser' coat. Wife gave me one for combo b-day & anniversary. Warm. Tough. Handsome. Not BSA. Made for work. These folks supply timber/lumber workers.

The talk about the Den Chief Training made me wonder: It seems to be a given that Den Chiefs do tend to insure a greater number of Cub to Boy Scout enlistment. The question then is,

How do we encourage the Boy Scout to be a Den Chief?

The biggest section (use-wise) is "Open Discussion - Program" Sort thru this, and one finds a few themes that might warrant their own section.

Scouting and Religion (? Chaplaincy?)

Scouting and the Media (? How to ""do"" media?)

Scouting and (shudder) Politics

Everything Else and Scouting (?Gray Areas?)

A seperate section for each "Method" might yield teeny sections, better included in a "Methods of Scouting" section.

Then too, there are 'methods' not necessarily included in the "Methods" !

Thanks for bringing it up, Its Me.

(This message has been edited by SSScout)

Older Cubs (webs, Bears) should be able to handle the VC, Tigers, Wolves, mebbe not.

I would counsel working up to it. Have pre trip Pack meetings about Bike Safety, riding in groups (single file, signals, stopping, ) Have a Pro from a Bike Shop come and do the talk and demo. Mechanical condition of bikes, tighten those bolts, true those wheels, pump those tires, adjust seats for comfort and efficient pedaling. . Make sure someone in your group is tire patch savvy! Small tool kit! Have a "warm up ride" of 5 or 8 miles. Be aware that most if not all of your Cubs have NEVER riden a serious ride like this before. Not to mention the adults. Check their bikes too!

Helmets are required... ADULTS TOO. set the example and be willing to say no to someone who refuses to wear a proper helmet. G2SS and liability and all that.

Carry some water and a small First Aid kit and.... DUCT TAPE..

VC may LOOK all down hill, but you will be helping gravity in places. Plan on at least 3 hours, with pickanic and "look at that" breaks.

And the bail out points.

And a Point Person (kids' pace!) and a Drag (tail) person. "No Scout Left Behind".

Who meets with Pickanic lunch stuff at what point where?

Cell phone exchange.

And do plan on Belt Loop earning, electives, etc. Patches!!

I envy you. Have fun.

Ummm?

OOPS... Corrections to previous postings...

Recent Commisioner Meeting... Here in X County District, we seem to have a "corrected" list of about 275 units chartered and registered of all shapes and types and sizes. We now have two scheduled R/T with BS and CS sections and RTCs. Looking for a third set. Seems like we have about 20 active UCs and they are connected to one or two U's historically. Gonna have two (at least) maybe three CSDC, but one CSDC Director has announced her retirement ( 6 years!). Two Camporees in the fall, if we're lucky, (did have four thru the 6 ustabe districts). Combined Dist. schedules seem to yield one Den chief training, two BSLS and two CSLS training thru the fall. And a UC training (all ya gotta do is round up some likely suspects).

My CPack lost it's CM to a job transfer, and the three gents who stepped up to pick up the reins decided to SHARE the duties, one will be the CM in name, the others ACMs but will rotate the months activities. The CC and others are all good with it, so the little Pack that could, does. Four full Dens, five if you divvy up the Webelos officially.

And so it goes...

I like Jblake's take on the fake.

If your on grass/dirt, set up a small tent or fly, too. If asphalt, put down a couple sheets 1/2 inch plywood and stake/ tack things to it. If Scouts available (Den Chiefs?) Demo hatchet sharpening and tent peg making (Totin' Chip stuff).

We have a two man(boy) saw that is an interest grabber, set up a saw buck, a 4 - 5 inch log and let boys cut off a cookie for a souvenir.

Good luck to you.

Anything new to report?

Anything?

Step One: Somebody gets an idea...

Back in the dim memory of my Scout days, for trip planning we had to rely on vacation brochures, vague memories of exciting visits to exotic places, telephone calls ("Colorado!? Do you realize how much a long distance call to Colorado tc going to be???"), USpostal letters and waiting for replies.

It's still good to hear someone say "wow, my uncle jake did thus and so..." and take the inspiration and run with it.

But now, internet info, picture indexing, Google insights, how much easier can it be? And quicker? The slowest thing has to be getting a National Tour Permit approved (another historic artifact. My inner Scout sez, What's a Tour Permit?? Never heard of 'em back then. Just plan, pack, and go.)

"Is it acceptable..." Good gracious, yes. Make every other unit in your Council start wishing. And looking. And planning.

Plan, pack, and go. And fill out the Tour Permit.

And invite me...

YiS

I have not found a cloth friendly solvent that will remove OLD BM. If it is NEW, and not set with ironing or long dryer time, it will come off and out of the cloth with dry cleaning fluid. Carbon Tetrachloride worked for me there. Good ventilation, please!. Least, mine did. But old stuff , uh-huh.

So why the plastic coat on the back of the badge? Makes it hard to sew thru. The older style, only cloth badges were easy to sew on. The plastic backing necessitates using a thimble to push the needle thru. Tough.

If you have sufficient lead time (I would judge at least a month or more), invest in some phone calling and/or websurfing. NASA is very willing to provide promo material about Space exploration. AND, if it fits into their schedule, you might even get an Astronaut to come and wow the Cubs.

Lacking that, go to the nearest University and see if the Engineering or Physics Dept might be able to help with some special stuff. Worked for us some years ago.

Military District? Check for the Corps of Engineers. They (Baltimore Mil District) did a great section for our CSDC.

Brain storm it, and run up your phone bill a litttle, couldn't hurt.

I see no reason to REQUIRE a Scout to purchase all new uni. Most will be wearing out or outgrowing the old anyway. And those that don't outgrow'em will likely only need'em for a year or two more. Unless the Jamboree REQUIRES the new uni (natch).

NEWS ITEM:

DATELINE: New Town, New Jersey

HEADLINE: ""Troop Wear Out Dates for New Numerals""

"Scoutmaster Scrub Down of Scout Troop 9999 pronounced the Troops latest activity a great success. "Yessir, I didn't think much of the idea at first, but those boys really did a good job planning and executing," said Down.

"The boys invited the Girl Scout Troop for dates, served up the ice cream, organized the square dance and everything. I tell you, they were really tired but happy at the end of the night. Raised almost $500 for the church building fund."

The St. Ignatious Numerals Catholic Church has been planning their expansion for over a year now. Father Reilly Enferther said he appreciated the Scouts efforts. "Our new Numerals will be built that much faster, thru the efforts of these Scouts",

praised Father Enferther."

Hello, Eamon. Nope, didn't get to this year regatta. Only so many me's to pass around.

I thought he was called a Regional Somebody, could be wrong about that. But that's what it was, a larger area fellow overseeing the smaller area "temporarily".

GW: I always think the stew is tastier when it's stirred a little , yes?

So: If the DE is NOT ultimately responsible for 'fundraising' thru his/her District, but is supposed to encourage the volnteers to fundraise, and then the DE somehow gets credited for the funds raised in his/her District by 'his/her' volunteers (which he/she encouraged),and if the DE is chastised or praised and promoted according to (among other things) the amount of funds raised in his/her District, how is that not being responsible for fundraising? (donja love run on sentences?) All those salaries come from somewhere, right? and they don't all come from 'dues'?

Do they?

sorry, can't wait for the answer, gotta go back to barn raising (son's 4H project)

TTFN, YiS

Many moon ago, Back in pre history, my Troop was in the X County District of the MegaCouncil. We had a good time.

When I finally became an adult (note I did not say grew up) with a boy to be a Cub, I discovered that in my absence, the X County District had been divided into A,B and C Districts (Omnia Countia est in tres partes divisibus?). My inquiries devulged that the rationale was that the powers that be thought that each District Executive (a paid position? a JOB? hey, maybe I could... nah.)should have about 40 or fifty Scout Units to oversee, and we would probably see a reshuffling of units in the near future due to growth and "overcrowding". X County had about 350 Scout Units of all sorts. Okay.

Sure enough, about three years ago, we were told that, due to overcrowding, our A, B, C districts would become the (they asked us for name suggestions) D, E, F, G, H, and I Districts. A new DE would be named for each. We drew a very personable and capable young man with a wife and two cute kids. So the X county is now six districts.

And so we progressed. Our F District organized and held Day Camps, camporees, Tiger Hunts, IOLS and all the rest.

Come May roundtable of 2008, it is announced that the D,E,F,G,H and I Districts would be combined into one X County District so as to "better serve the Scouts and better utilize the resources available", effective 1 July. In the mean time, keep on providing the high quality program to our Scouts. Us Volunteers felt somewhat blindsided, seeing as no one had said squat to us about this before the May roundtable. UCs are asked for an inventory of our units, and to recruit about 10 more UCs each to help cover the territory. The X County District will now have a District Executive and two Assistant DEs. "Regional" activities" will be the norm, three Regional Roundtables are predicated, if three RTCs can be found.

X County District has about 360 Scout Units of all sorts.

Meanwhile, the grapevine reveals that of the original six Districts, only 2 had DEs reliably over the three years. These men will be the new ADEs, the County DE named is a new fellow to us. Two other Districts had DEs, the two positions were filled by four people, who then transferred to other Scout positions or resigned for totally other jobs. The remaining two Districts evidently never had DEs assigned, being "temporarily" overseen by a Regional Executive. Conclusion... The reorganization gains BSA Council a big saving in payroll, and MAYBE the volunteers can take up the slack.

I have alot of respect for the dedication of the ADE who usetabe our F District Exec. Somebody has to sign the contracts and keep track of the 360 Units.

And what can we learn from this exercise, class?

Everytime a new boss comes in, the org is remade in his/her image. It is the way of the world. If a new SM is invested, the Troop will change alittle or alot, thereby.

The Scouts will still need to go camping. The Cubs will still need to "Go see". If the MB books are in color now, so be it. We communicate by electrons rather than mimeo ammonia.

Let's go...