SSScout

Ditto what Col. Flagg said. I would add: You mentioned TWO different Troops. Make sure to include the Scoutmasters in the ceremonies. Ask around to other parents (make a call to the District Eagle Coordinator) about possible scenarios. Who makes the speeches? Who leads? Who MC's? Eagle Charge? What version (there are several). I personally do not see a problem with wearing the uniform (if they can still fit into it !) for the ceremony and evening festivities and photos. Congratulations to your Scouts. When they are ready, they will "come back" to Scouting. Give them a nice send off into adulthood. See you on the trail...

Courtesy Seneca District, NCAC: ""Funeral services for Artem Ziberov are scheduled to be held at Neelsville Presbyterian Church this Saturday, June 10, 2017 with visitation from 3-6pm and the Memorial Service at 6:00. 20701 Frederick Rd. Germantown, MD 20876 Scouts and Leaders are asked to wear their dress uniforms. Matthew Beyers Chair, Seneca District National Capital Area Council senecaadmin@ncacsenecadistrict.org""

For our BALOO courses , there is a pocket pin http://www.scoutstuff.org/bsa/uniforms-insignia/insignia-metal/pins/cub-scout-hat-pins.html#.WTnoWzE2zIU It is official, nice to have. I still have mine, on my "pin" ribbon.

Stosh: Well, yeah, I agree , when the ego gets in the way of the Scouting , the SM needs an attitude adjustment. But sometimes, sometimes, the SM is the boss. In setting the example, in encouraging good Scouting, in saying "hey, I don't think throwing THAT into the campfire is a good idea." and like I said, when the SM decides that BSA established policy (he had the training, yes?) is not his way of doing things, maybe he does need to be taken aside and , as we say in the Quakers, "Eldered" a bit .

PirateLou: Sit ye down and welcome to the virtual crackerbarrel. There you have true family history. Obviously very important to your grandfather. As has been said, there are FB and online groups for BSA patches and badges . If they appear to be (or you know ) mainly from NC , contact the local BSA Councils . I daresay you will find folks that can give you some info about the provenance (love that word) of your items. Camps that have been closed and sold, events , awards, items given to your Gfather by friends and folks he passed on the trail of his life. Scrapbooking? Display boards? Family reunions? Scout reunions?

Ditto all the above. Sometimes the king must be reminded of the agreement given in Magna Carta. Scoutmasters are "A" boss, but might not be 'THE" boss of the Troop. "it depends...." Why do what should be done? We have BSA policy, well established and published and TRAINED ? We have a Troop Committee and lots of tradition (cue Fiddler on the Roof music) which is very important, but sometimes gets in the way of being "fair " and in the boy's best interest. We have the "Boy Led" aspect, which should always be considered first, except when BSA standards are involved (rank requirements? Safe Scouting? Scout Promise and Law? ) It is always embarrassing when a Scout (or his parents?) brings a BSA book to show the Scoutmaster (or Committee Chair or Advancement Chair or...) something that does not jibe with what has just been said or declared (" you must do it THIS way"). Talk over the seeming disagreement between what is "read" and what is "heard" with others in the Troop community , then ask the Scoumaster to meet with you after the meeting, in the hallway, over a cuppa in Fourbucks and politely ask about this mismatch between his way and the BSA way.... Give him an "out". Try not to back him into a corner, but allow that his heart is in the right place, just maybe not how he wants to guarantee the best program for the Scouts. See you on the trail.

Kitchen duty: Fancy apron, or two. Or three! Silly hat. Sunglasses. Promote the same from the rest of the crew. If it ain't fun, the quality of the food will suffer, even more ! Make sure everything is CLEAN , every day. Sing a cleaning song....

SSF: What you say is true, but remember, it is PATROL competition (I HOPE !!), not individual Scout...

Mzkelly Welcome to the forums. And thank you, Robert12, nice catch... "Et tu, Scoutmaster?" I knew we had seen this sort of thing before. "search function is your friend".... go to http://scouter.com/index.php/topic/28731-i-lost-blue-cards/ on another browser page and come back here to rant some more The Scout needs : 1) a caring, knowledgeable MBCounselor. 2) to follow the instructions on the Blue Card (one part to the MBCounselor, one to the Troop, one part to the Scout ). 3) The name of the Troop's Advancement Chair/secretary/registrar. 4) As the Scout progresses in Scouting, he needs to record EVERYTHING in his BSManual. Dates, names, places. And keep that manual safe. I knew a Scout who had TWO BSManuals: One in his desk at home, one in his hike haversack. He also had a baseball card plastic page three ring binder to keep all the MBCards and Training Cards etc. He was glad he had these records when he had to appeal his Eagle application. 5) Not a bad idea to periodically check the Troop's records against the Scout's, against the Council's (Troop does utilize the internet registration, yes? ) 6) Buy the MBBook. It is a good (nay, excellent) source of information about the topic. It makes a good Middle School curriculum for homeschooling . If Scout READS it, he will probably not need any "worksheet". All the "answers" are there, in the MBBook (surprise !) . Even Bugling and music ! See you on the trail....

To condense the past discussion: (we will ignore the over/under debate...) Reasons to wear a neckerchief: * It is tradition. Scouts have always worn neckerchiefs. *It marks/identifies the wearer as a Scout., recognized thereby thruout the world. ( Noting this, the rest of the uniform might be seen as not necessary). * It (they ) can be used to identify/organize Patrols, Troops, Camp Staff or other Scout groups. In this , the Unit may decide on it's design and construction. * It can be useful. First Aid , bandage, wrapper, sweatband, sun cap, emergency rope, dust mask, game/team ID, * It can be an award for noting a Scout's (or other person !) activities. * It can be used as a mark of achievement (see previous). * It can be a souvenir of a memorable event, or place visited. * It can be a means to secure a new friendship thru trading. Implied: * The slide or woggle used to secure the neckerchief can be a means to exhibit one's creativity. *The slide/woggle can be all the above , in and by itself. Reasons NOT to wear a neckerchief: * It can be itchy, uncomfortable. * "It's dorky", (perhaps compared to a gent's necktie/cravat/ascot?) * It can be expensive, an extra expense. * Fashion statement? HAH ! * They get lost easily. * The slide (woggle) is inconvenient, it gets lost, it is an added expense. * The "useful" reasons mentioned above can be better met with more appropriate gear/items, rather than a piece of apparel. * It has become mere decoration, and has lost it's "traditional" reasons. Let the old time stuff be old. Time marches on. * We don't really "need" it. * Why should I want to LOOK like a Scout? (perhaps there are other dynamics at work here). * If I don't have to tuck in my shirt, or sew on these patches, or come to meetings, or go camping .... what's so big about a neckerchief? I think that's about all....

Like a farmer in his field....

Scouting is not about who is the better Scout Scouting is all about how an individual Scout is better than he was before. I like concentrating on Patrol teamwork .

â€I went out camping with my Scout Troop just last week. The fun and woods there were everything I seek . But I when I got home and counted noses I realized… There must be… fifty ways to lose a camper. Fifty ways to lose a camper…. ҠJust call the roll late, Nate, Get off to the john, Ron, Be in a rush, Gus, just listen to me…. A PL that’s loose, Moose, string out the hike, Mike, Just laugh at that boy, Roy , , , And let those Scouts be ! I called my DE up and told him of my woe, he said he’d meet with me , and so to Four Bucks then we’d go. He smiled and shook his head “You’re not the first,†he said, “There must be… fifty ways to lose a camper…. Fifty ways to lose a camper….†Check your Tour Plan, Stan, run over those names, Ames, call the Micky Dee , Lee, and calm try to be…. Reassure mom, Dom, be cool with the dad, Vlad , get out the cell, Mel, and call the SE.†And so we called the Council SE on the cell. She told us to not fret, she’d see what she could tell. And sure enough, the family called back, it seemed that…the kid had stayed home with a cold all along.......... So wipe off the brow, Dow, Have another cup, Krup, smile and cheerful be, Dee, and set your self…. Freee…..

So go to the National Meeting and suggest it. http://nam.scouting.org/NAM2017.aspx Or make sure your COR goes and makes the suggestion.

""Baloo is required for Pack Overnighters, which are Pack organized events. If it's a Council-organized camping trip (and a District Camporee is technically a "Council-organized" trip), it is not considered a Pack Overnighter so Baloo is not required"" As was said previously, Webelos would need a OWLS trained leader, and might camp with the Scout Troop at the Camporee. Other Cubs may visit and observe, but not camp over night there. Our Council does "One and Son" (parent and cub, Dad and Lad, etc. ) camps at the local Council property, and do not require a Pack BALOO trained person in attendance at those, but they DO require the registration thru the Pack, I guess for registration purposes. The home Troop loves to have Webelos come along on the Camporee, with a parent of course ! That way, the Parent gets an inoculation of Scouting the easy way ! Lots of gear to loan (tent, cooking, extra sleeping bag, etc. ) so it's easy for a novice camper to come along the first time !

I have not seen one idea mentioned thru this interesting thread. If this Scout is truly a "climber" (nothing wrong with that !) , it might be noted that his effort is a challenge and example to the other Scouts in the Troop, who might just be coasting along in the fun of just "being" Scout. Perhaps the fun part of Scouting (game with a purpose ?) is sometimes lost in the fulfilling of requirements. The fun and the quest for requirements should go along together. The recognition of the attainment of skills (First Class) is important, and the passing on of tradition and those skills from older Scout to younger can be lost if not encouraged by the Adults. Each Scout should be treated as an individual and all Scouts must be treated equally and fairly. What is the culture/policy in the Troop? How has the SM, CCh, AdvCh dealt with other Scouts? Is this perceived "problem" truly that of an individual or is there another , greater problem ? Are other BoR's being delayed? Should this be dealt with over a cuppa or in the Troop Committee meeting? I am sure this soon-to-be Life Scout will be satisfied in the near future. A Scout is Cheerful and Loyal and Obedient.... and patient?

Finished the IOLS weekend. Nice BIG group of nascent Scouters. My Fire safety/building instructor was fascinated by the idea of "alternative" fire starters. Not your usual pine cones, Mountain Laurel, fuzz sticks. So we talked about and demonstrated:: : *Original Fritos. * Peanut butter on saltines. * Pringles. * Crisco candles. Any others out there , any favorites?

Scouting every where is voluntary, a kid joins because he(she?) sees some benefit /fun for themselves in it. Except for our LDS friends. I recently finished an IOLS weekend. We had , oh, maybe three LDS folks with us, had a nice conversation with one man. As is usual, he said he had been "assigned" the duty by his Bishop of being the next Scoutmaster (his son was a Cub presently). His son had been "signed up", Scouting is the youth ministry, and had come to love it, owing to the good leadership in his Stake. Perhaps that is the exception? So, why do we (here on SdotCom) think Scouting is a good thing for kids? Why do kids join? Why do parents not support the kids that want to be Scouts? If LDS resigns from supporting the "Senior Scout" programs, what can we do about it? Our Council has five up to now long lived Scout Ships. One is dechartered (no kids joined in the past three years, no adult leaders stepping up) and one is in trouble the same way, despite well meaning PR and media coverage. Why teen agers would not want to "mess about in boats" is beyond me, but there you are. No sign ups of late. LDS Scout population was not volunteer, it was "volunteered". If the Scouts/Venturers transfer into other units, it is because they see the fun/benefit/social connection possibilities, not because their church wants them to. The final answer, I think , is that Scouting will become leaner and more efficient. It was never meant to be appropriate or the end all for every kid. But it is seen as, and has the reputation of being, one of (if not the) best youth program around. Would you be the CSE for a buck? Or do you NEED the six figure income for the title?

Merit Badges are fun and a worthy challenge, if one has a knowledgeable MBCounselor. That is the trick. Let's say you want to do the Music MB. What's to prevent a Scout from going to his school Band Director and asking him/her to sign up as a MBC? Go to your District DE or Troop Advancement Chair, and obtain the three pieces of paper to fill out and the list (four webpages? Is that a list?) of online training to take. Presto! another MB opportunity ! Does your Council require a membership fee for signing up as a MBC? Some do, some do not. Our Troop pays the fee, it is a one time, life-time thing. No more fees if you keep your YPT up to date. The same can be done for just about any MB. Farm Mechanics? Chess? Aviation? The problem is finding the good candidate to be a MBCounselor. See you on the trail !

At any Eagle Service Project, the only question should be "who's in charge?" and the only answer should be (must be?) (pointing to the Eagle Candidate) "HIM." Adults in attendance? Good idea, not required, except for good guidance and use of tools and equipment the kids can't use. Troop committee member attendance at the project? Nice but hey, if none are there, what does that indicate about their support of the Troop Program? It certainly does not reflect on the Scout, if the rest of his project is in place and working. Who gives approval of the project's completion? Not the Troop committee, not the SM, not the parents..... has to be the project's "beneficiary", yes? Scout12: any repercussions for the Eagle Candidate, I hope we have given him some guidance, but it is up to him....

We have pummeled this expired equine enough. The Council can not "take over" a unit's project. The Council can ASK if the project could be SPONSORED by the Council, in which case, the Council can do it however the Council leadership wishes, but then it is up to the Council to do the legwork. Even if the Unit has not done the Fund Raising Approval Request (who does the approving in the Council office? I wonder....), no one can take away the event if it is lawful and not against Scout principles (no gambling, value given for the price accepted, publicly held...) . Sell them Holiday trees. Hannikah Bushes. Christmas Greens. Smile and wave as the Council walks by. !! Maybe counsel the Council > > > ( OO-oo ! University of Scouting Class !!) as to How To Hold A Successful Fund Raising Holiday Greens and Tree Sale !!

"It's not about YOU, it's not about ME, it has to be about US..."

1) Take Treasurer, ComChair and yourself (nascent CM?) to the Bank. Cancel old account, decide whose signature will be on the account (two or three ?) Create a new checking account and sign new signature cards. Cancel any Debit cards. Do not activate any new debit cards, ONLY do paper checks. 2) GO back to Committee, announce new policy of MONTHLY financial reports from treasurer. Start with present balance. Decide /agree who has permission to spend how much when. Who will keep the Check Book. 3) Make sure CO and COR and IH are fully aware of past events, if THEY choose to pursue some form of recovery, fine. Do not put yourself or the present Unit leadership in any bind over it. You are the "new sheriff in town". 4) Move on. Give your boys the Scouting they deserve and want. 5) Be examples of the Scout Promise and Law for your boys, unlike what seems to have occurred previously. 6,7,8....) If none of this will work, if you have any push back from the other Unit parents/leaders, find another Cub Pack that will live up to (not down from) the Scout Promise and Law. Good Scouting to you, Tiger, See you on the trail.

Two years ago, my home Troop asked me if I would be an Adult Presence at summer camp. Scoutson had graduated two years previous, but I kept in touch with Troop as the Commissioner. No other parents would escort the boys. We had twelve good Scouts wanted to go to camp. The next up SM was going with his newscout son and so I agreed, that made the necessary two Adult Leaders. Wife was not happy. Why should I put out, we were (so she thought) done with Scouting, if the Scout parents want their sons to be Scouts, shouldn't they "take up the reins"? Maybe they should be the ones to explain to their sons why they were not going to camp. I am really glad she had no way to actually speak to the Troop parents ! ... But I went. Being somewhat senior in the situation, I became the SM du jour, so to speak. I had the necessary training and certs, so I went. We had two Patrols, one new SPL, and the soon-to-be new SM as my adult partner. When we arrived and set up camp, I was approached by the Camp Director . Would one of us adult leaders be willing to staff a Camp activity? They were lacking several staff positions due to illness and general lack of local Scouts, evidently. My partner and I talked, and when our boys were out and about, I helped at the Axe Yard. Poor kid there was overwhelmed. He had just been told "you're the Axe Yard Counselor. Teach Toten Chip. Safety, etc. " and left there, basically to set things up and make it work. I worked there for four days, every afternoon after lunch. Leave the camp? Ha! They had most of the Troop adult escorts helping at the various camp stations.... crafts, nature, Trail to FC, every where were Troop Leaders. It was sad the camp couldn't make things work for the boys without the Troop Leaders to help, but there you are. Our Scouts had a vacation, earned some stuff, played Hearts in the evenings. Our newish SPL earned a camp patch for the Troop. My partner learned how a Boy Led Troop might happen. Came home and made up with wife.

Money needs to be accounted for. Any money "raised" for the project, no matter how raised, if left over, should belong to the project beneficiary, yes? "A Scout is Trustworthy."