SSScout

Once upon a time, I was named an Asst. QM as Bugler for a Wood Badge class. Course Director had me at his elbow most of the time, I was also expected to carry the "official" time piece (oversize clock duct taped to my wrist) and set the time to "do" things with my calls. One morning, I got up early, as usual, to play reveille to find most folks were already up and in the wash hut , 10- 15 minutes before the time. I played Reveille maybe three minutes early (hey, they're all out and about already) and the CD chastised me gently for not being "on time" ! At the end of the 2nd course weekend, the class was asked to fill out some evaluation/comment pages, "why did YOU take WB? Were you satisfied? Why should ANYONE take WB? etc.". Among the "learn new things" "renew my Scout Spirit" "hear it from them that know" kind of comments, I was gratified to read in one their reason was "to hear awesome bugling." Bugling MB every chance I get.....

oh, we get the word out. The email news does that. Problem is getting folks to hand it over to the Newsletter so it can be sent out. Often, one person has one email list , somebody else has another. I know on the list I use for the WODSRTNews, I have emails for folks that haven't been seen in Scoutland for years, but we're afraid to delete without their request. In the old days (remember the aroma of ammonia?) , the newsletter would collect stuff over a , what, month? before mailing it out, and the plans in the newsletter would be set sufficiently in the future such that folks could PLAN their plans. Now, in the eNews, it seems folks want it NOW for later so they can decide what is the "best offer", I guess. And since they don't have the calendar posted on the 'fridge to look at, they hope there is a weblist somewhere to look at. And who is it that updates and organizes that? Is it on Facebook? Dropbox? Council website? District page? What if one still uses the library computer (save a lot of money that way, true) and has to go there to access the listings? Well, come to RT and pick up a printout. "It's in the Program Calendar we pass out in June..." Now, where did I put that?

qwazse: Well, heck. Lemme know when you're in the neighborhood, I might be up that way again at Heritage with the Troop again can't never tell.

Oldscout448: Yes. Look for the parking lot full of old station wagons! Desertrat: "The work is done by whoever shows up". Sounds like a good group. Pass the Samoas, please....

LeCastor: Anytime, look me up, White Oak District, NCAC. Qwazse: Seneca? Really? Tap in. We may be combining in May with Potomac..... Constant Contact may have advantages , but I haven't been allowed to try them out yet for eNews. We just do an ordinary email list with a saveable, printable newsletter attached. Seems to work, at least until Verizon insists that I divide the emails into separate listings of 40 addresses each click. Oh, well. Semper gumby.

Aw, come on gang, it's a robbery, this poor excuse for a human decided it was an easy target. He could've mugged somebody in the parking lot, but he chose the easy target. Gun control? Doesn't help after the fact. It got so much news coverage because it was a Girl Scout, not an otherwise poor woman or man on the street. Read "The Weapon Shops of Isher " by Vogt. Might as well blame the Boy Scouts for not getting this boy into a Scout Troop. Might use this to talk about the need for after school programs, job training, better opportunities for youth, Guns are used because they can be used, and they are often seen as the thing to use, and the easy thing to use. Might blame media too, for modeling violent, use of guns to get what you want. Work and cooperation is booooooring. What did I hear on TCM this evening? speaking of old movies vs modern flics, " back then we couldn't blow up buildings, so we had to have good stories and develop characters..." .Pass the Tagalongs....

"Funny you should mention..." I are the RT Commish, took over when the previous moved and the replacement only knew how to Power Point.... Show a picture and read it to the assembly. I even have a "staff" of an assistant! I feel your pain, LeCastor . Limiting announcements is critical. Eliminating "death by power point" is important. Providing interesting, (dare I say) entertaining information is necessary. RT serves , or SHOULD serve several purposes:: Information, a chance to discuss common issues, a chance to schmooze with like minded folks, a chance to connect the face with the name. I recognized this early on, developed the email contact list, provided topics some months before the date, and strived to provide speakers, presenters, info of interest. My first RT was a podiatrist who spoke about foot care, socks and boot selection, blister prevention and care. Wow, hadn't done that before! I continued: No printed agendas, everything is written on a white board on the wall (Sunday school class room). Everything to hand out/pick up is on a table out in the hall. Scout cartoons on the walls . I run the RT like a mini Troop meeting: I start ON TIME and end ON TIME. Opening/gathering, PoA, Announcements (SHORT!) ( Necessary stuff is on the table out front. Computer references are given in our email newsletter ) , presenter/topic to discuss/exhibitor, wrap up, "Commissioner's Minute" , recite the Scout Promise, "Godspeed" and go home. Unfortunately, we are not allowed any food or refreshments in our meeting space. We do not use "Breakouts", we meet all in one body (Boy Scouts in this room, Cub Scouts down the hall). Sometimes, we rearrange the chairs in a circle for open discussion. In June, we have a cookout, demonstrate some "scout skills" , the privilege of the cookout is hosted by several Troops, we have use of a nice backyard fire pit. In July, which is usually considered a dead month (Scouts take a vacation?) so I host a "Oval Table" at a local restaurant , Dutch Treat, and we just visit and talk. May is "Program Launch" so we line up a bunch of exhibitors who are eager to present their opportunities to Scouts: BSA things, museums, County Parks, Climbing walls, Red Cross, Sea Scouts, Religious Awards, last time we had 25 exhibitors, a neighboring District had at least 50 exhibitors. I have learned that as RTC, I must insist that I am in control of the event. I have even politely, gently had to remind my DE that he should ask for time on the agenda.... Things are written on the white board (dates, time, names, etc. ) and if folks want to take notes, they do. I encourage cooperation and communication between us Scouters. "The Work is done by whoever shows up", so it is with the RT. The BSA intended this event as a means to communicate and network. It becomes whatever is desired and expected by whoever takes on that responsibility. I realize that RT will never reach everyone, (other things will need to be attended to) nor will everyone see it as a benefit to be utilized . I will say , however, that I have doubled our attendance in the past years. Your mileage may vary, as has been oft said. See you on the trail.

Craig dot Noah, Sit ye doon, lad. The Haggis is aboot doon.... Seriously, welcome to our virtual cracker barrel. Lean in and grab some of that chili dip....

The Scout promises to follow the Scout Law, yes? Scoutmaster Minute about number nine... What does that mean? Is The Bank of Mom And Dad going to be there tomorrow? How do YOU want to pay for your camp out? Summer camp? How important is Scouting to YOU , the Scout? How do YOU pay for the stuff you like? Is it really dependent on TBoM&D? Back in the day, I agree with the previous poster that , it seems we often got together and raised our money thru part time jobs, car washes, selling donuts, ... It has been often observed of late that our kids today seem not to have a grasp of how we keep score in this game. Money is exchanged for time and talent, and then exchanged for "things" we want and need. Food, shelter, adventure, health, fun, travel, knowledge. TBoM&D is too often assumed. Our family early on had the conversation with our kids about this. Scoutson wanted a model tugboat. Remote control , fun to be had in it's construction and operation. He collected his birthday and Christmas checks from Gmam and Uncles and worked for a local farmer (he works for him even now! Made that connection!) took a small loan (he signed the papers to us!) from TBoM&D and bought it himself. That tug could actually tow our canoe! Many hours of enjoyment, until it was attacked and nearly sunk by a jealous Canada Goose on the local pond.

And look to Brian's Blog : http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2017/02/17/scouting-service-award-combines-five-awards-into-one-cool-new-square-knot/

""The Work Is Done By Whoever Shows Up."" BSA is well known in it's ability to ignore it's own guidelines if it means the Unit is up and chartered. "Some ink on every line" is the mantra I am told to repeat in times of chartering. It is certainly advisable and desirable to have Active leadership listed , rather than merely space holders on the applications. Who approves? Who is willing? I have known folks to come to me and say, "I never said I'd do that." when it is discovered that their name is in a slot. What is desired, as has been noted, is that the Uniformed, Youth overseeing positions should not also be the "civilian" overseeing positions. But then too, we all tend to have more than one hat hung on the Scout closet door rack, don't we?

Frank Buck, Theodore Roosevelt, Darwin and the Beagle, Shackleton, Hillary, Lewis and Clark, Jacque Cartier, Vitus Bering, William Beebe, Jacque Cousteau, Hernan Cortes, Michael Ryan, Roy Chapman Andrews, Noonian Sung....

That is all that is required, that the Scout love the program. You (metaphorical "you", I trust there are more of "you" out there in New England) are therefore doing something right. As you may have gleaned from these pages, we feel the Happy Scout is the one who will continue in Scouting, that that is the ultimate standard of the program. Who wants to play " the game" (no matter WHAT it's purpose), if it is not FUN ? Oh, and welcome to our virtual Cracker Barrel ! Have some chili dip over here.... And my mom was from Brookline, MA.... Bearess: Why do you think ""the Lion program isn't popular here"" ? It has had a nice welcoming here in the Wash DC area....

If the adult/parent views camp escort duty as a "chore", yeah, you will have a hard time filling those roles. **Discuss with the parent/adult how it can be a mini vacation, away from home. It is not a rough and rugged camp out, not "Philmont", not this time. The adult can offer help in any event, as they see themselves able, but it can be a sit and watch, or walk thru the woods, or sit and fish type of thing. ** Offer them a letter from the Troop or camp or council (work this out with your DE and SE) addressed to the fellow's boss/company, testifying to the adult's worthiness in helping to grow "good, responsible citizens" thru the Scout program, and thanking the boss/company for allowing their employee time off in this important endeavor. They will get back a better trained, rested and enthusiastic employee, etc. And MEAN it when the letter is written. Examples of this are all over the web, especially from Greater Pittsburgh Council. Looks good in the employee record folder. Makes the boss feel good. Oh, make it a PAPER letter, not just email. I always saw the signing of several hundred of such letters as a worthy responsibility of a Camp Director or Scout Executive. ?? Bonding with son? Maybe, but not so much bonding as the growth of respect, one to the other. Setting an example for the Scout? Sharing of skills and stories? You are not camping with your boy so much as beside him. Pity the poor parent who does not regret the time they could not (would not? ) spend with their child.

Have you heard about the dyslexic, agnostic, insomniac Scouter? Poor fellow was awake all night wondering if there is a Dog?

Could this have any significance vis a vis the Challenge Run scheduled for The Summit, where the website offers beer after the run?

Here is a test for the Eagle Service project: If someone arrives and asks "what can I do to help"?" , everyone else should point to the Eagle candidate and say "ask him".

A minor feudal fiefdom. Questions to ask/explore, all with a smile and persistence: Who is the Unit treasurer, how much money is in the till, who is the Unit sponsored by/chartered to, who is the Institution Head and the Charter Representative (these you can get from the Council office), . Do all this with politeness and an offer of cooperation and gratitude for what others are doing on behalf of Our Youth and The Future Of America. See you on the trail...

Q: No, not really. We just spoke about what "our" Troop did. I do not remember anyone mentioning the "instructions". ((read the instructions? What a concept....)) As the RTC, I did not think it my place in this instance to mention that,,, the instructions on the card. I did ask leading questions, and was surprised at the various choices we heard. The SM who mentioned #2 is one of our prime movers. Very much a "boy led ", high adventure Troop, known by example and reputation. And they keep the cards as a service to the Scout? I still have my cards in that shoe box in the back/bottom of my closet. Small box, but still....

Stosh: That puts you in "my" category. Seven times seventy....

RT last night: Discussion point meandered from "Does the Scout need to keep the Merit Badge Worksheets after he is awarded the badge? " (no, not necessary. Not even necessary to earn a MB.) to "Who should keep the Blue Card, because the MB is ALWAYS entered into the Council Advancement Record, right?" Choices testified to: 1) Blue card is the final record of last resort. one piece stays with Merit Badge Counselor. Second piece stays with Troop records (Troop Advancement Chair enters electronically to Council) and third part stays with Scout. He can do with it as he wants. Shoebox, special book, desk drawer, whatever, not our problem. He also gets a special card with the patch at the CoH. 2) Blue card has three parts. One stays with MBCounselor, second part stays in Troop records until the Adv Chair enters it in the Council electronic records, and then this card is MAILED to Council. ("we've always mailed them to Council") , third part is put in a record book (baseball card pocket page) that the Troop keeps(!!) until the Scout leaves the Troop. Each Scout has a book the Troop Adv. Chair keeps in a cabinet at the Meeting site. Scout DOES NOT keep a piece of the Blue Card himself. 3) Blue Card has three parts. One part stays with MBCounselor, one part stays with Troop in a special file , which is cleaned out periodically (?), third part is STAPLED to the special card the Scout gets with the MBPatch at the CoH. Scout receives a Advancement Record every year, listing his ranks, MBs (with counselor listed), PoRs, and dates associated with each. Such a choice , some I never would have thought of. But then, I'm not a Scoutmaster.

"""Trump also berated Senator John McCain for being a prisoner of war.""" If you listen carefully, you will see Mr. Trump berates anyone who does not agree with him or who he is jealous of.

Dang, you are good ! I promise to hijack every single page to pass around here in Beltway Land! Here's the page on Dropbox we made for promoting Scouting (admittedly, local notations, change to your own) : https://www.dropbox.com/s/45xmncmcrbzb0k2/ScoutsPromotionstuff.docx?dl=0

Gumby: I think you have most of the understanding here. A Charter School around here is a privately established school that is essentially "licensed" by the public school district/department to operate. Any ordinarily acceptable student may attend there, but the curriculum is somehow adjusted. More tutilege, more concentration on a particular subject, they wear a "uniform", their staff is hired by the Charter school not the PSD , something sets it apart from the "average" public school. But They do get public school funds. They may raise other funds, too, but it is publicly supported, primarily. A totally private school depends on NO public. government funds. Since the Charter School is , technically, NOT a government run school ,( as you say, a separate tax ID?) they could, I think , charter a Scout unit. Learning for Life units are specifically, so I understand, intended for those public school situations, with unlimited acceptance.

I like the cut of your jib, bbender. Things to remember and , perhaps, the windmills we tilt against: #1) "The work is done by whoever shows up". As is the way in most volunteer orgs, 90% of the deal is done by 10% of the people. Doesn't vary much. The challenge is ALWAYS getting that 10% up on the line. And, remember, it doesn't have to be the same 10% all the time ! #2) What I call the "soccer syndrome". Many (dare I say most? Nah....) modern parents look for an "expert" to do things with/for/to their kid(s). Take the kid to soccer/Scouts/school/sunday school/karate etc. and let "the expert" mold the kid into a nice , well behaved, educated, knowledgeable child "I can be proud of". How to convince some parents that , yes, they do know what to do, and yes, we do have some training to help them do it. Being a parent is something you can take pride in, but YOU have to do it, not just Mr. Scoutmaster/schoolteacher/coach/Youth Pastor/Ms Parole officer....... " I don't know anything about this Scout stuff, but I want Jimmy to get the advantage of this camping/hiking stuff. Here, do your thing, Mr. Scoutmaster." #3) Most of the folks I work with in Scouting and elsewhere, (church, clubs) if there is no paycheck dependent, (I'm retired), being personally asked is how folks get involved most often. "Hey , I need some help here". only works at Scout camp when the folks are already Scouts. Broadcast emails? Don't have to deal with it. Post cards, printed newsletters? Might get more attention, posted on the fridge at home. Phone calls, and face to face are often the only way to engender cooperation and the jumping in that gets the Blue and Gold organized. but most often, once they get their feet wet, so to speak, it is easier to enlist them in other projects (CSDC, Camporees, trainings) #4) Sometimes, not having the B&G happen is the only way to get folks to realize that SOMEBODY has to step up and take the lead or things aren't going to happen. Sometimes , after you have phoned every parent in the Troop, despite all entreaties and ideas on how to make it happen , there really isn't anyone to accompany the kids to summer camp. Too bad, but sometimes it happens. Sometimes you have to go over the head of the parents and make sure The Boys know what is or is not happening. Then, you may be surprised how quick things can turn around . Is it really "all about the kids", or not? See you on the trail....