sst3rd

This is going to be a bit "scattered", but I thought I would look into this process. I was a Webolos in the late 60's. I received my AOL, and was brought into our Troop as a Tenderfoot in 1968 (give or take, it's been a year or two). That's all I can tell you. It worked for me and my brother. I don't have my specific handbooks available, but I have a collection of older Scout handbooks, but I don't have any Cub Scout books to reference from, sorry. In the 1959 copyright handbook, page 28 simply mentions the age of 11, and nothing else, to become a Boy Scout. Page 29 mentions

Sounds like this Scoutmaster "owns" the program and the Committee is taking their queue from him. Since this Troop's program stinks, run don't walk to that other troop. Yes, I'm being blunt. But in this case, let's be selfish in favor of your son. He deserves the best Scout program available. Let your old Troop proceed on its path of self destruction. As far as you feeling guilty that the old Troop can't get that second adult on Troop activites without you, speaks volumes again as to the poor quality of their program. For the sake of your son and you, take your support to that other

Owl62, I understand your frustration. I have long since made the decision to not support FOS (and the prior SME). Justify it anyway you like, my limited Scouting designated contributions go to the unit program. Our Council has for years assigned FOS goals for the Troops and hung a chart with all of this info at every Roundtable. Gee, why the public show? Our Troop's Committee Chairperson and I (SM) would just laugh, usually in front of the DE who would always be stationed in front of this poster. Our Committee does discuss FOS every year, and with the continued increasing

No.

Oren, I really do respect the "cross-generational admiration" that was achieved by combining a Troop Court of Honor with a Beading Ceremony, but I strongly feel that Troop Court of Honors need to be separate, and stand alone. The program is for the Scouts, not adults. Clyde, I respect your desire to have a big party for your Woodbadger, but this is a leadership training program to improve the Scout's program. Making such a huge deal for this person is off the mark. Just my opinion. Congratulations to this leader on his continued committment to Scouting. If

ASM59, Yes, I've heard of other Troops having this problem. But I'll admit, as the current SM at the Troop that I serve, I keep on top of advancement. I know when a Scout is approaching completion of a rank. No, we don't ask the Scouts to set up their own Boards of Review. But we don't spoon feed BOR's either. The Scout has to make the move, but it usually happens as the Scout is having his Scoutmaster's Conference. Which leaves me with the following questions: 1) Can we assume that the Scoutmaster who said that he didn't have the Scoutmaster's Conference with this Scout, ac

You make correct points. Our Troop's committee always attends trips and all other activities in support of the Scouts. We have a couple of good ASM's, but the Scouts enjoy having the Committee along. They don't know the difference. Committee members can sign off requirements just like the SM's and ASM's can. Your other thread; leave your current troop with no guilt. You and your son can find a Troop that would provide Scouting opportunities for you son, and for you to support. sst3rd

I'll go along with everyone else, in that this guys involvement is not wanted. I have a slightly different take on Eagle Ceremonies. As the Scoutmaster, I guide the Eagle Scout in his options of his Eagle Ceremony. I make sure he understands the purpose of this ceremony, and his choices. Each individual Eagle has his own ideas. I think the Scoutmaster helps flush them out and organizes the parts for this Scout. Let's face it, once the ceremony begins, the Eagle only participates. Here's an example. I had an Eagle Scout who I assisted in his Ceremony. We got to the part about his pare

The reason our Troop never goes to our council's camp, is because of the Staff and many other factors. They receive little pay and are overworked. Many quit after the first week and more continue to quit throughout the summer. The next year, a younger and brand new Staff. Inexperienced and low in knowledge, I'm sure they do their best, but it doesn't provide an outstanding program. So, now that Jon has quit, whose going to cover his responsibilities? I guess the remaining pool/waterfront/aquatics staff? As Scoutmaster, we review several camps throughout the year, and let our Scouts

Just got back this afternoon. Camp Powhatan continues to have an excellent program on almost all levels. Blue Ridge Mountains Council continues to offer many camps to choose from. Their Staff at Camp Powhatan, is second to none. From Sunday night's opening campfire to Friday night's closing campfire, this Staff continues to add to its mystique. Facilities are a bit worn, but still work. Their programs continue to be outstanding. The food is excellent. Portions are average. But sometimes food (only breakfast for some reason)is stone cold. Our Troop loves to help the Staff serve din

All good info, I want to bring up something that doesn't get brought up much. I think it's extremely important for the Scoutmaster to meet with each Scout eligible for the OA election. The Scoutmaster needs to review with each Scout the responsibilities of being an OA member, and how it relates to his Troop. Some Scouts may NOT want to have their name in nomination (yes, I use the term nomination) for the OA election. Even if a Scout meets the requirements and has the Scoutmaster's approval, they simply may not want to be involved with the OA. The Scout needs to make that decision. Th

And a good life to you too, Dozy. Your desire to always go up the ladder is amusing. The further up you go, the further away from the program you go. You've been getting lot's of input from lots of folks. Some you don't agree with. Take what you will from these exchanges, and drop the rest. Your taking yourself too seriously. Breathe, please............. Gee, your desire to follow the "book" is noble, but the Scouting program is so much more than that. It's people. Adults and youth. It's a team effort adult and youth leaders. Sounds like your adults don't want to work toge

nldscout, You sure are working hard to be critical of a district you know nothing about. Featherbear's district nominated him into the OA. You have no right, authority, or responsibility to question his district's process and protocol with their OA Lodge. Your quote of, "I am not sure how your district nominated you, but they did not follow the rules for district nomination as it appears your primary registration is in the Pack or Troop. Therefor you were not eligable for district nomination." But featherbear's district did nominate him !!!! "This is why we have

Once signed, the requirements are completed. Yes, the next place to catch all of this is at the Board of Review. When ADD and similar labels became attached to negative behaviors and medication was despensed, I was told by a Scout's parent that I had (the Scoutmaster) to deal with her son whether he behaved or not on Scout activities, because he had an illness. I told her that I begged to differ. If her Scout does not apply himself to a certain level of responsibility (medicated or not), he was not welcome on those Scouting functions. Period. No arguments. And yes, since I'm responsible f

PL's are elected, and then they select their APL. So, the APL replaces the PL as necessary. This "go-getter", is he in the same Patrol? If so, yes maybe the APL, soon to be summer camp PL, may be guided to ask the "go-getter" to be his summer camp APL. If the "go-getter" isn't even in this affected Patrol, it's not an issue and shouldn't be brought up as an option. In the end, the APL (summer camp PL) should be supported to make "his" choice for an APL for summer camp. That's the BSA program. sst3rd

oldsm, Our Troop just started registering all of our MB counselors with MB and adult leader applications last year. We were also told that they would have to go through this process every year. So, our Advancement Committee person just started to put this year's paperwork together, and our Council sent out a letter to all MB counselors saying that they DO NOT have to "re-up" every year, and that only if they wish to be dropped as MB counselors, do they need to get in touch with the Council. Maybe this is a Council by Council choice. National wasn't mentioned. I'm happy,

Its Me, You're absolutely right. No return on your investment. And let's face it, your investment is all that it's about. Nothing in the BSA that you and your family can't do otherwise. Get out of the program now!!!! sst3rd

mikeb, Not mean't to be harsh. You said, "I think I'm going to discreetly ask a few more questions to the young man and some of the Troop leaders." Key words being "more" and "some". I figured you'd roll out your Scouting background if challenged. Since you have all of this Scouting background, training, and knowledge but still question the OA Election process of your new Troop, why not talk with, not challenge, but talk with the Scoutmaster about your discussion with this Scout. I would guess that he/she would not mind explaining his/her decision and thoughts. Then again, maybe

mikeb, Everything I've read up to this point clears things a bit. What I don't understand is, since you and your son have just graduated into this Troop one month ago, why are you trying to make waves so soon? You don't mention that you are an OA member or have past experience with the OA or Scouting for that matter. Has it not occured to you that this Scoutmaster and adult Staff know the qualifications for OA youth election nominations? The Chapter Election Committee, with an adult advisor, is charged with working with this Troop's Scoutmaster in running the annual OA Election.

Eamonn, The unit is where the action is. That's where the Scouts benefit. That's where my efforts go. jkhny, You are bitter. Spin all you want. Use your resources up complaining and whining. I'm not saying you're not right. You don't like the way things are, but obviously can't do anything about it. You are spinning your wheels. If this is how you want to spend your energy, have at it. Our Council is doing okay. It's not perfect, but we get the support across the board that we unit leaders need. That's it. Our units are doing well. WWW sst3rd

Our Council has done Scouting For Food for many years on the first and second weekends of November, as was the BSA's National Good Turn program. However, since the BSA has terminated that program and allowed each Council to do their own thing, our Council decided to keep all as is. We are the number "1" contributor to our local food bank. The first weekend the units distribute the bags to our assigned territories. The second weekend the units pick up the bags that have been set out with food. What makes this program so successful and simple for our Scouts, is that each District in the Cou

Vigil is a level, not a rank. Why do we have to have another method of Vigil recognition? What's the "pay off? Is your ego not being fed enough? Have you forgotten what the OA stands for? For crying out loud, leave it alone and work on making your unit the best it can ever be. The energy you're putting into this baseless crusade, should be put into your unit's program. So, I guess by now, this Vigil member has made it clear where he stands. Youth or adult BSA member, needs no additional Vigil recognition. You don't look for the Vigil, the Vigil looks for you. Do the pr

SueM, When you hold your next election, it is very important that the Scouts that will run for those positions know in advance what is required of them. And if they win the elections, take the training, but refuse to follow the training, they simply will immediately be released from their position, not given credit for their next rank, and a new election will occur. Have quick simple Scoutmaster Conferences with each candidate before the election, and make sure they understand that "their" Troop runs the BSA program, and that they will be trained in that program and expected to follow

funscout, Yes, my basic knowledge of and my joy of cooking came from my Scout days. sst3rd I agree John-in-KC, And this has been posted on many times before, but the Cooking merit badge needs to be returned to the required list. sst3rd

SMT224, Understood. Everyone is approaching this appropriately. Great ideas all. What I think SMT224 is leading to, is that after a committment is made, long term or short term, an adult (leader or parent) will be held responsible to be sure all of this happens. Whether it's the older woman or the requester asking for the help, once an ongoing service project like this starts, it won't end except on bad terms. When the Scout, Scouts, Patrol, or Troop tires of the service project (as in this case a variety of yardwork yearround), all sorts of excuses will be forthcoming as t