TAHAWK

Eamonn, if my experience was a single exception, I would have no concern. I think there are many exceptions. Further, "a new member is a new team" is part of this theory of team development. As it happens in my personal example, some fo the team were strangers to most of the team -- one a stranger to all others in the team. Most of the team emphatically didn't want to be on the team. "High enthusiasm"? Hardly. I have deliberately not quoted from the WB or NYLT syllabii, nor will I. But if you know "what's in there," what do you think of the difference between Tuckman's model and th

"[T]he BSA position still seems a useful model for discussing group dynamics in general terms." Sure. But if the message is that ALL teams go through these stages in this order or that in its initial stage a team is ALWAYS "high enthusiam/low skill," we don't necessarily have a tool any more. We may have something more like an article of faith. Commentary: "The sheer scale of such theory - by seeking to present a universal or general picture can mean it over-reaches itself. While there may be some 'universals of development' when we come to examine, in this case, the individua

"Comments: The Guide to Safe Scouting states that knives are part of the program, but that long sheath knives should be avoided. (But even then, there is no statement that they're "banned"). above is from US Scouts. they probably don't want to see any military Bowies." GSS says: "Avoid large sheath knives. They are heavy and awkward to carry, and unnecessary for most camp chores except for cleaning fish." US Scouts would probably faint if they saw pictures of Troop 43 in 1954 -- all those surplus Mk II Fighting/Utility knives with 7" clip blades might be mistaken for "mili

I read and am told in Scouting that "all" teams follow the model of team development taught in Wood Badge and NYLT. The first stage ("Forming") is said to be characterized by high enthuisiasm and low skill. Compare to: "In the first stages of team building, the forming of the team takes place. The team meets and learns about the opportunity and challenges, and then agrees on goals and begins to tackle the tasks. Team members tend to behave quite independently. They may be motivated but are usually relatively uninformed on the issues and objectives of the team. Team members are

BSA has no rational policy on knives. A couple of official BSA publications "do not encourage" or counsel that Scouts shold "avoid" "large sheath knives," wharever that means. (Does it, for example, cover large folding knives routinely carried in sheaths?) The only stated rationale for that advice is that "large sheath knives . . . can be heavy and awkward to carry and are unnecesary for most camp chores." BSHB 12th ed. p. 403. Please note the absence of any reference to safety concerns. (Are they as heavy and awkward to carry and as unnecessary as a axe in this age of LNT?) T

Very interesting combination of symptoms. Missing data -- especially on the thickness of the Thrmorest and the results with the new sleeping bag. A Thermorest or similar pad for spring/sumemr/fall backpacking may we inadequate for "cold" weather camping(whatever that means where you are). ++ on the bottle suggestion. Most say that the inside liner and outside cover of sleeping bags should both breath to allow excess moisture to escape. If it's cold enough, there will be condensation - even ice --on the outside of the bag. Even colder, and the condensation can occur inside the cove

It is often said that Scouters stand "in loco parentis" to Scouts attending Scouting events. When I have asked why that is said, I am told "because we are like the Scout's parents," an argument that assumes its own conclusion. Are we like the Scout's parents? Do we assume the role of a natural parent, including the obligations of support for and rearing and education of the child to the age of majority? In State v. Noggle, supra, the Ohio Supreme Court held in its syllabus: "1. The phrase person in loco parentis in R.C. 2907.03(A)(5) applies to a person who has ass

He drugged a child and raped her. A child cannot legally give consent. Durgs interfere with the ability to give consent. He fled the jurisdiction before he could be sentenced to the lesser crime for which he was convicted Typically, if a suspect flees the jurisdiction, the statute of limitation stops running. Polanski thus faces charges for fleeing in addition to the original crime. And the court may not have to accept the original plea bargain.

scco40 posted: "'Old' Wood Badge - (Cub or Boy Scout? I'll assume Boy Scout) - sort of an advanced Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills. "New" Wood Badge - sort of like a corporate training session on team formation, leadership skills, etc. Old Wood Badge is more like IOLS. New Woodbadge is more like an adult version of NYLT. Yes, all the above are gross generalizations. I used to be a Bear ... P.S. Novices type Woodbadge. Pros type Wood Badge." Actually, the first Wood Badge course was like advanced IOLS - all outdoor skills. Starting in 1972, the second

Tflytyer, thank you for staffing NYLT. There is often a problem getting adults to staff a week-long course. "I enjoyed my time taking Woodbadge in 1974." That would have been called "the new course" in 1974. "I think national should step up to the plate and create a course that will bridge this training deficiency the training courses." Not being flip at all. The course that covers the material not covered in the second WB course is the third version of Wood Badge, Wood Badge for the 21st Century. "You left alot of adult leaders out here with little options, and I u

It happens in decades of Scoutjng that I sometimes need an issue clarified or dare think there is some issue on which I give helpful input, like the dangerously incorrect information on water purification in the new (and really improved) Boy Scout Handbook. I am repeatedly told that questions and comments are to go "to your Local Council." Often, Local Council gives me a big "Who knows?" They cannot offer additional insight or have no idea about the identity of a relevant decision-maker. I think they are being honest about their knowledge AND that they are not encouraged to make an

I have a piece of paper that says the Boy Scouts of America commissioned me as a Scoutmaster once upon a time. Apparently that has changed and now the CO appoints one a Scoutmaster. Yes? No? I thought the district Advancement Committee, on behalf of the B.S.of A. decided who was legitimately an Eagle, as opposed to someone who faked earning the required Merit Badges. Apparently that has changed. Ys? No?

Hey, Beav, what about "statists" - supporters of more and more power in the state vs. more local governments or the individual? S,F and C all have that in common. Not to mention the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP).

Not sure how excluding youth as participants you are working with at Wood Badge helps meet the Wood Badge goal of helping adults become more prepared to work with youth. If you find youthful enthusiasm troubling and diverse points-of-view a hassle, there are lessons to be learned in Wood Badge, were you willing.

Privacy? This got some "play" when rolled out under Clinton, but seems to be "under the radar" (probably because it was rolled out under Clinton). "http://www.fas.org/irp/program/process/echelon.htm "Kill" within ten words of "president" gets kicked out for "further analysis."

Was this a Scout Fair? If not, you might be talking about local and/or laws on carrying knives, and such laws are all over the lot. Not the fault of the BSA if such laws bar carrying sheath knives. As an alternative, any property owner or possessor, such as a fair operator, can set any rules he/she/it desires, including banning open display of knives. Again, not comparable to English Scout Assoc. knife rules.

In the UK carrying some knives (e.g., a folding knife with a 3.5" blade)is presumptively illegal unless you have a good reason. In the UK the carrying of other knves - an example being a standrad "Scout" pattern slipjoint knife, is presumptively legal - no explanation or reason required. Within part of the UK, English Scouting is suggesting -- "advising" -- that a more restrictuve practice be followed -Scouts not to carry knives of any kind to/from Scouting activities. This "dust up" across the seas is only important to the extent that it touches on the question of what Scouti

I can only second the comments above. Our Troop frequently attends an international event in Dorchester, Canada. Thousands of Scouts from the US and Canada are treated to a camporee with so many events and venues that it is impossible to experience half of them in a weekend. 137 events/venues one year. I have seldom seen a paid Scouter there - perhaps two-three times since 1987. The camporee is planned by youth and staffed solely by Scouting youth and unpaid Scouters. Give it a visit. (If your unit might wish to go, there is a website for the Dorchester International Brotherhood Cam

Narraticong, IMO you are on the right side in the debate. Your comments are thoughtful. But please reconsider saying things like, "Our young SPL transferred in from another troop about a year and a half ago. Apparently they took the BSA line on sheath knives to heart. None allowed." The "BSA line" contains no ban or disapproval of all "sheath knives." In some BSA publications they "do not encourage" "large sheath knives" - whatever "large" means. By negative implication, "Not Large" sheath knives are free from taint. Moreover, two current officical BSA publications, The Complete Wild

BP, I would respectfully suggest two things. The top leadership in my District has been there for an average that exceeds 20 years. During that time, we have averaged more than one DE per year. In one year, we had four. Yes, unpaid Socuters come and go, but paid Scouters do the same. (After all, many didn't want the job in the first place, perform in acordance with that situation, and leave ASAP. Who remains? The solid-gold lifers, bless them, who could afford to remain and those who can't get out despite their best efforts. Yes, I REALLY want that method to staff SM slots.)

After nearly forty years in Scouting, I find no correlation between being paid and professionalism. The most professional Scouters I have ever known were/are not paid (only rewarded). And the money is just not there, even at Minimum Wage levels. If the pool of volunteers were deepr, Scouting could be more selective. Since the talent pool is not especially deep, making traing the highest priority seems the best course. But training does not appear to be the highest priority at any administrative level of Scouting.(This message has been edited by TAHAWK)

Sure. We were all tougher in the olden days. Drank the water. Boated without PFD's. No waistbelts on our packs. Unpadded shoulder straps. Drove all night to get to the mountains in those 1960's cars and "wagons." And so? No, I don't think we have devolved, but the "bugs" could be evolving. That's right! They are. The steady and dramatic increase in people in the backcountry means more mammals to spread the parasites giardia and cryptosporidium. Can we agree that we have an obligation to see to the safety of our Scouts, even on weekends when they will likely be home befor

"Another question I have is, how did we a kids in the 60's 70's and 80's ever live, doing things like drinking from the creek or the water hose, paying outside ALL day until the street lights come on [?] It is just amazing that we are alive today." Point taken. But not all of the 60's, 70's and 80's kids are alive today. (You left out rigid-framed cars, no shoulder belts, and the ever-cool smoking.) Thus far, we have shown the ability to outbreed pathogens and diseases. In the 1980's and 1990's, before water purifiation -- and safe dish-washing -- was well-understood, diarrhea was

"Tahawk, Of our 8 methods, the one where we are having less and less adult experience these days is the Outdoor. I've seen folks come to an overnighter at Scout Camp with seemingly 100lbs of gear. Certainly, a couple of Dads'n'lads needed two wagonloads to bring their stuff to a tentsite that had a tent, a platform and two cots set. We don't know how to cook on a charcoal fire, let alone wood or propane, many of our adults struggle pitching a tent, they're cold at 40F... The Scout Oath may say nothing about outdoorsmanship, but that's the programmatic vehicle we use, and we darn we

The SteriPEN is next to the text for "Filtering" and the tablets are next to the text for "Treating." I'm not sure they know what a SteriPEN is. Not that I'm a great fan of that method. It's delicate and not waterproof (Think kids.), a battery hog, and won't work under freezing. Other BSA literature treats the subject both more accurately and less accurately. Sigh!(This message has been edited by TAHAWK)