Tokala

I'd like to revisit SctDad's original request:

"Does anyone out there have suggestions for how to break down campsite duties. We are going on an overnight trip and I was wondering what would be the best way to get everyone involved with campsite responsibilities."

In all fairness, he didn't ask for a risk management assestment or a discertation on Guide to Safe Scouting.

Since it's a Cub activity it seems the answer to your question is to divide it up amongst the Dens/families. Arranging it ahead of time, like at a Pack meeting or a pack committee meeting, would help make the process go smoother. Troops use a duty roster within the patrols when they camp, and there's no reason that the idea cannot be adopted to a Cub family campout.

As for the "other stuff", it's paramount to ensure that the BSA rules are being followed. You are not personally responsible for every part of the plan or campout. A good leader makes sure that they have the resources available to meet the BSA rules and trusts the other people to do their part, whether it's to hold the appropriate training card/certificate, plan the outing to BSA guidelines, etc.

I considered it years ago, actually decades, when I was looking at going to college. The one thing that has prevented me from even pondering a professional Scouting job is, it would take all of the fun out of Scouting. Something that I do because I enjoy it would suddenly be an occupation where Scouting would turn into a game of numbers. How much money can you raise? Did you gain or lose units? Did you gain or lose membership? And so on.

If you do it, I'd definitely apply in councils that you do not have any connections.

My lodge holds LEC/LEB meetings at least 4x a year. Typically, they are about 1 month prior to a major lodge activity. Attendance by the youth seems to depend on a couple of simple issues: advance notice, a phone call to remind them, and a meeting that actually serves a purpose (to plan).

Many times in the OA people believe that since something is on the published calendar that the officers, chairmen, and advisers will attend. The vast majority of these people typically have other Scouting responsibilities and a simple email or phone call to remind them will help increase attendance.

Sometimes people don't bother to attend because they have no idea what is the purpose of the meeting. Sending out an agenda with the reminder allows the chairmen and officers to discuss the topics up for discussion with their advisers. If people don't know what is being debated/discussed/decided prior to the meeting, they cannot prepare. If it's a meeting just to meet or because it's "on the calendar" then you'll have a difficult time getting people to attend. So, send out the reminders and agendas and see if that helps.

And as John mentioned, our Obligation is to our untis first.

My troop used it for a base camp a few years ago. We were hosting a troop from England and spent 1 week in the Keys. Camp Sawyer is small, maybe 4-5 acres with few trees. There is a large "pole barn" type picnic shelter, a bath/shower house and a building that has A/C and has a room for meetings. Not much else there, including a ranger (he lives off site).

There's a dock with a ladder and the Scouts can swim/snorkel as long as your unit has the appropriate life guards/supervision. They can also fish from the shore or dock.

We had a large group and had issues with the septic system on the latrine/showers. Had to get the ranger to get it pumped a couple of times while we were there. The 2 troops did a couple of service projects (wired the A/C unit for the building & installed a BBQ grate on the BBQ next to the shelter) during our stay to show our appreciation.

You'll have to check with South Florida Council about availability and cost.

I've been throwing my sash in with the regular laundry for 30 years. The only time there was any problem was when they changed to the cheap version with the embroidered arrow glued onto the sash. Those tended to come out of the laundry in two pieces.

Any alternative to a dirty sash vs. a clean sash, or a plastic sleeve protector is...have 2 sashes. Use one at camp and keep a clean one for the special occasions and troop meetings.

Greetings from West Central Florida, specifically St. Petersburg. I started in Scouting in 1972 in Pack 367. I crossed over into Troop 367 and earned my Eagle Scout there in 1979. I was Scoutmaster for Troop 404 in Clearwater for a couple of years. I currently serve as the advancement chairman for Troop 404. I also serve on the Osceola district advancement committee. I attended the 1981 National Jamboree as the local Council's SPL.

I Ordealed into Timuquan lodge 340 in 1977. I kept my Vigil in 1983 and was honored with the Founder's Award in 1987. I served in many positions in the lodge as a youth, including lodge chief. I also served one term as a section officer of SE1. I have served in many adviser positions with the lodge. Currently, I am the S4S adult coordinator for Arrow Corps 5.

I'm a Bobwhite from Wood badge course SE-463 and have served on staff a few times with the latest being SPL for SR886. I've served on JLT and NYLT staff, with 2 years as a JLT Scoutmaster and 1 year as NYLT Scoutmaster.

I have always enjoyed Scouting and when I was a teen, I never thought that my membership and involvement would have continued on through since 1972.

I look forward to sharing ideas and learning some new tricks to help youth enjoy Scouting as much as I did.

Bobwhite

That's Mr. Robert White to you.

SE-463

I'm attending George Washington-Jefferson as a squad leader. Not sure if I'm at Warm Springs or James River site yet. I also serve as the S4S adult coordinator for AC5 (Arrow Corps 5).

"Has enyone ever been?"

I have attended many and didn't attend as a youth.

What is it like as an adult?

Many lodges need dependable adults to help advise/chaperone the youth on these types of events. Typically, attendance is restricted to 1 adult for every 2 youth attending from your home lodge. If your lodge has a lot of involved adults, register early!

What are the NOACs like?

NOAC for adults can be very rewarding. I was the adviser for my lodges's sing team in 1994. These young men went to NOAC and competed and won the singing competition. I don't think I have ever been more proud of a group of Scouts and their accompishment. I didn't even attend that NOAC as a member of my lodge's contingent. I got bumped for other adults, but I have many connections through the section and got a slot with another lodge.

If you cannot get a slot with your lodge, they do use members to staff the event. Check the National Bulletin for information on who the Conference Vice Chiefs are next year and watch for staff information. I've attended prior NOACs with my lodge and did some seminars/training, and I've been a staff member previously where I spent the entire week as the "administrative assistant" to the chief of the Delaware tribe who was a guest of the Order of the Arrow.

The dates for NOAC 2009 were just released, and they are August 1-6 at Indiana University in Bllomington, IN (which has a huge campus and requires a lot of walking).