Trevorum

That sounds dangerously close to a YP gray area ...

It's up to the SM whether or not he considered this conversation to be a "Scoutmaster Conference". There is no requirement that a SM conference be a one-on-one dialogue, although that is the most common format. In my opinion, a typical SM conference for AoL should be no more than 5 minutes. Occasionally where circumstances warranted, I have conducted SM conferences with small groups of Webelos. These generally were somewhat longer (15 minutes). I liked these because all of the boys are full of questions. Some are to shy to speak up much but they still get to hear the answers to the other fellows' questions.

Here and in other threads, we've discussed the reasons for, and source of, human ethics. Some folks argued that religious belief must be the source of ethics and morality. Recent research suggests that there may be some biological basis. This is interesting. see: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070122/sc_nm/brain_altruism_dc Focusing on altruism, the report states, "Altruism, one of the most difficult human behaviors to define, can be detected in brain scans, U.S. researchers reported on Sunday. ... [neuroscientist at Duke University] believes it is valid to try to assess altruism scientifically. 'It is hardly the case that all altruistic acts come from people who are religiously faithful; there are undoubtedly many altruistic atheists. And, a religious explanation would have considerable difficulty explaining why some animals help others of their species at significant cost or danger to themselves.'"

Thanks, Hunt. I found the dissent by Kleinfeld to be persuasive.

Welcome Bob! Glad to have you join us. Scouting is terrific, isn't it?

Where does the Dad's Eagle pin go? Is it civilian wear only or may it be worn on the uniform? I've seen it worn on collar tabs and on pocket flaps. Same with the Mentor pin. Thanks!

Our (largeish) unit gives each Life Scout the option of choosing an Eagle Mentor. This adult is thoroughly familiar with the Life to Eagle process and assists the Candidate in identifying rough spots on the trail ahead. Some candidates consult with their Mentor more than others. It isn't an official position but there IS a Mentor pin in the Eagle award presentation pack.

Our troop does BoRs by the regs, but we use an extra step in the advancement process that involves the older boys. After a fellow has completed all the requirements (T-2-1) he requests a conference with an Instructor (Star or above). The Instructor is the first line of testing and they take it seriously. They use a checksheet and both sign. The Instructor Conference usually happens at meetings and so it generally does not cause any delay. The candidate then takes the signed checksheet to an ASM for the SM conference.

L'Bob, Depending on how long you thing it may take him to save up for a new book, I will disagree with the others. Heep your agreement with him. If he can save the money within a month or so, then that's what he should do. The lesson will be much more meaningful if he gives his hard earned green to the fellow at the scoutshop rather than giving it (back) to his mom. Of course, this may mean that he is delayed earning his 2nd Class if your troop committee requires him to have a book (there is no such BSA requirement). I would hope not, especially since your troop maintains Troopmaster records. (Gazing off into the past...) Reminds me of the time my Tenderfoot son left his book outside his tent on his 3rd campout. Of course it rained. We were at a State Park and I found him the next morning in the latrine, trying to dry his book under the hot air blower. It eventually dried completely but it puffed up like a piece of popcorn. He removed the pages with advancements signed off and taped them into his new book. With a cover. T'bob

Back when I was on committee, I remember several fellows who, for one reason or another, left their BoR without a signature. However, the Board didn't "fail" them. We, including the Scout, agreed to adjourn the Board until a specific date in the future when we would reconvene and complete the Board. We did this in a few cases when the Scout was clearly not prepared for the Board. All of those Scouts got a unanimous vote of the Board upon reconvening a week or two later. The only case of which I know of a failed Board was for an Eagle candidate. I've written of that incident here previously.

Keep talking to a minimum. Prepare a written meeting agenda. Post it on a black/white board so the whole troop can know what's happening and when. Keep talking to a minimum. Use the Scout sign when necessary. Do fun activities that will keep the attention of the older guys and excite the younger ones. Keep talking to a minimum.

Ryan, With respect, this is not "your" forum (it actually belongs to our host, Scouter Terry). You may have started this particular thread, but netiquette does not preclude others from engaging in cross-chats or from posing obliquely related ideas. It is not a reflection on you or your thread, it's just what happens in all threads. Sometimes the most enjoyable and educational threads wind up being about something else completely! -Trevorum

yah, every year it's the same old thing. We get a new SPL all trained up and experienced so he can be a great leader, and the troop up and elects a new fellow! Back to square one!

WDL Mom, I feel your pain! That is precisely the reason that I volunteered this year to be a FOS presenter (well, there's also a cool patch! ). For the last 3 years our presentation has been by one of the old-timers. A really nice fellow and a loyal Scouter, but borrrrrring. As he droned on and on in his soporific monotone, I thought to myself, "I could do a better job that that!" And so here I am ... Thanks to all for your thoughts!

SSS - Yes I know, but campfires are SO much more fun than Roundtables!

He is a silly fellow.

. In another thread, Hunt says, "I think ... abrupt change is typically a sign that adult leaders have decided to "take charge." That's a great observation which I have never really thought about before. I agree with Hunt. I've seen a bunch of new fireball SPLs come in with some nifty ideas, but inevitably the program marches on in the same direction with only minor changes. Adults, on the other hand, can really disrupt a unit with ham-handed changes of policies and procedures. For an established unit, I think the role of adult leaders should be to merely trim the sails a bit when the youth leadership seems to be going off-course. Small adjustments, made in the background. Invisible tweaks.

Welcome! A long time Scouter like yourself is sure to have some great stories, advice, and perspective. We're glad you're here!

I've volunteered to be on the outreach committee for our district's FOS campaign this year. I'm not much good at asking for money, but I love talking about Scouting so I'll give it my best shot. I'll be making FOS presentations at a couple of Blue & Golds and CoHs in the next few months and am looking for words of wisdom from y'all about what works and what doesn't. Thanks!

Ryan, It sounds like you fellows have a big responsibility! I don't know of any other troops who have such a Soup to Nuts involvement in Scout Sunday and I can't figure out how you would do it to be satisfying to the main non-Scout congregation and at the same time be inclusive and respectful of all the beliefs in your troop. It would work with single faith units such as LDS, but I can't see how the entire troop could be involved in a multi-faith unit. I know our Jewish and Hindu fellows would feel pretty awkward participating in a traditional Presbyterian service and I don't think our Baptist Scouts would even consider visiting a UU or (gasp) Wiccan service.

Hello Ryan. And welcome to the forums. We're always glad to have youth join our campfire! Now that you've found us, I hope you'll continue to share your Scouting experiences with us. Speaking for myself, our troop has 8 or 9 faiths among our members including Jewish, Hindu, Catholic, Wiccan, UU, LDS, and several flavors of Protestant so I don't think a single service would meet everyones needs. However, we sometimes have a Scouts Own service on campouts and that works well.

Our good friend Eammon waxes poetic now and then. Even philosophical. I always enjoy his ramblings. His folksy way can make us stop and look at ourselves. Recently he told us about the tribulations in his family and how he is coping. It made me think of my own family and the ups and downs that happen to us all. No one's life ever goes 'according to plan'. We all adjust, reset the sights, and go on. Eammon helped me remember an epiphany I had more than 30 years ago. Some old person was talking about "the good old days" and I started wondering why the good old days were always in the past. Darn - I missed them! Did those people back then know they were lucky enough to be having the 'good old days'? .... In a flash of teenage insight, I realized that THESE are the good old days. Right now. Today. In 20 years we'll forget the hurts, the scars will heal and we will be telling our grandkids wonderful stories about ... today ... I hope everyone has a marvelous January 6, 2007. One worth telling your grandkids about!

I think uniforms of any type are always appropriate at formal events like Courts of Honor (not sure what the equivalent is for Girl Scouts) and other ceremonies. Military personnel, police officers, and other first responders should be encouraged wear their uniforms to these events (as may be permitted by their organizations). At more informal activities like Cuborees, I'd say it would be a personal choice. I probably wouldn't wear my uniform to a Girl Scout activity.

Nice site, Fred. I like the photos - gives it warmth and personality. And I especially like posting your Memorandum of Mutual Support - I'll suggest that to our own webmaster.

Hillis, I don't see this on the 99 lodge calendar. Please PM me with the details. I know some fellows in our troop who want to learn ceremonies. www