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We have a uniform drive every few years...we put an article and/or advertisement in the newspaper asking for donations of used uniforms. You have to have a few people willing to be to "collectors"...we wash them & put them in a closet. Each time we have new Scouts and Scouters, there are "experienced" shirts available for them to use...we just ask that they return them when they are through so another Scout may use them. We typically gather 30-40 shirts. When so many people are wearing experienced uniforms it is hard to feel bad.

This is my 3rd son through Webelos and the 4th time I've been DL for Webelos...I look over the material and "schedule" activities much like a teacher forms lesson plans. There a few badges which are to be done at home (i.e. Handyman and Family Member) IF the boy wishes. I present an opportunity to earn or at least work on each of the other badges at den meetings. I visit them once...twice if needed & it is a required badge. I routinely ask them to complete work on their own...like interviewing educators, etc. We schedule in LOTS of fun activities. Sometimes they count towards advancement a

It is my belief/understanding that it is okay to go to other council's resident camps, as long as you jump through all the hoops...Tour Permit in advance with all the requested information, two-deep leadership (generally, parent/child is not required at Resident camps), yadda, yadda, yadda. I would try to be sure your "two-deep" is NOT a husband/wife team. I looked through my training material for Webelos Outdoor Training, BALOO, New Leader Essentials, and CS Leader Specifics, and didn't find anything that would disallow it. That said...where are you located? Do you have ideas where

Well...I have been looking for where I read that "small print"...but...there's always a "but" isn't there? Several years ago, when I was told about the fine print, I objected loudly and said that it couldn't be, as it IS the youth's election. I was shown where it read that the SM had the final acceptance or rejection...don't remember the exact wording, but it essentially said don't sign off if you disagree. Time has passed, we are in a small troop, and haven't had anyone eligible for a couple years, so haven't kept up-to-date...as I was preparing for this year's elections, since I was visiting

Getting back to what dan said early on...he has many good points. So was the point about when your son got attacked. When the time comes that the Troop you are involved in is not following BSA policy or it does not "fit" anymore, it is time to look for alternatives. What are they? What is the problem? Can it be "fixed"? Is it a threat to the well-being of others? Is there a Troop nearby you can drive to? Do you have a moral obligation to the other youth in the program? Short story: we were involved in a troop which was primarily adult-run (and had some other issues), but was the only

Firem'n Chit: This certification grants a Scout the right to carry matches and build campfires. The Scout must show his Scout leader, or someone designated by his leader, that he understands his responsibility to do the following: 1. Read and understand fire use and safety rules from the Boy Scout Handbook. 2. Secure necessary permits (regulations vary by locality). 3. Clear all flammable vegetation at least 5 feet in all directions from fire (total 10 feet). 4. Attend to fire at all times. 5. Keep fire-fighting tools (water and/or shover) readily available. 6. Leave fire only wh

mia culpa, mia culpa, mia culpa I believe it used to be in the list of "do 7 of these" or whatever the number was...didn't realize they had changed the requirements. That said...for many years, the training material wasn't even available! We had it in our council only because someone tracked down an OLD copy (and it was the most current one printed) and started it up again! However, there seems to be a renewed emphasis on the Webelos program, and National is coming up with some great supplemental materials...and NEW training materials for Webelos Outdoor is now available...so co

I agree with the preprinted ballots...and I like the idea of one or two voting at a time. Also, our troop members decided they would like every eligible Scout give a brief speech to the troop on why they should be elected in...this also gives them the opportunity to turn down the nomination if they don't want in. Then...there in the small print...in the end the election stands AT THE SM'S DISCRETION...if an election's results are totally inappropriate, the SM does have the option of negating the vote...we personally haven't had to exercise this option, but have thought about it long &

New Leader Essentials and Webelos Specific Training are required for the knot. WLOT is NOT

Wow! There is a reason our parents told us to avoid conversations about politics and religion! Some of you seem to have a good sense of balance about this. But wowsers! Many of you need to learn to give others the respect you are demanding without earning... As I read the many posts, I had a few thoughts... 1) Our country/government was created by God-fearing people. If you don't like it...change history. 2)Our constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Nowhere does it guarantee freedom FROM religion. 3)The idea of separation of church and state didn't come about until the 60'

Ponder...what is the difference between being a Scout & being a Scouter? What responsibilities are there for the young Scouter? Consider reviewing the training available, discussing the SM Conference & BoR, program planning steps, how to mentor the Scouts... Oh, the ideas are limitless...think about what the adults do & how they SHOULD do those things, then tell your young adults about it. What roles are available to 18-21 year old leaders, how to help create youth leaders, ideas on how to help separate themselves as adults without alienating their friends... Good luck!

The attraction is much the same as what draws us to climb mountains, camp, backpack, etc. -- a great love of the outdoors. My family will often report, "The hunting was great. The shooting was poor, but that doesn't matter." We (my family & those who hunt on our ranch) DO cull...we have over 50 head of deer that live on our place. Our sons are allowed to go for the "trophy" ONCE. After that, they select lesser animals...often does, so it reduces the reproduction rate. (And NO, does do NOT have Bambi's to be feeding at this time of year. They are all weaned by hunting season.) Wil

First name. I really believe this is an environmental thing...if it is customary in your region or situation, then certainly Mr/Ms is appropriate. We live in a small community. Many of our Cub & Boy Scouts are in my home outside Scouting. I know them personally & well. I have coached them. I have coffee with their parents. That sort of thing. However, some of the leaders are leaders in our community...Dr's & Teachers...they are referred to as Mr/Ms/Dr. I agree with seed...respect doesn't come with a name. I have heard people called Mr/Ms Lastname with great disrespect, and I h

There is a lot of good input here. Glad to hear your meeting went fairly well. Has your troop considered putting together a CD or handout on "How Boy Scouts is different from Cub Scouts"? What about having your CC attend a PLC as an observer? What about the SPL attending a Committee Meeting? (Adult leaders MUST give him proper respect!) Do you have a SA assigned to assist this group? Would your PLC consider staging campouts to assist the younger ones? Specifically, in our troop, the older boys each pair up with a new Webelos Scout to assist them for the first several campouts. They don't