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boleta

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Posts posted by boleta

  1. I remember with humor singing for a lost hat in front of a large pack at a campfire (as an adult).

     

    However, Hazing is no longer allowed in any form by BSA. No exceptions.

     

    So, what is considered humiliating? Clearly, many in this thread think the activity to reclaim items by singing for it can be humiliating and it amuses others. It is, therefore, hazing. It only needs to be humiliating to one scout to fit the definition.

     

    We have discussed this before. When the program says something clearly like, No Hazing, do not deceive yourself into thinking you are following the program of Scouting when you are not. If you allow this activity, then you are allowing hazing. Some seem to be proud that they continue hazing scouts for the scout's "benefit" and to spite BSA.

  2. The Venturing Crew uniform is whatever the members of the crew decide it is. In our Crew (all young men so far) it is a Venturing shirt, and any khaki pants or shorts. There is no mention of shoes, socks, belt or hat so any and all are acceptable. As advisor, I advise. But, I will not say to the guys- "you must wear dress shoes" or any such thing as it is their decision.

    ps If they decide to wear campaign hats, I see nothing wrong with it. Again, it is their decision.

  3. In every committee I have ever been on- business, hospital, etc., the committee chair simply runs the agenda. He(she) is not allowed to make motions or vote, except in a tie. There is no question that the chair has tremendous power in limiting discussion if he wants to (or not allowing a topic to be brought up in the first place).

    I was a Troop Committee member for 2 years and that is the way our troop ran. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend our Troop Committee training session. All the other members of the committee, including the Chairman, were able to take the training together, which really helps.

  4. The Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures manual states:

     

    Scoutmaster Conferences

    One of the most enjoyable experiences of being a Scoutmaster is the opportunity of a Scout and his leader to sit down and visit together.

    In large troops, Scoutmasters occasionally assign this responsibility to assistant Scoutmasters or members of the troop committee...

     

    There is no distinction between the ranks, so it is OK for the ASM to do the conference.

  5. All Scouter registration fees go to National! The Council is dependent of Product sales, FOS, other fundraisers the Council may sponsor, and the other methods mentioned above (scout shop, etc.)

    Unfortunately, product sales are a significant contribution to your Council's budget. I buy popcorn and give it as Christmas gifts. So, I pay a little more. It is a gift to the person who receives it and a gift to Council.

  6. Your SM is adding to the requirements which is not allowed. It does not say practice EVERY DAY. It does not say keep a log. A scout is trustworthy. Encourage them to practice. Maybe have the guys doing the requirement meet 30 minutes before your troop meets and PRACTICE together as a group. Offer this to them. But it still would not be required to be present at this practice to complete the requirement.(This message has been edited by boleta)

  7. Well, we in Virginia do have our ways. A friend of my wife is named Pansy. That is her real name. Her vanity plate has said Panzee for many years... She was surprised when she was told she couldn't renew it one year by the state because of the offensive implications of the plate!?!

  8. It is amazing how many of these type of events are out there but we rarely hear about them. We have been priviliged to go 3 times to the US Naval Academy Jambo held each January. The boys take only one MB but get a great exposure to the Academy. Be ready for winter camping! I can't paste the link here for some reason. Search google for USNA NESA Jambo to get the web site.

  9. I have not seen it in writing from BSA, but our Council has a 2 to 1 - boys to adult ratio for Webelos Resident Camp. This is in writing from the Council. It works well and is good for the combined Troop-Webelos events too.

     

    I was tenting with an adult when his son had a leaking tent and came into our tent in the middle of the night! UNCOMFORTABLE!

     

    We have also had live-in boyfriends of the mom come on the outing when the mom is a single parent. Sometimes it is difficult to know the exact relationship there. Although uncomfortable, we need to ask if it is not the parent or legal guardian and say no if they are not registered adults with the units involved.

  10. Another effect of young advancers and achievers is motivating the older boy who is stagnant in his advancement. We had a 16 year old First Class who got the lead out when his 12 year old brother got First Class! This older boy was one of our best campers; always enthusiastic and a fun kid to be around. He just wasn't interested in advancement until his brother joined. He and brother get back from Philmont today. He has completed his Eagle project, has one MB for Eagle left (almost done), and turns 18 on August 7!!

    But I still strongly favor the age limit. The 9 year old should be a Webelos for a year or 2.(This message has been edited by boleta)

  11. The Troop my son was associated with also went throught hard times. The SM died of a heart attack and a group of older boys were very poorly behaved prior to his joinging. These boys were basically juvenile delinquents that liked to camp. After my son joined and a few years went by, I asked the SM who had taken over in this very difficult situation, why he did so, and why his son stayed in this troop. He told me that he felt a responsibility to the Troop and that he felt he could work with the adults to make the progrm better. And he did! The delinquents left, the program improved and everyone was much happier with the troop. I think it is worth noting that it is an all volunteer organization and the quality is variable.

  12. When Lifesaving was required for Eagle, I took it at age 13 at summer camp. The 16 year old counselor would not let us complete the requirements if you could not save him. Only one 16 year old saved that "jerk" and got the badge. When I finally got Lifesaving at age 15, I could save a life. I got Eagle at 16.

     

    My son got his Eagle at 14 1/2 and deserved every badge. He refused First Aid MB at age 11 when he was given a signed Blue Card at a MBgiveaway when CPR wasn't even reviewed. He completed it properly the next year. (his 41st merit badge was Lifesaving at 15 and he goes for BSA Lifeguard next week). He was mature and ready to be Eagle.

     

    There are 12 year olds in our troop who have "earned" Lifesaving MB. I wouldn't want them to be on duty when I was drowning. This is an example of "signed Blue Card creep".

     

    Compare this thread to Goodkidsmom thread where a BOR denied rank advancement, not because the boy failed to complete the requirements, but because the boy is not assertive enough.

     

    If the Scout completes the requirements, he deserves to advance regardless of age. As we have discussed before, the responsibility is on the shoulders of the MB counselors and others to be sure that the tasks are complete before signing off.

     

     

  13. I really like teaching. Our troop is trying to get to a boy taught troop and I don't know that I like it that much. It seems the guys don't teach thoroughly and seem to want to just get through the requirement. Adult teaching seems to avoid these problems and I enjoy it a lot. A group of guys decided to skip Orienteering for 1st class at summer camp. I set up and then taught them the subject and they seemed to enjoy it.

  14. I agree completely with Twocubdad.

    The same thing happened to my son with an Eagle Gold Palm. He was awarded the Palm from the Council Advancement Committee, got it at a Troop Court of Honor, but is now inactive in this troop and a Venturer.

     

    He learned to fight for what he had earned. The Troop learned the criteria for the Palm. The committee has written him a formal apology for the misunderstanding which originated from an unreasonable Scoutmaster. (the SM never apologized).

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