King Ding Dong

Tough spot your troop is in. You can't have bylaws to cover every possible situation. This was just irresponsible of the leader to make such a large financial decision for the troop without consulting the committee. I would go the district/council route first, but honor the offer in the end, after a very candid talk with the leader and his lack of common sense. The troop should have a policy that any expenditure over say $50 needs at least a verbal approval of the CC.

You will find info in the Leader How To Book. Google is also your friend here. The first page has lots of plans. I have wanted to do this before, but not enough interest in my pack. I think everyone gets burned out from the Pinewood Derby. Also we have apartment dwellers in our pack, so building one is tough for them. Not to mention it does get a bit expensive to build one. Not sure how you get a strip of tire for the break. With the environmental disposal rules now, it is not like you just find them laying around and then how do you cut it.

I am sure they have met them. They just didn't realize it.

With high turnover good record keeping must be a priority. Also document activities and what worked and didn't so you have good info to pass along. You also have an advantage in that the military bases I am familiar with have services to rent all out all sorts of camping equipment. Make sure the del leaders use the den meeting plan form and make notes the keep them in a binder to pass along. I have two boys three years apart also. Complete Chaos. Also, realize if you want to follow the rules, scouts is decidedly NOT paramilitary, so things like pointing guns at simulated living targets, hunting, paintball, and camo are a no, no. (Even laser tag, which everyone roll their eyes at). Have fun and ask questions.

As long as you have 2 deep leadership at base camp is it ok to drive to the next town and get some real food and a few adult beverages ? (Out of uniform, of course)

But as long as he has LTE he can just google it.

We could always let in girls, just not if they are "avowed" girls.

Laser tag?? Might want to check out the thread below. Laser tag and paint ball are no-nos officially. http://www.scouter.com/forum/cub-scouts/16020-laser-tag Now, if you guys want to meet at Main Event or wherever as a group of people who just happen to be in Scouts together, that's up to you. There a troops that have no meetings during hunting season, and the trailer is out getting its bearings repacked. I wonder why.

I like you BD, I really do, but sometimes I just don't understand you. You have 4356 posts and you criticize others for virtual scouting. ???

Wow, He will be a twelve year old Eagle with that ambition. Probably get a 100+ MBs

BD, I assume you are commenting on my post. I corrected a typo, but assuming the Webelos cross over in February he can't go with them and will need to wait to May. Never meant to say he can't join the troop at all. He will be behind the others in requirements, but his patrol can catch him up quickly.

Simmer down now. The Johnny Rocket Space Suit image and scouts under plastic sheeting like corpses was just to irresistible. If you ever want to make a trip to St. Louis, our troop would love to host you for a campout and show you around town. Let us know what you want to do and we can make it happen. Just realize most of the troops that have a bunch of stuff have acquired it over many, many years. My troop has been at this school for at least 30 years. The Dutch ovens are probably older than that. I can't imagine what it would be like to start with nothing. Our troop did a cabin thing in February. I was not a proponent. But I like our leaky tents.

Are you aware of the Den and Pack Meeting Resource Guide ? The hard copy is about $10, but sections can be downloaded. It lays out a whole program year for you, mixing up requirements and electives. http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/Leaders/DenLeaderResources/DenandPackMeetingResourceGuide.aspx

Are you aware of the Den and Pack Meeting Resource Guide ? The hard copy is about $10, but sections can be downloaded. It lays out a whole program year for you, mixing up requirements and electives. http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/Leaders/DenLeaderResources/DenandPackMeetingResourceGuide.aspx

On a serious note, if that is one of those 15 person vans I wouldn't haul anything with it. They are dangerous loaded up as it is and it is a good idea to have two vehicles. But MB is partly right, you should look into trying to pool resources with another troop. Just don't try it with us rich white guys and our 18 year old troop trailer that is worth about $1200. On Sunday mornings we are on the road by 9:00 am. Have to get the boys back for their fencing, equestrian, crew and polo tournaments.

But you think tents are the devil's tools. What happened ? Aren't they supposed to sleep under plastic ? If I recall Irwin Mainway used to hawk plastic tents for scouts on SNL. Lol

You need to check into the issue of scouts raising funds for other organizations. I am not clear on all the ins and outs, but I recall this is a no, no. It kind of confuses me because a scout can raise funds for an eagle project that benefits another organization.

I agree GSUSA would throw a fit if BSA opened up to girls. It would be viewed as a very hostile act. The fallout would be huge. The only way this could happen is with the GSUSA blessing or a merger, and last I checked pigs don't fly.

I have not, fortunately. I would be very interested in seeing what the crazies are up to. Any chance you can post it somewhere and provide a link?

That will be unfortunate. My sons have not hit puberty yet so I am in no doubt going to experience lots of surprises, however my circle of friends never did anything remotely like what was described here. I am trying to be open minded about it and don't believe in severe punishments for first time mistakes, but that kind of behavior does seem a bit alarming to me, from my own personal perspective. Throwing the book at them is extreme, and not in the spirit of scouting in my opinion.

To bad push-ups are now considered hazing. Dollar store prizes are ok.

It can be a struggle to get it all done by B&G. it is important to get the families a list of what they are expected to do at home early on. If you are a school based pack, meeting with the teachers (art, music, and PE) and finding out what they are scheduled for can be a major boost. No point making them do a color wheel or mobile a second time if you are rushed. If you think about the requirements in the context of the cubs entire experience you can easily rack up five or six arrow points. Just takes a little leg work on your part and thumbing through the book occasionally to keep the stuff fresh in your head.

Just my opinion, but I think God would prefer these boys outside discovering all his glorious creations and learning to be proper stewards than twitching in their seats listening some self professed agent babble on. But that's just me.

Faith you are on the right track with your plan. Just realize that with your new Wolf and Bear dens they can work on electives over the summer and bank them, but you cannot award any of the arrow points until they receive the Wolf or Bear rank badge. Kind of goes against Immediate Recognition, but BSA wants you to focus on the requirements. You are smart to not work on the requirements until the school year starts as you may pick up new members. However, if you have a den plan laid out for the year there is no reason the cubs cannot get a jump on the "with your family" requirements. The cubs need to attend all three activities for the pin, the den and pack need 50% attendance for the ribbons. http://usscouts.org/bbugle/bb0406/bb-bl.html

Lol. Well it sure made me pray for pain relief.