King Ding Dong

On one campout we had a leader (an Eagle) burn his hand on a Dutch oven, so at B&G we set him up the a lid lifter, lid holder and welding gloves, for about $35

I think on a more practical level. I have a knife I like.

http://www.amazon.com/Camp-Chef-Professional-Lifter-9-Inch/dp/B003Z8WIHC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1368205320&sr=8-2&keywords=dutch+oven+lid+lifter

http://www.amazon.com/US-Forge-400-Welding-Leather/dp/B000MRQAJG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368205367&sr=8-1&keywords=Welding+gloves

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-A53-Original-Finish-Dutch/dp/B0002LYZNK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1368205320&sr=8-4&keywords=dutch+oven+lid+lifter

One of those trivets would be good also.

dedkad: the answer to your question is yes. Further comments are below.

 

others are correct in the WEBII "rank" just designates the boys who are in their second year Webelos. Now is a good time to get with the parent and layout what they can expect as far as rank achievement.

If the boy is interested in crossing over to boy scouts, let the parents know that the arrow of light is required if the boy is still in fifth grade and under 11.

 

If they don't care about rank, then I humbly suggest your efforts would be better spent planning for the other boys.

If, out of the blue they become concerned about rank, you may wish to get together with a WEBI leader in your pack to see if he can attend some of their "remedial" meetings. Maybe a day hike for him and "for the fun of it" for the rest of the den.

If he is more concerned than his parents, maybe an ADL can spend time with him on the remedial requirements while the rest of the den is working on super 20 gravy.

 

While were on the topic of super 20 I also suggest using den time (when not visiting troops) to really hammer home the AOL requirements, Outdoorsman and Readyman. Have contests with cool prizes for the boys to inspire them to retain the knowledge and skills in these areas. It will go a long way towards Tenderfoot and Second Class.

 

 

I agree with BBF. Although I have not seen anything official on it I have read several times here that the 2nd year is now being called Arrow of Light Webelos. Webelos II was like class A and B. Depending on his age, just make sure he will not be able to advance into a troop with his den.

 

If you see him once every two months, that is still positive.

That sounded real bad. Sorry.

I'm not opposed to the idea of arming teachers or staff, but agree that they need to be specifically designated, known to local law enforcement and train regularly them, and demonstrate equivalent proficiency. Ideally these might be former military, reserve or national guard personnel.

 

However, this should be considered the last line of defense. At the point you have armed educators responding to a shooter you have someone in the school with a weapon with intent to do harm. We need to look at policies, legislation and programs that makes this scenario much more difficult to even contemplate. This means doing a better job of identifying people that should not have access to firearms, and developing systems to limit their access.

 

SA

 

(This message has been edited by scoutingagain)

That's fine if others want to share it. Make the offer but don't shove it in their face.

This brings up a side question that I have wondered about..... not directly related to the OP's question, but still related to the discussion.

There is no such thing as WEBELOS 2. I understand that, although my pack, and I suppose many packs, have a WEBELOS 2 den. I get that.

 

But then shouldn't it be that once the boys transition to WEBELOS, they just move to the one and only WEBELOS den, that also includes the older boys that are further along..... They would of course be working on different things, but sort of like the different patrols in a troop.

Do any packs operate this way?

Seems like this would be a good preparation to the troop structure, and allow opportunities for the older boys to lead the younger boys a bit. Get a taste of it before moving to a BS troop.

The other problem is unless you utilize outside programs extensively such as bringing in the local science center to to work on engineering, completing the badges can be very time consuming. It took me 5 meetings to complete Scientist with a den of only 4. I know some leaders who just rush through it and skip certain requirements, but all you are doing then is training the boys for MB mills, not actual MB program as it should be implemented.

We had two dens of Webelos II and only 2 got the super 20. It took careful record keeping and following the school curriculum closely to get it all done for those boys. We also did an overnight, up until 5AM lockin at an activity center that cranked out aquanaught, artist, engineer and sportsman plus 5 belt-loops. It was run very well and the no requirements were compromised. They also rotated the groups through well by dividing up the active vs inactive stations. Artist 1' then basketball, engineering 1, then badminton. Then artist II. I had one mom insist her son could not make it. He did as was well as all 150 boys there. It was tough on us parents with nothing to do but watch. The boys had a blast. Great experience for them.

I agree with BBF. Although I have not seen anything official on it I have read several times here that the 2nd year is now being called Arrow of Light Webelos. Webelos II was like class A and B. Depending on his age, just make sure he will not be able to advance into a troop with his den.

If you see him once every two months, that is still positive.

Sundays are no longer a day of rest or the Sabbath for many Americans.

 

Local youth sports leagues see it as just another day of the week....With soccer and baseball games being scheduled Sunday morning.

 

 

one church van and a pick up with a cap is enough room for two patrols.

 

 

You have acces to a church van and are complaining about trailers. That's something.

I don't see a troop trailer as some rich excess. It takes gear to go camping and if you don't have it in a trailer that means all the more vehicles it takes to transport stuff and gas. A properly stocked troop FA kit is big, so are Dutch ovens, patrol boxes, wash tubs, coolers etc. Firewood. Our local camp would be deforested very quickly if we were not required to bring our own firewood. At my old Council you were not allowed to bring in firewood, but was more rural.

If you have a troop of 30 I don't see how you pull it off without a trailer unless you have a bunch of Suburbans hauling everything.

Why does religious expression have to occur as part of a herd? Why can't each person just do their own personal thing without requiring the presence of others? This is something I've never understood.

This is from the Guide to Safe Scouting (it is point 10 under Leadership Requirements for Trips and Outings:

 

Single-room or dormitory-type accommodations for Scouting units: Adults and youths of the same gender may occupy dormitory or single-room accommodations, provided there is a minimum of two adults and four youths. A minimum of one of the adults is required to be Youth Protection–trained. Adults must establish separation barriers or privacy zones such as a temporary blanket or a sheet wall in order to keep their sleeping area and dressing area separated from the youth area.

 

So - the answer is, bring tarps or blankets to establish a partition between the adults and the Scouts.

I keep thinking of Leslie Nielsen in Airplane. "Ever seen a grown man naked ?"

Scouts simply don't need phones in camp. The whole reason for going to camp is to build self-assurance, develop new friendships and enjoy the outdoors away from technology. Leave the communication with back hom to the Scouters who are sending email updates and posting pictures online. They will get over being home sick by staying active. In my experience nearly every time I have seen a home sick kid be allowed to call home (not allowed in my troop, but have seen it many times in other troops) the Scout takes a nose dive and is essentially miserable the rest of the week and on the ride back. Lucky leaders, but they deserve it if they cave in.

 

For over 8 years now we have not let a single kid call home when homesick and we have a 100% success rate in them bouncing back within 24 hours. We do make exceptions for kids who have suffered medical emergencies. Different kettle of fish that. But basic "I want mommy syndrome"? Go get an ice cream with your SPL at the Trading Post and take a swim...the kid will be fine.

You do know why Baptists don't have sex standing up? Someone might think they are dancing. :-)

With a quizzical look the sales lady asks, 'What kindof bra?' He repeats, 'A Southern Baptist bra. My wife said to tell you that she wanted a Southern Baptist bra, and that you would know what she wanted.'

'Oh, yes, now I understand,' says the sales lady. 'We don't get as many requests for them as we used to. Most of our customers lately want the Catholic bra, the Salvation Army bra, or the Presbyterian bra.'

Confused, and a little flustered, the man asks, 'So, what are the differences?'

The sales lady responds. 'It's really quite simple. The Catholic bra supports the masses, the Salvation Army bra lifts up the fallen, and the Presbyterian bra keeps them staunch and upright.' He muses on that information for a minute and says, 'Hmm. I know I'll regret asking, but what does the Southern Baptist bra do?' 'Ah,' she replied, 'the Southern Baptist bra makes mountains out of molehills.'

Baptists used to be huge supporters of freedom of religion' date=' that is until they became the majority in many states.[/quote']

 

The Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty is still very good at supporting religious liberty.

Brief tour of website seems like this is a very interesting group. Is there any evidence this group has the endorsement of the Southern Baptist Convention? They seem like oil and water.

I don't know his rank but that does not mean in the meantime you cannot work on some Scoutcraft skills with him so when he is reinstated he can fly through some of the requirements. If has first class you need to be careful with some of the merit badges, but he could certainly pick a few and get the book learning part done. Swimming, life saving, first aid, knots and lashings for pioneering can be practiced at home, practice some cooking skills, put a 30lb pack on him and go up and down some hills.

With some MBs if you know the material once you meet a counselor they can be knocked out quickly. Don't let him just sit in limbo and loose interest.

Still cannot access the open discussion forum. ALl I see are the two sub-forums.

Well, cell phones are necessary to keep track of children when they are in camps. It is obvious that parents will want to talk to their children and get worried when there is no conversation for a day or two. So cell phones should be used but for a limited time.

Those new sub-dermal GPS chips we install in all our scouts has been a real lifesaver for our Scoutmaster and a soothing salve for helicopter moms. Now all from their iPads moms leaders can see Billy swimming across the lake or Tom and Jerry hanging out in the woods rather that attending the Environmental Science workshop. They learn so much more responsibility this way. There is nothing a boy needs more than to be tracked every second of the day.

Why is it everyone just assumes Baby Boy is calling home to Mommy

 

Just Maybe some scouts were out there Snapping "scouting pictures' and uploading on Scout Web Sites and keeping Fellow Scouters interested in the Summer Events..

 

Here is How I have Seen Cell Phones Used

 

Well We set off for Summer Camp today 18+ Hour Drive from Texas to Colorado...Destination CAMP MIDDLEOFNOWHERE...Posted Snap Shot of "Troop" prepared to leave

 

"Wow We Found this great little Place to Stop and Eat....JUSTLIKEGRANDMASCOOKING Diner...FANTASTIC homemade Apple Pie....Snap Shot of Several Scouts eating Pie

 

"Man we just stopped for the Night at this Great State Park..Wish Yall could See the View of The "CAPROCKS here in the Texas Panhandle... Breathtaking Sunset...Posted Pictures of Sunset..Scouts around campfire

 

"Woke up to a Beautiful Sunrise in the Canyon..Saw several Deer...Cooked a Greaat Breakfast"...more posted pictures

 

"Arrived at CAMP MIDDLEOFNOWHERE...Man is it Beautiful...Beautiful Lake...Fantastic Old Mess Hall..

 

PICTURE PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES

Wow Billy is Having fun his first time riding a Horse

Wow Johnny just Caught a Huge Trout

WOW WE PASSED SWIM TESTS

WOW AFTER WOW..LOOK HOW MUCH FUN WE ARE HAVING

Pictures Pictures Pictures Pictures

 

AW SHUCKS>>>WOW we had a Great 14 Days here at Camp..Heading Home Tomorrow...Can You believe we did all this...(2000 pictures Later)

 

Not Every Kid can Afford a Fancy Camera..MANY are Really Bulky...What Cell phone Does not Have Cameras..maybe about 5% now Days..Most even Have a Video capability

Can't instantly Share on Social Media with a DSLR Digital Camera/Video Camera

 

Ah What a shame that other Troop banned their Cell phones..I guess we could get their info and share pictures Later..

 

Meanwhile Some Youth is Looking at the Posts of their Friend saying, "MAN THAT LOOKS LIKE FUN, I AM GOING TO JOIN BOY SCOUTS."

 

50 Years Later.."Grandpaw can I join Scouts, looks like Yall had a lot of Fun Back in your Day..>>youth sitting at Computer Surfing an Old Scout Website looking at Historical Photos

Do you seriously expect us to believe that is all you have seen scouts do with their phone on a camping trip? A scout is honest.

Had outdoor leader training this weekend. Was cold wet and miserable. Each patrol had to perform 2 songs and two skits. This one went over big and was selected to end the Council campfire.

Song - Scout Wet-Spurs

To the tune of “Oh Christmas Treeâ€Â

Softly falls the rain today, as our campfire drowns away.

Silently each scout should ask have I brought my SCUBA mask

Did I tie my tent flaps down, learn to swim so I won't drown.

Have I done and will I try, to grab my things as they float by.

Harder falls the rain today As our campsite floats away

Suddenly each scout should ask, did I bring a life raft,

Have I tied my tent flaps down or did my backpack float to town

Have I done, and did I try everything to keep me dry

Finally stops the rain today and our campsite’s miles away.

Searching like each good scout should to build a fire with dry wood.

Can I dry my bed roll right? So I can dryly sleep tonight?

Have I done and have I dared everything to be prepared.

Yea' date=' it appears it is, I'd swear there were people younger than that when I went to NYLT 4 years ago. I wonder when that started.[/quote']

Must be a council call. St Louis has a minimum age of 12 while most Texas councils are 13

eaglewolfdad you are right about GSLAC minimum age but there are some other important requirements

 

To take the training, a scout must:

• Be currently registered as a member of the Boy Scouts of America who has attended long-term Boy Scout camp for a minimum of two years.

• Be First Class rank or higher.

• Be at least 12 years old.

• Be a member of a troop whose Scoutmaster has completed the adult Boy Scout Leader Basic Training

Course.

• Be a current or prospective youth leader recommended by his Scoutmaster.

• Venturing participants must meet the above requirements other than attaining First Class Rank.

 

From April 2013 On the Horizon newsletter.

 

I do not disagree with the requirements but my oldest has a September birthday and is young so he will likely be Life before he can attend.

 

Basement and anyone interested, just finished leader training today (if it ain't rainin, it ain't trainin) and I can't praise our district training staff enough. We had 8 adult patrols of 6-7 leaders and a training staff of at least 18 from our district alone. My patrol had 3 patrol guides. There was a smaller contingent from a few other districts. They also offer Woodbadge twice a year here. Ohio to St. Louis is not that big a trip.

 

NYLT at S-F. June 9-15 June 16-22 July 7-13 July 14-20

Baptists used to be huge supporters of freedom of religion' date=' that is until they became the majority in many states.[/quote']

 

The Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty is still very good at supporting religious liberty.

Not sure what the BJCRL is, will look that up. I know who Land is, and he does not support religious liberty.

Too much adult involvement. Patrol makes the menu.....Grubmaster duty rotates each boy has his turn' date=' some boys love doing it, others will miss a campout to avoid it. Grubmaster goes thru the food pantry and then goes to the grocery store and purchases the menu items. If they forget condiments, then they learn for next trip... Had pancakes with no syrup or butter not too long ago..... Food is a good place to learn lessons in my book. Most of our boys are well feed enough a mistake here isn't going to kill them. [/quote']

 

Pretty much what we do. Food is handled by the patrols. No real rotation, but with the younger scouts, has to do with who needs the First Class requirement. We generally have the parents go with the Scout, and give them the budget and the basic guidelines--let the Scout do the picking, guide them as to cost, and if needed, amounts. Pay for it, will be reimbursed by troop. I do agree that this is the best place for them to learn lessons and to pay attention to detail.

Same here. You just have to trust the parents to actually let the scout do it. Some get good at it. Our budget for a two night is 12.50. Last fall a new scout picked up some steaks on sale. That patrol ate better than the Old Goats.

 

Sometimes we look at the menu and tell them it is not balanced and go back to the food pyramid, but it is their job to figure out what is wrong and fix it. I know some feel you should just let them buy pop tarts for the whole weekend and let them learn their lesson when they feel like crap by Sunday. That approach may be faster, just seems a little extreme to me and some kids (like mine) would not get sick and be just fine with it.

 

Occasionally we will hold an Iron Chef Scout and the Patrols feed the Old Goats. Then we announce the winner Sunday morning. (No prizes, just bragging rights) Last time we did it the patrol that won did not have the best food but they made sure their guests ate first. A Scout is courteous.

guess I need to just be happy with the White Castle of scouting programs and not aspire to the Brown Derby scout program.

So why the non-high adventure base big trips???????

 

So why not the non-HA big trips?

 

If the boys can plan it, fund it, execute it, why not? I don't agree with how some of the mega troops do things where the parents run and fund everything like a mini army. But those of us who raise our own money and do our own planning, why not do a few big trips every year or so?