mashmaster

I am not sure about what you mean about the Family emphasis. In my experience in Cub Scouts it already was family based, camping and activities had sisters around. In Sea Scouts/Venturing the girls and boys plan and do things and family provides money and transportation.

You clearly think I am not a fan of it. I think all people should be treated equally no matter what. This is what I have posted publicly because it is what I believe. I am sure some will disagree with my point of view. So today is the start of Scouts BSA. Girls will now be allowed to be members of all the types of scouts in BSA. Some are upset, girls have been in exploring/Sea Scouts for 50 years now, girls have been included in almost every other country for a while now. This is a historic non-event. What I mean by that is that I am very happy they are no included and able to scout with us. I look forward to seeing them thrive and breath life into the program. But the program hasn't changed, the youth are still in charge and will have the same adventures. Just because a Girl can now get Eagle or any other rank doesn't add or take away for any Boy that attained that rank before. She will earn it the same way he did and it will be her own personal story. Girl Scouts is a fine program and great for many people, if that is wonderful and I wish them success. This isn't us vs. them. It is allowing anyone who wants to scout the opportunity to scout in whatever form best suits them. Welcome girls to our scout program, I wish you great success. I am equally as happy for all the boys in the program. Let's move on to focus on scouting and great adventures!

I am not sure about this gender specific handbook myself. The only difference appears to be pictures now, but having different books could be the beginning of a slippery path to different requirements. I am not sure why they couldn't have an updated book for both with a mix of pictures of each gender?

First off, I am pro on girls in Scouts, BSA. And I realize tomorrow is the day it kicks off. Is anyone else growing tired of the marketing and PR behind it and hoping that after tomorrow we get to just talking about scouting for all and enough about just the female troops. Yes it is historic for tan shirts. This also happens to be the 50th year of females in Sea Scouting/Exploring. It surprises me it took 50 years to make this change. It just seems to be getting a little wearing at least in our council that they are promoting any time a female troop meets on the web site, facebook..... I just want to get back to scouting for all and talk about hiking, camping, and all the other fun scouting activities. This 18 month lead up is painful, I am not sure why it took 18 months IMHO.

Yeah this part: methacholine testing requirements is what he would have to do for Scuba anywhere but Seabase. Oh well, The rest of the crew will go, We will find a different adventure to go on. He has already said no to Northern Tier (too many bugs...and to Philmont )

Only Seabase. All others refer to DANI rules. Which allow it if under control and passing a cold air lung test.

Well, I'm bummed now.... because of Asthma medicine my son takes he and I are out for the Scuba trip.... 😞

And for the first time for that one, they actually talked to Sea Scouts 🙂 Don't ask me why I know this. Although I am not aware of any Sea Scout doing NOVA awards.

There are electives in Sea Scouting that are scaled 1-4. some of the 1's and 2's are to get the merit badge. the 3's and 4's are more entailed like red cross life guarding certification vs. lifesaving merit badge. For the higher ranks you need high difficulty electives. And regarding double dipping, it is actually encouraged by both Sea Scouts and Venturing for many things. Like complete the BSA swim test. you don't have to do that twice, it is the same. But for your Eagle or Quartermaster service project they must be different. After Feb 1, is seems that they have to be dual registered in a Scouts, BSA troop to be able to complete merit badges.

ok, great. I hope it all works out for y'all.

Given that some of the Venture and Sea Scout requirements are merit badges. When do you think they will allow scouts that aren't in a troop to work on merit badges? Or can they? I didn't think so.

I think you were refering to my response as being scary. I don't think I was, I am concerned and thing that talking to the Scoutmaster is key but also it sounds like the boy and parents could use help navigating this hard period in life based on the incident at camp and the plea for help. Mom is clearly a caring person and wants help. I think counseling is good for most people including me. If I offended anyone, I apologize. I just want the best for the boy and parents.

If I were Scoutmaster, I would want to meet with both your son and yourself. And see if your family has seeked out professional help. This type of incident is best dealt with in partnership with a trained counselor who can help your son navigate his actions and feelings. It sounds like it would help you and your husband best work together to help get your son back on track. This is not something that should be blown off and also something that is a life sentence. I have been to therapists with my kids many times and they aren't easy appointments but I have found they have helped my son and us as parents best work through issues. They will also give each of your better strategies to cope with difficult things before they occur. I wish you all the best and highly suggest you seek out a "talking doctor" as my son calls it. If you are willing and able to do this, I am sure the Scoutmaster will help in anyway he can. We become Scoutmasters to help the boys.

Hard to know specifically what to do since I don't know the details. As a Scoutmaster in my previous life, I would always welcome a conversation with a parent about how we can best help their son. I wouldn't even address dad on this issue, the Scoutmaster will want what is best for your son. You may find out that this troop isn' the right fit and a different troop is a better fit. I would start with buying coffee for the Scoutmaster and talking to him/her about the situation. Also talk to your son about why he no longer wants to go. If it is embarassment, let him know we have all failed in the past and life is about learning from your failures. His Scoutmaster can be helpful in encouraging him to come back. It isn't cub scouts so the boys need to be independant but the scoutmasters can help guide them.

I asked my son what he would suggest. His first response was do the fun things that aren't merit badges like snorkeling and stand up paddle board. His reasoning is that merit badge are in three stages 1) Why should you not do this activity. 2) You did it and you are hurt. What is the first aid for it. 3) Do the activity for 20 minutes. All over 4 hours during the week. I kinda have to agree on that. I would do things that are fun and will make camp memorable and fun for them. Archery, Climbing, shooting, Mile Swim, paddle board, snorkel, horseback riding.... whatever else is fun for them. Have at most one sit down class like first aid. Do not do any of the classroom merit badges like citizenship in world/nation/community, personal management.... Those are best handled away from camp IMHO.

I wish they would go the route of Sea Scouts. The Dickie's shirts and pants makes it easy to get and they look good and are comfortable. Nice options for both male and female IMHO.

It was very peaceful

Ours has messenger of peace as well. I am sad to say, I use it as nap time.

That isn't far. I go down to SHAC for Sea Scouting all the time. 🙂 Yep, Texas Powderhorn. The funniest thing I thought was our flyer 2 years ago was copied exactly with our pictures for a powderhorn in Florida. Come on people.....

Dutch oven done late in the day when you are tired for doing all day is an awesome way to relax. Where are you located? maybe swing over to Texas this September.

Our Sea Scouts are there very often. The name change was forced on them BTW. trademarks and such. It isn't connected to Bay Area Scouts, our Sea Scouts in the Southern region use it all the time. We just had 300+ Sea Scouts there this last weekend. If your kids want more adventure, I recommend partnering with local Venture Crews and Sea Scout Ships to be able to support the older youth in a cooperative manner. For example a boy scout can shoot a 22 or shotgun. But Sea Scouts and Venturers can shoot any caliper just not fully automatic. Pistols, black powder. Have a shooting event that has morning shoots for the younger scouts and afternoon shooting with the older ones with more exciting guns. Everyone wins when you work together. One thing you learn in Powder Horn BTW is how to roll your own adventures so you can tailor it to your unit and make it fun for them vs. going to the "Disney" prepackaged adventures by camps.

I have taken and staffed Powderhorn put on by the longhorn and Capital Area council. It is not boring for sure. Everything is hands on and you are doing the activity. There is some talking and explanation for each one but you do everything. Including firing a civil war cannon which is the highlight for everyone, youth and adult. And tying flies and then using it while you fly fish is actually fun BTW. AND BTW, they do go into everything you mentioned about multi-day trek and such. Is it possible you are reading the flyer in the wrong mood? If their course is like ours, your adults and scouts come away with great info and smiles on their faces.

Let me find my trip report here from our coral reef sailing adventure this summer. Seabase is super low key. We wore Class A travelling. Flags were not in field uniforms. like I said, low key. open toed shoes ok for example. yes dry-fit shirts pretty much all the time. long sleeve ones are good to protect from the sun We didn't dive, so no input on that. more social game time. it is so chill, it took a few days. just use their stuff, it is pretty decent. but we were sailing mostly.

thanks!