DuctTape

One of the purposes of a BoR in the early days was for the scout to gain familiarity with the job interview process. The BoR committee was made up of influential community people, and/or business leaders. It was a chance for the Scout to learn and grow at promoting themself and answering questions from unknown adults. I think it would be great if we brought this idea back. Conceptually it would not change current practice (or GTA regs), but it would provide both the committee and Scout a slightly different focus and perhaps make it more meaningful.

Hmmm. Thinking out loud for you AM... -change PLC location (and time) -change PLC construct to "patrol planning meeting" vs troop planning -physically separate PLC into PL/APL buddies to plan their patrol -have SM conferences with each plc member to hear from them and mentor -reign back SPL to serve as resource/help to PLs (mentor SPL) -roses/thorns the PLC meeting -suggest menu planning NOT as a whole patrol, but done by grubmaster/assistant (if each patrol member does not have a specific role, start there) -planning by group is difficult, split into subgroups each plan small parts. (Both Patrol and PLC planning) You probably thought of many(all?) of these already which should serve solely as validation of your ideas. As mentioned I was thinking out loud, so feel free to ignore too.

It may be kind of dated, but the original Fieldbook (from late 1940s-50s) is basically a step-by-step manual of activities (called pow-wows) for a fledgling patrol (or troop of patrols). Table of Contents page 1 One could easily modify it with more modern equipment and skills. I bet a good prompt into ChatGPT while uploading a PowWow would be an easy way to do this. Then hand the newer version to the PLs.

In addition to all the excellent points made by I. S., I will add that is the reason for Patrol based scouting instead of troop based. By shrinking everything to a patrol it is easier for scouts to imagine and plan for their own small group as they utilize, develop, and grow those skills.

I would use the campout as the learning and practice ground for the skills, and then the folloeing meeting to individually "test" for the sign-offs. Especially considering all the other activities of a campout. As you know, the individually testing of the scouts takes some time. After which, mention to the scout that you also counsel the orienteering mB, and if they are interested to see the SM for a blue card.

Yes. A majority of our BoRs are done on the night of the committee meeting. It is rare for us to do them at a troop meeting.

The main purpose is for them to have the activitity of looking at their actual trash, having the discussion and thinking critically. It is not about answering the question. My advice, have them list the specific trash and then brainstorm the 3 Rs for each item of trash. Also list different options which would produce less trash from the onset. ReReading my advice is just having them DO the requirement. So yeah, focus on that.

I do not know about SeaScouts requirements/interpretations/exceptions. I have no experience with Sea Scouts. I only know the specific wording of the Camping Merit Badge as it pertains to Scout Troops.

What are their sleeping accomodations at seabase? This is the most important detail.

We always called this one "purple pancakes" as the scene was a chef preparing purple pancakes.

If the program does not continuously use the skills from T-1st, then the program itself is lacking. Reqs are only one-and-done when the program is lacking.

If the SM is signing things off, thrn there really isn't anything that you can do. It is to bad the adults are denying the scout a real growth opportunity. Only thing you can do is become SM yourself. Edit: perhaps talk with the SM about having the PLs teach their patrols some of the second class skills. The SM and ASMs will only observe. Have him watch this scout. Encourage patrol v patrol games using the skills.

Cool. My main point was to increase attendance by not marketing the side quest as advancement, but instead market it as a fun time to play like a Patrol kickball game. The advancement just hitches along for the ride. Even if no advancement happens, it builds patrol identity and cohesion.

Perhaps the "side quests" could start as just fun stuff to do. Find the advancement opportunities hidden within. For example: Get the patrol to just go the local park to play. While there notice the different trees, plants and signs of animal life.

That would certainly make the epaulets more function than form.

Curious as to others scouting pet peeves (not failures of adhering to program, or safety, or other regs). I'll go first: the use of the terms "Class A" or "Class B" when referencing the field or activity uniform. I recently saw it used in an email from Council. Grrr. I know it is not a major issue, just irks me. Anyone else?

Not harsh at all. "Do your best" does not mean "did not do".

Yeah. The site has been super slow to connect for a bit. While other sites and forums will connect and load almost instantly, scouter.com spins. Emptying cache yielded no change.

Agreed. Though often I do not want their "help" as they do not understand the program hence their complaints.

Agree with staking to the ground. Making tent pegs is a great way to use the saw, axe, knife skills on a regular basis. Often we complain about one&done, or advancement reqs as separate from program. This is how to incorporate it. If the books&magazines don't show it, the adult patrol can certainly model it. Scout: wow mister, how did you set up your guys tarp without any tent stakes or line-locs. ASM Smith: look here, we made a couple pegs with our hatchet & knife. Tied the tarp to them with a taut-line hitch. Each of us made one peg, so it only took a few minutes. Mister Peabody never made one, so I showed him how. Scout: Neat Mister Smith, can you show me? ASM: I could, but better yet how about Mr. Peabody shows you while I watch. Then you can show the rest of your patrol while Mr. Peabody watches. Scout: Swell. Can I get my assistant patrol leader to come watch too? ASM: certainly. We willbe right here.

I agree. I also would add I have no idea what any of us are getting for the $85 membership fee that goes to National HQ. Sorry if I sound jaded with HQ as of late; I am.

Resurrecting a slightly older post instead of creating a new one. I have noticed in the last couple decades more and more eagle projects with plaques attached with the scout's name and troop number. While I appreciate knowing a project was done by scouts, I have begun to wonder about the creep from joyful service without recognition or reward to emblazoned plaques. I can see the benefit to the movement of recognizing the project as that of Scouting. Perhaps I am just being a fuddy-duddy or perhaps I am seeing how this named recognition decreases a main purpose of scouting of building character through cheerful service. Perhaps it would be better if there were official plaques from HQ stating simply, "Scouting America Eagle Project <year>" and more forcefully promote the "without recognition" part of service. Of course the scout is recognized by the troop, council, and HQ for their achievement of Eagle.

Perhaps it is time for National HQ to write a "Scout Parents Handbook" for us to give to each parent. Certainly a few here who could write it.

I do not disagree, there are certainly savings to be found. However we can say that even louder for National HQ.

National HQ needs to fund the councils.