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DuctTape

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Posts posted by DuctTape

  1. 22 hours ago, InquisitiveScouter said:

    - What best practices can you share?  Planning! Planning! Planning!  And let the PLC decide what they want to do.  Adults should zip it.  You are there for health and safety 😜 

    - What defines a backpacking troop, anyway?  Up to you!  A Troop "ought" to be camping every month (12 times a year.)  JTE Gold level asks you to have 9 short term and 1 long term camp (so 10 times).  I would define a "backpacking troop" as one that does at least half its outings as backpacking... so 5 or 6 times a year. 

    - How does your troop prepare recent crossovers and other young/small/inexperienced Scouts for backpacking?  We split up and have about 4 patrol outings per year in the troop program,  Older Scouts are more likely to choose backpacking.  We do 15-20 milers.  We also shoot for one long term backpacking trip per year... 5 days, 4 nights, 50-miler.  We do not encourage young/small/inexperienced to do backpacking.  But neither do we discourage.  It's simply a question of weight ratios! (nod to Monty Python) Scouts need to bring between 25-35 pounds of gear/food/water, depending on length of trip and weather conditions.  Beginners should stay about 25% of their weight.  So, a Scout ought to be around 100 pounds before they start backpacking.  Even then, other Scouts usually wind up carrying some of their gear, or at least much of their share of patrol gear.  So, we do some training outings, day only.  Show up in the morning for a gear shakedown, then carry a full pack for a day hike.  If a Scout has issues, maybe he needs to wait before going backpacking.  Don't set them up to be miserable. Scouts will try to take on much more than they can handle, so let them learn before throwing them in the back woods.   

    How many backpacking trips does your troop typically do each year (and what do you do the rest of the year)? 3, with one long term trip, IF that is what the PLC (or Patrol) has decided to do.  Rest of the year, we do whatever the PLC has picked for program in their Annual Planning Conference.  THIS IS THE WAY!

    If you converted your troop to backpacking, what challenges did you have to overcome?  Our PLC did not "convert", but they did add a great deal more backpacking over the last four years.  Gear (for Patrols) has been the issue.

    In your experience, how does backpacking support the patrol method?  Every person for himself is not Scouting.  You may have a great backpacking trip, but if you are not using the Patrol Method, you are not Scouting.  Doing it by Patrols is more difficult... Patrol plans their budget and menu, shops for the food.  Meets ahead of time to divide and pre-package, where needed.  Two white gas stoves per patrol.  One tent per two Scouts,.  Bear bags or bear canisters, depending on destination requirements.  Patrol first aid kit.  One water filter and tablets as a back up... we boil all water.  Simply put, it is the only way to be sure you kill everything.  (this one will draw fire....) https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/pdf/drinking/Backcountry_Water_Treatment-508.pdf

    Lots more to add... but I gotta do some chores!

    @InquisitiveScouterfor National Commissioner! 

    • Haha 1
  2. 21 hours ago, KublaiKen said:

    We have a First Class or above (hence often the PL or Instructor) sign off the left-hand column, and then an ASM the right-hand column. The Scouts don't sign off SMC or BOR, but the Scout seeking to advance does have to answer all the other things like Scout Spirit to the signing Scout's satisfaction.

    This is a neat idea. The left hand column initials by the PL as an indicator that the scout is ready to be be tested by the ASM (the person authorized to do sign-offs). I can see the scout having an increased motivation to ask to be tested and have confidence in their success. This also keeps the older scouts sharp, and provides leadership and peer mentorship.

    Even if the PLC decides (with authorization by the SM) to have SPL or PL do official testing and sign-offs, I really like the idea of another older scout  put their initials on the left side as an indicator of "readiness to be tested". For example, the PL might become authorized to sign-off on requirements and the APL helps the scouts be ready and uses their initials on the left to communicate said readiness.

    • Upvote 2
  3. One major drawback to text based communication is the lack of tone and body language which provides A LOT of information.

    There have been studies that showed most people will read positive text as neutral, and neutral text as negative.

    This bias towards the less positive is likely from a place of safety/defense inherent to the evolution of our species.

    I often listen to people discuss emails from others and it is amazing how much "tone" and malice is projected onto the writer.

    Understanding this, I know I must consciously ADD +++ in my reading of other's text in absence of other specific evidence to the contrary. 

    • Like 1
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  4. There are no restrictions on the number of positions one person may hold as long as the individual serves in only one position per unit with the exception of the chartered organization representative (CR), who is the only individual that can be registered in more than one position within the same unit. The CR may also serve in a multiple capacity as the committee chair (CC) or as a member of the committee (MC, NM, or PT) within that unit.

     

    From: Registration Guidebook rev 2019 (page 14)

    https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Registration-Guidebook.pdf

    • Like 1
  5. 1 hour ago, fred8033 said:

    I could support the scout's signing off on scout spirit, active in your troop and serve actively.  Also, you can minimize BORs.  Just because it says three adult committee members doesn't mean it needs to be 30+ minutes.  It could be five minutes of three committee members.  ... The one I would strongly suggest never to dilute is the scoutmaster conference.  The scoutmaster needs to know the scouts and hear what they say.  Period.  

    I agree with Fred and the others. My only additions would be:

    1. Start slow, give the PLC authority for signing off on one of those non-skill based requirements, and perhaps only for tenderfoot rank. Then build from there. 

    2.  the SM should meet with the PLC before implementation to generate protocols, establish norms and expectations.

    3. (initially) after every sign-off the SM discuss the process, etc... with the PLC to ensure protocols etc are being met and adhered to. This can diminish in regularity after the SM is confident in the PLC with their new authority.

    As an aside---

    4. SM conferences should occur regularly with scouts not just "as the final requirement". I would say the SM should conference with each scout at least every 4 months (that might not even be enough). The SM conference is a major aspect of the Adult Association Method within the troop. These conferences can be invaluable for the youth development and for the SM to understand the perspectives of each scout re: troop, patrol, and their individual life. Imagine if one looks at SM conferences also as a way for the SM to improve. Powerful!

    • Like 1
  6. You are correct that the Requirement as written is unambiguous. The activities in 9b must be done on the trips in 9a.

    As far as being held to the mercy of the troop, I would say the Scouts should plan the outings as a patrol not the troop. The scout can and should motivate the patrol to do preferred activities with their patrol. If the patrol members want different things, then perhaps the makeup of the patrols is an issue. This is separate from the mB requirement question.

    And welcome to the virtual campfire!

  7. 11 minutes ago, InquisitiveScouter said:

    Bring back a Bird Study as Eagle required!  Or make it one of a group... Bird/Mammal/Insect/Reptile and Amphibian/Fish and Wildlife Mgmt/Forestry/etc etc etc

    Drop Cit in Society ASAP...

    For how long have we here at Scouter.com advocated for required mBs to be in groups/categories of which the scout could choose?

    • Like 1
    • Upvote 3
  8. I do not see how it takes so long to re-Charter. IMO there should not be an annual Re-Charter. 

    Chartering is a completely separate issue from individual memberships.. The Chartering Agreement between the Council and the CO does not need to be redone annually. The Agreeement can and should remain in force until one (or both) parties agree to sever the relationship. Any changes to personnel do not require a change in the Chartering Agreement.  Name/title changes can be a separate document and can be modified whenever changes are necessary. 

    As individuals join a Unit either as Scouts or Adult Scouters, their paperwork is submitted to Council for processing. This process should be expedititious for Scouts and the only time issue for Scouters is a background check. If one is on file, then no time needed. 

    The entire system is antiquated, and it is ridiculous how long it seems to process . I bet 3 or 4 of us here could revamp the entire system in a single day. The way i see it, there are 3 separate parts (and before it is suggested that the Annual Re-Charter does all of these, IMO that is the problem.)

    1. Chartering Agreement. The contract between Council and CO. This Agreement is done once and signed by the Council and IH on the date of Charter. The Charter continues to exist until one or both parties sever. Re-Charters are reserved for the rare occurence of a former Charter is being re instated.

    2. Leadership Documents. Document which details names of IH, COR, SM, etc... this is updated continuously as changes are made not saved for an annual event.

    3. Individual Membership Documents. These would include Application for joining. Change in Status/Unit form, etc... These must be processed immediately. For Scouts, membership should be considered conferred when the Unit signs the paperwork. For Adults, the only delay is for background check validation. 

     

    I have rambled enough.

  9. Whatever system (digital or otherwise), counsel the scouts to reply to comms. If someone does not reply, then the PL (or whomever sent the comm) must then seek that person out. Lack of communication is based on the  premise, "I sent it out via..." as the only step.

    Instruct them how to communicate effectively.

    Eg.

     

    From: Patrol Leader

    "At our next Patrol meeting we will be doing a gear inspection for the upcoming campout. Even if you are not going, please bring your pack with gear. If you are in need of anything please let me or the APL know. Reply to this message, 'YES' to let me know you understand. If I do not hear back from you by (insert time/date) I will be calling you directly."

    • Like 1
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  10. 50 minutes ago, RememberSchiff said:

    Yes, but how times have changed. Today, canvas and sewing would likely be replaced with poly (blue) tarp and duct tape and shower curtain poncho with 33gal plastic trash bags. Lighter, mostly single-use yes, durable not so much. :unsure:

    Sadly you are correct. SilNylon and SilPoly are not that expensive now, and would be better options than the polyblue, etc... 

    • Upvote 1
  11. IH = Institutional Head. Basically the head honcho.

    If you have the support,  have a sit down with the girls troop SM and do a full split. 

    Then have an individual session with each ASM to get them on your page. Do not try to do this as a group. If the ASM is not on board, thank them for their service and let them know they are no longer needed as an ASM. Harsh? Yep. But their job is to support you. If they are not on board, they will undermine you every step of the way.

    • Like 1
  12. 3 hours ago, Maboot38 said:

    Good question. So it's a long story, but I'm going to try not to write a novel to describe it. Essentially, our Troop has a number of problems. The first is that there are 2 troops, a girl troop and a boy troop, and prior to my joining, it was decided that the two troops would function as one, with the girls being a single patrol in the boy troop, and that there would be TWO SPLs!!! So that's part one where the methods break down. The second problem is that the troop does everything as a troop, not as patrols. Patrols don't plan together, don't shop together, don't cook together....and rarely really learn from each other. This troop has been very much adult led, with adults telling them what events they have coming up, leaving only the small details to the PLC to sort out. I'm trying to take all the adult cooks out of the kitchen and let the kids have a turn to make decisions. This is no easy chore. Some of our adults go so far as to strain pasta for their kids who are scouts on campouts, and pack their tents and sleeping bags. I'm trying to ask adults to be hands off, and just let me coach the SPL and Patrol leaders to TRY to lead. We have adult leaders who are incredible passionate and well meaning, but telling them they are doing it wrong an coaching them to be hands off and let the kids fail to learn is so difficult. We have a committee chair who insists on doing everything, and doesn't really want to delegate. They LOVE doing the work, so they don't complain, but there's no reason not to share responsibilities with the rest of the committee. I don't want the CC to burn out, but when I suggest that someone else could collect money, or track advancement, or coordinate a fundraiser, the CC always says "I've got it." I don't want to tell the committee what to do, because just as I want them to stay out of my lane with the scouts, I need to stay out of their lane and let them committee....so my main focus is to get the adults to leave the kids alone and go through me...at least until the scouts begin to feel like they are running the show.

    Yikes! You have your hands full.

    In order to enact change you will need (at least) one other adult on your side else change will be futile. You will also need the authority to make the hard (but correct) decisions. This requires the unequivocal support from the IH. 

    With these two pieces, you have a chance. You then need to get all your ASMs trained in the Patrol Method. 

     

  13. The only merit badge I received that I can say I probably did not truly earn was Basketry. 

    The  was done at summer camp. At the time I recall 2 requirements:

    1. Make a basket.

    2. Cane a chair seat.

    For #1, we used a kit with a wooden base.

    For #2, we weaved criss-cross strings over a square platform.

     

    Afterwards, as an older scout I learned how to make an actual basket without a kit... Significantly more complex. I also learned to cane a seat from my father as he would restore antique chairs as a hobby. Wow was that a complex process. 

    I never completed an entire chair seat myself, only did a few of the diagonal weaves with the cane. I did make multiple baskets of different designs over the years.

    • Like 1
  14. 6 hours ago, Ojoman said:

    Today, most IH and Co are less than fully functioning and that can be a problem. However, a good unit commissioner that works with them and the unit can change that. Also the annual IH visit that the DE is 'supposed' to do can bring a focus on the program to the IH. Sadly, I think most unit level volunteers think the only training they need is the on line training and BAlOO or Outdoor for troop leaders. Councils/District training committees should be offering everything from den chief training to PowWow and Univ of Scouting and pushing for volunteers to attend. Help from the membership committee and even finance in how to better run a product sale or other means of funding unit program... I'll stop here and look for more comments. 

    I do not disagree, at least not much.

     

    A good commissioner can only do so much. If the unit wants to do a non-bsa program denying the scouts a real scouting opportunity they can and do. You hinted at this by admitting the leaders (sic) only do the basic required trainings. One might argue that if more is necessary, then more should be required. The major issue is even WITH the training, they ignore what they are supposed to do. Often with phrases, "this is how our troop operates", even when it contradicts the training and literature.

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