DuctTape

There is a problem when a newsletter and the GTA contradict, and worse when sections of the GTA contradict. In this case, I do not see a contradiction. The "should" is specific to "before starting", but the conversation is still required and the SM signature acknowledges said conversation.

Based on your description, I am assuming the camp has been having photogrphs taken and then the scouts then make a sketch from the photographs? While I would not deny the scout, I would expect better from the camp and the mbc. It is apparent they are trying to do things as quickly as they can without the primary focus to the scout's growth. IMO, the camp is denying the scout a real opportunity to go out and watch the moon while making a sketch of it. The purpose is more than a sketch of the phases. It is to provide the scout a real opportunity to engage in astronomy. The reason for a sk

I would disagree that simply pointing to something held up is the same; that would indeed be a circumvention. In the scenario with the blind scout, the mbc recreated the night sky with a tactile means to observe it and the blind scout had to find the correct constellations by touch. One might argue this would be even more difficult for a sighted scout. Had the mbc just held up a tactile version of the constellation, that would not suffice. Just as if the mbc held up a printed paper with the constellation and a sighted scout pointed to it. In the example of the blind scout the term observe was

Unless the mB -counselor did in fact take liberties and the scout did not complete the requirements as written. Creative means is not license to modify/ignore the requirements. I remember the article in which you reference. The mbc basically made a braille version of the sky for the scout to observe via touch. The scout did indeed observe in the night sky and identify the required constellations.

This section is not for requirement interpretation, but for those circumstances where it is plainly evident the scout could not have completed the requirements as written. Such as Astronomy merit badge signed off when the the night sky was unobserveable. This situation also highlights a common complaint I have of using these "camp reports" instead of blue cards, alienating scouts from the advancement process.

I am no Luddite, but if any process change in scouts eliminates a scout's responsibility and puts it solely on adults is a disservice to the scout and takes away from them an opportunity for growth. So SB, or other digital record keeping should either supplement the blue card process, or the scout needs to be able to access the digital record to submit records.

Yes. Adults are most often the problem, and summer camps often facilitate the problems. Ultimately when the process is not followed it is the scout who loses not just because of lost paperwork, but often being shortchanged from a growth opportunity that should have been a robust mB experience.

Ultimately it is the scouts responsibility to have their blue card signed, and to keep it. The mB counselor is responsible for testing each scout on each requirement and then signing off on the blue cards. Attending a class may or may not have included the individual testing of the scout. MB counselors, even at camp, may not just count attendance at a class as fulfilling the requirements as written. Thus without a specific record of each requirement being completed as written, the camp director nor any other adult can wave a wand to waive the sign-off on the blue card.

A thrifty way to find a place to camp which we use regularly is contacting local parks which do not allow camping in general. We have had good success asking if we could do a "park clean-up and camp overnight". The town parks are very amenable to the arrangement. They will often send someone down with a truck to provide bags and then collects them when we are done. The scouts do about an hour or so of dedicated cleanup in the parking area, and then continually pick stuff up while hiking and playing. Edit: having the scouts call to ask (on speakerphone) is a fantastic growth opportuni

With a larger troop that is able to have enough adults for separate outings, you could also encourage the patrols to plan their outings instead of the troop. The PLC time could then be to see if there is overlap and then patrols could do outings together. But first, the ideas come from each patrol. IMO the best part of individual patrol outings are the reporting out to the troop about the outing, bragging on the activity and recognizing patrol members for jobs well done purposely excluding advancement, although the reporting might have involved something for advancement. Example.

What are these "spendy" outings? Knowing these might help us see the type of activities which interest the scouts. Then we could provide some thrifty alternatives which might also capture their attention.

Barry, I do not think we disagree, except for the judgement that their decision is actually in error. I completely agree with having a worthwhile discussion with them, but I withold judging their behavior. The judgement should come from them.

That is one possible interpretation. Another possibility is the scouts are mocking those whom said alliance is being proffered. Another possibility is the scouts were just trying to have fun and be goofy. There are other possibilities as well. Likely the true intent of the scouts is one of the other possibilities. We should be careful to not ascribe intent based on our own interpretations which are clouded by our own experiences and biases. If it were me and they were my scouts I would start by engaging in a conversation in a non-judgemental manner. (With a smile)... "Hey Jimmy I s

I agree. I did not like the worksheets in the later 20th C and we are now more than twenty years into the next. We can move past the worksheets and even the pamphlets. If we want to modernize them, do not just make digital versions of the paper product instead we go to video. "how to do a j-stroke" video. Wait, it already exists thanks to the experts at canoeing tv on youtube. All that is necessary is for national to keep a website updated with the the requirements. No pdf necessary, just the website and links to relevant youtube videos for specific information. I would not recommend they try

District and Council events are mostly the antithesis of patrol method camping anyway. I discourage them (to the adults).

I could not complete it. Survey question #3 about which is least compelling, I cannot answer. All are equally compelling (to me).

It used to be that the troop would have a library of pamphlets which the troop librarian would be in charge. The librarian would keep records of which scout borrowed which pamphlet, ensure the pamphlets were up to date, etc... A troop usually did not have all mBs in the library but would have multiple copies of the popular ones.

IMO, if summer camp utilizes a dininig hall, scouts should not be able to use those days towards camping merit badge. #PuttingOnFlameRetardantSuit IMO, if summer camp utilizes a dininig hall, scouts should not be able to use those days towards camping merit badge. #PuttingOnFlameRetardantSuit

IMO, the real reason to do a roll your own camp is to do a completely original adventure. - canoe trip -backpacking trip -bike/hike -WW rafting -wilderness survival/bushcraft -fishing ... or combinations. Inherent to any roll your own is patrol (or individual) cooking including the menu planning, shopping and prepping. All of these can incorporate one or more merit badges IF any of the scouts care to work on them, but the focus is fun/adventure not mBs. I do not think trying to replicate a merit badge based BSA camp is likely to save all that

My initial thought to your opening statement was "eye black" used by athletes. While functional in nature, it has also begun to be used as merely decoration. My second thought was seeing kids at school athletic contests. Many will paint their faces with school colors, a specific athlete's jersey #, or (during homecoming) their graduation year. I often see little kids with face paint at festivals, usually some cartoon character. As I was finishing my thoughts here I also realized that many adultsvwill use face paint especially at sporting events, like NFL games. I guess my

I agree the SM (and all adults) should have the mindset and character necessary to serve the scouts. In addition to the focused vision of the SM, the "how tos" using the patrol method, motto, oath, etc... must be shared and understood by the rest of the Scouters especially the ASMs. Communicating to the Committee the "how tos", their alignment to the vision and the direct line linking the methods to the aims will not just help the committee to understand but also facilitate the SMs work. The necessary (thin yet unbreakable) thread within all of this is as you alluded to with the servant leader

A go-to resource for the scouts for information, mB cards, recommendations, etc is a worthwhile ASM duty for a very large troop. If a troop does have an ASM dedicated/focused on advancement, that person should be acutely aware of the slipperiness of advancement as a method to advancement as an aim. The ASM should be careful to ensure advancement is the scout's journey and not push, prod, nor carry the scout along for the ride. Good are gentle reminders posed as questions such as "hey bobby, how is the archery mB going? You got a partial at camp last summer right?" As stated this role can

Perhaps this might bring scouting back to its "earn/build your own" roots. Scouts making their own gear, or saving money to buy their own. Less "troop gear" might be a blessing. One of the vestiges of the oft demeaned heritage patrols was the gear the patrol made, and/or purchased themselves. It was the patrols stuff, not the troops.

I am not an attorney so please forgive me, but wouldn't the standards of the day be VERY relevant as to establishing (or not) fraudulent concealment at that time?

Now I am curious as to other's super secret peach cobbler recipes. Mine is just the typical dump cake style; nuttin' fancy.