Eagle94-A1

No the council did not mention it's mandatory, or strongly encouraged it. If it was mandatory, or strongly encouraged, The Scout Exec would have told me when I mentioned how records were not being recorded. Problem where we are at is some folks are out in the boonies. High speed internet is not available in some areas. And the internet companies are no help either. Remember that FCC ruling saying a government utility service could provide internet service outside their city limits, and SCOTUS later stated the FCC ruling violated law? That was one of the cities in my council trying to expand the high speed internet service to areas in the county because internet providers would not do it. I had to do live YPT for some folks because they could not do it online in a reasonable time. To test it our, I tried to redo my YPT at their facility, and I was unable to get through the first 10 minutes of the online training in 90 minutes!

Am I the only one who has a council that has major issues with advancement records? Back when I was working with a pack, I would be the one turning in ARs and buying advancement because I worked about 10 minutes from a neighboring council's office. After my council sent a duplicate order of awards, I would write "DO NOT SEND AWARDS" (sic) and 1/2 the time they would send a second batch. BUT THE AWARDS WOULD NOT BE RECORDED IN THE COUNCIL'S RECORDS (emphasis) I remember hand delivering records to my council's office. Buy the awards. but once I got access to Internet Advancement, I discovered THE AWARDS WOULD NOT BE RECORDED IN THE COUNCIL'S RECORDS (emphasis). I got into a heated discussion with the SE on this matter. He was jumping on my district's case about not having Cub Scout advancement on par with other districts. I told him about the instances above and said he needed to look at the council office. That's when other commissioners pointed out similar problems with those units that didn't do Internet Advancement. Apparently the council focused on Boy Scout advancement since it had to be reviewed in order to get Eagle. Cub Scouts not so much. Since the person who did advancement with the troop stepped down, I picked it up. He didn't do IA. Going through it, I discovered all the new guys who earned Scout do not have it in their records. I'm wondering if Scout ranks were not recorded since they were originally not ranks per se.

Has anyone else got an email from Scoutstuff.org about 'Camping with the Fam," or seen their Family Camping Events promo on the homepage? Grant you most of the gear they are pushing has the Cub Scout logo, but they are pushing family big time. I think the decision has been made. On a different note, I may start backing away from the troop. There is a wilderness survival camp out and we have one family saying they will attend. If the Cub was a Webelos, i'd be cool since it's A) Meeting Castaway requirements, and B) It's recruiting. But the little brother is a Tiger, and ran around interferring last time. When I talked to the scouter heading up the trip about it, he had no problem with the family attending. When I mentioned it's going to be interesting with the family staying in a survival shelter, the comment was "Leaders can stay in tents." I was always taught that the Scouters do the same things as the Scouts.

EXACTLY! The Scouts know who do the jobs and who don't better than the adults do. Me personally, I wish the troop my boys are in would allow reelections. After 6 months, they have to step down and either A) run for a different position or B) wait until the next election to get back in.

With all due respect Latin Scot, multiple BSA sources say units, specifically the SM, Skipper, Coach or Adviser, can indeed limit who the Scout or Venturer has as a MBC by designating a specific counselor for them to use. From http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/GuideforMeritBadgeCounselors/MBCounselorGuide.aspx "A Scout first expresses an interest in a particular merit badge by letting his unit leader know. To get him started, the leader gives him a signed Application for Merit Badge (blue card) along with the name and contact information for a district/council approved merit badge counselor. " ( bold for emphasis here and after) Also check out http://councils.scouting.org/scoutsource/Scouting/Training/Adult/Supplemental/MeritBadgeCounselorInstructorsGuide.aspx?print=1 "When a Scout has decided on a merit badge he would like to earn, he obtains from his Scoutmaster the name and phone number of the district/council-approved merit badge counselor." From here: http://councils.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/18-125.pdf "3. The Scout indicates his interest in a merit badge to his Scoutmaster, who gives him a. An interview to determine interest, enthusiasm, preparedness b. A signed Application for Merit Badge c. The name and phone number of the council/district approved counselor." From here: http://councils.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34405.pdf "Instructions to Counselors • The unit leader (Scoutmaster, Varsity Coach, crew Advisor, or Skipper) recommends and provides the name and contact information of at least one merit badge counselor to each Scout desiring to work on a merit badge." So if the SM doesn't want the parents to teach the MB, then the SM assigns a different MBC to use. And I can understand why a unit would not want the parents to be their son's MBC. They can be too easy or too hard. Sadly their was an issue in my council a number of years back with one "Eagle." With the exception on MBs earned at summer camp, all MBs were done with Grandpa, Mom, and Dad, who held CC, SM, and ASM positions in the troop. They just signed them off, giving them to him. The issue became known at the Eagle BOR. Long story short, he was denied his Eagle, and given a plan to rectify the situation. Family appealed all the way up to national. In the response from national granting him Eagle on appeal, the comment "You do not penalize the Scout for the errors of the adults involved." As a result, the entire district advancement committee resigned in protest. When I talked to the "Eagle" a few months later, he was like a deer in the headlights when I asked him about some things he should have done for multiple MBs. I was not trying test him, but being new to the area and a Indian Lore MBC, I was trying to get sources for local Indians. From that conversation, I could see why the Eagle was originally denied. On the opposite extreme, you got the hardnosed parents who demand more from their Scouts than others. I admit that is me. When my son got a partial from summer camp for a MB he actually completed (found out another Scout was in the same boat), I worked with him to complete the missing requirement and let him talk to his SM to finish it off instead of me. SM commented how I was harder on him than the other Scouts I worked with on the same MB. And really that goes all the way back to the first MBs he earned. He went to a MBU and took 2 MBs. One he legitimately earned. The other they gave him. Not only did the MBC use out of date requirements (8-10 year old if memory serves), the MBC didn't even do ALL of the requirements. I discussed the situation with my son, and had him complete the missing MB requirements. He was not happy with me at the time. But he understands why I did it. He's upset that folks have "earned" one particular MB at summer camp without completing all of the requirements. His MBC at home wants him to truly earn it. It's been 2 years since he started it, and now that he actually finished the one missing requirement, he has a blase' attitude about it since so many "earned" it.

No, you can NOT go wrong with bacon and chocolate. My "secret ingredient" is only in my current neck of the woods. Back home it was a staple: Tony Chachere's seasoning salt. We used it for everything. Another one, when I can get it, is coffee with chicory. Heat up some evaporated milk and make some Cafe au Lait.

What state was this in? Again local laws may mandate an age.

Every chapter and lodge is different. And things are cyclical. Sometimes a chapter is on top of the world. And other times, it's the last priority. Currently the OA chapter in my district is on the downswing. The really motivated youth aged out and/or went to college. The advisors that were the glue tot he leadership either got burned out, moved, had kids age out, or in my case, had kids in Cub Scouts. Now the chapter is a shadow of itself, and folks have no interest, including my son.

My local UW still only does designations to the local council. Been that way since the SCOTUS decision.

We have a volunteer who is upset because the same people appear to get elected SPL and PLs. He wants to appoint all positions. IT DOES NOT WORK! (emphasis). Some Scouts who are appointed have no interest in the POR and could care less. Some Scouts who are interested, but do not have the knowledge, skills or abilities to do it. Other Scouts, seeing this then act indifferent or with disrespect towards them. Long story short, the troop slowly dies. I've seen one troop do just that. As soon as the new SM started appointing PLs and the SPL so that "everyone gets a chance," the troop started losing members to other troops, or outright quitting.

A 37.5% increase is HUGE. On top of that, some councils like mine add an insurance fee. And other councils are charging a surcharge. For those of us on a tight budget, it adds up FAST. At one time all 5 in my family were supposed to be registered. $9 x 5 = $45 extra, That may not seem like a lot, but for some of us it is. And in the manner national has been making these pronouncements, that is extremely troubling. Yes, I drink the company's bug juice from time to time. I am a former pro and understand some of the things they do. But this is ridiculous.

Initially this was going to be a rant. But instead this is a proud dad moment. My son is currently the SPL. Last month the theme was canoeing. For a variety of reasons, only 2 weeks were spent on the theme before the camp out and then moving onto wilderness survival. One of the new cross over parents posted a picture from the weekend, and the comment that they need to finish the canoeing MB and the youth leaders need to set it up and get the troop to finish what they started. Several of the new parents liked the comment. My son replied that unfortunately they already have things planned that the Scouts need to get ready for, specifically the next camp out and the camporee. I think my son handled it professionally and courteously. very glad about that. Here's the irony. While the goal was not to earn Canoeing MB, he did plan on spending more than 2 meetings on the topic before the camp out so it would be possible for some to finish it. Adults coming up with last minute stuff interfered with those plans.

All the above. Grant you, I do have one Smokey that I only use for special occasions, i.e. BnGs, COHs, banquets, etc. But my primary has been through numerous meetings, camp outs, hikes, and yes pre and post meeting errands. It's survived a hurricane, been shot at by German Scouts, and went to a WSJ with me.

Back when Cub Scouts was a 3 year program. I was bored out of my gourd until Webelos. Thankfully there have been major improvements, especially since Cubs can now camp. But 4.5 years, now 5.5 years with Lions is LLLLOONNNGGG I did 6 years as a DL and I burned out. Part of that was the lack of help from the parents and grandparents with my 3rd TC den. But part of that is being a CS leader is extremely tiring. Trying to keep that energy up to keep them interested and active and having fun is exhausting. Thankfully the kids put up with my stories as a Scout. And I took them to Boy Scout activities, specifically the Boy Scout areas of the council camporees, to see what they will be doing in a few years. That kept mine motivated.

Agreed. And I mentioned the scenario above at the council meeting. It appeared that everyone in the room agreed that will happen. At least one other attendee commented that it would probably also happen with their troop due to small numbers and lack of volunteers. Council key 3 appeared to have agreed with the assessment and moved on to the next question.

Glad the gangs are are helping. I heard a story about the Cajun Navy volunteer getting shot at by looters, and I had it confirmed from an elementary school friend involved that there is a section of Houston they and the Texas Navy will no longer go to because the looters shot at them in an attempt to steal the boats. They are letting the sheriffs' deputies and USCG deal with the rescues in that area. Praying for you guys.

If pioneering is no longer considered Scoutcraft in 2017, then why is basic pioneeringskills still required for Scout, Tenderfoot,Second Class and First Class ranks as well as a Pioneering Merit Badge, designed for 12 year olds as you mentioned, still around? Pioneering is still a traditional Scoutcraft skill, still required for advancement, has the potential to keep older Scouts involved if given the chance, AND had relevance in the 21st Century. Don't believe pioneering is relevant in the 21st? Ask the NASA astronaut who lashed the Space Shuttle's broken arm intoplace so that they could return to Earth. Yes the OP has been answered. Sadly you and the rest of national do not see the point. The rules and regs are sucking the lifeblood out of Scouting.The ban on water guns made us a laughing stock nationally, and is ignored not only by volunteers but also professionals. At the one day camp, the DE said "Waterguns are no longered allowed by the BSA. So bring your personal water soaking devices to cool down.: The ban are wagons for under 14 and service projects caused a bunch of 8 year old Bears to laugh when I told htem about it. Yes, a bunch of 8 year olds thought the rule was a joke. Look at the restrictions on power tools. You do realize that Girl Scouts can use powertools, but we cannot ? https://www.kansasgirlscouts.org/content/dam/kansasgirlscouts/documents/All%20Safety-Activity%20Checkpoints.pdf Maybe should quit as a volunteer now. I should have realized when I worked for national back in the day that the powers that be do not listen to those of us with boots still on the ground until after the mistakes are made and a solution is needed to fix problems.

Concealed on the person, i.e. under a coat, shirt, etc. At least in NC. In a backpack would be considered storing, plus with other camping gear you have an argument for a legitimate activity needing it. Me personally, my buscraft/survival knife is HUGE My wife and her family got me a Becker 21 Reinhardt-Becker Kukri. I made a MOLLE compatible sheath for it so I can put it on the outside of my ALICE and other packs. And just like firearms, you need to be careful where you bring ANY type of knife, sheath or folding. Until NC changed the laws stating sub-jurisdictions could not add to the knife laws, there were some areas in the state I could not bring my Gerber Gator because the blade length was to long.

Richard, Just because something comes from across the pond, doesn't mean our Scouts would not be interested. Heck Scouting for Boys came from across the pond. As for where ideas come from BSA's program, here are two links I found from councils' douments on pioneering projects. http://www.pioneeringprojects.org/resources/ebooks/LeaderTrainingConference.pdf http://www.pioneeringprojects.org/resources/ebooks/A32_PION_PROJECTS.pdf If I had more time, I would start pulling historical BSA photos with now banned pioneering projects. My personal favorite is the 30' Signal Tower with a Scout on it from the 1937 NSJ. And if you want, I look at my collection of handbooks and field books when I get home. But if you have time, and the museum is not already packed up and moved to Philmont, maybe a visit to the archives would show you some of the wonderful pioneering projects BSA allowed in the past. Regarding supplies, with proper planning you can get them. For the Arial Runway project, my troop called it The Bosun Chair, we were able to get supplies. We either got them donated, or got permission to cut down. Helps to have someone with access to a tree farm. EDITED: Forgot to add, I used pictures from overseas deliberately to show relevance today. If BSA wants to use oveseas Scouting associations as models for going coed (the one going around looks like how the Finns do Scouting and Guiding), then why not use their examples for pioneering. But I did find that some Troops are ignoring the G2SS ban and making pioneering projects over 6 feet.

Agree 110% I think that some attempts have been made with Journey to Excellence, but I think the standards are so low or focused on the wrong aspects of Scouting that many consider it a joke. I would say training is needed. But on the Boy Scout level, training is going down. I admit I complained about the month long Scoutmaster Fundamentals I took back in the day. But part of that was I was a new ASM just from the ranks who also did Brownsea 22, the NYLT of the day, and really knew the program. Over the years, I've seen how important that training is, especially for those with limited or no experience as a youth. Instead of making Training easier, they need to focus more on the basics. But even with more and better training, you still have volunteers who think they know better. I personally trained some folks, and later they told me "Scouting needs to change with the times." More later.

I had some folks look at me crazy last night when I was discussing sheath knives at a upcoming camporee. I actually had a parent pull up state law and attempted to say that sheath knives were illegal. I told him the key words to the law is "illegal to carry concealed."

When you got key Scouters in the unit who are ready to go coed, it may not matter what the Boy Scouts want. The only choice they have in voting on to accept girls or not is with their feet. Regarding COs. so many are hands off, I do not think they will care.

He did talk to 2 other parents, and they were OK with it. But they are also Scouters who camp with the troop. Now his mother, who is a committee member said heck no her granddaughter will not be in a coed troop, so it's going ot be interesting. As for me, I'm with my sons. Both of them are against the BSA going coed. I don't know if they will quit, join the troop that will go all male, or go to Trail's Life. But they do not like the idea of girls in the troop.

Hawkwin, Not only was i told by Scouters in my district that they would create "paper girl troops" and fully integrate them into the existing Boy Scout troop, when I mentioned this at the council meeting, several others agreed with me that this would indeed happen. Further, the Council President, Commissioner, and Scout Executive essentially acknowledged that paper girl units would indeed happen, and that Boy Scout troops would essentially be integrated. They did not seem tpo be bothered by this. And 12 of the 18 Scouters present didn't seem to care if it happen either. heck several agreed with me and said they would do that. If we follow the UK's model, then eventually ALL units will go coed. This hill especially happen when the LDS leave the Boy Scouts IMHO.

No you were not the only one.In fact I commented on how it was not really an appropriate article for Scouting magazine since it focused on family camping instead of patrol camping for the 11-16 years initially mentioned, and that BALOO covers a lot of the materials for Packs to go back and teach to their new families. Another reason why I'm worried about "family Scouting."