Eagle94-A1

Best thing I did as a Scout Show was a Boatswain's Chair. Two pioneering towers, one 25'-30' high, a second at 15' to 20' high and about 50' to 100' away. String up steel rope between the two, and attach a Boatswain's chair to the steel rope, and Bob's your uncle you got a ride that anyone wants to go on. Unfortunately BSA has effectively banned them since you need a NCS C.O.P.E. director to inspect it, a safety line above the rope, harnesses and brain buckets on participants, etc. Saw the pioneering ferris wheel and would love to make one of those. Low monkey bridges are doable. catapults are doable. Patch TRADING and not DISPLAYING ( emphasis) is doable. We did the displaying, ok one of the adults did the diplaying and it was OK. We were ticked off because it was the first year we could not do the Boatswain's Chair, and only did the show because Green Bar Bill was going to be there. Eventually it turned into patch trading, and those into that had fun.

A good leader does need to have some management skills in order to get things done. Part of that is using your resources, i.e. those Scouts in our case who are better at planning to do so. You can have a great leader, but if he is unorganized, waits to the last minute, has poor time mangement skills, etc, eventually frustration will ensue with the group. And a good manager knows they have to take care of his team in order to get the job done. If your team isn't happy, then the job will not get done. As others have pointed out, folks quit if they are not happy. Just don't lose your head. Hence the need for balance

Regarding Management vs Leadership, I'm going to quote Juan Sánchez Villa-Lobos Ramirez, "B-A-L-A-N-C-E balance."

One of the challenges with this troop is that we are growing our own leaders. Troop is approx. 5 years old now. Out of the initial group that restarted the troop, only 1 scout remains, the IH's son. The rest have quit, transferred, or moved. Mea Culpa on this one. Not so much the bossing around, but teaching the "management" instead of true, servant leadership. Although I've been doing my best to model servant leadership. And yes, ILST is mostly management and not leadership. Good news on that front is that the issues with ILST, has been recognized, and a plan is being developed to improve youth training. One of our committee members is a retired Army SNCO, who has experience training NCOs in leadership. Once he's finished with the SM Specific course he will be doing next week, he will take some time off of district training duties, and come up with a way to combine the ILST syllabus with the servant leadership info he used at the NCO academy. He did something like this previously in addition to the ILST stuff we did.

I'm hoping it works. Regarding a venture patrol, the hope, and I stress HOPE, is that by mixing them up into traditional or regular patrols now, we can get everyone up to speed so that when the 14-23 new Scouts come aboard in December, it will not overwhelm us. The goal is that the older guys can train the younger guys up so that the younger guys can take on the New Scouts, and the Older Scouts can form a venture patrol. Regarding our NSP, by the 1 year definition, they should be a regular patrol. With the exception on 2 who came aboard in June and 1 who came in December, everyone else has been in Boy Scouts for 12-15 months. They should have "gelled" by now, but for whatever reason, and I do think I know why now, they have not. As to why they have not "gelled," I think the first TG and later PL, they had was the reason. Found out that the reason why they didn't have the arguing and bickering like they do now is that he used a very dictatorial approach. Instead of working their way through things, he told them exactly what to do and how to do it. It was his way or the highway so to speak. Which thinking about it, a lot of the challenges we had before the last patrol elections with the NSP was when the TG/PL was not camping with them. The adults heard some of this, but not everything hence why it's taken a while to realize this. Then when the new TG was assigned, because he is trying to get them to do things on their own and be independent, it is chaos and anarchy. They have been in Scouts 6-12 months, but have never really been independent. Instead of adults telling them what to do and how to do it, it was the TG/PL.

Got me.

Saw a preview, looks good.

Interesting patrol meeting. Long story short, some of the patrol members in attendance (5 out of 8 showed up) are not happy about the split up. I jumped inon this to help explain how the decision came about and asked who made the decision. Here's the scary thing, one Scout said "the adults" and he was at the PLC meeting. (Mea Cupla, I guess I should have called it PLC+ meeting since ALL ( emphasis) officers were invited to attend and vote. Again, mea culpa). I then gave the guys the full in the patrol the full details, i.e. concern about the patrol gelling (which they admit has not happened) how it's difficult for one person to reach everyone, and how we have the potential to get 2-4 new scout patrols come December, and how that will pose challenges. I also mentioned how we talked to the older scout patrol for their ideas to solve the problem, but eventually all came back to mixed aged patrols. Good news is that it "clicked," especially since I told them they will be working with the new Scouts come December.

@@Krampus, I hear ya about the leaders needing to keep up to date on stuff. And I wholeheartedly agree that BSA needs to make a cliff notes version of changes. IMHO the BSA is changing stuff TOO rapidly. Anyone remember the change in health forms issue? national came out with 2 different versions of the health form within an 18 month period. An aside. Unfortunately the troop I'm in has just restarted andwe do not have anyone close to Eagle Projects yet. Highest ranking Scout is Star.

Sorry to see you leave. Will be missed.

@@Krampus, Gotta remember that once upon a time, the Eagle project was NOT (emphasis) a unit activity, but rather the Life Scout's activity. Troop could provide manpower and tools, but the Life Scout was in charge. Heck, adults were not even needed to be there. For my project, only my Mom was there, and she was not registered. All she did was drive me to the location and wait. The idea that a service project is a UNIT activity as opposed to an INDIVIDUAL ( again emphasis) activity is a very recent change. Kinda hard to remember the change when you have been doing something one way for 40+ years. Heck, Venturing and Venturers are still having issues being called 'Venture Scouts" and "Venture Crews," and the venture crew/patrol concept was only around approx. 9 years, and was not a major part of Scouting during that time period!

I've not waded into this discussion because of mixed feelings on it. But my $.02 worth. Growing up, my troop was a "full uniform" troop. We didn't expect folks to cough up the money right away, be we did expect the uniform. We did allow some non-BSA items in lieu of official stuff. Some examples of that would be dark socks instead of official socks IF worn with long pants, and the local surplus store had pants in the exact same shade of green except without the cargo pockets. In fact, if you looked at Gen II ODL pants and the surplus pants, only the BSA snaps are different. When we showed up for a BOR, you were expected to be in full uniform. Sometimes folks would borrow items from patrol members to go to their BOR. Why we did this? For us it wearing the uniform WAS showing Scout Spirit. It was a way of saying, "Hey we are Scouts!" and after we became a twin city and had an exchange program between us and the Canadian Scouts, it was 'Hey we are Scouts and part of a "World Wide Program!" The uniform also told folks a little about ourselves and our Scouting adventures, especially the troop totem we wore. It seems as if Scouting doesn't get the same importance as it once had. Sports seems to have taken over. Sure we had athletes it in the troop growing up, but even when they came to meetings straight from practice or games, they had the uniform in hand to change. You try telling that to an athlete nowadays. The ones in my troop seem to not care. I earned my uniform, saving money and getting uniform items as birthday and Christmas gifts. And I bought or received second hand stuff. Nowadays all you hear about is parents complaining about the cost of the uniform they are buying for their Scout. Don't try to talk them into buying second hand stuff, let alone having the Scout earn his uniform. Heck, is that even mentioned in the new BSHBs?

I didn't come up with the idea of random chance, the PLC came up with it. Another ASM came up with an idea to refine it, specifically putting each patrol in their own cup and pulling out instead of everyone in one cup and drawing, and that is what the PLC decided. I agree with you, I would have liked to see how the Scouts themselves would come up with patrols.

Tells me more about the troop than anything. If folks are getting Eagle and leaving, there's a problem with program. I've been fortunate, most of the troops I've been with had folks staying on after getting Eagle as best as they could. College. military service, jobs, etc can put a damper on things. But ifyou have an active program, they will stay.

On a different note, when I did my project, it was one page. I needed the SM's signature, beneficiary's signature, and the DAC's signature. That was it.

@Richard_B, Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought you and others (I questioned these rules to my SE and he looked in and replied to me) stated the following: 1) Some units work with other non-profits to do service projects, Habitat for Humanity was mentioned by someone, that DOES use the DOL laws in conducting service projects, that was one reason for implementing DOL rules for a VOLUNTEER ( emphasis) organization. 2) Since BSA does employ under 18 year olds at their day camps and summer camps, CONSISTANCY (emphasis) needed to be applied across the board. Personally I think the rules and regs are stupid. But most of our society considers anyone under the age of 26 a "child" still. Don't believe me? Look at the rules for healthcare, who can rent cars and houses, etc.

Regarding me suggesting things and the Scouts following. That is what I'm most scared off. I want them to think for themselves. I want them to try something new, fail, and learn from it. I don't want them just coming up to adults and doing exactly what they are told to do, nor listening to ideas the adults give out and following exactly the suggested idea. In the past, that is exactly what has been done. On the opposite side, the Scouts have only seen things done one way. They sometimes cannot think outside fo the way they were shown. Even at the PLC, someone mentioned doing age specific patrols, essentially the current set up. Big ole balancing act.

Troop guide wants a break. BIG TIME. Funny thing is, I saw the list of scouts in the patrols and the "older Scout" has a good chance of being SPL again. The other older scout hasn't been seen in 3 months. Long story short, I have a feeling HE will be the "older Scout" in his patrol

The more I deal with the troop I'm currently in, the more respect my old SM gets, and trust me I got him on a pedestal already . I think a lot of the challenges the troop is facing IS because the adults are meddling into things, helping them out too much, and not letting them struggle some. Scouting is suppose to be a place where kids can screw up royally in a safe environment and learn form their mistakes. Adults need to step away and let them struggle, intervening only when needed. I've compared the situation I feel I am in as being on a tight-wire on a ropes course without the belaying gear on. I'm trying to balance mentoring and letting Scouts grow on their own, but realize that in today's environment, kids are so use to adults telling them what to do and how to do it, they can't think on their own. My SM growing up knew how to balance that, and keep adults away form the Scouts. He also had a cadre of older Scouts who would mentor and mold the younger ones. Unfortunately we don't have that in the current troop. I know that struggle can solidify a patrol. There is something about overcoming a challenge that motivates folks. I know that those of us from my troop who went to Canada, while in separate patrols, did keep in contact with the other members in our 1/2 of the troop. ( 4 patrols total: 2 patrols formed one group with one set of guides, 2 patrols formed a second group with one set of guides). My friend who treated me for hypothermia was in a different patrol, but still looked out for me when the 2 patrols were in camp together. And while the 2 groups did have different experiences, they were similar enough to form a strong bond among us after the event. This month the TG has basically said "you are on your own." At the patrol meeting this weekend, he's reiterating that for this camp out, he's there for supervision only. The hope is that the struggle will solidify the patrol. Grant you I do have some doubts, but I have been surprised by these guys a lot of time before. Please keep it up, and thanks for bearing with the rambling.

We have 3 patrols currently, and will keep 3 after the switch over. I think some "horse trading" regarding keeping toxic combinations apart dealt with friends. While they may not be with their best buddy, they do have friends together. I've been doing a lot of thinking on the matter.I was with the PLC when they made the decision. I was not around when the new patrols were selected.Talking to the son, he said he thinks the adults pulled the names out of the cups and not the SPL. If that's the case, I'm having some concerns. 1) Even if the selection went without a hitch and done exactly as the PLC wanted, there will be the appearance that this was the adults decision, not the Scouts. 2) Who decided on the avoidance of toxic combinations? If it was the adults, then A there is no youth ownership and B) the youth didn't learn a valuable life skill: organizing groups of people. I feel like the move to a true Boy Led troop is two steps forward, one step back. Gotta remember that we are progressing, and keep in mind getting the 23 Scouts we currently have fully ready to lead the 14-23 new Scouts we can get in December. It's going to take the entire troop to being prepared to take on that many new Scouts.

II think the ASM announcing the new patrols, was overstepping. Especially without explaining why. Again when we talked to the older guys to come up with ways to get the situation resolved because of the massive influx headed our way. Yes they had concerns, but that potential is a massive thing to be concerned about. Going off on a tangent and slipstreaming some. What are some ideas you guys have to make the switch more palatable for the older Scouts? We got one, some special activities for them based upon their skill levels. One that I want to do, and was shocked that it wasn't being done, is having the SPL, PLs and a few others signing off on the S-T-2-1 requirements. Grant you there is no guarantee that the older scouts will be elected PLs. But hopefully the scouts will realize they need the best being leaders instead of anyone who wants the job. Anyway, I'd love to see the PLC and selected others be able to sign off on the S-T-2-1 requirements for all the ranks they have passed. I think giving them responsibiltiy and ownership of advancement will help them and improve the troop. Another thing I thought would help give them more ownership is actually running Courts of Honor. Ok I've been to only 1, but if all of them are like it, the adults run it with little to no fanfare. I'd like to see the youth run it, and incorporate some ceremony to it. I think making the rank aadvancement memorable is another way of giving ownership to the Scouts.

That is something I'm afraid of. Why I and other leaders have talked to the older Scouts about the situation and have just about begged them to come up with ideas to solve it besides going mixed aged. One thing that the older guys are holding on to, and one that we adults need to keep faith with, is allowing them to do some separate activities, i.e. backpacking trip while the rest are hiking, doing a more difficult train at a place that has multiple trails, etc. The Scouts decided the process: picking out of cups. I admit, I would have liked to have the older Scouts decide who to buddy up with to form new patrols. Then have the rest of the troop pick which older Scouts they want to be with. I realize that so solution is going to perfect. Hopefully this will make transition work well, especially since they had ownership of the process. I believe if they own the process they will accept it better. Eagle 94, I know that you probably wouldn't really know and its not like its something you could easily find out I suppose... so this is just "thinking out loud" stuff here... But I would find it very interesting to do a survey or study of sorts with your scouts something they could respond to in private away from other's ears....perhaps anonymous... to explore things like how many scouts are completely happy with the outcome? How many favorable pairing ended up happening....ie how many scouts are going to be hanging with his friends? all of them? some? only one of them? etc... how many new toxic pairings might result (& I don't mean the original ones that they clearly separated) how many scouts just aren't happy with the outcome, even if they'll live with it.... like maybe got in with one or two of his best friends but the rest boys that he's less agreeable with how many are on the verge of quitting over it .... stuff like that. Good Questions. I started a chat with my son on folks' thoughts, and I just found out how the new pairing was announced last nite (I was in another room talking to a parent about summer camp when they annoucned the new patrols in May). Essentially an ASM announced it just before the meeting ended. The ASM announced the new patrols and not the SPL. No explanation on why this came about, no explanation on why it's being done, and no explanation that the PLC, their elected officials, decided on this. NOT HAPPY ABOUT THAT (emphasis) His feelings is that he can live with it. What's funny, and frustrating, is that we keep telling folks about the potential influx of 13 to 24 new Scouts come December. One reason we needed to come up with a new way of doing things NOW is to get ready for this potential mass of new Scouts that will increase the troop 50-100% @@Eagledad I agree with you 110%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!could not have said it better.

I hope so too.The troop has lost some potential Scouts because of the "disorganization" of the NSP. Doesn't matter that A) Scouting is organized chaos and B) only the NSP is having issues. Folks see the NSP and it's an issue. Plus we have several Scouts frustrated with the situation. As for friends being together, more on that in a bit. That was rather interesting at the PLC. When one person commented on he and his buddy becoming a toxic situation when together, he protested a bit. SPL basically said, think about it, do you and (your buddy) goof off too much, and cause problems when together? He admitted Yes and SPL stated He's the same way with one other Scout, so he understands what he;'s going through, but splitting up will help you in the long run if you think about it. And the Scout who protested thought and agreed. THAT BLEW MY MIND! ( emphasis) These guys are growing despite the challenges. By "toxic" I mean 2 things either A) together they don't do anything but cause trouble making life miserable for all or B) together and there is a potential for violence. Mostly the A category, but we do have 1 combo where one scout has hit the other Scout twice. The two incidents were over a year apart, we've contacted parents, and are keeping a strong eye on the situation. The one that has struck the other will be moving shortly. With the exception of 1 combo in the A category, SPL and his buddy, the rest are in the NSP, which as you can imagine makes life challenging. BUT, on the last camp out, 1/2 the NSP couldn't make it due to illness or school. The toxic combos were NOT present, and it did work out great, in fact the best camp out for them. That's when my oldest commented on "toxic" combinations. Maybe this may seem like adult interference, maybe adult guidance, but the adults did mention a few ideas to divide the patrols when things were just not working out and the SPL asked for some help. I gave them an idea to use an approach similar to Sentinel. have the older Scouts divide up among themselves, and let the rest of the troop join who the older Scouts they want to be with. Another ASM suggested modifying the pick out of a hat approach they wanted to do, by drawing out of the hat by patrols in stead of dumping everyone's name into the hat and completely random. The PLC liked that idea and went with it. I honestly do not know. The older Scouts surprised me once when we were talking about one of the NSP members, who knows his stuff and can probably hang with the older Scouts when they do camp and go backpacking, but can be a goofball at times. They commented about how if he could focus and avoid being a goofball until the appropriate time, he would not be a bad Scout to camp with. More later and keep the questions coming.

So the PLC had a lengthy meeting last night. After doing all the pros and cons on NSPs versus Mixed Aged, they decided on Mixed Aged patrol effective Monday May 2nd. Once that was decided, they had to decided how to organize the new patrols. That got interesting. First thing they came up with was who NOT to put together. The Scouts knew which combinations of Scouts would be toxic. Apparently part of the NSP's problem is all the toxic combinations are in the same patrol. Once that was decided came the actual deciding. One suggestion was lining up by size. Another was a single line and "1,2,3,1,2,3...." One was by age, but it was pointed out that essentially that is how the troop is already divided, and it aint working. Eventually the idea of pulling names out of a hat came about, with the caveat of separating the toxic combinations. And essentially that is how it was done. Older Scouts in one cup, middle scouts in a second, new scouts in a 3rd. Results are pretty balanced and I have only 1 concern. One patrol has an older Scout in it who was SPL, and would like to run again. And will probably get it. The second older Scout in the patrol has not been seen since recharter. Overall i think they did one heckuva god job.

Interesting. I haven't had the time, nor the WB beads, to staff the local NYLT, but my understanding was that regional/national could yank approval if you didn't do it their way. personally, I'd like to see some of the BA22 traditions come back, i.e. plain uniform with only CSP, numbers 22, and your patrol emblem, awarding smokey bears upon completion, etc.