Eagle94-A1

Well last nite was interesting. We had two, unannounced visitors. One was a Webelos, the other was a Scout looking for a new troop. Bad news was that things got changed on us by the CO at the last minute. Long story short, we had to do an impromptu service project for the church. I'm very happy we did it because the troop needed to do something to thank the church. We eventually got around to patrol corners and the work that really needed to be done for the camp out. Good news is that the transferring Scout likes the fact that we camp 10 months of the year, do a lock in 1 month, and d

As a former professional, I can sympathize greatly with local pros. It is a tough, demanding job. I've seen too many pros sacrifice their families and health. I've had friends and coworkers have mental breakdowns and other stress related health issues because of the job. I have had friends get divorced because of the time away from their families. I was fortunate in that my wife of 2 months gave me an ultimatum. Several of my friends had wives either walk out on them, or kick them out. Worse one was my friend who put his wife through law school, then was served divorce papers by her after he

You'd be surprised. First time we did any type of backpacking was essentially plop camping. Only a few of the Scouts have backpacks, mostly those going to Philmont, So the troop plopped it. HOWEVER, all meals had to be backpacking meals and only stoves if used were backpacking stoves.Anyone going to Philmont had take down camp, and backpack the trail, while the others worked on hiking requirements.

I can see this for new leaders, but Star Scouts? They should have had these topics covered already. I know T-2-1 requirements covers all of these topics, and cannot see how a one day course can expand those skills. MONTHLY CAMPING (emphasis) is the way to do it. HOWEVER, if the course is designed to help the Scouts TEACH these skills at the troop level, I'm good. BUT it better be hands on.

I hear ya. I lucked out with mine First one I earned upon completing Brownsea 22, as that was the recognition as well as a patch. The council issued US GI surplus hats to those that graduated. That one went through 1 hurricane, numerous camp outs, being shot at by German Scouts, etc. I did buy a BSA chinstrap, but use a British Scout Association's hatband that is branded with the camps I worked at over there, and a plume I got at BP House. Second one issued to the "youth" staff who worked JLTC. It was number of years after my BA22 course that the council did JLTC. At 20, I was a "youth

I'm under 55 and wear one. In my old council, only folks you saw with Smokeys were WBers, and BA22 and JLTC graduates. Wore one until I got my Expedition hat when I worked for supply. Since then it's a toss up. Problem I have with the Smokey is that when I wear it, people assume I'm in charge.

I believe, and correct me if I am wrong, but he is referring to units he is a UC for. One of the great benefits, as well as great disadvantages, is that every unit is different. It's a benefit in that if a unit does not meet you needs, you can hopefully findone that does. It can be a disadvantage when a unit's leadership leadership thinks they know better than the former unit leaders, district trainers, and UCs assigned to them, and they do their own thing. And doing their own thing does not include using the methods of Scouting. I have such a unit in my district. They were hemorrh

I've done or seen a bunch of OA ECOHs. I liked them. At one of them, the Eagle even performed a dance at. I've seen everything from a big shindig, to a coh after a troop coh. I also know of one eagle being mailed everything (he was active duty USAF). My troop had a set script.While the SM and CC played a role, the Eagle usually had a choice in who did what, i.e. who his honor guard is, who had what speakingparts, who is lighting the cansles, etc. I had friends and mentors in the various roles. I'ld talk to your son and see what he wants to do. GOOD LUCK!

Sad thing is, those DEs who are pro-program either leave in disgust, or are pushed out.

ACTUALLY I had my YMCA Lifeguard Instructor register as a MBC so I could get that MB. And even if a Scout was a certified lifeguard, SOMEONE taught him.

#1 Lifesaving. #2 First Aid, especially when changes occur. #3 Canoeing Shall I go on?

Sea Scout leaders can have their own personal flag like general and flag grade officers. http://www.scoutstuff.org/sea-scout-leader-flag.html#.VhgaC27ig40 http://www.scoutstuff.org/sea-scout-flag-rating-stars.html#.VhgaDG7ig40

Forgot about the liability insurance. I saw "supplemental" and automatically assumed accident. Liability insurance, at least back in the day, was on a per person/per event basis. So both Accident Insurance and Liability Insurance had to be budgeted. And I agree with knowing the insurance policy and procedures. I've made a few mistakes in dealing with the Boy Scout insurance. Thankfully they are very understanding, friendly, and work with you.

IMHO, it was probably the last year you can get accurate membership records. Remember all those inflated records being discovered in various councils in the late 1990s? Those SEs pushing membership at any cost and telling their staff how make the membership quotas without getting caught were the DEs of the 1970s who started the membership mess. Easiest way to bump membership is to now merge LfL with traditional Scouting since the membership policies have changed.

Accident insurance is an interesting, and confusing topic. It can be handled a multitude of ways, and if anyone can give a better, or more current, explanation please do so. If memory serves correctly, individual units can get the supplemental accident insurance that covers all of their activities. So if you take you troop to the local scout camp and get a dislocated shoulder with fractures, the UNIT ACCIDENT insurance covers it. If you do not take it, then you have to pay out of pocket. Councils MUST have accident insurance for their events. They need to charge a per person.per event

@@scoutldr, No problem. @@John-in-KC Thanks for the clarification. I could not remember the formal process.

Unfortunately not everyone in the Supply Division has an actual Scouting or even camping background. So they do not know what they really need to keep and what they don't. Sad thing is at the annual planning conference in December, the PLC was talking about getting those for the patrols. BSA still sold them, and they were about $80 a set. I'm hoping when they raise the money, we may be able to find some stragglers at council stores or at the nearby national scout shops. Sometimes you can get lucky and find discontinued merchandise. BUT I bet the patrol cook kit goes fast!

Agree with you. One of the most powerful versions of TAPS I ever heard is what was locally called "Echo Taps". 2 buglers, either on opposites sides of the parade ground out of view, or one out of view on the parade ground, and the other out of view on the roof at the opposite end of the field,

I think Scoutldr's concern is with UNIT LEADERS ( emphasis) short cutting the system that can affect health and safety. Compared to legitimate physical disabilities with COUNCIL/NATIONAL APPROVED modifications to advancement. @@Krampus , PLEASE (begging) tell your buddy Saint Nick I've been good, really! Oh and I look forward to watching you in action on December 4th.

We have one troop that traditionally serves meals at one of the local restaurant chains that was started by veterans. Other than that, the Scouts in my area do not do anything special for Veteran's day as it is called in the US. Now our Memorial Day is different. We have a district wide service project in conjunction with several veterans' groups. We are the ones putting the flags on Veterans' graves at 5 cemeteries. As others have commented, Memorial Day has turned more into a "Beginning of Summer" or a three day weekend than a day of remembrance for most Americans. When the local sch

REALLY?!?!?!?!?!?!

Agree 100% A MBC needs to have the knowledge, skills, and abiltities to cover all aspects of the merit badges

One of the few things I liked from the Improved Scouting Program on the 1970s. I think those Skill Awards alllowed a Scout to focus on a skill, master it, and get immediate recognition for it while working on advancement. I only wish I would not have traded my belt with all the Skill Awards I earned for that British neckerchief. But hey she was cute