Eagle94-A1

Unexpected/short noticed visits are a great idea. Both troops my son visited had about 3-4 days notice. Best feel is a camp out with them. That is when your son can really see them in action, and your son can see if the troop is for him or not.

My thoughts. 1) Scouts should eb asking the bulk of the questions. Yes us old fogewy parents have to know things too, but the boys need to ask. 2) Some of the questions I would suggest the Scouts to ask other scouts are the following; A. Who picks the PLs and SPL? B. How often do you camp? C. What type of camp outs you go on? D. Who decides on the camp outs? E. How much do they generally cost? F. What type of gear I need to have? G. Are there any plans for High Adventure? H Can I camp with you guys before joining? 3) Parents need to ask the above questions too, and compare answers ( you may be surprised) Plus the following: DO YOU YOU FUNDRAISE? ( emphasis). Now some folks have challenges with "Troop Shopping," and I honestly understand where he is coming from, and his concerns. And yes, all things being equal, you should support your CO's troop. But that is not always the case. Sometimes you visit a troop, and they do not use the Patrol Method properly. Their camp outs are multistage disasters with folks not doing what they are suppose to do, taking care of equipment, or even making messes. Kinda sad when a first year Webelos can say, " ...this isn't how a troop is suppose to work." Also remember that if you do join a troop and it doesn't meet your son's needs, he can switch.

13th edition comes out in January 2016, yep 4 months away. I WOULD NOT BUY ANY BSHBs AT THIS TIME! (emphasis).

Pray, keep in contact, keep inviting him to activties. LET HIM KNOW YOU AND TH E OTHER LEADERS CARE! ( caps for emphais)

WOW. I know even some in the OA do not know of the long history the OA has had with some nations in helping to preserve culture, language, arts, etc. Some folks involved mat not be involved in the OA anymore, but if you ask them how they got their start, they will tell you the OA. As for OA regalia being more historically "authentic" than today's NA regalia, most good ceremony teams focus on one specific period, and do their research. native culture is not dead or stagnant, but alive and vibrant. It is ever changing, and best reflected in the Powwow styles. As for Ms. Silva, maybe I should introduce her to some of my archaeology, anthropology, and ethno-historian friends who developed their interest in Native American culture from... .... doing ceremonies and dance while youth in the OA.

instant gratification in Scouting is a relatively new thing on the Boy Scout side, I remember having COHs 3 times a year to give out rank, mbs, etc CS had the immediate recognition kits when i was a cub

Qwasze, I do not know why they wouldn't accept his word. I mention the "what I saw" comment because I was asked by the SM to describe what I saw when he was working with the two new Scouts in the old troop and my son while we were visiting. Now I am assuming, and you know what can happen when you assume , that A) because it was for Life and the troops I've been with usually have adults verifying requirements at that stage, and B) he had just moved to the new troop and they new leaders didn't really know him since he was in the troop two, maybe three months tops, they wanted my opinion on the matter since I knew the Scout better than they did.

Fred, Specifically Requirement 6, using the E.D.G.E. to teach specific Scout skills was not "completed." He joined the troop prior to 2009 when that was added to the Life requirements. His original troop was using the requirements in the book that he joined with. Yes he taught Scouts skills, he even taught my son using E.D.G.E. when we visited the troop. But his old troop neither informed him of the new requirement nor signed him off. And what I saw him teach were different skills than the ones in the requirement. (don't ask how I got involved ). Since he never taught with his new troop in the 3 or 4 months he was with them, (he was not an instructor and scheduled to teach) the troop's leadership couldn't sign off in time for a BOR. So E.D.G.E. is what kept him from getting a Life BOR in time for him to get Eagle Since he became Life at 17 years, 7 months, he could not meet the 6 months in POR requirement with out an extension.

Fred, In regards to harm and not using current requirements, it depends. We had one troop that didn't give a rip about changes in requirements, except Eagle. Whatever requirements were in the book the Scout started with, that is what they used for T-2-1-S-L. Apparently they were doing it like that for years and no one outside the troop knew. BUT that caused a problem when that troop folded, joining Trails Life, and one Scout was going for Life. His new troop followed the rules, and discovered that he didn't do one of the "new" Life requirements, because he didn't know about it as his old troop didn't tell him. Major problem as he was on a very tight deadline to get Eagle. This is the guy whose old troop stopped working on BSA advancement when they decided to leave and join the new program when it came out. He was 17 years, 6 months when he was scheduled by his new troop for the SMC and BOR when the mistake was discovered. He wasn't able to have his Life BOR until 17 years, 7 months. THANKFULLY the appeal for an extension was granted, and he had an extra month to meet the leadership position requirement. Everythign else was done prior to 18 except the EBOR. He's currently an ASM still, and an OA chapter officer.

Your husband will be doing a grave disservice to the Cubs if he "double dips" on the requirements. Scouting is designed to allow Scouts to learn new life skills, and repetition is one way of learning. Especially for those uncomfortable doing stuff. It gets them involved, builds their confidence, and they grew from the experiences. One of the best things about being a leader is watching these kids grow. This is especially true when you've watched the kids since Tigers. One of my Scouts sicne he was a Tiger is asking me for a letter of recomendation for the junior national honor society. He's not the same little boy I first met many years ago. When I talk to job shadowers applicants, it's funny that I can tell who has had some Scouting expereince, and who hasn't. Most of the kids have mom, dad, or even grandparents contact me for the info and scheduling. Even college students do that (inlcuding one who was trying to get into med school!) 9/10ths of the time, the ones who do the contacting and paperwork are usually Scouts or were in JROTC. They've had some responsibility and are executing it. Also various policy books over the years specifically stated that double dipping, UNLESS SPECIFICALLY MENTIONED AS ALLOWED(emphasis, more on that in a minute), is prohibited. And usually it's dealing with long term stuff that needs to be accumulated like nights camping can count towards the rank, Camping MB, OA, etc. Doing skits doesn't fall into that category.

In most of the troops I've been in, the Scouts have been the ones who have been doing the teaching, so that isn't new for me. However, I do see the challenge with getting a young troop up to snuff because that is the situation I'm in with my son's troop; less than 5 are First Class or above, everyone else is Scout or Tenderfoot. Folks I think will have hte biggest challenge will be the LDS troops since their 11 year old Scouts do not meet with the 12 and 13 year old Scouts, and at 14 they go Varsity or Venturing.

Don't know why the Sea Scouts and Venturers would be interested in it since the Ranger Award was the reason this award was created. Boy Scout and Varsity Scout leaders in some areas were upset about only Sea Scouts and Venturers being able to earn Ranger, so national created this one. In my son's troop, it's not promoted. Then again, we are not advancement oriented, but program oriented. We have only gotten "First Class" oriented because of Philmont.

Yes it is service hours and should be recorded. Any scout sho needs service hours for a lower rank and help sout should get credit as well. One thing I've found that gets overlooked, but is part of the process and should be included when calculating hours that teh Life Scout has done towards the project is the entire planning process, i.e. talking to folks about the project, writing up the proposal, getting the necessary approvals, etc. Also the follow up, i.e. making the project book, tank you notes, etc should also be considered as part of the project. But as others have mentioned, there is no time requirement. Only the ability to plan, organize, supervise, and execute a project.

Probably because since 1972, neckers have been optional for Boy Scouts, and national Supply is getting out of the necker business as soon as their stock is out. ( don't get me started on that as my son's troop is in the process of voting on their 3rd neckerchief in about 6 years b/c they used national's designs). I admit I wore it to the pool for the pack's aquatics event, but forgot to put it back on for some orienteering work after coming home from the pool. And great SCOTT, I have old freinds coming out of the woodwork on facebook becasue of the post.

I believe it was MOH recipient Col. Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, USMC (ret.) who once said, " Show me a hero and I'll show you a bum." I admit, I am pro-Native American culture in the OA. But I am biased. I did ceremonies as a youth, and have been a dancer since youth. I've done a lot of research, made friends with the Native Community, and know a bit of the history with the OA and native cultures. I've stated that at one time, the OA was a way to help preserve culture because it was illegal to practice it if you were Native. In other posts, I've discussed how Arrowmen have helped local nations in a variety of situations. Sometimes the Arrowman are recognized as such. Most times, folks do not know the OA connection to the historian, ethnologist, archeologist, publisher, etc. BUT, I do see where the OA gets the bad name with the general 'Hollywood Indians" many lodges do.

OA, Micosay (sp), Firecrafter, etc are prominent at camps becasue they are the ones that provide the volunteer manpower to keep the camps running throughout the year. I know my lodge has 3 Ordeals, which are essentially formal work days, to maintain and improve the main camp. The lodge also does 1 informal workday at the other 3 camps. And chapters do their part too. I know my chapter has paid for and build several structures at the local camp, as well as workdays to maintain it. I can't tell how much money they have raised since I moved back to the area, but when I was chapter adviser, in a 4 or 5 year period, we invested about $10,000 in tools, supplies, and an industrial grade lawnmower. I have not been as active for the past 7 years due to Cub Scouts, but I know that they raised the money for and are almost finished a new shelter at the camp. So I can see why they do some special things at the camps. As for taking up Scout's time, I only know about the OA. And an Arrowman's primary duty is to his unit, whether it's the troop, ship, team, crew, or, as in my case, pack.

Past 2 years it's been 4.5 days. Readyman/ First Responder was chosen because A) everyone in the public thinks first aid and Scouts in my and others' experiences and B) Webelos Woods director is a certified flight nurse. One day is taught teaching/reviewing the skills. We then move into Walkabout Adventure or Map and Compass Belt Loop ( orienteering). 3rd day combines the two into a hike that has first aid scenarios on the trail. Oldest had a blas in 2014 being a victim. 4th day is Cast Iron Chef adventure. The .5 day started in 2014, and was a complete mess because it was announced that Friday would be a 1/2 day the Monday of day camp. So we had to implement a 1/2 day program for those who could not leave after lunch, which was about 1/2 the camp. Lost of ticked of folks about that, especially since I was staff and was dealing with issues when it was announced to everyone. I actually found out on Wednesday. This year was again chaotic. While it was announced that Friday was 1/2 day, the program consisted of parents doing stuff with their kids. Some of the complaints I heard was 1) not everyone was able to have a parent at camp and 2) There was no organization or direction as to what the parents could do.

So August 1st is World Scarf day, any one with any past or present connection to Scouting is asked to wear their neckerchief to promote Scouting. I am assuming August 1st was chosen to commemorate BP's Brownsea Island experiment August 1-8, 1907. Anyway for nosalgia, I posted the patch on my troop growing up necker on FB. WOW the memories and renewing of old friendships all because of posting it..

Crazy Crow is a good source, and depending upon how many you buy, will give you a non profit discount and free shipping. Chilantakoba Lodge 397 bought a bunch for running a tomahawk range back in the day. Current council ran a tomahawk range at council camporee. They used the and assortment of Cold Steel tomahawks: Frontier, Trail, and Pipe. And I second getting extra handles. next time I use SMILE.AMAZON.COM I will be buying extra handles.

I've used the USGS ones fro work and for scouts. No problems.

Activities specific to Webelos Readyman/ First Responder 2 days. first day was learning or practicing skills. 2nd day incorporated a high where stations were set up for them to do first aid scenarios. Walkabout Cast iron Chef

NYLT is "THE" thing to do right now. It's the youth equivalent of WB21C.

In-laws got me 2 of these for my birthday. http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-American-Hickory-Handle/dp/B0014BMBA6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438285909&sr=8-1&keywords=cold+steel+trail+hawk Jus needed sharpening and I took the protective coating off. And I sue them camping too. Do My in-laws love me or what? I may get a 3rd 'hawk and go with this. http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Riflemans-American-Hickory/dp/B000Q9BG4Y/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1438285909&sr=8-5&keywords=cold+steel+trail+hawk

No snow. Coldest was about 29-32 degrees F.

Depending upon the camp, Archeology may be a awesome choice. I remember the camp I was working at the year Archeology MB came out. One of our staffers was either an archeology major or grad student, and was able to coordinate with his department college credit for working at the camp. There was a very strong suspicion that the camp was once a Tuscarora town, and the college had an interest in doing excavations at the camp. So the staffer and the Scouts were doing some of the actual work.