SlowDerbyRacer

The other STEM related thread has devolved into a debate about the merits of a STEM program. It also centered on a pilot program run in Tennessee which is very different than the national program (www.scouting.org/stem). Hopefully this one can be a little more value added, focusing on how to make the most of the program as opposed to bashing it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our pack just decided to embrace the STEM/Nova program and I’m the guy who gets to figure out how to integrate it into the group. My quest

I stand corrected about stemscouts.org not being affiliated with BSA. However it appears that pilot program is still different than what BSA is rolling out nationwide. The national program (STEM/nova) is much more integrated into the pack/troop structure.

I searched out a STEM thread to get some background on the program as our our pack is going to support it. Wow, I'm shocked at the negativity towards the program. Where do I start with what seem to be some ridiculous biases against the program? I see the STEM program as a supplement to the base program. I don't think anyone is arguing for it to become the program. At least in our pack it will be an extra something for the boys to achieve. I liken it to the belt loop/pin program on steroids. I suppose those speaking against STEM felt the Academic portion of the Academics & Spor

I just assumed he's using "segment" for things like belt loops and other merit badge or patch type things.

This is an example of how there are many different pack/den approaches out there. I'm with you, but unfortunately many leaders are very black and white and don't like the idea of "double credit." Minimally I suggest you allow the Tiger Leader to recognize his kids and hope it creates some peer pressure on the other DLs.

Re: the Facebook, text, or email question - why does it matter for people what they receive? Virtually everyone has a smartphone these days so regardless of how someone sends something, the recipient should be getting a similar type of alert. I've been fortunate, save for one example, my exclusive email method has never been an issue for parents I've had to reach. And the one exception is actually a bit of a funny story... The parents would never get anything in a timely manner and I often had to follow up by phone. Finally i asked the dad about it. His response, "we both work for the post of

Fundraising (like popcorn sale) will eventually alleviate much of the financial burden. Unfortunately as with most things, there are struggles in the beginning. Year 1 will be tough, but focus on good, low cost (free) experiences for the kids. year 2 will be better as you get more kids.

Keep in mind what the question was. It was for a cub scout Facebook page. The policy is for all scouts including teen boy scouts and doesn't necessary relate to the OP's question. The policy makes many mentions of two deep leadership, scout safety, etc. I believe the intent of the policy is to protect the scouts who may be on Facebook (remember Facebook is for age 13+). I take the OP's question to be about a communication forum for cub scout PARENTS. As such I see no issue for a private pack group as it does appear to be intended for the scouts themselves. Heck, think about the purpose

Count me as majorly disappointed the Belt Loop program is going away. This new Adventure Loop program doesn't seem as good. It appears the new loops are earned for doing requirements and electives withing the ranks. My question that I haven't seen answered in the new program materials is: Since adventure loops are now earned for doing electives within the ranks, does that mean arrow points are also going away?

I'm curious to hear how other dens/packs balance kids would have other activities which conflict with scout events. I'm thinking specifically about things like sports, religious ed, etc. Some of those things just can't be missed. For example I'd never tell a Wolf Scout he shouldn't go to his religious ed classes in his First Communion year when they conflict with regularly scheduled scout meetings. But he also needs to be there a certain minimum amount to be a scout. How have you all handled situations like this? And is there a point where you draw the line?

This is the year our group is doing the whittling chip. I suspect most scouts will have some type of traditional pocketknife, be it a Swiss Army type or single blade locking type. However when I see what types of projects are commonly done as part of this achievement, I can't help but think a regular pocketknife is all wrong. To me a pocket knife it great if you want to make a spear and/or just create shavings, but if you want to do anything with any degree of detail you really need an actual carving blade or tool. Am I wrong here? How did some of you reconcile the projects some kids may