KenD500

Is your unit (Pack/Troop/Team/Crew) doing anything for July 4th?  If so, what?

I'm guessing they mean it will be a Council-run High Adventure camp.  Councils around the country have them - Swamp base, 1 in Utah, & others.  Look in the back of Scouting magazine for other examples.

Overview of construction including common terms - vestibule, bathtub design, fly, etc

Aluminum vs fiberglass poles

Size/weight/cost considerations

3 season vs 4 season

I'm sure I'll think of more later.

We opted for an ALPS tent that is just a bit heavier than the standard 2-man backpacking tents, but lighter than the average "plop" camping tent.

 

We use tyvek for the ground cloths. Much lighter and durable than the regular footprints. We add grommets so they can double as trail flies when not used as ground cloths.

 

We swap out the stock tent stakes for lightweight ones. 

 

Split between buddies the total weight per two-man pair is just under 8 lbs.

We currently have Alps Lynz 2 & 4.  After 1 year, the plastic window on the rain flys cracked.  They now have holes in them.  We're getting the alps outfitter replacements.

Have you experienced the same?

A portable game - deck of cards, chess set with roll up mat, etc.

"advance like Patton on Red Bull" - awesome visual! 

IF they want to take merit badges, I recommend:

- something aquatic; it's summer, it's hot & you get wet in all of the aquatic mbs

- something in which you make something to bring home; leather working, basketry, metal working, etc.

- something you've never tried before

I use Nitro Pro.  You can use it free for 14 days.

https://www.gonitro.com/

2 small Patrols just merged.  The Flaming Tomahawks & the Merlins.  They became the Flaming Merlins.  

Most effective way we've found to get new people is peer to peer.  Word of mouth from Scouts to their friends and parents to other parents.

2nd most effective way - Den Chief in one of the local Packs.

I definitely recommend the Sr Patrol Leader's Handbook.  It has a standard PLC meeting agenda to aid you.

If possible, find your local National Youth Leader Training (NYLT) course to attend.

When Cooking became an Eagle required MB, I had a Life Scout come to me to work on it.  I asked him to set up a group of no more than 6 (max I thought I could work with at a time).  Due to the # of Scouts that signed up, we (the Scout & I) gave priority to Scouts based on rank.  

Since this is the internet and we are only getting 1 side of the story, something similar may be happening.

On that note, what would be a good merit badge to start out with?  He's going to Ransburg for summer camp so they'll be working on the Tenderfoot and Second Class requirements there.

For 1st Year Scouts going to Summer Camp, I always recommend 1st Aid & something aquatic (swimming?).  Depends on how many MB time slots are available to go with the Trail to First Class.  

The BSA has a guidebook for planning/executing High Adventure treks.  link

In the past, I've taken 50 Scouts & adults into the BWCWA.  We split into 7 seperate crews of no more than 9 each.  We used North Country Canoe Outfitters and I highly recommend them.  Link

http://scouter.com/index.php/topic/28779-tour-plan/?hl=tour

About a month ago, there was mention of it.  I contacted National to verify and then 'poof' all trace of it disappeared.

The Truly First Class shirt.  Maybe TFC shirt for short.

Talk with your District Commissioner or District Chairman.  I submitted the paperwork for my Committee Chair's Scouter Training award without her knowing.  I just filled out the paperwork and then talked with my District Commissioner explaining the omission of the CC signature.  He (District Commish) signed it instead.  

From the OA:  "Other than defining the length of time needed for a camping activity to be considered a long-term camp*, the National Order of the Arrow Committee leaves the interpretation of the camping requirement to the unit leader."

Link to source.

@@ianwilkins - outfitter quality generally means a thicker material for the floor & heavy duty zippers (#10 vs #8).

What tents does your Troop use?  Are they outfitter quality? 

Here's what the BSA has to say about the subject:

link to BSA Social Media Policy

In the 2nd volume of the Unit Leader Guidebook, there is a Troop Self Assessment.  I (SM) had my ASMs & CC fill it out.  

The CC is invited to all of the SM Corps meetings.  The CC later gave the same self assessment to the Committee.  The Committee completed assessment really identified areas where I need to train my adults more or communicate better.

I find a lot of the parents don't know the mission/aims/methods of Scouting or how we apply them.  I'm trying to correct this.

For those that ignore the program, policies, etc. of the BSA in relation to fundraising.    I'd point you to the Scouter Code of Conduct, specifically 5A.   http://www.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/Scouter_Code_of_Conduct.pdf

Until now, I have never seen or heard of this.

Our monthly campout Patrol food money is cash.  Each Scout brings that to his Patrol Leader.  The menu, budget & cash are all given to the grubmaster who in turn buys the food for his Patrol.

Having it done in cash has helped with the Scouts in terms of responsibility & financial management.