Rock Doc

The "new" format of modular YPT has only been around for a month or so. Several of our venturers completed the "old" Venturing-specific YPT last month. The crew committee training was revised close to a year ago, and now consists of a dozen or so modules. Regardless, the question remains - how does this "new" YPT format serve Venturing? For that matter, how does it serve the newly-forming dens of female cub scouts?

Has anyone in Venturing completed the new YPT? I'm hearing that it's missing coed issues as well as older teen concerns. Seems like the one-size fits all may not adequately address the Venturing program...

This might just work! Adding details like this can make a relatively simple action quite impressive and highly memorable - and what soon-to-be Boy Scout isn't going to love fire raging at the sound of his name!

We tried the adminstrative approach, but the camp ranger wasn't into playing games, and we're not interested in incurring his wrath! So, no bow-fired projectiles, pointy or not. And yes, the Boy Scouts had great fun retrieving the "spent rounds"

I've seen fires lit this way, and given enough "liquid encouragement" the effect can be "illuminating"! In our instance though, we could have upwards of a dozen AOLs, so I guess mulitple zip lines might work. Thanks!

Many years ago, our Pack began the tradition of holding the AOL ceremony at a lakeside amphitheater, and launching flaming arrows into the lake as each scouts name was called. Since it's now been determined that these theatrics aren't entirely in keeping with the GTSS with respect to range safety, safe use of fire, etc., we're trying to come up with an impactful, albeit compliant, replacement. I've seen elaborate pulley systems that draw flaming objects along controlled paths, bundles of glow sticks tossed in the air, drum beats, etc. So, what are other Packs/Troops using?

I've seen adopted camp sites at several NC camps, including Raven Knob, Grimes, and Daniel Boone. Some get pretty elaborate, with shelters, power, engineered fire pits, hammock stands, and benches. These camps all have online registration for weekend camping, so it's easy to reserve your favorites.

Our Crew is looking for an integrated, highly-accessible (smartphone, tablet, and laptop) system to track events, training, progress, money, and messaging, and Scoutbook by all accounts should be the silver bullet, right? Not so fast, as it really lacks Venturing-specific functions. So, what are other crews using to keep everyone informed and in touch?

Our NYLT program (http://topgun.mcc-bsa.org/home) is also a week-long camping experience. The SEALS program (https://sites.google.com/site/mccseals/what-is-seals) has been around in our Council for about 10 years.

We also use the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) training materials following each unit election, which provides a solid foundation for all younger youth. The PLC is required to attend ILST to be considered trained to position, but all are welcome. ILST covers much of the same territory as SEALS, but doesn't have the same immersion (SEALS is a weekend camping experience). We find that SEALS grads come back energized and ready to lead, and are often recruited to serve as staff for SEALS and District/Council camps. I agree with NAYLE being more appropriate for VOA, but it's no

In our council, SEALS (Scouts Excited About Leaderships Skills) is a precursor to NYLT (aka Top Gun). The SEALS program focuses on the 11 to 14 year-old scouts who predominantly fill PL roles, while NYLT is for 14+ (including Venturers) destined for SPL and VOA roles

Ours meets once a month, usually right after the monthly campout. The PLC plans the next month's meetings, and at the same time ASMs work with the Instructors and Quartermaster to prepare for the upcoming activities.

Some camps require everyone to do the swim check at camp, rather than at home in a pool. Just something to consider if you're planning to manage a fear of murky "natural water" - check the camp-specific leaders guide.

Sorry to hear this unfortunate situation. You say that your son is already an Eagle Scout, so is this project an extension of his commitment to a lifetime of service, or is he actually a Life Scout working on his Eagle Scout Service Project? Either way, it sounds like a situation that could have been avoided if expectations were clearly communicated before work commenced (in the Eagle Scout Project Proposal and Work Plan) and feedback was received during construction. Firstly, I'd recommend a face to face meeting with the beneficiary, your son, and his Eagle Coach, so that all parties can

Several years ago, our troop decided to invest a small windfall into a fleet of Kelty Gunnison backpacking tents. In the early days, the scouts took great care of the tents; kept them clean and dry, and respected what they were given. These tents have shown to be remarkably durable, they're lightweight for backpacking (when shared between 2 or 3 scouts), and until recently Kelty took care of most repairs. However, Kelty has just informed us that they will no longer provide warranty repairs, and we're on our own to keep them serviceable. I don't doubt that many of them will last several more ye

Mecklenburg County Council runs a highly successful youth leadership course that bridges the gap between unit-delivered ILST and council-sponsored NYLT, known as Scouts Excited About Leadership Skills (S.E.A.L.S). This course is targeted at 11 to 14-yr old scouts to teach them the skills to become proficient Patrol Leaders, and focuses on team dynamics, teaching using the EDGE method, camping using LNT methods, and SMART goal planning. Graduates from this weekend-long program come back to the troop buzzing with enthusiasm and primed to make a difference.

From the GPS standpoint, we've had good success using the free "Backcountry Navigator" app on smartphones. Download the maps (free, and high quality to 1:24,000) ahead of time so you can access them offline/airplane mode. You can drop way points and perform all the functions required for the new 1st Class navigation requirement.

I guess what I'm hearing is that "it depends". The level of maturity and responsibility of the PLC will vary with each election cycle, and some may embrace and respect the privilege while others may go another direction. Only time will tell. Although, I'm hopeful that we can come to some compromise where limited use of technology when and where appropriate will benefit the overall experience. Thanks for the input!

We've tried 2-way radios, but our council camp is very hilly and radio reception is spotty at best. Verizon and AT&T have good coverage over most of the camp, and texting works everywhere.

This was essentially our previous stance, with the exception of the camera usage. We don't own GPS units, and smartphones can use free GPS apps, so that seems like a justifiable use. We have found that at large events, such as camporees or OA conclaves, it's helpful for the PLC/senior scouts to be able to coordinate their efforts when spread out over a large area. Granted, the ASMs could facilitate, but we're trying to let the PLC act as autonomously as possible. Ditto on the adult usage

It did not. But, recognizing the potential hypocritical perspective we only used them sparingly

For various reasons our troop has always had a zero cell phone/smartphone policy, and despite the odd infraction we successfully maintained an electronics free environment. However, recognizing the power and utility of smartphones we recently worked with the PLC to draft a digital device policy to allow the PLC to carry their devices (with a current Cyber Chip) during campouts to help with communications, access relevant information, and for use as a GPS for the new 1st Class requirement. Devices are required to be stored otherwise. Our digital device policy also includes language to prevent Y

Something to consider down the road is how your son's troop defines what it means to be "active", as BSA is a little fuzzy on this aspect and allows troops to make their own decision. Our troop requires 50% participation in meetings and activities for 1st Class and above, and 75% participation for scouts holding positions of responsibility. There's also some latitude for non-scouting activities that align with Scoutings aims. As Chisos stated, your son will need at least 16 months to complete Star, Life, and Eagle while demonstrating that he meets his troops definition of being "active".

We have a fleet of Kelty Gunnison tents in 2 and 3-person versions. They weigh 5 to 6 lbs and have been very durable. Full coverage fly, plenty of mesh for warm weather, and sturdy in high winds. Kelty has a great warranty program, and has fixed the odd tear and broken pole at no cost. However, they're being used less and less since the hammock craze has taken hold!

I know that most of us are more familiar with Eagle Scout Service Projects involving building tangible products such as playgrounds, sheds, bridges, gardens, etc. But has anyone had experience with a scout hosting a blood drive, and if so, how did they demonstrate adequate planning, development, and leadership during the process?