SpEdScouter

I'm starting to agree along these lines where maybe the girls could have their own sub-units or patrols within a troop but still do all the merit badges, rank advancements, and still come to the camps. A sort of "sister" program for girls age 11-14. The big issue is what to call it since "Girl Scouts" is already used.

I look at it from the perspective of sports teams. We have soccer, baseball, and hockey teams that have girls playing on them. They are about 1 in 10. In hockey though up until about age 14 they are often the best players on the team and then the boys really catch up and often quickly outdo the girls. The boys learn to deal with them. They all change clothes in the same locker room and deal with it. If they need to they duck into a bathroom stall. Now there are still separate girls teams also like girls softball. Also while the team is coed and they laugh and play together, between gam

Maybe he looks more attractive? A rugged older Boy Scout may not?

Ok, let's just say for discussion sakes that they decided to make the Boy Scouts of America just "Scouting" and opened up the whole program from Cubs to Webelos to Boy Scouts open to girls too. What do you think would be the biggest changes? How do you think just such a program would work out? Remember Scouting has been coed in other countries for 30 years and they work it out. Also we have coed Venture crews plus many girls already participate "under the table" in cub scouts. Would we say a creation of a strictly boy only program? Would Girl Scouts survive? What do you all th

Our troop has a native American leader. Problem is he is from Arizona and only knows those tribes which are different than the tribes here in Kansas.

One of the problems with doing winter campouts is that it gets dark by around 6 pm. The Scouts usually dont fall asleep until 9-10 so their really isnt much for them to do and they can get bored. Then it might be cold and windy. They can sit around a campfire but that takes alot of wood. This is when they want to haul out the electronics. Any suggestions?

Talk about some of your greatest scouting adventures? Most snow? Coldest or hottest temps? Ever been in danger? Ever woke up with a wild animal in your tent?

What event did you run?

What was your favorite uniform or uniform that was most interesting?

Does it come in an Kindle or online edition? My issue is pages falling out or needing to print off pages.

I've heard of one that does big ticket items like African safaris.

Well lets face it. Part of the reason for the trailer with logo is advertising the troop.

I just find all the different uniforms to be amazing. Imagine the opportunities for path trading. I wonder, did all the Scouts from that particular country fly out to Japan together as a group? I think HOA council sent 5.

Well one train of thought is that thieves target a Scout trailer because the items in it are easily sold. Another is if you leave it white thieves think it contains tools. I like Stosh's idea. Going to look into it.

Every now and then you read about Scout vans being stolen. So here are some questions: 1. If your was stolen, what was in it, did you get it back, and/or did your insurance cover the loss? 2. We have had times where we have come to the van and their has been evidence that somebody had tried to steal it (ex. broken locks or chains). So I was wondering; a. Does having your troop number and logo discourage or encourage theft? b. Have you tried putting some sort of recovery or tracking device in your trailer?

Might I ask what other youth program are you referring? Church? YMCA? Schools? 4H? (I've seen all these be highly successful.)

As for the expenses: Camping gear - can be used on the side or later on. Summer camp - Scout camp is usually cheaper than other overnight camps. Outings - Just another way for kids or families to get out and do things. How many people would otherwise take their kids camping, fishing, or hiking?

The Kansas Cosmosphere in Hutchinson Kansas offers several merit badge progams such as rocketry and astronomy and such and they can sleep inside the museum. There is also a salt mine museum where they can get their geology MB plus sleep underground.

Do they "have" to be in Scouting? No. But I feel scouting offers a unique program to learn many skills and make friends. I dont know of any others that emphasizes outdoor activities and camping. When one looks at a particular program whether it be Scouts, sports, various youth clubs and such, there are many out there and each have their good and bad points. And each one is a crapshoot on the quality of the people running them. Boy Scouts are run by volunteers and they are what they are. One town could have an awesome Scout program and a crappy 4H and the other vice versa. I know one town i

I do know of a troop that formed in a small town without a troop and the council gave them the old trailer and other equipment of a troop that had shut down.

Well that might be the best option. Have just one campout but have both advanced and basic portions. One troop we were in only had basic campouts but the advanced boys went camping on their own aside from the troop. But they were getting ready for Philmont.

I think as the Scout grows it would be good to give them more opportunities to do more rustic or adventure camping and backpacking. BUT, troops also have alot of younger Scouts who still are just getting used to sleeping in a tent. So, would it work out to have 2 types of campouts? One of basic campouts for the newer scouts? The second, for say 1rst class and above, which would be more advanced and rustic? Would that work out?

Are the pathways out in the open or more in the trees? Hiking under a hot sun can be pretty hard.

Did it have a half-moon cut into the door?

Off topic. What happens to that units equipment? Can they donate it to another unit? Does the church keep it? Does it go to national?