htusa31

Ok so update time..

We are at the end of the year and things kinda got skewed a bit. My SPL got a whiff of perfume and gasoline. He essentially went AWOL. My patrol leader is trying to do what he can but with his ADHD (I knew nothing about) it has proved difficult. My most senior kid I put into a troop guide position so that he could guide the new kids and direct the older ones (especially the SPL). He pretty much took over SPL leader positions.

The straw that broke the camels back for me, was our group fundraiser. He promised to show. The day off I received no phone calls, no texts nothing..... I am still pretty ticked about it. Oh and he is ALWAYS late. 15 minutes late at the earliest.

I got the troop together and explained accountability and being on time. (prepared) The others seemed to get it, and they tried to show on time. A few were early the rest were only 5 minutes late. I figured some of it has to do with spring and summer coming and just being tired of the daily grind. I told them to take the summer recharge (except for our summer trip) and we will see your guys in the fall. 

So this summer Im going to write out a program and then hopefully meet with my senior scout(troop guide) and put us back on course. I am hoping for a few more boys to get things rolling correctly. I had fun, wished I could of done more but at least we are trying. 

If you had a SPL like mine, would you give them service for going AWOL and not doing their job??

He has been missing for roughly 2 months. I dont feel he has earned it. 

Welcome to post-modernism. Your respective narratives are all fine and good until one's restrictive sexual ethic runs afoul of the other's perceived essential natural sexual development.

My line: A fella ought notta be gawking at someone else's spouse. It was as novel in the first century as it is today, but I'm rolling with it.

Agreed.

Not sure I get this point. Are they giving away music they wrote and performed for free? If not, you cannot give ANY music you don't own the rights to for free.

Let me rephrase. "I told them it is ok to download free music from the internet. As long as it from a reputable source and the source is giving it away for free.

For example: Amazon.

One day Amazon decides to give away Adele's "Hello". Then and only then is it ok to download for free. 

They understood what I was saying. One said "So you mean no P2P, or torrents etc... ?" 

He was pretty bummed about it, though I still think he will download it anyway.

We just did this for the entire troop. I had to lead it as no one in the troop even knew about it. 

I did mine in groups of three.

Each older boy above grade 8, covered two topics for the EDGE method. It was kinda hard using the EDGE to teach a boy to understand the rules for being online. 

The boy in the under 8 did one of the simplier topics. 

I told them to write a paragraph explaining what they are covering and develop three questions behind each subject to ask the troop. 

Then let someone ask and correct them if they are wrong. 

It went ok. 
Most of my kids already understood the rules of being online. The only one they questioned was the media ownership. Some thought it was ok to download music for free. 

I told them it is but only if they are giving it away. Treat the internet buying like a store, you cant just take a CD/DVD and walk out. You have to pay for it.

One mom didnt agree with the not looking at questionable images, and that boys will be boys. I told her that is why we are covering it. That stuff is not healthy and doesnt keep the boys mind "clean". He will then objectify women etc... Not to mention its against the law.

She disagreed. I told her to make the adjustment as needed but I couldnt give the boy his Cyber Chip. She is still not happy about it. I really tried to help her understand but at this point I dont care. Until he is 18, its illegal and stupid. 

Im sure she will try to go up the ladder with it. Look lady I dont make the rules I just follow them.

As for the recharge all of mine did it in two week periods, if I get new boys Ill put them through the course but on the same date we will all watch the video and call it done.

LOL! So many red flags. So little time to read them.

 

If their boys want to join your troop let them visit a few meetings before committing. You might give them a "grass isn't any greener" talk. The mom (let's not even waste time calling her a CC if she's not on the same page as other adults in the troop or district)? Refer her to your CC. He'll thank you for it. 

 

For what it's worth, whenever I do multi-unit things, I prefer to get the SPLs (or Crew Presidents) communicating. My line to the other SM/Crew Advisor is "I'll have my guy talk to your guy." If they know are okay working with each other then we move forward.

Agreed. I dont think its going to go any further. If we do anything with anyone. It will be my guy/girl calling their guy/girl.

I know we made plans but with my recent knowledge from the District Unit Commissioner probably not.

Next time the CC from the other troop contacts you, make an appointment with her, her SM and you will get your CC on board and the four of you can work out the details of the merger.  That should bring this whole thing to an end.

Agreed. There will be no merger FYI. Just a rogue mom who thinks she runs things. 

I am staying far far away!!!!

Im going to bet that she figured new SM (I met her at the first round table I went to) easy target. I almost bit... almost.

Ok so another update. 

WOW!!! Is all that I have for this update.

The dissolving troop is not dissolving. Its just pruning the few bad limbs. 

Initial contact was the travel coordinator chair at the dissolving troop (she has a few boys in the troop)

Anyways between our conversations, she said she was told to reach out and see about moving the boys to our troop. She was to use this trip as a test to see if they boys would mesh well. 

I went through the proper procedures, submitted our troops travel permit(our TC currently has no PC knowledge). I submitted our tax exempt info etc...

I sent a text to their TC to make sure they had submitted their info. She said oh I need to get with SM, to make sure we are actually doing this. 

Wait what??? You mean you havent cleared it with your SM first??

I finally get a number for the SM and give him a call. He tells me he has zero knowledge of dissolving the troop.  I explain to him the situation and tell him what is really going on. After I finish he just said "Oh well let me tell you about our TC. She is not completely stable, she thinks that since her boys (kids) run the troop that if she leaves the troop will just disappear. I refuse to come to any round table meetings and such when she is around (she is a pack leader too). So I am sorry she caused all of this." He said the entire committee, district unit chair, and leaders are trying to encourage her to leave as her and her boys are not positive energy. They have tried multiple times to teach them how the troop works and patrol method etc.. They simply refuse to do any of that and most meetings are just glorified gym class.

I told the SM that I should of reached out sooner, I assumed since I was talking to a committee chair that she would of gotten the approvals from every one else. 

After we talked about getting together (already went to dinner and made co-troop plans once she leaves) and assured one another that we are together in this etc... 

I have made a pretty good scouting friend out of this, and found a bad apple. 

Yes I was reluctant to believe anyone at that troop, but once the district unit chair (40 years of service) called and told me what was going on. I now know who to believe.

I am staying far away until she leaves. She has sent me multiple emails asking about our meetings and I keep ignoring her. I am hoping she will go away. 

This is all I need......

 

Don't feel bad, I just realized this yesterday after some research and I'm a tax attorney.  I did the math.  I drove over 2000 miles last year and spent around $250 for food and lodging (campsite fees) for outings.  Based on some quick math, that is probably $150 reduction in tax (assuming a 30% marginal tax rate).

 

 

From the same IRS publication:

 

Uniforms. You can deduct the cost and up­ keep of uniforms that aren't suitable for every­ day use and that you must wear while perform­ ing donated services for a charitable organization. 

 

So the shirt, patches and neckerchief would be deductible.   If you have the patches sewn on your uniform or have the uniform laundered, it would be deductible.  The pants and socks would not because they are suitable for everyday use.  If you need hiking boots for the 50 mile trek... not deductible.  Too bad I can't deduct all the camping and backpacking gear I bought...  

 

One of my previous SM was audited by the IRS. He deducted the entire cost of the uniform. IRS didnt bat an eye at it. 

The pants and sock IMO are not suitable for everyday wear as they have the BSA logo on them. I also need them neat and tidy so everyday wear would wear them out. 

I think it all depends on the situation one is in. 

You could really argue that the shirt is an every day wear item. Ive seen people dress in weird everyday ways. Stuff I wouldnt wear everyday. 

I forgot, how many scouts did you start with?

... and these will bring the roster up to how many?

 

Regardless, it's great to see a big growth spurt like that i think.  It drives a lot of positive energy.

I started with 7. If we add the boys who came back and the new crossovers that makes it 14.

If we add these new boys we will be at 20-24.

Another update. We are probably going to add an additional 5-10 boys to our troop in the next 30 days. The SM of a local Troop is dissolving. He doesn't have the help and cant do it alone any more. The troops members are going with us on our monthly trip this month to see if everyone meshes. (I dont see why not)

After that the boys and 2 ASM will transfer to my troop. They have been thinking about moving the boys to another local troop but they weren't convinced that troop was a good fit for their boys. Once they found out I was the SM at my troop, they said my reputation and dedication were the deciding factor. 

So we will see where this goes. I am sad to see a troop dissolve but happy my troop is growing.

It is slow in any troop moving from adult to boy led. Our own troop took a while to do it. The boys gradually accepted that they truly did have total control. They still go off the rails every now and again -- or you get a leader or leadership team that just does not jive no matter what you do or how well you train them. And you may never be done with your work. No sooner does one set of boys "get it" then you have another group coming in to teach all over.

Agreed, but if I didnt get them moving the right step then the troop ship would never be up righted. The model(s) that are being put in place, should keep the ship upright. I am hoping I dont have to train them other than a few pep talks here and there. I plan on using my individual time with them during the meetings to teach them how to lead so they will get multiple sources of guidance. One from me, one from the leaders in place.

Nice job! You set the right tone. It is gratifying when people count on your good name.

 

As to when to split the boys, it all depends on how active they are. If they are all showing up to everything, they could form two patrols next month. If, like most troops with diverse boys, you're missing 3 or 4 at every activity, but they're never the same guys, you can wait to divide until after all your cross-overs are accounted for. Regardless, I suspect you'll want them in two groups before you do a week-long activity like summer camp. I find for that length of time, two small patrols accomplish a little more than one large patrol.

It is very nice to know that my name means well. The boys were promised things by the old SM and he was absentee a lot. One parent the nail in the coffin was when the old SM didnt show up to any fundraising events. Once they found out a new SM was in and it was a prior Troop member they knew things were going to change. (Side story about why they knew things were going to change at the end of the post.)

I remember talking with an older scout who had been with the troop since the beginning. I don't remember how this came up, but the scout said the only thing I remember in training during the early years that helped me a lot as a PL was when the adults modeled an ideal patrol corners meeting. He said everything all of a sudden made sense. The scouts in the new troop didn't have older scout role models to learn from.

 

Barry

Thats the idea. Give them a model and tell them this is not the 100% right way but one of many.

In theory that works fairly well, but if one boy along the way deviates a tad from the ideal model, then every boy after that will have learned the bad habits of the one.    That works for both the good and the bad.  Of course it also doesn't encourage improvements along the way, just the way we've always done it model is promoted.  And worst of all if the model isn't attainable by all scouts equally, the less talented may never get a chance to show what they can do.  

 

Models make me nervous, so I rely on developing whatever talent the boy has rather than trying to mold him to the model.  Some of my best leaders have tended to be quite a bit off plumb.

Agree with that models are not 100% accurate but..... we all have to have something to mimic. Its human nature. For instance look at Tarzan, baby that grew up raised by gorillas. He modeled(mimic) after them. He had no other options.

Luckily I have a very open mind and use the scientific method in most things of life.

If the boys want change(formulation of a question) then I tell them to write it up(hypothesis) then bring it to me. At that point we will review it together, I will ask some questions and ask them think about how it will work and write it down.(prediction) I will then tell them to go experiment. (testing) After the initial try, we will sit down, write what went wrong and what we can do better at.(analysis) Decide if it worth another go, and etc.....

My plan is for them to gain enough confidence that they will start to think how can I make this better.

Now gents, @@htusa31 created this new topic so we wouldn't run it off the rails!

 

But, reinterpret Stosh's objection ... with the role-modelling approach can you model structure, but you can't model a desired character. For example, board can learn how to operate by Roberts' rules by observing other seasoned boards. However, if some members are bent on using the rules to muzzle others ... following the rules to a T will only keep malicious members in check and make the folks you'd really like to hear from not want to participate. Until you do the grunt-work of rebuilding the members' relationships with one another, giving them any model in which to operate will prove an exercise in futility.

 

Role modelling worked with this troop because the boys already liked each other. They knew they wanted to accomplish some things. They knew it wasn't happening the way they were doing it. And, they believed they could do it differently and achieve a different outcome. SM provides one demonstration, and they were ready to act, proceeding with minimal guidance in the form of routine evaluation.

 

I think NYLT, camporees, O/A, jamborees, and H/A contingents offer a variety of models that boys can evaluate. This partially helps avoid the "rut" that Stosh describes. But if boys aren't going in thinking "This is gonna help my troop/patrol back home," experiencing different models won't have much of a transforming effect. In that case, working with the boys as you observe their talents and adjusting to that over monthly activities is the better strategy.

This is why I want them to think outside the box. I had to get them out of the rut and into the box before they would start peeking over the fence. Now they are running with it, and we will see where it goes.

Ok side story. When I became Eagle. I made plaques. I made one for my grandparents, mom, dad, and the troop.

The parents, had the rank pins and a picture of me on them. I had the names of the ranks engraved on black brass, with the brass being the text color. 

I put this all on black walnut. This wood was from a couple of trees I cut down. I rough cut and planed each board. The entire plaques were handmade from scratch. Nothing store bought, other than the pins and black brass from the engraving shop. They are really nice. My dad passed a few years ago and I have the one I gave to him.

For the troop and scoutmasters. I cut the fleur-de-lis in a piece of 1 inch lexan. I put the Eagle patch and the eagle dollar coin(those were really hard to find)on a piece of black brass with the brass lettering on a black walnut board. I listed out all of the SM and ASM that helped me in the troop. 

The plaque hangs in the troop meeting room. 

This is from the parent.

You are the only Eagle out of the entire troop that took the time to make something to thank the troop. I know you have passion and love for this troop. I am confident that you are going to make it better and fun again.

Goes to show that the stuff you did in the past can positively(or negatively) effect the future. 

Ok so Pizza Hut is asking for a 501©(3) number...

Is that the church's number or something we need to apply for?

We do not have a FIN, or the 501©(3)

nice!

just curious....what age and rank are the SPL and ASPL you're writing about here?

Thanks. Figured it would blow up in my face (thinking the SPL might quit and take his 2 brothers with him), so far it has put confidence in the young man. 

16 is the SPL(will become Eagle in roughly May), 14 is the ASPL(PL)

The last thread got a little off track. Im going to try and keep this one as my primary update thread.

I am a little over a month into being SM, and here is where we stand.

I am working on getting to completely boy led. It has taken some doing but I think I am almost there. I sat down with my SPL, ASPL(PL) and only ASM (at the time, I have brought the others up to speed)

I told the SPL, ASPL, that this is their troop. They are going to run this troop. The SM, ASM's, are here to help you run it. You (the boys)are doing the planning and the leading. 

I asked them what they thought a typical meeting consisted of. They said tying a few knots, working on a merit badge, and then talking about school, life etc.. They said they wait for the SM to tell them what to do. (this is what they have typically been doing)

I told them that SM run was changing ASAP. I expect them to keep up with the time. Start and end the meeting on time. I only want to talk (unless they need help) when its SM's Minute which should be the last 5 minutes of a meeting.(part of that is clean up)

I then gave them a list of things to do around the area and told them to plan one thing a month. Ill update the list with new stuff and for them to ask their troop what they want to do. 

I then gave them a blank calendar, (I already plugged in the fundraising events planned), told them to plan it out and that from here on out they plan the events. They tell me when and where, then I will hand off. I said Ill let them know if I can get enough help to do what they want that month, but I need at least a months notice for a event.

Informed them that if they want these trips paid for they will need to come up with fundraising ideas and plug them in as well. I gave them a list of approved fundraising events and items to sell. (items that will be the most beneficial)

They have hung the calendar in the meeting room, for all to reference what we are doing.(their idea)

As for the meeting, I said to come up with things to do that month that pertain to trip they are taking. For instance, they wanted to go to the aquarium this month. They are now planning things that involve mammal study, reptile study, fishing, scuba, what to do when lost in a city type city situation(providing everyone with a map), potential first aid situations, they are planning out the schedule etc...  I am excited to see what else they come up with. (again all their idea)

I then led the next meeting after this chat, showing them how one can be properly run. (They are young and needed a model to go by, think the E.D.G.E. method.) I told them this is not the perfect way but just an example. 

I let them run the next meeting(2nd meeting since chat) and then had them write down what they though went wrong and how they can fix it. 

The next meeting(3rd meeting since chat), is completely theirs to run. Pretty sure it will go smoothly. I am amazed at their level of confidence in leading now. I just had to teach them how and push them out the door. 

I have already seen the younger Scouts start to look up to the leaders. They are already going to them for answers etc.... 

I think now I can pull each boy one by one and go over some of their requirements again to make sure we are on the same page. 

Ohhhh.....

I guess the word got out about me running the troop. I had 3 new/2 returning (5 total)boys show up over the past few meetings. They said they heard that we are doing some fun stuff and they want in. So now I have 13 total boys. Troop is growing. 

In April we have a boy cross over, and then in May another. Should have 15 by the end of May. 

I think I may have them split into two patrols at that point. 

Things are happening quick.

Ok so meeting was good but kinda disappointing.

I only had 4 parents show up. 

Anyhoo, 2 of the parents that filled the committee were there. I appointed one of them as fundraising chair person. Just said I cant handle it. I will get info on fundraising but I want you to check into it. I then handed her 4 different fundraisers info sheets. (some from me, some from the council). She said awesome I was hoping you would give it to me and she didnt say it sarcastically.   She has already setup the pancake breakfast at Applebees. Just need to make the deposits to hold the spots.

I took Stosh's advice and said we can defray some cost with fundraising but some will need to be paid in cash/check for each trip. I told them I cant commit to week long trips yet with my younger kids, but I am here to try and do more fun activities but I need parents help to do so. I cant do it alone. I told them of potential trips we are thinking about and I think I got the attention for help. I also said any trips that we do are family invited. So if you want the entire family to go just let me know. I encourage families to go on any and all trips we take. I said I will more than likely bring my family as well. Scouting is more than just boy, its family.

My other ASM took the new Weblos parents and told them about out Troop. He got two parents to commit to ASM once the boys cross over. (April and August)

I got my troop boys together before the meeting and told them that we have potential new recruits and to remember that feeling of being new. The SPL got the idea and quickly got on top of things. They went over the Scout ranking. Also taught or retaught them the square knot. They went over their favorite merit badges and what they liked about them. I asked them about some potential trips (ideas for NASA space museum, caving, etc..) They took it from there rehashing the fun they all had. 

We also started doing the Citizen in the World merit badge. While it was not persay "fun" it was part of our normal meetings. 

We then had a knot relay, split into two teams of three. The Webols tied the square knot, while the older boys tied the taut line and two half hitches. Winner only received bragging rights but they enjoyed it. 

I had a guy that was entering scouts after I was leaving. He came back and signed up to be an ASM. So I have more help on that front as well. 

I think with my joining I have pumped some new life into the troop and we are on our way back to having fun.

Thanks for the help. Ill keep everyone updated.

In case anyone needs it, here is a pdf of the new scout requirements 2016 from the new 13th edition handbook. They can be placed in the old handbook if scouts don't need or want to purchase the new edition. A scout is thrifty!

http://www.scouting.org/filestore/boyscouts/pdf/524-012_BS_Requirements.pdf

I gave my boys a copy of the new requirements to look at and use if they decide too. 

I have my book from when I was in Scouting the 10th edition I think.

It has all of my advancements signed off, all the way down to my Eagle Board. I find it a a cherished memto of being in scouting. One boy said hey if we get the new book will you sign off on our stuff like that so we can keep it in one book?

I told him absolutely. He said he wanted to keep it all together like I did, as it would be nice to go back and remember when he got his advancements.

Ok so quick update.

Committee is now full. Something that was resolved and handled without me doing a thing.

They have still left fundraising in my hands. Im not too happy with it but whatever... Ill work on getting it transferred. 

We have school meeting setup and scheduled. 

We have a parent meeting tonight with 5-7 of the boys/parents not coming back, because they were bored.

The Weblos crossers are coming tonight as well.

My meeting tonight is it get to know the new SM. ( I wouldnt want my kids going out with someone I havent met.)

Im going to be explaining the rest of the years schedule and plans for possible summer trips, depending on what the boys agree to.

Hopefully the boys who left will find it fun and exciting and want to return. 

OK, someone asked for a new thread and I had a hunch that someone had beat it to death before. I was right.

So...in the opinion of the gun nuts out there, what is the best concealed carry firearm for BSA outings?

I have no brand loyalty. Whatever you get, learn to operate it efficiently, and train with it regularly.

Please please carry it concealed, or get the permit to do so.

The articles/videos below show what can happen when the adrenaline gets to flowing.

Part 1

http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/2016/01/11/ready-aim-truth-how-prepared-good-guys-protect-themselves-and-others-part-1/78655818/

Part 2

http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/local/investigates/2016/01/12/ready-aim-truth-good-guys-vs-bad-guys-part-2/78718008/

I can not confirm nor deny that I carry 100% of the time, or if I have pants on a gun is tucked in them...

Still....

the biggest and best thing you can teach anyone about safety is.....

SITUTATIONAL AWARENESS

I can say with 100% certainty that having great situational awareness has prevented more crime than a gun. Still its not a bad idea to have that tool just in case something happens outside the awareness.

Ok so I attended a round-table meeting last week with the district. 

I quickly noticed a few things that I need to address within my troop. 

The list is as follows:

1)Committee positions need to be filled.

2)Recruitment of new boys

3)Retention of the scouts

1)

Right now we have 2 people on the committee. This has to change. I cant effectively do my job as a SM if I dont have a committee behind me. Ill be spread to thin and the burn out and etc... will follow. I am setting up fundraisers, getting permits etc... I can keep doing it, but Id rather we get back to the committee way.

Suggestions, ideas?

2)

We have 7 boys right now. 2 are getting ready to tap out as Eagles. 

The rest are (1)Star (1)First Class (2) Second Class (1) Scout

I have 2 that will be crossing over from the "feeder" cub scout den. (We have a cub scout group with 30 boys, meets same place same Troop number) They wont be crossing over until May.

Ideas on gaining new members. Essentially I need to get the parents involved. They will be the deciding factor in joining.

3)

I had one boy leave. I am getting the entire story on him. I am going to try and sit down and see if I can get him back.

I have another who sporadically comes.

I am debating on have a sit down with all scouting parents. I guess you would call it an open forum, get to know you meeting. Try to get everyone on the same page, introduce myself, etc...

Good/Bad idea suggestions?

I have had nothing but the perfect bound for all of my scouting days.

I didnt have a single page fall out. I take pretty good care of my belongings. (not saying others dont)

Saying all that to say this. I prefer the perfect bound, but the suggestion of replacing pages is nice in the spiral bound.

But.... it not fitting well into the handbook cover sucks.

Let me clear the informing them to wear a uniform or other things I have done. Im not very detailed on the reporting back. I deal with less is more at work. So my lack of details may be causing confusion in my intentions and thoughts.

 

I had a meeting with the SPL and PL before the meeting started. I asked them what they wanted to do. 

(I shut my mouth and let them tell me how they wanted to run the troop.) 

 

Were they aware of BSA policy during their deliberation?

Yes. They were told everything except the wearing of the neckerchief only. I will inform them of that change.

 

They told me they feel its more a hangout, with occasional skills thrown in. They wanted it back to the way it was a couple years ago. Uniforms worn, and more fun stuff. They want to set an example of how to be a Scout. (Essentially the result of the meeting) 

 

Why does the little red flag in the back of my head that is waving frantically right now raising the suspicion that a coaching pep talk preceded the decision because the boys sound like they don't want to be a good scout troop, but the best, better than the others, the example the others are to follow?  I might be wrong, but I do fall prey to my gut feelings on occasion.

 

If there was a pep talk before I knew nothing about it.

 

They also said they become tired of being ill prepared going to district campouts so they just decided to quit going.

 

I guess it's all okay for the group to exit out the door, but not individuals?  Or is this indicative of how boys of this age feel at times, especially during challenging opportunities that frustrate them instead of helping them grow.?

Not sure what you are asking. Let me re read this later and try to understand it. Or maybe you can clarify for me.

 

The used my uniform as an example for uniform wear.

 

But of course, the BSA inspection sheet probably wasn't handy at the moment?

 

Yes it was handed out to everybody that day. The SPL and PL got it before everyone else and had ample to time to review it. I only asked if this is something they want to do. Look it over and let me know.

 

They thought it was cool I had everything neat and tidy on it. They said the SM said not to wear them anymore so everyone stopped. They didnt feel it was right but they really were not given an option. 

 

This is just the flip side of the same adult driven coin.  Doesn't sound like in either case the boy-led option was ever fully given.

 

They are given the choice now.

 

I told them I would make it happen.

 

Or they should have been told THEY should make it happen and left it up to them to work it out without the adults doing it for them.

This will be rememdied. I should told them I would HELP them make it happen. Wrong approach.

 

There will be those who think that by looking at situations from various points of view is judgmental, remember, it is not the case, it is just allowing people to see that there are more than one way to skin a cat.  Regardless of which is used using a dull knife or a sharp knife, the cat gets skinned, but one way might be easier than the other.  One still retains the option of skinning cats any way they want.

 

Im reading and taking all suggestions into account. I am not perfect and am new at the SM thing. 

The only suggestion I am not responding to is quitting. That is not going to happen. 

Probably the best strategy to implement uniforms:

• Wear yours. Apologize to the boys if for some reason you are at a meeting out of uniform (e.g., you get stuck at work with no time to change). Teach the SPLs to do the same. Thank them when they look sharp.
• Train your SPLs in using the uniform inspection sheet, and have them put inspection night on the calendar. Pass out copies of the sheet one week. Give the PLs a chance to practice inspect/fix problems the next week. Have the SPL do overall inspection. Have some little flag-totem for the patrol with the highest average score.
• Spout off uniform trivia from time to time. (You'll find plenty of it on this forum!)

You really don't have to do inspection often. Our troop hasn't done it in years. Uniforming has its own momentum.

I like this. 

STOP!  You tell them  "I will help you make it happen."

 

Your PLC should be the voice of the change.  If you wanted to impose stricter uniform standards on the troop you could have used Jedi Mind Tricks and asked the PLC "What can WE do as a troop to encourage wearing of the uniform?"  and guided them to better uniforming.  As it turns out, they want more uniforming already so the same question (with out mind tricks) can be asked.

 

See what the scouts come up with.  My current troop has used a scout-originated, scout-conducted uniform inspection at the start of each meeting.  Points are tallied and a prize awarded at the end of the year.  This really helps, our scouts even wear single-badge or empty merit badge sashes since a sash adds an extra point.

 

Once they have a good idea (or Scoutmaster/Jedi Master Yoda has steered them to a good idea [while letting them think they came up with the idea and OWN it]) let them announce it to the troop.  Not you.  You should only be speaking for the 60 seconds necessary to deliver your Scoutmaster's Minute.

Noted for future use. Probably should of done that. Will from now on.

Let me clear the informing them to wear a uniform or other things I have done. Im not very detailed on the reporting back. I deal with less is more at work. So my lack of details may be causing confusion in my intentions and thoughts.

I had a meeting with the SPL and PL before the meeting started. I asked them what they wanted to do. 

(I shut my mouth and let them tell me how they wanted to run the troop.)

They told me they feel its more a hangout, with occasional skills thrown in. They wanted it back to the way it was a couple years ago. Uniforms worn, and more fun stuff. They want to set an example of how to be a Scout. (Essentially the result of the meeting) 

They also said they become tired of being ill prepared going to district campouts so they just decided to quit going.

The used my uniform as an example for uniform wear. They thought it was cool I had everything neat and tidy on it. They said the SM said not to wear them anymore so everyone stopped. They didnt feel it was right but they really were not given an option.

I told them I would make it happen.

Become a referee. That will change your behavior in 90 minutes.

Every parent should volunteer for something like refreeing. There will be a revival at kids activities. 

This makes me think of a conversation I had while I was Cubmaster, with a lady that was starting the Daisy girl scout troop that my daughter was in.  We are chartered by a catholic parish.

So this leader was new to the whole game, and she was marching under the idea that only church members could join.  Correct or not, I told her that I look at it as another ministry of the church.... an extension of the youth group program if you like.... and with this in mind, if we can get a non-member to attend scouts, they will bring their parents through the door, at least occasionally.  That family will get exposure to the church taht they wouldn't otherwise have had.  They might like what they see or who they meet through scouting and they might end up joining the church or even more coming to know Christ.

(edit: even if it's not a church, you could look at "scouts" as very similar to the church in my example.  That boy may have sorely needed some of the growth that is possible through scouting)

 

So excluding someone is an opportunity lost.

 

BUT, all that being said

I'll also bet that qwazse is spot on.

That boy probably would have left anyway sooner or later.

and even worse, he might have injected a bad attitude that affects others in the troop.

SO, in that regard, perhaps its a win.

 

But is it a win or loss?

As for the boy that left. Yes I got his background, and pretty much what I said is what he does. His father and mom are not around and he has extreme trouble reading. He hasnt had any real structure in his life. There is more but essentially the people that raised him just let him do whatever. If he doesnt like something he leaves. Which is why he is home schooled. 

I consider it a loss anytime a boy walks out the door, but its their decision.