Chadamus

I was extremely pleased to have six Scouts bring me their handbook this evening and ask to have things "signed off." Their challenge seems to be remembering to document the Service, Camping, and Hiking Logs more than the rank requirements. They're usually all over those.

My challenge is slowly changing the culture from Scoutmaster sign-offs to PL sign-offs.

Baby steps...

"If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far you can't hear them anymore."

- Michele Ruiz

@desertrat77two corners for one infraction? Or separate?

Yes.

"Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm."

- Winston Churchill

1 hour ago, jjlash said:

Hardback copy of one of the Harry Potter novels - on a one-night backpacking trip.

Can't read the ebook if electronics aren't allowed 😃

1 hour ago, qwazse said:

Scouting prepares us for life ... not the other way around.

Well said qwazse.This belongs in Eagledad's motivational quote thread.

"Once you learn to quit, it becomes a habit."

- Vince Lombardi

SM Minute then the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout Motto and finally Scout Slogan.

40 minutes ago, perdidochas said:

If you pass the test, you've learned it (or already knew it). 

Or cheated? 😃

45 minutes ago, DuctTape said:

I haven't done one of the online modules in a while and perhaps I am confusing the BSA modules with the ones I must do for my employer... I seem to recall that a wrong answer will just tell you the correct one and why, so I am not sure that skipping the entire "instructional" portion is sufficient if it is impossible to fail the competency quiz.

Good point DuctTape. Unfortunately all of the modules do NOT give you the correct answer on an incorrect attempt. Plenty of from for improvement here.

6 hours ago, cyphertext said:

If you already know the info, I don't see the reason to sit through it again.

If they were requiring people to complete it the FIRST time and THEN allow you to click thru, fine. That's not the intent apparently and that's again an unfortunate oversight. Gotta learn it to earn it.

That is correct. The intent is for non-Eagles such as your Mom and other adult volunteers. I also noticed I could click through them. I owe it to myself and my Scouts to not do so even if I think I know it all. (And I know I dont! )

True @ItsBrian, but those courses aren't intended for Eagles.

8 minutes ago, qwazse said:

You say bug, I say feature.

Oversight perhaps? Otherwise it's something else that doesn't have to be earned.

Instead of poo-pooing the distance of choice D, l look at it as potential valuable time spent with your son. The drive can make for memorable conversation between the two of you that both of you will remember and cherish for years.

Hi Cyclone! Welcome to the forum!

Pick D

☺️

Surely many suggestions will follow, so I'll start with this:

Don't throw out Scouting history.

☺️

@qwazse double block means what you think it means. A class two periods long. The summer camp we're going to this year does the same with certain MBs like Wilderness Survival, Cooking, Swimming. Usually Eagle badges, but not always (Robotics, Kayaking).

@OldEagle83, that's an admirable thing you are doing for your girlfriend's son. Similarly, I initially volunteered for my son. Now I kinda view all of the boys as mine. I do it for all of them 

Thank you in advance for all that you will do and welcome to the forum!

@David CO You're absolutely right that some will never be swayed. It not for them as much as those that are "on the fence." Sometimes a gentle nudge is all that is needed.

Consider involving the Scouts. The Quartermaster can give a "tour" of the Troop trailer and chuck-boxes. Scouts can explain and demonstrate how the lanterns/stoves/etc work. Have different types and styles of tents, backpacks and sleeping bags on-hand.

The parents will pick up on the passion and enthusiasm of the boys. Excitement is contagious!

While that's not my personal experience as a volunteer, you've summed up this forum fairly well of late, IMO.

I initially read that as 11 year old Eagles. Glad I re-read it!

Thanks for sharing.

5 hours ago, Col. Flagg said:

Ever see an 11 year old with a 35lb pack go on a 20 miler?

Yes.

His parents? Doubtful.