buffalo2

One more time... Offer a prayer of thanks for how good we've got it

Some good emphasis on the Wilderness aspects of First Aid training and the realization that as adult leaders (especially those with that High Adventure bug) it's pretty difficult to get too much training and practice. Remember how we train the boys in First Aid (constantly!) One intermediate step is to set up a Saturday session and invite in some local EMT trainer types with outdoor interests, perhaps university staff, experienced military types, even simpatico professionals. You might be pleasantly surprised as to how willing and available some of these folks are... Not all but enou

As an interested but extremely amatuer to the world of climbing and rappelling I've got to raise a question on this knot. 'Twould appear that we're sacrificing redundancy for the sake of equalization and that just doesn't look right. Maybe the intent is to use more than one of these knots around the multiple anchors? While I'm revealing my ignorance, I'd maybe be inclined to use multiple webbing slings for this sort of application and eaualize as best I could during the installation... Also would appreciate references beyond the obvious BSA ones Thanks

Long as we're on the topic I'll raise a question regarding washing dishes in a base camp environment using 3 pans. I too was raised to use hot soapy water, hot clear water for rinse followed by a bleach water/disinfectant dip for 20-30 seconds in cool-warm water (and thanks to the chemist above for clarification) Some of our folks are preaching the bleach dip before the rinse cycle so as to remove the bleach residue and quote their Wood Badge training... I think that's incorrect and more than just a style issue but would appreciate discussion or perhaps a concensus from the group. Pro

Sounds like we're missing out on something here in the Midwest!

Ya know, there's some pretty good ideas here (no surprise) but I'd be thinking about age distribution and maybe thrashing Troopmaster and looking for incremental advancement dates and maybe relating that to program years gone by. What's different? If you've got lots of older boys (sounds likely) you may wish to consider a Venture Patrol (as opposed to Crew) to keep the interest up and let the younger ones see that they've got a long and active Scouting future ahead of them. There's a lot to be said for looking ahead - good luck!

Hi there Purrke Got any thoughts on what it takes to transition older Girl Scouts into Venturing? (Coed BSA program for youth 14-20 engaging in High Adventure outings amongst other activities) Or for that matter what attracts older girls that might be interested in something a little different? BTW This is posted in haste and I know it doesn't sound quite right but its got the best of intentions!

Not to squash your direction Melodee but I have seen Merit Badge Challenge (our local flavor) sessions that seemed to be pretty well operated and were quite comprehensive. Imagine 3 1-hour class sessions on each of 3 Saturday mornings that are spaced 2 weeks apart. Spend some effort getting the concept of pre-work across to the Scouts, and don't hesitate to send them home with partials (and a point of contact for completion) if they're not working at the proper level. Appropriate standards can be maintained and the boys are clear on having earned these Merit Badges (and they will distingui

Not heard the term 'Powder Horn' used here yet; appears to be upper level BSA training for adults with older Scouts/Venture Patrols/Crews. Looks to be along the lines of the breakout sessions in the new SM Fundamentals syllabus but much more intense. Won't have the pleasure of attending our local one this year but it's at the top of my list for 2003. Might address a certain amount of this. At least assist SMs / advisors in determining when it's time to get some more training or include an expert. Good example is BSAs reqt that an adult complete a 10 hour instructional session and then be

Folks This is a great thread with some really good ideas surfacing. I'm particularly impressed with the idea of a 'Classic' series, and would support multiple levels of achievement within an individual MB offering. Lets not neglect some of the career interest type of Merit Badge, and lets pay some attention to the Technology tracks. Perhaps we could expand Engineering into multiple disciplines? How about a Robotics MB? Is maybe part of the problem the amount of time that it takes National to survey interest and design course material? What can be done from our level to expedite

Mike you've said it well; many of my most enjoyable Scout experiences back in the day when a hip belt was high tech involved backpacking away from the same old District camp. Looking forward to seeeing this thread develop a bit...

Might be worth digging into Backpacker magazine article archives from earlier this year - seem to recall a pretty good section on types of stitch and when to use what, some information on materials and tools, and most importantly some good clear graphics that really get the concept across. Try their website... Might try simulated suturing on slices of roast beef or maybe a pork chop to really lock in a similar lesson and remove some of the prissy side of sewing?

OGE You'll hear about the good stuff in Wood Badge from many, and probably lots of debate regarding the old and new syllabi; BUT: Most of the things that you enter this program seeking to accomplish will come to be, those that you didn't get done will be replaced by others that will mean more to you than the original goals, and most importantly; you will discover needs and capabilties within yourself that you cannot now imagine. Whatever level you operate at within your Scouting life will be affected in a positive manner, and you will appreciate every minute of the time spent in worki

Our Troop has a policy of traveling in Class A's and we try to maintain a liberal Class B around camp. I'm convinced that uniforming makes a difference in the way that our boys are treated in public. Also reminds the Scouts that they're working under a slightly different set of guidelines than their peers, amd that they should be proud to stand out. If your Scouts should ever happen to see a professional or college ball team traveling together they'll understand immediately.

Best to go with policy on this one... These guidelines are in place for sound reasons!

While the point has been made it bears repeating... Anytime an opportunity for training (both adult and youth)arises it should certainly be encouraged and taken advantage of. Covering a portion of the costs of Wood Badge or Council-level JLT might be enough to add another to the fold, and can't help but improve your Troop.

Found a pretty comprehensive Troop website at: http://users.scronline.com/troop77/snowshoes.htm Looks like Troop 77 from Vallejo California nice job guys - thanks for sharing! Has anyone else got an interest in this?