Thunderbird

What rule?

@Summitdog They are related, but separate awards. -Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award is a patch (worn as a temporary patch) -Outdoor Ethics Action Award is a nameplate They can be earned by Boy Scouts, Venturers, and Scouters. Cub Scouts cannot earn them. https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/outdoor-ethics/awards/

The swimming merit badge has to be signed off by a swimming merit badge counselor. Scoutmasters must register as merit badge counselors and be approved for any badge they wish to counsel or sign off in their troop, so if a Scoutmaster is not registered as a swimming MBC, then he or she cannot sign off on the merit badge. The swimming rank requirements are different - they do not have to be supervised by a registered MBC.

I suspect they got the "teabagging" idea from video games (or videos about games), where it is somewhat acceptable behavior (because video game characters are not anatomically correct). Regardless of where the SPL got the idea, it is not acceptable in real life -- especially when the Scout repeatedly told him to stop.

The Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack were retired in 2015. The idea, as I understand it, is to have one Scout Oath and one Scout Law for all of the BSA's programs. Cub Scouts are not required to memorize them. The standard for Cub Scouts is that they do their best. The Bobcat rank requirements state [emphasis added]: 1. Learn and say the Scout Oath, with help if needed. 2. Learn and say the Scout Law, with help if needed. One advantage to having Cub Scouts earn the Scout Oath and Law is that they don't have to learn something different later on when they join one of th

Looking at the current requirements for Bear, I don't understand this? A lot of it can be done outside, and a lot of it is "hands on" (building stuff with tools, Whittling Chip, etc.) Maybe he's following the Bear Den Leader Guide meeting plans too closely? They are only intended to serve as ideas / suggestions -- not the one and only way to run the den meetings. http://usscouts.org/advance/cubscout/bear-core.asp#claws http://usscouts.org/advance/cubscout/bear-elective.asp

You had another thread on how to earn the Totin Chip outside of summer camp, correct? I assume you are a Scout? There is no need to wait until May to earn the Totin Chip. Here are the official BSA requirements: https://www.scouting.org/programs/boy-scouts/advancement-and-awards/merit-badges/totin/ Read the tools section in the Boy Scout Handbook. Then talk to your Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, or Instructor and ask how you can earn it in your troop. If they don't know, ask your SPL.

Could you provide more information? Are you a Scout / parent / adult leader (Scouter) / some other position or role? What type of camp is it? A camp run by your troop / district / council? Who is the camp for? My council runs a shorter version of summer camp that is intended for 1st year Scouts. Some summer camps have a Trail To First Class (TTFC) that goes by different names, but it's basically a skills class that covers some of the early rank requirements (Tenderfoot - First Class).

USA Archery Level 1 instructor level training is all you need (minimum) in order to be an Archery merit badge counselor: "Archery. Archery activities must be supervised by a BSA National Camping School–trained shooting sports director or USA Archery or National Field Archery Association instructor, or by someone who has been trained by one of the three; or alternatively, the activities may be supervised by someone with at least Level 1 training in the operation of an archery range from USA Archery, NFAA, or an equivalent."

If training is the issue, then have them sign up as a Unit Scouter Reserve (for ages 21+) or Unit College Scouter Reserve (for ages 18-20). The only training that is required is to have current YPT, but they do have to pay the $33 BSA registration fee, fill out an adult app., and get the criminal background check. If money is the issue but if they are willing to serve as a merit badge counselor (or Nova counselor or Supernova mentor), then have them sign up in one of these positions. There is no BSA registration fee, but they still have to fill out the adult app., and get the criminal b

I agree. I wish more time was spent on how to prevent problems or things to look out for. Solutions vs. the problem

OK, as far as I know, merit badge counselors, Nova counselors, and Supernova mentors do not have to pay the $33 BSA registration fee. However, they do have to fill out the adult application, undergo a criminal background check, and be current on YPT.

I think it might be some kind of council-specific fee (insurance, maybe?).

@RememberSchiff $45 per adult? I thought the BSA registration fee was $33?

Do MC Counselors have to pay the $33 registration fee now? When did this change?

You could also contact your District Executive. He or she might also have some good ideas for you.

So they would be paying full price but not getting full benefit (merit badge counselors, etc.)? That's not right.

Any chance of the girl's mom getting signed up as a Unit Scouter Reserve?

So what would those troops be paying for? Meals at the dining hall?

The normal rules for time extensions for Eagle Scout rank (G2A 9.0.4.0) do not appear to force a Scout out of a troop and into a crew or ship (although a Scout could certainly choose to do so). A Scout who is age 17 and 11 months on February 1 would need a minimum of 3 months in order to earn First Class rank. If this Scout had to leave the troop on 18th birthday, then the Scout could not continue on the trail to Eagle in a crew or ship, because the Scout had not earned First Class rank in a troop yet. I guess the question is whether joining a crew or ship is optional or mandatory f

So what is the purpose of the exception if they are not allowed to serve in youth leadership positions after 18th birthday?

I read a news article that said that she will be about 4-5 months shy of 18 in February.

This seems to say that a 16-year-old would get 24 months (at most) from initial registration: "The actual extension will be based upon the individual’s registration date and age at the time of the request and will provide not more than twenty - four months from the date of initial registration to complete all requirements."

I'm not a fan of this sentence: "It is our hope and expectation that local units will ensure substantial individual recognition of their first female Eagle Scouts in a manner befitting their great accomplishments." It implies that it's not about the journey - it's about getting to Eagle first.

"Instead, the BSA will officially recognize our Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts in the fall of 2020, providing young women who join Scouts BSA the needed time to complete all requirements. This Inaugural Class will be celebrated nationally and collectively commemorated." 2020 appears to be the "inaugural year".