Thunderbird

The Boy Scout Handbook says that the neckerchief may be worn "over or under the collar, depending on your troop's custom." Yes, all the pictures on the inspection sheets show under the collar, but the troop could decide to wear them over the collar. The main thing is that all of the Scouts in the troop should be wearing it the same way. There was also a Bryan on Scouting article that mentions it (some troop wear over / some troops wear under collar): https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2015/02/03/scout-neckerchiefs-yea-or-nay/

@Urbanredneck Welcome! Try these links: http://usscouts.org/mb/proposals.asp https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2013/08/12/how-to-suggest-a-new-merit-badge/

@ParkMan That seems pretty reasonable to me. IMO, the announcements and other stuff with adults talking shouldn't last longer than the actual court of honor. We usually do refreshments of some kind (not necessarily the same thing each time).

@WisconsinMomma Something to consider: Item #10 on the Journey to Excellence (JTE) criteria for troops involves holding 2-3 courts of honor, "where troop plans are reviewed with parents." However, that doesn't mean that they need to go on and on trying to inform the parents about every single little thing. They could hit the highlights and leave all the details for the newsletter, weekly e-mail, e-blast, website, or whatever communication(s) you want to use. Over an hour for announcements and FOS seems excessive.

The current Boy Scout Handbook says First Class within about 12-18 months. Scouts in my son's troop are taking longer (than they were previously) to make First Class primarily because they have trouble tracking their fitness activities at home for TF/FC/SC.

A 12-year-old Boy Scout (Den Chief or not) is not an adult and cannot take the place of an adult for YPT purposes. The Guide to Safe Scouting says: "Two-deep leadership on all outings required. A minimum of two registered adult leaders, or one registered leader and a participating Scout’s parent, or another adult is required for all trips and outings. One of these adults must be 21 years of age or older." While this doesn't sound like an "outing", Cub Scouts still require adult supervision. Den Chiefs are activities assistants, but they are still youth - not adults.

@jjlash How long is the new YPT training? The old one was only about 25 minutes.

That seems rather pointless ...

@fred johnson Scoutbook isn't intended to replace the Handbooks or the blue cards. But it can serve as a backup, and also a great place to keep notes or pics. For example, Scout visits a historic site as part of Citizenship in the Nation mb. He can make a note of the date, take a pic(s), add some notes. We still do most everything face-to-face, but it's nice to have a backup. In addition, it's nice that everybody has access to the same information (assuming that it's kept up to date).

"Boy Scout: Life Rank, Senior Patrol Leader" Outside of Scouting, most folks have no idea what the terms "Life Rank" or "Senior Patrol Leader" mean. I think this is why the Eagle Scout Project Workbook uses the term "Eagle Scout Candidate". I think it would be acceptable to say Eagle Scout Candidate or Eagle Scout rank, anticipated winter 2018 (or something similar). Most folks would understand both of these to mean that you are close to earning Eagle Scout rank, but haven't earned it yet. This would be similar to applying for a job that requires a degree while you are still in co

Very true!

$25 membership fee for the GSUSA vs. $233 ($33 + $200) for BSA + your council That sure looks like a disincentive to join BSA

Scoutbook only has one version right now - a web app. It can be used on mobile or desktop / laptop. You can add a shortcut to your smartphone or tablet so that it looks like an app from iTunes or Google Play.

$10.45 in 1971!

I think that there are times when collections drives can work as Eagle Scout projects, but they are more than just collecting items. Here are a few examples: Bryan on Scouting: Reminder about nontraditional Eagle projects was music to this Scout’s ears This Scout did more than just collect donated musical instruments. He also got them repaired and refurbished. In addition, he organized local musicians who came in and gave a 1-hour lesson to the foster kids who would be getting the new instruments. Bryan on Scouting: An Eagle Scout project doesn’t have to be permanent W

@The Latin ScotCubTrails is an online advancement tracking software for packs.

@Tampa TurtleI was wondering about the frisbees!

I can see that. "So you say you want to be an Asst. Cubmaster? We've got a patch for that right over here ..."

@Tampa Turtle What is "cowboy camping"?

@Jameson76It's at the Scoutmaster's discretion (or whoever is delegated to approve by the SM), but I think the intent is to have the Scouts gain skills by practicing putting up and taking down at least one type of shelter (tents, improvised shelters, snow caves, etc.). I'm not currently a SM, but I would count a hammock + rain fly. (I like Tampa Turtle 's "elevated tent" concept! ) I would also recommend / encourage that they try different types of shelters when possible (and where it makes sense).

@NJCubScouterThere needs to be some kind of "brrr" smiley for your post!

If you want more in depth information, there are also a couple of PowerPoint presentations available at the link below: The Essentials of Merit Badge Counseling The Merit Badge Program https://www.scouting.org/advancement_presentations.aspx I don't know if any of the new Cub Scout adventures deal specifically with aviation or not, but I think some of them deal with weather, kite flying, and science. So you could fit them in there.

@LeCastor Good point. However, there are some situations where cabin counting might count (at the Scoutmaster's discretion). For example, the National Outdoor Award for Camping and the Order of the Arrow eligibility requirements do not specifically exclude cabin camping (although, obviously, in order to earn First Class rank and complete the requirements for the camping merit badge, a certain amount of the nights camped can't be in a cabin).

The BSA updated and reprinted the SPL Handbook and the PL Handbook in 2017. The Troop Program Features have been replaced by Program Features for Troops, Teams, and Crews: A Guide to Program Planning (volumes 1-3). Most of the information in the new books is available for free at: http://troopleader.org/ http://www.programresources.org/ Here is a link to a suggested generic PLC Meeting Agenda. All of these are suggestions for troops - modify them however you like or as needed to fit what your troop wants / needs.

Doesn't the Eagle Scout award kit cost around $30? What are they doing with the other $90?