Thunderbird

If you already have an account at my.scouting.org, then you should log in to Scoutbook using the same username and password. You might need to go to: My Dashboard -> Administration -> My Account -> Switch SSO Profile to add your BSA member number to link your my.scouting.org and Scoutbook accounts together (if they aren't already linked). Is your son's unit using Scoutbook?

OK, the things that come to mind to me off the top of my head are: Second Class #1a. "Since joining Scouts BSA, participate in five separate troop/patrol activities, at least three of which must be held outdoors. Of the outdoor activities, at least two must include overnight camping. These activities do not include troop or patrol meetings. On campouts, spend the night in a tent that you pitch or other structure that you help erect, such as a lean-to, snow cave, or tepee." First Class #1a. (very similar to SC #1a.) "Since joining Scouts BSA, participate in 10 separate troop/patrol ac

Count them as a hiking activity for what purpose?

Yes, I would think so. All meetings and activities need to have 2 registered adult leaders age 21+ now. Other adults being present would not meet the 2-deep leadership requirement unless they are also registered adult leaders with the BSA age 21+.

Messengers of Peace patch for sure. A project like this would definitely fit in the environmental dimension category.

So like a scavenger hunt using smartphones / cameras? Sounds like fun!

What did you use as the "treasure"?

@The Latin Scot You were properly registered, and you were active. You should definitely wear service stars for those two years. The question is what color backing should you wear for those years. On the one hand, you were registered as a Venturer. As that was your primary (and only) registration, then you could wear the 2 year star with red backing. On the other hand, it sounds like your crew was mostly playing basketball and continuing the Boy Scout program (with maybe some Varsity stuff mixed in?). It sounds like a judgement call to me. I would probably just roll everything up into

The two packs I was with (in two different councils) did not - their first digit was a "0". Maybe councils can set up their own rules with unit numbers? I can see how it could be helpful to have a different digit for different unit types, although it would be just as easy to use a unit type field in the database.

This is why I prefer to leave the individual requirement dates blank or use the real dates that match the Handbook. The BSA is only looking at overall dates of completion - not the dates of individual requirements (except merit badges). You can also choose to use Internet Advancement 2.0, which only records completions - not individual requirements.

You can just mark things as completed overall in Scoutbook. If Scouts / parents want to track completions of requirements / sub-requirements to match, they can put the dates in themselves. I prefer having dates that match or no dates at all for individual requirements, rather than putting in the date of the BOR for everything, but YMMV. One advantage to having dates that match in Scoutbook, is that Scoutbook could be used as a backup in case a Scout's Handbook gets lost or damaged. In Troopmaster, you can just put in the BOR date, and it will mark all of the uncompleted requirements (n

I don't know all of the details, but I would look here for guidance: Guide to Advancement: The Merit Badge Program:

Guide to Safe Scouting online: Prohibited Activities

You can have a troop with only 2 paid youth members, if you get permission from your Scout Executive. That's what the Registration Guidebook of the BSA says, anyway.

As long as the Scoutmaster is registered and approved as a Merit Badge Counselor (position code 42) for the particular merit badge(s), then there is no problem. Guide to Advancement section 7.0.1.1 Qualifications of Counselors. There seem to be a lot of folks who think that Scoutmasters are automatically MBCs and can sign off on any merit badge. But Scoutmasters have to be approved as MBCs by the council / district, and they have to be approved for particular merit badges.

OK, I see now.

But MBC is a free (no fee) position?

I hear you. My understanding is that you have to fill out a separate form, because it's a separate position and because it's approved by different people. The Chartered Org. Rep. approves Scoutmasters, but someone at the district / council level (usually District / Council Advancement Chair or District Executive) approves merit badge counselors. As for renewals, each council seems to do its own thing. Some councils will automatically renew MBCs as long as YPT is current (and the new disclosure and authorization form is on file). Some councils want an updated list of merit badges each

It depends on whether or not your council has uploaded its MBC list to Scoutbook. If the council has not uploaded the list, then units can add MBCs like they add other unit leaders (ASMs, Committee Member, Unit Scouter Reserve, etc.). Technically, MBC is not a unit-level position, but for councils that have not yet added their MBC list, then MBCs have to be attached to a unit in Scoutbook in order to show up. Units should only add MBCs if they know that they are approved.

@mrkstvns Have you looked to see if you can change your listing preference in Scoutbook? You should be able to get there by going to: My Account -> My Positions. Click on "Merit Badge Counselor" and you should be able to change your listing preference. However, if you can't change it, you might have to contact your Council Admin for Scoutbook and ask them to change it for you.

I think this council is saying that MB counselors can no longer limit themselves to just their own troop or district - not that you have to take on every Scout who might come your way. MBCs can change their availability in Scoutbook if they think they do not have the time to take on more Scouts.

That's where I'd like to be! 🌞

Does anybody know if Scoutlander.com is having problems? I am unable to renew a unit subscription, and when I try to e-mail their support, I get an e-mail back saying that their mailbox is full.

@swilliams Does your son still want to be Bugler? The SPL can appoint more than one Bugler, if he wants to.

Those year tabs represent different version years of an adventure or rank. But all Cub Scouts should be working on the most current version of the adventure / rank.