mrjohns2

I totally agree. It is just not a shall, it is a should.

Agreed. It doesn’t mean there isn’t additional follow-up that the adults need to do to correct any issues going forward. These issues, though, aren’t to be corrected on the back of a Scout. Again, Scouts aren’t punished for the failings of of adults.

I thought I just read about this. From the national “advancement news” newsletter. I knew there was a should in there. Check it out. It “should” clear this up for you that the signature isn’t a firm requirement, but is part of the process. “GTA topic 7.0.0.3 states in part that “before working with a coun- selor or attending a group or virtual merit badge opportunity, a Scout should meet with his or her unit leader.” While this does not mean the merit badge will be denied if they do not, it does mean that, if at all possible, the Scout and scoutmaster should discuss in advance the merit badge and the presentation envi- ronment (in-person/online, group/individual, etc.). ” https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/PUB-doc-JUL-AUG-2022-June-29.pdf

Agreed. A cost that is not needed. Those are “just for fun”. No point other than adding bling.

The blue card was signed, right? It is a done deal. Does the camp need feedback, sure? She is getting a rotten deal.

I think the grade thing is not a good idea. Such a requirement is odd and out of step with respect to what Scouts is. If a parent wants to ground their Scout and keep them from meetings, that is fine.

Please cite the source. I believe it says “should” not “shall”. So, maybe the must is just in your mind, but not part of the program.

We have already covered that you should not wear the rank patch as it is only for youth (under 18). One can wear the knot once over 18. But no, you should not wear the rank patch, ever.

Having the unit leader signature before starting isn't a must, it is a should. I guess it would be nice if it enforced it, but again, it isn't a showstopper.

I’d say between the SM and district advancement chair this can be handled. The Scout shouldn’t have to redo it. Remember: Scouts should never be penalized for the failings of adults (I’m grouping camp counselors in this group with adults).

The medal would be worn to formal occasions such as eagle courts of honor or even normal courts of honor if you wish.

For sure. The more people that can take positive advantage of our camps, the more Scouts can grow. Or at least keep the camps open.

Well, the BSA policies have changed since they went on his bad list.

@T2Eagle You seem correct. I did a little googling and camp up with this NY Department of Environmental Conservation that echo's what you have posted. Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on Hunting and Hunting-Related Activities in response to Recent Changes to New York State Firearm Laws (ny.gov)

No, because that isn't normally how blue cards are used. Normally, a Scout works on a MB until completion and then the counselor signs off as the MB is complete. The requirements being listed are only the requirements completed, not incomplete, and only needed for a partial.

It does "require" the SM to go in and mark yes on this first item in a MB. If they don't, it is just like not having them sign a blue card before starting a MB. It fully supports a SM printing the cards, though, with the info filled in. For example, the unit leader.

Right on the main screen…

Good observations. The summit and other issues (lack of protection for what was thought to be restricted funds) was a failure of skilled leadership (or lack of skill).

Than a What If isn't as important. Keep doing your unit thing, no? I would spend more time on What If if I needed to help determine plans for national to prepare for. Since I don't have that role, I have determined there is very little that I need to do to prepare. My unit wouldn't know a big difference. Patches and books would come off of eBay. Activities and meetings and campouts would come from the PLC as they do today. So, while sad, it really wouldn't change much. Our council is pretty good. They would likely sell 1 or 2 of their 4 camps (plus one property). They would still do summer camp for at least a couple of years.

They may ne discontinued, but they are still listed on this site: https://www.scouting.org/stem-nova-awards/stem-nova-recognition/

Perfect place for these types of things. Wear your eagle dad pin there and on your heart.

I read a bunch of the articles on it. Not much to gleam other than the natilnal statement says it was a unit activity. Assuming those words were chosen carefully, it is interesting. Also one talks about not knowing what gun was used, one did say that personally owned firearms were at the range. I wish the key safety failure was released on incidents like this, but rarely do we get to hear what truly failed everyone. It would be great to know so that we could all learn.

It wasn’t part of my youth in the ‘82-‘96. Now I see adults wearing them on the lapels of their uniforms - all too often.

It can print it with the MB and Scout info. We’ve done it before summer camp.

No. One is the program side (SM/ASM) and the bureaucracy side (committee).