InquisitiveScouter

Pet Peeve:

Adults doing jobs in the Troop that Scouts should be doing...

- Maintaining Troop website and social media... should be done by Webmaster with adult mentor

- Maintaining, inventorying, procuring Troop gear... should be Quartermaster with adult mentor

- Communicating with Lodge for arrangements and scheduling Troop's OA election... should be OA Troop Representative with adult mentor (ASM who is Troop OA Advisor)

- Maintaining info boards for rank and Troop organization, takes notes at PLCs and writing up minutes, taking attendance at meetings and outings, etc... should be Scribe with adult mentor

etc, etc, etc

I would rather these tasks not be done, than be done by adults.  Sadly, most Scouts in Positions of Responsibility in our unit just wear a patch and don't do much to help the Troop.  And yes, they get credit for wearing the patch.  Those patches are awfully heavy, you know 😜

Like a glove!

https://youtu.be/oXYpo6CprCw

14 minutes ago, Armymutt said:

We never had a BOR, other than for Eagle, in any of the three troops I was a member.  One was in IL, the others in England.  I don't even recall a SM conference.  We just completed the ranks and received the badge and card.  These seem like artificial barriers that are unnecessary.

These days, it is mostly just a formality.

Back in the day, you were tested on a few skills at a BoR.  Nowadays, that is a no go.

Now, it is more of a job performance review for the SM corps, by proxy through the Scouts' eyes.  Helps the Committee see that the program is being delivered rightly to the Scouts.

But, if the committee doesn't know the program... well...

Even Eagle Boards of Review are mostly a formality, too.

In that, I would agree they are primarily "hoops" to jump through.

1 hour ago, Armymutt said:

The problem is getting these kids to actually have an imagination and want to do things.  After our last meeting, I was ready to throw in the towel.  I've been trying to coordinate extra activities for Scouts who want to Scout.  This includes things like a hike in the local state park, the orienteering day at the local council camp, participating in the council's winter merit badge camp, etc.  I was told that those distract from the planned program activities of one campout/activity a month.  Youth leaders feel that they can use those extra activities to count as their leadership time instead of attending the official activities.  Also mentioned was the pulling of adults from the official activities to man the extras.  Now, the only adults I've had for the extras are myself and another ASM who is retired and taking care of his grandson.  That's why he's in Scouting and I recruited him.  I also was told that I shouldn't be serving as the collection point of money to pay for events that require registration as a troop.  Frankly, I think I'm capable of handling finances better than the treasurer who can't give me a statement of the accounting after being asked a month ago and who is bewildered by popcorn sales.    The final straw was when the SPL announced that there would be no meeting on the 11th due to Veterans Day and a large portion of the troop cheered.  Kind of a sign that my efforts are being wasted here.  Somewhere along the way, Scouting went from an activity that kids wanted to join to something parents forced them into in order to check a block on the way to college.  

Most of us have felt this frustration.

Remember who you are dealing with... Teenagers do not have a fully developed prefrontal cortex.

That area of the brain is responsible for planning, goal setting, self control, evaluating risk, evaluating consequences, predicting outcomes, decision making, etc... all the things you and I struggled with as teens but may not remember well 😜

https://www.simplypsychology.org/prefrontal-cortex-development-age.html

For this reason, I often think our US Scouting program is poorly designed.  The things they are supposed to do for a successful program do not seem to be in line with their natural capabilities in the age groups we are dealing with.

Now, there are always exceptions... from time to time, I come across a Scout who is really "switched on."  Here are some things I perceive as common denominators to those Scouts:

1.  Two parent family with strong religious values.

2. Extremely limited TV, computer, smartphone, and social media access up until about 15.

3.  Avid readers.  (Reading stimulates the imagination.  Screens and video "imagine" everything for you, so the brain gets lazy, or just under-developed, in that department.)

4.  Very limited involvement in sports.  Often a lot of involvement in music.  (Music is a language 😜 )

5.  Parents and Scout pick a few activities to be deeply involved in, instead of trying to do everything.

6.  Parents encourage adventure and acceptance of managed risk.

7.  Youth has much more free time than peers, and is allowed to self-select activities instead of having their day intensely scheduled.  And these self-selected activities are usually reading, music, or doing something outdoors.

Your mileage may vary.

There may be some other commonalities, but I'd have to think more about it... 

 So, as a Scouter, I see my purpose is to provide opportunity to do Scouting things.  More and more of late (over the past six or seven years), fewer and fewer Scouts take advantage of the opportunities we provide.  Fewer and fewer attend meetings, outings and overnighters.  We still work to provide the opportunities, but Scouting is less and less a popular activity with youth because it demands a lot of them to make the program work as designed.

I think this is why BP said a Troop should not be more than 16 youth.  Here's the excerpt from his Aids to Scoutmastership

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ONE REASON WHY A TROOP SHOULD NOT EXCEED 32

The number in a Troop should preferably not exceed thirty-two.  I suggest this number because in training boys myself I have found that sixteen was about as many as I could deal with-in getting at and bringing out the individual character in each.  I allow for other people being twice as capable as myself and hence the total of thirty-two.

Men talk of having fine Troops of 60 or even 100-and their leaders tell me that their boys are equally well trained as in smaller Troops.  I express admiration (“admiration” literally translated means “surprise”), and I don’t believe them.

“Why worry about individual training?” they ask.  Because it is the only way by which you can educate.  You can instruct any number of boys, a thousand at a time if you have a loud voice and attractive methods of disciplinary means.  But that is not training-it is not education.

Education is the thing that counts in building character and In making men.

The incentive to perfect himself, when properly instilled into the individual, brings about his active effort on the line most suitable to his temperament and powers.

It is not the slightest use to preach the Scout Law or to give it out as orders to a crowd of boys: each mind requires its special exposition of them and the ambition to carry them out.

That is where the personality and ability of the Scoutmaster come in.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Guide to Advancement (G2A), Para 7.0.0.3, (Emphasis added with boldface.) "Any registered Scout, or qualified Venturer or Sea Scout, may work on the requirements for any merit badge at any time. However, before working with a counselor or attending a group or virtual merit badge opportunity, a Scout must meet with their unit leader or their delegate. This is the leader’s opportunity to give guidance on the wisdom of pursuing a selected badge, to advise the Scout on how work might be approached and what may be encountered along the way. It is also the time to provide the names and contact information for one or more approved counselors. The best outcome, however, is that a growth-oriented, positive dialog occurs that provides inspiration and direction in a Scout’s life and even leads to conversations about talents and interests, goal setting, and the concept of “challenge by choice.” The benefits can be much like those of a well-done Scoutmaster conference. It must be noted that this meeting is a required part of the merit badge process, and that it should be documented either by the unit leader’s signature (or their delegate’s) on the Application for Merit Badge (blue card) or in Scoutbook Plus or other method. Even though a leader may voice concerns about a particular Scout pursuing a particular merit badge, it is the Scout’s decision whether or not to proceed. Units must not impose rank or age requirements for merit badge work."

https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf

Who can initiate a MB for a Scout?  The G2A is clear that the Scout initiates the MB.  This is not the role of a unit leader.

Is the the SM, CC, ASM?  It is the SM, or any delegate.  Ideally, this would be an ASM, but the G2A does not specify who qualifies as a delegate.

What if the SM doesn't want the Scout to start the MB?  Suck it up, cupcake.  You can advise the Scout of your concerns, but you cannot prohibit them from working on the MB.

Does the SM need to say that the Scouts who come can do the MB, or can one of us give the green light?  No.  There is no "green light" to work on a merit badge... But, an interaction between a unit leader (delegate) and Scout MUST occur before the Scout meets with a counselor.  The reference for the Scout on this is the Scout Handbook (because the Scout is not responsible for the G2A.  But, you are.) Page 416 in my edition.  In step 1., the Scout has this instruction: "Talk with your Scoutmaster about your interest.  He or she will help you find a merit badge counselor..."  The first sentence cited is an imperative, a non-negotiable requirement... a command.

Hope this helps...

BTW...  we have Scouts with multiple partials who never finish work on merit badges before turning 18.  That's OK.  How many partials can a Scout have? 141, or however many merit badges there are on the list 😜 Bad practice, and not what we are after, but that is your burden as an SM to bear... working with youth who may be scatterbrained and unfocused.  Advise and mentor, but when they don't take your advice, it is not a reflection on you.

43 minutes ago, Tron said:

So sounds like Scouting America is trying to determine if their core/base membership has changed. I wonder if this is going to be aggregated to council level or something else. I would love to see this data and compare it to my geographic area.

 

The survey instructions say they have done this every 10 years. But last one was conducted in 2010.  (Fifteen years ago for those of you who are mathematically challenged 😜 )

From current NESA feed: "Scouting America is partnering with the Harris Poll to update a major outcomes study last conducted in 2010. This research will help us better understand the long-term impact of Scouting.

Who’s Involved? Randomly selected Alumni, Eagle Scouts, and Volunteers will receive email invitations to participate."

But, from BSA's own website ( https://www.scouting.org/about/research/the-scouting-edge-study/ ) , there was this, in a Scouting Edge Report  "These findings comprise results from two parallel studies fielded online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of the Boy Scouts of America between November 29th and December 14th, 2023."  https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/marketing/pdf/Final-File-The-Scouting-Edge-8-5x11.pdf

That pdf report covers many of the same questions asked in this survey.  @Tron, you could perhaps compare there from the 2023 study.

So, BSA paid Harris to conduct another poll within 2 years?  Seems odd...

30 minutes ago, Eagle94-A1 said:

But my gut tells me one troop will be a better fit for all four of the Scouts.

Give them that advice.  Your experience and intuition matter. 😜 

@MikeS72, thanks for the excerpt!

"Any remaining assets obtained with funds raised in the name of Scouting must be redeployed for Scouting use in the local area. "

I would hope the unit committee and CO would do the redeploying, as their decisions would, of course, be more in line with their wishes.

Our council camp is becoming a graveyard of trailers and gear, particularly canoes...  The council does not have the time, expertise, or money to fix these assets up to make them salable.

1 hour ago, FireStone said:

Pretty sure that's theft. As others have mentioned, the CO technically is the holder of the assets of the unit. It's why a lot of troop trailers are registered by the CO, insured by the CO, etc. They're not Council assets, they belong to the CO. Folding the troop doesn't default the assets to Council. 

 

I would not call it theft, because council does ask the CO for the assets.  In my limited experience with this, though, the CO's usually do not understand the stuff is theirs to keep, just earmarked for future Scouting.

Does "predatory opportunism" better describe the practice? 

1 hour ago, qwazse said:

Having closed and reopened once (and now with fairly robust numbers), I have tried to keep our assets lean. It’s hard to do with a steady stream of donations. Two months ago, we got a hundred flea market knives. Food donations covered the booth at a local carnival. Weekend campground fees are paid for the year. Last week we were given brand new axes.

We are looking for troops who need gear, but that would require successful launching, which the council is not doing.

I continue to encourage the committee to not have revenue in excess of expenses. The last thing we need is a huge balance in our checking account.

LOL, I have two Eagle Scouts at Pitt who could bring some gear home on Thanksgiving break.

Our Troop is looking for some flint and steel sets, draw knives for shaving spars, and an axe or two, if they are 3/4 axes.  If you have any of that, we'd be happy to make sure it continues a life in Scouting.  (Also, canoe paddles... Scouts are merciless on that gear 😜 )

One day, I'll get out that way and have a coffee with you...

The survey asks questions primarily about demographic information (including religious and political leanings), values, Scouting background, and a smattering on your perception of the impact of Scouting on your values and lifestyle.

Nothing about Scouting operations at any level.

So, I submitted my answers.

I know you know these options... but for the benefit of others who may not know...

1.  Spend the money on Scout things:  Summer Camp tuition for those continuing, adult training courses, patches and books you will give to a deserving unit nearby, etc.

2.  With COR approval, donate the money to a good Scouting cause... here's one... The Memorial Scout Camp, in Maine, run outside of council/national influence... https://www.memorialscoutcamp.org/  They give gear and camperships to Scouts all over the country.  Some of our Scouts have benefitted from their program.  Here's another... Friends of Treasure Island (FTI)... https://www.friendsoftreasureisland.org/  think of these folks as a Scouting History Preservation Society.  The private owner of Treasure Island (Scout Camp) allows Scout units to camp there for FREE from Labor Day to Memorial Day.  The FTI is a non-profit group that staffs and runs program for those free weekends, including an awesome Scouting Heritage museum.   I'm sure you could find others, if desired.

3.  Tell the COR they may keep those funds, per Charter Agreement, in a reserve fund, should they be able to start a Scouting unit in the future.

--- see CO responsibilities at https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/524-95625-Annual-Charter-Agreement.pdf

 "Administer the assets of the Unit, including all funds, real property, and personal property (e.g., trailers) that are acquired by the Unit either for the benefit of Scouting or in the name of Scouting and administer the assets for the benefit of the Unit."   Nothing there says they return those funds or equipment to council.

 See also https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Fiscal_Policies_and_Procedures_for_-BSA_Units_20210513.pdf  

The only time a unit must turn over gear and money to the council is when the unit is chartered with council as its CO.

LOL... didn't take it.

I'll look at it in a bit, but doubt it will let me advance through without answering questions and recording answers.

Please stand by.

1 hour ago, Eagle94-A1 said:

So I am in the process of dissolving the troop, and it is getting me depressed.

I have been doing paperwork, making sure records are up to date so wherever they go, they won't have any advancement issues. I do not want my Scout to face the issues I had back in the day, or issues I have seen over the years. Also wanted to see what we can do to finish up advancement. Also created a calendar with remaining commitments: court of honor, Christmas party, and service project.

I meet with the CC later today, and get to tell him we are dissolving the troop. That is going to be a challenging conversation. He has a long history with the troop, and sometimes I think his loyalty is to the troop, not the Scouts. But the CC has  not been active since May, and has not been seeing what has been happening. The de facto CC and I realized that even if we did get 1 more Scout, because of the troop's make up,  Some Scouts would be unable to do camp outs due to school activities, and it is hard to have a good camp out with fewer than 5 Scouts. And that is a disservice to the Scouts.

This week we meet with the parents, and hopefully they will come. But last time I asked for parents to attend, regarding summer camp, no one showed up. I feel this is an issue we tell folks in person, and not in an email. Bad enough I got to tell the two college Scouters via text or phone. And I am also telling the Scouts.

Keep me in your prayers.

Thanks for staying with it until the end, and making sure those who wish to continue in Scouting may have a good transition to wherever they may go.

Agree all this should be done in person.  Best to tell the two remote college members on the phone... a text would be impersonal, depending on how attached they are to the unit.

I have been following your situation as you have related it here in the forum, and from my foxhole, it looks like you have made a great effort of it.  I commiserate with you, as I am beginning to see a downward slide in our unit as well.  Our best hope is to latch on to a few dedicated adults such as yourself, to keep it all going.

Well-trained and motivated adults are the real heart of Scouting.  Best wishes in the next Scouting task you take on 😜 

9 hours ago, FireStone said:

What's the minimum cabin layout requirements that would be needed to accommodate AOL dens overnight in a cabin(s) with a male den, female den, and parents attending (mixed group male and female) and be YPT compliant? 

Could one large cabin be used if it has 4 rooms (with doors) to separate all youth by gender and adults by gender? 

Your answer is contained in the Guide to Safe Scouting;

Lodging/Cabin Accommodations

Whenever possible, separate cabins or lodging should be provided for male and female adults as well as for male and female youth. Where separate accommodations cannot be provided due to group size or limited availability, modifications may be made. Where completely separate accommodations are not available, additional supervision is required.

• If adults and youth of the same gender occupy single-room accommodations, there must be a minimum of two adults and four youth, with all adults being Youth Protection trained.
• Physical separation by other means, including temporary barriers or space, should be used only when no other arrangements are possible.

So, in your example, yes, one large cabin with 4 rooms would meet the requirement.  But you could work something out with far less by way of accommodations.

Welcome!

The site mentioned above by @qwazse is an outstanding resource.  There is another page in that site at https://troopleader.scouting.org/activities/scout-skill-challenges/ which will help you pick some activities to populate your "BattleBoard."  And another for Patrol Activities: https://troopleader.scouting.org/activities/patrol-activities/

I really like your idea, and there are literally hundreds of different things you could do.

Here's a few spitballs:

- Have the patrol perform a skit  (a good patrol knows three or four skits)

- Have the patrol lead a song (a good patrol knows three or four songs)

- Have the patrols do their yells (a patrol must have a yell)

- Using the checklist in the Scout Handbook First Aid section, Inventory the Troop First Aid kit and create a list of items missing.  Present the list to the Troop Quartermaster or other person responsible for upkeep..  (When done with a MB Counselor, this fulfills a requirement for First Aid Merit Badge.)  (This one ought to be done after every outing.)

- Whip a rope using the method in the Scout Handbook.

- Use a smartphone or computer and identify what is at the following locations:  (this one has lots of potential)

  -- 40.6892° N, 74.0445° W

  --  38.6251° N, 90.1868° W

  --  36.0998° N, 112.1125° W

  --  43.8803° N, 103.4538° W

Have fun!

4 minutes ago, Eagle94-A1 said:

punish me via my sons, as I have heard some pros have done. 

What!!  If true, then very, very low... lower than a snake belly in a wagon wheel rut.

And thanks for your continued service at the unit level.  That is the heart of Scouting, and where things really matter most

Dear InquisitiveScouter, [name change 😜 ]

Scouting America, in collaboration with the Harris Poll, is conducting a landmark study to better understand the values that define our nation — where they come from, how they evolve, and how they influence our lives today.

As a valued Scouting America alumnus, you've been randomly chosen to participate in this exclusive survey. Your insights will help illuminate the role Scouting has played in shaping the character and values of generations of Americans.

  Your responses are completely confidential and will only be reported in aggregate.
  The survey takes less than 20 minutes to complete.
  This study is only conducted once every 10 years — and only a select group of alumni are invited.

<SURVEY LINK>  [REDACTED]

Please note: This survey link is unique to you and can only be used once. Kindly do not forward it to others.

Your perspective matters. By participating, you'll be contributing to a deeper understanding of the values that unite us — and how Scouting continues to make a lasting impact.

Thank you for being part of this important effort!



Patricia Wellen
Research Director, Scouting America
Pat.Wellen@Scouting.org

-------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Patricia!

Question... if my survey is to be completely confidential, then why issue a survey link that is unique to me?

To my regret, I believed BSA once before on this.   After giving my opinion on what could be fixed in the organization, particularly with regards bloated and unresponsive staffing, poor IT support, and an unnecessary number of councils with overpaid council employees at the higher levels, our local council executive blacklisted me and removed me from all district and council positions.

No, thank you!

Regards,

Inquisitive Scouter

1 minute ago, Tron said:

The module is just horrible. It fails constantly, leaders hate taking it because of stupid stuff like the soda can, and now that it's mandatory there's no way to know if your compliance is expiring without writing down when your renewal date is. 

All to better serve you and your unit!

28 minutes ago, Eagle94-A1 said:

Forgot about the soda. Can anyone tell me why?

 

Because if it weren't for non-sense, we'd have no sense at all?  😜 

3 hours ago, Eagle69 said:

I am taking the Hazardous Weather training course and have gotten down to the Hot Weather.Summertime Outing section where you fill the pack with the needed items.  I've filled the pack but once I do it doesn't give me any option to SUBMIT or anything else.  Is this a bug in the Online Course or am I missing something?

Do you pop-up blocker?  If so, disable...

For requirement 9a (20 nights), the verbiage says "Each night must be spent either under the sky, in a tent you have pitched yourself (if a tent is provided and already set up, you do not need to pitch your own), in a hammock that is safely strung outdoors, in a lean-to, or other three-sided shelter with an open front. Nights spent in indoor lock-in events, cabin camping, hotel stays, or other covered accommodations do not count toward the 20 nights."  So, staying in the cabin of the sailboat does not count.  Sleeping on deck (because they are making a comfortable "ground bed" and sleeping under the stars ... sure!

Requirement 9.b. (4) says, "Take a nonmotorized trip on the water of at least four hours or 5 miles.",  So, if the sailboat travels either four hours, or five miles, under sail (not motoring), then, yes, it counts.  

Not sure where it says these nights count for Sea Scouts for Camping MB?  Reference, please?  Other than for the National Outdoor Awards Program?  "Complete 25 days and nights of camping—including six consecutive days (five nights) of camping (Sea Scouts may be on a boat), approved and under the auspices and standards of Scouting America—including nights camped as part of requirements 1 through 3 above. Scouts must complete six consecutive days (five nights) of the 25 nights at a Scouting America accredited resident camp."  https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/noa/

[NOTE: this verbiage contradicts itself... "Sea Scouts may be on a boat" is listed before the "...under the auspices and standards of Scouting America" stipulation.  To communicate clearly, exceptions should be specifically spelled out AFTER stating the rule.]

Nothing specific about this in the Guide to Advancement:

https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf

Or in articles on Aaron on Scouting:

https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2015/06/24/ask-expert-isnt-camping-night-camping-mb/

https://scoutingmagazine.org/2017/12/no-glamping-allowed/

Or the Sea Scout Manual:

https://seascout.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/3323925-Sea-Scout-Manual-PDF-Posted-02182025.pdf

Let's take this argument to its absurd extreme.  Your unit books a cruise on a cruise ship.  The cruise ship is under power, so the trip does not count for 9b, but it would count for 9a, because you are on a boat?  No.

Because there is an overwhelming number of variations on "camping" and the legalese of what constitutes camping, I look at the spirit of the thing.  And yet, it is difficult to articulate the spirit of it, as long as the "if a tent is provided and already set up, you do not need to pitch your own" clause is there...

Instead of arguing the legalities of it, this is one I ultimately leave to individual Scout, and the leader signing it off.  If you and the Scout agree those nights count, then count them.

My Scouts and I do not count them.  We did our sailing adventure... I asked our Scouts, and they agreed.  We only recorded nights spent on deck under the stars.  And we had buddy boats... one equipped with air conditioning that could be run while moored, and one without (only run while in a powered slip.)  Even the Scouts on the boat not air conditioned agreed their nights below deck should not count toward the requirement.

Final thought... if you need to rely on nights below deck to get your 20 for Camping Merit Badge... (insert a phrase appropriate for Scouting that communicates your level of individual effort just doesn't cut it...)  

Happy Trails

@ZebraLongwing, the answer to this is clearly in the Guide to Safe Scouting:  

Tenting

• In Cub Scouting
  • Parents and guardians may share a tent with their family.

• In Older Youth Programs (I.e., Scouts BSA, Sea Scouts, and Venturing)
  • Separate tenting arrangements must be provided for male and female adults, and for male and female youth.
  • Youth and adults must tent separately.
  • Youth sharing a tent must be no more than two years apart in age.
  • Spouses may share a tent.
  • As an exception, a parent or guardian may share a tent with their own child if they are of the same sex.

https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss01/#a

Your local council can make exceptions to this policy for reasons of health and safety.  For example, once upon a time, we had a Scout who had night terrors and sleep walking behavior.  The parents were deeply concerned for the Scout's safety on camping trips.  So, we, wrote a detailed email of the situation and our recommendations to the council exec: a parent would register with the Troop, sleep in same tent with Scout to deal with the issue if it arose, and parent would not count toward our requirement for two-deep.  This was acceptable to council (and national), and the exception was granted.

There is a downward trend in literacy in the US.

Most kids aren't reading any more.

I have noticed this in troop settings.  Scouts (and adults) just aren't reading things, like the Scout Handbook.  When asked for instruction on a skill, I first ask the Scout to read that section of the Scout Handbook.  Most are opening their books to that section for the very first time (even though the page numbers are listed on their requirements.)

In my perception, Scouts demonstrate lower and lower reading ability over the last decade.  I often have to help 12, 13, 14, & 15 year olds with words in the book. I believe electronic devices and internet content are the greatest contributor to the decline; poor parenting and reliance on substandard school systems are the second greatest contributor.  (My wife and I believed that it was our responsibility to teach our children to read, among other things, and so they did exceptionally well in school.  Also, we limited their access to electronics and gave them books to read to occupy their time.)

COVID may have accelerated this trend.

Here are some 2025 stats listed from the national Literacy Institute  https://www.thenationalliteracyinstitute.com/2024-2025-literacy-statistics

• On average, 79% of U.S. adults nationwide are literate in 2024.

• 21% of adults in the US are illiterate in 2024.

• 54% of adults have a literacy below a 6th-grade level (20% are below 5th-grade level). [this is astounding to me; that's about 130 million adults reading below 6th grade level]

• Low levels of literacy costs the US up to 2.2 trillion per year.

• 34% of adults lacking literacy proficiency were born outside the US.

• Massachusetts was the state with the highest rate of child literacy.

• New Mexico was the state with the lowest child literacy rate.

• New Hampshire was the state with the highest percentage of adults considered literate.

• The state with the lowest adult literacy rate was California.

Where does the US rank in literacy? [worldwide]

The US ranks 36th in literacy.

14 minutes ago, DuctTape said:

If the program does not continuously use the skills from T-1st, then the program itself is lacking. Reqs are only one-and-done when the program is lacking. 

Agree, if they participate... we have some Scouts with sparse attendance at meetings and rare attendance on outings.  They do things for advancement purposes only, because they (and their parents) focus on advancement as the end, and not the means.

If I was the benevolent dictator, I'd not renew many of our Scouts' registrations each year, due to lack of participation... that, in order to focus more of our resources on the ones that do come and participate.