InquisitiveScouter

9 hours ago, AwakeEnergyScouter said:

And the short sleeved shirt needs a long-sleeved base layer in winter, as does the skort if you choose it for the bottom. Not to worry of course, they have official BSA leggings and base layer shirts. And bows if you don't want a hat.

What scout wears a bow in the woods? There's a reason the first Swedish girl scouts only pretended to scout in skirts. It's the same reason I've seen zero scout bows in the wild.

Bows?  Really?  Have a link? I gotta see that... LOL

8 hours ago, yknot said:

Thank you. Nice piece. Lots of stuff gets blown around this time of year. Glad to hear of some things making it back on course. 

This article noted nocturnal migration. For anyone who isn't aware of Birdcast, this is a second/third generation radar mapping resource run by Cornell and Colorado. It tracks noctural songbird migration and weather begining about three hours after sunset during peak periods, like now, and is a great visual to use for kids--kind of like Norad's Santa tracker for the little guys except it's real. If the forecast is good and there is a bit of a moon, have them aim their binoculars up to see dozens, hundreds, if not thousands of birds flying overhead in the night skies. 

https://birdcast.info/migration-tools/live-migration-maps/

The article also talks about a few hundred million birds. Sounds like a lot, but many of these species have had population declines of 50%-70%. At one time, a few hundred million of something would be a large flock or two. Not helping is that nocturnal migration has increasingly become a bird obstacle course, with hazards from illuminated skycrapers and proliferating light pollution to increased human intrusion into the night skies with everything from drones to fireworks to laser pointers.

 

 

And some of the biggest impacts (no pun intended) on birds?  Outdoor cats and windmills...

And don't forget the bats!! https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/how-are-bats-affected-wind-turbines

1 hour ago, AwakeEnergyScouter said:

I did not.

I think someone got confused about the point of scouting.

Someone took a good idea, and figured out how to monetize it, then used our own tax laws to create an organization to feed from the trough of money they could get from people.

Capitalism at its best worst!

Just now, AwakeEnergyScouter said:

Can't we sell toothpaste or something?

Sell more popcorn!

(or just give us your money directly... that'd be better!)

Did you know there is a knot you can wear on your uniform for giving $1000 over and above your Friends of Scouting donation?

https://www.scoutshop.org/james-e-west-knot-606783.html

https://www.bsafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/2016-James-E.-West-Application.pdf

1 minute ago, AwakeEnergyScouter said:

BSA uniform requirements are off the chain - inspection sheets? Really? For 5, 6, 7, 8-year-olds?

C'mon @AwakeEnergyScouter!  How else are we going to generate the revenue to pay those quarter to half million dollar salaries?

https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/221576300_202012_990_2022102520553328.pdf

See page 18 & 19 of BSA National's last filed IRS Form 990 (none since 2020 due to Chapter 11 Bankruptcy??)

13 hours ago, mrhalas2001 said:

My grandson was born premature and had large motor delay.  He is 16 and fell off his bike one time when about 7 and hasn't gotten back on one since.  Is he able to ride a stationary bike for requirement 9 (3)?  This is the one he is most comfortable with doing. 

Thanks !! 

No.  But, if he has motor/balance problems, I see no issue with him riding a three-wheeler during the trip.

We also have a Scout with cerebral palsy.  We got him an adaptive three-wheeler, like this, but with a higher back, as he has some significant scoliosis as well:

With severe ataxia, he will, most likely, never ride a two-wheeler.  So, we use this cycle to meet his requirements.

The "bike" (poor wording IMO) requirement also gives them experience planning, working with their buddies, packing the right gear (Scout essentials, and maybe a lunch?), learning trail etiquette, map reading, dealing with weather and elements, being in the outdoors, etc., etc, etc.  Riding a stationary cycle does not help with these experiences.

Now, if you believe his disability is severe enough, you can appeal for a modification of requirements.  There is a process outlined in the Guide to Advancement.

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

Section 10.2.2.1:

"A degree of modification in advancement requirements may be necessary to mainstream as many members with disabilities as possible. Thus a Scout with a permanent physical or cognitive disability, or a disability expected to last more than two years, or beyond age 18, who is unable to complete all the requirements for Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, or First Class rank may, with his or her parent or guardian, and also the unit leader or a member of the troop committee, submit a request to the council advancement committee to complete alternative requirements."

and 

"Simple modifications very close to existing requirements need not be approved. A Scout in a wheelchair, for example, may meet the Second Class requirement for hiking by “wheeling” to a place of interest. Allowing more time and permitting special aids are also ways leaders can help Scouts with disabilities make progress. Modifications, however, must provide a very similar challenge and learning experience."

So, using this last guideline, we simply, our the unit level (but with concurrence from district and council advancement folks), decided that the three-wheeler would be fine for "bike", as the experience is "very similar."

BTW, our Scout loves his trike, and completed 148 miles on the Great Allegheny Passage in the summer of 2022!!

Also, @Double Eagle, be advised, motorized bikes (E-bikes) are now prohibited in Scouting:

See #6.

https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss07/#b

Hope this helps!

19 minutes ago, Tron said:

That website is localized and I believe a Massachusetts based program. What I have heard rumblings about is a BSA national wide program called Catalyst BSA which is targeted at "scouts" in their 20s and 30s. Do other countries have adult scouting programs that BSA might have been looking at to extend the program longer/continue to grow membership revenue?

Rovers in many countries.

1 hour ago, InquisitiveScouter said:

???

https://www.scoutspirit.org/enhancingscouting/

Can anyone parse out what this Newspeak means??

This looks like a district or council-level weekend day camp set up for you to bring your Scouts to have them work on requirements instead of you having to construct your own program.

Sort of a "we provide the program, you bring your Scouts" offering. 

Which is just another dilution of Scouting, IMO...

Although I would love to hear some other perspectives on this, if yours is an accurate depiction of the reality, my advice is to exit the situation gracefully.

If this is your Scout's Eagle Ceremony, and you are not tied to the venue, consider having it in your home.  You will need one other registered leader, of course.

And then, only invite the people your Scout wants to be there.  Friends and family, etc.  If someone uninvited shows, they are trespassing 😜 (even though all Scout events should be open)

There is absolutely no requirement for an Eagle COH.  Once your Scout's credentials come back from National (post-EBoR), then that Scout IS an Eagle Scout (and only then... EBoR completion is only a step along the way...National must approve all, and issue credentials, or the rank is not to be awarded.)

BTW, are you certain the Eagle Application was signed by EBOR Chair, and submitted to Council Registrar after the EBoR???

If yes, then you may call the registrar and ask explicitly to have only the Scout or a family member pick up those credentials when they come back.  You do not want this person getting their mitts on them.  The credentials can be replaced with Registrar help, but it takes a while...

Once you have Eagle credentials in hand, you can purchase all the Eagle bling you want.

And if Council Scout Shop will only sell you one kit, then go to scoutstuff.org,

https://www.scoutshop.org/eagle-scout-mom-pin-antique-finish-14121.html  (there is a sterling silver version also...)

or EBay and get what you want.  Eagle Mom Pins, for example:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/194591393053

And your Scout can name as many mentors as desired.  Get all the Mentor Pins you need at Scout Shop or EBay:

https://www.scoutshop.org/eagle-mentor-14123.html

https://www.ebay.com/itm/175888591335

These are not restricted items, so you should be able to order all you want.

When you exit, if asked, simply cite "unreconciled differences."  Then move to our area and come join our unit 😛  Or enjoy your break from Scouting!

2 minutes ago, Tron said:

Does anyone know what project "Catalyst BSA" is? I've heard of it before, but no one seems to have details. Yesterday I heard it mentioned again and this time in reference to the "new program for scouts in their 20's and 30's" rumor that came out of the national meeting this year. 

???

https://www.scoutspirit.org/enhancingscouting/

Can anyone parse out what this Newspeak means??

1 hour ago, Armymutt said:

No.  Two deep leadership is two deep leadership, right?  So if we only have two leaders present  for the activity, then we can't send one off to work a station.  We already have violated the female rule.  My daughter (Tiger) went camping last year with no female leaders present.  Just me and the CM and a couple other families.  Since she is always with me, I'm not super concerned, and I'm sure other packs have the same issue.  I know troops do.  

@Armymutt,  I understand your logic.  Those two leaders, in spirit, are to be there to supervise their Scouts, and not to be dedicated to some other purpose.

That said, many do not interpret the rule this way.  It is considered "acceptable" for leaders to do other activities while remaining "on the property" where their unit is conducting an event, and not be "ever-present" with their Scouts. (granted, Cub Scouts need a little more supervision than Scouts...)

As in your case, with Cub Scouts, you may not want to flex the rule in that way.  That is totally your prerogative, and I support you 100%. 

2 hours ago, 1980Scouter said:

I just read an article that said Jamboree only had 15,000 attending and lowest attendance ever. If this true? I know National told LC'S to push Jamboree hard.

Yes.  See attendance numbers in the chart.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Scout_jamboree_(Boy_Scouts_of_America)

And how many of those were Scouts from other countries??

3 minutes ago, johnsch322 said:

In my opinion the two wrongs were first the CSA itself and the second was the cover up by the BSA. The third has been the BSA electing to enter bankruptcy which took away most of the legal rights of the survivors. 

Agreed, so four wrongs still do not make a right.

Passing on part of the cost to current members.

On 9/29/2023 at 10:47 PM, AwakeEnergyScouter said:

Yes.

But at the same time, there's no workable alternative. What would really have fixed everything requires time travel. So would holding the perpetrators and enablers all personally accountable. And so on and so on. That's part of the sadness. The size of the problem kept growing for many decades because victims didn't get justice while new ones were created.

All that can be done in this very moment is to do everything that still can be, legally speaking, and then "eating bitter" about the cost to today's scouts.

If we can bear this with equanimity, we cut off further lashes of undesirable consequences that we bring on ourselves with aggressive reactions to getting what we don't want. If we can just sit on our hands and soothe our hearts, we can let this karma move on through without creating more. That in turn creates the space to build anew.

We just have to not get bitter ourselves, while eating it skillfully.

Two wrongs do not make a right.

3 minutes ago, DeaconLance said:

Yes the Order of the Arrow has seperate events for its members.  Aside from the Ordeal weekend required to become a member no other events are mandatory. At the Ordeal level a Scout is being recognized by his troop as an exemplary Scout worthy of recognition by the OA which is Scouting’s National Honor Society.  The Scout is expected to continue giving exemplary service to his unit and pay his lodge dues.  Lodges will have service and fellowship weekends for members and Sections (groups of several lodges) will have a yearly Conclave but these are opportunities not obligations.

Not quite...

The Scout is expected to go back and serve his unit.

Whether he chooses to serve the lodge and join in all those other lodge activities is just that... his choice.

Election to Order of the Arrow, and completion of the Ordeal carries with it absolutely no obligations to the lodge itself.

You are an Arrowman for life.  You are only a lodge member year to year as you pay your dues.

Unfortunately many do not agree with this philosophy.  But that is another thread 😜 

23 minutes ago, SWdenleader said:

Scouter community,

  My young Scout is very interested in the Order of the Arrow and apparently wants to join. The troop leadership doesn't know much about it and I know even less. Apparently, they can arrange an election(?) where scouts can join and may do so soon. So we may be going down that path.

 My question is; what exactly does the OA do? All the info online just speaks like a mission statement but it doesn't really help a parent know what they are getting into. Is it like a title the kids earn or is there more involvement? Are the kids still in the old troop or do they "graduate" to OA? Are there separate meetings, in addition to the troop meetings? Are there additional outings and other activities? Hopefully, get my point, I'd really like to know what we may be getting into and how much addition effort it would be.

 

Thanks in advance!

https://www.scouter.com/topic/33307-elections-for-dummies/

16 hours ago, derksmit said:

My child recently went from being a lone cub to a Scout troop.  We had a lot of fun doing a few of the NOVA projects as a cub.  My question is, if a child wants to continue to do NOVA projects and maybe even work towards a supernova, do they have to start from scratch or is the NOVA program contiguous across cubs/BSA?

So specifically,

1) When they earn the first scout NOVA would they get the BSA patch for that or keep adding pins to their light blue border cub patch?

2) Implicit in #1 is, is it OK to wear their cub nova patch/pins as a temporary patch on their Scout uniform? or they have to earn it over again?

3) If they go for a supernova it looks like there are a number of 'earn X NOVA awards' requirements.  Do those count the ones they earned as cubs or they have to be all from Scouts?

Thanks in advance for any insights from those familiar with the program.

@derksmit, welcome!!

1.  They "start over."  A Scout gets a Scout-level patch (No. 618757) for first Scout-level Nova.  Then the same Nova Pi pins for subsequent awards.  The Cub Scout patch (No. 613042) is not awarded to Scouts.

2.  No.  The only awards earned as a Cub Scout that carry over onto Scout uniform are Arrow of Light and Religious Award.

3.  No.  Cub Scout Nova's only count for Cub Scout Supernova.  Scout Nova's only count for Scout Supernova.  Same rule for Venturing.

Enjoy!

P.S.  There are now Supernova pins for uniform, when a Scout earns a Supernova Award Medal.

see page 72.

https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33066/33066_Universal_and_Nonunit_Insignia_WEB.pdf

18 hours ago, Jenni said:

We are willing to establish a Girl Troop to pair with our Boy Troop, and have female leadership. However, we only have one female scout crossing over. The FAQs on the Safety page on Scouting BSA makes it sound like programming can’t happen without a sane gender buddy pair. Does this mean our girl who has journeyed fur years with her fellow Den-mates will not be able to do activities with them in the Troop because there is not another female youth? If you have encountered this, what was your solution?

@Jenni, technically, yes.

Also, Council will not allow you to charter a female Troop unless you have five Scouts.  Check with your registrar, please.

17 minutes ago, WisconsinMomma said:

I think since we have two troops in the same community, it makes great sense to merge rather than have two distinct troops.  I wonder if we should plan in advance for next school year to be the last year of our Troop and then dissolve/merge with the neighbor troop.  This would give all the current Life Scouts another year to finish Eagle with this troop should they want it.

 

The issue though is the trailer and all the money.  I am sure we can find people to take them, it's just -- what is the right way to to do this?  The chartered org technically would get it all.  Can troops disburse their treasury otherwise, like donate to Council, or the other troop in the area? 

 

My husband talked about placeholder registrations to hold the Troop for the large Wolf pack coming up but it is unclear how may youth would stay into scouting and you need adult leaders most of all.  I think he is nervous about the "old guard" from 3+ years ago showing up and making a stink, but they've left.  In my view, it's time to move on. 

 

Thank you and your husband for doing the work it takes to keep a Troop going!!

This sounds like a normal "down" in the life cycle of a Troop.  But it does beg a question: "What do you think is the "right" size for a Troop?"

In Aids to Scoutmastership, (recommended reading) BP thought the answer was 16.  But, he granted that most were twice the man he was, so he said he could see 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."   page 30

http://www.thedump.scoutscan.com/a2sm.pdf

Our Troop is 55, and it is DIFFICULT! to minister adequately to the needs of that many Scouts.  Basically, we have 6 Patrols that fairly well function on their own as "mini-Troops", each with an assigned Assistant Scoutmaster, who, frankly, functions as a Scoutmaster.  (When they don't do well mentoring as ASM, that patrol suffers!)  This is the only way it works, and it is, I believe, what BP was aiming at with his idea.

So, IMO, I think you can do just fine with four Scouts.  After you get below that point, you do not really have a Patrol. (See optimal working group size.)  However, I think your council may have restrictions on how many you need to re-charter (Five, I think??  Ask your registrar!)

https://howtosavetheworld.ca/2009/03/18/the-optimal-size-of-groups/

(BTW, group dynamics are key.  Any successful large group you have ever been a part of has been divided up into small groups like this.  Basic size of first echelon military unit?  Four 😜 https://www.defense.gov/Multimedia/Experience/Military-Units/army/#army  There is a reason for this...)

Instead of a plan to draw down, How about first a plan to grow/replace?  Then have an alternate plan to disband.  If all you do is plan to disband, it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

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

As for your hubby... sit down with him over coffee.  Tell him you want to help him be successful with the Troop.  Ask him to spend a little time to come up with his top three things (priorities) the Troop needs help with.  Then, either do them (if you can), OR, work with your committee to find someone to do them!!  

Both of you will appreciate this approach.

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

OK, who cares about the stuff and money?  It is just stuff and money.  To help prepare for draw down (or growth), first, make sure the trailer title and registration is in the CO's name (if your state requires a title and plate for a trailer.) 

Next, start spending the money.  With a plan.  Send your Scouts to NYLT.  Pay their full tuition to Summer Camp next year.  Send them to a High Adventure Base! (HAB)  Plan your own week-long Summer Scouting Adventure instead of going to an over-priced boutique HAB.  etc, etc, etc  Just make sure you use the money for Scouting purposes, and that it is equitable among your Scouts.

(Use this as a recruiting tool!  "First five Scouts to join our Troop get to go to camp at half price!")

You are correct... technically, it all belongs to the CO.  So, if the Troop is to disband, then they get to have a say in the disposition of equipment and money.  There are two basic alternatives for the CO for equipment:

1.  Keep it!  We still want to sponsor a Troop in the future, so we want to keep the gear for that eventuality.

2.  Get rid of it!  Offer it to other Troops and Packs, or sell it.

Now, for the money:  (You may use it liberally for the Scouts in your CO's unit, but tread CAREFULLY with sending money outside your CO's umbrella.  They have ultimate say in that!)

1.  Keep it!  We still want to sponsor a Troop in the future, so we want to keep the money for that eventuality.

2.  Get rid of it:

     Option A: If your Scouts transfer to a unit that keep Scout accounts, transfer a portion with them.  This could have tax implications, so be careful.  NEVER, EVER give the money to individuals.  The IRS would be very interested if you did this 😜 

     Option B: Get your CO's permission to transfer the money to another CO.  Again, this has tax implications, so be careful.  Talk with the Treasurers of both CO's A LOT before you do this.

     Option C 😄 (aka, the "nuclear" option):  Give it to council.  It disappears down the rat hole 😜   

There are other options...

NOTE:  That is a lot of money.  IMO, you ought to have no more than one year's Troop expenses on hand.  Recharter fees, awards and advancements, training, etc, etc, etc.  (Do you have a budget??  Do you know how much money you spent last year?)

3 minutes ago, Eagle94-A1 said:

@Cburkhardt,

You may not realize it, but there are ways for SEs, and to a lesser extent DEs, to manipulate who is, and is not, on a district committee, council executive committee, or council executive board. When I was a DE, my SE and DFS had an in-council training session on how to get the folks we want onto those committees. They essentially said we should get folks who will shut up and do what we tell them to do without question.

One of the reasons why I was in trouble with them is because I refused to replace some "critics" with "yes men." I wanted the best folks for the job to be on my district committee, and didn't mind having folks coming up with alternatives, especially since these alternatives 95% of the time had better results than what I was being told to do. They couldn't fire me because I was meeting my goals, and they had no excuse todo so. But they could make my life miserable, which is what they did.

The way Pros control who is on the committees and boards is via the nominations committee. They get folks who are yes men on those committees to select other yes men for the various positions.

"...The one part which I can claim as mine towards promoting the Movement is that I have been lucky enough to find you men and women to form a group of the right stamp who can be relied upon to carry it on to its goal. You will do well to keep your eyes open, in your turn, for worthy successors to who you can, with confidence, hand on the torch. Don't let it become a salaried organization: keep it a voluntary movement of patriotic service." - BP

30 minutes ago, Tron said:

Training is key; however, it doesn't matter how well trained a volunteer is if they don't want to run the actual program AND it's all about "their kids" and not providing a good program. All of the dying troops in my area have the same things in common: no relationship to a pack, cadre of key 3 leaders who need to rotate out, doing their own thing.  All of the dying packs in my area have the same things in common: only have a relationship with 1 troop, do not run year round programs, doing their own thing. 

 

@Tron, I have noticed this over many years of Scouting as well...

There is no attempt to "standardize" the program, or encourage/incentivize Troops to hold to those "standards."  So, you wind up with everyone doing their "version" of Scouting.  Most never pick up the book and read to try to find the purpose of what we are doing.  In most parent minds, the purpose is to make my kid an Eagle Scout so he/she can put in on a college/service academy application.

You most likely know this, but this "standardization" is the purpose of the Commissioner Corps, starting with Unit Commissioners.

https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NCST-Unit-Commissioner-Job-Description.pdf

The last time we saw a Commissioner in our unit was when we invited them to present an award on behalf of the council.

During my 7+ years tenure as Scoutmaster, we had one unit contact (at our request) and never once saw a unit assessment. 

That said, I understand the program and policies, and during that time, our unit charter was always clean and on time, and we always reached Gold Level on Journey to Excellence (for which we submitted the report at recharter time).  (BTW, during the last year, we finally hit one of my personal goals for our unit: to reach a maximum score on the JTE.)  So, perhaps, since we were not a "problem unit", their attention was devoted elsewhere.  But, a phone call to our COR, CC, or SM saying, "Hey, just wanted to let you guys know you are doing a great job!" would have been a 2-minute phone call or email well spent.

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

Another mindset I have seen is from many adults being so defensive about their unit program.  They think they are right, and even if they aren't, well, it IS their program and they'll darn well run it they way they want to.

There is no mindset of "continuous process improvement" or asking simple questions like "What is the right way to do this?" or "What is a better way to do this?"

It's just, "I don't care about all that stuff.  Let's muddle through, get my kid's Eagle, and get the heck out..."

What can men do against such reckless hate? 😛

https://youtu.be/t6qQSll7InQ

Official policy from Guide to Awards and Insignia: (G2AI)

"While wearing the uniform is not mandatory, it is highly encouraged. The leaders of Scouting— both volunteer and professional—promote the wearing of the correct complete uniform on all suitable occasions."

https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33066/33066_Official_Policy_WEB.pdf

(Entire document available at https://www.scouting.org/resources/insignia-guide/ )

Now, what is a "complete uniform"?  There are three variations "authorized" in the literature.

1.  "Field Uniform"  See the description of this in your BSA Handbook,  (page 21, as I am using the 13th Edition, 2016 printing.  YMMV.  = Shirt, Pants/Shorts, Belt, Socks, Shoes/Boots, Cap (optional per PLC), Neckerchief (optional per PLC))

2.  "Activity Uniform"  same page = "When you're headed outdoors to do something active...T-shirt with Scout pants or shorts, or wear other clothing that is appropriate for the events of the day. [emphasis added]

NOTE:  you'll notice this does not say anything specific about the "T-shirt", nor about Scout socks/belt/cap/etc for Activity Uniform.  IMO, this gives the PLC carte blanche to decide what uniform is appropriate for their outdoor activities.  [BTW, "uniform" means all alike 😜 ]

3.  Neckerchief only - "When engaged in Scouting activities, members may wear the neckerchief with appropriate nonuniform clothing to identify them as Scouts."  ("nonuniform" means they don't all have to be alike 😛 )

From the G2AI, page 13 https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33066/33066_Special_Regulations.pdf

[But, also earlier on page 13, a Troop (the PLC) may decide not to use neckerchiefs: "Scout neckerchiefs are optional. Troops choose their own official neckerchief. All members of a troop wear the same color. The troop decides by vote, and all members abide by the decision."]

The PLC decides what uniform is to be worn at meetings and events, and as "officers" of the Troop, part of their job (and every other Position of Responsibility) is to "Wear the Scout Uniform Correctly"

https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/training/pdf/510-046_PocketCards17.pdf

Now, with all that info, what does your PLC decide to do???

Enjoy!

P.S.  If you want to wear the "full" uniform, here is a checklist/inspection sheet for determining correct wear:

https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/510-784(23)-Scouts-Uniform-Inspection-Sheet.pdf

Incentivize the behavior you want.  If the PLC wants "full" uniform, then have an inspection, and give some awesome prizes for the three (or more??) Scouts who score the highest in whatever criteria the PLC has elected.

Also just did a 5 day, four night, 50+ miler backpacking/hiking trip about three hours from our home location, into the near-Catskills.  We ran another unit-level Kodiak Challenge course. 

Total cost per person for 9 people, including covering gas and tolls for drivers? (not including awards for Scouts, which came out of the Troop budget)

$100.08

Just now, DuctTape said:

Boiling water is an excellent sanitizer. Remember the mesh dunk bags?

In general the bulky 3 bin assembly line washing stations are some of the most unsanitary methods I have ever witnessed. IMO, It is better to have scouts individually clean their own stuff separately.  This becomes the norm anyway in backpacking situations, so why not have only a singular process. 

@DuctTape for National Commissioner!

Totally agree.  Well, I'd go a bit further and say use boiling water as a "sterilizer".