InquisitiveScouter

So, another poster here asked to procure a medal. I called my contact in supply. She found none in a system query. After a few phone calls, she discovered that any that were in stock were recalled by National Supply Division a few months ago. (Thanks for the announcement, National!) She had not heard whether there was a new medal in the works, so could not confirm that report. So, if you have a previously-issued National Medal for Outdoor Achievement, then you have a collectors item.

I'll reserve judgment until I read their plan for implementation. There is a chance (albeit a very slight one, IMHO) that national may have an elegant solution. I know, I know... I'm laughing at what I just wrote, too. A Scouter can dream, can't he?

ASPL fulfills SPL duties when SPL is not present. Troop Guide does not...

@scoutldr is correct. "Cub Scout activities afloat are limited to council, district, pack, or den events that do not include moving water or float trips (expeditions)." See in depth Safety Afloat in Guide to Safe Scouting. https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss02/#j

You are welcome! Here is an article that may further clarify: https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2014/03/13/interpreting-under-the-auspices-in-national-outdoor-awards-requirements/ P.S. So any boating, swimming, cycling, camping, hiking, etc., done as a Cub Scout counts!

You can enter their miles in Scoutbook, to keep track for later awards in Scouts, BSA. Those miles count towards National Outdoor Achievement Award! Best Wishes!

Many existing CO's are watching these developments intently. I had conversations with two different COR's yesterday regarding this very issue. Both have said their CO's are on the verge of walking away, due to what they perceive as a lack of integrity and trustworthiness from local council and national BSA. After the sexual abuse scandal/bankruptcy, this is the next shoe to fully drop... Might the individual registration requirements be a move toward dropping the CO structure?

I love your post. Here are a few observations and words of wisdom for all... - The Scouts in your unit need you. Being a unit leader is the most important adult position in Scouting. Be, know, do. - When you wear the uniform, or identify yourself as a Scouter, you become an ambassador of the ideals and the movement. Unfortunately, people judge the movement from your words and actions. - Although you wear the uniform, and you are an ambassador, you are not responsible for the actions of others, nor are you accountable to explain them. Do not try. - You will always

Although nothing has been announced, I believe they are going to axe this one. There are so few Scouts who earn it, so National may be taking the stance that the demand has not justified the expensive of production and marketing. Dad brag: My Eagle Scout son completed this late last December (completing Wilderness First Aid training was his last hurdle). Most people have no idea how challenging this award is... When we went to order the medal, we hit the same wall... our local Scout Shop folks said there were none available from National Supply, and it appears to be discontinued.

Probably nothing that would have helped... good on you for wanting to dive in and potentially set things right. Many times, "discretion is the better part of valor."

The patch and the medal are two different awards. The patch is the National Outdoor Achievement Award (NOAA), and it has six separate areas of requirements for which you may earn a segment: Camping, Aquatics, Hiking, Riding, Adventure, and Conservation. The National Medal for Outdoor Achievement (NMOA) is much more difficult, and includes several NOAA (with devices) as requirements.

It's PA law here. All volunteers must have that, a PA State Police check, and a PA Child Services check. All three documents must be on file at the council office (and with your CO), and be renewed every 5 years.

Just keeping feed in the trough...

FBI fingerprint background check, $23.25 for volunteers. https://www.dhs.pa.gov/KeepKidsSafe/Clearances/Pages/FBI-Fingerprinting.aspx Now, this is a result of the state of PA contracting with the company to do state employee fingerprinting at $25.25 a head. Volunteers (who pay for their own) get a $2 discount.

Just another rotation in the death spiral towards Chapter 7?

Sounds like what we do with Unit Scouter Reserve already, but now the fee could be less... Expect units to latch on to this one for money savings until National & Councils find a way to close that loophole, as MBCs are district/council positions, and do not require approval by the COR. P.S. Look for the "Adults registered solely as Merit Badge Counselors may not accompany units on overnight events." prohibition in the near future...

OK, so, does this mean membership fees will be un-coupled from the unit re-charter process? I'm thinking through that one, and do not really see a down side, yet... But wondering about the implementation of it.

Wonder what the impact will be to our local MBC rolls? I expect minimal, as most MBCs I know are already registered as leaders. But I am sure those folks who are not involved with Scouting in other roles will not pay for being a MBC.

I ran into the former Scout one time not knowing who he was. I was surprised he was awarded an Eagle, until I was informed of the situation. There... fixed that for you 😜

Our Troop assists our local American Legion in placing flags for Memorial Day in those cemeteries in their district. It's a great history lesson for our Scouts as well, as we have some markers here from the French and Indian War!! In fact, just the day before yesterday was the anniversary of the first battle of that conflict, out near @qwazse's way (or what we here call western Pennsyltucky) Battle of Jumonville Glen (a skirmish, really)... where 40 Provincial Troops (accompanied by 12 Mingo natives, including two boys) ambushed 35 Canadiens (French Canadians). The provin

I'd bet YOU are the evil one 😈

This is great wisdom.

Key 3 and Training Manager (functional position designated by Key 3) can also see exactly what courses everyone needs in your unit. Post if you want a tutorial...

Agreed, but not all state police or state child welfare records are shared in national databases. https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubpdfs/xreporting.pdf

Your council should have a DVD or thumb drive with YPT on it, as there are many who do not have a computer at home to use for the training. You can borrow this from them to do your training in-house. If your Key 3 grants you Training Manager functional rights in my.scouting.org, you can enter the training courses for your unit without having to file paperwork with the registrar!!! The only restriction is that you cannot enter training for yourself. Other avenues you can pursue to be a trainer that will be helpful for your unit: - You can do in-person Merit Badge Counselor Training