InquisitiveScouter

It was only a matter of time before the pot was stirred again 😛 BTW, slide 34: 15. How will you make sure that the merit badge is achieving its objectives? Like all BSA programs, we will continuously evaluate and improve the Citizenship in Society merit badge based on feedback shared by those within the Scouting program. Anybody been asked for any feedback? Anyone see an avenue mentioned in the slide show to provide feedback? https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/diversity_equity_and_inclusion/Citizenship-in-Society-Merit-Badge-Counselor-Guide-2021.pdf P.S. They d

Please pass some messages to the G2SS writing team: 1. Hire a good communicator. 2. Don't write so that you can be understood; write so that you can't be misunderstood. (Taft) see @scoutldr post above, for example. 3. Send your draft policies to someone outside the National organization, preferably to someone that your policies will affect (and who has to comply with them). Let them read them and then (in a verbal conversation) have them tell you what they read in their own words with some concrete examples of impact to their unit operations. If they cannot explain it bac

Ludicrous

I am working through this with a small group of Scouts now (9th graders). When we are done, I am going to ask them what their opinion is on the badge, and whether this was value-added for them. I'll let you know... I will say, in our first session, they were very guarded in their views, but when they began to share their ideas and research on the definitions, and each relayed what they had heard from friends, parents, teachers, and media, and how they thought much of this was unneeded in a merit badge. They came to some great consensus on what things "should mean" (their words, and I

https://youtu.be/i2uu6NF2inY

And payments into the victim compensation fund.

I recommend you hold on to your money, and give it in increments. Give an increment (say $25) to the council every time you have a positive interaction with a paid professional. Every time you have a positive interaction with a volunteer from another unit, give it to that unit. I'd love to see you post here about these incremental gifts. Let's see where Scouting is really happening.

How long do you think it takes a council to get a background check done? Parent wants to camp and unit turns in their application on Friday... goes camping that night. Background check won't be done for a loooonnnngggg time. Not buying that that is the drive behind this.

No, but they should be!

So, are you implying that MBCs are not background checked?

You hit the nail right on the head, partner 😜 Gotta pay those salaries. In 2019, Surbaugh made $1.1M (2019 is last public form I could find) https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/221576300_201912_990_2021030217778557.pdf $134M in assets sales in 2019 also... https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/221576300 compare that to the 2018 numbers...

No. Mr. Dad just has to sever the "connection" for the overnight... You could take that ad absurdum. All adults staying overnight in connection with a Scouting activity must be currently registered in an adult fee required position as listed or as an adult program participant. So, at bed time, he just says "Goodnight folks! I'm going to sleep on my own in a campsite I rented for myself. See you at breakfast!"

LOL, they should DRIVE over a bridge

Thanks! I have read through the G2SS many times, and never really registered that. Appreciate you citing it. We have not been using that checklist, but now we will. Wonder when that became part of G2SS?

No. But they can clearly articulate coherent policies. Not come up with more incoherent ones... For example, there should be nothing wrong with having MBCs be the second adult. They have to be registered, have YPT, and background checks. Simply put in the additional instruction: "MBCs may fulfill only one position of supervision at a unit event, with the permission of the CO." Unless, councils aren't really doing the background checks? ($$$)

@PACAN, the loophole @mrjohns2 is referring to is this (I think, because this is what we did...): Not too long ago, the G2SS required only one registered adult over 21, and a second "registered adult" form the supervision team for an overnight outing (it wasn't "all events" like it is now.) The rules did not stipulate this had to be a "unit registered adult" (it still does not stipulate that, but that is the intent). So, to save money, units would register the minimum number of adults required to have a unit on the charter, and then have everyone else register as MBCs (for free) so that

We used this scheme before it became "illegal." Also, in our state (PA), state law requires all adult volunteers to have three background checks: 1) A State Police Criminal Record check, 2) A "PA Child Abuse History Certification" from the Dept of Human Services, and 3) EITHER a signed Affidavit attesting no other charges OR an FBI Fingerprint background check if you have not been a state resident of 10 years. When I posed the question about having adults just register as MBCs (because MBCs also have to these checks), versus as paid adult registrations, I got a rather nasty respons

Yeah, we are able to train them and put them into combat, but the 18-year-old (legal adult) cannot have a personal conversation at Starbucks with their Crew Adviser without another registered adult present? No logic or sanity in that thinking at all... That is one of those "rules" where conscience, principle, and ethics dictate ignoring the rule and doing the right thing. I support you 100% @qwazse And even if reclassified, I'll still ignore it 😜

Please let us know how this turns out.

Now that is just plain stupid... Supposing those were assistant Scoutmasters for a Troop. They are not over 21, nor are they "adult program participants." So, it's ok to meet with them. But, the second one of them let's you know they have registered with a Venturing crew, you are a YPT criminal!! LOL Oh, the humanity 😛

@scoutldrI revived this one because the other thread is about the SAFE checklist versus insurance. Have you ever, in your BSA life, seen a copy of the policy?? I haven't. Haven't asked for one either

I honestly don't know. I believe that if BSA did not cover some volunteers, and word got out, there could be a mass exodus of adult volunteers. I believe this is a great fear they have. So, in many cases, they choose to settle it under insurance, and maybe pay a little higher premium, than have the program collapse for lack of adults. But, legally, if you were not following the G2SS, I could see where the insurance company and BSA could say, "You are on your own..."

I follow it religiously, to protect Scouts and Scouters, and to protect my family assets and security (in that order).

You still can, but it will only cover your co-pays. And that is Accident and Sickness coverage... that's a different policy than General Liability. Also, did you know?? If you kick the bucket (heart failure) within 90 days of participating in a BSA event, your survivors can claim a $10K benefit? *Includes loss of life resulting from Heart Failure within 90 days from the date participating in an approved Boy Scouts or Learning for Life (if purchased) activity: ———————————– ■ Life* $10,000 Your council plan might vary... HSR Brochure.pdf

Did they pay just to make this go away, and not tarnish the image of BSA?? And maybe the offending driver had nothing really for anyone to go after, so the lawyers went for the deepest pockets and hoped for this settlement regime... again, just to make it go away... Guessing and smh...