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InquisitiveScouter

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Posts posted by InquisitiveScouter

  1. 43 minutes ago, qwazse said:

    @InquisitiveScouter, scouts love paperwork! But I have a funny feeling this SM would see the need for such as an affront.

    @Jmatt0613, welcome to the forums! And thanks in advance for all you do for the youth.

    You gave us a lot to unpack. But, let me paint with a broad brush. A scout is kind. Boys or girls who are unkind are not scouts. Such a youth should be suspended from the troop until he/she decides to live up to his/her vows. No paperwork necessary.

    Now, it is tough when adults are at loggerheads about what should be straightforward. But, the important thing is to set your own compass so that you can courteously explain to others what you’re observing.

    LOL, it's not really for the Scouts... it's for the parents.  Ultimately, you are not recruiting Scouts; you are recruiting their parents.

    If you do not establish a safe environment for Scouts, you'll soon have none.  Their parents will have taken them away.

    • Upvote 3
  2. Bottom line:  If your adult leadership is not in harmony on how to deal with disciplinary issues, you will have problems.

    Does your Troop have a set of written expectations (Scout Oath and Law are all you need) and consequences?  A written policy on how you will deal with disciplinary issues?  (Bullying being just one of them.) 

    This is an issue for all adults... Committee, Scoutmaster Corps, and parents.

    Our standard is the Scout Oath and Scout Law.  Whenever a Scout (or adult) violates, we self-police.  It starts at the Patrol Leader level and works up. (Under adult supervision, of course.)  If the situation is not resolved and it gets elevated to an adult (an Assistant Scoutmaster usually) then the adult addresses the situation WITH ANOTHER ADULT OBSERVING (but not in the Scout's face... our object is not to intimidate.)

    It takes time to change the culture of a Troop.  And a strong leader(s) who is willing to stick around to see change implemented.

    Upon matriculation to the unit, each family receives a copy of our Troop policies (Our Troop Handbook, if you will.)  In it there is this section:

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

    Troop XX Code of Conduct

    Scouting activities are fun, memorable experiences.  Troop leaders want Scouts to enjoy themselves and grow individually and as a Troop.  During all activities, Scouts must behave appropriately, and in accordance with the Scout Oath and Scout Law.  Not only does inappropriate and disruptive behavior ruin Scouting for others, it can be dangerous.  Troop XX will not tolerate such behavior.

    The consequences of misbehavior will vary depending upon the severity of the action and the Scout’s circumstances.  The PLC may address behavior under the guidance and approval of the Scoutmaster. Consequences may include verbal or written warnings to the Scout, excluding a Scout from an activity, parent conferences, sending a Scout home from an activity with a parent, or exclusion from future activities until leaders regain trust in the Scout’s behavior.  The Scoutmaster or adult leader of each activity will be ultimately responsible for managing any breach of acceptable conduct.  Scoutmasters may refer conduct to the Troop Committee for advice and action.

    If a Scout’s behavior or negligence results in damage to Troop equipment or a person’s property, the Scout will pay for repairs or replacement.  The PLC may recommend, and the Troop Committee may direct using Scout Account monies to pay for damages.

    All Scouts and their parents will sign the current Troop XX Code of Conduct Agreement and Handbook Receipt before a Scout participates in Troop outings.

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

    Parents and Scouts must sign an agreement with the Scoutmaster governing behavior expectations and consequences.

    This establishes a culture, standards and consequences for Scout and parents.  It makes it a little more "real" when a Scout signs his name...

    When we encounter conflict, we work through it using the template above.  Each situation is different.

    In my seven years with this Troop, we have formally dismissed (in writing, that is) two Scouts from our Troop: one due to bullying, and one due to inability to control their physical outbursts with other Scouts.  Two others have left during the process of addressing similar issues.

    Each case is documented, with written communications with parents, and discussed first with Key 3, then with the Committee and Scoutmaster Corps.  Whenever we take the formal action of dismissing a Scout, we inform our IH, Commissioner (if we have one at the time), and DE (if we have one at the time) or Scout Executive. 

    Scouts know they can come to us with issues, and we will deal with it fairly and quickly.  Justice delayed is justice denied!

    Word has gotten around to parents that our Troop works diligently to keep a safe environment for Scouts.  In that seven years, our Troop has doubled in size (and I don't mean by height or weight 😜 )   (This being only one of the reasons for the growth, IMHO.)

    Here is the Agreement:

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

    Troop XX Code of Conduct Agreement and Troop Handbook Receipt

     

     

     

    Scout’s Name ____________________________________________________________________

     

    I will behave appropriately during all Scout activities, living the Oath and Law, and demonstrating Scout Spirit at all times. I understand that misbehavior and inappropriate activities will not be tolerated.

     

    I understand there will be consequences if my behavior is not acceptable.  I understand consequences can and will include warnings, sitting out during an activity, parent conferences, having a parent take me home from an activity, or exclusion from future activities until I earn trust in my behavior again, and demonstrate to my Scout youth and adult leadership that I can be trusted.

     

     

     

    ____________________________________________                                             _____________________

    Signature of Scout                                                                                                           Date

     

     

     

    I have reviewed the Troop Handbook, 2022 Revision, and discussed behavior expectations and consequences with my Scout.  Furthermore, I understand I must make arrangements to pick up my Scout from an activity if necessary, even if the activity is out of town.

     

     

     

    ____________________________________________                                                       _____________________

    Signature of Parent or Guardian                                                                                            Date

     

     

     

    ____________________________________________                                                     _____________________

    Signature of Scoutmaster                                                                                                        Date

     

     

    Scoutmaster will return signed agreement to the appropriate Committee Member for tracking.

      

  3. 4 hours ago, mrjohns2 said:

    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.

     

     

    image.thumb.png.ea4d2b0c2f1d7cbeba82da666df4688a.png


    image.thumb.png.ec4f40a1f4f33d7f5c226cc92ca3c0ba.png

    Agreed that SB shows this, and that that is the proper order of things... that was not my point.

    A Unit Leader can invite a counselor without having that block actually signed in Scoutbook.  Should it be that way? No, but the system allows it.

     A counselor can sign off requirements without actually having that block signed.  Should it be that way? No, but the system allows it.

    So, in essence, SB does not "require" the unit leader signature before engaging the counselor.  And it should!

    InkedGraphic.thumb.jpg.d80cd6415f01ea8c2829a1c716e94edc.jpg

  4. To note, the "blue card" is not required when using Scoutbook.  Scoutbook "automates" the process.

    However, I have had a few instances where a Scout contacts me for MB counseling, and the leader has not "signed" in Scoutbook.  That is, Scoutbook allows a unit leader to invite a counselor without signing the card electronically.  

    It seems to me this should be automatic, as well.  That is, the signature on a physical blue card indicates just that:  the unit leader has had a discussion with the Scout and recommended a counselor. 

    Although, a unit leader could invite a counselor in Scoutbook without having had the discussion with the Scout.  I would not do this, though...  Because sometimes the Scout already knows the counselor or wants to work with a specific counselor.

    After a Scout finishes a badge, I direct them to print a copy of the completed blue card from Scoutbook for their own records.

     

    "Since blue cards support the merit badge process as it is intended to function, the Guide to Advancement continues to reference and recommend them. It is expected that when blue cards are not used, advancement administrators at all levels will find ways to carry on the processes, interactions, documentation, and other nuances that make the process such a critical element in BSA mission achievement."

  5. 6 minutes ago, fred8033 said:

    Nice. 

    I come from a different school of thought.  I'd prefer to not have that class and to not help the scout too much.  Don't be an obstacle, but let's not create an overly structured scout experience.  Rather, filling out blue cards is a great chance to have conversations with the scout and to give him things to look at and work on.  It's a chance for the scout to improve and solve things.  ... Another way to work it.  If the scout brings you a blue card that is not cleanly filled at the start, give them a new blue card and walk them thru filling it out neatly. 

    C'mon, man!

    How else are we going to mass produce Eagle Scouts?  We have to remove all barriers, obstacles, challenges, etc.

    In fact, we are working on a 40-hour video, to be viewed in segments.  When all are completed, poof!  You're an Eagle Scout 😜 

    Access to the video will be about $2500.  Pricing model still being worked out!

  6. 2 minutes ago, ThenNow said:

    For context:

    * The Aspen Institute’s study showed that parents with a child in ice hockey spent on average $2,583 per year in 2019. 

    * After the gear comes lessons, lift tickets and the cost of getting to and from the mountain. Skiing and snowboarding costs about $2,250 per child in 2019.

    * Gymnastics $1200

    * Lacrosse $1200

    * Tennis $1200

    * Flag Football (lowest at) $270

    I haven't specifically tracked all costs, but I tell parents that, to participate in every outing in our program for the year, including Summer Camp, you'll spend about $1000.  And, in our fundraiser, it is entirely possible for an enterprising Scout to earn that much money.

    • Upvote 1
  7. 23 minutes ago, ThenNow said:

    Is that an inflation-adjusted estimate? I need to know how long to make the layaway term for the purchase of my new pair of Red Ball Jets. 

    You learn something new every day, whether you want to, or not 😜

    Had to look that one up.  Not really an element of the culture I grew up in...

    https://www.fredsegal.com/collections/red-ball-jets

    The first thing I ever bought on layaway was a pair of denim overalls.  It was 1976.  I was earning money picking up tobacco leaves dropped by the harvesters as they went up and down the rows in the field.  I remember how big I felt when one week, I got paid $10!!

    Didn't know until later that that was far below minimum wage.  But, as a 10 year old, I'm sure I wasn't a very productive worker ;)
     

    Thanks for the stream-of-consciousness stroll down memory lane!

    • Haha 2
  8. We will continue Scouting at the unit level...

    My biggest concern, after the insurance, is awarding Eagle Scout rank to a Scout.  Since this is only granted by the National Council, and they keep these records, would it be legitimate for a local unit to recognize/award someone as an Eagle Scout?

    (On a separate note, it's time to start hoarding some Eagle rank patches...)

  9. 17 hours ago, ALongWalk said:

    I am at the point of thinking there is no way National survives now. Sure hope that LC’s are discussing some sort of confederations that will allow Scouting to continue. 

    We all need to begin thinking about this "What if?"

    If you desire to continue supporting Scouting, what will you do if BSA goes Chapter 7?

    (Let's make this a new thread, please?)

    • Upvote 1
  10. On 8/30/2022 at 10:35 PM, curious_scouter said:

    Next month PLC wanted a canoe trip, that'll be $30-$50 per Scout due to canoe rentals mainly.

    Find another Troop that has canoes and ask to borrow (or rent) at lower cost.

    We have a local Troop that, in it's heyday had 100+ Scouts.  Once upon that time, they bought 22 canoes and two canoe trailers.  Nowadays, they are around 20 Scouts.  I asked to use a rack of canoes in exchange for refurbing the canoe trailer.  (repacked bearings, bought them a spare tire, fixed trailer wiring, pressure washed the gunk off the trailer, replaced old bungees (a hazard) with painter ropes (which are taken off the rack as tiedowns and used as bow & stern painters on the trip; Scouts learn and use two half hitches, trucker's hitch, and bowline, a lot!))  For about three hours of work for two people (me and one other adult who likes to be a grease monkey with me), and about $10 a head in materials, we now have a perpetual invitation to use their boats.

     

    Another idea that our Scouts like: find your local historic hikes, and earn the patch or medal.

    https://tap.scouting.org/bsa-historic-trails-index/

     

    And a cycling trip is always a hit.  Find your local trails, and make an adventure of any size!

    https://www.traillink.com/

    • Like 1
  11. 9 hours ago, qwazse said:

    My apologies if I didn’t mention Camp Potomac, although it would have added miles, and I’m not sure if there is a safe enough back-country route to it.

    On the other hand, IQ did not PM me to arrange delivery of some outstanding espresso.

    Oh, and was that supposed to be me delivering outstanding espresso to you, or vice versa?? 🤪

    • Haha 1
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