InquisitiveScouter

Just returned from Summer Camp.  33 of 38 Scouts attended. (86.8%!!!)  Would have been 34, but one pulled out last minute due to a broken foot. ($465 per head with $50 early bird discount...some came in later at $515.  Plus a $40 bus ride to/from camp...so minimum $505 per camper.)

Last month, we offered a 35-mile hike over 5 days/4 nights on the Appalachian Trail.  We used this to conduct a Leave No Trace Trainer Course.  Only five Scouts took the opportunity.  ($110 per head.)

We also do a Troop high adventure each summer.  In two weeks, we leave for a 50-mile canoe trek (no portaging  ) with 10 Scouts and 2 adults.  We limited this crew size to 12 due to Leave No Trace considerations, campsite availability, logistics, and price.  We do this trek at about $130 per person, including gas and tolls for the drivers.  Put in point is 110 miles north of us.

Last summer, our camp cancelled, so we did our own Troop encampment.  Scouts loved it... no hustle and bustle pacing of a council-run camp...swimming, fishing, cooking, boating, exploring, and three merit badges offered: Mammal Study, Environmental Science, and Wilderness Survival (all with Troop leaders registered as counselors.)  ($230 per head, primarily for campsite rental.)  Our trek was a 60-mile cycling trek on a historic canal path, with ample time for camping, cooking, swimming, playing, etc. ($80 per head.)

After camp this year, Scouts are already talking about doing our own thing again next year...

Concur, but if you don't have the basics down...awareness, repellents, and good checks, then the other stuff is just more chaff

15 hours ago, yknot said:

Lyme disease

We now have over 10 Scouts and adults who have contracted Lyme over the last five years...it is endemic in our area.  Cannot point to all cases being contracted while on Scouting events, but at least four were, since we began using a Sharpie to circle the bite area for monitoring, and are taking pictures (with permission) if not in a sensitive area.  Those who have contracted it are now absolutely religious about repellents and tick checks.  It's funny how most parents (and certainly not most Scouts) will take this seriously until after exposure...

BTW, BSA insurance pays supplemental for health care needed to treat.  If you are on some federal form of health care (e.g., US military dependents) the BSA pays primary and full.

And, I get a Lyme titer every year in my blood work for annual checkup... not everyone shows the bullseye...ask your doctor.

For your easy reference...

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

12 hours ago, Eagle94-A1 said:

And therefore won't be able to record it. 

Not that SCOUTBOOK  / Internet advancement is accurste. Reviewing my records today, and of course 30+ years are missing. Heck it is still not showing i am an Eagle.

SB does not reflect everything in ScoutNET that they have on you...call your registrar and ask for your record.  One problem also was, in the past, the lack of record transfers when moving from council to council.  Lots of stuff was lost.

43 minutes ago, Eagle94-A1 said:

Why do I feel like I am in 1984?

Because you are, my friend....you are

1 minute ago, DuctTape said:

I advocate for the Fieldbook as a primary resource too. Especially the first one. I often find copies of these at garage sales for $1. I have mentioned in the past a patrol could go page by page with the original fieldbook and lead a fantastic program.

You just won't stop dropping fantastic knowledge on us, will you??

#DuctTape4NationalCommissioner

3 minutes ago, qwazse said:

Are you saying that EDGE is not enough to teach a scout skill? That a referencing is essential, and any method that omits it falls woefully short? Heretic!

Almost

I would contend that referencing is a tool in the toolbox for the "E" in EDGE.  Don't always have to use it, but I do in most cases. 

Also think the "E" should include explaining WHY we do things, versus just the HOW.  Why do we wash our dishes this way?  Why do we use a particular knot?  Why do we go 200 feet away to dig our cathole?  Why do we use the EDGE method???? 🤪😜🤪

Most people respond better to learning when they know the "why."  Gives them a sense of purpose more than just "Because that is the requirement!" yuck...

13 minutes ago, mrjohns2 said:

I have been thinking about giving our SPL & PLs the handbooks when they are elected.

Yes, do.

But the same essential problems rear their head:

1.  No one reads.  (This includes adults.)

2.  Many do not learn from reading.  (This includes adults.)

When I give rides to Scouting events, we always use the drive time productively.  Scouts who want to cover requirements, discuss merit badges, troop or patrol business, often jump in the car with me and the SPL/ASPL.   I point the way, and the SPL/ASPL or senior Scout does the instruction and sign off...it is a beautiful thing.

The Scout/SPL/PL Handbooks (my personal copies) are staple items during the ride.  We often read aloud short sections and discuss the content, examples, and how to teach or apply.  We set goals. We evaluate outcomes. We review progress, on individual, patrol, or troop levels.

However, and here is my challenge to all adult leaders...You have to know your stuff.  Read the dang things yourselves, so you know what the heck you are talking about.  You don't have to know the answers, but you do have to know WHERE to find the answers.  The literature becomes the authority rather than you becoming the authority.  In time, they can and do look for the answers themselves.  Then they don't need you anymore (for the most part  )

1 minute ago, Eagledad said:

I have said here many times that I believe that both the adults and scouts could run the correct troop patrol method program if they used just the PL Handbook, SPL Handbook and Scout Handbook as the program guideline.

Preach it, brother!!

2 minutes ago, Eagledad said:

And you know, once in a while the adult finds out that the scout didn't make a wrong choice, it just wasn't the choice the adult would have made.

This is the same with parents   For adult leaders, take a moment and ask yourself, "How would this decision violate the Scout Oath or Law?"  If you do not come up with an answer that you can reason through and articulate to another adult, give the Scout the leeway to pursue.

And yes, you will often be tempted to say "I've seen this a hundred times, and it never works out, so do it the way I recommending to you."  Don't.  Pick your battles wisely. Bite your cheek, swallow the blood, and resist the "I told you so" when the time comes.  Your Scout will grow, and will grow to respect you and your advice even more

10 hours ago, SiouxRanger said:

Where would I find the BSA review process rules or BSA patch design requirements?  I've designed about half a dozen patches over the years, all through my council, and professional staff never made mention of rules, other than the flour-de-lis had to appear on an official patch.

Thanks.

Guide to Awards and Insignia, pages 15-17

https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33066/33066_Guidelines_for_Custom_Patches_And_Emblems.pdf?_gl=1*b4ey4f*_ga*MTgzNjYxMTcxNC4xNjIwOTkzNDI1*_ga_20G0JHESG4*MTYyNjE4NTU3OC40Ni4xLjE2MjYxODY4MTEuNTI.

8 hours ago, SiouxRanger said:

 I know of no leadership materials available to scouts before that unless in some manual, which I have not seen nor seen in my Troop.  

@SiouxRanger and others, please read Section 1 of your Scout Handbook

The model is there...

6 minutes ago, Eagledad said:

I'm wondering how your PLC does for leadership?

We have Scouts plan outings...tooth to tail, using a one-page checklist from Troop Leader Guidebook, which is pretty good.  They have to report to PLC at each milestone...3 months, two months, one month at the formal PLCs, and then the two weeks, one week at short PLCs after meetings

See page 20 in the pdf...

https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-150_appendix(15)_web.pdf

Leadership through outdoor adventures!!

3 minutes ago, Eagledad said:

If you take leadership out of the core of scouting, who is to hold it accountable.

Who is held accountable for any of the other items??

One of the most often repeated ideas to parents is, "Stand back, shut up, and watch..."  Of course, in much nicer terms than that

Leaders don't develop until you put them in the hot seat.  Scouts are amazed, at first, when you "Train 'em, trust 'em, and let 'em lead!" 

7 minutes ago, DuctTape said:

As I mentioned previously the Scout Slogan, "Do a Good Turn Daily" needs to be re-emphasized. It is the embodiment of the Motto, the Oath and Law. If I could define one thing which defines Scouting as unique to any other team, club, or organization with similar aims, methods, and principles it is this... Do a Good Turn Daily. 

Even more evidence requiring...DuctTape for National Commissioner!!!

#DuctTapeIsTheMan! #DuctTape4NationalCommissioner

1 minute ago, qwazse said:

I saw yet another post on the scouting forums from a leader who was bothered about an SPL and PL who already earned Eagle wanting to hold their positions while he/she wanted to let younger scouts to have a crack at those while Star or Life scouts. Our adults aren’t getting the message. Not all of them. Maybe not even most of them.

Yikes...

Nothing wrong with have more than one Quartermaster, Scribe, Outdoor Ethics Guide, etc...

Heck, we have an Eagle Board of Review tonight for a Scout who has only held a Den Chief position for his entire time.  At one time, he actually thought he was required to hold some other positions.  When we told him he could do what he loved and still develop as a leader, he was very stoked.  

We told him his ultimate aim was to instill in all of his Cubs/Webelos a desire to continue on to Scouts, whether they joined our Troop or not.  Then we helped him set SMART goals every six months to improve his performance and abilities as a Den Chief.  He has grown tremendously in that role, and I look forward to congratulating him tonight after his EBoR!

6 minutes ago, SSScout said:

**  The adult "leader" who insists that every Scout event (defined as any group of Scouts doing Anything together) MUST have two adult registered leaders.... 

Ha! Just went mountain biking this morning, and cut loose buddy pairs on over 10 miles of loop trails.  "You have a map, water, and a first aid kit?"

 "Yes!"

"OK, have fun..we'll be here at the picnic table if you need us ;)"

53 minutes ago, mrjohns2 said:

From my 2 years of Scoutmaster, some of the best things was a new Scout who I helped get over her fear of lighting a match to fuse a rope or the Scout who was very very afraid of shooting a 22. She wanted to, but didn't think she could. It really was the little things. 

-The smile and look of absolute, pure joy from the Scout (with a single mom) with cerebral palsy who caught his first fish!

- The grin from the small-statured Scout who learned to handle a canoe solo and completed Canoeing Merit Badge...

- Running into an Eagle Scout at Philmont, now a Scoutmaster, who I hadn't seen in 20 years, and he tells his Scouts there, "This is Mr. X!", and the look of wonder from them that I really do exist...I can only imagine the stories he told...like how he felt when he finished his first 50-miler in our old Troop, or really learning to navigate and orienteer in deep woods...

- Going through the Pledge of Allegiance phrase by phrase with a Scout (5th grader) who was having difficulty understanding it (he could recite it fine...) and seeing the light bulb come on when he learned what words like pledge, allegiance, republic, indivisible, and justice mean...

- The puffed-out chests of the patrol who was proud of camping out on their own (no adults) (when that sort of thing was allowed...)

and on, and on, and on     

5 hours ago, qwazse said:

I don’t want there be any left for my family to throw in my casket.

One of the prizes for our uniform inspection contests is you get to take one CSP from my collection   

18 minutes ago, CynicalScouter said:

And I think the answer would be that BSA's entire reorganization strategy is predicated on income from those HA bases paying off the $80 million loan they are having to take out.

"The BSA Settlement Trust Note to be issued on the Effective Date to the Settlement Trust by the Reorganized BSA in the principal amount of $80 million, which will bear interest at a rate of 5.5% per annum and be payable semi-annually.  Principal payments under the BSA Settlement Trust Note shall be payable in annual installments due on February 15 of each year during the term of the BSA Settlement Trust Note, commencing on February 15 with certain minimum payment requirements. (footnote 15) The BSA Settlement Trust Note may be prepaid at any time without penalty;

(footnote 15) In accordance with the Plan, such annual principal payments shall be equal to the sum of the following calculation: (a) $4.5 million; plus (b) $3.50 multiplied by the aggregate number of Youth Members as of December 31 of the preceding year up to the forecasted number of Youth Members for such year as set forth in the Debtors’ five-year business plan; plus (c) $50 multiplied by the aggregate number of High Adventure Base Participants during the preceding calendar year; plus (d) $50 multiplied by the aggregate number of Youth Members in excess of the forecast set forth in the Debtors’ five-year business plan; plus (e) $150 multiplied by the aggregate number of High Adventure Base Participants in excess of the forecasted number of High Adventure Base Participants for such year as set forth in the Debtors’ five-year business plan.  The forecast for years after 2025 shall be deemed to be the forecast for calendar year 2025."

So, will they just tack on a $150 price hike to HA tuitions as a "make you pay for our sins" tax?

All, you would do well to review the CDC recommendations for treating backcountry water.

Bottom line up front: When in backcountry, best option is boiling.  When in possible chemical contamination/heavy viral load areas,  filtering AND chemical treatment are recommended.

https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/pdf/drinking/Backcountry_Water_Treatment.pdf

(Main page link https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/travel/backcountry_water_treatment.html )

https://www.msrgear.com/blog/water-treatment-101-viruses/

I teach classes on this at our Scouting University, with discussions on the different pathogens (and sizes of them), and the difference between nominal versus absolute pore sizes in filtration systems.

https://www.wqa.org/learn-about-water/common-contaminants/bacteria-viruses

Most Lifestraw products are rated at 0.2 microns absolute... viruses are smaller than 0.1 microns, so most Lifestraw products won't cut it, except Lifestraw Mission (0.02 microns)

https://lifestraw.com/pages/how-our-products-work

20 hours ago, fred8033 said:

I'm not sure I would join BSA to get my kid to learn leadership

Agreed...there is more a focus on the "management" side of things in Scouting, than in leadership.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/terinaallen/2018/10/09/what-is-the-difference-between-management-and-leadership/?sh=6fe40a4774d6

- We only mandate that they camp by patrols, and select their own buddies.  (Many summer camps do not set up by patrol sites.) If there is an "odd-man out", that Scout may tent with another "odd-man out", if the two-year rule does not prohibit.  There are some Scouts who prefer to tent alone.  If there are conflicts, the Patrol Leader (PL) works it out.  If PL cannot resolve, take it to Senior PL.  When I am the SM or acting SM in camp, I only ask that they tell me how they resolved  any issues, for the sole purpose of making sure that a Scout is not being ostracized or bullied in some way.  Switching mid-week can work to great effect in these cases.

- Adults should be as far away from the Scouts as practical.  Usually in the farthest Patrol Site, and all together.  Make sure the Scouts know where the SM tent is.  I bring chem lights for PL's, SPL, and myself, and we hang them outside our tents each night, so they can find us easily.  Everything looks different in the dark

- Adults (and especially parents) must stay out of Scouts' tents, except for a health and safety reasons, and an inspection by the SPL w/SM for daily campsite inspection competition.  This is the case where we have the most difficulty with new parents who accompany us to camp.  Best advice for them, "If you don't think your Scout can make it through a week of summer camp without you, please seek out another long-term camping experience."  Most of the time, the issue is with the parents, not with the Scout.  That is, the parent cannot make through a week without the Scout

- A pre-camp visit with the SPL is awesome, if you can swing it.  Nothing beats eyes on target on your future campsite to help with planning.  This is, of course, often impractical.

- Finally, here is an uncomfortable topic off of OP...pooping.  After many years of Summer Camp, I have discovered that one of the key contributors to "homesickness" is anxiety about going to the bathroom.  So, we call it "Number Two Tuesday."  Camp starts on Sunday, so if a Scout has not gone #2 by the end of Tuesday, you WILL see problems.  On Tuesday morning before breakfast, I discretely take each Scout (and Adult!!!) aside and ask them if the have gone #2 by now.  I have a roster to help me keep track (we have 41 going to camp this year.)  If they have not, help them figure out why.  If they just haven't felt the need, the number one reason is dehydration.  Even if they say they are well hydrated (have been going #1 frequently, and the color is light) then I still have them drink a lot of water.  If by midday they haven't gone, I give them some coffee (with prior parents' permission.)   If that doesn't work within about an hour, it's an OTC laxative or a trip to the health lodge, depending on your camp's rules on giving OTC meds.   Hydration and/or coffee have always done the trick.  Occasionally, it's an anxiety issue with rustic facilities  (never gone in an outhouse before) or privacy.  So most camps have a clean flush toilet somewhere...have them go there.  You will be astounded by the number of kids who think they can hold it for the whole week.  Seriously...

On 6/18/2021 at 10:33 AM, Eagle1993 said:

Cyberchip requires the following:

1. Discuss with your unit leader the acceptable standards and practices for using allowed electronic devices, such as phones and games, at your meetings and other Scouting events.

 

So, it is a unit decision.  There is nothing in the Scout Handbook or Troop Leader handbook that I have ever seen that bans cell phones.  

Our unit allows cell phones for photos (and have for years).  We also added the option to use phones for scouting applications (such as looking up merit badge books, info, etc.) and weather reports.  It is a tool like a knife, rope, etc.  Each unit can have their own policy.

I have this discussion with Scouts when they are earning their Cyber Chip.  Here is the gist:

If what you are doing with your device would violate any part of the Scout Oath or Law, don't it.  Now, Johnny, let's talk about some examples...

1.  The SPL says bed time is 10 pm.  I do a walk-around at 10:15 and see the blue glow of your device through your tent.  What part of the Scout Oath or Law applies?

2.  Your patrol mate is giving a talk on how to pack a backpack, and you are playing a game or watching a video on your phone.  What part of the Scout Oath or Law applies?

3.  You are texting another person and use foul language or call them a name. What part of the Scout Oath or Law applies?

Please, for the love of God, do not come up with some laundry list of do's and don'ts with devices.  You can measure EVERYTHING against the yardstick of the Scout Oath and Law.

This is how we build character.

This is the way.

P.S.  First incident is behavior correction/warning.  Next is confiscation until end of event or outing, and a discussion with parents.  Next is you don't get to come on the next outing, and we look at circumstances to determine if this affects your advancement.  (Only reached this point once, with full support of Troop committee and understanding of Scout's parents.)  Now the culture is in place...