InquisitiveScouter

Agreed... But, perhaps the reason they have bumped this up is because of the level of fundraising he needs to do. Project costs more than $2500, right? Didn't you say fundraising that amount needed district approval where you are? Well, only professionals can approve fundraising projects, I believe. Form says needs signature by "Authorized Council Approval*" and then "*Councils may delegate approval to districts or other committees according to local practices." We do not know what your local practices are... Please talk to someone on the phone. Dithering over em

There is absolutely nothing wrong with gender separation, when it is by choice. This is a basic right called freedom of assembly (association), guaranteed by the First Amendment. I may associate with whomever I choose... You don't like it? Then work to get the Constitution re-written. Once re-written, I'll support you 100%. I do believe the current BSA model is neither well thought out, nor sustainable. "Separate but equal" is a bad idea. Chartering Organizations should have the option to have a single gender Troop( or Troops), or a blended Troop. Both have pros and c

Concur... the only pertinent step in the advancement process is that a Scout "learns". And that can happen in many different ways... A Scout can learn the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace on his own. When he feels he is ready to be tested to "Recite the Leave No Trace Seven Principles from memory." , he asks. If he passes the test, great... sign him off. If he does not pass the test, he goes back to learning, until he feels he is ready again. You can offer instruction, but not require it.

The youth is not "signing off" the requirement. The youth (or, we should call them the Instructor) is simply using a column already printed in the Scout Handbook to indicate instruction is complete, and the Scout is ready to be tested. (The check mark column on left side of requirements lists.) However... if the Troop is "requiring" that this column be used, and is holding up a Scout from being tested or advanced because of it, then that would be adding requirements. I did not interpret the explanation as saying this "must" be done... just that this was a way to communicate it had

Do you think it needs to be a survivor of abuse from within Scouting? Or someone with that experience in any arena?

Yes, don't use a script. You are really selling yourself, not some tickets. Just know your stuff and talk to people. Connect with them. Or, come up with your own script. You can do it. Here's a teaser... "Hi, my name is Zhu, and I'm a Scout in Troop 4321 here in Malibu. We are putting on a great breakfast for Mother's Day! If you do not have plans already, the breakfast will be at Camp Josepho near Crestwood Hills, at 9 AM on Mother's Day. Tickets are $10 per person, and it is all you can eat! After that big breakfast, you can take a nice walk with your Mom to enjoy the outdo

Oh, and 9) if you are not attending, you'd better have a good excuse. Like, you don't live with your mother, or something like that. If a potential customer asks if you are taking your Mom, and you just say "No", you will probably lose a sale. If you offer a valid explanation, they may be more sympathetic and open their wallet. So, 10) go out and earn a little money to help your family buy tickets for the event, if you can go.

OK, stop saying "fined." You are not being fined for anything. 1. Having the right attitude is the first tip for selling your tickets. 2. Know your product. What are the menu options? What time does it start? Is it a buffet, cafeteria-style, or served at tables? Is it kosher, or are there vegan or vegetarian options, or some other menu specialties (gluten free, allergy free)? Is it open to non-Scouting families? Will there be alcohol served? (Should be "no", but make sure you know the answer, in case someone asks you.) Are there flowers, gifts, keepsakes, pictures, mementos, in

Who, what, when , where, how, why?? Tell us about the event, intended audience, who is putting it on, where is it, when is it, what is the purpose of the event??? Then we can give you some great ideas on how to sell tickets for it 😜

Then, it is not a "fine." A Scout is expected to pay his way... so pay your way, either through the fundraiser, or with the buy-out.

Welcome! Who, what, when , where, how, why?? "Fine" is probably a "buy-out" cost. That is, for the Troop fundraiser, there is an expected amount each Scout will raise to offset unit expenditures. If you do not raise that amount, you must make it up. This is normal, and helps prevent someone from taking advantage of the diligent fundraising efforts of others in the Troop.

Excellent. And as long as the Troop is consistent in applying this for all Positions of Responsibility, then I am all for it! A good leader communicates, confirms understanding of, and enforces expectations 😜

"Rules for thee, but not for me." Unfortunately, we have to work very hard to avoid these kinds of people. Yes, it is less headache all around. But, it is also a life lesson, as you will NEVER be rid of them. Sometimes, you have to feed the dragon. As for me, my tactics are to learn all the rules, and try to think about why they are in place. Then, I find ways to work within the system to maneuver around those people who do not know/follow the rules and just want to have their own fiefdoms. There are times when you win, and times when you lose. Some of the greatest warning

@swilliams, Another point... Are you prepared to fully fund this project now? Doing a GoFundMe, or soliciting donations from anyone outside your family will require additional paperwork which will further slow things down. That paperwork DOES have to go to council. But, only AFTER the Proposal has been approved by Council or District Project Approval Representative. See Fundraising Application Page A (did he already get signatures on this one, too??) If you have the ability to fund the project, do it.

If you have records for all this, we can submit an appeal to National and get this Master Sergeant his Eagle Award. Mostly, we would need the application. If he did, in fact, have his requirements complete before 18, National will award the Eagle. They are not usually martinets about the date of a form... You willing??

@swilliams, sent you DM as well, but for the benefit of others: If he has all signatures, have him email the Workbook (with pdf of signature page) directly to the Council or District Project Approval Representative. Contact info on proposal page B. Give a brief explanation... something like Eagle Project Coach made a commitment to submit on such-and-such a date, but this has not happened. Ask for a reply email to acknowledge receipt. He has off from school today for the holiday, right? When he sends it, have him cc his SM and Unit Advancement Chair. (again, see contact i

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. $10K - $15K is a good range for houses in your area...

Cutting off their nose in spite of their face... I see you are in Central NJ. DM me, please. If we are close enough, and you are willing, you can have your Scout multiple into our unit. We can get that proposal moved in quick time... I also have some bandwidth available and extensive contacts. Let me know what MB's? (Some can be done entirely over Zoom, if your Scout has done his/her homework.) Always remember... it's the adults that ruin Scouting 😜

I sympathize with your plight. And despite all the promises and pronouncements made, I have always harbored a suspicion that this was never about justice for victims like you. It was only a legal/business play made by BSA National to reduce exposure and protect assets. The real outcome (currently) is that it has added insult to injury. I am still hoping for some sort of positive outcome for all of you. Specifically, if the current Chapter 11 falls through, I hope the window opens for many of you to bring perpetrators and/or responsible parties to court for judgements or settle

Only they got the script wrong... "I was an Eagle Scout." For shame... I AM an Eagle Scout 😜

No. We group patrols by age. If younger ones want to join a backpacking trip, we have to factor in the two-years in age difference rule for tenting. Otherwise, elders help the juniors. If a small group, we do not allow for "strung out" backpacking. Put the slower paced up front. If you have eight or more, split into two crews. Recommend not backpacking with more than 12. Gaggle, noise, space, courtesy, impact, etc... If you are lucky enough to have more than twelve (and four adults), split into groups that go opposite directions on a loop. High fives when you pass each other

Instructors should not also serve the role of evaluators. I agree with @DuctTape's train of thought. It's not about "doing it twice." In fact, a Scout should "do" as many times as necessary to acquire the skill, THEN be tested. He only has to pass the test once.

No, brother... Chief Scout of the USA! With you as National Commissioner, we stand a good chance to turn this ship to a better course!

- What best practices can you share? Planning! Planning! Planning! And let the PLC decide what they want to do. Adults should zip it. You are there for health and safety 😜 - What defines a backpacking troop, anyway? Up to you! A Troop "ought" to be camping every month (12 times a year.) JTE Gold level asks you to have 9 short term and 1 long term camp (so 10 times). I would define a "backpacking troop" as one that does at least half its outings as backpacking... so 5 or 6 times a year. - How does your troop prepare recent crossovers and other young/small/inexperienced Scout

My first troop was a backpacking troop. We had about 25 Scouts. At meetings, we would run one mile for conditioning. Most weekend trips were 15 or 20-milers done as loops. We would drive to a campsite, or trailhead on Friday night and camp nearby, usually within a mile or two. Ten+ miles on Saturday, then finish off the rest on Sunday to where the vehicles were. We were organized as patrols at the Troop meetings, but it was every man for himself on the trail. Bring all your own gear and food. It made things really easy for the group, but there was no patrol method. Had a great tim