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InquisitiveScouter

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Posts posted by InquisitiveScouter

  1. 27 minutes ago, Eagledad said:

    How can a program build character.

    The program doesn't.  People build character in themselves and in other people.  We adults are supposed to be setting the example (Association with Adults, anyone?)  Unfortunately, a great many Scouters I have come across are not "people of good character".  Blame the Co's on this one...most often, the adult leaders are just the ones who volunteer to do it, without regard as to whether that person is a "positive role model"  "Scouts learn a great deal by watching how adults conduct themselves."

    "I think yesterdays overburdened Cub program steels the illusion of fun from the adult perspective and they loose any enthusiasm of it for their kids."

    You got that right!!

    • Thanks 1
  2. 1 minute ago, fred8033 said:

    Of everything happening recently with BSA, ScoutBook is my big fear.  I've grown accustomed to it.  I was not in favor initially, but I've gotten used to it.  We only use it for roster mgmt and advancement  / recognition.  But within that context, it does work.  

    I really fear national becoming unable to support it.  Councils, units and individual scouts have grown very dependent on it.   That's a large user base for such a small IT organization such as BSA must have.  

    It is our primary platform for event scheduling, communication, advancement tracking, and financial transactions (outings, dues, summer camp payments, etc.)

    Whatever comes next must provide similar or enhanced capabilities, along with a seamless transition.

  3. 9 minutes ago, qwazse said:

    As a general rule, it's always better to perform scouting as if National doesn't exist and be pleasantly surprised when they do something that benefits your scouts.

    That's good advice.  We already operate with that attitude towards national, council, and district.  The danger is in going rogue ;)  But then, most other unit leaders around here, that I have observed (and continue to see), don't take the time to read the literature, practice the skills, or put the "true" program into place.  

    Scoutbook actually enabled our "departure" from district and council to a great degree.  So much functionality and promise... 

    Alas, it doesn't sound like the future "solution" @CynicalScouter relayed holds much to look forward too...

    (Lol, just realized I didn't mention regional...what do they do again??)

  4. National has really failed membership on this one.

    They abandoned direct member support for Scoutbook issues and pushed all interface through local council registrars, with zero training or warning (our council registrar was and remains livid.)

    Our registrar doesn't have the time or expertise to fix any issues.  She just throws work tickets back at national.

    With no responses from those, she kicked several issues to me.  I have been able to help some folks, but with most, I have had to post issues in the Scoutbook forums and get Scoutbook User Advisory Council (SUAC) volunteers to work issues because they have permissions.  God bless the SUAC folks, but this is just wrong that we have come to this.

    I have been getting really tired of being "a useful idiot" for BSA lately.  I work diligently to put on a good program for our Troop, and our local council and national (over the years) have repeatedly <expletive deleted> on adult volunteers.  They are being paid to support membership, but I am seeing little value-added support.

    Perhaps liquidation will provide the "creative destruction" needed to reset the Scouting program (sans BSA) in the US.

  5. 5 minutes ago, yknot said:

    Yes that really is one of the best things that Qwazse has ever said. It is so profoundly true. 

    Why, though, is scouting having such a hard time seeing this? 

    Because the underlying motive (I perceive) in many youth, and their parents, is to aim for freedom from responsibility, rather than freedom to choose your responsibilities, and then living up to them.  I hope I am wrong.

  6. 3 minutes ago, mrjohns2 said:

    I can’t tell if you are being facetious or not. Our unit commissioner attends all Pack, Boy Troop, and girl troop meetings. He lets us know when he can’t. He also attends a normal unit meeting of each, each month or so. He does this for three COs. Each have 2 or 3 units. So, I’m the 3 years I have been on the troop committee, the commissioner is always there to help. He does a great great job of not “getting in the way”, but is there when needed. 

    You are the exception, I think.

    • Upvote 2
  7. 10 minutes ago, yknot said:

    I don't know why they changed but outside of scouting BP has a problematic history that has nothing to do with cancel culture. Most scouters just know the official biographies about him. There has been a lot more published, some outright scurrilous, some serious research, that has to be taken as a part of the whole when considering him. For my part, I think he had some great insights into the minds of kids and how to engage them in constructive fun - an approach that I think works for girls as well as boys by the way - but he was by no means the paragon that the scouting world has set him up to be. I don't fault people for being a product of their time but he had some weird interests including a morbid fascination with executions. He was not a normal guy. 

     

     

    There are no paragons (save one, but that's a religious discussion).  There is no "normal guy."  I'm sure, being human, you have as many deep flaws as I do...

    It is still "cancel culture"

    From the link @CynicalScouterprovided, "By retaining his name as ours, we associate too closely with his entire legacy, including his racism, imperialism, colonialism, sexism."

    That's a lot of "...isms", and belies a deeper self-loathing associated with the "woke"

    • Upvote 1
  8. 1 hour ago, SSScout said:

    What think ye on this?   A "Promise to Parents", not a "promise to kids"?  

    https://www.crossroadsbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/Scouts-BSA-2021-Promise-to-Parents-Troop-Brand-Standards61.pdf

    I address your attention especially to the last paragraph.  

     

    Metrics?  Control?   Pro's vs volunteers?   National vs local?    

    Will the Scout remember the ribbon on the flag or the rain on the canvas? 

    What is the real mission here?

    Parents, you keep the revenue stream open (membership and fundraisers), and we'll keep your Scouts advancing.

    Versus: Parents, we need your support to focus all resources and efforts to  "... prepare young people [your Scout] to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law."

  9. 1 hour ago, CynicalScouter said:

    Nothing was announced, no. The phrase was used several times in terms of BSA's goals to expand "diversity, equity, and inclusion" in terms of board representation, outreach to scouts, etc. But not the merit badge.

    I imagine they have significant scar tissue from the backlash it caused...best to let sleeping dogs lie for the moment.

  10. 12 hours ago, Armymutt said:

    I just found out that our pack doesn't meet in the summer.  I'm not sure why.  Seems like a great way to lose members.  I seem to remember Scouting being a year-round activity.  We've overcome so much sluggishness to start building the pack, and then we're going to waste it?

     

    11 hours ago, Armymutt said:

    That's the thing.  There's so much light, it's perfect for meeting.  We meet in the dead of winter when it's dark before we arrive.  Why not enjoy the sunshine?

    All your observations are spot on!  (and no school!) Run your program during the summer.  Have a blast!

  11. I have never seen Scouts (youth) wear ponchos during outdoor activities and stay dry.  They (the Scouts and the ponchos) require a good deal of management to stay unsoaked.

    And you still need something for lower legs and boots...

    Ponchos do work great when sitting still, waiting for the rain to pass.  But, " a boy is not a sitting-down animal."

    Your mileage may vary.

  12. Here's the entry for rain gear in our Troop blog that we encourage new Scouts and parents to read and heed:

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

    Rain gear: Don’t get a poncho, please. Ponchos are nearly useless. The best rain gear for Scouting is a two piece rain suit. Buy a set a size too large, as your Scout may need to put on extra layers underneath to stay warm. Frogg Toggs makes a good entry level set for about $25. Please choose a subdued color. Bright colors aren’t really suitable for our adventures in the woods.

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

    As mentioned above, Frogg Toggs are somewhat fragile.  That's why we call them "entry level."  If a Scout really loves the program and wants to go for more challenging adventures, then we tell them to invest more in better gear.  REI, Columbia, HH, and any number of other purveyors of quality outdoor gear have suitable suits that will suit your needs :)

    In warmer weather, and for backpacking, I use a lightweight REI shell.  ~$60, https://www.rei.com/product/177196/rei-co-op-groundbreaker-rain-jacket-20-mens

    In cold weather, I use my military issued Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) (Gen III) wind jacket.  https://ciehub.info/References/peosoldier.army.mil/factsheets/SEQ_CIE_ECWCS.pdf  Don't really prefer this in warmer weather just due to the weight and warmth...

    In all weather, I carry the ECWCS bottom, but rarely use it. https://military.wikia.org/wiki/Extended_Climate_Warfighter_Clothing_System  Primarily keeps rain and snow out of your boots as @SSScout and others mention.  I've seen lots of folks on the trail use gaiters for this purpose instead...

    You can get these (in outdated camo patterns like Woodland) as surplus (or on EBay) at a very reasonable price. 

    Enjoy!

    P.S.  Color is a matter of Troop and personal preference.  Bright colors are helpful if lost/separated/etc.  Subdued colors are a LNT consideration, to blend in and not be visually obnoxious in the woods.  There are reversible models https://www.ganderoutdoors.com/blocker-outdoors-men’s-shield-series-evolve-reversible-parka-627600.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign={Campaign}&gclid=CjwKCAjwqIiFBhAHEiwANg9szorDbANobQBk_zt3emln-eNSnidymnDcb_ElK45-FhSrWVUAR0rzABoCxpoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds  

    But that is way down on my list of gear to procure and test ;)

    We do have our Scouts purchase a reversible fleece hat, as we hit the woods during hunting season as well!! https://www.amazon.com/Equipment-Camouflage-Fleece-Reversible-Cuffed/dp/B07WVT6XBF/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=reversible%2Bblaze%2Borange%2Bfleece%2Bhat&qid=1553806549&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-9&th=1

     

     

     

     

     

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