Better4itall

Has anyone actually led Scouts through this merit badge? What worked, what didn't, and what suggestions do you have? It's Eagle required in the second half of the year, so we need to figure out how to do it.

OK - Just have to chime in here. Love the "Bripe", however I went by evidence the first time I had the assignment as Men's Cook many years ago. There's an old blue tin coffee pot with a percolator stand in our Scout trailer. Luckily for me it had water lines the inside oof the pot and the percolator strainer, so I just filled accordingly, boiled for 5~ minutes and served. After the first time I learned to always set up the coffee the night before and always have the Scoutmaster's favorite add-ins easy to find. (Happy Scoutmaster, happy Troop!)

With that perspective, it may be something to consider as part of bankruptcy reorganization or once BSA gets done being pulled through this knothole.

I came across the announcements and plans for the Atlanta Area Scout Challenge which was held this past weekend, March 18-20. (https://www.atlantabsa.org/scout-challenge) 2500 Scouts were expected from all of the Atlanta districts, plus more it looks like, and a broad array of programs for Scouts and Leaders. To my humble mind it looked like a super-camporee and university of scouting all wrapped into one. What's the feedback? How was it? What did the Scouts have the most fun with? Any press coverage?

Hmmm - thanks. But does that mean the HA Camps could be at risk?

Has the council thought about transferring the camp to a trust, in a manner similar to Philmont and all at the national level?

This is such a very sad list, and I am certain that it will grow much longer before it's done. So much history and so many memories disappearing. I've seen camps turned into city, county or state parks, as well as one or two university facilities, and there are also land trusts that could keep the character of many of the wonderful places going indefinitely.

Valuable perspective @SiouxRanger - and one that I ponder too. Remember that before there was a BSA organization, Scouting was a movement, and still is (https://www.scout.org). It's amazing that Baden-Powell's wisdom echos down all these ages.

We've seen a lot of these too, and I absolutely am thrilled whenever it happens! You get to meet other Scouters and you learn things that you wouldn't have otherwise. I asked our CE about the order in which liability was assigned once, and he explained that the first in line is always BSA, then the Charter Orgs, and then wherever it it may fall. That's why this rule is about as mission critical as the old tour permits, and really needs some attention. And when we've done stuff like this I don't ever recall an incident that required the services of an insurer, or lawyer. With that, let

Actually, @fred8033 and @RichardB, This post demonstrates why the rule is unnecessary. Who's responsibility is it to be sure that volunteers and organizations are screened and vetted? BSA National. If two or more Troops collaborate on an event, as the post says; ". . .it's automatically a council event." So why is any "approval" necessary? Any good lawyer would blow through an objection of "they didn't get approval" in about two seconds. A great lawyer will figure out how to craft rules to enable and not hinder the mission of the organization at a time when big Troops are getting sma

I've been working with our Troop long enough now that I just realized that all of the Scouts Eagling out, or finishing at 18 were not old enough to know my son when he made Eagle. So I've seen some District Commissioners come and go. Lots of good advice here to reflect on, and a couple other items: - When you visit, ask the leaders "how" questions "How do you find campsites to reserve?", "How do you plan meals on campouts?", "How can I help you?" . . . - Figure out which units are doing something well, anything, and ask them to give a hand with a unit that may be struggling in th

Hey Skeptic - I can't argue with what you're saying. Scouting grew up when folks made it up as they went along - based on the principles of Scouting, and it grew phenomenally. Your story is just one of many. It's sad that unit leaders have to play dodgeball with the rulebook now. I'm just going to keep on working with our Troop and a few friends in other Troops, and looking for resources to support the work. And hey Eagle 94-1A - saw another one of your posts about how your Scouts and Troop are doing - keep it up, man! The answers won't be found in the professional ranks - there are Tro

There are lots of things I won't say here - a Scout is courteous - but I think that the general drift of this discussion is that the G2SS directive, while intended to protect Scouting does a lot more harm than good. A far better way to put it is something to the effect of "Activities and events involving more than one unit are defined as District, Council or BSA national events. Guidance and coordination, but not permission should be sought from the appropriate levels of Scouting when needed. Collaboration, coordination, and cooperation among troops is strongly encouraged and recommended."

OK - Let's see if we can change the focus here from the rules/regs and open the discussion more to ways Troops can collaborate, combine skills and resources and make good things happen for Scouts - especially when Troops are shrinking and disappearing. Let's get back to how to's and what works. Ideas mentioned so far include: - joint campout - small scale camporee-ish weekend - self-contained summer camp with 2+ Troops - Certification/Advancement events - i.e. BSA swimming What else have Troops done that worked, or are considering? "Scouting is fun, with a pu

We have had similar experiences as well and came to similar conclusions. I think it will come down to asking forgiveness rather than permission, and working in forums like this to develop ideas, methods and so on. We've got our eye on a summer camp site that could handle 4-5 Troops well. The most important thing is to have the Scouts engaged, learning and having fun. I'm thinking a good next step is a "trooporee" or "camporette" weekend with a handful of Troops, and a strong activity focus and planning. Maybe late fall to give enough runway. Thoughts, responses?

We have had similar experiences as well and came to similar conclusions. I think it will come down to asking forgiveness rather than permission, and working in forums like this to develop ideas, methods and so on. We've got our eye on a summer camp site that could handle 4-5 Troops well. The most important thing is to have the Scouts engaged, learning and having fun. I'm thinking a good next step is a "trooporee" or "camporette" weekend with a handful of Troops, and a strong activity focus and planning. Maybe late fall to give enough runway. Thoughts, responses?

Wait, what? We have to get permission from the district to work with another Troop? Our council cancelled all inter-troop events - camporees a year before Covid. And there’s no sign of anything on the horizon. We have talked with other Troops about joint events and that is about the the only it looks like anything will happen. And in the mean time there are a lot of small troops that are struggling. Did I miss something in the thread?

The aggravating part is that this will simply drive more units away from BSA Camps, just when they need the support. A lot less paperwork to camp somewhere else. And if 2 troops happen to be camp next to each other . . . Remember, at its core Scouting is a movement, not a command and control structure.