EaglePanther

I don't think anyone disagrees that scouting is about the outdoor and enjoying nature in all it's awe and beauty, but the jamboree is a bit different.

As a SM you are assigned a troop of ~ 50 including  leaders you have not worked with previously and with scouts of varying ages and skill sets.  At best you have a couple of meetings to discuss logistics, elections and then a single shakedown.  Absolutely no time to evaluate skills among the scouts.  Technology is a tool much like your knife, used appropriately it can save your life or that of another.  Sitting there staring at a phone is absolutely not tolerated and the only time I see that is when they are looking at what to do next or chatting with a parent or friend.

In the not so distant past thousands of daily newsletters were distributed, if something changed it was posted int he trading post or on placards around sub camps - tons of paper and labor have been removed with the app.  There is a calendar, a list of things you want to do, the ability to reach Jambo emergency services and even a link to jumbo youth protection violation reporting.  Most scouts only have the camera on their phone, and as they say the best camera is what you have with you.  A lot of memories would be lost if this tool was banned not to mention meeting someone new and exchanging contact, instagram or whatever they are using info to network in the future.

Jambo is not your standard summer camp, it is massive in comparison, too many benefits while at attending in utilize the app.  On troop campouts absolutely not always appropriate unless they are working on a project or merit badge where they need to take photographs.  Each unit needs to make decisions on how they handle electronics and what is good for one may not be good for another.  

At Jambo it adds to the enjoyment of the event, allows scouts to participate in many more activities, adds a level of security and safety and affords them to connect and stay connected, isn't that a huge part of the experience?

No final numbers yet, most activities seem to be half an hour to an hour and a half wait as per the app and scout feedback.  The Big Zip on the other hand has had scouts up at 3am forming a line at the dam gate to get to the reservation tent at 7am.  The staff is doing an amazing job overall and some things are simply limited by bandwidth which includes safety which is a positive.  There is more to do than anyone could possibly and yes the popular things draw larger crowds.  Patch trading, new friendships, some solid leadership training, tons of exhibitors and fun and memories to last a lifetime.  

I received and responded and am glad they are sending out a survey but question how this will help steer the initiative and why of all that could be done this is even on the docket.  The OA has been extremely respectful of native American culture and most lodges have a relationship with local tribe nations.  I have seen some lodges still use full head dress and traditional clothing, while others are not using any Indian regalia whatsoever.  I  prefer what I grew up with  which is the respectful use of full Indian clothing and accessories.  I also miss face paint as I was on the ceremony and dance teams  but that is another battle.  

The story of the OA is a theatrical production, it should reflect appropriate costuming,  what is next a  civil war movie with not confederate uniforms or flags? If this is a real issue and not just the BSA trying to  solve a problem that does not exist why not bring in a group of native Americans to provide their feedback.

Of course my favorite aspect of  this is the title of the executive who sent out a survey surrounding  Scout usage of and respect for Native American culture - Chief Scout Executive

All good points and thanks for the replies.  I am not a fan of ambiguity and not sure I like units being able to define expectations for leadership roles although I agree with the language in 4.2.3.4.3 'Holding a position and doing nothing, producing no results, is unacceptable."  We have always considered a scout in a role who is active and demonstrates leadership to meet the requirement.  This can be more challenging with other positions like quartermaster or OA rep but we have communicated what they need to do in those roles at the onset. I do not like the honor patrol requirement because it can be derailed by a number of factors that may be out of the PL hands, like growing the patrol and advancement.  The process defined to protest to the advancement committee could cause some friction with the Scout and the Scoutmaster and I am not sure a younger scout would put themselves in that position.

I would be in favor of standardizing/further defining this requirement as what is published in the handbook seems to be different from what the Guide to Advancement indicates. 

Thank you all for the input. I think we are going to hold the course we have laid and may look at further defining the requirement so everyone is aligned.

A number of leaders were chatting at camp this year and the topic of the leadership requirement for the upper ranks came up specifically what everyone was looking for in the role as opposed to just 'being' in the position.  Most of us felt that active participation, attendance and leadership in the position met the requirement.  One leader said he required the patrol to achieve honor patrol as part of the requirement and had been doing so as this was what his predecessor had done while he was an ASM.  Is this an acceptable practice?