ramanous

Sharing some positive news: https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/boy-scout-troops-utilize-skill-set-after-amtrak-train-derailment/

I definitely get what you're saying, including the struggle of keeping a troop from losing membership. To me, that's a double edge sword: for every kids that says it boring, there another that's looking for a proper Scouting experience. Who wins? You can't please everyone. Boring meetings? Are these Scout led patrols? What Scouting things does the PLC plan for these meetings? If they aren't planning meetings, then that's the primary problem. If they are, then they need be "guided" towards fun activities with positive outcomes. If your patrols and troop aren't planning meetings, then the

Which is the Outdoor program, along with the other 7 Methods of Scouting working together. If all we emphasize is the Outdoor Program and Rank Advancement, then we're being even more boxed in!

Well, I think it depends on how the methods are implemented which I think is the point you're making in the second part of the statement... These are the Methods of Scouting, and to reemphasize @Tron point, this is a Scouting program. If we're only concerned with getting highest rank and-or going camping or socializing, then that alone is not Scouting. There's other watered down youth programs for that

Outdoor Program is one of the eight official Methods of Scouting, which are derived from the Vision & Mission of Scouting. Other methods include Patrol, Advancement, Leadership, Uniform. https://troopleader.scouting.org/scoutings-aims-and-methods/ Now, how do you get other Scouters to care about implementing all eight methods? Should they be implemented with equal weight, or based on troop priority?

Well, I don't want to give-up on Scouting. It was a great experience for me as a youth, and my boy does like it in general. I keep telling myself that there's a reason we're with the troop, and I just need to stick it out and keep trying to improve things. But, its obvious that the core Scouters have a different idea about what the Aims and Methods of Scouting should be. I'm just not sure what their idea is (I get the impression its making sure the kids of the CO parents get Eagle.)

There's certainly a multiple competing forces directing the subjective priorities of any troop. My impression is that emphasis on Rank Advancement above all else, from parents (many of whom are active in the CO), and from older Scouters who are trying to keep the program from folding (recruit and retain, whatever it takes.) Hence, you have Eagle Scout factories producing Eagles that can barely tie their own shoes, let alone knots and hitches. At the same time, we've lost families frustrated that the troop appears to emulate Lord of the Flies more than the Scouting for Boys. We h

The leaders are only running the program National is pushing Its one thing when a Scout advances quickly using thier own ambition, but pushing for 1st class in a year, and Eagle by 16 waters down the brand. The fact that there's are competing interests, and not enough "bandwidth", just means a Scout has to make tough decisions about what they think is important. Hence, why some Scoutd will earn Eagle and other won't. If all Scouts earned Eagle, then its just another particpation trophy.

I concur with your previous statement about the Aims & Methods. As an Aim, perhaps its better worded or "Ethical Leadership" or "Servient Leadership". And, your idea about setting goals for the PLC is great. Now, just to convince our SM to try it. Above discussion wasn't exactly what I had in mind when I posted, but nonetheless all good comments related to my concerns. I'm a newer, but not new, scouter, and 80s era Eagle Scout. I've definitely been troubled by the same things mentioned in these posts.... ... requirements being relaxed or ignored outright. SM/BOR/TLC seem to pay no

Is a program better of to stick with the BSA program (as trained), or change the program to keep youth interested? I realize this is a bit of an open-ended question. A general example is that National provides training and guidance that tells us the troop should follow certain procedures. When some of the youth in the troop don't want to do those things, they will complain often to parents who then give the SM an earful. In some cases, youth quit because the troop and patrol expects them to meet certain obligations and be responsible. Recently had a parent pull the kid out of the troop b

All good points being made. This certainly depends on your patrol/troop culture and condition. Leadership Development is both an Aim & a Method of Scouting, and leadership skills can be learned just as any other skill. The Patrol Method provides the structure to do so, and the other methods the opportunity. Certainly a mature patrol can get away with less planning and delegation. Younger scouts, however, don't know where to start and look to the older scouts for guidance. The older patrols aren't providing the guidance, because they are mature/experience enough not to need the formali

Thank you. "Twiddling thumbs" was more of a catch-all phrase. In my observation, the scouts tend to congregate in the kitchen while cooking then disperse when it comes time to clean-up saying they helped cooked so someone else should do the clean-up (who tend to be younger scouts that then stop coming to outings.) A duty roster is absolutely the traditional way a patrol leader should manage this, but the duty rosters I've seen seem outdated. When implementing the scouting methods, certainly there is a balance between youth-led & adult-mentoring. Its great if your older scouts are pro

Whats your patrol Duty Roster look like? Fireman was a coveted role back in the day, but national now tells us not to start unnecessary campfires. The standard duty roster still features fireman, waterman which now appear to unnecessary. Our boys certainly don't bother with it. That leaves cook, clean-up and a lot of twiddling thumbs.

Thank you. Like most things involving people, I think its complicated situation so its hard to put your finger on one thing. To be clear, I don't think there's anything nefarious going on. I was not in cubs as a youth or adult, nor was my kid, though other frustrated parents were. I once thought that was maybe were some of the issue was, to be honest (I didn't "do my time" in the den). I've been involved with the troop near three years, fully trained, present at the troop events. I'm aware of how a troop is supposed to be organized and run, including systems like JTE. I was also a sc

Once a parent has been through training (not just ypt), what is a reasonable way to involve these parents in the troop? The reason I ask is that the current "senior" Scouters in the troop seem hostile towards having parents involved in the troop regardless of their experience or training. At the same time, I hear complaints about adults not wanting to step up as volunteers (which isn't true.) Most of us have scouting experience and/or training so we are aware of scouting methods and the concept of being youth-lead.