CaveEagle

I am glad this topic came up, because it reminded me of a SMs position that really confused me. I was the troop CC and had asked the SM if he wanted me to help out as a patrol advisor for my son's patrol. BTW my son's patrol was getting virtually no guidance from the ASM who was assigned to two patrols. The SM told me that he would be happy for me to serve in this position, but not for my son's patrol. Two of my son's patrol members live in our neighborhood and are at my house all the time anyway, so it would have been very easy for me to help out with this group. I also travel a lot and am out of town quite a bit.

I could have made a made a valuable contribution to this patrol. I do understand the need to let my son be out "on his own". I have been very carefull to give him plenty of space. Actually, I make it a habbit to ask him if he wants me to attend to camp-outs / events that he attends. To date, he has never aksed me not to attend.

CE

What about running the Coleman propane heaters in a vented 3-season tent? The packages claim they can be safely used. My concern is they could be knocked over or possibly melt something.

CE

Last night we went with my sons tiger den to a "Scout Night" NBA game. (had a great time) At half time, I was nominated to supervise a few Tigers on a "potty run". This is when I realized we have a problem with Tiger belts. I am sure that most of you are aware that 6yr old boys tend to wait 'til the last minute to declare "I got to go!". I know that my boy has trouble with the buckle, so I had already loosened his for him. It did not occur to me that the other two tigers would have the same probem. It was a cub leader from another pack that alerted be to the unfolding situation. Fortunately, with the (supervison of plenty of other Adults) we got the boy unbuckled and disaster was avoided.

What was the BSA thinking when they created the Tiger Buckle? Now that many 6yr olds will be wearing the blue uniform, there needs to be a better option.

Solutions I have thought of:

1. New BSA Tiger Buckle w/ quick release. (not likely)

2. Ditch the BSA Buckle asap.

3. Ask parents to work with boys on Buckle Proficiency.

4. Refuse to supervise "potty runs" without Buckles pre-released.

Has anyone else observed this problem?

CE

A very similiar variation to this "venture" patrol is being attempted in my son's old troop. My concern with this is the real motivation behind it. Our troop as well, was very young and trying to keep a few older boys interested. The more questions I asked of the boys and the ASMs, the less support I had for the idea. In our group, There were really only a very few things that the "older" boys wanted to do that the younger boys SHOULD be excluded from. It was my perception, that is was more about wanting and elite distinction between them and the "younger" scouts. I can recall my son and his two 12yr old friends returning from a troop hike very upset. I had to pry out of them what the problem was. The troop had been separated by the SPL into Older / Younger boys and sent hinking into separate directions. The Older boys taking the (presumably) High Adventure path. After the older boys returned, bragging about what a great time they had, dissention was brewing.

My second objection has to to with program capacity. Especially with a young/small troop. IMHO, there are a finite number of days/nights that each scout/scouter are willing/able to commit to a program. With the venturing / High adventure concept, you are actually proposing a separate program. I propose that it is virtually impossible to do this without drawing resources away from the traditional troop program. As CC I camped with our troop several times to meet the minimum adult requirements. Yet, some of our ASMs wanted to commit to "Venturing / High Adventure" activities that the majority of our troop would not be "qualified" for. Your Boy leaders will likely fall into this same trap.

I am not saying that it can't work, just a few watch outs.

BTW our new troop (we moved) has 50+ active scouts 1/3 >14 with no Venture Patrol or crew.

CE

Great to hear from you.

I earned my Eagle while living on an army base in Germany. There were several dedicated young Scouters from that Army base that were very helpfull to me. I am sure that I would not have been able to complete my Eagle without their unselfish commitment to scouting.

Thanks to them, and you!!

CE

As long as you are planning to continue serving as an Adult leader, you should replace your Eagle rank and AOL patches with the "knots". There is one for both Eagle and AOL. Make sure that you get them on right side up! (There is a top and bottom that is not obvious) The BSA insignia guide (pg 45) shows this much better than I can explain.

I am pretty sure that you should only wear the "Trained" patch if you have been trained for your current position. So, if you will be serving as an ASM, you should remove it untill you are trained for that position.

CE

I just got a brand new copy of "Follow me boys" from Best Buy. (< $20)

I am pretty sure that I saw it at Wal Mart also.

CE

They can only earn their "Wittling Chit" as Cubs / Weblos.

Earning the "Totin Chip" would allow them the use Axes, hatchets & hand saws. (A very scary thought for 10 yr olds)

CE

I just attended my younger sons' first "Tiger" camp out. During the daily activities, I proudly wore my uniform with my three knots. I was surrounded by many experienced and brand new scouters (including my sons new tiger den leader). By the end of the day, the Tiger DL was asking me what uniform she should be wearing, and where was the best place to aquire it. There are way too many cub scouters (that I have seen) that do not wear the uniform.

I must admit that I like to wear the insignia that I am entitled to, but I actually get as much interest in being able to meet new scouters (and scouts) and be able to know a lot about them instantly by the uniform insignia they are sporting. I am often asked questons during scouting events and it is nice to know the context of the question.

By the way, aren't those beads visable in pictures of Baden Powell?

CE

Back in my days as a DL, I had a parent suggest that I should not hand out the "Cuboree" patches until after the meeting so that the two boys that were absent did not "feel bad". I seriously doubt that anyone reading this would have objected to my reaction of "no way!".

In my Den, out boys all progressed in rank together. This seems to be fairly normal since boys are grouped by age and the program is very adult driven. This can create problems of understanding particularly with parents when cubs cross over into a troop. One of my former cubs' parent (mom) had a virtual fit at the first Court of Honor (after the cross over to Scouts), when her son did not get his Tenderfoot rank, like the other 4 boys that joined at the same time.

I refrence these examples to demontrate how prevalant this mentality has become.

CE

We had a round patch made for the Temp position on the right pocket. This gives recognition the the CO and allows us to award activity segments that around.

Works well!

CE

Our Troop as had a hard time getting enough adults to "commit" to camping. Some need to show up late or leave early due to work. As our troop CC, I have a standing offer to Camp with the troop when needed. My only stipulation is that my cub-aged son can come along. I am completely prepared to be fully responsible for his supervision. He has now attended at least 8 events without a single issue. I know that this is not a model that all troops should et policy by, but it has worked for us. there have been at least 3 camp-outs this year that would have been cancelled without my involvement.

Before I get jumped on for "dragging" my younger kid around... It is always his decision. He has decided not to camp a couple of times. He loves to camp and hang out with dad. The Cub packs in our area hardly camp at all. (!??)

CE

Anything that could even develope into hazing should be forbiden. I know that we had some "fun" with "snipe hunts" and "bacon stretchers", and I can't remember anyone being scarred for life. But, from my current persective as a scouter, we need to make sure that all new scouts are treated with dignity and respect.

CE

The Trans-Atlantic Coucil Has used their own Activity segments for years. They are really cool. They are still issued to wear around the 2.5" council patch on the temp patch location.

We have just started a similiar program for our troop. We had a "Troop" Round Patch made. We can now recognize scouts for activities where they don't get any other formal recognition. This seems to be very effective so far.

Now that we do not have "skill awards", the younger scouts do not get a lot of recognition (my opinion). We had some very active 1st-2nd year boys that were working on rank well enough, but would walk away from the COH with not much to sew on.

I am a strong supporter of activity segments.

CE

This does not mean you must be a registered scout for two years. It means that your 15 nights of camping must have occured "within" the last two years. So, Camping only 7 nights per year won't get you there, even if you are a scout for 7 years. I see it as a way to measure activity level and commitment.

CE

My Troop was very isolated. (Troop 98, Bad Kreuznach Germany) We had to hunt for MB Counselors. Teachers were a great resource. My JROTC teacher was my counselor for Rifle/Shotgun, Public Speaking and P.fitness. Band Teacher for Music. Auto Shop Teacher for Automotive.

Great Resources!!!

CE

FB,

I must agree with the poster from the original thread. The Cub program has gone a bit overboard. There are three separate Den leader knots available. One would do just fine.

In the Boy Scout program, there should be a "Scouter" recognition award. This would be awarded to Committee members or MB Counselors just as the "Cub Scouter" award is available. The usual requirements for training,tenure, & results would apply. As our troops CC, I am getting ready to submit the "BS Leader" application for 3 leaders in our unit. One of which has been advancement chair & MB counselor for several years. I think there should be some distinction made between the ASMs and other scouters.

CE

Hello!

My younger son will be starting Tiger Cubs this year. I wish I has access to this type of forum 7 years ago when my older son stared cubs.

CE

-Try indoor volley ball with a baloon and some yarn (for the net).

-balancing games: see who can stand on one leg the longest.

-For crafts: help them make neckerchief slides. Now that the Tigers are wearing them. This will also help parents find a slide while rushing out the door to the den meeting.

Have Fun!!!

CE

I have heard some adult leaders claim "I am not in this for recognition" and use this argument to criticise scouters with two to three rows of knots. I generally dissagree with this point of view. I have come accross very few scouters that were not extreemely dedicated, and perfectly willing to sacrifice their own resources without any compensation or recognition.

I think there should be more recognition awards (Knots) for scouters. The Cub program offers about 5 (from memory), and they make a clear distinction for each position held. (ie: Tiger Coach, DL, Weblos DL, CM, & Cub Scouter) I think that many MB counselors probably hold some other position that would qualify them for the Scout Leader Award. There should be some distinction between service as a MB counselor, Committee member and ASM.

CE

If you don't mind using an off-shore company. The "My Embroidery Company" in in China and has been very helpful for the small run patches they made for me.

Good Luck!

Contact: amanda@myemblem.net

**before anyone freaks, check how much of your gear is made outside the USA.

CE

I definately recommend staying at the McMillan Woods campsite.

When you do the 9-mile (probably longer) "Billy Yank" trail, I would recommend you start right from the McMillan Woods Campsite and hike accross the Battlefield to the Visitor Center. This leg is at the end of the path if you follow the book. Once at the visitor center, follow the directions from the guide book until you get back the last turn accross the battlefield. You will be just a 1/4 mile from the Campground. This way you don't need to drive to the start/finish point and will cover the same distance.

The "horse" trails were extreemly Muddy near "Big Round Top" Some of our "sneaker clad" scouts had to dig their shoes out of the mud!!

CE

Big Dog,

Our troop just went there last month and had a great time. Check out the York-Adams Council website. They offer a unique "Gettysburg Historic Trails" Patch set & Award if you follow their program. This really helped us get more out of the trip. It was a stretch to get all the required elements in, but we did a whole lot more than anyone expected. We just gave out the Patches & Awards to the 13 scouts that participated and they were all really "fired up".

CE

**from summer camps**

I have also had trouble finding objective information about scout camps. the "scoutcamp.org" site is very complete and has been a great help, but it does not give you any real sense of a camps quality. After two summers of marginal summer camps, I would like to recommend some camps to our scouts that have a great track record.

Is anyone interested in posting a scout camp "honor roll" here??

skip the negative stuff. If you've had a great experience, tell us about it.

I would like information about: progams, organization, facilities, camp staff, discipline, location, and any other unique features.

CE

I have also had trouble finding objective information about scout camps. the "scoutcamp.org" site is very complete and has been a great help, but it does not give you any real sense of a camps quality. After two summers of marginal summer camps, I would like to recommend some camps to our scouts that have a great track record.

Is anyone interested in posting a scout camp "honor roll" here??

skip the negative stuff. If you've had a great experience, tell us about it.

I would like information about: progams, organization, facilities, camp staff, discipline, location, and any other unique features.

CE