acco40

Scoutmaster discretion. This question seems to come up on this forum and other forums time and time again. Instead of quoting BSA policy let's look at it from the Scouts point of view. The participation requirement is explained in The Boy Scout Handbook by TO GAIN FULL ADVANTAGE of all Scouting has to offer, you need to be present when things are happening. Take part in meetings, in planning activities, and in the fun of adventures. If youre there, you can do your part to make your patrol and troop a success. During a SM conference, ask the Scout if he feels he has met this requirement. As for myself, the Scoutmaster runs the advancement program and they determine if a Scout is active. It is also understood, with a history of appeals from the national council, that set percentages may not be used to determine active. That said, I take attendance and have at my fingertips during a SM conference the boys attendance records at troop meetings, service projects, camping trips, fundraisers, etc. I use 50% or above as a rule of thumb but not a hard definition of active. An alternative approach would be to "rubber stamp" active and use the "shows scout spirit" requirement to signify if the scout was actively participating in patrol or troop events. (This message has been edited by acco40)

I didn't elect my congressman to be a "polling machine." They should think for themself (ideally sequestered in a room for two years with no access to lobbyist, polls or their constituents). After that time frame, their constituents could decide if the decisions made warrant a re-election.

My pet peeve is troop committee members, who don't even own a uniform, complaining that the boys don't where their uniform! When I was a Scoutmaster the boys always asked me when we did service projects, participated in parades or anything else in "public" in they "had" to wear their uniforms. I always responded that it is always appropriate to wear a Scout uniform to a Scouting event. Yes, the "field uniform" term is still used quite frequently but the "activity uniform" term does seem to be phasing out. As for myself, I must admit that while packpacking at Double H a few years ago, I only wore my switchback pants for five of the seven days. Q. What do you think is being accomplished by having uniform pants? A. It keeps me from getting arrested!(This message has been edited by acco40)

While I don't dispute anything in your post, please remember that Wood Badge and EDGE are not "scout skills" type courses but more "process" type courses. I've taken Wood Badge and have taken/taught IOLS. The course content is very different. Also, keep in mind that I've learned such skills as knot tying many times. In fact, I've forgotten so many knots that I've had to "relearn" them again and again! One of the difficulties of moving the joining requirements south in age is that we have 17 yr olds with 10 yr olds and that is a strange mix. Not too many high school upperclassmen relish thought of spending time with 10 & 11 year olds (that's why I like peer based patrols). However, if they choose to hold a position of responsibility such as instructor or SPL, they really should welcome that interaction.

I've had two sons earn the Eagle awared/rank. One stayed involved and was eager to become an Assistant Scoutmaster. The other couldn't wait to finish. They are less than two years apart in age. Yes, one is not driven so much by peer pressure but the other is. Can you guess which one enjoyed Scouting more?

Because the BSA application contains the DRP I guess that most Scouts and Scouters are therefore "dims?"

How many Eagle merit badges should be done by parent? Is the parent under 18? If not, none may be done by the parent. How many Eagle merit badges should a Scout be counseled on by one of his parents? As many as are assigned by the Scoutmaster.

When Scouting (BSA) began more Scouts came from rural communities than from urban communities. The rural areas were, on average, less affluent and Scouting was seen more as a community activity - i.e. lots of opportunities for fund raising and community involvement. There was more sharing of equipment, facilities and the whole community "owned" the local troop so to speak. A little like "Follow Me Boys" - without the Disneyfying it too much. Fast forward to the 21st Century and the vast majority of the population lives in large urban centers - as do the Scouts. The families tend to be more affluent and Scouting is looked upon as less of a community activity and more as an individual family activity. As such, the costs and dependence of family funds have gone up tremendously. One year, my second son attended every troop meeting (three per month minimum), every outing (11 per year minimum) and every troop fundraiser. Estimated cost that year for him (i.e. me) was $100 for dues (@$25/quarter), $215 for summer camp, approximately $330 for outings (@ $30/outing x 11 outings), and I'm sure a few other costs I don't remember. Total cost was about $700 I'm guessing. Some years he went to Jambo, Gettysburg, West Point, Philmont, Double H, etc. and the costs went up. He sold his share of popcorn - much more as a Cub than a Boy Scout when he really needed it! - and other fund raisers. For me, I have more dollars than hours but I do think it is important for him to have some skin in the game so to speak. I never wanted him to think of Scouting as something that "costs money" even though in reality it did. Was it worth it? Well, I was able to afford his basic needs - food, water & shelter and some sense of safety (a loving family) but Scouting was able to provide him with self confidence and teach him a little about achievement, respect for others and respect by others and a dash of ethics, problem solving and morality; so for me it was well worth it. I don't believe Scouting is the only program that help with the above but it is one that I enjoy to some extent.

Okay, it pains me to state this ... SIgned up to go to Double H in 2007. Took the physical and the doctore told me I was too heavy to go. I lost about 15 lbs and "made weight." The past two years gained it all back plus 5 more lbs. So ... I'm 75 lbs more than what I weighed when I graduated from college. A desk job, Michigan winters (most obese state in the nation) and wife who keeps tons of junk food in the house are my excuses. My goal - drop 1 lb a month for the next 5 years (how's that for a long term commitment?) and drop 60 lbs. My blood pressure and heart appear to be okay - I still jog occasionally but yes, my energy level is not good since I'm carrying around my own personal backpack 24/7 essentially. I'll keep you posted on progress. P.S. Hoping that shame is a good motivator!(This message has been edited by acco40)

Welcome - just got finished being the course director for IOLS. You'll find a vast array of knowledgable and not so knowledgable folks on this forum. If you feel frisky - venture into the issues and Issues & Politics section! The best part of Sea Base is the no watches, no iPods, no cell phones, i.e. Margaritaville aspect of it all.

Did the other boys follow the rules of safe swim defense? Did the APL accompany the patrol? I would use this as an opportunity to teach the patrol leader and the other patrol members about leadership, responsibility, etc. Yes, the PL is responsible but again, I would not remove him. If I was the Scoutmaster, I would talk to the SPL and have him decide (with my guidance) what to do to handle the situation.

I have a troop where my step son attends where the father is paying his son $50.00 per merit badge and $100.00 for Star, $200.00 for Life and $400.00 for Eagle. If you don't like conflict - ignore it. If you do, offer the Scout a higher price - $55/MB, $110/Star, $250/Life and $500/Eagle not to earn them and see what happens.

Who should hold the den dues? Who do you think? Who do you think should hold the pack dues?

My "adult" son, in the eyes of the BSA, could not wait to wear an adult uniform - with an Assistant Scoutmaster position and a brand new red, white and blue knot above the pocket. When I told him the Paul Bunyan award patch was just as "incorrect" on an adult uniform as on a youth uniform he just chuckled.

If your oldest son will only stay in the troop if you are the Scoutmaster - he definitely needs someone else to be Scoutmaster! Assure him of your presence regardless of your troop position and see what his take is.

I've been a Scoutmaster for over 7 years. According to our district advancement chair (and I agree), I'm the only one who is suppose to have a list of the district MBCs. No, it is not for power. It makes sure that I know currently registered MBCs, it allows me to be a gate keeper to steer clear of so-so MBCs. What bothered me was the amount of Scouts who approached me with blue cards, never signed by me, all filled out by the MBC as completed (usually the mother of another Scout in the troop). Now, I'm in the difficult position of not awarding the Scout his MB or effectively encouraging such behavior. C'est la vi.

Just a gentle reminder to all - the Scoutmaster (SM) does not choose or refuse individuals to be Assistant Scoutmasters (SAs). That is the job of the charter organization (COR & IH). However, the SM does assign tasks to the SAs so the choices of the SM are to either assign the troublesome SA a new task or no task.

1) Son #1 Eagle (knot now) 2) Son #2 Eagle (badge) 3) Me and My Guy (earned by me!. I wear it as a temporary patch to tweak the Uniform Police and certain BSA folks. It is a legitimate patch I earned from the Girl Scouts. They held an event where the girls have an outing with "their guy" - the girls scouts are much to politically correct to imply that it should be the girls father - and my daughter and I had a great time fishing all day.

Trained leaders and leaders who are less pig-headed would help too.

Liquid fuels (bug juice?) are not banned. However, from the G2SS - The use of liquid fuels for starting any type of fire is prohibited. I've had arguments when folks brought charcoal lighter fluid (banned in my book) to outings.

No soda/pop - empty (or no) calories. Expensive. Dehydrating (not hydrating) effect. Generally do not like to have individually packaged anything - pop tarts, pop, candy bars, lunchables, etc. Philmont does this and the amount of trash I've had to haul around the back country is enormous. We really don't have an out right ban but we discourage it as the standby beverage. Ramen Noodles is a staple in my backpack!

Myth: Two-deep (adult) leadership is required for all Scouting activities. Fact: Two registered adult leaders or one registered leader and a parent of a participant, one of whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required on all trips and outings. (Source G2SS) However, this "fact" while stated in the G2SS is incorrect because one may have a patrol outing with zero adult leaders if Scoutmaster approval is given.(This message has been edited by acco40)

Types of Patrols There are three kinds of patrols: new-Scout patrols, regular patrols, and Venture patrols. New-Scout patrols are for 11-year-old Scouts who have recently joined the troop and are together for the first year in the troop. An older, experienced Scout often is assigned as a troop guide to help the new-Scout patrol through the challenges of troop membership. An assistant Scoutmaster should also assist the new-Scout patrol to ensure that each Scout has every opportunity to succeed right from the start. Regular patrols are made up of Scouts who have completed their First Class requirements. They have been around Scouting long enough to be comfortable with the patrol and troop operation and are well-versed in camping, cooking, and Scouting's other basic skills. A Venture patrol is an optional patrol within the troop made up of Scouts age 13 and older. These troop members have the maturity and experience to take part in more challenging high-adventure outings. The Venture patrol elects a patrol leader, who works with an assistant Scoutmaster to put the patrol's plans into action. The above is the scouting program. Haven't we agreed to deliver the scouting program to the youth? Patrols should be peer groups - which for many is same age ranges. Why don't we stop debating if NSPs work or not and just deliver the program we promised to deliver?

Based on the look of 'em in court, they all looked fully capable of the crime. What pray tell do murderers look like? I want to be able to identify them on sight in the future so I can be safe.

I didn't have a blanket "no sticks" rule but when the troop was asked to assemble, the sticks didn't come with the Scouts. Some others I've had: no cell phones (youth), no soda/pop, ipods/mp3 players in tents & cars only. I don't like mandatory rules but when the youth have absolutely no comprehension why having ear buds stuck in their ears 24/7 when having a conversation is rude then you throw reason out the window and come up with draconean arbitrary rules. (This message has been edited by acco40)