acco40

Was it Animal Farm that stated that all animals were equal, it was just that some animals were more equal than other?

Routine labor (a job or service normally rendered) should not be considered. I don't think the "rountine" part is in reference to the institution but in reference to the Scout. It is after all a leadership project. So, if a Scout wants to paint the interior of his charter organization's building and the Scout is not a painter that may be okay. (He would need to show leadership, get Scoutmaster approval, etc.). So, is it routine labor to cut the grass? Well, yes to some. But what if a Scout made arrangements so that the grounds surrounding the Washington monument were taken care - for a full season - strictly by volunteers, as a community service to reduce the public debt? Well, it could happen! As a Scoutmaster, if planned correctly, I would give my approval for such a project.

eghiglie - I have a simple solution to your problem. At the next Court of Honor (assuming this is where you formally recognize Scouts who earn merit badges), award a merit badge to the parent. Keep a straight face, remain pleasant, An now if Mrs. Gloria Swanson would step forward, Gloria has completed all the requirements for earning the Coin Collection merit badge. Of course, she may just sit at her chair stunned but motion her up, give her the badge, shake her hand, etc. Then call another Scout up. Then, and only then, call up Johnny Swanson and award him his Coin Collection merit badge. This tactic will only cost you the price of a merit badge and should easily get the point across to everyone.

I agree with Bob White from a BSA policies and procedures perspective. However, in our troop what I do as Scoutmaster is I will not sign blank blue cards. As a minimum, I require the Scout's name and the merit badge he would like to pursue. Then I will sign it and assign a merit badge counselor. I do not write that information on the card, I have the Scout do that, but I do give him the information verbally. I have a preference that the Scout, not the parent(s) fill out all the other information. I've noticed many boys like to use pencil and I discourage that as well - stick with ink. After the Scout receives my signature and date on the card the rest is up to the Scout and his counselor. As a counselor, I fill in the requirements section and dependent on the card, one requirement or sub-requirement at a time (i.e. req. 3b) or possibly just a big complete across the section. I just make sure it is easily understood. I never hold on to a blue card and am even reluctant to transport it to the advancement chair (my wife) for a Scout.

In the eyes of the BSA, probably not. To an individual like myself, yes. And, just in case anyone really wanted to know, the answer 917 angels can dance on the head of a pin.

I was recertified last spring and yes, we were taught that the chest compressions were the most vital part. Rescue breathing and giving chest compressions is exhausting work. Also, studies have shown (according to our instructor) that those given chest compressions alone were just as likelyto survive as those given both rescue breathing and chest compressions. Everyone knows that to live, oxygen needs to get to the cells in your body. Breathing alone does not do this. Circulating blood alone does not do this. However, chest compressions will help to circulate blood and will also provide rudimentary air circulation in the lungs (assuming no blocked pathways).

I had a Bear den of 13. After the first few meetings, which I had all planned myself, I noticed that the adults (predominantly female) sat in the back and caught up on their gossip, I made the following proclamations. 1) As a volunteer leader, I have the power to dictate what goes on in the den. 2) If a parent wants to attend a den meeting, they should be available to perform assigned tasks by the den leader. If not, do not attend - you are a distraction. 3) If I don't get as a minimum, at least two ADLs, I will make the den size 8 scouts and will choose those 8. Timetable - 2 weeks. 4) If you don't agree to #1, choose another den leader. Was everything "kosher" in the above - absolutely not but you know what, the next meeting I had two mothers agree to be ADLs.(This message has been edited by acco40)

We took a crew from our troop to Double H last summer (2007). It was awesome! The only problem I made was that all the Scouts were high school athletes (wrestling team, football team, track, ski team, etc.) and I was an aging, over-weight Scoutmaster! (Seriously, I lost about 15 lbs before the trip and got myself in much better shape but could have done more). They offer three types of treks (various difficulty and duration) so if you want more mountains you can - if you have the ability. Yes, your guide is with you the whole time and our guide was fabulous (thanks Nate!). They really push LNT and also boy led. Our Scouts defined what they did and how they travelled. They liked the straight line method (the heck with the fact that it included a 2000 ft vertical climb!). Gathering, preparing water was a time consuming experience but provided everyone with something to do and was a bonding experience. We pump filtered, chemical (MIOX) and also used steri-pens. The water was great! Yes, at the half-way point you end up at a ranch for some stew and a food resupply as well as some black powder shooting, archery, etc. Again, our guide was fabulous - let the boys lead. My oldest son was the trek leader but everyday we rotated the "lead" from a GPS, orienteering perspective amongst the youth. I "led" the trek for a total of about 500 yards (out of about 40 miles) and of course was the only one to "frighten" a five foot rattle snake! The boys liked hearing their SM scream. Double H is much more rustic than Philmont. They are debating about making improvements to their base camp but again, the BSA does not own or lease the land. As Dan stated, the previous owner, willed the land to the Roucky Mountain Elk Foundation with the stipulation that they have a conservation program for youth (not necessarily the BSA). I can't wait to go back. (This message has been edited by a staff member.)

Um ... I think some of you are thinking with your hearts, not your head. Bob White is correct. Committee meetings may be closed. Take a deep breath and read the G2SS carefully. SECTION 1 - Youth Protection & Adult Leadership Barriers to Abuse Within Scouting The BSA has adopted the following policies to provide additional security for our members. These policies are primarily for the protection of our youth members; however, they also serve to protect our adult leaders from false accusations of abuse. Note: Bold type denotes rules and policies. Two-deep leadership. 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. The chartered organization is responsible for ensuring that sufficient leadership is provided for all activities. No one-on-one contact. One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is not permitted. In situations that require personal conferences, such as a Scoutmaster's conference, the meeting is to be conducted in view of other adults and youths. Respect of privacy. Adult leaders must respect the privacy of youth members in situations such as changing clothes and taking showers at camp, and intrude only to the extent that health and safety require. Adults must protect their own privacy in similar situations. Separate accommodations. When camping, no youth is permitted to sleep in the tent of an adult other than his own parent or guardian. Councils are strongly encouraged to have separate shower and latrine facilities for females. When separate facilities are not available, separate times for male and female use should be scheduled and posted for showers. Proper preparation for high-adventure activities. Activities with elements of risk should never be undertaken without proper preparation, equipment, clothing, supervision, and safety measures. No secret organizations. The Boy Scouts of America does not recognize any secret organizations as part of its program. All aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation by parents and leaders. blah, blah blah So yes, it is in the context of youth protection. Think of it like Bob White said; I think I'll invite myself to the Scout Executives performance review. What? You mean I can't attend? It says in G2SS that all aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation! What? Oh, now I understand. That said, we allow all parents, as observers only, to attend our committee meetings. If some special circumstance exists, such as in Barry's example, we don't necessarily deal with it on a committee level but possibly on a subset of the committee and Scoutmaster.

Who mentors the Troop Scribe? Why does the PLC need a Troop Scribe? The Committee Chair has every right to not have someone act as Committee Secretary and you (or anyone else) has the right to take good notes at the committee meeting and share your notes in a friendly manner with the troop!

FWIW, I work for a private defense contractor where all of the employees are civilians but we do have a few embedded military folks work with us. They wear their uniform (BDUs) at work 95% of the time. (This message has been edited by a staff member.)

I think most of you are way off base on the original question in my opinion. Most of you are looking at it from the perspective of the military (armed services). From Lisabob's original question, I think she is asking from the perspective of the BSA. The BSA does not want to be viewed as a paramilitary group. Therefore, for example, it highly discourages the wearing of camo pants to camporees by scouts or scouters. However, if a scout unit has a guest who happens to be in the armed services and is visiting in that capacity, wearing their service uniform would not be a problem at all from the perspective of the BSA (from the service that is an altogether different question). Now, if the SA in Lisabob's example shows up in a "quasi-uniform" - BDU pants and a Scout shirt - that would be a big no, no in everyones eyes. At our council dinner honoring the boys and girls who made Eagle / Venture Gold for the calendar year our company sponsored ten Scouts. I went in the capacity of representing my company and was paired with a Scout who had an interest in my profession. I'm also an active Scouter - council, district and unit level. What would be proper attire for me at that event? Well, I was told either my Scout uniform or my "job uniform" (business casual).

I like to think of the OA as a service organization as opposed to an honor organization (yes I know it is both). That way, you don't get as many gripes about who should or should not be in.

I'm signed up to go in May (2008). Looking forward to it. It is not open to all like most scouting events. A troop needs a sponsor at the USMA in able to go. My two sons are signed up too. My oldest, 17 years old, Eagle Scout, is trying to decide if he will attend his 8th summer camp this year as a youth. He is a model Scout and I really am a proud papa. Now, my other son, he just turned 16 and has been a Life Scout for over two years. He has completed all of his merit badges, position of responsibility, etc. for quite some time. He needs to complete his service project and he is balking at it and scouts in general. I hope this outing will get him interested again. He didn't want to go until I told him there would be a grenade toss competition!

Shh.... You don't work for the IRS do you? I fat fingered that one!

First, like the ads say, consult your own tax advisor ... Much training involves food - don't deduct cost for that. Uniforms - would you have bought the uniform for everyday wear? Most would not so deduct the cost. Equipment - I bought a personal tent for scout outings but may use it for family outings too so I did not deduct the cost. Mileage - as a Scoutmaster, I drive to many a meeting (roundtable, troop meetings, outings, Scoutmaster conferences, merit badge counseling, trips to the Scout Shop, etc. I record all these trips and deduct the expense the IRS has for mileage. Training - I've had Wood Badge, Philmont Training Center and a beaucoup of other training that I have not deducted because I feel I get a benefit out of it beyond Scouting, most I have not had to take and food and lodging (a camp site) was provided at most. Dues - I pay due to the national council, OA, and the troop. I don't deduct these but I guess I could. FOS - I deduct 1000% of what I give to FOS.

Place it in a nontoxic container and cover it with the beer. Eamonn - I'm dying to know what you deem a "nontoxic container." Do you keep toxic containers in your kitchen? (This message has been edited by a staff member.)

The Boy Scouts of America prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances at encampments or activities on property owned and/or operated by the Boy Scouts of America, or at any activity involving participation of youth members. Near beer is not alcohol free. It is not to be sold to minors in approximately 30% of the country. O'Doul's contains roughly 0.4% alcohol, 5% for most beers, and around 0.3% for a glass of slightly fermented fruit juice. Your automobile is a controlled substance in a literal sense. From a legal sense, a controlled substance is a drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession, and use are regulated by the government. The BSA allows alcohol to be consumed when youth are not present. If the recipe is such that the alcohol content is significantly removed via the cooking process one could bring along the alcohol in a separate container (non-labelled). Best bet is to use another recipe that doesn't include alcohol if youth are present.

As an engineer, first of all I'm appalled that 300 feet got converted to 300 yards and then attributed to a Brit. B-P, in all probability would have stated 100 meters. Second, I'll give Mr. Horn the benefit of the doubt and assume that he simply want to increase the usage of the patrol method - something I see way too little of in my area. We often go by what is easier, not what is best. Right now, in our troop I struggle to get the Scouts to formuate a program that is not one size fits all. We have 5th graders and high school seniors and no, they should not be doing the same things at troop meetings and on outings but hey, isn't it easier to organize one thing (and then be critical if need be) than actually get off our keister and organize two (or ideally three) programs?

My suggestion - go in as a listener only for the first month or so. Ask the unit what they would like for you to do - if anything. After they adults feel comfortable, tell them that your main purpose is to be a conduit for information flow to the unit (by design you can omit the fact that you are also a conduit for information flow back to the district). Above all, don't go in with the attitude that you are going to "fix" things. Advertise yourself as simply a "friend to the unit" and strive to do just that.

My ears perked up at the mention of $5500/hour. Now what on Earth could demand that rate! Here in Detroit, our mayor has done an effective job in keeping the Gov. of New York out of the headlines and I don't think it has anything to do with party affilitation. The last "republican" was William F. Buckley. Not sure what to call the current crop of "conservatives" who only rant about immigration and the biased media.

This post reminds me of a JLT experience that I found enlightening. Both the older JLT training and the current TLT training have a portion where the boys play a game that exposes them to the "big boss" type of leadership vs. shared leadership. Funny thing happened when during their reflection the boys unanimously preferred the big boss style of leadership. They were so used to authoritative adults telling them what to do that they had a preference for that rather than one of their own (usually less experienced and capable than an adult) leading them. It is a culture change not only for the adults but for the youth too to be lead by their peers.(This message has been edited by acco40)

Okay, let's put some reality in here. Our SPL informed me in early December (three months after the troop elections) that he would miss two months of meetings due to robotics. Well he just returned back to the meetings a few weeks ago. He has been SPL before, has had JLT training and taken NYLT. We are having another round of JLT on our March outing. At a meeting with the SPL (just me, I'm the SM and him in a public place) I pointed out to him that one of the responsibilities of the SPL is to help plan and run the troop level JLT. As such, I asked him for ideas. His responses were fairly generic - team building, games, etc. and oh yeah, I won't be able to make it - I'll be out town. Did I communicate ineffectively? Was the SPL just lazy? So as SM, what course of action do I take? (rhetorical question - please don't answer.) That is our job as mentors, guides and role models. We have to be able to balance these sort of things. Do I wait for a better thought out plan from the SPL, let the SPL "fail", step in an plan it myself, pass the task on to a first time ASPL, etc.? The correct answer really depends on all the parties involved and it is easy for those of us out in cyber land to cherry pick the mistakes and foibles from the outside. dScouter15 - I'd try to stay away from any movie that was not action packed and try and use one that had boys in the 11 - 18 year age group making decisions and showing leadership. The Wood Badge syllabus (at one time) had Remember the Titans and October Sky.

t says that each Adult Leader in the unit needs to provide PROOF of completing the required training for their current position. So what has changed? The above sentence mentions required training and you imply that training may now be required? Luckily, I'm registed in a Boy Scout Troop (as Scoutmaster), so I do not specifically require training for outings! (Packs need BALOO) All I need is youth protection and I'm good to go.

anarchist - While your are correct in stating that SPLs and ASPLs are not in a patrol I believe you are in error stating the same for Troop Guides. A troop guide is a member of a patrol, just not a member of the patrol he is guiding.