Crew21_Adv

Joni,

Greetings!

I tread a fine line with this topic. Here are my concerns regarding this topic.

The Patrol Method is the way to lead a troop. However, troops, patrols and Scouts need Adult Association.

Scouts can certainly succeed. They sometimes also fail, and I do believe that Scouts can learn from those experiences as well.

But I certainly do not believe they will learn anything from mistake after mistake after mistake.

I have asked older Scouts, Troop Guides and Instructors to attend PLC and plan the Troop meetings out in advance. When it is show time, more than half of the older boys are in the corner, chit-chatting, talking about girls, talking about video game cheat codes and music downloads.

A few older Scouts do help out the New Scout Patrol. But it usually takes a few ASMs, using Adult Association to encourage the older Scouts to engage in training Scout skills and advancement skills with the NSP.

When it is time for fun, heck yes, they work as a fine oiled machine. I have never seen a Patrol so disciplined. But when its time to learn Scouting skills, hygene, cooking, KP, merit badge performance, and etc; they sometimes need more adult association.

So finding an even keel between the youth led Patrol Leadership and the appropriate amount adult association is the key.

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Anne,

Sounds like lil' Alligator has plenty of love around the house then.

Sorry your daughter missed GS Sunday, but sounds like she had good company with him. Speedy Recovery!!!!

Crew21 Adv

Anne,

Hopefully lil Alligator makes a full 150 mph recovery.

To add a couple of amazing recovery stories........

Although not a pet.... I've seen a few amazing recoveries from people using a window as a door. I've had a cousin exit the back sliding glass door without opening it. He took a couple of surgeries on his legs.

But the one that amazed me (he brought the newspaper back to prove it), I had an employee which took a routine vacation and returned to his hometown to see family. My employee was with his family on the final day of his vacation when they went to a local pizza parlor in a strip mall. My employee entered the Pizza Parlor thru the front window.

As he and his family were walking along the sidewalk along the mall's storefronts. A little old lady (go figure) put her car in drive instead of reverse, hit the accelerator and flew up and over the concrete pylon and then up onto the sidewalk curb.

He was the only one hit. Sending him about five feet in the air and about 10-15 feet forward, thru the Pizza parlor window, and over a window booth in the restuarant. His parents and siblings watched him fly thru the air right in front of them.

After catching his breath and shaking it off, he was able to stand. Minutes later EMTs took him to the town hospital for a check up. Beyond a few scratches, he was okay. A few small cuts, but not even a bruise.

Nobody at work would have believed his story, if he had not brought the family photos and newspaper back with him.

Hopefully lil alligator makes a quick recovery and uses the door from now on!!

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

EatingCantaloupe,

Greetings!

Certainly! Please understand what I meant.

Sometimes our first plan (or Wood Badge ticket) doesn't go as planned, so we have to improvise alternative plans. (Such as when weather doesn't agree with a weekend campout, summer camp plans, Cub Day Camp events)

My Troop's Annual Plan and my Venturing Crew Calendar is about 75 percent successful. We accomplish about three out of every four goals written months earlier. We still have monthly events, but sometimes change our events because of a variety of reasons.

Similarly, the ticket items and goals may need to be changed or modified. But they are still for the same agenda; for you to deliver a good program to your youth. That is essentially what I meant, when I stated "its for the boys".

I would expect most Wood Badge course directors would still be excited that you are still aiding Scouts to learn and advance. Either thru your original ticket or even a modified ticket.

Modified ticket items may have a different route, but still the same agenda.

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

EatingCantaloupe,

I hope that the rest of your ticket process goes much easier.

In real life, I have carried a few books of local trails. While the boys, fellow leaders and I have taken these trails, we have hit huge mud pits, fallen trees, or swollen rivers. We have had to look at our map and local trails book, back-tracked and taken side trails to overcome these natural obstacles. A little extra effort, and short fused planning, but we have had to back track, and taken an alternate trail to get to the trail's end and back to camp.

Some people may say, that the ticket process is only a beginning, not the ending to achieving the Wood Badge recognition.

In most Councils the Course Director, along with the Council Scout Executive and Council Executive Committee knows where there are needs. (What camps needing staff, what equipment needs to be fixed, what district critically needs training, etc, etc)

With the executive committee in agreement, it is easier for a Course Director to steer a Wood Badge participant towards meeting that council need.

But.. Yes. Still, sometimes there is a lack of support. There are traditionalist "My way, or no way at all". There are those that are afraid. There are protective Scouters. There are uneducated Scouters.

Yes.. Some Scouters and Fellow Wood Badge participants return and hit a few brick walls. It has happened to others, that tickets are modified, to still allow a Wood Badger to complete their mission, satisfy another need, and if an obstacle cannot be overcome, then taken the other path around it.

It is good to have a "coach counselor" or "permanent Patrol Guide", to help a recent Wood Badger overcome those obstacles. Especially in an area where there is a need, and you are willing to deliver the program to satisfy that need.

Some of us have experienced similar fustrations. And dealing with other Scouters may not always be easy, but keep the end in mind "its for the boys", look towards the end results of delivering the promise. If you feel that you are still hitting a brick wall, talk with your Patrol Guide or Scoutmaster about these obstacles.

Good Luck, Keep your chin up, and Keep working on your ticket!!

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv(This message has been edited by Crew21_Adv)

Bensmom,

Pack378 has mentioned Goodwill stores. Those are excellent locations to find BSA and GSUSA resale shirts. Have you tried looking in the local yellow pages for second hand shops, charity stores or resale shops?

Years ago, I have visited just a few to increase our trade closet/uniform exchange. I even found a 1973 National Jamboree participant patch still attached to a 2 dollar complete uniform.

Sometimes you can find a real "treasure chest" of shirts in these stores. But call first, because some other Scouters may wipe them out tyring to build their trade closet.

Good Luck!

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Fellow Arrowmen,

Greetings!

For years, I've seen some excellent Arrowmen visit and explain the meaning of the OA and election procedures.

No matter how well these Arrowmen conduct themselves, there is still often confusion with the 11, 12, maybe 13 year old Scouts and maybe some older.

Finally in 2004, I viewed an OA election video during an election. Although it was a 1999 video; to me, it was the best thing since sliced bread. Since then, when conducting OA elections, my Chapter has found the election videos explain the purpose of the OA very well. The seem to have been written by the National OA Committee and assisted by Unami Lodge 1.

Then after viewing these videos our Arrowmen can amplify any specific points or answer any questions.

For a couple of years now, I have inherited the 1999 VHS OA Unit Election. http://www.oa-bsa.org/annc/oaannc1999.htm

Now thinking that 99 OA Unit Election video was outstanding, in 2008 I have very recently found the 2001 edition of the OA Unit Election, online at http://training.oa-bsa.org/?action=browse&dir=Videos/

Maybe I'm a little slow on the uptake sometimes. But where can I get a DVD copy of this 2001 OA election video??!!!

Both videos are great. But the most recent 2001 edition seems to explain procedures even better. After downloading a copy of the 2001 video from the OA training page, I can only show it with a laptop computer and S-video to RCA jack. Not horribly difficult, but I would prefer for our OA election teams to just carry an envelope, pencils and either a DVD or VHS (without a youth asking for a computer or bringing their parents laptop)

Now for my question.

Does anyone know where I can obtain a VHS or DVD of this 2001 OA Unit Election Video?

Thank you!

WWW

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Warren,

Greetings!

Congrats again on taking Wood Badge this year! Your Pack will benefit from what you will learn.

Regarding your question. The ticket is normally five different agendas or projects. Mostly they apply to your primary registered Position. During your second weekend, you will probably receive blank forms, some instruction, and time to discuss your own ticket with the Course Director.

Comparing it to the college system, it would be similar to a University Dean asking you to write your own Performance Examination, before awarding your diploma.

You may have some ideas, to create a better program in your Cub Scout Pack, which you should certainly go to Wood Badge with. But it will be a negotiation of your ticket items or goals between yourself, your coach counselor, and the course director (Mr/Ms Scoutmaster) of what actually makes it onto the paper ticket you will carry home.

Most times the Scoutmaster may know what needs should be satisfied in most units. For example, more effective communications between Cub Scout parents, may be satisfied by a Pack Newsletter.

Congrats and hope to hear(or read) good things about your ticket, and even more, about your ticket completion!

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Wingnut,

Yes.. Very realistic!!!

Great idea!

Slip and slide and outdoor showers (wearing swim trunks of course)!

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Scoutingmama,

Greetings!

I guess I'm chiming in late too.. But to respond to your comments.

All units should have a Unit Commissioner. If nothing more than to let the unit know that someone outside of their unit is concerned about their unit's successes and advancements. Rather than receiving certificates and streamers in the mail, a Unit Commissioner from the district may deliver a streamer or award in person.

Many years ago, the Commissioner would have been the seasoned expert to visit and answer questions.

Just 10-15 years ago, many of us Scouters did not have a Scouter blog to chat with. Most of our units did not have webpages, emails, online documents, resources such as Scouting.org did not exist, neither did scoutstuff.org. Or even amerature Scouting websites like USSSP or Baloo's Bugle didn't exist years ago. So now, in 2008, it is easy to learn or find a standard BSA Advancment answer, without having to consult a Unit Commissioner.

I would agree with most; it would be ideal if a Unit Commissioner was a Scouters primary registration. And that their own Scouts have long been grown and the UC's enjoy the program today, as much as they did years ago. But I am equally happy just having a visitor from District.

These current Unit Commissioners may still deliver local program themes, what's happening at the next camporee, the summer camp promotions, and maybe some "how-to" demonstrations.

I'll agree, a successful unit may be less concerned about what "this guy" can do to help, when no help was requested. But I enjoy the company of my fellow Scouters, and would certainly appreciate a Unit Commissioner stopping by for a business or social call.

I would ignore the gossip (or scuttlebutt), it doesn't help anyone.

Do you really need a Unit Commissioner? Yes, every unit should have a friendly unit commissioner. Highly successful units, and those units desiring to become highly successful.

What can you expect to happen?

Hopefully your newest Unit Commissioner will visit your unit a little more frequent than you talk with the District Executive. If it has really been a few months ago, either your unit is MIA or your DE is MIA.

Welcome your Unit Commissioner to any meeting. I would. Wouldn't you?

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

OGE,

Video games won't replace the real thing. But maybe on those cold winter days or rainy days it may re-enforce what our Scouts have learned.

How about a portion with Shotgun shooting. The clay targets can increase from one, then two, then multiple. Launching across and away from the shooter, to launching across and towards the shooter.

With today's technology, it can show a miss, to barely clipping a clay target (watching it wobble across the screen) to blowing the clay target to dust.

Maybe a merit badge jeopardy-style to accumulate points. or a virtual Kim's game.

How about an action archery, (like a first person shooter game) running thru a course with an archery set and shooting swinging milk jugs, with the "flu-flu" or rubber tipped arrows.

Maybe a Wii game, with a mile swim? That should tire out some energetic Scouts before bed.

I wonder if there is anyway to practice tying knots in a video game.

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Fellow Venturers and Sea Scouters,

So back to Oak Trees question...

Can a Ship and Crew share the same COR and number? Or must the younger (or more recently chartered) ship or crew have a new number?

Specialty code or not. I understood them to be separate units, and may share the exact same number.

Bottom line. Can they share the same number or not?

Crew21 Adv

DugDirt,

Greetings!

You have already received some excellent advise.

I belive troops can go thru peaks and valleys over the years. Also, an old quote "Rome wasn't built in a day", may be true.

I would add a few comments that you will probably hear over and over.

It may be difficult to grow a troop.

Attend all the training you can. Beginning with NLE and Scoutmaster Specifics, and attend monthly Roundtable. Ask the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster if they have attended these training events. Ask the Troop Committee Members if they have conducted training. Ask the Scoutmaster if they conduct Troop Leadership Training, or send Scouts to NYLT.

Next, I would return to the Pack and be an advocate for the Troop. Tell the Webelos Den Leaders and their parents that this small troop in your town, can easily become their sons' troop. Not a violent coup against the regime, but quickly augmenting the current leadership, with more and more help.

If the 2008-2009 Webelos families cross over, have the parents join as active ASMs and active committee members. Then they may advise their new Scouts. Bring ideas up at the PLC and discuss it with adult association.

Ideally this single small troop, may get back on the Scouting trail and heading towards a mountain top experience once again.

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Oak Tree and Fellow Venturers,

I've thought of that also. Although our SeaScouts, BSA have followed Venturing advancement recently, they still seem to be a separate unit.

A fellow Scouter had told me to check out the Scouting forms, while we were debating this same topic. We discussed, maybe there is more insurance involved with a Ship (or Venturing Sea Scout activities, beyond Venturing high adventure).

If you look under the Scouting.org/forms

The New Youth Application, New Adult Application, New Unit Application and Unit Advancement Report have the ability to select Ship.

Although, the Venturing youth should be able to earn the awards across the Venturing spectrum. I guess the Venturers and Unit needs to be registered as either a Crew or a Ship.

IMHO. The way I read it then. A Chartering Organization may charter a Pack, Troop, Team, Crew, Ship, and even a Post. All using the same number.

Now, another hypothetical issue. What would happen if the same COR wanted to charter multiple post for Medical Explorers, Aviation Explorers, Fire Safety Explorers, and Law Enforcement Explorers? They would all be Explorers, although career paths may be difficult. The COR may need Post(s) with separate unit numbers.

Hope this helps... (If not confuse it more..lol)

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Fellow Scouters,

I believe in the 1920's, there were maybe three Scouting organizations in the U.S.

I would say, they had similar foundations, but slightly different ideals.

Our BSA has remained mostly true to our foundations. But we have changed over the years. Fortunately, they were not radical and damaging changes. But they were will thought out, planned, piloted, and gradually implemented changes.

It took over 20 years for OA to go from an experiment to being accepted as a part of our BSA.

Tiger cubs took nearly twenty years before they could earn belt loops, and had a handbook with actual advancement requirements and electives inside. Most Cub Scout Packs did not really consider them to be Cubs and most did not recognizes them during Pack meetings. Finally, they changed from Tiger Group to a Tiger Den, and the Tiger badge of participation became the Tiger Rank.

I like the idea that BSA began about five years ago to reach out to more youth by using Soccer. But I have not heard about Soccer, BSA for about four years.

I am happy that BSA has opened surveys regarding the Boy Scout handbook. I am thankful that BSA consults with Scouters who have been registered for a while, as well as recently registered Scouters. I'm very pleased that the various BSA literature consults with skilled professionals, educators, clergy, and recreation experts.

I am certainly welcome to positive changes, while keeping our ideals that the BSA has maintained. Although, the thought of radical changes to our BSA does concern me.

I am personally not happy, with the thought of changing the BSA into a different program of Scouting America.

Pappy, A Scouting program, maybe similar to what you have described in Scouting America are the Baden Powell Scouts Association - U.S.. I have only read about them online. They have previous had a more extensive website a few years back. But now their website is more limited. Baden Powell Scouts Association - U.S. are apparently headquartered out of Connecticut. They have shared the same foundations of the BSA, while their ideas and methods have vastly differed from the BSA.

http://badenpowellscouts.org/

http://www.wfis.org.mx/wfis_na/

You have probably seen others comment to you about brianbuf. Humorously, He was also a member of this forum, who wanted immediate changes. Any of the recent positive changes that BSA was currently doing, this Scouter seemed to want to take credit for it. (As if he wrote the most recent handbook all by himself). He seemed to believe he alone was the Saviour of Scouting. He had built a webpage (which no longer exist) to tell us all the things he disagreed with the BSA. www.savescouting.org If he was not pulling our leg, he seemed to believe he was to be credited for any of the recent program changes BSA has published.

Rather than recommending to radically change the BSA into something else. Maybe you could do more research about other Scouting organizations which may be more liberal and what your troop's chartering organization and families are looking for.

If you are calm and welcoming to thorough well planned changes to the BSA I will try to listen to your comments. But if you want the radical changes, which are contrary to our BSA ideals and methods, I'm not interested.

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Fellow Scouters,

Let me reflect inwards, rather than telling what I've seen others do, I'll tell you about a few of my challenges.

I have been Scouting for nearly 30 years (about 24 years as an adult Scouter). It seems I have seen the good and the bad.

Can adults loose composure in front of Scouts?

A couple of bad experiences I have had....

Years ago, I had a 15 year old Scout knock my own 11 year old son out. No reason, he thought it would be funny to take a swing at him. As I watched my son on the ground, I was about ready to put the 15 y/o thru the wall. I pinned the 15 y/o to the wall, but did not strike him. It was close, but I resisted.

Still a few years ago. As my family moved to a new location, we looked for a good Troop to join. We enjoyed certain aspects of our current Troop. The younger Scouts (and their parents) thought there was a Troop meeting plan (the 7 part plan that we are familiar with).

Sometimes I question what a few of the parents are thinking. They drop their teenager off to a Boy Scout Troop meeting and drive off. Their Scout gets out of the car, no uniform, no handbook, but a football or basketball in their hand. I know what these boys are thinking. But don't the parents know its Scouts, and not football or basketball practice?

When the school year started, a few of the older Scouts returned. They thought the Troop meeting plan had two parts, an short opening and then an hour and half of football. I let this by until we moved into our new home.

After sewing new patches on my old Scout shirt. These older boys saw my Scout uniform, but they did not yet know me, and I did not yet know them. After the football hit a committee member and a full body tackle occurred on the troop committee table. I scooped up the football.

Suddenly two 16 y/o Scouts, got in my face (about 2 inches from nose to nose). And use a few profanities towards me. My first thought was to slap the snot out of them. I barely maintained composure "Are you serious?! Give me a break and get out of my face, right now!".

For the next few years, I had a specific nickname used by the older Scouts. My own boys would hear it from time to time.

Our troop believes that the Scouts should burn off some energy. Most of our meetings have a game or interpatrol activity, which reinforces the Scout skill. Although once a month we let them play a game just for recreation. Our Interpatrol activity or game is during the final 10 minutes. So they know its coming, but it will not occur till the end of the meeting.

But we still have to watch the Scouts like a hawk, cause it only takes one Scout to break a basketball out of a gym back or backpack faster than you can blink.

Still, we ask why the parents don't remember their handbook, but these same Scouts can easily remember a football or basketball.

Even though the Scouts had changed, a couple of years ago, another adult leader grabbed a basketball that had come flying into the Troop Committee table. He has now inherited my former nickname.

Now, about loosing composure in front of a Scout. It happens. Everyone has their tolerance. It may be a short fuse or a long fuse. But a cocky teenage Scout, thinking that he is scaring you and cursing in your face does not help.

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Carl,

Greetings!

I have only a couple of comments to add. There are probably a broad scale in the definition of a good Scoutmaster. But the basic definitions would be found in the Scoutmaster handbook.

Troop Committees and the Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmasters may sometimes work like a high performing team. But not always, Sometimes it is difficult to watch a patrol get thru meal preparation and afterwards KP. All the Scouts come from different families, sometimes different schools, and sometimes different neighborhoods. But if they work together, imagine the things they can do. Similarly, a Troop Committee and adult leadership is somewhat like a patrol, they all come from various backgrounds, but they have to work together for the best of the troop and Scouts.

While we in this forum are only hearing one side of this story. I concur, no Scoutmaster should diminish an Eagle Scout project.

Some projects are dynamic, huge, and monumental projects. Other projects are small in scale, but still demonstrate leadership and service to others.

The unit committee and the Scoutmaster are two of the approvals before beginning a project. Along with planning, communications, and safety. They will probably ensure there is a benefactor as well.

I have been slightly disappointed in hearing a few descriptions of Eagle Scout projects. Such as, no leadership involved, no communications, unsafe practices/work, violating local and state laws even, and services rendered to a commercial in nature benefactor.

At this point, my unit committee usually educates the Life Scout in the intent of this project. It must be for an actual benefactor, it must demonstrate leadership, it must be safe, etc, etc.

I have been spoken to as a parent of a couple of Life Scouts. As a courtesy, committee members have informed me what is needed, what is lacking, or my own Scout's misunderstandings.

I too have spoken to fellow parents about the outcome of a unit committee review of their Eagle Scout project. "Good in theory, but your son has a project that is unsafe. Or; Good in theory, but this project violates local ordinance and laws"

If you quoted the Scoutmaster correctly. "the SM told me that my son's plan was an embarrassment to the troop. That his friend told him it was the worst he had seen". If the quote is exact, maybe that was a misjudgment on the Scoutmaster part. Maybe a bad choice of words. But are the Scoutmasters actions over all still good? Did the Troop Committee ask the Scoutmaster to assume the role of Scoutmaster, because of his/her performance with all the Scouts?

I guess you can say, I'm pretty easy. I love for a Life Scout to shoot for the stars and aim high. But I am satisfied at setting the bar at its lowest, and maybe they will make it over. Not a problem, if they satisfactorily met the very basic of standards. They still met the standard.

I have said to friends, "that is a really great idea your son has!", but I have also asked some friends, "did you son really think this project all the way thru?"

Finally, why I am really responding back to this forum.

Your statement "good SM's actually show up at an Eagle project", is a little bit over the line. This statement illustrates to me, immaturity. It definitely appears like you are looking for justification for a school yard fight. Im afraid no one will win, if you maintain that thought.

Rather than looking at how you may be able to fight the committee or the leadership, maybe you can see how you can help improve the Life to Eagle process for the next Scout.

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Pack212Scouter and Fellow Scouters,

Was Jamboree worth it?

Well that is a very open question. Pack212Scouter, maybe you should have asked, Would you attend Jamboree again?

Would I attend again? Yes.

Was Jamboree worth it? I think so But first let me offer a few pros and mostly cons by telling you a few stories. Mostly cons, because now I think they are either hiliarous, or I ask myself. What were they thinking?

Well.. National Jamboree seems to be a "once in a lifetime" Scouting event. From the 2005 National Jamboree, there were many extreme disappointments and extreme successes.

I laughed and enjoyed a lot of the Jamboree and could tell you a few hilarious stories. Would I do it again? Heck yes. But for now, Id like to remind or tell you of a few disappointments.

Everyone has heard of the accidental deaths, (on two different days), as well as the extreme heat followed by a tropical storm that same evening.

There are thousands and thousands of good, well behaved Scouts in National Jamboree. Also, unfortunately there are some "bad apples" that are mixed in with them.

The physical destruction was amazing to me. Our subcamp showers and latrines were being replaced daily. (not fixed, not cleaned, but replaced. Daily.) I couldnt believe finding soda machines with 12 inch tent stakes hammered into the change reservoir. Hundreds of Scouts probably purchase Pepsi, Coke, Gatorade, Powerade, and etc. But it only takes a couple of bad Scouts to steal quarters and dollars from these machines. I will describe more, if anyone desires to P.M. myself.

On the positive side. Three troops from a council showed up with five boys with possible food poisoning enroute. They were not sure what made these boys on the bus ill, but believed it was a planned stop on the Interstate. The BSA and Army did not want more Scouts to become sick, if it was in any way contagious. These troops were quarantined for forty eight hours. Their buses were driven to the site, they off loaded, they were given orange/yellow reflective tape and the SMs/SPLs and subcamp staff negotiated the quarantine.

The BSA and U.S. Army Medical Corps did have a plan in case of this. On the good side, they were delivered air conditioned toilet and shower facilities during the quarantine. They also received movies a silver screen, a projector, and stage, a disco ball and light show and music. A few other Troops joked that they were feeling ill, so they could become quarantined. These Troops missed two days of Jamboree. But the staff made sure they were well entertained. Finally on day three they were released to enjoy Jamboree.

Another humorous story (now looking back on it)

The National Jamboree Public Address system, most military bases are now calling them "Big Voices". We were reminded to "Drink Water" every thirty minutes. Slightly ironic, the evening of the first arena show, after the heat wave and emergencies, we had a tropical storm with about 55 MPH winds. In all the hard rain, as campsites were turning into swamps, and tents and Scouts were getting soaked, we were still reminded to "Drink Water".

On the evening of the first Arena show, as Scouts were returning from the hospitals. We received our second to the last Scout at 0100. Our final Scout was placed in the Subcamp medical station for observation. After the severe heat, followed by a tropical storm and high winds, my troop finally went to our tents and sleeping bags at 0115.

I don't know if anyone remembers this one. At about 0200 the subcamp medical tent doctors lost our final Scout. About 10 minutes later, the Fort A.P. Hill "Big Voice" announcing system began calling for our Scout. It was the same voice that reminded us to "Drink Water" every thirty minutes and even during the rain. Military Police and Scout leaders from our Subcamp walked around the woods for over an hour, while the "Big Voice" called his name every five minutes.

I doubt many of National Jamboree will remember this lost Scout being announced throughout the entire Jamboree, because so many Scouts and Scouters were physically exhausted.

About 0330, our Scout was found.

Where?

In the cot, under a white sheet, on other side of the medical tent. He had gotten up, checked with the subcamp medical team if he may use the latrine. After he return, he climbed into the wrong medical cot.

At 0200, as the medical team did their hourly round of dehydrated Scouts in the tent, they found an empty cot, with his clipboard and Jamboree card. They found him in the other cot (only five feet away), during the 0300 rounds.

We are all Scouts, but I think there were about 40-50 Scouters and 100 MPs that wanted to have an impromptu committee meeting with the subcamp medical staff.

Other disappointments.

Finding daily visitors were able to stand in line for Jamboree events and participate in Action Alley and other events as the Jamboree participants. Honestly, it is disappointing to learn that 200-300 visitors are in the lines at 0900, before the Jamboree participants can even get to action alley. Some days your Scouts return to camp, never getting into an event that day.

I can appreciate the thought physical fitness is in the Scout Oath and one of our goals. But, if Scout from Southern or Northeast Region wanted to get to the Merit Badge Midway or other central events. You were better off walking the 5-6 miles rather than taking the bus. Thank goodness for the bus drivers jammed and over packed the busses. But there just were not enough busses, or a good plan to move Scouts. A bus trip would probably take about an hour (sometimes longer) to get to the front of a line and about an hour to make a trip within the Jamboree. Most bus trips took about two hours or longer.

Humorously, they advertised that there were night time events, such as an Order of the Arrow demonstration in the Indian Village near Merit Badge Midway at 1900. However, busses ended at 1600, and no Scouts were allowed on the streets after 1700. Honestly, how can troops attend evening demonstrations, if they are directed not to be on the streets after 1700? We never got any answers to this dilemma from our Subcamp executive staff or regional staff.

National Jamboree lunch was appreciated. You could get lunch from a few Kiosk placed thru the Jamboree. But on one day, the fried chicken that was to be served in these boxed meals did not pass the medical screening. The National Jamboree complained to the food contractor, but at 0900 in the morning, they had to obtain a fix to a problem to feed 60,000 Scouts by 1200. Another contractor was hired that day, to prepare cold cut sandwiches. Also, the number of lunches contracted for National Jamboree was incorrect and quickly became an issue on the final day of Jamboree. After releasing our Scouts at 0900 for the final day, and with one remaining lunch tab on the ID. All the subcamps were briefed of the mistake and that there was no lunch issue to the KIOSK. Thankfully, they quickly repaired this issue and issued a troop meal. But about 1100, Scouts throughout Jamboree, were told by the big voice to return to their unit for a 1200 lunch.

Finally, The final Area show. Let me state the fireworks were fabulous. After the arena show, we got what seemed to be a thirty minute huge, huge firework show. Finally if fell dark and quiet again. As most Scoutmasters were calling their troops to circle up together. BOOM! A single fire work flew up.

What happened next?

A larger, more spectacular (nearly thirty minute) firework show.

But before the fireworks show.

We watched a meeting of the Explorer Club and a stage show with a few Scouts participating. I believe it was Jim Fowler, who let a trained hunting Falcon fly off from his gloved arm. But the Falcon never returned.

While I recognize what these men and ladies have done, flying around the globe, diving deeper than anyone else, and climbing gigantic mountains. The final arena show was just not very entertaining to the youth.

What happened just seconds prior to the spectacular fireworks show?

If anyone can remember. The Explorer Club show with four Scouts discovering and having an adventure were booed off stage during the third of four acts. Imagine 60,000 Scouts. Booing. I dont think any of the Scoutmaster could do anything to prevent it. The show never finished. The roar of Boos became so loud. The lights were cut off, and the first fireworks lit up a BSA sign and fleur de lis over the stage. I hoped that Jims hunting Falcon wasnt nesting up there.

Bottom line.

Were there successes?

Yes.

Were there failures?

Yes

Is it worth it?

Well Im planning on going back in 2010.

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

ASM162,

Greetings!

Most of our fellow Scouters have advised that its up to the Scouts and the PLC.

I also concur.

We have nearly as many ASMs as PLs attend the PLC. We do ask the SPL if we may speak at the PLC.

Just like adults at a Committee meeting, The PLC comes up with some outstanding ideas which we pursue. They also come up with some lame-brained or hugely overwhelming or extremely dangerous ideas.

It may be on the spot during a PLC. But we usually bring up the pro's and con's, and pitch it too them again. Sometimes our PLC does not see the danger in an event.

Similarly. Participating and winning the TAE would be fun. Playing cards would also be fun. I can imagine the laughter, with boys hyped up on bug juice or soda.

But... Can these same Scouts play UNO during any other troop campout? Can they play cards after school in the city recreation hall? Can they play cards at their Patrol Leaders house? The probably have many opportunities to play cards.

Can they earn the TAE when they return home? Or any other time of the year? Probably not.

I would recommend to re-attack, or Ready, Aim, Fire during a PLC to confirm this is what they want.

With regards to the parents and adult leaders... On various Summer camp seasons over the years, I myself have both staffed Summer Camps (before my sons arrived and after they left). And I have also stood in the parking lot, thanking the Scoutmaster and fellow ASMs for taking my sons, while I worked my normal job thru that week.

Regardless what these forums may say about Summer Camps and "Merit Badge Mills". As a parent, I hoped that my sons got the full experience of earning every recognition at summer camp.

Although, realistically, I wanted my sons to learn camping and teamwork skills, and at least attend all their merit badge sessions and earned all their registered merit badges.

A TAE streamer or TAE trophy would be nice to bring home, however I would expect your adult leaders and parents would be more concerned about their son's/Scout's merit badges and advancements.

Finally. I would recommend working with your PLC, ASMs, and Troop Committee to create a vision and succesful plan. If the parents are unhappy, they can either speak to the Troop Committee Chair or submit their own adult leader application.

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Pack378,

Sounds like a decent idea. With a little more emphasis on the GOOD guys vs the bad (maybe just Darth Vader and one storm trooper).

But at the Cub Scout ages, Have they even seen Star Wars?

If you do water powered, bottle rockets, or the balsa wood space derby during the Spring/Summer. You can issue them out during your Blue and Gold.

Jokingly, With the recent changes to the G2SS, maybe you can play a couple of rounds of Laser Tag. (Just joking)

But as Star Wars themed Blue and Gold, maybe you can place party gifts on the tables, you may be able to find the red or green something similar to the Inova Microlight. They are keying size, easily places on a lanyard, and really made for camping. They are good for digging thru a backpack, without lighting up the entire tent with a white flash light. As long as you don't shine it in your eyes (which is so tempting), the green or red light won't diminish your adjustment to night vision. Google'ing they are about 7-8 dollars, but you may be able to find them around 3-5 Dollars in a local K'Mart or Walmart.

Happy B&G Birthday and Have Fun!

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Fellow Scouters,

Seems to make sense to me. Thank goodness we have Moderators.

I get a kick out of a saying from old friend, "Let's organize for anarchy!"

I don't enjoy being interrupted at a campfire, but it has happened. I've also been mis-quoted as well. At work, around a campfire, in college, in church, and even at home.

Sometimes I have wondered if I am reading from the same edition of the Boy Scout Handbook, Scoutmasters Handbook or other BSA literature. I have read aloud certain excerpts of BSA literature and received 3, 4 maybe 5 different interpretation from my Scouting friends.

If I may tell a story..... Here where I live, On television I often see a Public Service Announcement ad.

It has a high school girl that pins a provocative picture of herself on the high school student announcement/bulletin cork board in the school hall way. In the ad, The next day, guys (she does not know) in the local mall make comments to her, even the creepy high school janitor ask when she is going to put another picture on the student announcement cork board in the school hallway. Too late she Realizes that she is receiving more attention and the wrong type of attention than she actually wanted. The next day she tries to rip the photo off of the bulletin board in the hall way. But everytime she rips it off, there is another duplicate photo of her on the cork board. As many times as she tears it up, there is always a picture of her on the board. It is a public service announcement, directed at teenagers to be careful of posting anything on forums like Myspace, facebook, etc. Once it is out there digitally, you can't take it back.

Anyways... When I join a forum (any forum). I understand it is not my personal online forum. It is not my webpage or my server. The only thing that was mine are my typed words, which I have surrendered to a moderator.

About the only thing that the moderator should not have access to is my privacy. My account may be deleted, deactivated, edited, etc. I may not like it, or agree with it, but I understand it.

I tryed to check this forums registration agreement, but I could not find anything specific that we agreed to. But I do see the this forum and Scouter.com webpage has a FAQ. Its not hidden, I read that a Moderator's word in their forum is final. Here is was the FAQ (which is available for everyone to view) says about Moderators.

" Qoute .....

What are moderators

Moderators are the Forum Managers for each forum. There is no limit to the number of forums a single user can moderate. While Moderators do not have access to user account information and cannot change permissions for any particular users they have complete control over their respective forum(s). A Moderator's word in their forum is final. Along with Moderator Status comes the ability to perform the following functions :

Deleting Messages / Purging All Messages

Closing conversation threads

Prohibiting identified Usernames from posting

Requiring a password to post in their forums

Banning abusive users

How can you contact a Forum Moderator

You can either leave a posted message in their forum or send a message to their email address which is posted in their forum.

Can anyone be a Moderator

Usually... All it takes is the interest and desire to take on the responsibility of managing a forum. A frequent presence in the forums is also desired from a moderator.

Interested in becoming a Moderator

Then drop an e-mail message off to the Forum Administrator and let us know you're interested.

Unqoute ...."

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Rob,

Greetings!

Concur with GoldWinger.

But....What does your pack regularly wear during den meetings?

Years ago, my pack and dens pretty much followed the recommended seven part Den Meeting Plan. Because there may have been wood, saw dust, glue, paint, etc, and during the fall and spring we usually went outdoors and had a game, we proudly wore our Pack T-shirt. Then we wore the field uniform for Pack meetings, ceremonies and other events.

My recommendation....

Does your Den wear a Cub Scout T-shirt or a Pack T-shirt? Then set the example and wear your Pack T-shirt.

Does your Den wear the blue field uniform to Den meetings? Then again set the example and wear the ACM uniform.

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv(This message has been edited by Crew21_Adv)

CNY,

Congrats Fellow Critter!

Eamonn is correct. Most councils pre-order enough recognition and ceremony Wood Badge regalia for each course participant.

It may be possible that your council is purchasing these items for each Wood Badge participant from National Supply Center, after their TG reports ticket completion. This may be the reason for "I would get something from National within a couple of weeks."

The regalia usually includes the beads, beige neckerchief, woggle, a wallet participation card and a 8x11 certificate. I've been told there really is no paperwork to Region, except completed participants names and completion statistics/ratios. (All I've ever done as TG was to report the entire ticket completion to the CD, as the CD requested all TGs to submit either email and/or verbal. The CD's have usually seen most of the participant work anyways)

Not for Wood Badge, but I have seen special tooled leather belt buckles and other regalia. Maybe your council special ordered extra recogintion items, or creates special plaques, or leather belts/buckles or more (which may take time).

Also, in most councils, the "Scoutmaster"/Course Director, Troop Guide, and staffers would attempt to present the Wood Badge regalia when the participant request. At the Troop COHs, Pack Blue and Golds, unit campouts and etc.

However, as important as this is..... People are people, and we all get busy.

Here is my advice...

I would recommend reconnecting your TG again; and asking the TG if you can be presented the Wood Badge regalia at your next unit Court of Honor (or other ceremony).

That would give your TG a targeted deadline, and you may inquire the status of your regalia.

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Beavah and Fellow Scouters,

Greetings!

I like the current Troop Leadership Training.

TLT is short, concise and to the point. We spend two hours learning this material, the second hour usually eating pizza. The BSA (like other organizations) often is given permission or purchases the educational rights to other published literature.

For what its worth. I have been told that the BSA has obtain some of the material current TLT material from the U.S. Army.

Two manuals specifically which cover Be, Know, Do are; FM 22-100 Army Leadership, August 1999 and currently FM 6-22 Army Leadership September 2006. Also, there is a paperback book on Amazon called Be, Know, Do. There may be more references. But if the U.S. Army has a good track record in teaching leadership, why not request to use it. (Or a leader can jokingly say; Its been U.S. Army field tested and approved, if a Soldier can learn Be, Know, Do, so can my Scouts).

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Pack 378,

Greetings!

Here is the statement from the Insignia Guide online. http://www.scouting.org/pubs/33066/index.html

Imitation of United States Army, Navy, or Marine Corps uniforms is prohibited, in accordance with the provisions of the organization's Congressional Charter.

The exceptions which I believe national permits, are for the Venturing Sea Scouts whom wear naval uniforms. Venturing Sea Scouts sew on program identification patches to indicate they are not U.S. Navy. (Also found in the Insignia Guide).

I have seen a Boy Scout Troop which is sponsored by a High School U.S. Army JROTC program. (I'll stop there...)

But, the Insignia Guide tells Scouts what the guidance is. This manual doesn't tell Scouts and Scouters that it is a scout law, and that the Uniform Police will arrest violators. It does set guidance and common etiquette though..

I've got my own reservations about the behavior of some youth which desire to wear camouflage to a Scout meeting or a campout.

But a Camouflage neckerchief... Sounds like a unique and neat idea to me.

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv