Crew21_Adv

Kahits,

Greetings!

SageVenture does offer some great Venturing program information, resources and advice, as well as some cool patches too.

I (and my Associate Advisors) proudly wear the green V, trained Strip. It does not seem to mock the BSA "Scout Stuff" red/kahki Trained Strip, but compliment the uniform. (Of course most of our youth who have attended VLSC wear the VLSC strip)

Regarding the round green patch that you have seen. (And without my Venturing Leaders Guide infront of me). In the earlier versions, the crew could opt to create their own Crew patch to replace the "Large White Square V", the older literature stated it had to be approved by the Council Scout Executive. The current Leaders guide, still have the similar statement in there, but no longer approved via the Scout Executive.

Basically, a crew patch is the same thing as a patrol emblem, but green. It may allow you to stand just a little different than the rest of the Crews in the district. It allows them to rally around thier Crew, like a team. Please look at the back (and in the glossary) of the Venturing Leaders Guide for the comments about the Crew patch and its guidelines.

My crew is currently deciding on which crew designed patch to purchase. As a Scouting friend has said to me, "Scout-appropriate" is our rule for designing it. We are looking to recommend a Council CSP just for Venturing, so it blends in with the forest green just a little better.

Finally, our Crew has purchased the Venturing Sea Scout style of unit numerals from the BSA Supply, and the Venturing Highlights flyer. The other Crews say "NEAT!" when they see our white unit numbers on a black background, instead of the normal white numbers on red. Now if everyone starts wearing the Venturing Sea Scout unit numerals, we might have to think of something different...lol

I hope this helps!

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

CNY (et al)

Greetings!

I think your second question has been address, but your first question. Is this training suited to Venturing Crews? No. Good lessons for life, but not written for the Venturing Program.

A few comments to add.

EMB021 and OGE made a few good comments. VLSC is about an eight hour class, but the follow on is KODIAK about a 5 day trek. I've been requesting my own Council to conduct its first KODIAK soon. Bill E. at the Venturing Division, National Office stated that it may be done it the high adventure outdoors or in downtown New York, its very transportable. KODIAK is the comparable Venturing class to NYLT and WOODBADGE.

That being said....

At NYLT Staff Development this past weekend, my oldest son brought his manual over to me during a lesson. My son pointed out the words "he or she" in a patrol exercise on day six. However the Participant Age and Range Requirement in the Staff Guide says the participant must have (or exceeded) 13 years of age, Be a First Class Scout and Scoutmasters recommendation. The young ladies in Venturing can not have achieved the First Class rank or Scoutmasters recommendation. "She" must have been a typo... lol

I hope to hear how much fun and how many Commissions your Venturers have learned at KODIAK!!!!

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Pack 330,

Greetings again!

Certainly sounds like your Scoutmaster did not break any rules or policies.

Sounds like he may have had a good plan A, but did not have a plan B to fall back on. Hey, I think that happens to every Scouter sooner or later. Although his judgement may have interferred with the Scouts concentration, I don't think it hurt any of them.

After your clarification, I hope your Committee Chair and Scoutmaster talk quiet often. I can certainly tell you... In any type of committee, while they don't always agree, it may be worth it to get the business on the table. I don't see that your Scoutmaster violated a policy, but he may be made aware that his family is as much a distraction as the younger siblings in camp.

Finally, A few familiar quotes... Regarding, what the Scouts have said about the Scoutmaster "Take it with a grain of salt". From many years of experience, "Talk is Cheap". Not only will Scouts address their dislikes, so will students, neighbors, chuch members, and employees. "If I had a dime" for every foul word that was ever said about me, after every good word and reward I have given employees, as well as credit given to my peers. Was it jealousy? I'll never know, but Ouch! Those wounds do hurt. Of course, listen to your Scouts, but "take it with a grain of salt".

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Pack 330

Greetings!

I am not a lawyer and neither do I play one on TV... hahaha but.....

You asked if there is any policy for who can stay in camp, and who may not.

My expectations would be no.

BSA Councils, are normally concerned about Youth Protection (rightfully so). But not on who (boys or girls, men or ladies) may camp. Many other organzations have leased BSA property, as long as they abide by the Camp Rules for Health and Safety.

If it is BSA Council owned property, there should be a set of rules establishing by the Council/District Camping Committee. Who may stay in camp should be listed in there.

If it was on a State Park, private organization park, or other property. Then a policy would be documented between the organization property managements representative and the District Camping Director and his/her committee.

Let me pose a few questions, just to think about...

Your Troop hosted the Camporee. Were there rules on whom may attend and stay in camp, written in the Leaders Guide?

You stated your Committee Chair asked that no siblings attend meetings for a month, however your committee chair did not declare or order that no siblings would attend, correct? and has that month passed?

The Scoutmaster did not abide with a request. But I do not see that your Scoutmaster violated any policies, or that your Scoutmaster is too powerful.

Did the Scoutmaster make others uncomfortable? probably Yes. Should the Committee Chair dialogue with the Scoutmaster? Don't they always. They should be.

While you think of those questions... Is your Scoutmaster always there for the boys? Does he have experience in the Scouting program? Does your Scoutmaster consider programs areas that allow the Scouts to advance? Would you like the position of Scoutmaster? or do you have another nomination that may serve the Troop better?

I would always say that a Scoutmaster is the right man (or lady), at the right time, for the right job. They probably work the hardest to follow the Scout Oath and Law, but sometimes, it is time for retirement.

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

PS,

Greetings!

Just like John in KC stated on just a little added embroidery....

At this recent National Scout Jamboree 2005, I received a Scoutmaster patch with an added embroidery "JAMBO - 2005" on the bottom.

Before the Thank You...

The first words out of my mouth, "Schaaaweeet!!"

r/

Crew21 Adv

Akela in NY,

Greetings!

I believe it may now be discontinued, but there was previously an adult position called "physician". It had the BSA and Eagle emblem about a blue Medical Staff and snakes, on a twill cloth and blue border. On the adult uniform, Left Sleeve Position three.

I have normally seen the Council Health and Safety Committee wear this, as well as the Camp Medic.

I tried to find a good example on the web, but this is all I could see in a few short searches.. The issue/sale of the Physician patch was probably discontinued in the recent few years.

I'm not endorsing anyone or business.. But if you do a google image search for Boy Scout Physician you may see it at an expired Cub Scout page www.cubscout.ws . Also, a long time Scouter and Trader Mitch Ries has one for sale for $10.00 on his website.

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Greetings everyone!

At Summer camp, but especially at Jamboree. We kindly requested fellow Scouts to walk thru our campsite gateway, rather than barging in between the tents, and right in the middle of reflection or training.

We usually had an adult in the Jambo campsite at all times, and enjoyed meeting the other Scouts and Troops. But we asked our Scouts, not to allow other Scouts into the campsite, on the ocassion when no adults were present.

As for Rules. For years, I have been trying to get my Troop to bring me my cup of coffee directly to my tent at 6:30 a.m.. It hasn't worked yet.

My pet peeve rule... No foul language! They hear it in school, and its probably the coolest lingo to use there. Maybe it sounds more mature to them. Myself, I probably know more foul words, in more languages than my Scouts. But if they don't hear it from the leaders, then why should we hear it from them?

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Vince,

WOW... I think I was the Cubmaster of your Pack about ten years ago!!!

It sounds sooo Eerily familiar.. lol

Especially being blamed for damages and trash left in the rooms that we never had keys for.

I have even seen two churches which ended their charter with their pack and troop. They did provide a service to the community and had many Scouts. The units certainly thanked the churches for their service. But the churches' idea of an outreach ministry was not what they originally imagined.

Both church boards voted to end their charter. (Personally, I think they average age of these churches just grew older. Every year there were fewer and fewer parents in the congregation. With time, the average age went from 35-45, to 60-70ish. And there was no common bond between congregation and the Scouting youth.) These events sent three units searching for new Chartering Organizations. No foul meant toward those churches, it could easily have been any chartering organization. With any organization there are usually 5 percent leaders and 95 percent follows. If that small amount of leadership makes up their mind, there is very little chance of change.

With your chartering organization, I hope the DE, UC and Committee can find some common thread that appeals to the church, as well as the Scouts, and make that internal change.

If not, ask the Chartering Organization if you may transfer the Charter. Keep it as a friendly lateral transition, rather than appearing to be a hostile separation. Good Luck!

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Bob,

WOW!

I've been around for a few years, and have seen both sides. "A High Performance Team" and on the other end of the spectrum, teams that were severly lacking.

Scouts, just like many other social and service clubs, go thru "Peaks and Valleys".

Many times, I have seen very similar circumstances. It is very easy to say let it be a youth led organization. But you need the right youth, at the right time, and for the right job. To compliment that, you need the right Scoutmaster and Assistants and Troop Committee.

Without my Scouting library with me right now, there are alot of documents that state Scouting is Youth Led. However, most of those documents state that the success of the Troop rest with the Scoutmaster. (I do know that the Venturing Leaders Guide has that similar statement). Even in the Venturing handbook, there is a statement saying that the adults may lead the program, until the Venturing Crew youth leaders can maintain their leadership. (Not an exact quote, but it is in black and white...almost..)

If the youth don't buy into the program, they will not support it. The same goes for the adults. It needs to satisfy their needs (or their family needs) The program agendas need to achieve Scouting skills and Advancement throughout the year.

I have seen youth leaders attend annual planning conferences, with nothing on their mind but video games. The youth leaders state the Scouting Skills have been accomplished in 1 minute. Many don't understand that interpatrol competitions reinforce Scouting Skills. And, they are always ready for what would seem to be their favorite game "Tackle the Tenderfoot" (Not a real game, just most games appear to get out of hand). Their weekly assignments on the Troop Meeting Plan 34425, seem to fall in the trash on the way from PLC.

While other youth leaders have actively participated in PLCs, taught Scout Skills, followed their plans and enjoyed the program.

Now for my 2 cents...

1) Get their "buy in" into the program. Both youth and adults.

2) The Scoutmaster should sign off Scout Spirit and Leadership Position of Resposibility, only when it has been earned. Not a rubber stamp.

It is not difficult, and it is not re-inventing the wheel. But only youth that desire to be in the program should be leading the Troop. Likewise, I would expect most Scouting adult leadership would rather have a small Troop of high quality Scouts, than a big Troop of Scouts lacking any quality.

I do hope this helps! Further, I hope the Scoutmaster and ASMs, Committee, and the Patrol Leaders Council can bring some quality back into your program and have a mountain top experience!

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21_Adv

SMT99,

Greetings!

You have already been given some good advice, as well as direct quotes from the Guide to Safe Scouting.

To me the decision and action is for the Committee.

I have a few questions though.

Is the "Bully" Cub Scout living up to the Law of the Pack? And, is it worth keeping one bully at the loss of a few good Cub Scouts?

There is a line between who can benefit from the Scouting program and who the Scouting program is here to serve.

All boys/youth can benefit, but our units should serve the youth that desire to be in the Scouting Program.

My final 2 cents....

To me, The Scouting program is the best educational and social arena for young boys and their families. But not all boys belong in Scouting. That is their choice not mine, and demonstrated in their actions and words.

Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

FG,

Greetings!

If I recall correctly.. (and without the all the resource literature in front of me) America's Promise - The Alliance for Youth, evolved from One Million Points of Light

http://www.pointsoflight.org/

The Service to America program evolved into an agreement between the BSA, GSUSA and the Dept of the Interior National Parks Service. Two patches were created, one for Boy Scouts, and a similar for Girl Scouts. They were in a similar shape of the National Park Service Ranger patch (Arrow head shaped). I never saw the little red wagon patch (although I read about a patch with it), and remember that logo with the initial promotional material.

Another BSA Fact sheet which explains the NPS involvement, and the NPS page about their patch.

http://www.scouting.org/factsheets/00-nps.html

http://www.servicetoamerica.org/

I believe in 2003'ish. The BSA began having deteriorating associations with the National Park Service (base on ACLU lawsuits concerning BSA and Federal agreements) In late 2003, the Service to America program was discontinued and the remaining stock of patches were sold by contacting the STA-NPS coordinator, without the need of certificates or appropriate service hours. (I missed the liquidation sale, by two months... darnit)

While living in Hawaii. I tried to negotiate my Troop to earn this award for a few years. Unfortunately, There is only one National Park Service site on Oahu, Hawaii. That is the Arizona Memorial, about two acres of land and the memorial in the Harbor that is visited by thousands daily. Manicured Lawns, clean buildings. What could we do? Sweep the already clean sidewalk for 12 hours? Oh Well... The Arizona Memorial Volunteer Coordinator (which is more familiar with senior adult WWII Historians) would not commit to allowing our Troop to work there.

Bottom line.. I would have loved to provided service to the NPS and earn the Service to America patch. But we never got past the discussion stages with the benefactors.

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Greetings Everyone!

As I began to review this post, the primary thing that came to mind was proper paperwork.

(Then I saw what Ed Mori had stated. Darnit, you stole my fire.. lol)

My 2 cents... Any unit conducting fundraising should submit the Unit Money Earning Application, via their COR, Committee Chairman, and the final authority for unit fund raising rest with District or Council Finance Committee.

If the District or Council gave approval, shame on Council. If a unit did not submit the application. Shame on the unit.

Was a Unit Money Earning Application, Form 34427 submitted (and approved) in this case?

Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Lynda,

Just another FYI...

The "Blue Card" or Application for Merit Badge (Form 34124 / 1996 edition) previously had Explorer and Post on the card. But was updated to Form 34124A / 1999 edition, to include the word Venturer/Sea Scout and Crew/Ship.

Venture On!

Crew 21 Adv

SWS..

Greetings!

What do I use?

Like everyone else, I like to earn respect and show respect. But can we I state my reply a little differently though? I work hard to prevent myself from saying kids and boys. It is more like preventing the temptation to use slang language, and call them kids.

I try to picture them calling me, Hey Dude vice Hey Mr Crew21. I do try hard to call them Scouts, Venturers, Young Men, Gentlemen, Ladies, etc. etc.

But we are all human.

Even less than my ocassional foul language.. (which I probably just lost a corner off my toten chip and simultaneously practicing first aid on my finger) I do call the youth I work with, "kids, boys, gals, and etc.", but I work to keep those references as the exception, rather the norm.

Venture On!

Crew21 Adv

Dana,(et al)

Greetings!

IMHO...

Who has said that the Silver Award is less than the Eagle Scout Rank?

These Scouters should visit a Crew and help advise or consult with a Venturer achieving their Bronze, Gold and Silver Award. That may the only way for them to see the value of the Silver.

Regarding recognition and awards. Yes, we encourage it. I call it educational fun, of course BP called it a "Game with a Purpose". If we did not pursue a learning experience along with a leadership experience, we would still be eating pizza, going Go-karting every weekend, and listen to the youth talk about "who is dating who" at the High School.

All good in moderation, but when that was all we did. We provided the same service as town recreation center. No difference. We might as well been a Keystone Group, Girls and Boys Club of America (yet another good organization, but a different organzation from BSA) and let the city pay for our trips.

We maintain a relatively young crew, due to our geographic location. Although the program is till 21, we have no one older than 18, and 15 is the largest population.

These youth listen well, but the do not desire to allow any other youth to take leadership as an activity chair. Just to discuss Go-karting takes an hour and a half, and everyone has to take part in this topic.

The Venturing Handbook has a paragraph insiding, letting the youth know that it is adult association, and the Advisors may plan for a short time, while the Venturers are spinning up.

I have told my crew, I am planning, and when you are ready to take it from me... Just let me know. It's all theirs... They have taken me up on that for most events.

I am really asking them to allow one Venturing member be an "Activity Chair", per event, and not to have a subcommittee of 15 planners. Once one "Activity Chair" leads an event under consultation of one Advisor/Associate Advisor. Then they will truely take ownership of their program.

Finally, I believe the boys may be allowed to earn their Star, Life and Eagle Rank Awards in Venturing. However the focus of the program should still be Venturing Crew Activities, ultimately leading everyone to be thinking about the Silver Award (which we hold in the same prestigious status and honor as the Eagle Rank).

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21_Adv

Hereajo,

Greetings!

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) The Guide to Safe Scouting Chapter I Youth Protection has a paragraph (I won't cut and paste because of size) but it allows the committees to decide if violations warrant unit membership revocation.

This past weekend my Troop experienced some severe disappointments involving illegally purchased alcohol by one of our youth and shared with about four of our youth leadership (two are Eagle Scout candidates right now awaiting EBOR, one is awaiting his Eagle COH)

The offending youth were driven home between 2-5 o'clock Sunday morning. After a little rest, (since it was a longer night for the adults). The adults leadership began phoning and investigating yesterday afternoon.

Our committee meets monthly, but usually doesn't have full attendance of the parents. However, these youth and their parents are being requested to attend.

The Committee is slowly becoming aware of this, discussing liabilities, COR review, what paperwork we need to send thru council (since it wasn't a medical injury, illness, or anything physical but a case of bad judgment on the youth). One youth has been in front of the committee before, and is on his second chance to improve his Scout spirit. The Committee Chairs first thought was automatic expulsion, like you asked.

Back to the BLUF.... I referred the Committee Chair to the GSS, and stated that the Troop Committee does have that authority. Just have to decide if a youth may be redeemed. Or (on rare occasion) maybe best to let the youth go and find other youth recreation programs which they may develop character.

p.s. While my unit is investigating our misfortune.. I may formulate an advice question myself. But for now I wanted you to know, there is a paragraph on memberhip revocation in Chapt I, G2SS.

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21_Adv

I thought about replying to this post....

..... But I'm a little too busy right now.

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21_Adv

Lex,

Greetings!

Some of the OT stories (or parables) translate very well in to character and values, and probably somewhat relate to the Koran, Bible, and the Torah. Of course, It doesn't relate to everyone's belief though.

I've used the story of David and Goliath and a little about King David for just a few Scoutmaster Minute (maybe more like 5 minutes, but not a half hour, or hour long sermon) during our campouts before.

David and Goliath is the story of a young boy, which overcame a huge struggle. A great story for Cub Scout age.

However, many years later, the same young man became King David, which made bad decisions and had character flaws, he had to learn that these were his errors. And had to ask forgiveness for his errors. A good value and character story for the Troop and Crew.

I usually add a few comments like "Cool, huh?", "Can you imagine?!", and "I'd be too chicken to do that!" Obviously, the Cubbies, Scouts, and Crew know I'm an adult, but trying to think like them.

Good Luck!

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21_Adv

Kaji,

Excellent question...

There have previously been a few overseas BSA councils outside the continental United States serving U.S. citizens (and on a few occasions smaller independent nations which contract with BSA for a youth program in their countries). Modifications in military agreements and international business trade have changed our overseas councils over the years.

In some remote locations, the youth and parent can apply to become Lone Scouts. I considered this for my children, while I interviewed for some overseas business positions, too far away from direct service units. In one location, I would have enrolled my sons in Lone Scouts, BSA and sought enrollment in the host nation's scouting program.

Even more, there is currently one Direct Service Council located with the National Office, which I believe historically there were as many as three Direct Service Councils (Los Angeles, New York and I believe Miami). Anyways....

Today, In the digital age, the internet and email, it makes service to the leaders of these units much, much easier. Overseas units always have some benefits and some extra challenges. Sometimes it depends on whom they would receive better. Some units have asked to be move from and to an overseas council and direct service.

Taiwan appears to be under the Far East Council, BSA. Where as, the BSA Troops and Pack on mainland China and Hong Kong appear to be Direct Service.

www.directservicebsa.org

www.fareastbsa.org

If you look onto the Direct Service you can see an link called Our Units for the units in China. If you look onto the Far East website, you can find a link to Map of Districts. Taiwan Pack and Troop 91 are in the Greater Okinawan District, of the Far East Council, BSA.

Most all BSA units are located near American Embassies or large populations of EXPAT Americans employed in metropolitan areas overseas.

Believe it or not... There were quiet a few Councils serving our youth overseas. Some of the other overseas councils.

Direct Service Council

Far East Council

Aloha Council

Western Alaska Council

Maui County Council

Puerto Rico Council

Virgin Island Council

Transatlantic Council

Panama Canal Council (became direct service in 99)

Philippine Council (I understood existed and became direct service in the 80's)

If you are too many miles South of Tapei, maybe consider Lone Scouting, BSA and visiting the Tapei Troop 91 on some rare occasion.

Good Luck in Taiwan!

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21_Adv

Woody,

Greetings!

Here are my two cents

Girls in "Boy Scouts" does pose a pretty good question. I think that question has been discussed since 1910. I've heard hearsay that the BSA and GSUSA did discuss a merger in the mid 60's, but like some world politics, it never occurred.

I would not totally credit that our "friends down under" have cornered the market on a boys and girls co-ed Scouting program. I would expect most countries worldwide follow this model.

Of course, some other countries scouting organizations dont have a Cooking Merit Badge or Proficiency Badge. Also, "Leave No Trace" or Low Impact Camping, can be thrown out, as some European Scouting units set up a small village in the camping areas. On another note, some countries have many different Scouting organizations, but only the first official Scouting Organization in each country is invited to the World Jamboree. Ive heard that the BSA receives the only official delegation invitation. This point just to say, the BSA has evolved into our current program, and we seem to be pretty darn good program right now.

But about girls and boys together... Since the 50's, the Boy Scouts have had the Explorer program and now since 97' the Venturing Program. The previous Explorer GOLD Award and the current Venturing Silver Award hold a lot of prestige. The personal work and commitment that a Venturer places into earning these awards, they should be considered the equivalent of the Eagle Scout Award.

You asked What do you think about it?

A lot of factors could go into this. Ive known some seasoned Scouters, that had three/four daughters and no sons. Ive known quiet a few single parents with son(s) and daughter(s), and the siblings would be tag-alongs but not official participants. Some good and positive youth educational/recreational programs are not available to the youth in rural areas.

With the existing Venturing BSA program, it is probably best asked something like;

Will the BSA ever be fully co-ed?

A second question to ask I would expect would be; Is there any benefit to a fully co-ed program?

I dont believe so, not just yet.

In the future, yes, probably so, the BSA may become fully co-ed. There are many educational and recreational benefits that can be shared by both sons and daughters and their families.

Just to illustrate from some world history. (and Im not trying to stir the political pot here, just stating some world events)

We know Rome wasnt built in a day. Also, it took 45 years for the Wall and the Iron Curtain to come down. We are still watching another Wall from the South Korean Border. And we seem to urge the building of a wall between Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank, not to keep them apart but more to maintain the peace. Will those walls come down too? I expect so, sometime in the future.

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21_Adv

As stated earlier, PDA has been discussed in Scouter.com and other scouting discussion groups. Like most everyone here, I take the advise and sometimes I like to share my own experiences. Hopefully, this will be both......

PDA topics do place the crew and advisors in difficult positions. I personally have three of my own teens, two in the Troop, one in the Crew, and one off in college. About myself even more, I have continued to tell Boy Scouts, Venturers, fellow Scouters and Parents, that I have everyone's benefit in mind. I am looking forward to everyone's success, not just my own, not just my children, but everyone. If they wish to experience what Scouting and Venturing has to offer to build the character, I want to help them as much as possible.

(Sometimes, adults and youth can tend to believe Scouters are out for their own childs agenda. And trust and respect has to be earned and gained, not demanded)

A recommendation I have heard earlier. Is to have the Crew create guidance in their own bylaws. I really concur with an earlier advice having the Crew define what PDA is and what the consequences are.

I've had to tell three couples in my Crew, to "cool it" during Venturing meetings and events. But I would prefer that the Crew members be the voice of reason to the PDA disruptions. Sometimes it is like talking to a brick wall, it is sometimes difficult to get responsible teens to understand the difference in their parents approving a date and the time the spend with a girlfriend/boyfriend at a youth organization.

Now... How does an adult handle it? Yell? Pull the offenders apart? Make up rules on the spot?

And if PDA offenders are disciplined. When have they learned decorum and public behavior and personal space? At what point can we state, that they are redeemed? What is the length of the discipline? 10 minutes, 10 weeks? 10 events?

Now... Some months earlier, as an Associate Advisor, I've had to explain to the Advisor of some PDA that has gone overboard.

A humorous and friendly teen is sometimes disarming to some Venturer girls. I have witnessed unwelcomed roaming hands. But the offender was essentially a good young man, who made a bad judgement at the time. The previous Advisor disregarding my observations, believing my vision was impared. Later to be ridiculed as being too concerned of PDA and that Mr"Crew21Adv" doesn't like to see teens holding hands, in front of the Crew. This insult harms a person's respect. (As I stated earlier, the respect has to be earned, and earning this is not an easy task with teens)

Does this PDA cross the boundry to rape? WOW, that is a difficult call. Was it inappropriate touching, yes. I believe the parents would question it more than I did.

I have also been told by the Crew Committee Chair about another venturing girl, who have sat on the laps (and bumped and grinded) with older Boy Scouts. This young lady is very friendly and hugs everyone after Crew events. (I try to stand her to the side and pat her on the shoulder, as if she had a horrible disease) But at what point do I say.. "You can't hug everyone! You are not someone's little sister or little girl anymore, you are an older teen!" I would hope it isn't the Advisors job to have that discussion, I didn't read that chapter in the Venturing Leaders Manual.

As an Associate Advisor, do you simply pull the offenders aside and counsel them, stating you just don't do this. When you don't have the support of the Advisor.

Each of these PDA violators really are good youth (with a momentary lapse of good judgement)

Now fast forward to becoming the Advisor. I've had to take my "Advisor's Minute" to explain to the Crew that a couch built with two seat cushions and maybe room for four Venturers just can hold a capacity of fifteen. Even watching the Venturing YPG video for them, was a difficult adventure. Two beanbag chairs just can't quite hold seven Venturers.

I feel that I have now earned their respect, or maybe just their attention for a minute. I haven't seen as much PDA. Those that still conduct PDA feel ashamed momentarily (maybe because they got caught???) In short, I think my gravestone Epitaph will read. "Please sit up...Please sit up...Please sit up... Please sit up..."

Now about the 20 and 21 y/o Jack and Jill.. That is a toughie! I was a 20 y/o, married, Assistant Scoutmaster myself. My own children were on the scene shortly after I was 20. I don't know what a Council would say... But I always tell my teens...

"I'm not perfect...But throughout life, you have to make decisions, they may be good decisions, they may be bad decisions. Hopefully, I will make good decisions (most of the time). Hopefully, you will make good decisions too. Hopefully we can look back on our lives and say 'I did the right thing'"

Sometimes, when mentoring, I share my own personal motto with my teens and others. "To be a better man tomorrow, than I was today"

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21_Adv

P.S. I have not had to tell my own teen that touching has gone overboard into roaming areas. But I have had to tell my own teen to Sit Up!

Semper,

Yes... You are correct...

I thought that Harry Chapin was the lyricist and Cat Stevens had originally released it. But Harry Chapin wrote and sang the hit. Thanks Semp!

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21_Adv

dede,

Greetings!

There are plenty of songs out there to make a neat video to...

A couple of good songs I would recommend.

1) "Oh My Child" by Vaihi.

http://www.blackpearldesigns.net/vaihi-vaihi-my-child.html

2) Lucy and Linus (aka Charlie Brown Theme) by Vince Guaraldi Composer/Pianist.

During a Troop Court of Honor many years ago, I have seen a video on VHS tape (which was made by the United Way). The video used Cat Stevens "Cats in the Cradle", and similar to the "Got Milk?" add, this video only had white words on a black background. The bottom line to that video, was that it asked, "if you had enough time for your children" Then at the end of the two minute song it listed youth and family programs (one being the BSA) that the United Way supports. Another tear jerker, but it could encourage more fathers and families to participate in the Boy Scout Troop program as well.

Good Luck!

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21_Adv

Mark S,

Great Idea! Do you think the untrainable Scouters would read the policy letter? lol

I'm sorry... I just picture a few stubborn Scouters I have met.

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21_Adv

CNY,

Greetings!

I agree with most all of our fellow Scouters here. Achieving 100 percent is an excellent goal. But you will only get those to training that desire (or forced) to attend. (My thoughts are about three out of every four parents and new Scouters, or targeting somewhere around 75 percent per district and unit)

From a small percentage, I have listened to fellow Scouters tell me about their college degrees, weekend leadership seminars, military training and hunting trips. This minority of Scouting adults and parents believe that their own experiences will shadow anything that BSA training has to offer. (There are few other legitimate excuses, such as work schedules, travel, medical needs, and etc., which will prevent Scouters from ever attending training.)

For your Training Chairman, I would focus on those that you can reach and encourage to attend.

Two methods that we have used to increase training, which seems to work.

1) Our training team has taken the training to the unit. We have taken Troop Committee Challenge to long committee meetings, and also have taken NLE and CSLST/BSLST to certain geographically remote units.

2) During our training advertisement. There were often complaints about late registration fees. We have changed the wording on our training flyers from "Registration Fee and Late Registration Fee" to "Early Bird Discount and Regular Fee". I haven't heard a complaint since and Scouters have signed up earlier to obtain the "Discount" prices.

Hope this helps!

Scouting Forever and Venture On!

Crew21_Adv