Deaf Scouter

I see this as a scheduling place centralized on merit badges. I'm currently putting together a Merit Badge Academy and I can't tell ya how many no's I've gotten or no answers to emails or phone calls. Today's world so many are busy, busy, busy so having someone else do the logistics of planning and I as a MBC just show up or a Scout just sign up makes things easier on both ends. Reading through some of these descripts shows that Scout are not just simply showing up to a class and getting signed off. Some have field trips and weekly meetings. Workbooks are being utilized. This is great for a Scout that wants to complete ALL 130 of BSA current offerings of merit badges. Its also easy for the parent or scout that has multiple things happening to coordinate their schedules or find a MBC. Some of those classes are really small as it says a class can only be started when 4 scouts are on the waiting list.

What used to be done in Troop meetings and in the outdoor program easily is now competing with many other other activities. I can remember doing 5 campouts in 6 weeks in the fall and 4 campouts in 6 weeks in the spring. Nowadays we're lucky to get 1 campout a month.

And this lady Scouter says, huh? to SeattlePioneers' comment of:

"Often I have a bone to pick with craft projects selected by lady leaders. Usually they are rather artsy but with little practical value, while I favor practical practical projects that boys can customize or decorate if they wish.

In my experience, men tend to choose that kind of practical project, and boys are usually more interested in that kind of project.

Also, Cub Scout love to use new tools and equipment, and love to make some kind of practical gear they can use. "

Obviously you've never been to ANY of my meetings. I was very much hands on with projects that lasted a lifetime. All my boys kept coming BACK for more and the parents even enjoyed it. I even added in Boy Scouts at the Cub level.

Watch your generalization SeattlePioneer or you'll end up on top of the Pioneering tower with no way down when we try our hand at Peoneering MB... *grins

FrankScout... It was both. I had a situation in my troop where the Dad and three of his brothers were Eagles so Dad expected his sons to be Eagle without doing the work. Proof was heavily needed to make my stand in badges are EARNED not given Hence the reason for the Council profiles. I found later they were so useful in other aspects like training... *grins

Or a Case that he doesn't even realize what he is saying or sounding like. I'd kind say under my breath... Hmmm, I thought I 'Scouter' was courteous. Or Scouters practice what they preach in the Scout Law.. courteous. Make it innocent, reflection where the Scouter (SM) hears it but not the scouts.

For those that don't know Scouters are adult leaders. One that been around for a long time would know this term.

Seattle Pioneer.. I don't blame you one bit for turning the recharterig over to another. When I came on board 0% of the Committee had Troop Committee Training. All got it done but the CC. CC is still putting it off this year. I'll be honest its time consuming chasing people down and this year I not putting in much effort. I'm doing the three strike thing meaning I'm reminding them three times.

BasementDweller. Yeah had my ASM last year switch to CM for the purpose of refusing to update any of his 1997 trainings. Funny part is I took a month break from Scouting after such a long, overwhelming year of stepping in as SM and being a newbie SM at that. It was a NICE deserved break. Got refreshed to start this year and that ASM turned CM decided with his crew to turn things upside down. He became ASM again and another became SM. None of this was done in the Committee meeting. Didn't even bother getting upset and said sure if that's what you want, go right ahead since its your boys that in the Troop. I just stepped in to help last year when a sudden death occurred.

The biggest problem is they've worked their way around the rechartering for 3 tp 4 years now but never dealt with the real problem of how close they are to folding and how late they recharter. This year they MUST be trained and they MUST charter on time. No ifs, ands or buts. They will have problems doing BORs which they haven't even considered yet. I can lead a horse to water but I can't make them drink.

Actually the point, TwoCubDad, was...

Have you ever been blindsided?

Seems I am getting it right on the forums here... *laughing

Everyone seems to be reading my tale but not the last line asking for theirs... *grins

As for my tale.. the new leadership will have to chalk it up as lesson learnt as its their problem since they need it and I don't. Been there, done that. I TRIED to save the a headache but seems the deafness in on them and not me...*innocent impish smile

Many are guilty of procrastination whether a leader or a parent. A reminder that it can be expensive not getting that appointment set up for the physical in terms or dollars and unprocrastinate some parents as some places don't take the medical insurance card like the primary care doctor would. Urgent care center cost me $145 that would have cost me nothing at my primary doctor. Lesson learnt, you bet. It pays to BE PREPARED. It isn't there for nothing... *grins

It hasn't changed in 'wear regulation' but factors like comfort and cost have had its impact at the younger ranks. Sashes are more often are bought at the Star and Life ranks. Sashes can get in the way on campouts just doing the simply thing. They are saved for formal ceremonies which more Scout see when they hit the higher Star and Life rank and show up at another's Eagle Court of Honor. Cost wise parents quickly learn its an item to wait on to see if their Scout remains in Scouting hence the reason many are bought before a Eagle board of review... *smiles

The lawyer father's position is???

I would point out to the father that there are procedures that MUST be followed: POR, SMC, BOR and PROPER paperwork filed that get noted in a Scout's record. That record is called a personal profile. Why don't you ask at your council office for the Scout's personal profile. That is the OFFICIAL record that lords over ALL matters including ANY Troop's paperwork. It is also the BASE to use when transfers between Troops happen. Regardless what happens in previous Troops, Council records stand. Even if the Scout's book is signed off, you have the right to disregard it and stand by COUNCIL'S record.

Anyone can buy a patch but that person but they are not supposed to and can be told to remove it if it hasn't been official awarded via the proper paperwork to council. Only certain people can file that proper paperwork in their capacity of Scoutmaster and/or Advancement Chair. As a Scoutmaster, this lawyer father needs to follow the rules just like everyone else so stand your ground. Warn him that when he moves he loses time as records start fresh again.

Records between Troop can only be transferred from one of the three positions: Scoutmaster, Advancement Chair or Committee Chair. The father has no say in going over those leadership people regardless of whether he is a lawyer. He is doing his son a de-service not following the rank advancement and practicing the Boy Scout Oath and 12 points of the Scout Law.

I will tell him that things are earned not given just because the father wants them given. Scouting is a lawyer court where one is out to win but tested to show one has the skills.

Guide to Advancement 2011:http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf

The other topic had me putting that word 'blindsided' on exactly how I felt at our last Troop meeting. The topic was medical forms. The new leadership is looking for them thinking I have their originals. Knowing from experience and new policy changes that medical forms are now supposed to be kept for places like summer camp, I made copies of originals. I gave the originals BACK to the parents. Lo and behold they now can't find them. It was a little rough when out of 4 parents when three (two who are the current leadership) say the same thing, can't find them.

I even designed a notebook for organizational purposes to help parents and scouts. There is a plastic sleeve for the original medical form that states in its notes that 'you keep the original and send a copy'. Unfortunately, none of these adults utilized this. I found my own original and second copy upon home arrival after the Troop meeting ( In case I've confused you....As a precaution, I made two copies of my original, in case I was ever in a hurry and 'grabbed' my original/copy with making a copy because I was preoccupied on other matters. A common trait of a newbie Scoutmaster I've found last year. Whew in that someone else is doing it this year... *grins while laughing) I really wasn't upset because I knew the truth in spite of their words. Later I was able to verify with another Scouter who wasn't at the Troop meeting yet was present at the copying session that YES I returned the originals to them in spite of what these adults say. I was at loss as to how to help them since I went through MUCH trouble to prevent this from happening in the first place. (Guess precaution still doesn't guarantee that problems won't arise even if we try hard against it... *laughing) It was also tough in how my words kept getting twisted around until I simply stopped talking on the issue, shrugged my shoulders and refuse to get upset.

So have you ever been blindsided? How and on what?... *smiles

Wondering with the rechartering coming around once again with new rules that one must have all required training for their position whether it be Scoutmaster(SM), Assistant Scoutmaster(ASM), Committee Chair(CC) or Committee Member(CM) and they don't take training. What are the options? Suppose we remove them completely? What if they hold key positions like treasurer, advancement chair, and etc.

I know one MUST have 5-6 key positions filled for a charter in the following: SM, ASM, and three CM in which one CM must be the CC. Can they still do these positions without being registered in those 5 key positions as a non-registered adult?

Pros and cons please? Policies I can use to back up arguments that can't be twisted around by a smooth talker?

Having two plans of actions, Plan A and Plan B, helps me a bit. I find that larger group doing one activity together can have more drifting attention then one on one. In which case when the drifting attention starts I break the group smaller and have them either do a round robin type activity or work in smaller groups.

Also keep in mind hands on activity over lecture keeps interest better. True lecture has to take place but give it in short burst and then an activity like match up, challenge quizzes to teams and etc. that reinforces listening to what heard to answer the challenges or practice what was explained.

Sorry but I think the card should be used. The four corners serve a purpose of being punishment if caught using knives and such incorrectly. Four corners cut means no more knives use by the scout until retrained again. Card MUST be worn at all time to be able to produce it when asked. (That is what ziploc snack bags and scout pockets are for)

Cub Scout and Boy Scouts coverage is different in this area of knife use. Its a simple thing to do the knife coverage in a Troop meeting or a campout to get the Boy Scout's level. Your son can be a trainer if he is so well at it. The Cub Scout level does not cover as indepth nor the same tools as the Boy Scout one does. Preach 'safety' instead of yet another thing that doesn't carry over complaint...*winka

There is a qualification of the Scouts wearing uniform. Its in the JTE policy and the insignia guide. Most that are low income expect only the shirts.

Did a training in May and learned that camouflage and Scout uniforms are a no go. Talk about having to be the bad guy and retrain mentalities on a basic rule that should have been learnt in Cub Scout.. *sighs

Scoutmaster and Cubmaster are the hardest positions to fill especially if units are dysfunctional. Most are doing the work of more than one person especially theirs and the Committee Chair's.

I'm so HAPPY!!!... *grins

Met with my Unit Commissioner (UC) and Charter Organization Representative (COR) about the trailer issues. The COR stated that the trailer cannot be registered in Maine.. YAY!!... *doing the HAPPY dance.

COR is going to take charge of all the trailer issues and take it out of the hands of the Committee and the Troop. We will still be able to access it but no changes can be made to it until AFTER we stabilize and increase the membership of the Troop. Now I can get all on the same page and refocus their attention of 4 specific goals for the overall picture of the Troop's revitalization... *smiles

THANK YOU all for your VALUABLE advice, suggestions, solutions, perspectives, and etc.

THANKS Eagle92!! I have no intention but glad you mentioned the article as now I use that as an example to prove my point!!

I do the ScOUTING because I volunteered and cuz I LOVE it. I don't need nor want any lawsuit, period!

Actually you couldn't be further from the truth, raisinemright. It was a District vote to raise the insurance not a DE vote. The cost to the parent was $20 bucks a year for a raised level. I was shocked when I realized it wasn't asking for much from me especially since I car pooled for Troop meetings and trips. It was extra protection to me the driver when one thinks about it.

We have MANY parents that car pool kids on a weekly basis. so asking for this is really for THEIR protection as well as the youth leaders.

We are a very spread out council (over 100 miles approx.) and before we merged we ALWAYS had to file a tour plan because much was done OUTSIDE our council, 10 miles thata way ----->.... *grins

just to take advantage of city offerings... *smiles

Now we don't have to file the tour plan as much but we still have to do the 'driving' part. I'm lucky to be at the top end and within touching distance to the merged council but most everyone else still has the long, long drive so there is still a need for the higher insurance for safety/liability reasons.

I understand why y'all are say. At one point in December when the charter was late I had considered it. Now that the new parents are here I see them getting on board.

Basement:

So where is the poison in the troop???? Something is driving the boys away????? You need to put your finger on it....

Yeah I know what THEY are! Funny part is at Roundtable tonight my District trainer singled me out about someone NOT being trained in my Troop and they are on my 'revitalization plan'... *laughing Their training is so OLD that its not even transferable to another course. My trainer did me a HUGE favor now by stepping onto my team unintentionally.. *laughing

Eamonn:

Not trying to hijack the thread but...

""I worry when I see:

"I am the Scoutmaster for this Troop who's primary goal is to revitalize this Troop that started in 1936."

History is great but we don't serve the Troop history we serve the kids that are here today and if we do a good job the Troop will serve the kids that will come.

Looking back is a big mistake.

Failure to do what is needed will mean that all thats left is a history. ""

I'm not looking back but I do look back like Basement said to find the poison. The HUGE poison is no longer a BSA and now has a record. So much so that they can't even attend our Spaghetti dinner if its held in a park. (another issue.. Basement... is getting that registered person to stop using this poison connection.. *sigh) We can all just simply be thankful that NOTHING ever happened within our Troop thanks to the 2 deep leadership requirement.. WHEW. But small town is what it is.

Eamonn.. I am child geared focused! Understanding the impact of all the different factors of the past puzzle pieces helps put in new regulations toward a NEW goal and NEW history where the scouts have a boy-led troop and OUTINGS in ScOUTINGS.

Oak Tree..

Once a year is enough! We show proof in my son's troop and I'm expecting my parents to do the same. Some parents really don't know their insurance numbers when asked. All the info is listed into the TroopMaster and transferred to the online format that our council will be implementing. There will be no more of paper copy approval method.. *smiles

Drawback I have is that Richard's link below shows 50/100/50. My district does 100/300/100 because of the amount of driving most of us do long distance within our own distance. It was started before we merged and kept. We ASK for the policy contract not the insurance card kept in the car. The registration is asked to get car info like type year and license plate. You'd be surprise at how many don't even KNOW what kind of car they are driving except its a CAR not a VAN or TRUCK... *laughing To those, that is what a car mechanic is for... *grins

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/GSS/gss11.aspx

Richard.. Nice that National copied the 'Risk Zone' program that Driver's Ed class teach.. *laughing

Drivers license, registration and car insurance is needed for the Tour Plan. May 1st changes things and its all online and transferable from the TroopMaster. I'm asking once a year when new people come in and reviewing previous info. Its like pulling teeth to get it since they don't see the process I have to do plus parents are just NOT organized either in their own lives, me thinks.

Our district requires 100, 300, 100 for car insurance so I really need to verify that to prevent parents from car pooling another that doesn't have the correct insurance coverage. Most people have the standard 50, 100, 50. ASM is still on the old coverage info and online lists the wrong info for our 'district'... *sighs The reason our district is higher is because we live countryside and there is lots more traveling between events with us being so spread out over a larger area than most of the council.

Basement.. On trailer regs, committee meeting is next Wednesday and I have NO plans to register it at the moment. Already calling COR and bringing him into the picture to take ALL the trailer issues since they defeat the Troop revitalization goals the UC and I came up with. Next is sitting with COR, UC and I and then another with CC and I before next weeks Committee Meeting. You are right in I set the rules and enforce them. I think I'm trying too hard not to scare anyone away be putting down so many of them as we need these new crossovers to help with revitalize of the Troop. UC has been really helping me with narrowing down all that is on my plate to 4 goals.

I see lots of new screen names so let me say:

I am the Scoutmaster for this Troop who's primary goal is to revitalize this Troop that started in 1936. I was brought in because of my heavy Scouting experience, training and ability to communicate with the Deaf family via ASL ( American Sign Language). The Scoutmaster role is new to me but I was an involved parent doing almost every campout with my son's Troop. (This is NOT my son's Troop).

I don't have the option of running from this Troop. I've already made my decision to give it another year. When I walked in there were only 2 families (as the third was already at Eagle BOR). My adherence to BSA advancement regulations and their family dynamics (Mom & Dad are split. Dad is the primary parent yet Mom was my primary contact. Mom was my CC for 2 days when I expected her to fullfil her CC role. The previous SM did both CC and SM.) Dad transferred to another Troop.

Now we have 4 new crossover with previous pack committee experience along with my ASM who's focus is now on the Troop instead of the absenteeism ASM who's focus was the Pack. These parents really do follow this ASM and good at roping everyone on board. My conflict is regulations and these little things that don't walk the talk of the Scout's and the sponsor's core values. My ASM is an experiences Scouter like myself but doesn't have the long sight vision like I do. They also don't realize they are a part of the causes in the Troop's decline so things have to be handle carefully on my part. (They are forcing my hand on the trailer diversion issues.) Please do realize yes, I have multiple things I'm working one within this Troop's revitalization and rebuilding its foundations.

Sasha is right in this 'last minute' theme which I've been fighting against since day one in this Troop which is why a goal of next year's calendar in at the TOP of my list along with a budget plan. I think Qwazse has it right in 'picking' my battles.

So PLEASE don't suggest the option of running away/walking away. I really would like to hear other's perspective and experiences on this walk the talk issue and these other issues with suggestions of solution approaches, comebacks and etc.

I'm realizing I have a weakness in comebacks and can honestly contribution that to my hearing loss plus never having really had to deal with these kinds of issues in my other leadership roles like den leader or chairs. I have a strength in reading which why I'm on the boards here.

I mentioned 'chairing' Seattle as a couple of them have like do a Blue and Gold or coordinated a service project as one of the check offs.

Robbin.. Go right on ahead and use playing Boy Scout as it supposed to be FUN. Sure beats those committees where one just sits in a board room thinking or being told they're doing good. I didn't take offense there as I have the same outlook you where trying to convey... *smiles

Sasha,

I had a couple scouts who transferred out. I knew their new Troop staff from my Pack days. They are more stricter than me... *grins Heard they already tried to pull the stuff with them that they did with me and it was a no go.

Sasha, I have to agree that much is last minute in our Troop even though I've been mentioning things. I'm already looking to next year and changing my approach with STATING deadlines. With this year it was the insurance doesn't cover the physical year but every 5 years so they have to pay out of pocket for it. I like your wording on FOLLOW the rules if we can do the activities that MEET the rules. Looks like I need to arm some comebacks up my sleeves. Guessing not my strong trait.. *smiles

Stosh,

Its those ScOUTING skills that really help out when an unexpected power outage that lasts a week happens unexpectedly. Everyone bemoans the no electricity while my son and I had a ball... *laughing

There was quite a common theme at the next Troop meeting which was such cheerfulness in the face of inconvenience that was never an inconvenience... *smiles