dg98adams

As a participant in C-31-05 and now on staff for C-9-09 my view of WB is a bit clearer.

I do like the description of WB as "another opportunity for adult leader training"....and not an "end all be all" status course.

In all, I think for an adult who has not experienced a "focused group effort" to try to become better leaders, it is invaluable, but maybe not right for everyone.

Status symbols (beads, woggels, tartan), a WB values not these things (cheap yoda ripoff quote)....for more than what they are versus what they represent.

Introspection, and "big picture" of how things can be....are what I see. In fact, in a recent staff weekend, I am humbled to bring what I know of Scouting to the staff. I hope they were once where I am today so that would mean I can have a chance of being where they are now.

The only thing I see when I see the "evidence of WB (beads, woggle, Tartan)" is someone who makes a personal commitment to see Scouting grow. A WB staffer puts in a lot more hours that the 6 days of training, I know that now. This is in addition to how many times you have seen a WB at Scout events.

I used to a Buffalo......

I can see a SM asking adults to not have the Cell phones out in use (for non-essential use) at an outing. A good example for Scouts if that is the Troop policy.

But I don't think he would want to tell them not to bring them.

He has been in position for 5 months....gonna be tough to deny credit now.

I know a local Troop that uses "all or nothing" for credit for POR and clearly has the Scout/Parent agree to it before the Scout takes the position.

Although "getting a Blue Card" does not mean anything more than "an officially date the MB has been started". the SM may be the gatekeeper of the MB, but he is not the valve that controls the speed.

I mean I sorta agree he is asking for more than usual, at least in my Troop.

As far as I know, I don't think there is a BSA limit to how many a Scout can start/request at any one time.

He may have an active family that does all sorts of things, and now since he officially has a card and has made contact with a MB of his choice, items may apply. I would let him know there are places in a MB where the councilor needs to approve items before they get done.

My son picked up 3-4 blue Cards that may have items that can be completed during our Trip out west this summer. I would not expect them all to be done at the same time, and I doubt the SM does either.

One of the things I've tried to convey to our POR positions (& adult leadership), if a POR cannot be at a function, it's thier job to make sure the assistant (or someone else experienced at that POR) is there representing the POR, and is prepared for whatever your task/job was.

We don't count that as an absence as the Primary POR is following thru.

It's good to let SM know the POR can't be there, but that does not help your Patrol or the Troop.

A good rule of thumb for our Troop when ~20 boys go on outings (in 2-3 patrols). $2 per Scout per meal (Friday late meal/cracker barrel & Sunday breakfast).

This usually puts them under budget if meal choices are ingredients, and not prepared reheats anyway.

I would prefer to discourage bacon..too messy..boys look clueless when the realize they have to make preparations to put the left-over grease in a metal can and haul it home on Sunday. If they do it on Saturday, they can make use of some of it.

One good formula I have found is:

Generally the serving size on the boxes/mix/can is about right on. You can always add milk/water/spag.sauce/salsa to stretch your meal.

A couple go-to items to augment a meal is a good bet (p-nut butter/jam, foil potatoes, ramen noodles, mac.cheese, pork&beans, minute rice, are cheap enough and last a long time.

I also try to throw in local fresh veggies (Corn on the cob in the husk, tomatoes, etc...)

(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

Our Troop has an elevated "bowl" for fires. Anything like that will work fine.

I would not serve food during and immediately right after out of respect for your ceremony. If this a campfire you don't want to use it for food after the ceremony (man-made materials from the flag deposits on the wood/ashes).

Sure, have a flag folding station, a flag game (maze, etc), and serve patriotic cup cakes/snow cones.

Just nothing during the ceremony.

In our Troop, I probably manage most of the Flag Retirement Ceremonies.

The Scouts are now starting to pick & choose from what they have seen when it comes to Flag Retirements and run them on their own.

One of the main things I have tried to target was involving the Scouts that needed to participate in a Flag Ceremony for rank.

Tenderfoot #6

Demonstrate how to display, raise, lower, and fold the American flag.

2nd Class #3

Participate in a flag ceremony for your school, religious institution, chartered organization, community, or troop activity.

As a Veteran, I personally don't care for the "cutting ceremony", but I always ask whoever requested the ceremony what THEY want.

I also discuss briefly we are NOT "BURNING" the flag, but "RETIRING IT". So far I have not gotten the "call" from any parents about burning flags at an outing.

As long as the ceremony is RESPECTFUL, it will be fine.

http://www.ushistory.org/BETSY/flagcode.htm

Easy ways to get Scouts involved, have them do the pledge of allegiance in a "whisper".

If done in the dark around a campfire it's pretty dramatic.

If outside and you have a crowd, a rousing song or "multiple part" story is always good.

Create a "handing off" ceremony involving multiple Scouts (or Cubs) "IN UNIFORM" to transport each flag "to the retirement fire", is a cool way to involve young Scouts.

Unless we are in our own camp without guests, I try to use only Scouts in UNIFORM for ALL FLAG CEREMONIES. Even then I will give preference to Scout who puts his shirt.

Oh, don't forget to harvest the flag grommets, and distribute them sparingly at a later time for "service".

Disposing of the ashes in a dignified manner, is also appropriate.(This message has been edited by dg98adams)(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

I like the "Prizes of Unspeakable Value" term.

As an ASM in our Troop, I usually get to recognize Scouts for non-rank/advancement awards, like "Good Turn for America" projects, or "kayak award", rescue whistles for service to the BALOO course I teach 2x a year, or other activity I think needs mentioned at a COH.

One of the other "memorable" tokens I give out are "Flag Grommets" retrieved when we retire flags. It takes more than participating in a single Troop Flag Retirement Ceremony to get one.

In the past I have made "Paracord fobs" and attached them, or a simple red/white/blue cord with a grommet.

SctDad,

I have only been active in OA almost a year as an Adult with our local lodge, but I am pretty sure OA limits the "use" of regalia" to youths in OA. Since you came back from conclave I assume you are OA. Acquiring/making items and wearing those items for a Cub event is 2 different things.

If you your lodge is like mine, they do come to Cub events, like AOL in "regalia".

It would be useful to research your local area's "period dress" to enhance a Cub Pack meeting/B&G, but I think I would avoid "regalia" as an adult for your pack.

As for your interest in it, I have used a catalog from "Crazy Crow Trading Post" for reasonably priced items.

http://www.crazycrow.com/(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

Wow, that's like being asked to bail out the titanic with a thimble!

There is tons of stuff to do, but probably the best idea, is get them out side and "ask them" to come up with things they would like to do.

You should suggest reasonable alternatives, but let them "storm up all kinds of crazy ideas".

When I was DL/WL/CM I made sure to get some kind of service to community if I could (tree planting, park/school litter pickup, creek bed cleanup, etc...but I would be the first to agree to "water baloon toss, frisbee golf, kickball, nature hikes and group games".(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

I did a "mod" on the belt. I removed the 2 stitches, pulled the belt off, cut a section out of it in the middle, and replaced that section with heavy elastic.

I re-threaded the belt after putting a couple stitches in the loop for the buckle.

I use a wheelchair most of the time, but I do like to keep my pant around my waist when I stand up!

I would like to see an fully elastic BSA belt in Olive color.

belt

(This message has been edited by dg98adams)(This message has been edited by dg98adams)(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

I have not encountered the rule you ask about in our Troop, but to avoid the issue, ask another person to be SM or ask some one else to take CC.

Your PLC can be charged with reviewing Scout behavior and recommending appropriate actions. If you have a "discipline committee" you may have problems with your Troop structure that need to be addressed before replacing the SM.

Good luck.

If you are in Africa....little rain, lots of sun = lots of heat.

I have done solar ovens with pizza boxes, black construction paper, and a saran wrap window. Maybe in July or August in Ohio.(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

I think it depends on what your definition of "Camp-o-ree" is, as it's not mentioned in the "Cub Scout Over-nighters" section of the Online G2SS and where your "Camp-o-ree" is.

If the council is approving their overnight camping tour permit, and they have a BALOO trained adult, they are following the adult-cub ratio, and they are not directly participating in Boy Scout activities....I would think they are ok.

http://www.usscouts.org/safety/g2ss.asp

Cub Scout Overnight Opportunities

Cub Scouts may experience overnight activities in venues other than accredited resident camping. There are two categories of Cub Scout over-nighters:

Council-Organized Family Camp

Council-organized family camps are overnight events involving more than one pack. The local council provides all of the elements of the outdoor experience, such as staffing, food service, housing, and program. These are often referred to as Parent/Pal or Adventure weekends. Council-organized family camps should be conducted by trained leaders at sites approved by the local council. In most cases, the youth member will be under the supervision of a parent or guardian. In all cases, each youth participant is responsible to a specific adult.

Overnight activities involving more than one pack must be approved by the council. Council-organized family camps must be conducted in accordance with established standards as given in National Standards for Council-Organized Family Camping, No. 13-408.

Pack Overnighters

These are pack-organized overnight events involving more than one family from a single pack, focused on age-appropriate Cub Scout activities and conducted at council-approved locations (councils use Pack Overnighter Site Approval Form, No. 13-508). If nonmembers (siblings) participate, the event must be structured accordingly to accommodate them. BSA health and safety and youth protection guidelines apply. In most cases, each youth member will be under the supervision of a parent or guardian. In all cases, each youth participant is responsible to a specific adult.

At least one adult on a pack overnighter must have completed Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO, No. 34162) to properly understand the importance of program intent, youth protection guidelines, health and safety, site selection, age-appropriate activities, and sufficient adult participation. Permits for campouts shall be issued locally. Packs use Local Tour Permit Application, No. 34426.(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

As a Retired AF enlisted member, I certainly did not specialize in push-ups..(except maybe at basic).....but I do know of some limited use of push-ups within the BSA.

It's a form of physical measurement (30 day span) for #10ab

#10

a. Record your best in the following tests:

* Push-ups

* Pull-ups

* Sit-ups

* Standing long jump

* 1/4 mile walk/run

b. Show improvement in the activities listed in requirement 10a after practicing for 30 days.

So there is a benefit of push-ups as exercise.

I know of a Troop that encourages them, but I don't think it's as punishment. I think there is nothing like "sweat equity" to focus a young man's attention.

Like I said, they don't use them in my Troop (not enough military influence I guess). But in a nearby Troop I have seen a Scout answer a leader with "yeah" or forget to say "excuse me Mr...." (who is talking), drop and push 10 off without the Scout Leader saying anything.

There are consequences to every action, and push-ups are one way to "encourage thought", rather than verbally reprimand or punish. The Scout benefits from the "encouragement".

IMHO I think this would benefit more Scouts in my Troop, rather than the obligatory "Oh, sorry about that" or "my bad" (which I absolutely loathe), or even the "blank look" when I have been interrupted by a young Scout while conversing with some one and I ask him to "please wait until I am finished talking"...

So, I do not think push-ups as a form of corporal punishment.

I would get the parents of the "Webelos II's" Summer Camp info now, since come June 1, they won't BE Webelos II's.

Between now and then, I would work with the Webelos II Den leader (& CM) to get the Scouts to come on a couple outings and maybe the Troop meeting. But make it clear, you cannot treat them as "Scouts", because the are still Cub Scouts.

This means they won't be able to "compete or participate in the same activities Scouts ordinarily do on outings/meetings".

When I moved our Pack's charter, I modified a "white" candle ceremony to "carry the light of Cub Scouting" to the new CO. I edited it to be simple as I used a couple Tigers and a couple Wolves to help.

This may be the 1st cub Ceremony they have seen, so keep it simple and short.

AS CM, I performed the ceremony on a Sunday at the end of services (with the Pastors co-operation)....I never got any support from our UC in the 4 years with the pack, so it's great you are helping them out.

This is a "for What it's Worth" reply....

The Pack is not normally a charitable organization on it's own...your CO may be. Donations (especially that large) either usually go thru a charitable CO or your council, to give the donor a tax-break receipt.

$5k is a sizable donation, and I would hope you have your P's & Q's covered.

Sorry, I don't know anything about the J.W. Knot.

When I was CM I jumped at the chance to "make up" a ceremony. I did not find any obvious ones in my initial search on the web, but make it lean to what they did (rank-wised) to earn it. A ceremony outside, with washable paint is always a huge hit.

This is a flap they will wear for a while, so feel free to whoop it up.

I just picked up a US flag, Ohio flag and a POWMIA flag.

100% US Made.

http://www.cvsflags.com/

As a previous CM, I think you need to find 2 piece flag poles that are a bit shorter than the ones we use in the Troop. they are not as heavy for the cubs to carry.

6" is about right. We picked up a couple surplus white flag harnesses for cheap, that will help.

Inexpensive flag holders can be made from 2x4's & plywood painted Blue/Gold.

Looks like the "man" my wife spoke to is our Camp Ranger. I have seen him in a Green Venturing shirt, so I think he is a crew adviser.

I think the new crew is leaning toward a "T-shirt" first.

As a dad, I would prefer my 14 y.o. daughter (looks 17+) have a shirt of some substance (i.e. button up green shirt), as she prefers her T-shirts tight, with one underneath pulled down over her hips (all her teen girl pals seem to wear them like this).

I gotta go find a TUMs, my ulcer (started 14 years ago) is acting up.

YiS

DG

Troop 311 ASM

Venturing Crew 311 "finally just a dad"

Wow,

That's terrible about MBC not getting it done or not knowing what they need to know.

I am the yearly Merit Badge Trail Drive organizer for 3 districts...and all of my MBC's hear/read me say "attendance is NOT Participation", "DO NOT GIVE A MB AWAY".

That being said, my events don't crank out "completed" MB's for most of the classes. I have never been asked to "pump up" the COMPLETES or even questioned about the lack of COMPLETES at the event.

I have volunteered at the Pool as a MBC (swimming/lifesaving) during camp for the past 2 years during our Troops week in camp. It's the toughest job at camp, so I know it's a sacrifice.

I look for the Scouts who need more time or instruction than the staff have to give. The staff works the group skills, and I work with 1-2 almost every session. No one has ever gotten a "buy", even when it has rained 2-3 days of the week.

My BSA "almost-Life" Scout son (and his GS Cadet twin sister) has signed up to join the Venturing Crew forming at the CO of our Troop.

I know "uniforms" had come up at the information meeting they attended last night. I was in the toilet and couldn't go....really....I was replacing one.

My wife had dropped by the Scout Office to pick up a Venturing book.

She spoke to a "man" (who knows a "man" could be anyone from the SE, DE to the janitor) told her that they are discussing doing away with venturing uniforms and allowing them to use the new tan design with the green epaulets.

Any truth to that or is it just another "myth?"

Sounds ???, since the new Scout uniforms also use the subdued green epaulets.

The crew is not ready yet to discuss uniforms anyway, but it will come soon enough.

Our local camp, Camp Birch, Yellow Springs, Ohio is offering an Older Scout program this year. It will be a re-occuring program that has 3 levels of difficulty.

I think the program is based on the "Long Hunter" theme, but they picked a different name out of respect for the local population.

Although there is a lot of youth staff all event areas have an adult counselor that oversees the merit badge activity.