dg98adams

I thought the project may not be routine maintence. Is he extending the paths in some way?

I am not being critical, my son is about to start Life so these questions are coming up.

It is up to the MBC, period to approve a service or not.

I also would have preferred "new Service" as stated in the book for an organization identified when the Scout started the Blue card.

The BALOO course I use runs from 9 am to 4 pm..

The Outdoor Skills course is taught with overnight camping and runs all day covering the basic Scout skills & how to teach them.

I think your target groups differ and it may be easier to get it all in one weekend (1 day for BALOO with a real night-time campfire program and let that night of camp setup count as the start the Outdoor Skills which will be covered in the next day.

If you tried to cram it on one day, you end up with the course that does may not benefit the inexperienced cub Leader as much....who needs it more than the more experienced camper.

Personally, I'd like to see overnight with BALOO so you can present a night-time campfire, cracker barrel, and cover a simple breakfast. After all BALOO is for Cub Overnight.

Um...ok, I agree "Camping light or Camping 101" should really describe the BALOO course but it appears your course loosely followed the main ideas of the syllabus but left some important stuff out.

Here is what is listed in the syllabus I use.

Local Council considerations

Aims

Purposes

Lunch Prep (foil lunch explanation, ingredients, prep charcoal, suggested cook times, etc), I usually add foil potatoes (bake potatoes), foil corn on the cob, etc..

Planning - how to setup the outing plan to include tour permits, where to go, local safety concerns, adult to cub ratios, etc.

Equipment - covering typical Cub Camping equipment - tents, sleeping bags, lanterns, backpacks (day packs), water bottles, individual 1st aid kits (band aids). May show model camp site & simple tent setup (depending on the group).

Campfire planning - (my favorite) What goes into a campfire plan that makes the outing memorable, and how to plan songs, skits that are fun and simple for the Cubs to do (repeat after me, repeat after me, repeat afte rme...), also include the idea the plan runs with the fire..start fire=warm up, high fire=hi energy, fading fire=thought provoking or opportunity for Cub Master Minute that leaves the cubs thinking.

Lunch - participants eat the foil lunch they prepared..... the Campfire Demo is put on then by the staff.

Campfire Demo - staff puts on the above campfire plan (I usually include 3 types of closing & sometimes a flag retirement - it's daylight so i ask the participants to pretend it's dark)

Health & Safety - guide to safe Scouting, & Insurance form, pack first aid kits/med. forms, what do do & who to call - usually a section for Q &A.

Program - explain whay cubs go on outing and why it's your oportunity to develop Scouting aims.

Round Robin (break out sessions with the group split up going to each station in rotation)

----Cub Scout cooking - I usually get boy Scouts to demo simple cooking by making desserts (dump cake, box oven cookies, and let participants sample)

----First Aid & Sanitation - I cover 1st aid kits specific to the area & show proper wash methods - sterilization with small amt. of bleach although most cubs camp with disposable eating materials).

----Nature Hikes & games - themed to hold cub attention and then playing group games with a purpose, where to go, and what to look for at Cub Level.

----Stoves, lanterns, and fire Safety - more indepth equipment, and the fire safety ideas to keep cubs safe and how to put out the fire safely.

Course recognition - distribute cards

I can send you the syllabus it easy reading and worth looking at.(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

Cool...

I would suggest things you would hope to have in a car, as you would not normally set out for a survival outing with all your normal camping gear.

Blanket (not sleeping bag)

large trashbags

butane lighter or maybe a small box of matches (not water proof)

water bottles (soda bottles for realism)

string

a couple bungee cords

a couple med. sized floor mats

simple first aid kit

small pocket knife

small flash light

assorted pop cans (can make a surprisingly good number of survival items from them)

paper/pen

makeup compact mirror

road map

maybe toss in some unrelated items you would find in a car to see if they can figure out a way to use them.

No backpack.

No other extra clothes except maybe socks in the taped off bag.

For safety I would put some real stuff (whistle, cell phone, GPS, fire starters, energy bar, etc.) in a plastic bag that is "taped off". If they don't really need it, they won't open it.

When our Troop was small the SM signed everything.

Now that we have 30-35 Scouts, the SM & 3 of the ASM's sign off.

All the ASM's are familiar with the T-2-1 sequence, and we regularly expect the Troop guides to follow it.

We are all trying to be on the same page....and rarely will we instruct/teach a skill and sign it off right after it was demonstrated...unless, it eally did not require 100% instruction. Minor assistance (hands off) in a demonstration is just like the Scout looking in his book. In fact, we all like to see the Scout show another Scout if possible.

We remind them all the time to carry the book and use it instead of saying, "I know how I did it, but I don't remember right now".

The better answer is, "let me check the book to get a quick refresh".....

(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

We picked up a a couple Wolves in my sons Bear Den...and they hung in until the Bears became Webelos...We had a couple DL's and (1 Wolf Dad) would make sure to target/sign the Wolf specific activities. It works, but it was hard to find games both groups could participate in once we got outside. But we kept 2-deep leadership and 2 dens that way.

I think when those guys became Bears themselves and worked with the new Wolf den they were better for it. Eventually they had picked up a couple boys and had their own den again be the time they were Webelos.

(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

Sounds like our Troop is like a lot of others, "First Aid" & "Swimming". If a Scout is not a swimmer by now, we have a couple ASM's (myself included) that are Lifeguard trained, work on improving swim strokes.

Now what our "nurse-ASM" does is the First Aid required for T-2-1, then leads them up thru what's needed for the rest of the badge & CPR (for the entire Troop). We use First Aid to show them how Blue Cards work...so they start that card when they start T-2-1.

If they have an interest in any other MB before camp it because we have a Troop activity that applies (Canoe Trip - Canoe training - Canoe MB), (indoor climbing overnight - climbing MB), (survivor-themed early spring campout - camping MB).

We don't use the NEW Scout program at camp, because we camp often enough to cover skills before summer Camp. Our SM recommends 1 water activity (swimming, snorkle, canoe, rowing, small boat sailing) at camp even if it's instructional swim (I usually volunteer as staff at the pool - tough job I know )

I would not recommend and heavy camping MB sessions with new Scouts < 1st Class, because they probably don't have enough experience to understand the different kinds of camping...but we do start the Blue Card on the 1st Troop campout - as it takes 20 nights of camping to earn).

We have had a new Scout with Appalachian Trail experience that was ready for the camping MB.(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

I had taken Woodbadge when I was crossing over from CS to BS.

One of the new Scouts in my sons NSP, must have noticed the "Buffalo" patch on my shoulder at a meeting when they were picking out the 1st Patrol name.

Once they found out they could not get any Star Wars characters on a Patrol patch from the Scout store (I showed them the list of standard patches available), and one Scout said to the group of Scouts, "what about the Bison Patrol" that they picked one out.

The other Scouts in the NSP liked it. And quickly came up with a yell, "Storm the West!".

It wasn't until after another adult Scouter mentioned my "Bison patch"....that I realized they must have seen it.

Sadly, that Scout decided to pursue other interests after CS and 2 years of BS. The Bison Patrol is still solid, and now holds most of the Troop POR's. I wonder how long they will last?

OMG Buffalo, that is hilarious....

I plan to start the BALOO course next month EXACTLY that way.

Hi, I'm Dr. BALOO. I'll be doing performing the operation on your frontal lobe today. And Dr. Akela will be assisting with the procedure. He is just an intern, but he had very high test scores in brain anatomy....")

I might add "he also stayed at a Holiday Inn and just saved $200 on his car insurance"(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

Scouter,

I also got tapped out with my son, and we took a group of 5 other Scouts from our Troop to the ordeal.

Other than the opening activity, I did not see my son until the end.

I did get put into a group with one of the scouts from our troop for the ordeal, but I got assigned a task to assist another Scout (inventory of Camp Pool & Waterfront building).

In fact, there were 2 groups during the ceremony at the end, and he was not in mine. I did get to sit in on the "council drum" during his ceremony. This was a huge honor (to me) to assist with the drum during his ceremony.

The BALOO syllabus was updated last year, but the changes were minor.

It's a big PDF file, so I use "sendthisfile.com" when someone wants it electronically. If you want a copy just let me know.

As the course chair I bring all materials for the break out sessions ( or the Scouter covering that section does), like tents, stoves, first aid kits, etc.

I also augment the sessions materials with songs/cheers and ice breakers. I also lean on cub stuff like the "Helps, Sparklers book, Magic book, How To's, and Flag Ceremonies".

The big part of BALOO is the G2SS, Campfire Program, Sanitation, How to Plan a cub Overnight and then the "foil Lunch". If you have camped and had Outdoor Skills, it will be a little slow.

It is fun though, or at least as fun as the participants make it.

I also know this year "Hazardous Weather Training" (ONLINE) is required to get a tour permit. So I will be hitting that next month when I cover the course for our Council.(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

I chair BALOO for our council, and knowing how many is coming is directly related on my purchasing food for the "foil lunch", which is a major part of the course.

I usually push 20-30% extra for the "day-of's", and if I have extra, I buy it back for either my Troop or myself personally. I send a receipt to the council for what gets used.

Participants get a course book for their fee and the "foil lunch". Hopefully they will get several ideas to take back to the pack to make the Pack overnight safe and meaningful.

I usually have some Scouts augment the food with their favorite fire-side snacks. I get Scouts to tend the fire & foils while the course continues.

You know I have seen a little of the same kind of thing in our Troop.

Some parents make a decision about which Troop for their son to join, or the Scouts gets to choose boys he wants to "hang" with. I think the Scouts that choose will stay longer anyway.

We visited 3 Troops, and my son the one I had "ranked to myself" as #2 or #3 is where he choose to go. I thought they had too many younger Scouts (The Troop was only 2-3 years old).

He told me he based "his choice" on the fact there were more guys his age. He is now almost a LIFE Scout after 4 years with this Troop.

So, I don't think your troop scared them away. But you may have exposed them to more of what a Boy Scout is expected to do on outings as opposed to Cubs/Webelos. To a new Scout there may appear to be much work as there is fun, but as I still tell his Patrol and the Troop (I'm an ASM) nothing in life that's worth doing comes easy.

Good luck with your "recruiting".

I found kahki velcro at my base military clothing store in wide sheets.

I used it for my sons "position" patch. I would have used it for his rank patch, but he already had STAR sewn on, so when he does get LIFE I may use it then.

I think I saw it at a fabrics store, Joann Fabrics, when I bought a replacement zipper.

Here is a web site where the clothing store had referred me to before that carries it. It may cheaper locally though.

http://www.brigadeqm.com/cgi-bin/tame.exe/store/level4c.tam?M5COPY.ctx=30028&M5.ctx=30028

(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

All this is good info....but when I stepped up as CM for our pack (my son started as a Wolf and I was asst DL), I had been working with the existing CM for 6 months. I knew he was burned out as I was picking up more and more. the CO was not interested in the pack.

Anyway, other than a couple BSA CM resource books, he did not have anything to give me.

So, I started a CM 3-ring binder. First thing I added was the CM training section, then the BALOO & Outdoor Skills section.

I also put sheets in so I could quickly lookup internet links for BSA forms, council info, etc.

I also would put in sheets/links of cheers, songs.

Special things like contacts to the local Troops, the DE's contact info (our UC never returned calls and would show up late with recharter paperwork so I usually go the DE to give me whatever info/paper work he would have given him) also went it there.

I also had sheets for online acct info/logon's/password/web page for the Pack.

I usually had 2-3 activities/games for when I had to "fill in" something at a pack meeting. Very handy, as it made it look like I always was prepared, even though a CM never is "completely prepared".

All this and a more populated Pack Master was given to the next CM when I crossed over into my son's boy Scout Troop 2 years later.

Did he use it? Or even pass it along? I don't think so.... 3 years later the CM's assistant after him is calling me for ceremonies/information I had performed....

In all, I guess what I agree with it looking for a replacement is good, but you need to be able to give them something to "help" them get started. But they have to use it.

Hazardous Weather is also new and I think is required to get a trip permit approved (1 adult). Our council sent an email out on the distribution list letting us know.

I took it and it was ok.

I have the same issue.

I pitched it a recent TJLT and had the boys look a month over and give me a 2 minute summary.

If nothing else, they found new activities they could do that relate to stuff the Troop was doing anyways (how many knot relays can they do?). But it was new, and had points for advancement as well as fun. They tried to get it started in the following week's PLC, but I had the latest copies of the Features in my trunk! Whoops!

I'd like to see the older boys concentrate on it as it can help them focus the Merit Badge work while assisting new Scouts with skills.

It's similar to the Cub Program helps that were the meat when I was CM.

(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

I don't think anyone can reply other than some one from your Troop.

But if our Troop sells "x" tickets for fundraiser meals, then we plan for "x" meals. If you have some one to make grocery runs, you could choose the "low-side" of "x" for perishable items like eggs.

Weather and other same-day events play havoc too. If it is nice out, you'll get better participation then not, if nothing else is going on then you have the only show....

We also always put out the "donation jar" and have silent auctions.....

asm 411,

Wow that's funny in your post.....

I had almost the same conversation when I was about 12.

But I had mine with my dad....I had dropped a "bomb" doing some work on the house.

All he said was, "You know something son", (he rareley ever called me that so I knew I was in trouble), "cussing is the crutch for the ignorant lame".....and then he turned back to what he was doing.

Made an impression on me that lasted for a long time.

Years later and after a bout in the service, my language had a more colorful flair to include several foreign "bombs".

It wasn't until I held my son and daughter as newborns in my arms that I remembered his comment.

I have had to make that "comment" to my son, a 13 y.o. Star Scout and a couple of his patrol buddies. Hopefully it will stick with them a while.

As a big Battle Star Galactica fan (then and now), "frak" is pretty tempting.

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I recorded it on my DVR.

Good movie.

I told my son about it...he might watch it for Citizen in the Community Merit Badge.

I organize/chair the BALOO training for our council.

I get Scouters to cover "sections" of the course. I primarily use "online" communication too.

The DE is aware of it, but does not schedule scouters. He only passes info to me if someone is interested.

If I don't get "ok I'll be there" or a reply to "reminders" I drop that person. It's too hard to manage if you aren't in the loop.

Now the Trail Drive I organize fo the district is harder, since I have almost 25-30 Scouters on that one for ~200 Scouts. I still primarily use electronic communication. The only syllabus is the Merit Badge book. I do send out "links to Merit Badge counselor" guidelines/help".

I think whoever is actually organizing the class either did not get prompt communication from the DE or the DE did not pass it along correctly.

If you are still interested in volunteering, I would contact the actual person scheduling Scouters for the class. Don't drop back and punt just becuase the DE may have dropped the ball.

I see the same thing in our Troop. The same local camp from cub Scouts to 3 years of boy Scouts, then they get tired of camp.

Encouraging the older boys to show some interest in "getting out of the comfort zone" of the local camp to try another camp does not make me a popular ASM in the leader meeting.

I understand that older group does have Band Camp, Family Vacations, 4-H (Fair) and other things during the summer, but I bet we have 6-8 solid 1st Class+ Scouts who would be interested in a New camp as I know they have gotten bored.

The other task is leadership. If you can't get 2 Adults to go with this group....

My son's 1st Boy Scout summer camp year, I just showed up in the evenings to help/sit around at the campsite (I'm 1 of several ASM's) . The 2nd & 3rd year I volunteered for "Camp Aquatics staff & MB data flow" for the week, and only hung out at the campsite for sleeping and campfires (I know it's the toughest job at camp, but hey I have the sun glasses for it. ). I rarely saw my own son until it got dark as he did not need any aquatic stuff.

This year we are going out West during summer camp as a family, but he is coming back to volunteer as a CiT, or so he says.

I think next year I am going to volunteer to go again if they go to a new camp.

I teach BALOO for our council and it is very important (and required).

I would find out who is trained. A copy of the G2SS on-hand will help that person if an adult does not like playing by the rules.

When I was a CM (and the only leader BALOO trained) on a Pack outing I had to deal with a Dad who insisted he had to have lighter fluid on-hand for "his" fire.

I had a private talk with him and brought the guide along. Good thing too, because I had 1st told him when I saw it leave his trunk. He resisted putting it away until it was obvious I was not budging.

Word of advice, get the parents/Cubs together when you get all the tents set up and have the BALOO leader give them the quick fire-safety/tent/buddy system policies (5-10 minutes tops).

Anyone not wanting to go along...should be encouraged to seek happiness elsewhere.

I have 1 older tan short sleeve shirt I started DL/CM with....that one became my Boy Scout shirt I often wear when camping.

I have a 2nd older tan short sleeve shirt I bought as CM when I went thru Woodbadge and soon after became on eof the ASM's in my sons Boy Scout Troop.

The latest short sleeve shirt is the new style, the stretchy one with the back vents.

Only 2 have the 5 leader knots I have earned, and OA lodge flap. The new one is a "slick" other than the OA lodge flap and postion/trained/quality Unit. Only the one WB shirt has a "Buffalo" Adult Patrol patch (even though I should have removed it). I'll probably use it as my "staff" shirt this year for Woodbadge.

I also have 1 pair of regular Scout pants, at least 2 pair of switchback pants (I wore as "shorts" so much they don't match the legging. 1 pair of regular Scout shorts (when I was CM).

I also have several olive cargo shorts for camping that are so close to the switch backs it's not noticeably different.

I probably have 1/2 dozen BSA ball caps and more BSA/Camp/Troop/Staff T-shirts than I can wear during the summer.