dg98adams

Delaying it till September is just gonna make it harder.

Council won't force the issue.... your Unit Commissioner or the DE will scramble and try to get something done to keep the Pack, but they are likely to be less successful since they might not know your pack and you may end up with an untrained, paper CM and be worse off.

Hope you can get something solid before the summer takes off.

Good Luck

14 is a big den, even with 2 DL's, but really depends on how many actively come to meetings, where they have them and if it works or not.

If you wanna stay a DL, stay a DL. If you want/can to step up as CM, then do it.

I always prefer to "draw a line in the sand and step to it or cross over it", don't straddle it and don't wait till the last minute.

(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

If you have an interest get signed up as a Disabilities Merit badge Councilor, and offer it up to the Troop on an off-meeting day and include a presentation on your specific topic. The MB book on Disabilities Awareness is pretty good.

I have read your other posts. I find it disturbing you did not duck out and call the police. He would not leave one of our units meetings drunk with a child, Scout of not, in the car.

Hmmm it might be more spelled out than previously written. The Guide to Safe Scouting was revised this year. I actually briefed a RT earlier this year with a summary of the changes and I don't see it specifically listed as a difference in the list I have.

For our Crew with male/female members, this means 4 advisers on an overnight. 2 female and 2 male.

Permission slips have always been required for our unit for any overnight or away activity.

Here was the list of changes: (there may have been later revisions).

1)Previous versions had bold face for policy statements vs normal font for guidance. That distinction is gone.

2) The Child Protection chapter has been beefed up considerably. The emphasis on contacting local authorities when you suspect child abuse is first and foremost in the guide. There is no ambiguity about this.

3) The question of if you need adult leadership for Boy Scout patrol campouts is answered. ".With the proper training, guidance, and approval

by the troop leaders, the patrol can conduct day hikes and service projects. Appropriate adult leadership must be present for all overnight Scouting activities. adult leaders, both of whom must be 21 years of age or older, and one of whom must be a registered member of the BSA." (pages 1-2, 4)

4) There are digital privacy (elicit photos/sexting/cellular use) and Internet safety sections now

5) There are changes in the Aquatics chapter: The Classifications of Swimming ability are no longer spelled out in the guide, instead you are referred to other sources. There are New Distance and Competitive Swimming in Open Water and Snorkeling in Open Water sections.

6) The Scuba section has been greatly improved. The BSA Scuba Policy now fully supports the Scuba Merit Badge in the Boy Scout Program. Additional guidelines have been added including spelling out age appropriate Scuba activities and medical contraindicators.

7) The Safety Afloat section now supports the new afloat courses: "It is strongly recommended that all units have at least

one adult or older youth member currently trained in BSA Aquatics Supervision: Paddle Craft Safety to assist in the planning and conduct of all activities afloat."

8) Tow sports now has a section (waterskiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, tubing, etc.)

9) A camping age appropriate guideline chart is now in the GTSS (still same info)

10) Lighting guidance is now in line with what is taught in the Boy Scout Handbook if you our outdoors and you can't find shelter: "Spread your group out 100 feet from each other if possible." (it was at least 15 feet. which had to have been a typo)

11) Treated Drinking Water now puts boiling water at the top of the list of how to treat water: "The surest means of making your drinking water safe is to heat it to a rolling boil-when bubbles a half inch in diameter rise from the bottom of the pot. While this is a simple method, it does require time and fuel."

11) The tobacco policy has not changed: The policy is: "Adult leaders should support the attitude that they, as well as youths, are better off without tobacco in any form and may not allow the use of tobacco products at any BSA activity involving youth participants. All Scouting functions, meetings, and activities should be conducted on a smoke-free basis, with smoking areas located away from all participants."

12) There is a new Drugs section and a new policy on Medical Marijuana: "It is unacceptable for anyone to use or be under the influence of medical marijuana at or during any Scouting activity.

14) Emergency Preparedness has been moved to a preface of the GTSS

14) There First Aid chapter is now titled: Medical Information and First Aid and the Medical chapter was merged with the First Aid Chapter.

15) There is a new Personal Health section with a lot of information on Medical Risk Factors for Your Participation in Scouting

16) A lot more information on First Aid, CPR and AED training

17) The new Chemical Fuels policy is spelled out in this version of the GTSS

18) It spells out that Cub Scouts are limited to archery and BB guns (Webelos to air Rifles at Resident camp) , Boy Scouts are limited to .22-caliber rifles, muzzleloaders and shotguns and Venturers may use any rifle except fully automatic. Venturers also can shoot pistols. Multiple round firing is limited to older Boy Scouts and Venturers

19 Archery and Knife and Tomahawk Throwing are approved activities for Boy Scouts and Venturers following the Sweet 16 of BSA Safety. (Uncle Danny Beard would be pleased)

20: Cannons and Large-Bore Artillery are not authorized for units, under any circumstances.

21. Caving, COPE and Climbing Safety has been reduced and you are referred to another resource

22. Unauthorized Activities: Laser tag and paint ball rules are explained: Pointing any type of firearm or simulated firearm at any individual is unauthorized. Scout units may plan or participate in paintball, laser tag or similar events where participants shoot at targets that are neither living nor human representations.

23. A new unauthorized activity: Water chugging and related activities are not authorized for any program level.

24. The Monkey Bridge guideline section has been removed. Which defaults to safety being left up to the adult supervisors of the event.

25. The bike (helmet) and skating (gear including helmets) sections have been rewritten.

26. Some resources have been added for horsemanship activities (resident camp standards)

27. A chapter on how BSA insurance works has been added A review of the DVD, Scouting Safety Begins With Leadership, No. 19-201 - All incidents beyond Scout-rendered first aid must be reported using the Incident Information Report.

28. Winter camping safety has been rewritten helmets are required for the following activities: downhill skiing, snowboarding and operating snowmobiles (requires full face helmets).

29. A new Animal and Insect Hazards chapter has been added that includes a discussion on hantavirus, lyme disease, rabies, and West Nile virus.

30. The Local Tour Permit and National Tour Permit have been removed from the appendix and replaced by the new Trip Plan.

NEED COPIES OF NEW TRIP PLAN

31. The Money Earning Application has been added to the appendix.

(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

There are several skills events you can do:

Slow Ride race - pedal from cone to cone ~100 feet without touching the ground or stopping. Slowest Time wins.

Obstacle course: Ride slalom course (around cones, over 2x4, mud puddle, grass/dirt, etc... for points not speed.

Card Run (usually known as poker run) - collect cards at each station (bike related safety questions) and compete for the best hand or just to collect cards.

Straightest line (6" wide tape on the ground that narrows down to 3" wide that narrows to 1" wide.... how far can a Scout go without going off the tape...

Have "how to change a tire" station or "everything you want to know about adding air"

I have used these bombs in Pack meetings and recruiting events.. cheap and fun to make.

Lots of good stuff there SR540Beaver for rhol...we are on the same page.

rhol, I also say take Wood Badge when it works for you.

As a Wood Badge staffer, I even see revising your revision a bit more to make it less limiting... but you'll get the same idea during the course.

FROM: "write a ticket that says I will teach the XYZ merit badge to enable scouts to earn the MB."

TO: "Develop/implement/create a plan/opportunity/toolkit so that the XYZ merit badge/HA activity/etc can be presented/made available to Scouts".......

If you cover the course syllabus, and have 8-10 Scouters, you shouldn't get out early. In the 4 years I chaired our council BALOO, the course is dependent on the group for skills content. When I had skilled participants, I got them involved in the demos whenever possible.

Portions of the course should have some question/answer periods. Especially during the "who can sleep with who" and "getting the Cubs involved in meal prep and cleanup safely at a Cub Scout level".

But you need to cover the course syllabus, without the "this is the way we do it (or did it) stories" while making it fun.

Everyone NEED it... nah.

End-All, be-all of BSA Training, ... nah.

Good opportunity to stretch fellowship/leadership/planning skills... yep!

I took my Wood Badge course because my time as Cub Master was winding down, and I had gotten interested in Council/District training.

In fact, in weekend 1 I had my CM patch, and weekend 2 I had my ASM patch.

I worked the planning/running of district BALOO, Position specific and Outdoor Leader training. I atribute getting started on most of that from my Wood Badge efforts.

So, I would reccommed Wood Badge for the fellowship that will outlast the initial experience.

Congrats from the Buffalo Patrol...

It's interesting that after almost 6 years.... I'm still involved/working with 2 of the 5 tickets from my participant course, and this year I'll have the 2nd course as a staffer to encourage other "critters" along.

Another thing is to look up the "Webelos-to-Scout" transition plan.

I have a copy that is used int he Outdoor Webelos Leader Skills course I present to council. PM me if you want m to email it.

There is likely a Boy Scout unit in your Council working with a Pack or two to help groom the Webelos along. Get to or ask during council training and you might find them.

The Troop I serve, has a Pack in the same CO, where we are fortunate to have a working relationship.

The Troop runs a Webelos Outdoor Weekend, where we have a Boy-Scout styled weekend with 3-4 experienced Boy Scouts that manage the activities for the pack Webelos. There's always a couple Webelos from other packs that won't likely join our Troop because of distance but are welcome where adults know the SM/ASM from council training courses.

The most common thing we hear is the Webelos Scouts are not used to being led by a youth (at lest the ones that don't have a functioning Den chief). The SM/ASM's are in the background on this weekend usually with the Webelos leaders. Sometimes they have the hardest time not helping the Webelos with tents, cooking, etc...(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

Ahh, the joys of a roasted twinkie are not lost on those of us that should not eat them.

It's cheap, keeps them occupied, lets them put a "stick in the fire", and whip cream makes burnt biscuit taste good......But, you also have to sing the Twinkie song.... it's a rule.

Tune: Do, Re, Mi

Dough the stuff that makes twinkies,

Ray the guy who makes the twinkies,

Me the Scout who eats Ray's twinkies,

Fa a far long way to twinkie,

So I think I'll have a twinkie,

La la la la la la twinkie,

Tea no thanks I'll have a twinkie,

And that brings us back to dough twinkie twinkie twinkie dough.

One I drag out when I do BALOO for the council goes over good anywhere.

Mini Pie Tarts

Basic card board box oven or dutch oven, roll of Cresent dough (rolls out in triangles but you could use biscuits too), spoon full or 2 of pie filling, fold up, a pat of butter, pinch of brown sugar, ~5-8 minutes.

More complicated but fun

Camp Twinkies - ~15 minutes

standard walking stick - foil 6" at end and include end, light spray of Pam, wrap biscuit around foil and cover the end. roast till done, slide off and fill with whip cream.

Durable rubbermaid tub

I second Per's remark.

Once we got the Adv. chair to print out monthly (as needed) for the SM, SPL, and the PL's the Scouts are more effective planning during the PLC.

We have several ASM's that are supposed to be a resource for each PL, so we get a copy too (although many times we just show the PL our copy when the PL can't find it or lost it).

I believe that has been more effective for the Patrols, than almost any other improvement they have tried along the way.

never mind, just over-thinking why the ? was asked.

Whose name is on the title of the trailer? Where does the trailer reside when it's not in use?

Might be an easy question.

The CO owns the Troop equipment and maybe the trailer too (may not depending on your state and CO, so check that).

If the trailer actually belongs to Mr. SM, then he likely pays the tags/insurance. I would check to see if his insurance covers contents when not being towed in case it's stolen or vandalized.

That being said, I have asked that question before and gotten some "dead air" about my own unit. But I think our Troop pays the tags every year + maintenance (tires/bearings/etc...)

The reality is Grandma needs to not have so much Pack responsibility that she can't keep her grandson in check.

Has the CC offered find another Webelos Leader?

Jumping packs is an option, no guarantee it will be better.

"I noticed there were only 2 cans of soda left out of the 5 that were brought in. I only used one for the first cobbler, so there should have been 4 left."

If you know you packed it in (you or your CC's pack), these might be a moot questions... any chance you only brought 3 cans? Did you find 2 empties (LNT)? Is it possible the CC drank 2?

Did he/she know you wouldn't need them?

If I was sure I brought the 5 cans (and put my hands on them to set them out when fixing the cobbler), the empties should be found (LNT). That would be the only "exercise" any one would perform, under the guise of LNT.

If I did not put my hands on the other 4 cans when I startd the cobbler, then I'd have to consider other options:

? Lost on the trail (or someone drunk them on the trail, LNT?)

? Left in the car.

? Some one drunk them in camp, (LNT)

I have never read in my SM job description "punishment recommendations", so other than a campfire (honesty, or preparedness on my part) SM minute, discussion closed.(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

Found this new DVD resource on Scouting Leadership referenced in Boys Life Last month, and thought it might make a good multimedia Topic-starter for our District Commissioner Meeting or Round Table.

Well, the DE couldn't get it time for March, but he did get it.

So when it came in, I had time to review it a week later.

Now, I'm not so sure I want to use it for April.

It's a bit ... ?, not the safety part, just the way it's depicted.

Doesn't seem to leave room for Patrol activities (without an adult or SM).

Any one else see it?

DG

(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

You decide when your ticket is complete... and you relay it to the staffer assigned as guide.

When I was a participant, I used a combination of feedback forms I summarized as a "self-critique" on a couple. They were Training related (needed a thick skin because I hadn't learned how to schedule the weather yet. :-)

One was a 3-ring binder/resource CD I presented to the incoming Cub Master.

Your road is unique to your tasks. Put yourself in the observer view... how would someone see or know when your task is finished? Is there a tangible result or can it be captured in some kind of way.

A method of Scouting and a big part of the Merit Badge Experience is "Association with Adults"

Presumably "other adults" than your parents.

All Scouts should be encouraged to find a different Merit Badge Counselor than the last time.

The other issue is the SM needs to stand firm on the fact, if the Scout can't learn from his experiences (early rise to clean up for example), then the Scout can't grow.

[/i]You can just about camp anywhere as long as certain anemities are available. Bathrooms( porta johns do meet this) and water must be available in a resonably safe environment. [/i]

This is not correct. You won't get your Tour plan approved just because some place has amenities. It needs to be on the Council approved list... they don't have time to approve new places just because that's where you want to go.

Best bet.. the council camp. You can still do it outside of the resident or day camp dates for fairly cheap.

BALOO also helps you plan for a good experience, Camp Fire, program, sanitation, etc...

BPDT.. I had the exact same question ... "why", yesterday when I read this post. I still have it.