And why is this something that is unique all of a sudden? "Scout Slogan" in action.

[skeptic]

https://www.aol.com/lifestyle/teen-helps-elderly-woman-cross-203010206.html

Not sure why this seems to have gone viral.  I could not help but think of the long running joke about the Scout helping old ladies across the street.  But, my point is simply this is part and parcel an example of what our society seems to have lost, and the fact that Scouting has this as a brick in its foundation.  

[DuctTape]

Yeah.

With such a focus on advancement and eagle, our slogan has taken a back seat.

Many years ago I used to do a SM minute relating the slogan and motto. I wish I could find it, but the gist was Our slogan and motto are not separate ideas but intimately intertwined. This is not by accident. Be Prepared is the more common phrase used to describe Scouts, and often it is in context of tools, knowledge and skills. Do a Good Turn Daily is how we are recognized as scouts through our deeds. I challenge us to think of how Be Prepared and Do a Good Turn Daily are not exclusive ideas, but are the flip sides of the same coin; the mindset of being prepared on one side and the action of doing a good turn on the other. Phrased in question form:

Have you prepared to do a good turn today?

[SSScout]

"The work is done by whoever shows up".... Show up.

"Gee, Somebody ought to do x y z."....    Be that somebody.

" Can't be late , somebody else will help there."   ....   Yeah?   

 

[Tron]

18 hours ago, DuctTape said:

Yeah.

With such a focus on advancement and eagle, our slogan has taken a back seat.

Many years ago I used to do a SM minute relating the slogan and motto. I wish I could find it, but the gist was Our slogan and motto are not separate ideas but intimately intertwined. This is not by accident. Be Prepared is the more common phrase used to describe Scouts, and often it is in context of tools, knowledge and skills. Do a Good Turn Daily is how we are recognized as scouts through our deeds. I challenge us to think of how Be Prepared and Do a Good Turn Daily are not exclusive ideas, but are the flip sides of the same coin; the mindset of being prepared on one side and the action of doing a good turn on the other. Phrased in question form:

Have you prepared to do a good turn today?

It seems to me that you cant be against a focus on advancement when everyone is constantly talking about "famous eagle.scouts" or "being an eagle is an accomplishment" or "making eagle will help you in life". The moment star, life and eagle went from an award that 1st class scouts could earn to ranks it became a goal. BPs original goal of every scout should want to be a 1st class scout turned into every scout should want to be an eagle.

3 hours ago, SSScout said:

"The work is done by whoever shows up".... Show up.

"Gee, Somebody ought to do x y z."....    Be that somebody.

" Can't be late , somebody else will help there."   ....   Yeah?   

 

 

[InquisitiveScouter]

All of your posts help support the argument for eliminating the age requirement on Eagle Scout.

If we remove the 18 year old requirement, it removes the focus on the destination, and helps us turn the spotlight more on the journey

[PACAN]

Just remove all requirements and call it a day.

[InquisitiveScouter]

16 minutes ago, PACAN said:

Just remove all requirements and call it a day.

Might as well, with the posts that we see all around....

Would also prevent showboating..., I chose not to post any links but...

For those of you who are serious MB Counselors, like me, you doubt any who are awarded all merit badges,

Notice I use the term "awarded" versus "earned".

[Eagle94-A1]

Sadly You are right. Even my sons complained about folks getting awarded MBs. One Scout was so fed up with this, he almost gave up on Eagle, saying it is meaningless. 

 

[InquisitiveScouter]

At last night's meeting, one of my Scouts proudly presented a counselor-signed blue card for a merit badge.  (No leader signature.)  He had attended, on short notice, a "merit badge event" at a local museum (where he had to pay a fee)  and had been counselor-approved for a badge.

When I asked him about the badge, I sprinkled in the questions I always ask...

1.  Did you read the requirements for the merit badge? "No"

2.  Did you talk with a Troop leader before meeting with the counselor? "No"

3.  Did the counselor review the requirements for the merit badge with you before starting? "No"

So then, we reviewed the requirements....  one of the requirements was a task that he could not have completed at the event...

4.  Did the counselor ask you to bring any work you had completed ahead of time? "No"

5.  So how did the counselor see your work for requirement X ??  "He never saw it." (Later, at home, I check the website for this event, and there are no pre-requisites listed.)

6.  Oh?  Well, did you complete requirement X?  "Yes, I did it at home after I got back."  Would you show me that work?  He does... Good job!

7.  But, the counselor gave you a signed and completed blue card without having X done? "Yes"

OK, thanks!  Hey, let's review the instructions in your Scout Handbook on how to earn a merit badge (page 416).  We review together, and I emphasize the appropriate points...  I review blue card instructions with him.  I show him the statement on the blue card which says "The applicant has personally appeared before me and demonstrated to my satisfaction that all requirements have been met for the..."  We talk about the meaning of "Trustworthy" and "Obedient", and whether the counselors actions reflected those values, and what he, the Scout, should do in a case like this.  (Let a leader know  )

I signed the card and congratulated him on his badge.

So, given that, in the past, I have never once gotten feedback on any of the concerns I submitted, once again I submitted Reporting Merit Badge Counseling Concerns. https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-800_WB.pdf

Do you think I'll get any constructive feedback on this one?

[Eagle94-A1]

1 hour ago, InquisitiveScouter said:

4.  Did the counselor ask you to bring any work you had completed ahead of time? "No"

5.  So how did the counselor see your work for requirement X ??  "He never saw it." (Later, at home, I check the website for this event, and there are no pre-requisites listed.)

I was never asked back to one MBC because I sent a pre-requisites list, which didn't get sent, and didn't give away MBs.

1 hour ago, InquisitiveScouter said:

So, given that, in the past, I have never once gotten feedback on any of the concerns I submitted, once again I submitted Reporting Merit Badge Counseling Concerns. https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-800_WB.pdf

Do you think I'll get any constructive feedback on this one?

 If it is a MBC with council affiliations, no. If it is a museum doing their own thing, doubtful.

Sidenote, I ran an Indian Lore MB day as an OA fundraiser/promotions/equipment maker event. Yes, we charged at the time a steep amount, $35 in the early 2000s, but that included craft supplies, and lunch. Folks knew they would not be able to complete the MB in advance, unless they did the prerequisites. And guess what THE SCOUTS HAD FUN (emphasis), new OA chapter got publicity, and we got enough money to get some ceremonial regalia. My point is, if you make it fun, and let Scouts know in advance, they will still come.

[Tron]

2 hours ago, InquisitiveScouter said:

At last night's meeting, one of my Scouts proudly presented a counselor-signed blue card for a merit badge.  (No leader signature.)  He had attended, on short notice, a "merit badge event" at a local museum (where he had to pay a fee)  and had been counselor-approved for a badge.

When I asked him about the badge, I sprinkled in the questions I always ask...

1.  Did you read the requirements for the merit badge? "No"

2.  Did you talk with a Troop leader before meeting with the counselor? "No"

3.  Did the counselor review the requirements for the merit badge with you before starting? "No"

So then, we reviewed the requirements....  one of the requirements was a task that he could not have completed at the event...

4.  Did the counselor ask you to bring any work you had completed ahead of time? "No"

5.  So how did the counselor see your work for requirement X ??  "He never saw it." (Later, at home, I check the website for this event, and there are no pre-requisites listed.)

6.  Oh?  Well, did you complete requirement X?  "Yes, I did it at home after I got back."  Would you show me that work?  He does... Good job!

7.  But, the counselor gave you a signed and completed blue card without having X done? "Yes"

OK, thanks!  Hey, let's review the instructions in your Scout Handbook on how to earn a merit badge (page 416).  We review together, and I emphasize the appropriate points...  I review blue card instructions with him.  I show him the statement on the blue card which says "The applicant has personally appeared before me and demonstrated to my satisfaction that all requirements have been met for the..."  We talk about the meaning of "Trustworthy" and "Obedient", and whether the counselors actions reflected those values, and what he, the Scout, should do in a case like this.  (Let a leader know  )

I signed the card and congratulated him on his badge.

So, given that, in the past, I have never once gotten feedback on any of the concerns I submitted, once again I submitted Reporting Merit Badge Counseling Concerns. https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-800_WB.pdf

Do you think I'll get any constructive feedback on this one?

A lot of these issues are caused by councils not planning MB events far enough out in advance.

[Jameson76]

50 minutes ago, Tron said:

A lot of these issues are caused by councils not planning MB events far enough out in advance.

A lot of these issues are caused by councils not planning MB events far enough out in advance  using MB classes / events as profit centers

Fixed it for you

 

[Eagle94-A1]

19 minutes ago, Jameson76 said:

A lot of these issues are caused by councils not planning MB events far enough out in advance  using MB classes / events as profit centers

THAT. IS. IT!  (caps for emphasis).

One district had an MBU on the same weekend for decades. Well organized, experts for MBCs, etc. However council was not making any money off of it. They created their own, the same exact weekend, but at a much higher price. Original group followed NCAC, and raised costs a bit so the council could make $1/person profit. You think council would be happy?

Council cancelled the event one month before it was to occur, and after the registration deadline to their MBU.