All Activity

The problem is getting these kids to actually have an imagination and want to do things.  After our last meeting, I was ready to throw in the towel.  I've been trying to coordinate extra activities for Scouts who want to Scout.  This includes things like a hike in the local state park, the orienteering day at the local council camp, participating in the council's winter merit badge camp, etc.  I was told that those distract from the planned program activities of one campout/activity a month.  Youth leaders feel that they can use those extra activities to count as their leadership time instead of attending the official activities.  Also mentioned was the pulling of adults from the official activities to man the extras.  Now, the only adults I've had for the extras are myself and another ASM who is retired and taking care of his grandson.  That's why he's in Scouting and I recruited him.  I also was told that I shouldn't be serving as the collection point of money to pay for events that require registration as a troop.  Frankly, I think I'm capable of handling finances better than the treasurer who can't give me a statement of the accounting after being asked a month ago and who is bewildered by popcorn sales.    The final straw was when the SPL announced that there would be no meeting on the 11th due to Veterans Day and a large portion of the troop cheered.  Kind of a sign that my efforts are being wasted here.  Somewhere along the way, Scouting went from an activity that kids wanted to join to something parents forced them into in order to check a block on the way to college.  

Regarding orienteering in general: the only way to master it is to constantly have opportunities that necessitate using it. 1. Several months of orienteering races where scouts pair up and compete for accuracy and time. 2. Land navigation hikes where destinations have multiple choices. 3. Bridge building and other distance:height measurement challenges. 4. Map study: route planning for trips. 5. Dead drop ingredients for meals/dessert. Give headings to find them. The possibilities are endless once enough of them have earned the badge.

Guide to Advancement (G2A), Para 7.0.0.3, (Emphasis added with boldface.) "Any registered Scout, or qualified Venturer or Sea Scout, may work on the requirements for any merit badge at any time. However, before working with a counselor or attending a group or virtual merit badge opportunity, a Scout must meet with their unit leader or their delegate. This is the leader’s opportunity to give guidance on the wisdom of pursuing a selected badge, to advise the Scout on how work might be approached and what may be encountered along the way. It is also the time to provide the names and contact information for one or more approved counselors. The best outcome, however, is that a growth-oriented, positive dialog occurs that provides inspiration and direction in a Scout’s life and even leads to conversations about talents and interests, goal setting, and the concept of “challenge by choice.” The benefits can be much like those of a well-done Scoutmaster conference. It must be noted that this meeting is a required part of the merit badge process, and that it should be documented either by the unit leader’s signature (or their delegate’s) on the Application for Merit Badge (blue card) or in Scoutbook Plus or other method. Even though a leader may voice concerns about a particular Scout pursuing a particular merit badge, it is the Scout’s decision whether or not to proceed. Units must not impose rank or age requirements for merit badge work." https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf Who can initiate a MB for a Scout?  The G2A is clear that the Scout initiates the MB.  This is not the role of a unit leader. Is the the SM, CC, ASM?  It is the SM, or any delegate.  Ideally, this would be an ASM, but the G2A does not specify who qualifies as a delegate. What if the SM doesn't want the Scout to start the MB?  Suck it up, cupcake.  You can advise the Scout of your concerns, but you cannot prohibit them from working on the MB. Does the SM need to say that the Scouts who come can do the MB, or can one of us give the green light?  No.  There is no "green light" to work on a merit badge... But, an interaction between a unit leader (delegate) and Scout MUST occur before the Scout meets with a counselor.  The reference for the Scout on this is the Scout Handbook (because the Scout is not responsible for the G2A.  But, you are.) Page 416 in my edition.  In step 1., the Scout has this instruction: "Talk with your Scoutmaster about your interest.  He or she will help you find a merit badge counselor..."  The first sentence cited is an imperative, a non-negotiable requirement... a command. Hope this helps... BTW...  we have Scouts with multiple partials who never finish work on merit badges before turning 18.  That's OK.  How many partials can a Scout have? 141, or however many merit badges there are on the list 😜 Bad practice, and not what we are after, but that is your burden as an SM to bear... working with youth who may be scatterbrained and unfocused.  Advise and mentor, but when they don't take your advice, it is not a reflection on you.    

I would use the campout as the learning and practice ground for the skills, and then the folloeing meeting to individually "test" for the sign-offs. Especially considering all the other activities of a campout. As you know, the individually testing of the scouts takes some time. After which, mention to the scout that you also counsel the orienteering mB, and if they are interested to see the SM for a blue card.  

It’s not about class attendance. It’s about assigning a counselor who will go over all of the requirements with the scout (and a buddy or two) and review how the scout performed each requirement. Any scout may take your class and try your course. But most won’t take the time to meet with you and actually earn the merit badge. It’s really between you and the SM how to handle that 1st step. If the SM agrees that any scout coming to your course deserves a blue card with his signature, let him know who attends. If the SM needs scouts to be a little more intentional, then tell the scouts to talk to him about getting a blue card. This will free you up to focus on the training you want to deliver.