dylfrick

I would have to agree with many of the previous things about Facebook. If your troop creates a Facebook account and you publicize it, the scouts that are not yet thirteen may want to see the content therefore creating an account. Anyone under thirteen years of age are not allowed to send personal information over the internet, including signing up for social networking accounts. Now twitter I believe is a great idea. You do not have to have an account to view twitter feeds, anyone can see them. This may mean not posting things such as names, but it can be worked around. Twitter yes, FB no...If you have a website for your troop, that could solve many of the problems though. Keep the site up to date, add a set of fourms or an RSS feed that people can subscribe to and post the updates there, or have a password protected section for more personal things. That's what I think...

During the week long summer camp one of the best things to do is either make sure the medic knows about the scouts disability or let their counselors director know. If the counselor is an adult, you may be able to let them know directly, but the director is the best bet. Most summer camp staff (I know we were, and I've heard of others) take an instruction on dealing with scouts with disabilities, this helps out a lot. As a staff member, knowing why the scout runs off by himself and doesn't want to participate is a big big help. The directors will let their staff know on an as needed basis, this way it doesn't get out to the whole camp what the scouts disability is. One good idea is to try and keep them busy, don't let the scouts mind wander. If need be ask him to do simple tasks for you, or ask him to be the PL over the week. This will give him something to occupy his time with. Granted, this does not always work, but it has worked in the past.

I have been looking for it, haven't found it yet...but I have read in an official BSA publication that Scoutmasters re by no means allowed to omit any requirements. Even a scout with a disability must complete all requirements to the best of their abilities, then if they can not complete a task they are to submit it in writing and the council will decide further actions. I'd say have a talk with the SM, if you can find it in writing (I'll look for it more) show it to him.

I live in that area and though I haven't been to Jamestown in a while, I know when I went it was a blast. Colonial Williamsbug is also close by, and also a great day of fun! If you call up the park offices you will find that they have group discounts, and I believe that they have discounts for scouts. Great idea if you are within a few hours of that area. You could also camp at one of the local campgrounds, or Bayport or Pipsico which are both close by, and make it a weekend adventure by going to the three historic cities.

Do you want a version with or without words? I can record it with audacity and send it to you. The problem with audacity not recording correctly is that Windows Vista blocks the feature to record via line-out. If you have an older version of Windows you will most likely be able to do it.

I haven't been to a B&G in a very long time, but I remember mine pretty well. We had a potluck dinner, after the dinner we had a cake auction. All the boys made a cake in whatever theme they wanted, most in an outdoors theme, then they were auctioned off and the proceeds went to the pack. After we did a crossing over ceremony, and the they awarded some other things like coins for being in since Tigers and they did the AOL ceremony. I've heard of other things such as skits and songs and crafts, all sound like great ideas.

This is a quote take directly from the OA handbook: "An Arrowman's primary responsibility is to the troop or team. It was your fellow Scouts who elected you to membership in the Order and it is to them that you should devote most of your service." I believe that OA is a great opportunity for the older scouts, in conjunction with their troop. If they are not helping their troop out anymore than they are not truly upholding the principles of the OA.

More and more camps around here are adding paintball to their list of activities. I believe that is is ok only if the scouts are shooting targets and of course have adults that are trained, NCS Shooting Sports Director for example. Though it is only at targets it does add another level to shooting sports for the BSA. BBs, .22s, shotguns, slingshots, paintball, and marshmallow guns. In some cases I believe black powder is allowed, I have been told it can only be demonstrated though.