Eagle707

I am a few years removed from volunteering at the troop level but here is what I remember: 1) If you haven't done troop leadership training yet, make sure you have one soon! The Scouts in my troop loved TLT because it was a day of leadership training, pizza, and (relevant) games. The allure of the "Trained" strip didn't hurt either. 2) If you have Scouts who enjoy teaching, make sure they have the opportunity to be instructors-- Instructor is a leadership position and it allows Scouts to focus on presenting the skills that interest them. 3) Definitely pursue the Venture Patrol option: Some of the older Scouts in my troop formed one and had an absolute blast with the "high adventure" options they found in our area. 4) Inter-patrol competitions are a great way to keep Scouts engaged. My troop had cook-offs, mousetrap car races (every patrol was given a kit with the same materials), and other wacky activities that kept the Scouts engaged. The best way to run them? Have a different patrol run the competition/game every week! 5) Write a survey for the Scouts and ask what they want to do during the coming year. Refer to it during the annual troop planning meeting (or help the Scouts run their first troop planning meeting). I hope these help!

You have to wait until 21 to serve as a unit commissioner but if you still want to volunteer at the district level, you can register as a "College Scouter" (position 92).

NEPA, I think you may have misread my comment. I didn't say anything about donors. I'm completely in favor of this award and have been since it was announced. (This message has been edited by Eagle707)

My understanding is that it is supposed to be the council equivalent of DESA. DESA recipients are not eligible for the award. I think this is an example of "Scouting is Local" being actively encouraged: it allows councils to recognize their own distinguished Eagles (yes, lower-case) without making them compete with other Eagles nationally. The number presented is also linked to the annual number of new Eagles in the council. "Each council NESA committee may present one NOESA per year, with the option of awarding an additional NOESA for every 100 Eagle Scout awards in excess of 200 awards certified the previous year." ... "In addition, DESA recipients may not receive a NOESA, although a NOESA recipient may be nominated for the DESA once he has achieved prominence at the national level and meets the 25-year time requirement since earning Eagle."

I wish I had gotten that answer from someone sooner since I'm registered as both. Thanks, 92!

District/Council College Scouters do not have a patch either, unfortunately. We're district-level volunteers but we aren't allowed on the district committee (or so my DE told me). I went back and forth with National for several months over trying to get a College Scouter patch approved for 92 (before 92U was announced) and they didn't want it because they didn't think enough people would buy one. We just get to wear silver loops and look important. As for the BSA official who didn't understand the position: My College Scouter group helped with the local Scouting for Food campaign. We just didn't have a lot of time to volunteer and our council only conducted training while we were gone. That precluded registering for ANY other position.

Are you looking for a handbook for adult leaders or a general orientation for parents? For leaders: Encourage them to take "Fast Start" training ASAP and to work toward getting trained. For parents: The "This is Scouting" training module is a good online resource for all parents who need an understanding of BSA's programs. I would also encourage them to read their sons' handbooks to get a better understanding of their specific programs.

Eagle02- My apologies if I misinterpreted what you said. Your longer explanation makes a lot more sense and now I see your statement was based more in personal reflection (which did also feature in your initial post). However, initially, this was what I read: "I just feel that boys shouldn't be earning their eagle at 13 or 14 years old. I just feel earning it that young doesn't instill in them what the purpose of that accomplishment is." I am sure you understand that could have been read a few different ways. If I misunderstood the meaning behind your words, I apologize. It is very easy to misconstrue comments on the internet.

Let's just take a moment to be impressed by this accomplishment. This means, of course, that he stayed active as an Eagle Scout for 51 months beyond Eagle. Anyone who earns Eagle and still stays involved "gets it" a ton more than any Eagle who earns his badge and then disappears. Also, the hints of elitism in the "my Eagle is worth more than yours" argument is exactly the opposite of the attitude Eagles are supposed to display. In the Eagle Scout pledge, a Scout is told to "wear [his] award with humility." Claiming you appreciate the significance of Eagle more than young Eagles do is not quite in line with the idea of humility.(This message has been edited by Eagle707)

National Jamborees are every four years on average. The best description I have given to people who have not attended is "half convention, half summer camp." It is the BSA's one national event that brings Scouts from across the BSA together under one "roof." It is just BSA members and (if memory serves) units from other WOSM countries. Girl Scouts are not included but Venturing members are included for the first time in 2013. As far as finances, it depends on in what capacity you want to attend. It looks like you are pretty close to The Summit (West Virginia) so travel costs will be cheaper. If you attend with your council, you will have a much higher cost than if you attend as a staff member. You also have the option of visiting for a day instead of staying for the whole time. If memory serves, there is not a subcamp specifically for deaf Scouters but there is a "Disabilities Awareness Center" that addresses blindness, deafness, and other disabilities. I've attached the staff position description below if that is something you are interested in pursuing. Disability Awareness Challenge Seventeen fun and challenging exhibits and hands-on activities which will give participants the knowledge of and sensitivity to the various types of disabilities. This experience will enhance their understanding of what those who have special needs/disabilities go through on an ongoing daily basis. More information here: https://summit.scouting.org/en/Jamboree2013/Pages/Staff-Position-Description.aspx

I'm just waiting for Eagle92 to find this thread and chime in... No offense taken here either. I am an Eagle Scout and a former New Zealand Sea Scout. I have also researched starting a ship with my friend (before we were swamped by our coursework) so I have great respect for Quartermasters. However, please be patient with those who say "so it's like Eagle." They simply see two "terminal" awards and are trying to meet you halfway in understanding the Quartermaster award. Once they demonstrate they are willing to do that, then take the opportunity to correct their misconceptions.

Well-played, Beavah. You had me going for a bit...(This message has been edited by Eagle707)

Of all the silly uniforming things I've seen, wearing an old jamboree patch hardly qualifies as peacock syndrome. An old jamboree patch, a youth religious knot, an AoL knot, and an Eagle knot all represent something a Scouter did as a youth. Personally, I plan on wearing my 2005 Jamboree patch until I end up at another one as staff or as a participant. However, here's something we can both agree is absurd: At a recent Eagle CoH, I witnessed a Scout leader wearing all seven of his knots. That was fine. However, he also had a temporary patch and a hanging patch on both pockets... and an old district event patch above his right pocket. It was interesting, to say the least.

This has been around for a while and I have yet to see why people have a problem with it. We have a "Computers" belt loop and THAT certainly hasn't brought down Cub Scouting. Also, check out requirement 9 for the pin: http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Cub_Scout_Computers

I think a patch blanket would be a fantastic idea! You can also try sewing them on a fleece jacket or vest. It makes for nice outdoor wear and dries quickly if it gets wet.