Eagle92

That's your PLC's call. I'd stick with the standard size b/c A) those are the regs, and B) it will hurt the patrol if they have uniform inspections as part of events, like district and council camporees. FYI national supply DID have a policy that they would beat or match the price of embroidery companies for custom work. Don't know if that's still the case, but may be something to look into.

I don't know about the Summit, but I do know that PHILMONT has helped with SAR training, as well as some council camps. One of my Scouts got hooked on SAR after seeing a demo at a Scouting event. His Eagle project was building portble training elements for the dogs, and he trained a dog for SAR. Once he was old enough to join, he did, both have been to Philmont and other Scout camps for training. So it would nto surprise me if the SUMMIT did help.

I agree every council is different, and every SE is different. I now remembered why every DEs here when I worked spent at least 1 week at camp. I now remember that for whatever reason, districts tend to go to camp the same week. And the DEs would usually go the week that most were at the camp. I do not believe the DEs now go tot camp for a week. As for the comment that 'Most DE's (Not all) at camp are about as useful as pockets in your underwear. it is true, at least in my expereince. Even if they go to camp school and get trained, they may not be right type of person, to quote a friend at PDL-1 " A PROGRAM FREAK," to be a camp b/c is completely unique environment that I cannot describe. You have to be willing to get out of your comfort zone and do anything it takes to provide a quality program. If that means dressing up in a toga carrying a torch and saying 'Pizza, pizza to the music of the Olympics for the opening campfire ceremony, to the 2AM run to Wallyworld b/c you just discovered that the order you placed for XYZ supplies was back ordered and you needed them at 8AM,to whatever. Most of the DEs I've met and worked summer camp couldn't understand that concept, EXCEPT the ones who had camp expereince prior to become a pro, whether it was BSA camp or church camp.

here are some links doign a quick search. http://scouting.org/filestore/regions/centra/PDF/NYLT_Applications_Guidelines_Contacts.pdf http://training.nsbsa.org/uploadedFiles/file/WoodBadge/WB2011-CDApplication.pdf http://www.stcbsa.org/pdfs/2012WoodBadgeStaffApplication.pdf http://nylt.monmouthbsa.com/staff/docs/syllabus/01-Staff%20Guide.pdf

I actually had someone ask if the field uniform had pleats and was worn with cuff.

Yep AED is standard with CPR now. NA dyou can use an AED on Adults, children, and infants, another new thing. Be advised though, Some AEDs have not been reprogrammed/updated, and I don't even know if they can be updated, with the new CPR steps.

Short, No my council did not pay the rent, I still had to pay it on the apartment, as well as the utilities. And yes I didn't go home except may be 2 times that summer, one was for a charter presentation (I left at 11AM Sat and didn't get to camp until 6:30 or 7PM on Sunday), and to get a well needed break before "Hell Week" when the camp gets rented out and the organization doing the renting was "very specific on your duties," to put it mildly. It didn't make sense for me to drive home since I was leaving after the rest of the staff, and needed to be there before the staff showed up. Plus the camp was a lot closer to a nice size city than my town was, so I just drove into the city on the weekends and had fun.

Short, I wore too many hats that summer. Started out as the Camp Commissioner, wound up being the Dining Hall Director when that person quit, did some of the business manager's work when he had some unplanned surgery done, and one week had to teach Lifesaving MB when that counselor had to go out on a kayaking expedition b/c I was told to remain in camp with the new unit I started instead of guiding the expedition. So I was essentially the jack of all trades that summer. It brought back memories of when I was part of the Service crew at a camp in the UK and we could eb expected to go anywhere we were needed. Every council does things differently. In my old council, the first summer I worked had a Field Director and a DD as business manager. One DE did show up for two weeks, staff week and first week, to work on the COPE Course since, A) He was the COPE staff adviser B) His sister was the lead director, and C) He use to build Ropes Courses prior to being a DE. So he helped get the course ready for inspection since it was completed about 7-10 days before staff week. When I returned to that camp 4 years later, the council had a Program Director as camp director, and a volunteer as business director. no other pros worked camp. The following year, we had a Senior DE as camp director, and a DE as business director. When it was realized that it might not be a good idea to have the CD work another summer, they sent a new DE with camp experience the last week of camp to get a feel for it the next year. Now the council I worked in at the time had the policy of every DE doing at least one week at camp. One was business manager, I was commissioner, and the other 7 would each spend a week. I don't know why they did it as some DEs had nothing to contribute to camp. They just stayed around and did nothing. While those with previous camp expereince usually had jobs to do when they were there. Now I have heard of smaller councils needing every pro to work camp to keep it afloat. It's like the office shuts down essentially and everyone is at camp. I personally have not seen this, but have heard about it a few times. Advantages 1) Does give the DE a break from normal duties and have a little fun while working. Yes there are challenges at summer camp, but let's face it a bad day camping is better than a good day at work 2) Gives the DE a better chance to interact with volunteers. Yes I hated having to give up being a kayaking guide, but I was able to strengthen a relationship with a new unit and help them out better since I was with them the entire week at camp. 3) Gives the DE a sense of why we work our butts off. 4) Gives DE a chance t meet volunteers outside his district. Disadvantages 1)It does take time away from finishing up FOS and preparing for Round Up.Lots of prep work is in the summer, and when I came home form camp, I was behind schedule in regards to planning. 2)Some DEs are not program people and do more harm at camp. I've seen a great camp and staff that one pro built up over 5 years go to Hades in a handbasket in just one summer b/c of the the DE that was director was not program oriented. That was the absolute worse summer camp I worked at, and probaly 75-85% of the staff were returning staffers. 3) Time away from families. Let's face it, DE's do not get a lot of family time. Try being sent to camp for the summer, where you only come home for 24 hours, if you are lucky, every week. I know the wife wasn't happy that I was sent to camp the week after we were married, and I know of 1 DE who got a divorce b/c summer camp was his wife's breaking point.

Moose, That should be "LIVED the nightm... uuhh .. dream job " past tense ;)I wised up and saw the light and returned to being a Volunteer. Although I am voluntold to do things alot Seriously though there is a lot of behind the scenes stuff that isn't seen. PLUS if a unit isn't asking for help, the DE may not see them much. In my limited expereince, if a unit was asking me for something, and they were turning in advancement and attending district and council camporee, I thought they were moving along and didn't need me. FORGOT TO ADD, Base, sounds as if your pack is kicking butt and taking names without a lot of help from the pros form all of the posts you write. B/c you are not asking for help may be the reason you don't see the DE too much. AND EDITED; in reading BP's post, I agree 110%.(This message has been edited by Eagle92)

James, If you are in Metairie, LA, the store there is run by national, and one of the employees, Justin if memory serves, really knows his stuff. He worked PT me way back when, has moved around some for school, and was back there about a year ago. Baton Rouge may have a satellite store to the Metairie one. they may eb able to help too. Metairie's number is 504-887-3000. If Justin isn't there, ask for Delores or Melinda.

Base, Trust me DEs work their tails off. Back in the day, one of my coworkers calculated that we made less than minimum wage with the number of hours we worked and were on call. Yes some district have smooth sailing with a bunch of volunteers doing everything. That aint my district though. Yes we have gone with long periods without a DE, but everything suffered: recruiting, program, volunteers burnt out, and yes fundraising suffered. Overall morale was low and the district was hanging on. As to what DEs do? Depends upon the time of the year and what their outside assignments are. Jan 1- June 30th was primarily FOS, but in my case I also had to prep for round ups in the fall, go through training, start rebuilding my district committee (5 folks did everything and they were burning out), and prepare for summer camp. I also assist had to scout out new charter organizations, act as a UC for some units that were hurting since we only had a District Commissioner (doing double duty as District Chair since one quit after getting a new job and couldn't do it and another resigned for family reasons). I also had to work with the COPE Chairman with training, program improvements, etc, since I was his adviser. Summer was spent at camp doing whatever it took to support the program. Whether it was being the Camp Commissioner dealing with problems, filling in for the injured Business Director when he was out, working min the dining hall when that director quit, or teaching Lifesaving MB, it was a crazy summer. Fall was Round Up season going to schools in the mornings, and round ups at nite. I also worked on getting SCOUTREACH set up in my district, until I was told to stop, and get the Exploring and Venturing reestablished in my district, which started out great until I handed over the reins to the Exploring/Venturing Exec who dropped the ball. Also dealt with more unit problems and worked on recruiting district committee folks. Throughout the year I help staff various trainings since we were short on training cadre: SM Fundamentals, COPE, Explorer and Venturing leader, etc. Plus I had to help plan events like camporees, cub family camp, and Cub Health Day, and I had to do the district banquet all on my on. I Now I did admit I did do two fun things my first year: an OA Ordeal where my volunteers were impressed that A) I actually did "cheerful service" to the point of being soaking wet and covered in mud b/c of the project I was doing, B) I knew a little about ceremonies and helped out the ceremony team, and C) I some one who made some rude comments about me sleeping in the mud in his spotless uniform "In my old lodge, they said a clean Arrowman was a lazy Arrowman," which did not endear me to that council executive board member (he was in unit uniform, not council one so I didn't know ). I also attended a section conclave.

If you bought this from a national store, they should be able to show you how to put it together. I know I've did demos back in the day. Also they may have a scale model of the tent to help you out.

Try googling pioneering projects. Just remember that it may fall under "COPE Elements" and are forbiden by G2SS. I remember when I was a COPE Director being surprised that a monkey bridge or a pioneering tower over a certain height (either 5' or shoulder height, Old age getting to me) qualified as a COPE element, and needed to be inspected by a COPE director, and participants had to wear harnesses and helmets, and there had to be a belay system. So my troop had to stop building towers for the Bosun's chair we used to recruit with.

Actually I remember in my old council when staff would not pay, but their share of food, etc was incorporated into the event's budget. And I beleive that was the norm elsewhere, but don't quote me on that. Then all of a sudden staff started to pay a fee as well. When I asked about it, I was told that it was a United Way requirement since other UW agencies have their volunteers pay out of pocket as well. So that explains why we have to pay for staffing events now.

JM, Part of why we go to families is that some can help. I know some pros what the "big bucks" but every little bit helps. So if a family can afford $10, I'm happy. If a family is in a real tough economic situation and can't give, I have no problem with that either. I don't like pressuring folks b/c I was one of those scouts from a family that couldn't afford to give FOS, let alone Scouting without fundraisers and "sweat equity." Like I say at the end of my FOS presentations, " Don't give until it hurts, give until it feels good." But there are units out there than have family members who can give the "big bucks." I know with one unit I was told NOT to do a family FOS presentation, b/c their members' parents and leaders are all at the Leadership level or higher ($500). I know in a few cases, we have had folks transfer in, who were not on the council's radar as givers b/c they have just moved in town, and it was via the family FOS presentations that we discover them. I know every council is different, heck every SE is different and wants things done a little differently, so situations in one area may not apply. Also DEs and other presenters have different approaches. Some just don't have the right stuff to connect with the audience. But the key is to find out where the money is going, and if you think it's in the best interest of the scouts, follow up onit. And if you do not think so, ASK. Sometimes things may not seem like they really are. I'll give you an example. An old council of mine did some clear cutting, and of course that upset a lot of people. Everyone thought it was just for the money. BUT when it was explained to folks that we had a beatle infestation that was killing the trees and the forestry service came in and basically told the council what to people calmed down. And then when it further explained that we cought the infestation early enough thatwe were able to sell some of the lumber, and that the money was being reivested into the camp via a new dam (which was critically needed as the old one was damaged and barely holding on), major renovations on our waterfront, and otehr camp improvements, which was shown during summercamp, things calmed down tremendously.

FOS is a necessary evil b/c if we actually charged what it costs for scouting, few could afford it. I know I have done my fair share of FOS presentations, both as a DE and as a volunteer, pre and post DE, and there are a variety of ways to do the presentation. But the key is that the parents and leaders have to see how the council is providing support. If they don't see it, it does ring hollow.

I ditto Eagle 007, esp since I work at a hospital and teach AHA CPR classes. Be advised that the new class does take longer to do, but it is worth it. Try and find out who is certified to teach within your district. I know that in my district we have 3 folks who are certified (2 ARC and me) and the ARC folks can also teach W&RFA.

SR, You mean I can't use the Green Bar Bill's old method? BUMMER.

I'm partial to the old Tell, Show, Do, or is it Show, Tell, Do (old age is getting to me ) In which the scout is told how it is done, shown how it is done, and practices until he does it. Or it may be the scout is shown how it is done, told how to do it during practice, then practices until he can do iton their own. IMHO, the current "training method which shall not be named" and the old method are identical, except that "training method which shall not be named" has a catchier name, and is mandated as a training method. Now some scouts can just read something, and get it to the point they can show knowledge without additional training.

Yep no one should seek those awards. I know the retired SE who got the Silver Beaver was not expecting it, was in tears when he got it, and recieved a standing ovation at the banquet. From the stories I heard about him from both pros and volunteers, I wish I would have worked with him.

With various changes in the Guide to Safe Scouting in referecne to tour planners, new health forms, chemical fuels policy, etc, anyone know if updated syllabi are headed our way? Looks like I am going to teach BALOO in the near future, and just wanted to know.

Now it's been a while since I was a DE and had to deal with these issues on a regular basis, but if memory serves a leader can be registered only in a combination of the IH, COR, and CC positions within a unit (i.e. IH and COR, COR and CC, or IH,COR, and CC) Now you can be multiple registered in multiple units. See that a lot with parents with kids in two or more programs. Also have seen it where the troop also has folks registed as WDLs to help ease the transition (although I've only seen this with 2 units). I've also seen it in some SCOUTREACH units where there is a few individuals registered in all the units. Usually its committee members,a nd they do oversee all the units, but I've also seen parapros, as well as one volunteer who usually has 2 meetings a day 4 days a week, and an outing almost every weekend.

29 Buckinghamshire lane in London. World's oldest scout shop, with a wall of patches that i was drooling over. Be advised that when I was there in 95, Scout shops were not called such, but were retail camping stores, with a scout section onthe second floor. Dropped a bunch of quid in that place.

I admit I have not read all three pages of this thread. But I have received a personal wake up call since I have just redone the family budget for the next year, based upon predictions of $5/gal gas (it's already $4.50 in some areas). I am NOT a happy camper right now.

For whatever reason, the First Class Anchor, as it is properly called, became known as "bugs." A cover is the nautical term for a hat.