Eagle92

Let me guess, they are a troop that does 1 Eagle Court of Honor a year? As others have stated, the SM should not be involved, other than to advise the scout. THE SCOUT needs to be talking to you. THE SCOUT needs to be the one doing the leading. THE SCOUT needs to have come up with the project. If you, as benefactor, are not happy, contact the SCOUT as soon as possible to discuss what is wrong. If there is a "contract" involved, this one is a first for me, make sure all parties have a copy, and you know exactly what is in it so that you everyone knows exactly what is entailed. Most Life scouts do their own fundraising for their projects. Sometimes the agency does give some of the supplies, or money to get them, BUT the SCOUT is responsible for arranging all of that.

No one is "uneducable," but they may not want to be educated. I think SP hits on a big part of the problem. Current educational theory is to make it egalitarian and teach to the lowest denominator. You cannot separate students by their abilities, allowing those who need challenges to have them, but boring them to hate school while you give the extra attention to those who need it. Just like in Scouting, students need challenges in order to grow. Don't provide the challenge academically, they get bored and lose interest. Also their is a strong emphasis on group projects, even on the undergad and graduate level. Only time I have ever seen group work sucessfully done was when the prof gave folks the option of doing it solo, or in a group that you got to pick who you worked with. I opted to go solo, especially since I shot off my mouth in class telling the prof that he was wrong so no one wanted to work with me anyway (it was all good; very politely disagreed with the prof, and the prof said that would make a good paper topic if I wanted to pursue it. I did, got an A, and led the prof to do research on his own on the topic;) )Every single time I've ever done group work, 1 or 2 people do 90% of the work. Now I do think that those who do not want to be educated should be separated form those that do. More later

Back in the day when I was in elementary school, I was lucky enough to get into the local parochial school down the street. That school went from K-8, with most boys leaving after 7th to go to one of the 8-12 private HS. In 1-6 grades, they separated the students in each grade into 3 classes based upon standardized tests and academic ability, and divide each grade into thirds. While the classroom work mirrored each other, one classmight get extra help, while another might expand the content. Worked out well IMHO. In 7th grade and 8th grade, they divided the grade into a total of 9 groups. One set of groups was the A,B,C groups and was based upon one set of academic skills, I want to say reading comprehension. The next set of groups, were the number groups:1,2,3, and it was based upon your math and science scores if I remember correctly. So a student doign well in math, but poorly in reading might be a 7C1. A person poor in math, but good in reading might be a 7A3. The different groups focused on the needs of that group, and student with common needs were placed together. HS did something very similar, placing you in classes based upon your abilities. I think the format worked out well. and we had no problems in the Elementary school, and very few in the HS. But when I started taking education classes in college, this format was frowned upon as it was not inclusive, hurt people's self esteem, didn't fit with current theories in education, etc, etc. And while I stayed only a few months in education, I have kept up with some of the trends and I am concerned. Schools doign away with GT programs, grades, doing away with PE and recess, having children change schools almost yearly, etc. have played a part in why I homeschool. Is it hard you bet, but I think my oldest son is benefitting tremendously. He's at or above grade level for a test normally given at the end of 2d grade, and he took it last month. I admit I do not like unions, even though I have family in them, but they are not 100% of the problem. Yes they are a reason why you cannot fire really bad teachers, but IMHO the teachers' union places too much emphasis on the money and benefits that teachers make,and not enough on the problems teachers are facing in the classroom like lack of supplies, lack of support from administration in dealing with discipline, etc. I do not blame all the teachers for the education problems. I have family who are teachers, or worked for the school system and know first hand what they are facing. Most want to teach and do their best to handle a situation with parents who think their child is golden and refuse to acknowledge any problems, school policies that are really detrimental to students and do not allow parents who want to be involved to do so. I do not blame all admistrators and school boards. I know a few and can imagine the headaches they get. But something has got to change. It needs to start at thelcoal level. School boards need to get kids closer to their homes so they are not spending 1-3 hours on a bus everyday and their parents can get involved since they do not have to travel across town or the county to make meeting. Schools do need to divy up the students based upon academic abilities to better support the students learning. Schools need more discipline so that the learnign process is destroyed for others by a few. Ok enough ranting.

In reference to tent, if you take care of them they will last. My troop didn't allow personal tents except adults. We usually used the 4 man Eurekas amongst 2, sometime 3 people. each patrol was given so many, and we stenciled them with troop #, Patrol name, and tent #, so we could track down who damaged them. Whoever didn't take care of their tent, would be using the original, heavy canvas Baker tents that the troop got when it was first started. So no floor and mosquito netting for you. We only had 2 problems in the entire time I was with that troop. #1 was when the CO used our new fiberglass shed as a dartboard, causing numerous leaks and damaged equipment and #2 when two scouts borrowed a tent for an OA event at a public campground. One couple had their tent stolen, and they let them use ours, deciding to sleep under the stars Like I was. Long story short, when the scouts got it back, it was still wet with dew and had lipstick smeared all over the inside of it. Luckily we were able to dry it out, but the lipstick never did come out. Luckily the scouts didn't get harrased since I verified the story, but it's the last time I lend out a tent to non-scouters.

I got a 6 man Coleman Villa del Mar as a Valentine's Day Gift from the wife. I've had no problems with it so far. It is a pain to put up by myself or with 2-6 yo "helpers," but it can be done.

Need to edit and cannot. last sentence should read Camp chair and coffee cup are great ideas as they remind the new BOY SCOUT (caps to show edit) leader that now he needs to sit back, enjoy his coffee, and let the scouts do all the work. Also I agree a SPA is to "girly girl," and like the idea of a gift certificate to a resteraunt is nice. A photo album was album was given to me when I left my troop back in the day. THAT WAS AWESOME, and later turned into some great "blackmail" photos when I started a troop FB group and posted a few. LOL

At the moment my pack pays for 1 belt loop and 1 pin, no matter how many times you earn it. Now if parents want to buy additional loops and pins, they are not restricted items, and they can purchase them. Now with the emphasis on getting all CS ranks by Feb/March BnG, I in my neck of the woods districts and council are putting belt loops and pin events into program, so we will probably be awarding more of them next year. ESP if SctDad's idea of having multiple SnA activities throughout the year happens, which is in trhe works.

HOLY QUACAMOLE!!!!!!!!!!! Follow the KISS Principle, Keep Is Simple Silly. Depending upon what the DL will be doing would be what I would gift. If he is moving up to Scouts, Something he can use would be nice. I love my Smokey Bears. http://scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/ItemDetail.aspx?cat=01RTL&ctgy=PRODUCTS&c2=UNIFORMS&C3=UHATS&C4=&LV=3&item=501CH&prodid=501CH^8^01RTL& but know it's a bit pricey. A another nice hat is the Expedition hat, aka Brimmed hat (sorry I've been a around to long and sometimes call things by their orignial names). http://scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/ItemDetail.aspx?cat=01RTL&ctgy=PRODUCTS&c2=UNIFORMS&C3=UHATS&C4=&LV=3&item=637&prodid=637^8^01RTL& With both you will need an Adult hat pin http://scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/ItemDetail.aspx?cat=01RTL&ctlg=00MASTER&ctgy=PRODUCTS&c2=GIFTS&c3=PINS&c4=&LV=3&item=50150 Other nice useful gifts could be some camping gear like a camelback, Scout Stave (especially one made by his Cubs), SM book, large camping coffee cup, or a nice camping chair. Camp chair and coffee cup are great ideas as they remind the new adult leader that now he needs to sit back, enjoy his coffee, and let the scouts do all the work

Someone mentioned that backpacking gear can be expensive. I have a few ideas to cut costs. 1) Look at discount programs like Campmor's Unit Discoutn program and Alps Mountaineering's Scouts Direct program. i have not used them personally, but the prices are good and others on this board got me hooked. 2) Military surplus gear is AWESOME! I still have my ALICE pack and other gear from back when I was a poor college student and was upgrading gear when I could. Plus some surplus stores will give discounts on individual purchases and/or group purchases. Again that's how I got my ALICE pack, form a group discount. 3) I do not know about other states, but in NC scout units qualify as educational organizations and can buy federal surplus from the state. Youmay be able to get surplus gear there even cheaper. 4) Encourage an equipment exchange within your unit. 5) Ebay and Craigslist are your friends. Good luck.

707 Member at large PORs are for those of us who weren't elected onto the committee, but work on the district level. I was registered "at large" several times in the past, including when I was OA chapter adv. and chapt. Assoc Adv.

Don't ask me how, but one of our cubs cut his eye with the plastic diamond putting on his shirt and had to go see a doc. Also the plastic diamond won't work for those Webelos wearing the Boy Socut shirt. Saw a Webelos with it on the right pocket b/c that was the only pocket it would go on.

Ok there is also a Scouter Reserve, code 91, for folks who only want to be involved when they can.

College Scouter Reserve, is a little known and used district position in which someone who wants to remain active can maintain their registration, but will not be expected to be active except when they can. They need to do YPT training, but none of the otehr stuff is needed, and Scouter Reserve is the only district position that an 18-20yo can hold. The position code for "College Scouter Reserve" is 92.

Problem with WFA for Star is that some places have a min. age of 16 if memory serves. How about these requirements: 3. Take command of a crew of not less than four Sea Scouts for at least 48 consecutive hours, including two nights. You must delegate and supervise all duties. D or Successfully complete NAYLE (National Advance Youth Leadership Experience) training. With apologies to Sea Scout QMs.

Moose, Maybe your hubby's troop was like mine: wood and charcoal cooking only. The first time I ever lit a camp stove of any type was December 2009, when I "tested out" my Christmas present to make sure it would be usable Christmas Day. Kids didn't notice the residue on the stove

Jet Alcohol fuels are permissable IF the equipment you are using is designed to use it. The Policy on the Storage, Handling, and Use of Chemical Fuels and Equipment found here stats http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/680-013WB.pdf Chemical Fuels not Recommended (bold in original)Unleaded gasoline; liquid alcohol fuels, including isopropyl alcohol, denatured ethyl alcohol, and ethanol; and other flammable chemicals that are not in accordance with the manufacturers instructions for chemical-fueled equipment. (emphasis mine) So if you have a MSR Whisperlite International stove, that MSR states can use gas, kero, alcohol, jet fuel, etc in their instructions, you are good to go.

SW, Thanks for the update. I am personally glad they did away with the requirement as when I did it, you had to turn the app in, which is my my den were the only ones getting AOL, then they did away with the turn in part, which I felt was wrong. I like the new requirements.

I would ask around to see who has a framed backpack and backpacking tent you can borrow. Check with the troop your pack is affilaited with. Or you can see if you can share a tent with one of your patrol mates, thus not using the big family tent. The other option I have seen on the Cub Scout side of things is the use of a collapsable wagon. Yep I've seen families put everything in a large wagon and pull it along. While it's not backpacking, ifyou look at some of the old BSA literature, patrols DID use wagons to transport gear on their patrol campouts. besides if their is enough room in it, your patrol may want to put everything, or at least the heaviest stuff, and pull it along.

If I can find it, I'll reprint "Ode to Knee Socks." As to why I like them, Keep my legs warm when it gets chilly and I am in shorts, keeps my legs cool inthe summer while protecting them from briars, mosquitoes etc. Plus I'm old school and they look great with the Smokey Bear and Scout stave

Good question. I am going to ask this though: Have they filled out AND turned in their Boy Scout application yet? I know they need to fill one out for AOL, but if they have turned it in, then i would assume they are Boy Scouts now, and that teh Crossover ceremony is a formality. Kinda like completing college, you completed your degree, but you don't need to attend the ceremony to say you graduated. Also I was just informed of a trial or program experiment that my council is doing. We are now allowing Scouts to invite a friend to go to summer camp with them. All the rules apply, i.e. swim tests, physicals, etc. but they do not have to be registered boy scouts. They can take any classes they want to. IF they decide to join scouts, then all the work they did can be applied to advancement. So while initially I would say "No" if they had not filled in the app and turned it in, I am ammednable.(This message has been edited by eagle92)

Most don't have expertise in Scouting and don't have much in the way of resources to offer to Scout units that need help. Even the ones with expereince sometimes do not want to get involved. The IH/COR of one pack was involved as an ASM with a troop. He complained to me about the pack's CM and that all the folks recruited in the fall would quit by January, and the troop was not getting anyone from the pack as they would all quit. He wanted me as the DE to fire her. When I told him that only he could do it, he was admant that he would not get involved adn that I needed to deal with it.

I'll let others advise ya since I haven't done backpacking in a while. But Alps Moutnaineering does give a nice discount to scouts via Scouts Direct, and CAMPMOR does have a unit discount program. Ok one thing I like is my MSR whisperlite international. It's multifuel, so you CAN use gasoline, alcohol, kerosene, etc according to BSA rules sicne the manufacturer does specify those fuels can be used in the directions. The other thing that you may be able to do, esp if you can get the whole unit to do so, is to talk to local outfitters or surplus stores to see if they will give an deeper discount on a group purchase. When I went to Canada, one of the local surplus stores gave us a 25% discount instead of the normal 10% scout discount for our troop. They also modified some of the equipment they sold for us free of charge.

I must respectfully disagree with Dlister. If you are an Arrowman, yes your primary duty is to your unit, so normally you don't wear the sash. But if you are doing something OA related, or attending an event that the OA is working and you are helping out, then by all means wear the sash. I'll give ya some examples. Last nite I promoted CSDC at my pack's BnG. Camp promo is an OA function, and the video has one of our flaps in it. I wore my sash. At the council cub family campout, the chapter agreed to let the adults attending run two events since it was the same weekend as fellowship. Yep the two cub scout leaders in the OA wore our sashs during the two events. In three weeks, the OA is helping out with our Webeloree. Guess what I will be wearing part of the time, yep the sash.

WELL I just checked ScoutStuff.org and thsi is what I get http://scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/ItemDetail.aspx?cat=01RTL&ctgy=PRODUCTS&c2=UNIFORMS&C3=USOCKS&C4=&LV=3&item=612320-24&prodid=612320-24^8^01RTL& Boy Scout Official Uniform Knee Socks Knee socks in uniform green are made with the exclusive blend of 46% nylon, 44% Coolmax nylon, 5% polyester, and 5% Lycra spandex. Classic knee-high style with ribbed cuff looks neat and stays comfortably in place, while fabric blend helps your feet stay cool and dry. BSA is knitted into the foot bed of each sock. Contrast heel and toe are reinforced for added cushioning right where you need it. Offers superior moisture management, wicking away perspiration for all-day comfort. Imported. Retail Price: $8.99 Availability: Normally ships within 3 business days OK I do not like the fact that BSA is on the foot, I think it's a bad location, but at least it isn't stamped on like the Thorlo socks. My BSA stamp has come off, and you cannot tell the difference between them and the pair of hiking socks I got from Walmart. Ok going to get some new socks in the near future.

basic scout history, i.e. founder, Scouting's birthplace, BSA's birthday Symbolism of the Scout badge, WC