Eagle92

My understanding is that Cub are automatically moved up a level June 1, so any work done over the summer goes to the next level. So Tigers May 31st and do summer activities would earn the Wolf Summertime pin, Wolves May 31st are then workign on the Bear Summertime Pin, etc. As for the old all gold pins, not everyone still has them in stock.

In reference to the Outdoor Activity Award Boys may earn the award in each of the program years as long as the requirements are completed each year. The first time the award is earned, the boy will receive the pocket flap award, which is to be worn on the right pocket flap of the uniform shirt. Each successive time the award is earned, a wolf track pin may be added to the flap. It's ambiguous IMHO. It says "each program year" but what does that exactly mean? Does it mean each June 1-May 31st? Does it mean Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos? Since it's not advancement, I'll err on the side of the Cub. If all the requirements were completed between June 1 to May 31st, then yes I would give the Webelos the patch and a pin, or two pins as the case may be. As for the Summertine Award pin, that's a lot easier to answer: they woudl gt 2 of the Webelos colored Summertime Award Pins. National Summertime Award pin for boys who attend all three summertime pack activities, http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33748.pdf

Easy one: let the boys decide. We had an NSP 2 times and it didn't work, so we let the PLs divvy up the new scouts. Every six months when we had unit elections, everyone had the chance to decide which patrol they would join. Once you met criteria, i.e. First Class and Pl for 1, possibly 2 terms (usually the PL would keep getting re-elected so it may have been 2 terms) the Leadership Corps, which roughly correlates to the Venture patrol today, would vote amongst themselves whether you were ready for them or not. That was a BIG deal as #1 you got the cool Trapezoid patch and #2 being a LC member counted towards POR responsibility, so you never had to worry about being SPL, ASPL, etc for advancement. HOWEVER, you were expected to give back to the troop by serving in a position or being an instructor. And yes it was possible to go back to the regular patrols, but did not ever see that happen.

A whiles back, there was a discussion on traditional scout skill. Some folks say they are not needed in today's society, others said yep they are still valid. Someone pointed out the astronaut who stated that a simple square lashing would fix a problem on the shuttle, only to have to wait and while the engineers on earth go through a bunch of sims to say, "yep the square lashing will work." Well I got another one. Using tan 550 cord I was able to fix a bamboo sofa where the wicker came apart. used 6 Japanese square lashings for the job.. So YES traditional scout skills have their place!

I do not know why everyone is focused on BnG and AOL and/or Crossing Over? But in any case, if the boys have not completed the requirements, they are not ready. If the leader is burned out, or in my pack's current situation in experienced (he just moved from AWDL to WDL),then definaly get a good Den Chief that can help out, or even possibly run, the den meetings. If my current Den Chief wants to, I am recommending him to become a Webelos DC. It's going to be a challenge for him, but one he is up to.

if your son has a bunch of patches to sew on, what is he waiting for? Seriously though I taught my son how to sew, and he has helped sew on his patches. He knows that if he wants it on the vest, he has to start on it. I do help when I can.

In looking at my son's Wolf HB last nite, preparing for CSDC program, the WOLF requirements are listed. I am assuming that the Bear and Webelos ones are in their books. Too bad Tigers can't earn it, although they can earn the Summertime Award, and Outdoor Activity Award. Just remember: teh CS World Conservation Award is a TEMPORARY PATCH THAT DOES NOT REPLACE THE WORLD CREST ( caps for emphaisis) That's a Scouting legend. Cub Scout World Conservation Award, No. 00139, Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts, worn as a temporary patch on right pocket. http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Media/InsigniaGuide/05E.aspx

Yeas all those ribbons can be both ridiculous looking, and a PITB when putting flags away. What one unit did was create a separate "Ribbon Pole" that only comes out cor COHs. Another one has one of the round ribbon holder attachments that can hols a bunch of them. However I bet those are filling up completley at this point. I know sometimes patrol ribbons, or in the case I'm familiar with Den ribbons, have been placed on the unit's flag b/c the patrol, or den in my case, is representing the entire pack. me personally I'd weed those off and give them to the patrols/dens.

All Cub Scouts can earn it except Tigers. Probably a hold over from when they were their own separate program and has not been rectified yet. Each level has their own requirements.

This is a true story I swear. Leader had a Scout get sick at Summer camp. Everything was OK with the scout, but he needed a prescription and the leader didn't pick it up when out with the scouts due to being a poor college student. After dropping off the scout and getting money for the med, he goes to the pharmacy to get it. He's in full uniform, not a field uniform, as it is late and he planned on getting back to camp just before dinner. Well while driving back in the pouring rain, someone pulls out in front of him, and runs him off the road into a ditch. Can't get out and just as he's about to call a tow truck at the pay phone across the road, one appears. Driver asks what's up and why in a uniform. When he founds out, tow's the car out, check for damages, and let's the leader off saying " hadn't done my good turn for the day, just help someone who's broken down on the side of the road next time you see 'em for me." So the leader returns. A week later the leader is driving to his girlfriend's house after a meeting, so he has his uniform hanging up in the car. He see a young lady with what looks like a broken down car. remembering the tow truck driver from the week before, he stops, offer's to take her to a mechanic and tow truck down the street, and she jumps in the car. WWWWWEEELLLL let's just say her car wasn't broken down, and she wasn't stranded. She offered her services until she saw the uniform hanging in the back seat, thought the leader was a cop, and quickly gets out of the car.

Mike, Does your troop have it's own Investiture Ceremony? My troop also gave new scouts their necker and slide, troop totem, and Scout patch, when they formally joined our troop. This was done in an Investiture Ceremony in which the PL presented the new scout to the SM and the troop. What we would do when giving neckers became popular at Crossovers is give them the necker and slide, but take it back. They knew going in that the necker and woggle were for ceremonieal purposes only, and they wouldget everything when Invested.

HICO, I actually think national heard. 1 of the complaints I heard about the 2008 forms was that Sections A and C, the parts that parents fill out, were not together. Now they are. Also the current Section C, the section that requires a physical, is now being used at the HA bases, so no more multiple forms. I am still upset b/c they say no SSN may delay medical services. Pure HORSEHOCKEY as that is against HIPAA, a federal law.

I did show the video at a Health-a-ree the local nursing school did for their community service project. the video was one thing that was requested that be done, and the nurses putting onthe course thought I should be the one to do it as I was the DE. I made sure parents were there, and that they knw what th video was about prior to showing. I did have 1 complaint, and I discussed how that video did have go through a process for age appropriateness, and had experts in the field consult on the video. It's been a while since I see it, but I would use it if I needed to. Yes the topic is sensitive, and uncomfortable. Esp. if you had to deal with those situations directly or indirectly. I know I had reservations about the requirement, and so did some of the parents. Way I handled it was to say Yes the topic had to be discussed, but you could use literature that you felt comfortable with. I told them about the resources at the libray, I may have brought a book or two I don't remember, and said use your resources. We had no problem

When I went through an FYC program at my first year of summer camp, the instructors were these grizzled old guys who'd BTDT and had the scars to show it - they were great. Must ditto that one as we had a retired Marine Master Gunnery Seargent who headed up our FYC program for 20+ years. He was one tough Leatherneck who would put folks through their paces. When he got to ill to work summer camp, he was missed. And when he passed away, we had former camp staff, and pros fly in fo r the funeral. You definitely need your most experienced staff working the program.

Ok reread OP and feel like an idiot as I didn't catch the part about every person helping with the project. That is a new one for me as we were expected to help out if we could. Now my troop did have a troop totem, and those folks who helped out AND did not receive credit for advancement at the S and L ranks received a yellow bead to be worn on the totem from the Life Scout at the next meeting.

Whoever said CS parents who haven't been "deprogrammed" yet is right on. I met a bunch of them as a ASM back in the day, and pray to God that I do not turn into one when oldest crosses over. Good news is that I have been working with a great DC who, although is rough around the edges, is worth his weight in gold. Bad news is that I'm losing him to the Webelos as they just lost their WDL, and the new one needs help, esp. in the outdoor skills. I am hoping to recruit a Venturer to fill his place. Now how do you deprogram CS parents? Some of the things my troop did was form them up as a patrol in the adult's campsite, and keep them busy. Yes the usual camp chores, but also some relaxing stuff like fishing, reading etc. Sometimes take them on a hike, or canoeing. Key was to keep them busy and out of the way.

WAIT A MINUTE THERE'S A LEADER'S DIVISION IN THIS!!!!!!!!! HMMMMM a C11-3 rocket can have a max weight of 6 onces..... I HOPE YOU HAVE ONE VERY LONG TRACK!!!!!

I don't know why others give gifts, but I can tell you why I gave mine. It was to thank those folks who made the most impact on my life. I gave a gift to my SPL while I was a new PL. He mentored me and was a role model. It wasn't much, a cooler with some goodies in it for him and his wife. It was my way of saying thank you. I gave a gift to one of the ASMs who also served as my religious awards counselor. Again it wasn't much, a cooler with some goodies in it as my way of saying thank you. And I gave my SM a cooler with goodies in it. There was no "Mentor" pin at the time, otherwise he would have gotten that hands down. Part of me wishes I'd given him the dad's pin as he was the closest thing to a dad I had. But to be honest, nothing, stressing NOTHING, can ever truly could ever truly repay them for what they did for me. If you want to give them something, and can afford it, please then by all means do so. But don't go overboard. Sometimes the best gifts, are the simple ones, like the photos of you with those mentors, or the handbook from their youth. On second thought, the best gift you can give to your leaders, is to stay involved in Socuting, and give back to youth, continueing their legacy.

Eng. I understand completely. One reason why I am involved in scouting, beside it being addictive, is because I want my oldest to be safe. I know my strengths (outdoors, programs, etc) as well as my weaknesses (paperwork and paperwork requirements). EDITED: The good leaders will know their strengths and weaknesses as well, and look for improvement and help from others. I willbe camping alot with the Webelos int he next few months as we lost our WDL, and our new WDL is not comfortable with his outdoor skills yet. I will be workign with himon that one Here are a few suggestions to help you out,and anyone else who may have concerns. #1 GET INVOLVED! become a leader, go through training and know how the program works. Even if it's only at the committee level. That's the best way. Although you do have to know when it's appropriate to pull your step sone out of an unsafe activity, say going canoeing when he doesn't meet the swimming requirement OR their is no certified lifeguard with him in his canoe, and when he is havign problems cooking his meal withthe patrol. Seen that alot. #2 Get to know the leaders, and if on the CS side, other parents. that came up last nite actually as My pack, as well as CSDC, lost their primary First Aid person, our old CM. He was a paramedic or EMT instructor, so he had better KSAs than almost all of us. When asked who is going to take his place by one of the parents, I said, said my ADL as he is a paramedic or EMT. Againg knowing the leaders and parents invovled can help put fears away. #3 talk to your stepson. Ask him questions. Ask him what kind a prep work has he done, i.e. weather forcast, equipment, location, etc. Big thing in my troop for trips was preparing for them. Esp. weather. #4 Be active, go camping and hiking. I know you're pretty involved in sports, but some folks don't realize the athletic activity of some scouting events. It can be a great workout,a nd I usually lose weight in the summer when we are more active in the outdoors.(This message has been edited by eagle92)

I agree with Sailing, cell phone may not get a signal. Been in that situation before. For those units that do ban electronics, and I do see a reason for doing that IF, stressing the IF, the PLC goes along with it, I woudl advise doing the UK's Duke of Edinburgh Award Program's way of dealing with cell phones when their folks are on their expeditions WITHOUT ANY ADULTS (caps for emphasis as the the BSA is currently NOT the only program in the world that allows young men and women to go out on their own): cell phones are sealed in a water proof container insuch a way that if a cell phone is used, they must break the seal, negating the expediation SAVE an emergency. My understanding form DoE recipients is that the cell phone seal is checked both before goign out, to make sure it cannot be opened with the seal being broken, and when they come in.

We can't remove ourselves, as if we back out, we lose our number and veteran status, NOT NECESSARILY!!!!!!! There is a way to change COs and keep both unit number and tenure towards vet status. My old troop changed COs twice in it's now 43 year history. The original CO must be willing to relinquish the unit number, agreeing to essentially starting a "new unit" should they ever want to get involved in Scouting again. They have to sign some paperwork with the council in reference to this. My troop moved from CO1 to CO2 after being forced to move to different meeting rooms almost on a weekly basis (we had the primary room booked in advanced and they kept moving us around), secured storage room taken away from us, new storage room broken into, vandalized, and equipment stolen, and the straw that broke the camel's back, our brand new 2-3 month old fiberglass storage shed used as a dartboard at the church fair causing us to lose most of our camping supplies. Since the church pastor said we no longer fit into the needs of the church, he readily agreed, signed the paperwork, and the unit moved. When a new pastor came in, and got a new unit going, they had to use a different number per the agreement. In fact all trace of my unit's history was removed form the church's history and no one ever knew we were there until I ran into the troop as an adult. We moved from CO2 to CO3 because the new pastor at CO2 had a very strong anti-BSA bias. Relations were not friendly and when she called the police on us for trespassing b/c we were running late cleaning up after an ECOH, we made arrangements to move. Technically we "merged" with an existing troop at CO3, but kept the unit number and tenure. In actuallity, that troop was a brand new troop, 1 year old tops, and was our "NSP" while we worked with their scouts and leaders until they could go off on their own. The merger worked out fine.

Well the atheism question is really hitting home now. One of my son's friends, whose parents have said they are atheists, just showed up at my pack meeting tonite. I do not know if they will stay around or not, but here is what I am doing. #1 going to work with them as I would with anyone else,. and #2 try to show the beauty of God through his works to boy and his parents if they go camping, hiking, etc with us, and #3 talk to the parents in private when I can. Lastly I am going to pray for them.

Our S4F program is 2 weekends: first is putting out flyers saying we will be collecting food the next weekend, then the pick up. Even if no body is home, usually bags of food are on the porch.

One thing I've seen is putting them into patrols working on the various skills, and then they do a backpacking expereince using those skills Thursday/Friday. Another thing I've seen is the 1st year camper program broken down by skill level taught at different times, i.e. Tenderfoot might be taught from 9-9:50, Second Class taught from 10-10:50, First Class taught from 11-11:50. That way someone who didn't want to work on First Class could do a MB, and someone whose Second Class, could skip the first two periods. Now here is one crazy idea that may or may not work. What does your camp do for IOLS for the leaders? One Idea I've passed along is using first year camper staff to teach IOLS. SOOOO why not do IOLS training in the morning, then have those new leaders take the skills they learned and/or already knew, and have them help teach the T-2-1 skills under the guidance of the First Year Camper staff? EDITED: Purpose of having First Year Camper Staff teach IOLS is for the following reasons. #1 Forces the staff to really master those skills if not done so already. #2 Shows the new leaders that yes Scouting does work and that these young men and women (don't forget your female Venturers) are capable of a lot. #3 gets folks trained, esp. with mandatory training headed our way in the future. WHy have the new adults help teach? #1 reinforces the skills learned #2 provides additional staff to help teachnew scouts. More help the better!(This message has been edited by Eagle92)

Some of the gifts I've received have or have given include the following 1) Norman Rockwell print 2) Copy of the 1910 Handbook. 3) framed pictures of me with the scouts. 4) cooler with goodies in it 5)Gift card to an Army Surplus store ( my favorite pace to get camping gear) But the best, absolute favorite, and most meaningful was also one of the simplest: one of my Eagles got a copy of MY Boy Scout Handbook, the 9th ed that was GBB's, as he knew my original got torn in half and part of it floated down the river. Than meant a lot.