EagleInKY

We do both - it depends upon the activity, schedules, costs, location, etc. For example, we do a simple overnighter after "Scouting for Food" in November. We take the Webelos out with us for that one. This summer we did an single night campout because a significant number of kids had conflicts on the Friday night, it just worked out that way. Our annual "Survival campout" is also a single night.

Happens frequently - especially since most troops only do 3-4 COH a year. I've had a scout earn Tenderfoot & 2nd Class in the SAME MONTH.

We did coral reef sailing this summer and it truly was a blast. I spoke to some scouters that were doing the big ship. They said it was easier, since they had a crew. But it was also different, because they were combined with other troops.

We did coral reef sailing this summer and it truly was a blast. I spoke to some scouters that were doing the big ship. They said it was easier, since they had a crew. But it was also different, because they were combined with other troops.

Doug, I like your post. In our unit it's "Hey, you don't want Mr. J to hear you say that". (I'm Mr. J). So, in general, the boys police themselves. At summer camp last year, the problem was worse than normal. It was mostly the "substitute words" (Friggin', that sucks, and of course, OMG). But outside of earshot, it was apparently much worse. Some of the older boys brought it to my attention. (The problem was with some new first year scouts). We have a troop circle up every night at summer camp. We do a roses & thorns exercise. I spoke to them from the heart, explaining that this troop had a great reputation, and when they talk this way, it reflects on everyone. I, being the SM, am the public face of the unit. Therefore, when they cuss, it's a negative reflection on me. And I take that personally. When they saw how their language impacted others, they cleaned it up. As for how I handle it when it does happen, the first time is the dirty look (a la Eamonn). A second time will get a response from me. I'll usually tell them that they shouldn't use any language they wouldn't use in front of their parents and their pastor or priest. (I used to just say parents and one boy informed me that they spoke like that around his house all the time). I've never had a scout outright refuse to clean it up. I'm not sure how I would handle it. My next step would probably be a SMC with both him and his parents. Good luck!

OGE has summarized the problem well. I do not believe it is right or fair to require full uniform (MB Sash on a campout???) for a SM conference. I'm one of those that will do them any where and any time that works with our schedule. Like Eagle90, I've done them in some very unconventional places. I'd say about 60% are before/during/after troop meetings and 40% are on activities. 95% are done by me (SM) while a few are done by ASMs. (I'm speaking only of the formal advancement SMCs). If a scout asks me for a SMC, I look at my schedule and give him a date that works. Often it is during that same meeting, or at the next meeting or activity. I also am sometimes tired and stressed after a long day of work and don't feel like I can give the scout his fair share of my attention. I also like to verify that the scout's records are up to date before signing him off on advancement. (Often his book is signed off, but our Troopmaster records are not up-to-date). For early ranks, I often initiate the SMC. That, or I'll get the troop guide to get the boys to ask for it. But once they are at First Class, it's purely up to the scout. I had a mom e-mail me a few weeks ago requesting a SMC for her son for Star. I told her that he needed to talk to me. She replied asking if he had everything (a case where Troopmaster was not updated), again, I replied that her son needed to talk to me. She replied that okay, he would... but would I sign off on a service project he did? I replied again that her son needed to talk to me... Finally, I got an e-mail from her son, asking these same questions. I have a suspicion that mom typed the e-mail and sent it from her son's e-mail account. Troop meeting is tonight, we'll see what happens.

The Ohio, no. You wouldn't want to canoe it. Far too much debris (both natural and otherwise). Not to mention the toxic stuff. (Okay, they claim it's much cleaner now). But there are a number of great canoing spots throughout the tri-state area (OH-KY-IN), in addition the WW rafting opportunities throughout the Appalachians.

Nessmuk - Sorry I missed your reply to me. Allow me to respond. First, I fully support the uniform method. Nothing in my post indicated that I didn't. I was just commenting on rumors that's been floating around some folks that I know. As for supporting and wearing the uniform, our troop is the best dressed troop in our district and probably council. We always wear the full uniform (yes, socks and pants too). We do it because we are supposed to, not because we like the uniform. I am one that believes that it is totally impractical for an outdoor program, and would love to see it changed. BTW, I think a polo shirt idea would be as impractical as the current uniform, so I'm not supportive of it. I do like the activity shirt, with a short and long sleeve option. As for the long sleeve shirt - to each his own. I personally hate long sleeve shirts except for the coldest winter days. We're not Texas, but it's usually hot and muggy here for about 3 months of the year. I probably wear long sleeve shirts for about 3-4 months in a typical year. So, yes, I take issue with your "be a real scout" comment.

Welcome to the forums. Love to hear about scouters who continue to serve after the kids are gone. Thanks for what you do.

Hi from right down the road. In fact, we camped at your Camp Michaels this past weekend. Nice quiet, simple, rustic camp. The guys had a good time. In a very short drivetime, you could hit the WV adventure areas. Ace Whitewater is a great place. you can easily spend several days there, rafting, kayaking, climbing, mountain biking, backpacking, etc. Similar activities are also available in the Smoky Mountains. And, of course, you can take advantage of the world's largest knife store in Pigeon Forge (our guys loved it). Red River Gorge in KY is a personal favorite. Not a lot of formal activities - but you can do some great backpacking. There's a nice climbing MB program as well. We haven't done it, but Pennsylvania also offers some great activities. There are some whitewater and caving spots. You can also spend a couple of days at Gettysburg.

We do the same routine (of course we've only been around for 4 1/2 years). Every year we present the idea to the PLC. We list out the pros and cons of staying put or trying something else. Every year the PLC chooses to stay put. They like the friendships, the familiarity and the fact that they can try different things each year (COPE, Tower, Adv COPE, Pathfinders {a venturing program}, BSA Lifeguard, Staff CIT, regular Staff, etc.)

Not supporting council? No, I wouldn't call it that. You vote with your feet. If your council's camp doesn't cut it, challenge them by going elsewhere and then coming back and giving feedback to your council. It doesn't do any good to run off to another council camp because it's better, and then not give feedback to your council about how they could make it better. Personally, I wish our council would charge a higher rate for "out of council" troops (kind of like "out of state tuition". I'd like to see them do this instead of raising costs across the board.

I've had scouts do this, and they've gone out of there way to make sure they are away from the campsite and not going to bother anyone. I have no problem with that. I have another scout that can't seem to leave the end of the stick on the ground. If he doesn't have his walking stick, he'll pick up a stick. Or sometimes a rock. And, he's liable to sling it around at any time, in any place, with no concern about who or what might be around. Now, this scout has a slight learning disability that causes him to lose focus, and that's a big part of his problem. But I've had no problems taking his stick away from time to time to remind him to be safe.

I think Gunny's on the right track. Tell him that you want to work with him, but understand if his schedule is too busy. Is there someone else that can help? My guess is he'll make the time to meet with you. I had a similar experience trying to set up my beading ceremony with the CD. Turns out I was using an old e-mail address that he hardly used any more. Once we realized the issue, everything was fine. I was a little embarrassed for starting to raise a stink.

Welceome to the forum. We already have one very distinguished member from KC (John-in-KC). We look forward to getting to know you.

Our Cub Resident camp has those. It's very nice. It's kind of weird standing in line next to a mom or a kid. But it's one of the best setups I've seen. Our Boy Scout camp retrofitted their showers with stalls (taking them down from 6 heads to 4). But it was worth it.

"Can yeh even name a single adult in the program who wasn't a scout as a youth? " I'd say about 1/2 of our adults were not affiliated with scouts in any way. Maybe about 1/3 were, but did not make Eagle. About 10% of them are Eagles.

Scoutldr - "It's the district's responsibility to put together the board." Maybe in your council. In my council, the unit CC schedules the boards, then asks for a District rep to be present. The district advancement chair has a pool of people to call, and he sees who's available for that night. ------------ You are correct, I should have stated, "In our council, it's the district's responsibility". In any case, I do not believe it the SM's responsibility.

Our district follows a similar practice of interviewing the SM before the BOR. It gives the BOR members some insight into the scout. We do the same thing in our troop committee-run BORs, but much less formally. I don't think that you, as SM, have a right to refuse. It's the district's responsibility to put together the board.

I'm sure Kudu can fill you in with great detail. He's our resident historian. Here's a link containing some of its history. http://www.pinetreeweb.com/staghist.htm As I understand it, it's a leadership program that was developed many years ago as a supplement to scout leadership training, and is still in use by many scout groups today. I've used pieces and parts of it when I do leadership training in our troop.

I don't believe (or certainly don't want to believe) that the decision to use different neckerchiefs was driven by a profit motive. I've been under the impression that the feedback they've gotten is that boys feel like their advancing more (i.e. a greater sense of accomplishment) by changing out the neckerchiefs. For years Tigers only wore a cheap t-shirt. The "badges" were iron-on decals. What could be cheaper? But feedback from parents said the boys didn't feel "part of the pack" by not wearing the uniform. Personally, I thought it was a good way to introduce them to cubbing without the big cost... but I wasn't asked. And, as AntelopDud said, the Switchback pants are a good example of offering something at a very good price. I bought a pair of similar pants a few months before they were announced for quite a bit more than the BSA is charging.

Have the contest to generate ideas and pick the best (or combination of ideas to make the best). Then get someone with some graphics talent and a computer to generate the graphics. You probably have a few that could do this. Make sure they talk to your t-shirt printing company first to make sure they know what type of graphics they need and any limitations, such as number of colors.

I couldn't locate any information about mine either. I did have my old sash (didn't fit, however). They took my word for it (a Scout is trustworthy). Later I did find my old membership card, but they had already allowed me to rejoin.

Yeah, it's sad that a scout can complete every requirement for Tenderfoot, 2nd Class & 1st Class, but because of a troop tradition that a boy must be able to complete at least one pull-up to be a scout.... Sorry, I feel a rant coming on. The whole debate over what that requirement really means was hashed out a few years back. http://www.scouter.com/forums/viewThread.asp?threadID=68226&p=1 I don't want to hijack your thread. I hope your son has a great week at camp.

It depends on where you are. My son just completed BSA Lifeguard. Our local pool system does not acknowledge BSA Lifeguard. I understand it has to do with rescue techniques, but it sounds like it's more of a political issue locally between the Red Cross and BSA.