EagleInKY

Every grant I've ever been involved with required that the recipient of the funds be a 501©3 organization. (Admittedly, I'm not talking about college grants.) That's why I made that statement. Since a pack and troop don't qualify as such, they need to rely on their CO. I'm not sure about the laws around individuals. The reason I used the "door-to-door" reference is that the concern is in the solicitation. If you are running a food booth at the county fair and a person comes up and hands you $20 and says "I was a Scout and I'd like you guys to have this", then that's okay. Council won't complain about that. But, if you go door-to-door in your neighborhoods or to the local businesses and say "we're building a gazebo at the park and would like you to donate money for it", that's what they don't want to have going on.

I think your definition is close. Soliciting donations conveys the idea that he is going door-to-door to homes and businesses asking for a donation to help fund this product. That is never allowed. Soliciting a grant is IMO the process of going to a group or government agency that provides monies for non-profit groups. We have successfully received such grants in the past. They have to be given in the name of your charter sponsor (assuming they are a 501©3 institution. So, the difference is fairly the clear in my eyes. "Door-to-door solicitation" vs. going to a group that says "we give money to those who have a worthy cause and ask for it".

Our pack does not share money with the dens. It's been mentioned, but we felt it best for each den to pay its own way, based upon how active and creative it wanted to be. Our den charged $25 a year for dues, and then sometimes had costs associated to activities (if there was an admission fee, for example). We never ran short, and usually had a little left over at the end of the year for a pizza party.

TySim - Sounds like your CC has gone into PC-overload. Next thing you know, we'll have to do away with the scout handshake! Now, don't get me wrong, I don't go around giving my guys hugs all day long. But, your example of disciplining a lad in private is exactly the way I handle it nearly every time. I think that a gentle whisper is much more effective than yelling.

Trevorman - Great Scoutmaster's minute. It's perfect for looking forward to next year. What's their vision for the troop? What's their vision for their advancement?

Play with them, have fun. They look at you in a total different light after you loosen up with them. We played a game of touch football at summer camp last year. My competitive spirit took over, and the guys saw me in a different light.

I believe it should be left up to the individual. If they feel an event is appropriate, then that is fine. I would probably not wear it to any of these you mentioned (except maybe the Silver Beaver presentation). I did wear it once to a Scout Sunday, which was followed by a COH. I remember debating that one in my head. I agree with you about Roundtable, it is not a formal ceremony, so it should not be worn for that.

Whatever happened to old Bob? Things just aren't the same without him.

Ain't scouting great? I love this stuff. Thanks for sharing the story. I've often said scouting can benefit you in three ways: 1) The skills you learn (First Aid, camping, cooking, etc.) can be a benefit down the road. 2) The abilities you gain (Leadership, citizenship, physical fitness) through your experiences. These are many times unnoticed until years later. 3) The opportunities it puts in front of you. Sometimes, all this you have invested in scouting pays you right back. I put this story in that category. For me, I can tell you that I've had three jobs in 20 years since college, and scouting had a direct impact in getting each of them. Krisi - This is a message to you to keep up the fight and press on toward the goal. I know it has its ups and downs. In the end, you'll be much more "up". Ten or fifteen years from now, someone may be telling a story about a scout from East Tennessee that did some great unselfish act for them. OGE - Great comments from the old wise one.

Eagle Scout medals can be worn as adults (in either uniform or civilian dress) at appropriate events, such as an Eagle COH. Back in my day, they even gave us a red, white and blue ribbon where you could wear the medal around your neck, if you prefer (I never have).

Beaver - Our troop is in a similar state, and I know exactly what you mean. We're closing in on two years now. We've had three planning sessions. Here's a synopsis. Planning session #1 (troop was 3 months old) - Hey guys, what do you want to do? Blank stares. An hour or so with very little to show for it. I share the blame... no, I own all the blame. They had no experience to draw from, and I didn't know what I was doing either. Planning session #2 (troop was 1 year old). This time it was just the PLC. I brought in some pre-packaged ideas and let them choose. I still led the planning, but they felt like they chose the activities. It went reasonably well. Planning session #3 (troop 1 yr & 8 months). This time it was the PLC. However, before the session several things took place. The ASPL put together a survey of all activities since the troop began and put together a spreadsheet and graph of the results. The PLs had two patrol meetings where they generated ideas. The SPL led the discussion, up until they got lost. They didn't know what to do after they got ideas on paper. I stepped in and helped lead the translation of ideas to the calendar. I think they learned, and next time I hope I get to stay in my seat! The strange part is now they generated LOTS of ideas. The problem is that at least 1/2 of the ideas are not practical. At least not for us at this time (California, Colorado, Hawaii, etc.). Lots of good long term ideas, but it was hard to reel them in to think about what was practical for next year. Nevertheless, in the end, I think we got a good plan together. I'm looking forward to a great year!

Welcome to our virtual campfire. Put a virtual log on it and have fun.

I'm proud of some of the accomplishments of my youth. I have three Philmont Arrowheads, and still wear one today, even though it's been over 20 years. One of these was earned while I was a (very young) adult. But, even if it wasn't, I would not have a problem with an adult wearing a Philmont patch, Jamboree, or any other patch earned when he was a youth. Kids will ask "hey, what's that", and you can tell them some great stories from your scouting experience. Hopefully, it inspires them to want to experience the same.

My oldest scouting memory wasn't a positive one. I, too, was around 5 or 6. My older brother was also a Webelos. I was kind of like the den mascot. One night, after a pack meeting, we're playing a game of chase in the school playground. I climb to the top of the slide, lose my footing, and fall face-first on the concrete sidewalk. A bloody, black and blue face was what I remember most. But it didn't deter me, and I was back the next time!!! As for MY scouting experience, I still remember walking from elementary school to Mrs. Johnson's house for our den meetings. That was back in the days when you met after school and your den leader was called a "Den Mother". My how times have changed!

Fun with a purpose. Game with a purpose. I love the concept. Some of my boys get it, but others don't. I've just lost a pair of brothers from our troop. They're staying in scouting, I'm glad for that. I tried to get them to tell me why they decided to move troops. Truth be told, I think they felt obligated to join our troop because they came up through our pack. There church has a troop, but no pack, and they ended up going there. I'm cool with that. The frustrating part was when the dad finally told me that they left because we weren't doing enough "fun" things. The reason it's frustrating is that we have done lots of fun things. Hiking in some beautiful country, cave tours, snow tubing, campouts, lockins. This year we're going white water rafting. Truth is, these boys are lazy, and there idea of "fun" doesn't sync up with scouting fun (IMHO). They want us to go to theme parks, ride go-carts, go to the beach, play lazer tag, have movie nights, pizza parties, etc. Now, don't get me wrong, any of these things are fine (although some are against the G2SS). But I really believe that is ALL these guys want to do. And, to top it off, their parents never helped with any activities. Twice a parent was going to come with us, and backed out on the day we left. I have very little patience for that. But, regarding their idea of fun, they're not alone. I have a couple of others that seem to feel the same way. How do you get the boys to understand what fun with a purpose means???

Nice post KS. How's the weather in Hawaii? It's starting to get ugly here.

Hey Tracy. Welcome to the campfire.

This has been discussed in the past. The following thread was started by me about a year ago. I was at my wits in with this lad. http://www.scouter.com/forums/viewThread.asp?threadID=46779 Today, he's a PL and on his way to Star. He's doing pretty good, although I have to reel him in every once in a while. I'd say we have a "bad moment" about one or twice a month. But, that's a whole lot better than once or twice a meeting. I continue to coach him. Others in the troop have noticed the difference, I hope that is the case away from scouting as well.

We took the uniform inspection sheet and simplified it into a spreadsheet (boys names down the left, ordered by den - uniform parts across the top). As the boys came in to the pack meeting, they lined up in front of a leader who checked them off. Not a real thorough inspection, but it got the point across. We then awarded the den that had the best combined attendance and uniform.

Yes, put the logo, name, troop number, charter organization... you name it. Put it on it. In fact, putting this information on it reduces the likelihood of theft. It's the number one deterent, I've been told. A troop close to us had their trailer stolen. Actually, they had two trailers, one with logo, one without. The one without was stolen. As for the names, we've talked about it. We're probably two years away from having an Eagle, so we've got some time to decide. I think the Eagle decals idea is cool.

Further clarification regarding SM on boards. And, I realize that each council has their own practices, so some may have some "local rules" that apply. A Scoutmaster or ASM can "sit in" and view a BOR. Although, I believe this is really frowned upon. The reason is that it is thought that the scout will be more forthcoming and honest about the program if the leaders are not in the room. I'm not sure, but I think they are not allowed if it is their son. Now, for Eagle BORs (in our district), the troop provides one or two people to sit on the BOR and the District Advancement Chair provides one or two people. Therefore, the Eagle BOR typically has 4-5 people on it (including the DAC). The people the DAC brings can be SMs or ASMs in other troops. This is how I've gotten to sit on BORs in our district.

No "policy" per se. Like BP, if I see a scout wearing something inappropriately, I'll just tell him to fix it. Interestingly, I've seen this handled very directly twice recently. At woodbadge, one of the participants had his hat on backwards. The SM walked over to him and asked him to wear it correctly. Only those standing next to him heard it. At summer camp, some boys came up to the rifle range for class with their field uniform shirts on, but unbuttoned and untucked. The Rifle range instructor asked them to wear them right, or not wear them at all. They took them off.

Go, have fun, use it as an opportunity to learn more about the process. If you've got a younger son, or work with younger scouts, it gives you a perspective into what we are trying to grow them into. I agree, take the lead from the BOR chair. Ours are formal, yet friendly. We divide up the "subject areas" beforehand. Each member of the board can deviate as he/she sees fit based upon the questioning. Our DAC has done it so many times, he can take a boys response and lead down a set of thought provoking questions that aren't on anyone's list. And, you can be a SM or ASM and sit on an Eagle BOR. Just not one for your troop.

OGE - I agree with your idea in concept. I think it would be difficult to manage. And, I believe we would end up in the same "give everyone who tries an award" concept that we see with the Quality Unit program. Perhaps another (similar) solution would be to have multiple levels of quality unit. Today we have two QU patches (regular and 100% Boy's Life). Perhaps there are bronze, silver and gold levels of quality units. One of the requirements for the gold level would be to provide at least one person to be a UC for another unit. That way, everyone who participates at this level would have a UC that would have to certifie the gold standard.

Dan - Actually, in casual talk, I usually use the pronoun "our" instead of "my". "Our PLC", "our SPL", "our campout", etc. For some reason, in typing on this board, I usually say "my" instead. Either way, I think it's much ado over nothing. Actions speak louder than words. There are many people that make their own rules and think that their flavor of the BSA is what is right. Personally, I just try to interpret and deliver the program as designed, to the best ability that I can (along with the other leaders) and within the ability limits of the boys.