EagleInKY

My pack? My troop? Sure, why not. UK is "my team", my employer is "my company", etc. Saying "My" doesn't mean you are a dictator, owner or anything else. It just shows that you feel a part of it, and there isn't anything wrong with that. So Eamonn, love your stories and I agree with a lot of what you say. But, let's say the PLC decides that "hey, we don't want to wear uniforms any more". Is that okay? I certainly give the PLC latitude in making decisions. They are the ones that wanted to do activity uniforms after summer camp. But there are certain core parts of the program that they are not going to touch. Uniform is one of them. The Outdoor program and the other methods are as well.

Thanks. That's new information to me.

Semper referred to my post in Locust's other post of the same question. Here is what I said: I agree with SemperParatus. Don't rush it. It's really a 1 1/2 year program, and you should have plenty of stuff to fill the time. For those that are really out in front, challenge them to earn all of the activity pins. We did that with a couple of boys last year that were way ahead. I also echo the part about troops being ready. Most troops offer a "new scout program" or "First Class/First Year". The focus is to help the transition into the boy scout program, which is quite different from Cubs. At the end of that year, the boys are (should be) well trained boy scouts. Most Scoutmasters (including myself) are stressed right now, trying to get our current first year scouts ready to be "second year scouts", and thus ready to help train and teach your boys coming up. Moving them up early would create chaos in many troops, especially if another group is coming up in the Spring. Just my $.02

Our troop is just 1 1/2 years old, so we don't have a set practice yet. We are going to decide shortly about what to do this year. We did decide that a boy didn't need to see it every year. The prevailing thought is to show it to first year scouts, toward the end of their first year, and leave it at that. As for discussion, I've always understood that there was to be NO discussion. Watch the tape (boy and a parent must be present), then thank them for coming and dismiss.

Ah, the old uniform policy debate. This one has come up many times. But, we have some new folks, so it will be interesting to see what comes of it. First, I don't like the idea of troops having "policies". I used to use that terminology myself, but I've purged it from my vocabulary. We may have guidelines and parent handbooks, but I avoid the concept of a "policy". I also avoid the "Class A / Class B" terminology. It's "Field" and "Activity". Simply put, our "policy" reflects scoutings princples. The uniform is one of the eight methods used to deliver the program. You can't do away with any of the methods and have a "BSA program". Therefore, we recognize that there are two uniforms - the field ("class A") and the actvity ("class B"). The field uniform includes pants, shirt, belt, socks, etc. The sash and hat are generally optional, depending upon the activity. The acitivity uniform is comprised of scout shorts/pants, socks and an approved shirt (troop, camp, etc.). Scouts are expected to be in uniform at all meetings (troop, patrol, PLC). The majority of the time, this is expected to be the field uniform. Sometimes, due to the activities planned, or during the summer months, we'll announce that the activity uniform should be worn. Sometimes, a scout's field uniform is dirty, or they're coming directly from an after-school activity, they may show up in the activity uniform instead of the field uniform. That's fine, as long as it's the exception instead of the rule. We also wear the uniform when we travel to a campout, on most activities, service projects, etc. Again, this is normally the field uniform. And, yes, we wear the full uniform. How do we do it? We tell parents before they join that it is expected. We tell them we can help if it's a financial burden. We also tell them they can take their time and get it within a month or so. We've had very few problems with it. When a boy doesn't wear the uniform, I may choose to make a comment to him. If I know his situation (coming straight from soccer, for example), I don't worry about it. If I think he's not wearing it just for the sake of not wearing it, I'll talk to him about it.

Wow, 9 pins in 6 months. That's a lot (IMHO). We were lucky to get one done a month. Sounds like you're really pushing the boys. Take your time, have fun, pursue some other activities. Hook up with a Boy Scout troop in the spring to do an activity. Don't burn them (or you) out.

OGE is correct. You've been misinformed.

I agree with SemperParatus. Don't rush it. It's really a 1 1/2 year program, and you should have plenty of stuff to fill the time. For those that are really out in front, challenge them to earn all of the activity pins. We did that with a couple of boys last year that were way ahead. I also echo the part about troops being ready. Most troops offer a "new scout program" or "First Class/First Year". The focus is to help the transition into the boy scout program, which is quite different from Cubs. At the end of that year, the boys are (should be) well trained boy scouts. Most Scoutmasters (including myself) are stressed right now, trying to get our current first year scouts ready to be "second year scouts", and thus ready to help train and teach your boys coming up. Moving them up early would create chaos in many troops, especially if another group is coming up in the Spring. Just my $.02

You are probably going to have difficulty getting that "first female". Maybe that's why you didn't hear back from the one. I would attempt a recruiting drive, aimed at the girls. Go to the Girl Scouts and the schools. And, get the boys to do some recruiting as well. Ideally, you'd recruit at least three, that way they won't feel as intimidated by your "freshman sea dogs".

Great reply Anarchist. While I think 3 a year is a lot, you've given some great advice at even making one a year successful.

While the CO is ultimately responsible, I agree that most units operate in the "find your replacement camp". One problem I see is that they've waited a long time to find their replacement. When I left as CM, my replacement had been identified for nearly a year. Every time I did something for the last time, I passed it off to him. Your committee needs to search the ranks of the Tigers and Wolves. Or, maybe even next year's Tigers, if you know of any current of former parents that will be coming back. Find someone, and promise them that you'll help with the transition. Your role, since you will be leaving in a year, may be to assist the new person in the transition process.

Ditto and ditto. Give the awards out as soon as possible, and use this as a learning experience to try to do it more promptly than this. I remember once having a boy who missed several pack meetings due to sports or other conflicts. When he finally made it, he got a ton of awards. A little awkward, maybe. But it's the right thing to do.

We've got both Dicks and Galyans. We're seeing the same thing here (deep discounts on the Galyans merchandise). It's really a bummer. Dicks is a good run-of-the-mill sporting goods store. Decent prices on decent gear. Galyans was a higher-end mall type store. Lots of high-tech stuff, climbing wall, great environment. Plus, they gave 10% off on camping gear to scouts. You just had to present your membership card at the cash register. I was at Galyans a few weeks ago. They have not been told whether the scout discount will continue. It was as of then. I got a sweet deal on a new Kelty Red Cloud. They had it on sale, plus the 10% discount. Got it for nearly half-price.

It's good to hear that camporees are still alive and well in many areas. I believe the communication and planning problems are our biggest concern right now. Our last two camporees have been attended by 2 troops/2 patrols and 3 troops/4 patrols. I also agree with the other points regarding location challenges. It's become harder to find a place that is available for a weekend that lends itself to this type of camping. Regarding Webelos, we've never tried the "parallel event" approach. It would be worth a try, if we could get a well-planned camporee. Generally, Webelos may come out and visit for part of the day. But, given the turnout, it's not too impressive.

When I was a scout, the Camporee was one of the highlights of our year. Competition was always fearce. You wanted to demonstrate your scouting skills were superior to those in other troops. You also got to know scouts from other troops, and forged friendships that stretch beyond your troop's walls. I've noticed in our district, and I've heard it in a few others, that camporees are poorly attended, and not very well planned. I'm curiuos whether this is a local issue or more widespread. As I see it, we're fighting several battles. Amonth them are: (1) competition for time (see sports v. scouts and other related topics, (2) the desire for more "exciting" trips, and (3) lackluster interest in "traditional" scout skills. I think all of these problems are having an impact on camporees, at least in our district. Plus, our district does a terrible job of communicating. This year's camporee was advertised just two months in advance. It was too late for some troops, that had already planned other activities. Any thoughts?

Camp McKee is a great place. I worked on staff the summers of 82-84. Camporees around here are struggling too. But, a lot of the problem boils down to poor communication. This year, our district camping people didn't get the fall camporee info out until two months before the event. They don't understand that most troops plan things out a little farther than that. (Some even have annual plans - imagine that). Interesting topic, I think I'll spin off a new thread.

Sylvar, You're close to correct. However, I believe you are reading more into the policy than is actually written. I don't have it in front of me, but I believe the policy is that you cannot solicit donations. So, when a boy goes to his neighbor to sell popcorn and the neighbor says, "no thanks, I can't eat popcorn. But here's $5 for your troop". We say "thank you" and add it into our profit from the popcorn. As for a parent of a scout donating a timer for a pinewood derby track, or anything for that matter, that is certainly okay. I dare say that there is not a unit out there that didn't get it's start out of the wallets of some leaders who wanted to invest in the future of the unit. I'm certainly guilty as charged. Finally, there is a way around it. This has been often discussed. I've been critized by some and praised by others. Donations can be sought by the charter organization. So, let's say there's a succcessful businessman that is a member of your charter organization. And, let's say you know he likes to give to the community. He can donate money to CO, who can then give the money to you. This can also work with some grants and other sources as well. Just be careful, and make sure you're following all the appropriate laws, and make sure they understand that it is a donation to the CO in the eyes of the IRS and the BSA.

acco is 100% correct. I like to say that recognition is a double-edged sword. It's something you absolutely should do. It's also something that will sometimes backfire when you overlook someone. When I do it (and I've done it several times), I simply go the person and express my apologies for the oversight. If it's possible to recognize them at another time, I will. But usually, the honest apology is the best, and most sincere, approach. And, it's likely the one they'll appreciate the most.

We do 3 a year. We'd like to get to 4, but it hasn't been a necessity. I believe 3 or 4 (every 3-4 months), is well within reason.

Behavior or "Scout Spirit" candle is another idea. Light it at the beginning of the meeting. Blow it out when they misbehave. Give them a prize (pizza party, etc.) when it burns it's way down. I've seen splitting the den into two groups - one Den Leader and two assistants. You actually need to find a way to split them in the meeting though. Either in a different room at the church (if that's where you meet), or meet on a different night (doubles your nights).

Big Blue all the way, baby. Share season tickets with my dad. SWMBO is from Lexington, UK Grad. However, I'm not one of those psycho big-blue-or-nothing types. I actually go to a few red games a year and can sort of cheer for them if I need to. We have one Richmond-ite on the board, he's close to home for you. I'm originally from Shelby County. Now live in Oldham.

Split the den! Do it now, or you won't have a size problem. 1/2 of them will quit because of the behavior. And, to top it off, it won't be the bad ones that quit. I also agree with the idea of having them set their rules. We did this the first den meeting of the year. We wrote them on a sheet of paper and displayed them in the room. We referred back to it when we needed to. But first, split the den. If you end up getting too small, you can always "merge" for Webelos. (Kind of like Survivor, but without all that immunity challenge stuff).

I think anytime you go to a scout function where uniforms are appropriate, whether it's in an official capacity or not, you should wear your uniform. We had a friend at church get his Eagle recently. My son and I both came in our uniforms. Some other scouters from church asked why we wore our uniforms, since it wasn't our unit. I told them I was a scout and proud to demonstrate that I'm part of the same brotherhood as that new Eagle. My dad taught me that by example. Even today, if he comes and visits one of our troop meetings or a COH, he wears his uniform.

Hey Sylvar, welcome to the forum. I'm just outside of Louisville. Where in Central KY did you grow up? There's at least four Kentuckians that visit here often.

2CD - We start our process early - with their second campout. Their first campout is focused around Tenderfoot requirements. So, we don't throw a lot of cooking & cleanup responsibilities on them. (They do their part, just with a lot of guidance). We start the "head cook" role on the 2nd campout.