EagleInKY

2CD - Crazy situation you had there. I believe you did exactly what you should do. The mother tells you it's the dad, she signs permission slips for you to go. You did your job. Now, if this unknown man had shown up and said "I'm the dad", then it would be different. I believe I would sit down with the mom after the fact and explain the rules. This man should not have shared a tent with her son.

Our troop adopted a soldier for Christmas last year. This year we were thinking about adopting local soldiers or a nearby NG unit. How did you go about getting names and shipping addresses?

I know I have read that it is now prohibited. Maybe it was just quoted from the aforementioned letter. I've searched my brain and my archives, and can't come up with the source. (Ever since turning 40 I've started forgetting things) In reality, it's just common sense. The Cubmaster before me apparently did it. When I became CM, it never crossed my mind. I pinned the badge on upside down. Someone shouted out, "aren't you going to turn him upside down?" The boys looked scared/confused. I patted him on the head and told him "no, we'll just do it this way."

Gotta admit Bob, in 30 years, this is the first time I've ever heard anyone interpret the Buddy System to apply to tents. While there are certainly risks, and I believe you should do everything in your power to mitigate them, I believe you are streching a little on your interpretation here. I'm thinking of several situations that this simply is not possible: - Summer Camp. Our camp provides the standard 2-man walled tents. Do we cram a 3rd boy in those tents? I don't think so. - Backpacking. Most crews carry 2-man tents and share between members. These tents do not accommodate 3 people. And, some scouts, especially older ones, may prefer the one-man tents. I'm curious to hear others interpretation.

Good catch Ron. This sounds like one of those "sponsorship events", like a rock-a-thon, walk-a-thon, etc. I didn't think they were permissible, either. Zippie-sounds like you've got some serious issues with your pack (based on this and other posts). It sounds like you're in serious need of some modern training to get them up with the times.

IH = Institutional Head. In my experience, it's often been the pastor or an elder of the church that sponsors us.

Dan, I agree. If we have an odd # of scouts in a patrol on a campout, the PL has two options. Pile in 3 to a tent, or he can sleep on his own. Most of them usually choose to sleep on their own.

Hi Scott. Welcome to the forums. Sounds like we've run near-parallel lives. I'm an Eagle Scout from 81 as well. I started off as a den leader, was recruited to take over the CM spot, and now have graduaged to Boy Scouting, where I'm the SM. I wish you luck. I hope you enjoy the forum.

Ken, it varies by scout shop. Some will sell anything to anyone. Some will sell "multiples" with an advancement report. Some will sell to you if you bring in the proof (advancement card, for example).

I hear you KS. I love triangulation. It's cool when the boys figure it out too. Although, I've found some can never seem to grasp the concept.

Thanks. I'm looking for it for hiking purposes. (Although SWMBO could really use one for her car). Your questions: Do you need to have maps on your GPS? How important is this feature to you? I believe so Do you want to have an electronic compass on your GPS? Probably Are you planning to carry the GPS hiking? On a vehicle dashboard? Carry hiking Would you want (need) to attach an external antenna? (required if located away from vehicle windows) No How important is size and weight to you? Since it's for hiking, smaller is better Is a color display a feature you are willing to pay for (+$200 or so)? Not necessary Again, thanks for the help so far. I've looked at the eTrex line. There's quite a variety in the models.(This message has been edited by EagleInKY)

Awesome Fred. At least your not the guy who didn't have rythym...

Okay, I echo Ron's comments regarding communications. In addition to the three forms he mentioned, we also provide event specific announcements when we pass out permission slips. However, I see other problems in the operations of the troop. Perhaps communication (or lack thereof) is a symptom of a troop not running properly. I have one mother who is the Troop Committee I didn't know you could be a committee of one. I guess concensus building would be easy:). You need at least three on your troop committee. One of these being the committee chairman. Also, the SM (I assume that's you) is not on the committee, although you should attend the meetings. ...would send out notices to the boys of the meetings and what they should bring. Why send out notices of meetings? Shouldn't they be regularly scheduled, weekly meetings. Boys should be expected to bring the normal - Scout Handbook, notebook, pen or pencil, etc. If anything specific is needed due to the meeting plans (a compass, rope, etc.), the PLC should make sure that information gets out. I prepared a calendar for the year, outlining when our meetings are scheduled, any proposed outing dates, Court of Honor dates, etc and passed it out to the boys and I also put the calendar in a folder for the Parents along with information about the Popcorn Sale, etc. You didn't specify this, but, is this plan put together by the PLC? Boys will be more likely to remember it if they planned it. ...parents are calling her asking for information She and you need to practice this line over and over until you both can say it in your sleep: 'Have your son call his Patrol Leader' 'Have your son call his Patrol Leader' 'Have your son call his Patrol Leader' I counter that we do have the calendar and we can also begin to produce a monthly newsletter that the parents could read and get the information that the boys will get. Good idea. Monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly newsletters are great. They can report what went on and also remind everyone of upcoming events. Have your Troop Secretary work with the Troop Scribe and Historian to put together this newsletter. Remember, this newsletter should be for both the boys and the parents. Good luck!

I'm looking to put a GPS receiver on the Christmas list. Any recommendations? I've been doing some research, but I've never used one before. Looking for practical, hands-on experience from a Boy Scout troop perspective. Primary use would be for hiking and orienteering courses. I'm a "map and compass guy" trying to get with the times.

Kairos - Back to your original question. Perhaps there is a solution that meets both needs. If the school can feel confident that the pack is spending and controlling money properly, then they can probably meet the SACS requirement. I would suggest having a meeting with the Committee Chairman and Pack Treasurer with the Principal and School Treasurer. At that meeting, I'd agree upon the following: - Budgeting process - Expenditure approval and check signing processes - Reporting requirements (types of reports and timing) Put the procedures in place, provide the reports to the appropriate people. This should meet SACS requirements and help the pack put better controls in place. It's a win-win.

Wow! A painful deja vu moment there. Opened up a post and saw WHEELER at the top of it. 9Ankh, Don't worry, we won't hold you guilty by association. Wheeler came in and tried to turn the forum into a political/philosophical debating forum. After much urging to stop on his own, he was eventually squelched by the site owner. It wasn't any one thing he said, just the preponderence of these ridiculous subjects that had nothing to do with Scouting. And, that's why we're here. To discuss scouting topics, share ideas and get advice. I hope you enjoy your time here.

This has been discussed before, if you do a search. It is specifically prohibited. Guide to Safe Scouting, Section IX - Sports and Activities Pointing any type of firearm (including paintball, dye, or lasers) at any individual is unauthorized. However, law enforcement departments and agencies using firearms in standard officer/agent training may use their training agenda when accompanied with appropriate safety equipment in the Law Enforcement Venturing program.

We have a "Tenderfoot Weekend" campout each April. It's about a month or so after the new boys have joined. It's a great opportunity for the patrols to really bond. The older scouts teach basic scout skills and cover off on most of the Tenderfoot Requirements. We do it at our council summer camp, so it gives the new scouts a chance to tour the camp and get comfortable with the surroundings. We also do Klondike and Camporees, but I don't know that I would classify them as a tradition.

We offer - Scouting for Food each November (ran by the council, but coordinated by units) Work days at our sponsor (2 or 3 a year, usually doing groundskeeping or other type of work). Trail maintenance at our local scout camp. Miscellaneous maintenance at a local park.

G'day mate. Welcome to the virtual campfire. No worries, just have some fun. Don't get too wrapped up in the controversial stuff. Most of us are here to share Scouting info.

Our pack - Pack meets once a month, September - May. May is usually a picnic. An activity is planned each month of the summer (Day camp, pool party, rocket derby, picnic, etc.) Preferably, dens meet every week that the pack meeting doesn't. Some only meet twice a month (1st & 3rd week, pack meeting on 4th). They meet September - May. Our Troop - We meet every Monday year-round. One week a month, we have our PLC & Patrol meetings instead of a regular troop meeting. Often, this is the day after a campout. We take off a week during Christmas break, Spring Break, Fall Break and the major holidays. We sometimes call off the troop meeting after a campout. Over the year, I would estimate there are about 8 weeks that we don't have a Monday night meeting.

I love the red berets as a dress uniform. Very impractical for casual wear, though. I still have mine.

I've heard of it on a few occasions. It's usually a sign of a weak program. There's no reason to shut down during the summer. In fact, you can do a lot of fun things during the summer. Attendance will drop off due to vacations, but that's okay. I would never be a part of a troop that did that.

I remember that song from the 70s. I remember chanting it at basketball games in High School. Now it's a modern dance hit. Go figure. I think it's cool that you guys got to do it. Are you one of them in the video? Some detractors may ask ifyou have permission from the BSA to do this. Also, did you know that the song would be appropriate? I could just see some performers using it in an inappropriate video to make fun of scouts.

The Shwartzenegger Amendment to the U.S. Constitution would have to be passed before then, which is highly unlikely. I agree with SA, I believe Mitt Romney will be the guy to watch.