evmori

While I agree the Scouts are not to be re-tested I realize the contradictory nature of what you read. In my opinion, the BOR is to determine if the Scout is ready to advance to the next rank and to get some better insight to the Scout's preception of his Scouting experience. To determine if the Scout is ready to advance to the next rank questions need to be asked. What I think the book is saying is the Scout doesn't need to be asked ONLY question regarding his advancement requirements. Bob White, this sounds like it is right up your alley! Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

Just because this guy has taken the training courses doesn't mean he got the training objective. The Troop is to be boy run & I would get the committee involved & have them get the COR involved. From your post your Troop is on a downward spiral & that's not a good thing. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

The Scoutmaster before me was a "do it all" & let the boys fit in. I have changed that thinking to "it's their Troop". We have gone to many camporees since I took over & the Scouts have done pretty good. When the older Scouts turned 18 & the younger ones took over there were a lot of poor showings at the camporees. Our last on, 2 weeks ago, the Scouts cam in 2nd place overall & 4th in canpsite inspection. They were extatic! And so was I. I praised them up & down for their showing! They did it all themselves & were very proud! So yes there were some disasters before. Sort of like golf. Hit one good shot & you want to come back & do it again! Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

Kinda agree with Laura & kinda don't. Yes we should try to utilize the skills the adults have to benefit the Troop. However, I see nothing wrong with asking an adult to do something they need to learn about. Afterall, isn't that what teh Scouts do? I feel other than ASM's adults should be committee people and let the Scouts handle the planning, equipment, etc. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

I have never been a big fan of MBU's. There are a lot of badges that can be taught & completed at on of these but for the most part MBU's seem to be a quick way for Scouts to "get" not earn merit badges. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

I carry a Buck pocket kinfe with me every day. When I put on my uniform, my knife case (with knife included) goes on the belt along with my flashlight. I consider both a part of my uniform. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

OGE, While I am truly impressed at you song lyric retention, I am wondering if your prescription needs refilled! Being a music lover from the rock n' roll era, I am sort of a music fanatic. Love you "Stuck in the Middle" with you post. Never liked that song till you fixed it up! Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

I agree with yaworski & Bob & Rooster7. $10 is not that much! In my Troop, if we can afford it, we pay for the adults. This doesn't happen every year. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

Just like any other organization there are rules and regulations & their are guidelines. Rules & regs are to be followed. Not blindly, but followed. Guidelines are just that - guidelines. Sometimes the rules make no sense but we need to follow them. We can question them & try to get them changed. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

Five? What a crowd! This is a good thing. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

usscouts.org is one of the best Scouting sites on the web! Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

Couldn't resist. So you're my best friend And I love you so well. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

I feel Webelos should camp with Boy Scout Troops. This gives them exposure to the program & give the Troop exposure to their new members. Not participating in camporees is more of a safety issue. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

Fantastic post! As Scouters, we must remember to give our own kids more time than we devote to Scouting. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

Thanks Bob. That's what I thought.

ScouterPaul, That's great. I think National should get on board & make the same arrangement with the local or state police departments to do backround checks. The cost would probably be minimal if any & would help weed out the bad apples! Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

Active is attending all the Troop meeting you can make & being a positive influence while there. Active is letting your PL or ASPL or SPL or ASM or SM know when you won't be able to make it too meetings. Being active is attending all the non Troop meeting activities & being a positive influence while there. Being active is more than being registered. Because if that were true, any Scout who registered but never showed up would be considered active. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

I have an ASM who has taken this to a new level! He has a removable 3 tier tray & an adjustable door! He also uses a liquor box because of the double wall design. Don't forget to have your foil shiny side up for the most reflective heat! Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

Ditto!

We usually shoot for lights out at 11 PM. If the Scouts are in their tents & talking that's OK. They understand that they are expected to get up at the same time as te rest of the Troop the next morning. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

Thanks Bob. My district limits a counselor to signing 5 per Scout. Is this one of those things that councils/districts can change to fit there needs? Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

From a Boy Scout perspective, a Troop involved with the Pack. By involved I mean helping out at sign-up night, attending Webelos den meetings, attending the Pack Blue & Gold, inviting the Webelos dens to Troop meetings, inviting the Webelos dens on campouts, etc. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

Bob White, I can't find this anywhere. Is there a limit to the number of merit badges a counselor can do for a single Scout? Thanks Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

Double ditto! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise! Our District Advancement Chair is developing a test for merit badge counselors. The intent is to clean up the massive counselor list. The test is for new & existing counselors. When it is ready, it will be online. If anyone would be interested, let me know & I'll post the link. The expected due date is January 2003. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10

I keep & carry the original & copy of the medical forms for the entire Troop on every outing. Like sctmom said, I like to err on the side of caution. Remember, for Scouts & Scouters the forms are good for three years. For us old geezers, we need new ones every year. I never give anyone the originals. I keep those & give copies. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 1 Peter 4:10