Exibar

Why are the critters ordered in this way? Beaver, Bobwhite, Eagle, Fox, Owl, Bear, Buffalo, and Antelope thanks! Mike B

LOL, found my answer: http://usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/bsrank8.asp it's better worded there than in the handbook.... ;-) thanks all! Mike B

ok, so I have a scout that just finished his Eagle project. He has earned 47 Merit badges in the past 5 years. What's the deal with the Palms? I know that for a total of 26 he gets Bronze, 31 he gets gold, 36 he gets Silver, 41 he gets another bronze, and for 46 he gets another silver. am I correct in saying that 3 months after his EBOR he'll earn Bronze, then another 3 months after that he'll earn gold and so forth? Or is it just 3 months after his ebor that he earns all his palms? sorry the book is slightly confusing in the time department about palms and I want to make sure I get it correct for him. A lot of work went into those badges by him :-) thanks! Mike B (This message has been edited by exibar)

The staff for my WB course was great other than this one piece after TGOL. They got half way through the "lecture" before they calmed down and started speaking to us instead of lecturing. I chalk it up to them being so wound up during the game, that they didn't have time to calm down... I still say that TGOL sends the wrong message. I got out of it that during the meetings between rounds that we were supposed to agree to all do the same, but then do what would give us the most points.... I for one wouldn't agree to something that I wasn't going to do, as did most patrols in my course... so we told the other patrols what we were going to do, and did it... so I guess there was supposed to be one patrol that "broke their word" to get more points.... I'm still confused at the message that dang game sends! LOL oh well.... I'm halfway through completing my tickets and have until May to finish... I'm going to get those danged beads if it kills me! I'm happy to say that my troop will benefit from my tickets, but I'm starting to feel that I bit off a bigger bite than I should have.... especially when I hear that a member from another patrol had what comes down to "attend 2 roundtable meetings" as a ticket.... At least I'll know I actually EARNED my beads and I can be proud to wear them :-) Mike B

the game of life was interesting. During the middle of it my patrol and other patrols "got it", meaning we understood what we had to do to win.... although, if all the patrols agreed to the same thing, we'd all get the same score and it would all be a tie I had to mention, there would be no winner.... But agree we did, and we went on to the end of the game.... It ended rather abruptly, with the SPL almost yelling at us and we felt like we were in trouble for playing the way we did. I didn't like that part, because the way we all played was the expected way to play.... The end, all the fun and games stopped quickly to him lecturing us on right and wrong, etc.... realy felt like we were being scolded.... I, for one, didnt' like TGOL. It doesn't send the right message.... heck, maybe I missed the whole point of the game :-) Mike B

just time for a quickie reply: The event happened about a month ago, I should have put that this was the worse thing that happened to him in the past year. Kids judge a year as school years :-) His mom was upset, and it appeared that the CM was going to handle it, but nothing actually was followed through. It happened at a Pack event, one witness that saw the end of the fight. No medical treatment needed, but the scout was crying, and did not provoke the attack. I have no doubt that this part is true after talking with the scout, and a couple other scouts that were around shortly before the attack. I'll be able to reply in better detail in a couple hours. sorry to have to run.... Mike B

Forgive me it's been a while since I was cubmaster and I don't want to be fuzzy on this particular item. Being Scoutmaster I have many different options available that can be done if I had this situation. What is BSA's current policy on Cubs that get into a fight? The local pack had an incident where one cub "beatup" another cub, and then lied about it, never apologized, his mother never did anything after the cubmaster brought it to her attention, etc. The current cubmaster contacted the "attacker's" mother and wanted her son to write a letter of apology, this never happened, nor did the CM follow up nor press the issue from what I've seen and heard. They're faced with the scout that was beat up doesnt' want to go to any more pack meetings, and is pretty close to dropping out of scouts due to this issue and the way it was handled. He mentioned this was the worse thing that happened to him last year, and knowing the family there were a couple other items that anyone would have said was much worse. I'm being included in some discussions the pack is having about codes of conduct in general, but it appears the CM doesn't want to bring this incident up again. Myself, I don't want this young man to drop out. He's a great scout and LOVEs scouting, he'd be an asset to my troop in a year when he crosses over in March... I'll be speaking to him and his mom to try to keep him in scouting. I'd like to bring some "official guidelines" to the current CM, maybe that will help him take notice and actually do something to keep this from happening again. thanks all! Mike B

happiness is... hearing my son and Daughter laugh at my silly jokes (for some reason I just crack them up!) coming home after a hard day at work to my family Being Scoutmaster to my son's troop, teaching the scouts scoutcraft and giving them the chance to do things they never would have dreamed possible or have been able to do otherwise... not having to discipline any scouts on a weekend trip (yes, it actually happened once!) Mike B

yes, this is exactly what I'll do if there's a next time. "The one thing i would have done differently, and might have changed everything is if you asked the "thief" to think about it and that they had 24 hours to come forward to you privately OR that they could talk to the PL or SPL in the same confidence and without fear of repercussion while in the field. " I guess if no-one comes foward there's a problem. I'd just have to keep it in the back of my head among the cobwebs and keep an eye out in the future... But, no-one other than the culpret and myself would knwo that they didn't come foward... Honest mistakes happen, of course and I would have been compeletely fine with it. I did give the boys an "out" that I failed to mention. I asked them all to close their eyes and that the person that took the cans could raise his hand and I'd talk with them later. no-one raised their hands... "praise in public, punish in private" are words to keep near and dear for sure... but how do you "punish in private" if you don't know who to punish... I also know one thing for sure... next time I'll use Ginger Ale! I never heard of any scouts willingly want to drink Ginger Ale! LOL :-) yis, Mike B

Wow Scoutnut many questions ;-) The extra cans were just that, extra that I brought. I like to have little games around the campfire, I usually bring some treats that I'll pack in. Usually it's a big bag of candy/lollypops/etc. I was going to use the extras in that manner. This Backpacking trip each participant was accountable for their own supplies, including food. Usually it's by patrols, but this trip was the first that the troop did that was an honest backpacking trip. Each boy packed in their own gear, and was responsible for themselves. They would have been allowed to share the burden if they asked, such as if a scout didnt' have his own tent one scout could have packed the poles and the other the tent, that type of thing. None asked, and they all have their own tents and sleeping gear. I was quite clear during the planning of this trip that every scout was to fend for themselves. Each scout was to backpack in their own supplies and gear. Meals were approved ahead of time, and had to be good square meals. They were allowed to bring any other treats they wanted for themselves as well. The trip really did go well, we all had an awesome time, I just wish that Saturday night didn't have to end the way it did. The scouts did not know what the Crackerbarrel had in store. All the supplies for the crackerbarrel were with the other supplies myself and my CC brought in earlier. The other supplies consisted of items the scouts were getting for primitive firebuilding and knife sharpening and leatherworking. This consisted of a black locker box that I had everything in. I left the bag with remaining cans right in front of this locker box. There was no question that the stuff in that area was not community property. I would not have batted an eyelash if the food was for all the troop, no issue there ;-) It's not that it was 2 cans of soda that I'm concerned with, it's the taking of something that's not theirs. Right now if the scout were to come foward, I would not be angry I'd give the usual "stealing is wrong" speach and thank him for coming foward. I was certainly more upset about the scout not coming foward and owning up for his actions. Why am I starting to feel like I was chasing a gallon of strawberries???

Hi All, Thank you for the replies. A mixed bag for sure, but the general theme among the majority is that having a discussion with the boys and perhaps the early bedtime would have been enough. I made for sure that the cans were not misplaced beforehand, and that none of the 4 adults present took one. The last thing I wanted was to accuse the boys of taking them and have them come up simply misplaced. I have to say that discipline of the scouts is my *very* least favorite part of being a ScoutMaster. It's always the boys that come from homes where they're allowed to run free that are the troublemakers too. What are we, as SM's supposed to do? Those are the boys that need the program more than the others... anyway, I'm getting off topic... Stealing and Lieing are my two hot buttons for sure. A scout is Trustworthy, there's a reason Trustworthy is first in the Law. I can be one of the most forgiving people around, just come clean and be honest about your mistakes with me. It wasn't about *what* was taken, it's that *something* was taken without asking. I want to be the best SM that I can be, the boys deserve that from me. With the help of this forum and my area SM's, experience, and the council training (I used to be a buffalo...) I'm constantly learning and getting better all the time. thank you all for the input! Mike B

On a recent backpacking trip my scouts and I (I'm SM of the troop) had a great time. Until it came time for the special treat I had planned for them. ahead of time my CC and myself brought in a dutch oven and some fixins for Mountain Dew Cobbler with blueberry filling. This was going to be the cracker barrel treat for the day. Well, we were going to make two cobblers and we brought in a number of soda cans for the cobblers. After having the troop share the first one, I went off to make the second one, about 20 minutes after the first... I notice there were only 2 cans of soda left out of the 5 that were brought in. I only used one for the first cobbler, so there should have been 4 left. I held up the remaining two cans and asked the scouts if they knew what they were, and why there were only 2 left when there should have been 4. None of them spoke up, I asked again, no-one spoke up. I then proceeded to mention that there is a thief among the troop, and all they have to do is speak up and that will be the end of it. Again, silence.... so, I had all the boys line up, and I had each one of the recite the Scout Law. After the law was recited, It was time for exercise to work off the cobbler they just ate. I repeatedly asked for the scout that took the sodas to come forth and the exercise time could be cut short. No-one came forth after about 15 minutes, so I sent them all to their tents, lights out, no talking. In the morning I talked to them and told them that I truly did not like ending such a great day on a note such as we ended it. I mentioned that there is a bit of lost trust with them now because no-one came foward, and that the scout that took the soda can come forth privately at any time in the future to tell me. How would have you folks handled this situation where there is a punishment due, but no-one is owning up to it? They wound up having to go to their tents about an hour earlier than I had planned. I have spoken to a couple boys that have asked 'why such a big deal about 2 cans of soda?" I told them it's not about the soda, it's about someone stealing something that is not theirs. What if those 2 cans of soda were a special treat that another scout backpacked in to enjoy after a long day? How would that scout feel if they were taken? Honestly, if a scout had asked me for a can of soda, I would have given it to him. We only needed 2 cans for the cobblers.... thanks all! yis, Mike B

I have to say that I'm proud to wear my 2 knots and my training patch&segments. I worked many years trying my darnedest to provide a sound program to my scouts. I tell my scouts to wear anything that they've earned and be proud of it, because the earned it. I've earned my knots and training patches as well, dare I say that I'm proud to wear them? I'm also proud to wear my woodbadge training necker. My scouts see me wearing the proper uniform as their Scoutmaster, it makes them want to wear their uniform correctly and proudly too. I think that I may also want the scouts parents to know that I'm not just sitting at home twiddling my thumbs in between troop meetings. I'm getting trained in every aspect that I can to help provide a better program, and a more fun and exciting program, to their sons. I encourage all my leaders to wear their patches as well. I want to them to be proud to be a leader in the troop, as I am proud to be Scoutmaster, sometimes a little thing like a knot or other optional patch is all it takes to make a huge difference. As long as the patches are worn properly and to BSA regulations I might add :-) Mike B

Even my DE can't find any records for anyone in the district. Who is this mysterious "staff advisor"? thanks! Mike B

Ahh, thank you for clearing that up for me. This scout said that his stuff was going to be mailed to me, that sent up a red flag as it sure sounded odd that the scout didnt' receive any paperwork at all. I'll check Scoutnet, and see if anything new is there. I'll ask my DE if I dont' see anything online. thanks! Mike B(This message has been edited by exibar)

I had a scout asking about the merit badges that he completed at Jamboree 2010. He said that the completions would be mailed to me. This is the first I've heard about this, anyone have any information about this? thanks all! Mike b

My Buffalo patrol yell was: "Yabba-Dabba-Doo" which was first heard by our ancestors back in a little town called Bedrock in Bowling allies and Lodge halls. Our Buffalo roots go way back to the original "Loyal order of the Water Buffalos". Today we've shortened our name to "Buffalo Patrol" and our yell is in honor of one of the original members of that Lodge! :-) Mike B I used to be a Buffalo

Am I the only one here? Boy I am part of a rare heard aren't i? I used to be an Buffalo and a good old Buffalo too, But now I've finished Buffaloing I don't know what to do, I'm growing old and feeble And I can Buffalo no more, So I'm going to work my ticket if I can. Back to Gilwell, Happy Land! I'm going to work my ticket if I can. NE-I-270 Mike B

I just had my first weekend of WB too! I used to be a Buffalo, and a good old Buffalo too.... NE-I-270 My 2nd weekend is Columbus day weekend, looking forward to it quite a bit! Mike B

Would it be unreasonable to expect a star or a life scout to remember how to tie taught line hitches, clove hitches, or how to lash poles together? How about ? I completely understand that some things slip the mind of everyone, but what if one of your higher ranked scouts appeared as if he never learned how to lash poles together? or if he clearly does not know how to tie a clove hitch at all, even after seeing someone else tie one? What if there were a couple other items that you've observed that he couldn't do but should be able to do at his rank? Of course we'd all give him the benefit of the doubt and hope that it's just something that he "forgot" and needs a bit more of a refresher on. Would you start to question his other achievements too? thanks all! Mike B

I'm very glad to see the majority of you feeling the way I feel. When I took over the troop about 5 months ago, and we had our first campout (the troops first actual, real, honest to goodness PATROL campout too BTW). I declared at the end of a troop meeting while parents were waitinf to pick up their boys, that: "parents are strongly discouraged from camping out. Not prohibited, but strongly discouraged. This is not family camping this is BOY SCOUT camping as patrols! If you parents MUST camp out, you will of course be allowed. BUT! You will camp out as a member of "the Old Goats" patrol, in your own tent, and will not be camping in your son's tent with him in his patrol campsite." I actually got the "cheers!" sign from a couple parents, smiles from the rest. Those other parents would be myself (scoutmaster) and my ASM's that were going to campout anyway as part of the Old Goat Patrol. Thank you all for your feedback. Sounds like I'm on the right path. Mike B

Here's an old and new topic. simply, how much parent participation should a troop have? How much is too much and more importantly, how much would be too little? I'm ScoutMaster and Frankly, I've discouraged my parents from camping with us, they'll just be hovering over their kids. I've always felt that those parents that want to be involved are already signed up as a Committee member or ASM. Those that don't want to be involved, aren't signed up and generally drop their kids off at the meetings and pick them up. I would rather NOT force participation from parents that don't want to be there. I ask for parent's help when needed, it's always the same ones that help out and I'm ok with that. I've always stood by the saying that... It's BOYscouts, not Parentscouts. But my question is how much parent participation would be considered too little? How much is too much? anyone able to help me with the "sweet spot"? Mike B

Even though the Whittlin-chip is not a BoyScout program, it is still an earned item. They went through the tests and trials to earn the right to carry a pocket knife, I do not deny any of my BoyScouts the right to carry a pocket knife if they've earned the whittlin-chip as a cub. Now if they want to use an axe, saw, etc then they must have the Totin' Chip. Aren't ALL BoyScouts allowed to carry a pocket knife right away anyway? I could have sworn I saw that somewhere that the Scout rank allows you to carry a pocket knife... Regardless, in my Troop I don't allow anyone to carry a knife without a Whittlin' chip or totin' chip with them as well. Mike B

Would "Wild Cheese-Moose hunt" qualify as a song? It's certainly fun to do and gets the audience involved for sure :-) Going on a wild Cheese-Moose Hunt! Mike B

About a month ago a nearby troop volunteered (well agreed when asked ) to help put on our Crossover ceremony for our WebII's that were crossing over. I was CM at the time and my wife was web II DL. She wanted to do something special for crossover for her boys and talked with the SM of a nearby troop that usually puts on a great Crossover ceremony. They have also put on this ceremony for many other packs in the area. Well, This was going to be my last year as CM as I was becoming SM of the troop my son and the rest of the web II's were crossing over into. I just love great productions that I hope the boys will remember forever. Our past Crossovers were good, formal affairs with a nice ceremony. But certainly nothing that this troop put on for us! The troop performing the ceremony staged up an entire Indian camp, they were dressed in full garb, walked and talked as their roles the entire time while in garb. They were all totally in character. The whole ceremony lasted about 45 minutes and was nothing short spectacular. The web II's crossing over all thought it was the best thing since Xbox and sliced bread! I do have to admit that it was awesome! So the other night I asked that SM if we could attend his troop meeting tonight and give them a formal thank you for helping us out. He of course welcomed us. Well, I just have to say that the absolute best part of everything was not when I was handing out the coins (we gave each of his scouts an "Good turn for America" Scout coin that reads "Thanks for Making a Difference" on the reverse of the coin) to the scouts and proudly shaking their hands and thanking them. Nor was it when we presented the SM with his Centennial Coffee mug. But it was WHILE I was handing out the coins to the scouts, I could see the SM of these scouts standing there, looking extremely proud of his Scouts and what they've done for us. The look of happiness and Pride on his face was great, the happiness and look of pride in the scout's faces was terrific as well! Tonight was one of the reasons I really enjoy being a SM and being involved with scouting. I know that it might sound like something small to some people, but just a simple thankyou can mean the world! Somehow I get the feeling that not many, if any at all, of the other packs that they perform this elaborate ceremony for come to their troop meeting and thank them like this, perhaps they feel that feeding them at the crossover is enough of a thank you. I hope my feeling is incorrect, but it further enforces that we did the right and honorable thing tonight by recognizing these fine lads and what they have done for us. You guys should have seen them all beaming with pride, it really made my week and just wanted to share with everyone ;-) Mike B