FScouter

Everyone knows that just because it was found on the internet doesn't automatically mean the information is correct. How is one to decide what information found on the internet is correct and current, which is out of date, which is a personal interpretation or opinion, and which is plain wrong? Mr. Walton is certainly quite knowledgeable, and has been around the block a few times. But he has been known to take some positions that simply cannot be supported by any Scouting publication. One example is his contention that there are several "classes" of uniforms: Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D, etc. He describes exactly how each "class" is defined. If it's not written in the BSA publications available to all, take it with a grain of salt. There could be good reasons why the contents of a 20 year old memo aren't found in the current publications.

There is no mystery about why boys quit Scouting. If boys quit, it simply means that the attractions outside Scouting are stronger than the attractions within Scouting. If the boy doesnt like camping, that indicates that his camping experiences in Scouting were not positive enough to overcome his dislike of bugs and dirt. If the boy has other activities that conflict with Scouting, and the boy chooses to dump Scouting, that indicates that the Scouting program was not strong enough to overcome the attraction of other activities. If a boy declares Scouting is lame, gay, or stupid, that indicates that your program is not strong enough to keep him interested. What to do? You have no control over external attractions. You have total control over your troops program. Strengthen your program.

From the Scoutmaster Handbook, Chapter 4, The Boy-Led Patrol: "... patrols may also set out on day hikes, service projects, and overnighters independent of the troop and free of adult leadership as long as they follow two rules: the Scoutmaster approves the patrol activity, the patrol activity does not interfere with any troop function. A patrol activity without adult supervision should be allowed only when it has been thoroughly planned and the Scoutmaster is satisfied that the activity is well within the patrol members' levels of training and responsibility."

Treat the Scoutmaster's son like any other boy and don't worry about what somebody's mom says.

I think it would be great if the boys painted the trailer.

Hmm... My experience at Philmont (last year) and my sons'experience (this year) was that compaction is standard procedure, inspection is not, and no baseball bat was observed anywhere. Maybe in the olden days that was true. And neither of us observed any "singing for seconds" in the dining hall. Perhaps they realized that singing is better suited for campfires and trails.

Well stated Mr. Eamonn (and NJCubScouter). I'm waiting for any evidence to show how the teapot song supports any tenet of Scouting.

I agree with NJCubScouter. "PC" has become trite. I hear it mostly used as a derisive comment about an opposing viewpoint.

"There is potential for ridicule in almost everything an 11-12 year old does". Maybe, but is it really necessary to intentionally add additional ridicule to the program? Is the singing routine supported by any of the 12 points of the Scout Law? Does it conflict with any? Friendly? Courteous? Kind?

No, but I think I'd like to read it. Who's the author? Are you referring to the story about the Amish woman with a secret?

Thank you Mr. OldGreyEagle, sir, for my next Scoutmaster minute.

Indeed. A very wise woman. My own mother spoke similarly. She advised to "consider the source" and pay it the attention due. The reactions obtained are fuel for the next hit. Without fuel, the antagonist will grow weary of his game. "What I don't know Mr. Spock is why I forgot that just now." I love my mother.

I don't really know what to make of those depraved comments. This person works with boys?

I don't think much of the "freedom" to ruin an otherwise great forum with infantile, argumentative, and negative comments about other contributors thoughts.

My son learned the prussic knot at summer camp. He and I used it, along with a lever, to pull up some fence posts. The next job is to use it to climb the flagpole at the Community Center and fish a new halyard through the pulley at the top.

When our troop needs money, the boys plan a carwash or a spaghetti dinner. Somehow I can't see myself advising the PLC about setting up a charitable foundation for the purpose of accepting tax deductible donations. It doesn't seem in sync with the concept of the boys paying their own way.

Hmmm... After careful consideration, I must admit being wrong about this. Can you suggest some troop practices that will cure our societal problems of mass murder and losing things? The Scout Promise and Scout Law don't seem to be working.

Fortunately for me, my body is already in a natural state of perfection. No enhancement is needed. HA! Well, none that a hole, ring, or tattoo would fix.

One reason for filing a tour permit is so that your council can review your plan and look for unsafe practices. Things they will look for regarding a canoe trip would include: - Are there at least two adult leaders? - Is one of the leaders trained in Safety Afloat? - Has one of the leaders completed Youth Protection training? - Will the boys be transported in cars with seatbelts? - Are the drivers licensed to drive? - Are the vehicles insured? - Did you get permission from parents for each boy? These are very simple requirements to meet. Meeting them satisfies the requirements of the BSA insurance carrier. If a unit does not file a tour permit, there is no way for BSA to know that proper safety procedures are being practiced. If an accident occurred and you were sued for damages by a parent or anyone else, you run the very big risk of finding yourself in court standing alone in front of the judge. BSA and BSA's insurance carrier could easily say to the judge "we know nothing about this canoe trip, the canoe trip took place without our knowledge, and the unit leader violated required BSA safety practices. We have no responsibility at all and the unit leader that planned the trip is solely responsible for the outcome." Tour permits are not rejected unless your plan is unsafe or you plan to skip common sense practices. The bottom line is that it is plain silly to not file a tour permit. Why would anyone want to intentionally plan an unsafe trip? Why would anyone want to intentionally jeopardize their BSA insurance coverage?

"What do you guys do when a Scout loses something at camp?" Lost items are turned into the Scoutmaster (me). I hold the item until the person that lost it or left it out comes looking for it. After a word or two about responsibility, I hand it over. I find that as often as not, the items collected are abandoned rather than lost. I don't feel any satisfaction in watching a performance of "The Good Ship Lollipop". And I prefer that the other boys be entertained in ways other than laughing derisively at one of their own.

Hey mr. Fog: How about you start an investigation about your issues with kid pictures, uniforms, and your other complaints about the new web site, and get back to us in a month or two with your findings? Do you know how depressing it is to hear your negativity about every topic presented on this forum? Must you start an infantile argument about EVERYTHING? Lighten up!

Of course, Silly. Where have you been? Everyone knows its a given fact that in Scouting, recognition for advancement is the epitome of harassment and ridicule, very humiliating, and is without question the worst kind of hazing. You could be arrested for engaging in advancement recognition.

Silver-Shark has the right idea about this: "The first time this happens, take the boy aside, and through a breif period of reflection, help him find a solution that appears to be his own. That way he has ownership of the solution and a vested interest in it." Adult leaders that resort to punishment or humiliation approaches such as teapot songs apparently don't have time or skills to properly teach the boy. Whether they admit is or not, I believe these people secretly hope someone will lose something so they can get their jollies watching the troop laugh as a boy is publicly humiliated. It's a sickness of sorts. The lesson that gets imparted to the rest of the troop is that humiliation is "funny". Find a way to teach responsibility that is consistent with the 12 points of the Scout Law.

New Crew Fast Start training (on-line or videotape), New Leader Essentials training (1 1/2 hours) and Venturing Leader Specific training (5 hours) are important first steps for the adult leaders in a new crew. Crew Officers' Seminar is training for the elected youth officers. It is designed to orient the new officers to plan programs, and to develop an activity schedule. This training is presented by the Crew advisor. The booklet is # 25-878, no charge from your district or council office. There is a video designed to brief the new crew committee on their function. Borrow video AV-03V012 from the district or council office. Get the Venturing Leader Manual #34655C too. Powder Horn training is valuable advanced adult leader training.

I have to agree with Eamonn. Adopting a look-alike copycat campaign hat is in violation of the spirit of the rules. Of course there is nothing to prevent one from violating the spirit of any principle of Scouting. Sleep well at night.