FScouter

It would be unfortunate if a board determined that a boy does not live the Scout Oath and Law in his DAILY life (Scout spirit) on the basis of "attitude" during a 20 minute board of review. If through questioning the board cannot determine whether the Scout spirit requirement, or other requirements have been met, because of a communication failure between the board and the boy, it would be appropriate to adjourn the BOR to another day. Come back next week and let's talk again when we're all a little more comfortable.

Agreeing with Kudo, Scout Spirit seems to frequently be the justification for denying advancement when nothing else seems to fit. Scout Spirit is clearly defined in the Handbook, and attitude is not part of it. If his attitude is lousy and he failed the Scout Spirit requirement, lets hear some specific examples of what a board might tell a boy theyve declined to advance.

Yeah, watch it next time will ya? There's no point discussing anything that is merely a "possibility". Gee now that I think about it, every aspect of Scouting can be demoted to "possiblility" if we don't wanna do it.

Looking at the current books and the prior books, Id have to conclude that venture patrol discussion is much more prominent that before. The current Handbook has 3 pages devoted solely to the venture patrol: 19, 420-421. The Patrol Leader Handbook has 2 pages discussing the 3 types of patrols: 41-42. Conversely, the prior edition of the Handbook makes no mention of the venture patrol at all. Similarly, the current Scoutmaster Handbook discusses the 3 different kinds of patrol, whereas the prior SM handbook has no mention of venture patrols (but does talk about the coed crew).

"The SM said this is a boy led troop and if that is what they want to do, then they can do it." Translation: Training boy leaders is too much work, I'll just let whatever happens, happen. And blame the results on the boys. After all, it's supposed to be "boy led", right? Let them figure it out. I never wanted this job anyway.

So if the boys want to play basketball for the pre-opening gathering activity and carry it through for the entire meeting, what's wrong with that?? It's not the Scoutmaster's program. Remember, it's not our program, "it's for the boys".

I was not aware the government was denying certain groups from participating in the plate program. The purpose of these plate programs is to generate income for the state. It seems a little silly to tell certain groups their money is not wanted. If that's the case it would seem to be discriminatory, denying "unapproved" groups from using the plate program as a fundraising vehicle. This isn't much different than selling ad space on the city bus. Should only public entities be allowed to advertise? Is the government "supporting" a private enterprise by selling ad space? Should BSA be prohibited from buying an ad on the bus, or from promoting a license plate program? Personally, I see the whole "vanity" plate program as a sad misdirected waste of societal resources.

Clearly, if advancement is not happening, outside influences and the boy himself are the prime factors. The SM has little influence and no control. He plays a minor role.

If Joe Carowner pays an extra $35 for a BSA plate and the state turns over $20 to BSA, that doesn't seem much like any government support of a private entity. It's Joe that paid the money; the state simply handled it, and took a cut in the process.

"Sounds like carrying a cammo ALICE pack (field gear) at a Cub-o-ree is prohibited." Gee, I don't remember getting any memo. Hows about posting the memo so we can all see what's prohibited.

Our local Scout Shop usually has pretty good service for Scout awards and badges.

"I can only try so much to keep him in." Will barring him from a pack activity help keep him active?

You forgot to add, "they can rip it off my cold, dead body."

Must you two continue with your inane, immature and childish bickering??? STOP it already! If my dad was here he'd knock your heads together.

What does he do on his normal weekend backpack hikes? Philmont is no different, just a few more days.

MY parents are dead.

The SE may have the authority to approve a patch or emblem design, but he does NOT have the authority to approve it to be worn anywhere on the uniform except on the right pocket. Patch placement is determined only by the national council.

There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We control the horizontal. We control the vertical.

I would only add that if the boy is doing his best and is still not successful, the SM needs to work a little harder; considering that his primary function is to train boys to be (successful) leaders.

A troop guide for each new patrol will function as a mentor for the patrol and the new patrol leader.

Sounds to me like Neil and Bob are saying the exact same thing. The boy needs to serves in the position, and if he is not serving "actively", the SM either works with the boy to improve his service, or failing that, removes the boy from the position. The result is that when the end of the boy's term comes, he has met the requirement because he only remains in the position and completes the term if he is adequately performing the responsibilities. The SM or other adult cannot go back after the term is over and declare the boy failed.

Since when does the committee vote on how the treasurer keeps the books? Since when does the committee vote on when where and how the treasurer works with the troop Scribe in recordkeeping? Since when does the committee vote on how the equipment coordinator works with the troop Quartermaster? Since when does the committee vote on how the committee chair interacts with the COR? Since when does the committee vote on how, when, or where the Scoutmaster interacts with the SPL? Since when does the committee vote? The committee chairman makes sure the committee positions are filled and the jobs are being done. These committee people do their jobs and report at the monthly committee meeting what has transpired since the last meeting, and what work they have planned for the next 30 days. At the committee meeting the Scoutmaster simply needs to include in his report that he will be meeting with the SPL/ PLC for 10 minutes at the end of troop meetings. There is nothing to vote on. The committee members dont need to vote on how each other is functioning in their respective positions, nor do they need to vote on whether the SM may meet with the SPL, nor whether the SM should structure the troop meeting to be 80 minutes instead of 90 minutes.

The local council may have authority to create a BALOO or some other patch, and to award such a patch. But there is no authority to actually wear such a patch anywhere on the uniform except on the right pocket. Patch placement is determined by the national council and is described in the Insignia Guide.

Thank you Ed, for your thoughtful contribution to the discussion.

"Invariably, the boys give the answers they think the committee wants to hear ..." Try asking in a different way that takes them off the hotseat. "We're hearing scuttlebutt that some of the guys aren't happy about xxx. Does the troop need to make a change or do you have any suggestions that might make those other guys happier?"