FScouter

Yeah, that''s a tough one. The best way to deal with it is to make clear the role, resposibilities, and expectations before that person is selected for the position.

Sometimes the PLC comes up with a great idea and we go with it. Sometimes they come up with a so-so idea or something likely to be not too sucessful, and we go with it. Sometimes they come up with something that conflicts with basic Scouting principals and I (SM) advise them that while the idea has merit, let''s find another way to work it. This is a good case of an idea that breaks down the patrol method. If this was my PLC, I''d ask them what they are trying to accomplish or what problem they are trying to solve such that a menu dictated from above is the best solution. Then I''d help them explore other solutions. So, in this case, what is the PLC thinking about that leads to a PLC menu, and how does this idea support or detract from the patrol method or the other methods? How would the patrols or the troop be better off with a menu written by the PLC?

You can order them at the Scout shop, minimum order quantity 12. The cost is less than buying the individual digits.

"I can not see what the big aversion is to filling out a tour permit." The ego and arrogance factor is at work. "Ain''t nobody gonna make me fill out no stinkin paperwork."

Suggest to the boy that he take his book to the adult that stated the requirements and ask him to explain why his requirements are different that the requirements in the book.

Have a competition to see which patrol can cook, eat, and clean up the quickest.

"Also make sure you bank account DOES NOT SAY "BSA" or "Boy Scouts of America" else the Council or National will be able to access and empty it out." Oh please. That''s a good one for Snopes.

My advice to adult leaders is simple; ensure that activities are well-planned, communicated to all members and parents, and that BSA rules and guidelines are followed.

Who is Joe? We''re talking about how proper it is to execute activities with no notice, no plan other than what''s already between your ears, and skipping tour permits because we don''t like them. An adult leader decides a tour permit isn''t needed, advance notice isn''t needed, and conversation with parents isn''t needed. That doesn''t inspire a lot of confidence among the parents of the children you take along. What else isn''t needed? A second adult, PFD, enough canoes to hold all the boys that show up? Maybe next time it''s a quickie run up the rocks. How many falls on that rope? 9 mm or 11? Gloves, rappel devices? Does every boy have a helmet? Is he still using pitons and the munter hitch? I get mighty nervous when an adult leader gets indignant about tour permits. What other "stuff" does this adult think is not needed?

Get a copy of the BSA Lifeguard application: http://www.scouting.org/forms/34435.pdf "Those whose BSA Lifeguard training is current or has expired within the past 12 months can be retrained by demonstrating a current knowledge of and ability to perform the skills necessary to fulfill BSA Lifeguard requirements. It is not necessary to retake the BSA Lifeguard course."

It sure is comforting to know that we can skip the paperwork, execute unsafe activities, thumb our noses at BSA, and still be "covered".

There are a variety of BSA awards Scouts may earn. The patches or medals can be easily obtained at the Scout Shop or the local council. And they may be worn on the Scout uniform, unlike awards offered by outside 3rd parties.

Most canoe trips I ever heard about were planned and put on the troop annual calendar, or at least the quarterly calendar update. I can''t even imagine how to plan one with an hour notice. A canoe trip is hardly equivalent to pizza after a service project. What I''m hearing here is basically "we don''t need no planning or paperwork or permits if we know what we''re doing. That stuff is for other guys." I sure would hope that new Scoutmasters and other adult leaders that frequent these forums looking for advice and best practices don''t walk away thinking this is any way to run a Scouting program.

"Chainsaws and mechanical log splitters may be authorized for use only by trained individuals over the age of 18, using proper protective gear in accordance with local laws." - Guide to Safe Scouting

Pickup games are fine. I don''t view Scouting as a pickup activity.

Real safety takes a little "planning". As a kid''s parent I''d really have to wonder what the adults are thinking coming up with an unplanned spur-of-the-moment canoe trip. Safety covered, its still inconsiderate to the group, including those participating, to do no-plan activities.

There is a section in the book "Selecting District People" #34512 that discusses how to remove a volunteer.

Generally, filing a suit involves finding a lawyer to take your case. Fortunately, most lawyers know enough about the law to not waste 2 minutes thinking about suing a volunteer Boy Scout leader carrying out his duties, no matter how ballistic the mom gets or how loud she screams. In our council, the HSR insurance is optional accident insurance paid for by the unit. The cost is about $1 per member per year.

"IMO, I think the popcorn is priced way too high." You're free to sell it for any price you choose.

We've gotten boys to perk up by suggesting that "we don't need no stinkin' trail, we go cross-country."

Pray, what is a "fitness modification requirement"? Would that be something we can invoke when we discover an error in the requirements?

I like Eamonn's advice. I'd inform the CO and the SE, then sit back and let her play her hand. No sense getting your shorts all in a knot over some hot air. Wait until the aggrieved party "apparently files charges." Then if no charges are filed (whatever that means) by the end of the charter year, suggest to the CO and the CC that her name be deleted from charter unless someone wants to step forward and nominate her.

There is a provision within the Outdoor Leader Skills training to demonstrate knowledge of the topics covered without having to actually participate in that training topic. Speak to the course director or district training chairman. It should be understood that the purpose of the course is not so much for the participant to become personally proficient in the skills, but rather to be able to confidently teach those skills to Scouts.

If it was me I'd take my son and any of his PLC buddies that want to go and leave Friday night, "to get the best campsite".

The Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters are not members of the troop committee. Ive found that nearly every question a committee feels must be voted on is already answered in the books. If youre looking for a solution, the forum may be able to offer some help if you tell us what the issue is.