ghermanno

NC, I dislike that saying: Comparing Apples to Oranges... "//Joking on//" Both are grown on trees, Both are sold individually, Both are sold in bags, Both are sold by the pound, Both can be hand picked, Both can be eaten after falling from tree for certain amount of time, Both have vitamins, Both are/have been shipped in crates, Both are made into juice, Both can rott, ... Are those enough comparisons or do we need more? "//Joking off//" Just kinda had to, you know....(This message has been edited by ghermanno)

From New Unit Application: The Chartered Organization selects one of its members to register as chartered organization representative who may also serve as chair or as unit committee member if needed. All units must have a unit leader and a minimum of five paid youth. There must be at least three committee members, with one named chair. Packs must have a den leader/Webelos den leader/Tiger Cub leader who should be registered as an adult in the pack. The chartered organization also provides meeting facilities for the unit. No one may register in more than one position in the same unit, except the chartered organization representative. That is National's Req.'s

mdsummer45, Due to the time constraints, I would suggest you first contact the District Advancement Chairperson. This person may (or not) be the District Representative for the EBoR's but is responsible for ALL District Advancement. The next step is to request an extension from National via the Council. This will be routed through the District and Council Advancement Chairperson to National. It is a request for extension of the deadline for your sone from 18 to 18.5 years of age. District and Council do NOT like to file for extensions because someone refused a SM conference (even if it is thier bud). The District Advancement Chair should be able to help you from the start. He had to sign on the Eagle Project and should therefore know any problems before signing. Kudo's to your son for behaving properly (I am assuming behavior as you have noted as I do not know you or your son) but he can only push the rock up-hill to the top. It will roll back down without help. YiS, Rick

Jet526, Guess you'll be heading to District/Council/National to tell them thier rules are WRONG? You probably enjoy "passing the buck" so that District or Council will have to disqualify the boy. It is the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby run by BSA rules, not the Jet526 Derby. Feel free to run your own derby with your own rules but you should NOT berate people that follow the rules and still have fun.

Wow, alarm bells big time. As Eagle92 stated, "have you taken Baloo" training? If you are planning the campout, who is in charge? Someone MUST have Baloo training. Also, Cub Camping is "Family" camping until Webelos. Crafts and games are the same as you would have at Den meetings (except games can be bigger with parents involed {think sack races, three legged races} and crafts can be a bit messier. As for conservation, look in the handbooks for each rank. If nothing else, trash pick-up at a park is always a nice gesture. YiS, Rick

Hmm.... Maybe it is time to get rid of the B & G and become Scouts? A lot of countries do not have "Boy" or "Girl" Scouts just Scouts. An example is Scouts de Bolivia. For those that feel that "history matters", the founders of Scouting have the Scouts Association of the UK. It would not be easy, but it is possible. I also noted that the BSA "boys" act differently when girls are around (as in an International Jamboree) but noticed the boys from "Scout" Troops (vs BoyScout Troops) usually had no problem talking to girls or behaving naturaly around them. Maybe we can teach our boys to learn respect for others as equals vice girl versus boys? Just a thought and maybe wishfull thinking but maybe someday.... YiS, Rick

Vince, I was exactly where you are now in 1991. I showed up at Camp not even knowing what position I had (Day Camp Director (Administrative) or Day Camp Program Director (Program)). found out from instructors and still had a GREAT time. It was the best training I have ever had from Scouting (including WB21). I was Camp Program Director for that District for 2 years and another District for one year. One of the hardest Jobs I ever loved. (planning for unknown number of kids, unwilling parents/volunteers, and ensuring everyone had safe fun....) GREAT. Enjoy. Keep an open mind and remember you are the adult that gets to behave like a 9 year old for a couple of days (ok a few hours per day for a couple of days). YiS, Rick

Well, it had at least an inpact. For the four or five Troops that sent leaders to Roundtable, the "You, as the Scoutmasters, are the gatekeepers for teh boys Merit badges" adding that if they "know" the boy is just going to be signed off without doing the requirements, why not just sing it off now and save gas too. A lot of heads sank. Then they asked what "they" could do to get MBU set up to ensure boys did requirements. :-) After a good discussion, they will take it back to Troops and find out what MB's they want and understand a partial is still good if it does the hard part (like visit a reactor). Thanks guys. A lot of the discussion came from the topics in Scouter Forums. YiS, Rick

To be honest, the Cub Scout Leader Handbook has all the positions and duties listed in it. On-Line training is available for fast-start for all positions. District should provide Position Specific Training. Roundtables are a GREAT source of knowlege. Find out who is your Unit Commissioner and use him/her as needed for fill-in training (one-on-one or Pack). Good Luck. As Cubmaster, your main duties will be as Master of Cerimonies at the Pack meeting and to keep things moving. Remember, a boy will fill in any time you do not have anything happening with something you do not want to happen. Get some comfortable "tap" shoes for when you have to "tap-dance" waiting for the den to get ready with the skit they were supposed to have ready.... SMILE YiS, Rick

Not to be a wet blanket but think of the abilities of a Tiger aged boy. Hot glue guns, X-Acto knives, etc. and small boys without dexterity usually do not mix. I know the adult partner is supposed to work with the boiy but I also know this is not always the case (for some BSA = Baby Sitters of America). Good luck but stay safe. YiS, Rick

Why "Yes you can". There are international jamborees as well as international Scouting events. Unless you are a "Lone Scout" you will have your SM with you (or someone that can sign off) and they can sign off in your book for US requirements passed in other countries. You can also wear International Jamboree patches on the uniform and other patches on the vest/jackshirt. All else fails you can make a "brag blanket" with all your patches. I have had the pleasure of going to international Jamboree in Korea with a troop of US scouts (stationed in Korea) as well as visiting scouts from the US (as well as foriegn Scouts from many nations). If you are talking individual outings or Patrol outings (hikes/camping) the items are pre-determined and still signed off in the US book. I hope that answers your questions. YiS, Rick

Thanks again guys. I have Roundtable and District Committee meeting tonight. Will see what happens. John, I have moved from the "Land of Almost Right" to "A Whole 'Nother Country" El Paso, TX. (I got laid off).

Thanks guys. That's pretty much what I expected. Just for a background, i am new to this District (Jan this year) but about 18 years of Adult Scouting experience (spread over about 27 years). This situation was brought to my attention by some other adult leaders that have noticed this and discussed it with our DE. Our DE suggested running our own MBU but does not eliminate the other District (I think the boys would still go where it is easiest versus where they are required to do the work.). Yes, pre-MBU requirements can be done on some MB's making them available at MBU's. I asked the Adult Scouters if that were the case and they stated that the boys "only work was at the MBU" and they earned the Nuclear Science as well as the First Aide Merit Badges (both require more than a day). The Units not wanting to have one here is based on the fact that two nearby Districts have MBU's and only three of about 18 Troops responded. The rest ignored the eamil. I will attend a Council planning meeting tonight as well as Roundtable tomorrow evening and try to get the info out that it is best for the boys to learn the information than to "rubber-stamp". Something like "Would you trust your life to a boy that was certified at XXX's MBU for First Aide?". I plan on having training for ALL MBC's the end of this month and next month. I have asked Units to provide me with a best date and I will make myself if not others available. As of yet, none have responded to my offer. This District renews MBC's every March. We will see. Thanks again everyone. YiS, Rick

I have a bit of a problem. History: I "volunteered" for a District position and was assigned District Boy Scout Advancement Chair. Problem: The units here do NOT want there District to put on a MBU as two other Districts in the Council already do. BUT, our District has noted that boys are being signed off of Merit Badges (for example Nuclear Science)in a one day/couple hour session. District would like to stop it and ensure that boys are getting benefit of the training vice a sign-off but do not know how to stop it as it is another District. Questions: Is there something we (District) can do? The MB Councilers are registered. How do you deny a boy credit for a signed Blue Card (I don't think I can)? Thanks in advance. YiS, Rick

Here's some info I found: Choosing a Rock Pick your special rock carefully. Look around for a rock that is flat and less than 2 inches thick. Carefully avoid using rocks that are wet, or that have recently been in water as they may explode. (Example: Shell or limestone may retain moisture) Heating the Rock Make a fire that is key-hole shaped. Place the clean rock over the square part of the keyhole. Then put hot coals under it. Heat the rock slowly. If one side heads too fast and expands more quickly than the other side, the rock may break. Turn the rock over, allowing it to heat on each side gradually and as evenly as possible. Use the Rock as a Grill When the rock is finally hot, use it as a grill by placing it directly over the coals. Place your food directly on the rock to cook it; you may want to cover the cooking surface with foil. When the upper surface cools, turn the rock over, brush it off, and cook on the hot side. If you have found a very thin rock, the heat will conduct through it and the rock wont need to be turned. Have Lots of Patience It may take some time to cook your food thoroughly. Be persistent. It's worth the wait. Then, enjoy! This info came from: http://www.my-favorite-camping-store.com/cook-on-a-rock.html It also has links to cooking on leaves and directly on coals. I'm sure you can also find cooking in orange husks etc on various sites. Good luck. YiS, Rick

Preferably, find a gently sloped hill. this will allow all boys the same advantage. If you are planning awards, 1st, 2nd, 3rd,... Then the larger boys will feel disadvantaged if the boy pushing is less capable. We all know they will "do thier best" but the boys may not think so if he lost by a short margin and someone else was pushing. We have done this at Resident Camp and it worked out well. All had a good time but there were no awards as there were no losers. Reccomend these requirements at minimum: 1. Safety helmet. 2. Long pants 3. Closed shoes (no sandals or flip-flops) You said 10 boys active. How many in Pack? We shared the cars between groups when one line was longer than other (had some physically challenged boys and age differences). So if Each Den is making a car and each is about the same size... If yours is twice the size of any other Den then maybe it is money well spent, otherwise savit for the boys awards, crafts, treats. That's my $0.02 Rick

Depending on your day camp (three day/five day, all day/half day) you could use a different motif each day. Example: Mon: Prarie day (have guest speaker from historical society talk about wagon trains and transporting families out west. Tue: Knights of Round Table. Have a member of the SCA for a guest speaker to talk of life in the middle ages. Wed: Space 2200. Do a fantasy space trip. Get research data from NASA (online maybe) for backdrops. Thu: Sailing with the Pilgrims. Talk about life in the 16th/17th century. How life on ship was much more difficult than people understand as the ship had no power but wind and limited cooking (fires not welcome on wooden ships). Lots of info available from Mass Historic society and the Plymouth Plantation. Fri: Aces over Europe. Discuss world war II. The end of the week compatition could be the space race derby or egg drop both wich will fit into the daily theme. You could find a veteren from the war to talk at lunch to the boys about comradeship, Scoutcraft (compass/map/signaling/...) Move items/change items to fit what you have available. This is only a suggestion. The campfire will fit in well with anything. If you are going BBQ style, the western and the aces work well. With boys of Cub Scout age. Life is an adventure. Just make it as much fun as possible and try to keep the crafts and skills simple (age appropriate). Everything else will work out in smiles. Enjoy

CT has quite a few cities that might interest. Groton area has submarine museam as well as Mystic Seaport and aquarium. Then there are the Revolutionary war sites throughout CT. If done in the fall, there is also apple picking. So many things to do in the Northeast.... Rick

Sarge, You didn't say if yours was a "Day Camp" or "Resident Camp" and if it last the full week or just a few days. As others have stated, "Be Prepared" for controled chaos. If a "Day Camp" the boys time throughout the day should be scheduled with a little down time around lunch. My Day camps kept the boys having fun that most fell asleep on the rides home at night. If a "Resident camp" the boys time should be scheduled till around lights out. There probably will be a period or two per day for leaders work with the Den on projects but parents (those not working in the camp) normally are required only for sleeping time. the "Den Leaders" will be responsible for moving boys from session to session. Both offer advancement opportunities by doing things. The emphasis is on the doing (not on the advancement) so it is up to the "Program Director/Den Leader" to ensure that a list of achievements is provided to the parents (Akela) after the camp. That said, I suggest you volunteer to help. It is the most enjoyable hard work you will ever do. Seeing the kids smile as the go from session to session and having fun... You might need some time after camp to recuperate but most don't as the kids having fun have a weird rejuvinating affect on us adults too. Enjoy. Rick

Think of EBOR as a business interview. The times vary but neither means good/bad. let it run its' course as an interview would. Rick

Best wishes to you and yours Walt.

S'mom, Okay, the District picked the theme. Now you need to create a Program around it. Catapults, archery,.... The outstandding Program Directors are the ones that "enlarge" the theme. Get someone from the library or good orator to read a story during a lunch period about knights or soemthing from the period, get the local SCA inolved to teach the "real" period of chivalry. Maybe get a Renn group to do a mock sword-training in costume. There are a lot of things that can be done. Our Friday closer (after picnic dinner) was to launch eggs from catapults to see if they would survive (they can use egg cartons or Leggs cartons for shells) the launch. All participate and all are winners. Good luck. Schedule completely. Get CD approval of schedule and crafts (the CD runs the budget). Also, athough you will probably try to sell the camp to others (because of belief in camp and desire to do a good job) the job of advertising/fund raising is the CD not the PD. Rick

S'mom, The "Program Director" for Cub Scout Day Camp is normally responsible for the "Program". that includes staffing, scheduling, assigning boys to Dens, assigning adults as DL's, and day to day operations (ie: backup plans in case of weather). You will work directly with the "Camp Director" who is responsible for ALL items of the camp including facilities, financing,... Depending on your Council/district, you could be responsible for just about everything or the District may have most things planned for you. You should attend CS Day Camp School given by National Camping School (NCS) to become certified. The first year I did it, 1991, was the hardest scarriest job I ever LOVED. You can not know if you did a good job till the end but the smiles keep you going. How much work depends on what your District provides for Day Camp. Mine was at local facilities so we had to plan everything. Some are at Council Camps so facilities are allready laid out. some Districts have trained people on staff for range/aquatics others require you to recruit... I can say it was a challenge and I LOVED it. Did it two years in states, one year in Panama. I also did one year as CS Resident Camp Program Manager. Advice: Plan for worst, hope for best and it will be better than you thought it could be. Rick

Stosh, Referring to the "doesn't attend church" scenario and your "If a boy wants to be Islam and the DL is Christian, the DL has a responsibility to do everything within his responsibilities as part of the BSA program to assist that boy in being a Muslim." you are fine with the DL violating his/her belief system? Are you saying that if a youth came to you and said they wanted to be Wiccan or Pagan that you would assist them in finding a coven or a Pagan group? They are recognized religions as well. I would never ask a Christian, Muslim, or Jewish follower to assist a person in finding a Pagan religion. That is the pervue of the FAMILY. If the DL gets involved and it is found that he/she was assisting a boy in a religion that the parents thought was detrimental to the family and/or the boy, then the DL could possibly be sued and would definately lose his/her ability to work with kids. It must be the parents decision. If they agree, you can take the kid to any church/denomination/coven... that you & they agree to for introductory purposes. But, not without thier approval and hopefully participation. Rick

Happy Solstice to all of you as well. May the growing of the days bring more heat and warmth to you and yours. Rick