Greeneagle5

My son was 10.5 years old (2/2001)when he crossed over to a Troop from Webelos(while in the 5th grade). He received his Eagle Scout award this last May(2004) while still just 13 and in the 8th grade. He earned all his merit badges and ranks through hard work, dedication and determination(and an occasional kick from his mother). Youth(Scouts) advance thru Scouting (and life) at different speeds and degrees. There is no true blueprint to follow. Greeneagle5

Is an ATV Rodeo camp-out "ok" with the BSA policy police ???? I'm thinking about having the Troop camp-out at the farm late this fall for some *ATV fun in the fields and on the trails* after a safety session provided by Honda USA. Thoughts and comments appreciated....is this activity very common w/ other Troops ? Thanks, Greeneagle5

Our Troop has a few older Scouts signed on with another Troop's crew headed for Philmont in 2005. Is there an informative tape or DVD out there to promote Philmont's allure and help motivate some Scouts sitting on the fence about going ???? Would our Council (GSLAC) have access to such a valuable aide ?? Thanks, Greeneagle5

I also experienced a NOLS adventure (in 1972)right out of H.S. NOLS Founder Paul Petzodt was still extremely active within the program. It was definitely a "life-time experience" ! Our crew were in the Wind-River wilderness for 18 days of physically and mentally challenging leadership challenges. The premier team-building adventure ! Greeneagle5(This message has been edited by Greeneagle5)

A new SPL is to be elected next week and prior to camp. SPL candidate qualifications in our Troop are: All Scouts must be JLTC trained to be elgible for consideration. My questions are : 1) What is the standard term in service for a SPL in your Troop(s) ? 2) What qualifications are needed to be considered a SPL candidate in your Troop(s) ? (We normally have an election every 6 months.) Thanks, Greeneagle5

Sorry.....the ASPLs (2) have to attend summer school and won't be going to Scout Camp either (wish it was that simple). Greeneagle5

Background : Our Troop's SPL isn't attending Scout Camp this summer. The Troop normally elects a new SPL for 6-8 months while at Camp. I've suggested the Troop hold an SPL election this year 2 weeks prior to Camp to elect a new SPL so that he can select his 2 ASPLs and call a PLC meeting prior to Camp to prepare (hopefully this newly elected SPL is attending Camp with the Troop). The SM's intentions are to allow the current SPL to appoint a Camp SPL (for the week of Camp). I believe the Scouts in the Troop that are going to Camp, should be offered a voice in who is their SPL while at Camp this Summer. Btw- The current SPL has made the statement to several adults that he plans to take the Summer off from Scouting (he's burned out and show's it in his attitudes). What should the Troop do ?? Thanks, Greeneagle5

SMT194, What do you tell this Scout when he finds another Troop, or just quits out of frustration and disappointment ? If he has earned the rank by meeting all BSA requirements, he deserves his Life. My son, age 13 years, 8 months, just completed his Council Eagle BOR (and passed). He was awarded his Life Scout award when he was only 12. Where does it say a Scout must be 14 before he can receive his Life award ? I agree with BW, Advancement Chair needs further training. Greeneagle5(This message has been edited by Greeneagle5)

Venture Crew 5 is packaging and selling well-proven trail meals for a very low price. Their product, " Wilderness Chef" brand has been around for several years and used by AT thru-hikers, ScoutCamp High Adventure programs, and College Outdoor Recreation Clubs . I'd recommend the quality meals to any Troop planning a trek this summer ! The Crew uses the sales proceeds to fund some great International High Adventure Trips. Their web-site (soon to be updated) is : www.geocities.com/wilderness_chef/index.html Thanks, Greeneagle5

Hey Scouters, For anyone looking for quality, low-cost, high energy trail meals check out the Venture Crew 5 Company : www.geocities.com/wilderness_chef/index.html The Crew members package the trailfood themselves as fund-raisers for International High Adventure Trips. Greeneagle5

Hops_Scout I found the camelbak hydration packs @ www.lightfighter.com and Ebay. The color was Olive Drab (OD) Greeneagle5(This message has been edited by Greeneagle5)(This message has been edited by Greeneagle5)

Speaking of military quality equipment used in Scouting.......I have bought 15 Camelbak *HAWG* hydration daypacks (military OD version) for Scouts in the Troop (my son and I use ours on every outing including Colorado ski trips and whitewater rafting). The military versions are a much tougher design than the civy variety and drinking tubes are insulated, which is a big plus. They're fantastic for trail conservation projects, Scout camp or the hot/humid 2005 Jamboree. Greeneagle5

Do your Troops/Packs have any thing planned for the Scouts to honor our Veterans and Heroes serving our country, this May 31st ? Thanks for sharing ! Greeneagle5(This message has been edited by Greeneagle5)

P.S. During our Troop meeting last night we took the huge flags out of the boxes and bags and carefully folded them into tri-corner folds. Folding (4)40x60 flags is definitely a total Troop activity. A GREAT program for Scouts and adults. It was very rewarding watching the young Scouts working alongside the older Scouts, and all trying to be so careful ! The flags will be given "Final Honors", 1 each week of Scout Camp at a special evening program. Greeneagle5

Drycleaning works every time...inexpensive and you get a free plastic sheaf to protect the sash until the next wet weekend of service. Greeneagle5

FOG, I took your sage advice and contacted the local council camp director. I believe he liked your idea by offering to drive down to pick up the flags prior to camp commencement. With proper preparation this can be a tremendous experience for all. Thanks for the great educational idea for camp ! Greeneagle5

A small ceremony to show proper respect is the preferred method. We plan on honoring that tradition with only 15- 20 of our Troop in attendance and a few members of the VFW, our CO. I am well versed in Flag retirements, but appreciate the good suggestions. My question was directed towards ideas on disposal of such massive flags (4 now) that are at least 50'x75'. The massive size creates the question. Greeneagle5

HELP !! Our Troop is hosting a 2 District camporee this weekend(300 Scouts) and thought it would be an excellent opportunity to have a US Flag retirement ceremony on Sunday as part of the closing program. The Troop asked the local radio station to announce the ceremony and list 2 drop-off sites in town this week. Well......did we score BIG !! The local hospital loaded our wagon with 3 tattered 50'x75' monster Flags. Now, I was prepared for 15 or 20 4'x6' flags but the the monsters thru me a curve. Should we cut the stripes (lengthwise) , then fold the stars before burning to downsize the package ? We have a clean and cut 55 gallon barrel elevated off the ground on blocks that we were planning on using for our incinerator. Those flags are a puzzle, and I don't want to 'mess-up' the ceremony. Greeneagle5

I was wondering how many Troops travel with a parental medical emergency release form for Scouts on every weekend camp-out/outing. I understand that this would facilitate rapid treatment for less severe emergencies, such as "stitches" and broken fingers. Is there an *all encompassing BSA Form * to *Be Prepared* ? Thanks, Greeneagle5

Roast the STARS over a bright and hot campfire......... and then bury them deep.........who needs them???? Greeneagle5

Hey, I've got a related question on this topic........I'm an ASM, Parent and a CM. Am I disqualified from sitting on a BoR (not for my son's) because I'm an ASM ? Greeneagle5

Sorry...... for the poor choice of words in forming my question.....Arrow of Light qualifies my son, even though he had not completed the 5th grade and was not yet 11 y.o. at the time. Question was a little un-nerving...thanks for the help.....we're back on the Eagle track. Greeneagle5

There's a question on the National Eagle Scout Rank App. that reads : Had you completed 5th grade upon joining (a Troop ) ? ___Y ,___N Is there a wrong answer ? My son joined a Troop in February,2001 while in the 5th grade. He is now in 8th grade and just completed his Eagle Service Project. Thanks, Greeneagle5

Please refresh my *senior* memory bank.......What are all the minimum requirements for joining a Scout Troop ? On the National Eagle Scout Application the question is asked : Had you completed the 5th grade upon joining a Troop ? What's this about ? Thanks, Greeneagle5(This message has been edited by Greeneagle5)

Is there a basic training sylabis for MB counselors dealing with conducting a class, teaching aides, safety on site, YP guidelines, etc.,etc. ?? Thanks, Greeneagle5