gwd-scouter

In our Troop, we present the appropriate rank pin to a Scout immediately after he passes his BOR for that rank as an instant recognition. Then, when we have the Court of Honor (could be several months later) the Scout is awarded his card and patch. Where is the correct placement for the rank pin on the uniform?

Herbert01 - Thanks for your response to my question. It is great to get a Scout's perspective on this. Good luck on working your way to finishing Eagle. Let us all know how that goes.

Hey Balding Eagle. Be careful, the uniform questions usually open a flood gate of controversy. As there is no policy written down anywhere that I know of that says what MUST be worn and when, I will let you know what we do in our Troop: We wear the full Field uniform when traveling any distance that will require us to stop somewhere and eat, gas up, etc. We also wear the field uniform if going to a special event such as a concert, civic meeting, etc. On short trips, we wear our Troop's activity uniform which is our Troop-designed T-shirt and hat with blue jeans (winter) or khakhi shorts (summer). We also wear "class B" for regular troop meetings. During the weekends, especially if we are camping alone and in a remote location, it's anything goes!

Welcome Shane. It's a great idea to find out about what is ahead of you as a SM while you're still in Cubs. Wish I had known more before I stepped into the SM role. You will find great information and answers to questions from the very experienced folks on this forum.

Welcome to the Forum, Bob. Great place for ideas and answers to questions. Sure has helped me.

Fun night of Scouts last night. We are getting ready for our Council's Exporee (held once every 4 years for all Boy/Cub Scouts in our Council). Each Troop usually puts up a gateway at their campsite. So, last night the guys worked on knots and lashings. Then they picked a fairly simple gateway for the campout and had a competition between the two patrols, each building one side of the supports. The younger scout patrol jumped right in and began building their side. The older scout patrol stood around looking at the poles and ropes. Then, they got a look at the younger scout patrol that already had their tripod standing. Older guys suddenly sprang into action. It was amazing. Everyone working together. The older guys actually beat the younger by a few minutes, but both patrols got their tripods up and standing. Both patrols had probably the ugliest lashings I've seen, But they actually had fun and made plans to work on it again next week. That way, when we arrive at camp in a few weeks, the gateway can get put up with pride!

Most memorable: The first time I took a group of Webelos Scouts to Camp Old Indian for Cub/Webelos Resident Camp. I volunteered to be the den leader for a mix of boys from throughout our Council. While watching the boys at the archery range, one of the boys said "Hey, let the WOMAN do it!" I hadn't realized how much I stuck out at Scout Camps until I found out calling me the WOMAN was indeed a unique moniker - no other females around. To this day, there are some folks out there that still call me "the Woman - Crazy Arrow" ------------ Last fourteen years of my life has been priceless time spent with my sons and a bunch of their peers doing this Scouting Stuff!

I have been asked several times by folks in my Council to take Woodbadge. Maybe because they know I am an ardent Scouter and maybe just so that they can fill the quota for the course. My question. What will I get out of the course that will benefit my Troop? Right now, I am only concerned with helping my Troop become organized, focused and successul. I have been in Cubscouts for many years, Tiger thru Cubmaster. I've worked on the District level in traing new leaders and day camp. I've been to National Camping School so that I could deliver a Cub/Webelos Resient Camp (Director for 5 years). I've been to Scoutmaster training - all levels - and additional trainings. So, what will Woodbadge (that I will have to pay for myself) do to enhance the program I am trying to deliver to my Troop? Please don't think I have anything against Woodbadge. I just want to know what it will do specifically to help me help my troop.

I've been reading this thread hoping to get some answers. Our Troop unfortunately never has a big crop of crossovers to make a new scout patrol. We usually get new scouts one or two at a time. This past year, that has helped us to finally create two real patrols - one with a couple of new scouts from last month mixed with a few older scouts, and one consisting of all older scouts. Next month, we will be accepting 2 new scouts from crossover. Where to put them? Not enough for a New Scout Patrol. The patrol we have with a few new Scouts and a couple older Scouts is doing great. The other patrol, all but one are older Scouts is doing poorly - leadership is still trying to learn to overcome the adult-led method. So, what do we as the Troop do? Put the 2 new Scouts in with the older patrol in order to increase its numbers and give the older guys a sense or purpose and help turn that patrol around? Or, put them in the younger patrol that is getting with the program? The two new guys have no ties (older brother, friends, etc.) with the troop. Any help, advice, suggestions, as always, are greatly appreciated.

Forgot to mention the thing that makes bugling son the most proud. He plays taps (and reveille) without using the valves on the trumpet. So, even though it's not a bugle, he plays it like it is.

Being a trumpet player, my son was very eager to become bugler for the Troop. He has been asked to play taps at a couple of District Camporees and usually is asked to play at our own camping trips. I know of only one other troop in our District that has an active bugler.

For many years, our District has tried, without success, to sign up Merit Badge Counselors. It's has been left up to each Troop to find counselors themselves, with the result being that the troop leadership actually does the counseling. What methods have been successful in your Districts in recruiting counselors. Or, how has your Troop recruited counselors? This is but one more area that I would like to see changed in our Troop - having the Scouts actually work with someone outside the Troop. Thanks for any advice.

In the past, our Scouts have been expected to fill their entire day, every day, at summer camp with merit badges or some other activity. They have also been directed toward what merit badges to take. I am inclined this year to let the scouts have more autonomy in scheduling their time. First, a short description of our Camp's summer program. Our camp has an all day program called Pathfinders for new Scouts and it is a wonderful program. Scouts are formed into patrols and stay together throughout the week, with hands on activities in knot tying and lashings, cooking, first aid, nature identification, swimming, etc. Older Scouts have opportunities for High Adventure and leave camp every day to do rock climbing, caving, white water, etc. There is also a program called Adventure to Eagle which has a bit of the high adventure with a couple of Eagle required merit badges thrown in and some instruction and advice on how to make those final steps toward Eagle. None of our Scouts has ever done the High Adventure or ATE, always opting to just simply do merit badges. Each day is broken up with 3 merit badge sessions in the morning, lunch, then 3 sessions in the afternoon. There are some twilight badges offered (fingerprinting, mammals, etc.), and other acitivities such as mountain biking, nature and waterfront in the evenings. If Scouts choose not to fill up their schedule, their free time during the day would be mostly hanging out with other "free-time" Scouts, playing frisbee or other pick up games in the meadow, or just resting in camp. They wouldn't be able to go shooting or to the waterfront as there would be merit badge or other planned sessions going on at that time. So, what do your Scouts do? Do they fill up their schedule? Plan blocks of free time? And, do you as leaders influence their choices in any way? By the way, from reading other posts I realize our Council's camp is not necessarily run the same way as others around the Country, so I guess this post is mostly for those of you who attend similar camps.

Nice commentary. I remember the game show Ben Stein had, Win Ben Stein's Money. Smart guy. Very funny. Too bad we didn't have that commentary around during the "War on Christmas" forum debate.

In our Troop we are still in such a training and learning mode that I (SM) schedule the BORs. Heck, it has only been in the last few months that I have a Scout even ask me for a SM conference. In the past, advancement was recorded in TroopMaster software by advancement chair, SM or ASMs. The Troop had gotten completely away from using handbooks and merit badges were done at summer camp or Troop meetings. The Scouts never actually knew what was being recorded for them. Then, the Advance Chair, SM or ASMs would look at TroopMaster and then tell a Scout when he was ready for a SM and BOR. Over the past year, Scouts would come to me and ask "what do I need to do to get _____ rank?" Or, "what do I have left to do on ____ merit badge?" That gave me the opportunity to mention that they bring their handbook/blue cards and we at least go over it and whatever has been recorded in TroopMaster, have a SM conference, and figure out where they stand. This has also allowed me to have a conference with every Scout whether it was for rank advancement or not. A nice chance to get to know each Scout individually and discuss his part in helping the Troop turn around from adult-run to boy-run. Now, PLs are signing off on requirements (T-lst) and Scouts are starting to bring their handbooks more regularly. Past few months have seen Scouts who are ready actually come and ask to schedule a SM conference. I really like the idea of having the SPL or Scribe set up the BOR with advancement chair. Might be a nice next step in leadership towards our goal of a Scout-let Troop. Very small step forward we can make is progress toward that larger goal.

I've always liked the expressions "when God closes a door, somewhere He opens a window" and "positive attitude yields positive results." Even though some of my posts seem rather doom and gloom, I really am a person of optimistic nature (sometimes too optimistic for some peoples). A few days ago, our CC called to say he was speaking to one of his colleagues about our Troop. His colleague was a former Boy Scout (Eagle) and worked a bit as an ASM while his sons were young. He is a member of our Chartered Organization and had some vague idea that the church had a Scout Troop. He willingly and wholeheartedly wants the job of Chartered Organization Representative! He said he would like to see the Troop be more visible to the church and is eager to be a strong advocate for us. I also accepted application for ASM from one of our new Dads. He had gone on last weekend's backpacking trip and decided he'd really like to be an ASM. He is an avid outdoorsman, hikes the AT every summer, and will be a great asset to our Troop. FANTASTIC! I have a meeting set up next Monday with the Institutional Head to talk about these two guys and have him sign their leader applications. Just got a call from one of my Eagle candidates to remind me and my son about helping with his Eagle Scout Service Project later today, now in its 2nd weekend of work. New leaders? Phone calls from Scouts? Sure has turned out to be a wonderful week!

Anarchist. Again, I agree that the COR is a member of the church and not necessarily have a Scout in the Troop. I agree that we need someone who will "cultivate" the connection between our troop and the church. Unfortunately, as I've said, our Chartered Organization (or more specifically, the Institutional Head) is not interested in providing us with or helping us find anything other than a meeting place. I have called him and scheduled a meeting for next week to discuss these and other issues again, maybe this time I'll have some success.

Ed. what a fantastic idea! Never thought to hand out the bags at church services and then pick up the next Sunday. I will definately mention that to the guys. Thanks.

I've read several posts in this forum about summer camps with swimming pools, dining halls, cabins and the other side that have lakes, patrol outdoor cooking, tents. Our Council Camp (Camp Old Indian) has 3 lakes - one for swimming, one for canoeing, and one for fishing; uses Adirondacks - 3 sides wood structures with bunks built into the walls, sometimes wall tents are put up if units need more sleeping space; a central dining hall. Also has a few very rustic (usually cold water) shower facilities and many very very rustic latrines located throughout the mountainside campsites. Just curious what your camps are like and especially those that have a swimming pool?

I thought I'd drop in again and mention that our Council promotes Scouting for Food in February because most food banks and other like-minded organizations . receive so many donations from October to December because of the holidays. There is a dramatic drop off in public awareness and sense of giving after the holidays, but the need is still there.

I thought I'd drop in again and mention that our Council promotes Scouting for Food in February because most food banks and other like-minded organizations . receive so many donations from October to December because of the holidays. There is a dramatic drop off in public awareness and sense of giving after the holidays, but the need is still there.

Our District does SFF in early February. Two weekends are scheduled and Troops pick one or the other. SFF is promoted at District Roundtable meetings and a map of our county is laid out and each Troop and Pack selects an area/neighborhood to cover. The bags are given out at our annual District Banquet in late January. Announcements are put in the local paper with both dates listed, so that the town knows about the project and won't be surprised when someone comes knocking. This also seems to have helped increase the number of donations. Almost all of the Troops participate. Most of the Packs do it too, but with more limited participation. When I was Cubmaster, our Pack joined in the with Troop that shared the same Chartered Org. We teamed up a couple of Cub Scouts with a couple of Boy Scouts. Worked out very well. The Saturday our Troop scheduled to do SFF this year we had an ice storm that morning so it was cancelled. We have not yet been able to reschedule it and likely will just wait and try again next year. As far as participation from our Troop - I'd say we've had about half or a bit more of the Scouts participate each year.

SueM - you and I have communicated a lot together and shared the experience of being female Scoutmasters. From reading your posts it almost sounds like we are both Scoutmasters of the same Troop. Your comment: "Anyway...I think that some of my newer adults think that I'm trying to take the troop down some "weird" path or something..they really don't understand the scouting program and what we (I) are aiming towards with the troop" - this has actually been one of the more difficult obstacles I faced when I stepped up as SM. All of the old-guard ASMs quit fairly early on in my SM tenure and the newer adults seem to understand what we are trying to accomplish with the Troop. And, "My theory is though that they'll only perform to the minimum level of expectations that I set..and by raising that level higher, then that's where they should naturally follow. If they are old enough and responsible enough to be driving a car, then they should also be expected to start acting like young MEN!!" My sentiments exactly. Over the past 15 months I've been raising the bar of expectations ever higher. Many times the guys reach and even exceed the bar. More times they don't. But it is never lowered because of failure. That happened too many times in the past in this Troop. As others have posted to me when I've posted messages about the ups and downs in my troop, keep your chin up and keep up the good work. Focus on the positive progress your Troop is making.

Anarchist. I got a PM from Beavah mentioning the same thing about the COR being a member of the church and not a parent of a Scout in the Troop. Unfortunately, our CO is not really interested in providing anything for the Troop other than a place to meet. I am still working with the Institutional Head to address this issue, but he's a busy man in charge of a very large church and we are not exactly high on his priority list. I appreciate your suggestions on how to improve our attendance and work toward functional patrols. The Scouts are doing, or at least starting to talk about doing, pretty much all of those things you have suggested, but each improvement in our program takes time. I appreciate the opportunity to sometimes just vent on this Forum. I really am commited to the success of this Troop and have seen the other adults finally come around to the Scout-Led concept and they are starting to back away from jumping in to help at the first sign of trouble. The Scouts too are starting to get the concept. At least our new SPL and the younger Scout patrol are - the older Scout patrol still needs a lot of work. We have 2 patrols, one with older Scouts, one with new and younger Scouts. Each had different plans for patrol activity for last night's meeting. This is the first time the patrols actually made plans like that. In the past we've always had a troop activity plan. PL of the younger Scout patrol called his guys and reminded them all to bring their handbooks. He worked with the new Scouts on the tenderfoot fitness requirements and APL helped them with learning the Scout Oath and Law. Unfortunately only one member of the other patrol showed up last night. The PL of that patrol did call the SPL to say he wasn't coming. One member called to say he was sick. One member came late and said he couldn't stay (just blew in to pick up an Eagle Scout Service Project packet - but that's a subject for another thread). Never heard from the other member. Since there was little the one Scout that showed up could do, he helped out the PL of the younger Patrol. All in all I will say that our Troop is a long way from what it was at the end of 2004, but we still have a long way to go. Many of the improvements that have been made came from suggestions by you nice folks on this Forum and I thank you all for that!

In September our town holds a weekend-long wellness celebration with displays and booths representing four corners of wellness: healthcare (physical, emotional, mental); financial and economic; family, parenting and spiritual; and community solidarity. Each year our Troop is asked to help unload cars and trucks and help carry materials for those people setting up booths. This is usually takes about 4 hours on the Friday afternoon/evening before the event and we have several Scouts stationed at each entrance to the Mall who then help unload and guide presenters to their booth locations. We have done this for several years now, usually have gtood participation from the Scouts, and have always counted it toward service hours. We do receive a donation from the Chamber of Commerce for our help which goes to the Troop account, but have never really considered this a fundraising project.