jtanner

I've been a Scoutmaster for just a few years but have been in Scouting for my whole life. Worked Scout camp for 10+ years so I understand how things (should) work. I am prepared to accept that Summer Camp Merit Badge instruction is typically not the same quality as you would get with a traditional merit badge counselor or even in a troop merit badge program. However, the past few years (from different camps in different councils) it seems as if Summer Camp is more of a merit badge fair, where scouts just show up to a class, goof off, and get a "Complete" at the end of the week. It has gotten to the point where I think my Scouts are more focused on how they can "work the system" then actually earning Merit Badges. As such, I have scouts that only show up to 1/2 their classes, don't complete in camp assignments, or just don't pay any attention as why should they, they know they're going to get the MB anyway? So, now to my question? How do other leaders address this issue? I don't believe that you can re-test and overturn advancement but at the same time I don't like Scouts brining home Motorboating merit badge and having only been out in the boat for 5 minutes? I would be interested to hear others thoughts?

Perhaps you could consider alternate arrangements that would address the concerns of the other leaders and parents but still provide an outlet for this young man to be involved in the program. I was previously involved in a unit that 14+ Assistant Scoutmasters (troop size around 45-55) and each ASM had specific oversight over certain aspects of the troop. As such, some adults were more hands on with the scouts than other adult leaders who worked more "behind the scenes". Maybe you could consider a committee level position or ASM role that worked with equipment or communications so that the young man may continue to be involved in the program but minimizes the direct interaction of this adult leader with the youth. While the focus of a Scout troop should ALWAYS be the youth members involved, as adults we shouldn't overlook the importance that the same principles and guidelines can play in the development of other adult leaders. I haven't met too many brand-new "green" leaders that didn't need guidance and direction, this young man shouldn't be any different. Just a thought... but I agree, tough situation to be in. Let us know how it turns out.

I'm a new SM for a troop that didn't use the Patrol Method prior to me taking over. In fact, they don't appear to have done a lot of camping in the past few years at all. Aside from trying to teach basic troop operations and patrol method to the 12 scouts, I'm also burdened with having to try and "update" the troop equipment. My plan is to purchase Eurkea 4-man tents for the troop as our current tents are 25+ year old pup tents (Philmont style). I don't have a problem with those tents but difficult trying to get them to use Troop tents instead of their own personal tents. Here's my questions though: 1. Dining Flys - I want to get a lightweight dining fly for each patrol and I would love to get the official BSA type from scoutstuff.org, but they cost entirely too much for my budget. What are some of the other troops using for Dining Flys and where do you buy them from? 2. Cooksets - Similar question as above, I absolutely love the BSA Trail Cook Kit that has the 8qt, 4qt, & 2qt pots with 2 frying pans. I think they are almost perfect for a patrol. But they come with plates and cups which are wasted because we require each person to bring their personal mess kit and we still end up compensating with cast iron frying pans. Are other troops venturing out to using other types of trail cooksets or are most units sticking with the $80 BSA set? Thanks for the responses everyone! Jeff Tanner Scoutmaster -T43 Versailles, KY