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The thing to consider for Woodbadge is what position you are going to concentrate on during the course. You will be performing 5 tickets which will be related to that leadership position. I do not believe you can split them up between duties for the Pack and the Troop. The information you will learn will apply to both though. Den Leader, Committee Member, ASM and ACM are all viable positions for WB. Just a word of advice, be careful to not over commit yourself though.

How does your Troop utilize this role? Advisor, Mentor, Required? I would like to hear what other Troops do before going into ours. I don't want it to be a debate into if we are right or wrong I just would like to see how other Troops deal with this stage in a Scout's advancement trail.

Thank you all for letting me rant and for your helpful comments. Here is my take away from this; Yes the election team should have been in full uniform in the first place. When representing the OA in an official manner full uniform should be the norm. not what is norm for their own troop. I have talked to the boy who is Vice-Chief of elections and the Advisor for elections. (both are in my troop and at PLC last night) We decided it will be added to the instruction guidelines book for the election teams. Also talked to the accompanying father last night, Decided how the first SM handled it was fine. He was discrete and did not try to embarrass the boys. It was more like a learning moment, that they should think about their appearance and how they represent the OA. All still agree second (former) SM was over the line. As far as our troop's uniform policy, Yes we only require from the waist up, but we encourage full uniform. I would estimate we have up to 50% participation in full. Two of the boys in question are twins both over 6' and it IS a burden to try and keep up with their out growing clothing each year. We do not have a formal uniform exchange closet. But uniforms have been passed on informally. We meet in the school and just do not have storage space for such. The shed we do have we share with the Pack. Personally I wear the full uniform whenever possible or appropriate similar pants. But yes on occasion I wear jeans as well. I support following the Uniform method as much as I support the other 7 methods. Heck as far as Adult Interaction method I am out there playing along in the game activities. I let them choose and lead the activity but I am a very supportive participant.

Pardon me while I rant for a moment. The other night three scouts from my Troop (one was Vice-chief of Elections and one was Vice Chief of Admin as well as our SPL) went to conduct a OA troop election at a neighboring Troop. They were in full uniform from the waist up as is normal and acceptable for our troop. When they get there the Scoutmaster infroms them that their Troop is a full uniform Troop and directs them to their uniform exchange room to see if the can find some pants. When none are found that fit, (these guys are quite tall) he says "oh well, I said my peace" and they go ahead and continue with the elections. Meanwhile the former SM comes up to the Parent/Adult accompanying the election team, and goes on and on about if he was the current SM he wouldn't even allow the boys in. That they should be setting an example as "leaders". The parent was very good about and kept his temper while making a simple reply. "At least they are here and actively doing their part and serving the OA" What get's my goat is these boys are taking more of their time to serve and what they get in response is criticism about how their appearance doesn't meet up with the others opinion. Since when is the "uniform" more important than the actions and values these boys portrayed? Side note: I am all for wearing the uniform and wearing it correctly. But I also understand cost issues for some of our families, hence why we adhere to the waist up model.

It is at our Spring Pot Luck/COH that any mention of thanks is made to the adults. Generally as ScoutMaster, I ask any adult who coordinated the logistics for a campout, come on a campout, sat in the committee, participated in a BoR, driven boys to a campout, and so on to please stand up. Then I turn to the boys and remind them that even though Scouting is run by the boys, a lot of work is put in by the adults as well. The boys generally then give those standing a standing ovation. (one advantage in this I don't overlook anyone by name.) Also throughout the year I make an effort to thank each adult privately for their time and the work they do. Because surely I can not do all the work myself.

Back when my kids were in Cub Scouts and selling popcorn part of the selling was done in front of the Supermarket. The tins never sold but were I catching. The boys also figured out that buy breaking open the Microwave popcorn boxes and selling the individual packs worked best. They also figured out there was greater profit that way.

In my time as a Cub Scout leader, each den did something different. My oldest, not in my den, received a plaque made by the den leader. He was skilled in wood working so it was a gift from him. My second kid, in my den, we had arrow kits. (about $12 each) between the two web II dens we had 21 boys. Instead of bands, we personalized them with leather thongs and colored beads signifying each rank earned and one for Arrow of light. The kids loved them and they still mention them years later. The Den leaders and assistants got together to assemble. We were able to complete them all in one night and enjoyed a few cold ones together as we discussed each kid. My suggestion is not to have the award be a Pack thing but a Den thing. It makes it a bit more personal and meaningful to the Scout and the Leader.

Currently I am using the 3 yr plan as a SM. Spent 6 months prior to term shadowing current SM to learn the ropes. Spending last few months of term working with upcoming SM. But I didn't look at it as term limit rather a minimum level of commitment. Previous SM's had been in for just two years each and the constant transition was hampering the troop. I think this applies to district level positions as well.

I grew up near two of those schools that advertise in the magazines. Interestingly enough. None of the cadets were in scouts. Even though our Troop's Scout hut was only 3 doors down from one of the schools. Side note I did play a lot of soccer with them. Being as over 50% of the students were from Latin America. Which might be a reason why many did not join Scouts.

I've been using an app called ScoutTrack on my iTouch for a while now. It has all the requirements for each MB as well as the 2010 Rank advancements. Withit I have been able to keep detailed records of my own two sons as well as rank advancement of each scout in the troop. It doesn't allow me to post or print. But it is nice to use as a general guide to see where everyone is at, especially when away from home. Also it is an easy reference to all requirement. What I would really like is an app tied to Troop Master. Now that would be much more appreciated cause I wouldn't have to constantly update it myself. That way any kid can also see where they are "officially" according to troop records.

I have talked to a number of our MB counselors who put a limit on themselves as to how many MBs they will do for a particular scout. I think this type of self monitoring works best. Side note; As a SM, I personally do not think it is my job to tell a scout you must use "this" counselor. Instead I can recommend or suggest but it is up to the Scout and the Counselors to get together. I don't need that bit of control over the boys.

We are in the second year of switching to mixed aged patrols after being age based since the inception of the troop. We now have 4 patrols of about 10 boys (on paper) with about 6-7 active. We have been making a concerted effort to make campouts more patrol based, (with some kicking and screaming) At times if there ends up being just one or two boys from a patrol on a campout, I will encourage them to take advantage of the situation and practice doing some things on their own. Or they can have the option of joining up with another patrol. When this happens I let them work out the logistics themselves. Every once in a while we will have an outing where we will operate as a Troop instead of patrols. The scouts appreciate the change of pace and it allows them to spend time with other friends not in their patrols.

September, to recognize all the Summer activities, ie Camp, High Adventure treks. Jan or Feb June, held outdoors combined with a potluck dinner. Usually more ceremonial than other two. Gives us a chance to recognize leaders and seniors before they move on. Eagle courts typically are on their on. On occasion one will be included in the regular troop CoH.

Our troop meets every Monday except the third Monday of the month. This is when the PLC is held followed by the Committee meeting. The Scoutmaster stays for both and delivers his report to the committee. This also allows for the person responsible for arranging logistics for an event to report to both the PLC and the committee in one night.

Also consider that MB is just 3 months out of the year opposed to BSA being year round. About 1/3 of the active boy in my troop is in MB this year including my two sons. During September and October, we schedule around the Band's schedule. Not a big deal. I have am Eagle SMC scheduled next week with this years Drum Major. I would say half of the Eagles in our troop are also in MB.

In our Troop, we have a Life to Eagle advisor who works with the Scout through the process. He is very meticulous. He takes to role of a proof reader as well as a fact checker (ie. are all dates for PORs and MB correct?) Some Scouts hate the whole process and thinks he is too rigid. But in the end we have never had an application or project write-up returned or questioned. He works with boys so that they see the importance of what they do so that they work hard to do a good job. Afterwards they all come to appreciate his assistance. In the end, I get to read the apps and proposals for content and never need to worry about gramatics.

I have two lifters. The other night was making 3 Dump Cakes for a youth retreat. Couldn't find either. A good stick works wonders. Over the years I have used more sticks than the lifters. Sometimes I will wear gloves.

As a Scoutmaster I measure my success on how many of my scouts stay active through aging out. I will do what I can to help the scout that wants to advance, but that is not my goal.Last year we had a group of boys where about 8 of 12 stay active through their senior year and they earned their Eagle in the final 2 years. A good number of them also were active with OA in leadership positions and the ceremonies team. These are the type of guys I want to see and feel good when I can be part of their scouting career. But I also have boys who never move past 1st class or lower but remain active all the way through. I am just as proud of them. They just don't care for the advancement part of scouting. As a Parent I have one senior who can reach Eagle this year, I offer any support he needs and am willing to go on any hike he needs to finish "Hiking" but I will not force him. My other son is a sophmore and is happy to stay at 1st Class. He is just as active as any scout and has been the Chaplain's Aide for almost two years. He does this because he sees the need for it, not for the requied PoR.

When my oldest joined the troop, it was same age patrols. It had the numbers to have 1 or 2 patrols at each age level. Well as time has gone by our numbers have been dropping and some years we only have 2 or 3 guys. When I became SM, one thing I felt was needed was a switch to the mixed age patrols. I felt we needed to have more interaction between the older and younger scouts. Well it hasn't been easy. There are those that say they only come to scouts to be with their friends and now some of their friends are in others patrols. When we break for Patrol Time they just wander off together and it is hard to get much accomplished. This year we are going to introduce a compromise. 2 patrols of the High School age boys and 2 of the middle/elementary aged boys. Then as a boy moves on to HS he moves into one of those Patrols while the new scouts join into one of the two lower age patrols. The premise is that the older patrols will concentrate on HA and troop leadership and leading instruction while the younger ones concentrate on personal skill learning. We will see.

I'm with Kudu on this. As SM, I join in on many of the games. But I leave it to the scouts to organize and run them. Isn't one of the methods "adult interaction"?

In looking at the outline, could they just be saying that there are six sections of meeting plans and the last one is plans specifically for those working on AoL and after achieving it but not crossed over?

We don't require a signed contract. Instead at training we present each new leader a sheet containing the job responsibilities and who they need to report to (Both in the handbook) and then a list of goals they can try meet, all of which are practical ways of carrying out the above listed responsibilities. We tell them they do not have to do them all, they are just suggestions, and they can always add their own. What we do is at the end of the term, I have a conference with them to discuss how they feel they did at meeting their responsibilities. They can look down at the sheet and see for themselves whether or not they did a proper job, If we can agree, I sign them off. Otherwise we work out a plan to allow them to continue to try and fulfill their duties. A second advantage to these is at the bottom we have a tear off slip with the effective start and ending dates, which the scout then gives to the Advancement Chair so we can keep the records up to date. This way we don't have any confusion at a later point in time. (when trying to fill out Eagle applications)

Our Troop worked with one of the founders of the Center for Wilderness Safety (http://www.wildsafe.org/) to rebuild an out of date First Aid Kit. He also works closely with the local council and districts. As an Eagle Scout and former DE, and current EMT he is quite knowlegable. The CWS also teaches many of the various First Aid courses needed. You can see on his site, recommendation for Troop and Patrol FA kits, they sell them as well.

Unlike many here are saying, I say go ahead with the event. Have a emergency plan in case of extreme foul weather. (ie in the event of lightning storm have all families move to their vehicles for the duration.) But from your description of the forecast, I see no major need for concern. Don't let the fact that they are Cub Scouts concern you. They will be fine. It's the new parents who have more worries, that you will have to deal with. I have been on Cub overnighters in torrential downpours. The cubs adapt and still have fun and the event is more memorable.

I didn't want to make a big deal about my beading either. Maybe a quick 5 minutes in a Troop meeting. But my Troop Guide encouraged me to have it as part of the closing ceremony at a recent camporee. Well, lightning storms caused the Camporee to be closed on Saturday night and all scouts sent home. Sunday morning we all reported back to gather our gear and close out as originally planned. Most of my WB patrol (Buffalo Stampede!)were there. It turns out, having the beading ceremony in such a large venue was great. It gave me a chance to meet many other Scouters from other Troops. Plus the boys in my troop were visably quite proud of having one of their own singled out. It sparked many conversations between us and helped them learn a little bit more insight to this wonderful thing we call Scouting.