klflintoff

I would like to either SEE or GET the raw data (spreadsheet) to look at it. At least totals, going back 5-10 years. Hopefully more detailed. Probably not available, but it would be interesting to look at trends based on urban/rural, census data (income and so on). ===> If someone could hook me up with this raw data, I would link it to census, zip code, and other data, and post it somewhere for us all to view and study. There is another thread here discussing reasons for the decline in membership. Lots of possible reasons are given. My personal view: just like in economics, ALL factors matter to some degree. In my area I see the biggest factors as cost, sports and similar competing activities, and scouts not being viewed as "cool" as in the past.

I've seen some major disagreements about advancement policy, usually the result of longstanding practices (and longstanding scouters) that turned out to be wrong, and contrary to BSA policy. Unproductive for scouting; hurtful for the scouts affected. I plan to purchase the manuals that set forth BSA policy on advancement, so I can read the policies myself. ("If all else fails, read the manual.") Is there one or two manuals, available at the scout store, that makes official BSA policy clear? Defines purpose and scope of SM conference, addresses scout spirit, role of BOR, issues like "retesting vs. review", how a BOR is conducted and supervised, by whom; "active", and more. Thanks.

Thanks to all who replied. Good information. All practices mentioned in the original post (BOR signoff for SS, letters for STAR/LIFE, etc.) are in place and known to senior district officials. Commissioners are chummy and avoid contradicting each other or stepping on toes. Go to training, read the policies and books, sure. But that is national policy and in a BSA District "all politics are local".

Different practices locally on when scout spirit gets signed off, and by whom. Sometimes creates problems. Interested in this for upper ranks, STAR through Eagle. Would appreciate references to specific manual, book, or policy if you can help with that. - Who can sign off scout spirit (I've heard: SM, Unit Chairman, BOR) - When can it be signed off (I've heard: before, during, after SM conference; and by the BOR) - How is scout spirit addressed and handled in a BOR (I've heard: if signed off before BOR, BOR can't challenge; also heard if spirit is not signed off before a BOR, BOR can deal with) - Eagle letters of recommendation (also for STAR, LIFE if used) -- if all are positive and support advancement, how do they fit into scout spirit signoff? - What is SM conference role in scout spirit - how could a SM pass a scout in SM conference unless scout demonstrates satisfactory scout spirit?