KoreaScouter

Frankly, the best way I know is to take the novelty and mystery out of it. Make sure they're all experienced on safe setup of propane and liquid stoves, and have plenty of repetitive experience at building and lighting fires at campouts. Allow them to use matches and lighters, and teach them the ways to get fires going without having to resort to shortcuts like pouring gas or something on wet wood -- homemade starters, candle stubs, fuzz sticks, etc. To me, it's in the same category as knife safety. If they never carry, handle, or use one, they'll likely be dangerous to all around them. KS

When we did cubmobile, we had the same issue with a safe hill. Our DE asked one of the Venture Crews to build a ramp, which they did. It was built on a straight stretch of level street that was blocked off by the authorities. It was about 6' hight and 20' long, and gave the cars plenty of momentum. The biggest things we ran into in the planning was design criteria and getting standardized car sizes and wheel types, and then during the race itself, having a full-up "Pit area" where units could make expedient repairs to cars that needed it. If you're going to do this, I strongly recommend you find a way to do it in a downhill-race format, no matter what you have to jerry-rig in order to do it. One of the most common things I've heard from Cubs after a Pinewood is "That was fun, but I wish the car was big enough to actually sit in and drive in a race...". That's what this is for. KS

I understand the sentiments of the families involved, and would certainly not want my GS daughter going through such indoctrination, if that's the right term. But, as I understand this, the classes weren't part of the GS Council program, and nobody was compelled to go. The issue is the local council leadership recognizing the PP figure with an award, and agreeing to make promotional literature available at their council offices. If that's the case, this sounds more like a case of a nitwit local council person than a systemic program flaw. At the Troop level, these moms could have formed their own troops, or ensured they filtered the nonsense from council before any of it reached them. In my experience, local GS councils are almost completely disengaged and uninvolved with anything the Troops are doing -- should be easy to play "traffic cop". Or, they could have petitioned their local council leadership to get their policies more in line with the collective values of their members or even make some staff changes. Instead, they pulled their daughters out of Scouting. To me, that's like cutting off your nose to spite your face, especially since this "issue" was an easily controlled external variable. KS

...you don't break in a campaign hat; it breaks you in... KS

Hunt; Not knowing what your Scouting background is, I may tell you some things that you already know; if so, sorry. First, find out all you can about your responsibilities. It's unlikely that your District/Council has BLT scheduled this weekend, but whenever it is, make sure you're there. In the meantime, ask your CC if you can borrow his copy of the Troop Committee Guidebook, and read through the whole thing, not just your portion. It'll tell you what everyone else is supposed to be doing so you can keep the lanes straight in your mind. If they haven't done it lately, also ask the CC if you can do the Troop Committee Challenge in the very near future. It brings the Troop Committee Guidebook to life if all the members show for it, and they have the right attitudes. Get your own copy of the Boy Scout Handbook, either spiral bound or take it to Kinko's and have them do it for you. You'll be referring to it, and while you can always borrow, that gets increasingly inconvenient. Read the Scoutmaster's Handbook, too, especially the portions that cover Advancement. Talk to the Scoutmaster about how how he does SM conferences prior to BORs, how he handles completed MB blue cards, who signs off advancement, and how he'd like to "partner" with you to eliminate seams between program delivery and program support. Go to some meetings and activities too, so you can see the Scouts and the adults in action. Go to your District Roundtables, seek out other Troop advancement chairs, and ask them for tips/pointers, too. If they aren't at your Roundtables, call your District and ask for the names/phone numbers of the other Troop advancement chairs; they'll either give them to you or take your information and ask them to call you. Talk to your District Advancement Chair and registrar. Will they accept electronic advancement reports? Do they want everything ScoutNet compatible? How much lead time before a COH do they want before they can turn advancements? Tell them you're new, you want to do this right, and you really appreciate what they're doing for your units They probably hear this so infrequently, after they get over the shock, they'll want to take you to lunch. And, you'll know what they need in order to support you properly. Best way to keep records? Whatever way results in the most accuracy. TroopMaster's great, with a few caveats. If one person's running your TM, things can bog down while you're waiting for data to turn. The Master/Satellite system is faster, but a little more risky. TM for the Web is fastest, but depends on everybody with write access having on-demand web access and not being afraid to use it. No matter what TM arrangement you're using, unless everybody who inputs has notebook computers with wireless internet/email access surgically attached to them all the time, you and the other adults will still have to maintain some semblance of paper records until you can input the data into TM. We use Troop Record Books. I'd let the SM discuss records/advancement plans with Scouts, or an ASM as he delegates. If necessary, he can have a Scout who isn't advancing meet a BOR to find out what's going on -- that's your opportunity. For COH format, I've seen it different ways, and there's no fixed format. The committee puts it together, so I'd check with the other members, find out what's been customary and what you'd like to change, and try it with the next one. In my last Troop, we did the formal part first, with more ceremonial candles and whatnot, then light refreshments afterward. In my current Troop, potluck dinners and lots of food seem to be a universal custom no matter why you're gathering, so we eat first, then do the formal portion afterward. My current CC is more shoot-from-the-hip than my last one, so it's a little more impromptu. And, because we always do them outside here, and it's usually windy, candles and props don't fare well. Try a google search, and you'll find many possible methods -- cut/paste and adapt so it suits your unit. Hope this helps... KS

I've read a reference to an incident in which, I think it was B-P, corrected someone who referred to the Scouting "program" -- he was told it was a "movement". That was FOG's first question, right? Here's a working definition of movement, from the dictionary: "a diffusely organized or heterogeneous group of people or organizations tending toward or favoring a generalized common goal". The questions might be; how heterogeneous are we? To what extent do we tend toward or favor a generalized common goal? What is that goal? The inherent problem with any movement is that the power of the movement tends to lessen over time. The founders are no longer around, and the things that originally empower the movement, passion/vision/tradition, get skewed. You eventually end up with a lot more tradition, but steadily decreasing passion and vision, across the membership as a whole. None of us around now were at Brownsea or Gilwell Park, so we use tradition, undergirded by dogma, rules, policies, etc., to sustain the "movement" as we think B-P envisioned it. For this to survive as a movement, if that's what we want, this has to be less about policies and rules and more about personal relationships with the founder, even if it's only a personal relationship with his ideas (passion/vision). Most adults have a pretty good idea what B-P was all about, even if they can't recite his autobiography. Most youth, when pressed, can tell you who B-P was, but other than the page in their Handbooks that describe him, there's nothing else we do to tie our youth members to his vision. In my opinion, to call this a movement implies that we're trying to impart the passion and the vision of the founder to all our members. Are we? Really? How can we, if most of our youth members have only a vague idea who he was? I don't know if our leadership is afraid of appearing irrelevant by having us collectively identify with a historical figure, or what. Sure, our aims and methods can be traced back directly to the things that B-P wrote and said about youth and how to develop them into good citizens. But, I personally don't think we're "evangelical" enough about it to call it a movement. Where do the youth come in? They'll carry this forward and deliver it to the next generation, provided they have internalized the vision and passion of the founder. That's what a movement is, after all... KS

Sounds like it's time for a SM conference, with the overriding theme being the question "Why are you here?". Every rank includes an advancement requirement to be active in your patrol and Troop. If you can't do that, you can't advance. If he's aware of that and doesn't care, then we circle back to the question... KS

Our council calls their annual Scout show "Makahiki" (don't know what it means). It actually threw me off at first, because I saw it in the Council calendar and didn't make the connection until I'd been here several months. In our literature, Aloha Council refers to Makahiki as the oldest Scouting show in the U.S., first held here in 1911 at the old Camp Bluegum in Aiea Heights (now probably the site of a Wal-Mart or something). Here's my question: what is the best, most successful unit-level Scout show booth you've ever done or seen? We can't sell anything, and it has to fit in a 10X10 or 10X20 space. The PLC has some ideas, but I'd like to read what you've done, too. We've got a month and a half. Thanks in advance for your ideas. KS

MK; We had some bad weather here, and my phone (and internet) has been out since Friday morning; please be patient and I'll reply to your PM. On your comment that these are the kids who need the program the most, you're absolutely right (it's the "Whitey" scenario from FMB). But, it's not enough to need it the most; they also have to WANT it the most. You know, I'm in this for fun, too. For me, the fun is in seeing boys grow in skill, maturity, leadership ability, and confidence; seeing the looks on their faces (and their parents' faces too) when they're up there at that COH getting that advancement and recognition, and seeing that 17-year old boys can co-exist with 11-year old boys without giving them swirlies or taking their lunch money. When this works the way it's supposed to, it's amazing, and I enjoy being a part of it. That said, I've got only so much time and energy to dedicate to it. I have a job, a wife, a daughter in addition to my son, household chores, and a dog that wants to be played with. Given those demands, where do I invest my Scouting time/energy? On the lads whose commitment and dedication approximates mine. Again, it's a practical example of "...you get out of it what you put into it." Now, don't get me wrong. I don't ostracize the Scout who's "mailing it in". I do make sure we're not counting on him for anything important, so the Troop won't be adversely affected by his inaction. And, as they say, "...a rising tide lifts all boats", so the well-planned program and opportunities for advancement will benefit the hangers-on as well as the dedicated, hard-working Scouts. But, as Fuzzy Bear so eloquently put it; this is "...a cooperative agreement, and it's response-driven". Beautiful! That one's going in my notebook. What do they say, 4% earn Eagle? The other 96% who didn't make it, can't say it was because we failed as adult leaders. They made choices, plain and simple. KS

One of the things they did at the conclave was pump up the NAOC, being held at some midwestern college (makes travel easiest for most, being centrally located, I suppose). When they schedule a NAOC on the campus of Hawaii Pacific University, I think you'll see the rolls of active Arrowmen swell with anticipation. NFL moved the Pro Bowl here permanently 25 years ago. As they say, "...a million flies can't be wrong...". KS

I'm with Fotoscout on this. BSA wasn't asking Rep. Frank to endorse BSA's policy on gay members. Rather, they were asking for his endorsement, as an elected public official, for a worthwhile public service campaign. BSA didn't make Frank's sexual preference an issue here, he did. Sorry, but BSA occupies the moral high ground...again. Frank's self-righteousness is more than a little disingenuous. He's asserting that because he has a philosophical disagreement with one aspect of BSA "culture", he can't support BSA in an area in which he has no philosophical disagreement. Well, Democrats and Republicans have lots of philosophical disagreements. Has Frank never compromised with House members on the other side of the aisle to get a bill passed, or a candidate out of committee, or a budget agreed to? Of course he has. What's the difference? This is nothing more than an eye poke. KS

Mk; I'm feelin' your pain. But, I don't think you have to drag along Scouts who aren't living the Ideals. First of all, revocation of membership is an option for certain infractions -- check the G2SS, Section 1, page 6. Second, this should be fun for everyone, even the Green Bars (heck, especially the Green Bars). In the long run, if everyone else sees that the Green Bars have a continuous migraine with these guys, many qualified Scouts won't run for election, or may eventually leave for a different unit, or even a different program. One of our aims is to build character, and the foundation of character is self-discipline. If they ain't got it by their age, you have to wonder if they will before they age-out. Boys grow into themselves of course, but a lot of what you're describing sounds like first-year stuff, not 3rd/4th year stuff. Breaking them up might work, or it might poison all your other patrols, too. Something that's worked for me in two units now, is clearly spelled-out consequences for breaches of discipline. What are the rules? We don't have a long penal code -- our rules are the Scout Oath and Law. The consequences start with a warning by a Green Bar, and go all the way up to membership revocation, with intermediate levels that involve me, then parents, then the committee. Everybody gets a copy, and there's no misunderstandings. PM me, and I'll e-mail you an electronic version if you want to see the whole thing. The main challenge with the thing is continually ensuring the Green Bars know that it's a tool for them to use, but will only work if they use it. Will a warning work? Not on everyone, but the consequences should escalate, and if they do, you'll eventually hit something that will change behavior or remove the problem. Do I want Scouts to quit? Heck no -- that lad is going to be doing something in 15 years. I want him to be doing it sober, paying attention, and contributing something to society. That foundation's laid with us and our efforts, better than anything else I can think of. Yet, if a small minority of Scouts in a unit is ruining the experience for everyone else, I see my main responsibility and loyalty as being with the majority of Scouts who are living the Ideals. That may seem uncaring, or almost mercenary to some. After all, we like to think of ourselves as Fred MacMurray's Lem Siddons, turning Kurt Russell's Whitey from a JD into a model Scout. Well, that's a great movie, but this is real life. Sure, many of the Scouts are being raised by single moms, are taking behavioral meds, or are from dysfunctional families/environments, or a product of MTV, or what have you. But, after you've sunk three years of effort into delivering a program and role modeling what right should look like, if they're not internalizing the Ideals, I see a few options. One, do nothing different, but I think you know that's not really an option. Two, "tough love" to open up their heads and "pour it in". Three, if Two doesn't work, invite their families to find a different youth program that more closely matches their son's values, interests, and motivation level. Then, you can invest your time with Scouts who will respond to your leadership, not spend it on those for whom the Troop is a just a place to hang out and practice their standup routines. Consistency and communications, with youth leaders at the center, are the keys to making Troop discipline work, in my opinion. KS

Personally, I'm comfortable with the rules the way they are right now. The most important thing Scouts need to know about weapons are the universal safety rules they're taught through the program, whether they're firing BB guns or .22s. I've spent a fair amount of time on ranges myself, both as a student and instructor. In my experience, the most dangerous times on the line is when your student is firing a handgun. Smaller, shorter barrel length, in and out of holsters, that business end is much more likely to be all over the place compared with a long gun. The least danger I've ever felt on a range was at MPRC in Korea, firing the mortar. I can't get inside BSAs head, but if I had to guess a commonsense reason for the handgun restriction, the increased safety risk has got to be it. KS

NJ; I'm not saying a line can't be drawn. What I'm suggesting, and I think we agree, is that taking a life isn't where the line belongs. And, it's not about threatening someone personally or economically -- that happens every day and they're criminal events -- but trying to violently coerce a government or society into changing socially or philosophically. Even the environmental extremists are using what looks like economic assault against individual car dealers or homeowners, but they're actually trying to get the government to ban large SUVs or zoning commissions to stop residential development they don't agree with. There is no comprehensive single list of domestic terrorist groups, as there is with foreign terrorist groups. That complicates it further. I think the definition of what constitutes terrorism and terrorist groups should be as narrowly and precisely defined as possible. A terrorist group's existence demands a response of some sort. There's a wide continuum of responses, from an Operation Enduring Freedom at one end to "Operation Stern Glance" at the other. Almost all are very expensive in terms of people, money, equipment, diplomatic favors, good will, and so on. So, let's make sure we're on target. As I said before, that's very difficult when working with allies in other countries. With many, we don't share a common culture, language, or values. Given that, it's no wonder we may not share a common definition of terrorism. So, no, I don't buy the assertion in your last post. But, I don't think anyone's trying to sell it, either. I can't speak for Secretary Paige, but my guess is that, like we've all had in much less public forums, it was one of those "...darn, I wish I hadn't said it like that..." moments. I'm not trying to be flip, just suggesting that he's not lobbying to get the NEA in the same bucket with FALN. KS

Eisely; Thank God you caught it early. Military docs start digitals on us after our 35th birthday. (For the uninitiated, by digital, I mean a finger, not some electronic doo-dad). I've gotten the PSA the last two times. What the docs told me is that the PSA is a good test, although it tends to have a high false-positive rate for caucasian men under 50 (that's me, for a few more years anyway). My response was: "Got it; lemme do the PSA, and if it comes back positive, I'll willingly, though not enthusiastically, suffer through the digital (but please take off your Air Force Academy ring first, this time)". An ounce of prevention's worth a pound of cure -- new meaning to that one... So glad you caught it, my friend, as I know your family is too. KS

Matua; Didn't make the dinner; I was back on the Mainland that week... KS

I'll admit, my link of the NEA to the dictionary definition was done with tongue planted firmly in cheek, as is my assertion that the League of Women Voters can be pretty darn intimidating -- make your own call there. All kidding aside, I honestly don't think that a litmus test for a terrorist group is their willingness to kill people. Most contemporary definitions include words like "...using violence, the threat of violence, or intimidation to advance a political cause or influence political/government policies...". There are variations, depending on whose definition you're reading. But, one thing that's universal is that murder isn't a prerequisite to being tagged as a terrorist group. Groups such as Earth First!, the ELF, and others who are torching housing developments and SUV dealers are domestic examples of this -- there are others. If you don't agree, you're in good company. One of the biggest challenges, especially when working with more than one country and/or more than one agency, is reaching a working definition of what terrorism and a terrorist is. Different challenges, different agendas. KS

My SPL, ASPL, and Troop Guide are not members of a patrol during their "term of office". They can leave the patrol patches on if they want, 'cuz in all likelihood that's the patrol they'll return to afterward. During activities, they tent away from the patrol camp sites, and are rolled in on the adult leaders' duty roster, menu plan, etc. I'd never tell a youth, regardless of position, that he can't associate with any of his former patrol mates, or hang out with them at Scout outings or anywhere else. I do believe, however, that it's important to reinforce the authority and position of the youth leader by helping him draw the lines between him and his Scouts as necessary. To an extent, that "arm's-length" relationship helps him communicate that due to his position, he's no longer "one of the boys". That's a difficult enough transition for most of them to make, I don't believe in making it more difficult by leaving them in their original patrols, and tenting/eating with their former patrol members, too. In the eyes of the Scouts, then, all he did was sew a patch on. Plus, the SPL makes decisions that affect all the patrols. Help them avoid any perceptions of favoritism by taking the argument away. ASPL, same rationale. For the Troop Guide, it's awkward for him to stay in his original patrol because so much of his time and energy is dedicated to the NSP. He can't be in the NSP for obvious reasons, so he's a natural "carve out" too. I fully agree that all Scouts should be having fun, even the Green Bars (especially the Green Bars). I believe they'll have more fun if they're succeeding at their jobs -- the choreographed separation helps, in my opinion. KS

Yes, I knew it was a .44 in the movie, but I don't know of a great tagline for the .357 (FOG, help?). There were two range supervisors out there in addition to those of us on the firing points, and they were absolutely meticulous about safety, accountability, horseplay, headcounts, and proper procedures. What they weren't is registered Scouters, let alone Scouters who were familiar with the BSA firearms use restrictions. As long as a shooter was following Army and club range safety procedures, the Scout could have been pounding a Mk-19 and they wouldn't bat an eye. MK; not to be contrary, but if you're using a police range, unless it's too small to have Scouts and cops out there at the same time, it's possible you could run into the same situation if a police officer is out there with his Sig. The Scout-savvy overwatch should jump in to prevent it, which was the one thing we didn't have. KS

I always liked Cleveland; did you hear about the new zoo there? They built a fence around Parma. Sorry 'bout the local humor. Lots to do there and beautiful country once you get out of the city proper. What the heck, there's Cracker Barrels there, which is more than I can say. I've got a couple years left, then it'll be time to go. KS

I have to admit, it's difficult to picture elementary school teachers conspiring to sabotage a sewage lift station, or or set off a pipe bomb at some mass gathering. That makes the Secretary's comment, taken in the context in which you present it, sound a little unusual. Yet, if you look up the definition of terrorize in the dictionary, one of them is "...to dominate or coerce by intimidation..." (Random House College Dictionary, 1982 edition). Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that the NEA's stock in trade, especially on social issues that may affect their members' status quo or liberal bent, such as school vouchers, standardized testing, their concept of diversity (unless it's diversity of ideas, then diversity's no good), etc.? What did the Secretary intend? Only he knows. I work in the biz, and we can't all agree on a single definition of terrorist, terrorism, or whether some particular group is a terrorist organization. That said, I've never seen the NEA on the list, personal observation notwithstanding. One hopes it was just a benign misunderstanding and not a genuine attempt to add a US labor union to the list of recognized terrorist organizations. This almost reminds me of the situation a few years ago involving the Washington D.C. city public servant (sorry, can't recall many of the specifics) who referred to political rivals as "niggardly", meaning stingy and unwilling to spend money, as defined in the dictionary. The targets of his comment, unwilling to look it up, cried out that it was a racial slur, and created a tempest in a teapot. Almost laughable, if a dedicated public servant's reputation and livelihood hadn't been at stake. I guess it's going to be a long, bumpy ride 'till November... KS

PF: If you PM me with an e-mail address, I can send you one I used about a year ago for a lad I wasn't with through most of his Scouting career. I received good reviews on it. You may feel free to use it as is, or make it your own by changing it. KS

The templates are already out there; I use the NLE slide template for anything I'm putting together that's BSA-related. I think this is a great idea. Those large powerpoint files can really clog up a server though... KS

Laura; I understand your pain; been there myself. However, don't get trapped into a false dilemma here. The pamphlet is a resource, but is only one of many available. If the pamphlet has outdated requirements, use the requirements in the '04 requirements book. If the content is outdated, send them somewhere else for their research. We do collect some MB pamphlets in the family. Some have content that will always be relevant at some level, whether BSA changes MB requirements or not. For example, First Aid, Pioneering, Camping, Hiking, are just a few examples of pamphlets whose content will never be obsolete. You're absolutely right, it's a counselor's responsibility to stay current on requirements and resources... KS

OK, picture this. Monthly these is shooting, and our feature event is a day up at Schofield Barracks, at the Rod & Gun Club, with a firearms instructor, rifles, and 1500 rounds of .22 long rifle. 6:45 a.m. at the meeting point, 15 Scouts with permission slips and fully turned out (okay, one forgot his water bottle, but we had plenty anyway), four adults, a tour permit, and loads of enthusiasm. The instructor brought his personally owned weapons, none less than 50 years old, impeccably maintained (one was a semi-auto, which he secured back in his vehicle before we got to the line). The KD range at Schofield offers a commanding view of the east face of the Waianae mountain range as a backdrop, birds chirping, the whole nine yards. After instruction, we're on the line. One adult (including me) on each firing position, with the instructor and another range official calling the range instructions. There are about 20 firing points on this range, we're only using the first four. Other rod & gun club members are a little further down, but all are following our instructors' directions. A very controlled, and very safe environment. Things are going swimmingly. The Scouts were quick learners, some were already shooters, many tight groups, everybody following all the instructions, and they're truly enjoying themselves and feeling like they've accomplished something. When someone asks "Why are you a Scoutmaster?", it's for mornings like this. Well, with 15 Scouts and four firing positions, there's a little idle time for everybody. I'm on the first point; down on the 6th point is one of the Rod/Gun club members with his weapons. All military guys, very friendly, appreciated seeing the Scouts out there. While I'm showing a young Tenderfoot the finer points of breath control and trigger squeeze, the Rod/Gun club member on the 6th point asks one of my Scouts who's back off of point 4 with his buddy, waiting his turn to fire the .22, if he'd like to try out the Rod/Gun club member's .357 Magnum. Young Tenderfoot is probably only vaguely aware there's a G2SS at all, let alone that it doesn't permit him to do that. He replies, "Sure, thanks!", and he with his buddy in tow, proceed to do just that. Meanwhile, back at point 1, my young Tenderfoot has completed his course of fire, and backs off the line. That little cartoon guy on my shoulder tells me I should take an assessment of what the Scouts are doing. I scan the line; all is well until I see two of our activity shirts down at point 6. I scoot down there and have our Scout pry his warm, live fingers from around the grips of that hogleg. I explain to the Scout why I did it, and the Rod/Gun club member apologizes profusely. No harm done, we caught it and stopped it. Lessons learned? Several, I think: - You can't have too many adult eyes out there. I thought we had enough, but didn't have enough who were conversant in the G2SS. If I did it over again, I'd have an additional savvy Scouter as an overwatch, or put that guy on the line and do it myself (as much as I enjoyed teaching the marksmanship). - The typical Scout wouldn't know the G2SS if it jumped up and bit him on the...ankle. The SPL and PL Handbooks are silent on it, and it isn't part of JLT. I know the G2SS is designed for adult leaders, but there's nothing wrong with the youth, even if only the Green Bars, having some level of familiarity with it. I intend to include a G2SS overview in TJLT in the future. - Never underestimate the enthusiasm and curiosity of boys, especially when there's explosives involved, God bless 'em. All's well that ends well, I guess. But, I could have done more than I did to keep that from happening, and I consider myself a by-the-book, safety-oriented kinda guy. KS