KoreaScouter

From what I read in your posts, it appears to me you're being played like a fiddle...by the whole family. There are a lot of "barracks lawyers" out there who will turn your good intentions into a deathbed Eagle emergency, playing off the emotions of volunteers who don't want to see a boy miss out on his Eagle, whether he earned it or not. I'd hold regular, even weekly, Scoutmaster conferences with the Scout, even documenting them in writing, to the committee advancement chair, and start putting together a dossier for the District advancement chair, too, if it comes to that. There should be no misunderstandings regarding which of the Eagle advancement requirements he's not meeting, and why. I'll invest as much time as I need to in a Scout who's properly motivated, working hard, and doing his best. But, every minute spent on a Scout like this one is a minute you can't spend with another young man who needs your leadership AND is responding to it. I'd focus on the second. Only 5% make it, right? KS

I know there's a built-in tradeoff when you take some of the time at a JLT campout for the youth leaders to set up camp and do some camp chores. What I'm thinking, though, is that if there is already a model patrol campsite set up when they get there, to include the patrol box/kitchen, it'll show them what right looks like. If you put the green bars into temporary patrols, you can rotate the "PL" responsibility among them for various activities. Ditto for the SPL/ASPL. Then, as the leadership lessons teach things like delegation, duty rosters, attention to detail, and followup (to name a few), they'll all have opportunities to apply them in outdoor settings and situations they'll actually face. I'm thinking we could do several patrol meetings, with each of them taking turns leading it, using the meeting agenda in the PL Handbook. Ditto for the PLC, with the SPL running one and the ASPL running one. Tie the lessons into practical applications right after they learn them, even if there's some simulation involved. I don't have this all sorted out, of course, which is why I asked for your ideas. For example, I don't know how to let them do menu planning at camp, unless somebody's got their car warmed up and ready to run to the store. Some of this is a head-scratcher, but I want to find a way to give the Green Bars practical, hands-on applications of what we teach them, as soon as possible after they learn it, in a controlled environment... KS

And of course, the very awkward position that publicly straying from the G2SS would put one in, is the position of trying to enforce a G2SS rule later, on a Scout or Scouter who knew that the laser tag one was knowingly disregarded. That's a much more likely outcome than an accident or incident during the outing... KS

Have any of you done your TJLT as a "campout", with model patrol campsites (including cooksite standards), PLCs, model patrol meetings, principles of skill instruction, etc.? I know we've had other threads on JLT, but I'm interested in knowing if any of you have gone beyond the theoretical to the applied. And, without the distractions of having the entire Troop there. thanks, KS

It must be tough to be "along for the ride" on something like that. Using all 8 methods, in balance or equilibrium with each other, is essential to doing this right, in my opinion. I may draw fire for this, but I think it's safe to say we value the "boy led" Troop because it's the most visible manifestation of the Leadership Development method. That said, I don't think it's a good thing to confuse "boy led" with "boy led into the ground". In other words, if we're hanging our hats on one method at the expense of any of the other seven, we're doing it wrong. If we stand by and watch youth leader(s) who are improperly motivated, apathetic, have the wrong sight picture, etc., the result will be that Scouts get disillusioned, quit, or maybe worse, they think that what they're seeing is "what right looks like". Then, we're not following the ideals, the outdoor program suffers, the patrol method is derailed, advancement suffers, adult association is dysfunctional, and so on. There's no hard/fast rule I know of that tells adult leaders when to step in. My personal rule of thumb is to intervene (as discreetly and unobtrusively as possible given the situation) when the methods are not in that equilibrium I mentioned above. That's a squishy definition I know, but the only way I can defend myself is that it's sort of like the Supreme Court Justice who couldn't define pornography, but he "knows it when he sees it". I guess what I'm saying is I feel no obligation to watch a train wreck if I can throw a switch on the siding a mile ahead of the wreck that will prevent it. That switch can be any number of things, including training, reflections, planning, counseling, modeling "what right looks like", being nearby, or ultimately, a willingness to step in, whisper in an SPL's ear, and redirect his activities/attention. True, all youth leaders need authority commensurate with their responsibilities. That can be given or withheld by adult leaders. But, what adult leaders can't give away is their ultimate responsibility to the CO (and to the families to whom we make a promise on page 1 of the Handbook) to use all 8 methods to achieve the aims and accomplish the mission. If my DE or COR wants to know why none of my first year Scouts are advancing, is he going to call my SPL? KS

Way back in this thread, somebody nominated "Iron Man" as the worst rock song ever. Okay, the intro's corny, especially when you consider the Ozzy of TV-show fame singing(?) it. But, it's okay once you get past that. I'd like to nominate another song as WRSE: "Mr. Roboto" by Styx; in fact, that one song effectively killed their career. KS

Barry; I understand your viewpoint, but I think I'd consider mentorship/reflections and TJLT as complementary, rather than the former as a substitute for the latter. Frankly, I'd like to see something like the big advancement chart we use now, resembling a spreadsheet, with leadership skills/applications represented in the columns, and leadership positions and possibly ranks represented in the rows. As Scouts completed various levels of training, or gained practical leadership experience "on the job", we could fill this thing in. We'd know what type of leadership training/experience each Scout had, both in classes and practical, and it would help us tailor TJLT to meet the needs of the Scouts rather than the "one size fits all" approach. Of course, something like that would have to incorporate a lot of flexibility in the material to permit customizing it to that level. I'm optimistic that the new TJLT curriculum will be more responsive to unit needs. I use the "Teaching Leave No Trace" publication now, and I think the flexibility and modularity in it is a good model for what TJLT curriculum could look like. KS

Random thoughts: Laurie: If your son attends Den Chief training, talk to the Cubmaster and gently insist that the Den Leader he'll be working with attend the training with him. Many, perhaps a majority, of DLs have never worked with a Den Chief, and have no idea how to gainfully employ them. Personally, while I believe that JLTC is a great opportunity and that every Scout who can attend should do so at an appropriate time, I don't believe it should be an advancement requirement, or linked to an advancement requirement. Basically, Scouts/Scouters at the unit level are beholden to their council to schedule and conduct this training. A Scout may be unable to attend due to cost, schedule, or other obligations. However, TJLT is entirely under the control of the unit, so there's no excuse for a Scout not having completed it at some point. I believe TJLT is beneficial for a Scout in any leadership position, not just green bars. The introduction to leadership styles, conflict resolution, and problem solving makes it a day well spent. I think BSA needs to completely overhaul the course materials for TJLT, however. I realize the book was recently revised somewhat to mix up the activities. However, the video is hopelessly outdated, and for most Scouts is more of a distraction than an aid. I think the layout, content, and sequence of the SPL and PL handbooks is excellent all the way around, and if BSA produced a TJLT that followed the handbooks, in a lesson plan format, with slides on a CD, and digital video embedded in it, it would be a dream come true. Moreover, I could do TJLT anywhere I could lug a notebook computer. Now, I'm tethered to a 110 outlet with a TV/VCR. Please be conscious of the reasons why we're promoting training. Is it for it's own sake, or merely to "fill a square"? Barry: Maybe I'm being thick-headed here, but I don't understand your comment about TJLT not being necessary if we're using the eight methods. I always thought TJLT fit under and is one of the cornerstones of the "Leadership Development" method. Am I out in left field? I do agree 100% with your assertion that TJLT should change to fit the needs of the "trainees". As I mentioned above, I think TJLT needs a complete overhaul, and one of the things I'd like to see is a "modular" concept that allows a SM to tailor the training to the experience and maturity levels of the Scouts. I haven't thought this completely through, but when I'm looking at a 15-year old Life Scout SPL who's been through TJLT four times, and an 11-year old 2nd Class APL who's going through it for the first time, and they're both getting the same material, I can't help thinking we could be doing this better/smarter. KS

There is a subtle, but important difference in the way GSUSA and BSA treats leaders of the "opposite sex". In BSA, I can be the only adult in a room with two or more Boy Scouts. As a registered leader in GSUSA, I cannot be the only adult in a room with any number of Girl Scouts -- there must be a female leader present, too. I don't carry a copy of GSUSA "Safety Wise" with me, so I paraphrase. I understand their rule, follow it meticulously, and am not complaining about it -- just pointing out that it's different. Regarding volunteers, and their gender, it doesn't matter to me. I look at motivation, dedication, and results, not which bathroom they go into. We've had female committee members, but no female ASMs, although I've worked with/around them at District/Council events. No worries at all, with one potential if far-fetched concern. Many of my parents are single moms, for whom a main benefit of Scouting for their sons is spending time with a positive male role model. If the unit had all female leaders, these families wouldn't be getting what they consider a main benefit of membership. Again, a far-fetched example, but there you go. KS

I sincerely pray that the parents are surrounded by family and friends who care about them and are offering support and understanding. As a father myself, I can't imagine how one would begin to get over a loss like this. I'm not anti-gun by any stretch, but of all the places I've been, I was most concerned about being shot during the 3 years I lived in Montana, while deer season was underway. KS

I think it's great for a District to offer a wide variety of outdoor opportunities, including cold weather camping (if you get cold weather where you live...see KS get longingly misty-eyed). It's up to the unit leadership to determine if they're going to participate, and if they do, to ensure they're prepared to participate safely and in a way that will allow the Scouts to look on the experience fondly, rather than with dread. Cold weather camping skills are not a mystery. We taught them and used them in Korea, and the lads had a great time (plus a big boost in self-confidence afterward). Fieldbook's got a pretty good chapter on winter camping, and the commercial stuff from Backpacker, REI, the internet, and other sources is readily available. That said, those optional activities shouldn't be an arm-twist. If a Scout or leader told me he just didn't want to winter camp, I wouldn't hold it against him. KS

Yep, "actual results may vary". Opinions, informed and otherwise, are what I come here for. BSA policy is what I go to my District "50-pound brains" for. KS

I can't believe he was only 76! When I watched him as a boy in the '60s, I thought he was 76 then... KS

As I'm sure many of you do, I have recommended meritbadge.com to many of my Scouts as a great resource for getting worksheets that help them organize their notes, sketches, and other "academic" work when they go to see their counselors. Lately though, I've noticed that the web site doesn't seem to have been updated in a while, and that none of the 2003 requirements changes seem to have made their way into worksheet revisions, let alone the 2004 changes. If they have in fact gone dormant, what other web sites do you recommend for resources? I already use the US Scouting Service Project... thanks, KS

The Army of Virginia didn't move to a foreign country; they stayed in the United States, the preservation of which was Lincoln's point in prosecuting the war. KS

Former Cubmaster also. In my experience, the least effective way to ask for help is to make a general announcement to a crowd. Second least is probably a blurb in a newsletter. Or vice versa. Point is, direct contact with someone you think is a good candidate is the best way to do this. If several people respond to your plea for a Cubmaster, you can only hire one of them. What do you tell the others, "thanks but no thanks"? What if none of the three is the best one for the job? Go ask the best person. Who is the best person? In my opinion, has nothing to do with experience. The person needs only two qualities (assuming they're otherwise qualified for BSA membership). First, comfortable in front of a crowd...obvious reasons. Second, already has or can establish a rapport with den leaders. Again, just my opinion, but the Cubmaster's biggest responsibility is getting the DLs squared away and then keep 'em running smoothly. If that gets cross-threaded, it's near impossible to fix. KS

We've always done some of "both", car camping with more/heavier stuff and backpacking with less/lighter stuff. I think it's good for the lads to experience both. I also happen to be a big believer in being well-rested, well-fed, and comfortable, to the extent my preparations and surroundings permit. I also encourage my Scouts to embrace the same mindset. If we're driving in and I can carry a dutch oven, I do so. If fires are permitted, we plan to have them; etc., etc. The BSA catalog does sell a pretty good selection of traditional, or heritage, or whatever they call it, equipment. In my last troop, we actually ordered the Baker Tent from the catalog, with our intent to use it as a Troop "HQ" during outings. Heavy canvas, tall in the front, short in the back, with the big flap that sticks out. It didn't come with poles, so we had to get those separately -- needed three different lengths: about 16" in back, 6' in the middle, and 7' at the front (end of the flap, so the rain would go back and you have more headroom). More guy lines than a radio transmission tower, and a minimum two-adult job to put it up, accompanied by much snarling and mental curses. However, when it was up, it never failed to attract other Scouts & Scouters, like moths to a candle. They admired it lovingly, as one would a classic automobile, and you could feel the nostalgia just being near the thing. So, yes, a pain in the neck. But, worth every bit of it. KS

I, as are all my counterparts, very interested in knowing when Gitmo will be shut down...the sooner the better, but not for the reasons many others may have. To me, it will mean that we no longer need it, and that those dads, brothers, husbands, fathers, and sons in the uniform of our country will be home where they belong. Regarding anything like a "no prisoners" policy, all I can say is that the treatment we receive at the hands of our captors, with some notable exceptions (the Japanese during WWII, North Koreans during the Korean War), is directly related to the treatment they receive at our hands. I'd have it no other way, and neither would anyone else I know who's in uniform. KS

In my last Troop, a few Scouts wore the official visored cap, some wore no hat, and some wore whatever baseball cap they felt like wearing. I discussed with the PLC at a monthly meeting, and they agreed that we should standardize on something, whatever it was. After some discussion, they decided that because they didn't like the visored cap, they'd design their own, and if a Scout wanted to wear a cap, the Troop cap would be the one they wore. We got them made downtown, embroidered with their names, and provided the first one free. Replacements were $6. Worked out great, and they designed 'em, so they couldn't complain! KS

Eamonn; Regarding the role of the ASM, I tend to follow the advice in my old edition (small bound, not hole-punched) SM Handbook. It recommends giving ASMs specific program responsibilities. Here's how I do it. I have four, and would like at least two more (I've told the COR, and he's beating the bushes, but that's another matter). Of the four, one works primarily with the Troop Guide and the first year Scouts to ensure we're taking advantage of and documenting their advancement opportunities as built into meetings and outings. Another works primarily with the Life-to-Eagle lads, counseling them on projects and the workbooks, advising them on MB decisions and coaching/cheerleading them when they feel overwhelmed, etc. A third works primarily with the ASPL, helping him lead, train, and follow up with the appointed Troop leaders. My fourth, due to work schedules and other issues, doesn't have specific program responsibilities, although he does regularly attend meetings and outings for "two-deep" purposes. I schedule a short meeting with them right before each monthly committee meeting, to see if they have any issues for the committee, and to look over next month's program. We also jaw before/after Troop meetings, and during outings. KS

Some thoughts: - A District Merit Badge Day, MBU, Roundup, 3-ring circus, or whatever you want to call it, requires the dedicated efforts of a tremendous number of volunteers if it is to be done the right way. It strikes me that when you're told your unit "doesn't support that", it's true on two levels. One, not allowing Scouts the opportunity to participate. And two, not volunteering as leaders/MB counselors or staffers to help the District staff pull it off. - If any leader believes any of his District events is sub-par, it seems to me that out of all available options, pitching in to make it better is preferable to a boycott...color me crazy. - My current District is a fairly recent "break-out" -- very new without many long standing traditions or continuity. We don't have an annual MB day, and do just one camporee a year. I'd like to be able to say "we have too many District events". Duty schedule permitting, I'll offer to put together a MB day in the fall. Just one word of advice: assuming you get the blue cards from the SM, select badges that can be reasonably earned in a day, after reviewing requirements and how they'll be completed at the MB day. For example, many elective badges have "do one of the following..." requirements. Which of the options is selected can determine if the Scouts will complete that day, or get a partial. KS

Shell; What Matua said; we're in the same council. I'm on Oahu, where the Council service center is located. Send me a private message, and we can work out any details on how I can help you. BTW, the Council Camp on Oahu, Camp Pupukea, has an excellent out-of-council camping program if your Troop (or another in your district) wants to make the hop across the ocean... KS

At it's essence, any law that restricts your freedom to do anything, including "Don't Walk" signs and HOV lanes, is an erosion of your civil liberties. The debate should be, in my opinion, over where the line between private rights and the public good should lie. Reasonable people can disagree, and that's what makes a horse race. I'm paranoid at work because it's in my job description. But, I make a concerted effort to leave it there when I go home. I guess my perspective is different, but I'm a product of my experiences, as you are of yours. If the "Have you ever been to Canada" question was directed at me, why, yes I have. I grew up in Minnesota, lived in Michigan, was stationed in Montana. I've traveled fairly extensively in Ontario and Alberta. Moreover, one of my closest friends in the military is a Canadian Forces officer who pulled an exchange tour in Virginia when I was there. KS

Calm down, conspiracy theorists, before your paranoia completely takes over. The Patriot Act (approved by a bi-partisan Congress), at its essence, simply adds terrorism language to existing US laws to allow their use to counter terrorism. It also adds language that updates legal procedures to keep pace with changing technologies that terrorists use to their advantage, such as cell and satellite phone technology. Many exisiting court order and wiretap procedures render investigative efforts useless when terrorists and their supporters use "throwaway" cell phones on nationwide networks, for example. Other provisions enable us to detect money laundering, bank secrecy, and currency crimes perpetrated by terrorist organizations that cannot use legitimate finance systems. There are provisions for enhanced border protection, and other public-interest initiatives such as limiting hazardous material licenses. BTW, the Patriot Act specifically says (Sec 501) that an investigation shall not be conducted of a U.S. person solely upon the basis of an act protected by the First Amendment...contrary to what LV claims. Attorney General Ashcroft has been on the stump for two years, going on talk shows, to college campuses, anywhere he can get a podium, so he can dispel these myths. Even college students, who aren't known for conservative Republican tendencies, leave wondering what all the fuss was about. Here's a suggestion: Read the actual Patriot Act (PL 107-56, Oct 26, 2001) for yourself, not opinions or reviews on it. Decide for yourself if you think it's "sinister". Think critically about what you read and hear, and take the time to inform yourselves. For example, how can anyone not read in and given access to a secret court's proceedings know or assert that the court's actions constitute "rubber stamping"? Remember that the public laws that the Patriot Act are derived from have been in place, in some cases for decades, and have been very effective AND repeatedly found constitutional. If you want to be concerned about something tangible and not a red herring, look at our apparent rollover on illegal immigrants and low overall marks in border control enforcement -- if you don't have borders, you don't have a country. I'll be very disappointed if this comes to pass simply to court the Hispanic vote this year. This is largely attributable to "Bush-bashing". It wouldn't matter what the law is or what his policy is, it will be disliked among some simply because it's associated with him. How ironic that we complain about erosion of civil liberties in a country where we have more of them than any other place on earth. I've lived and worked in places around the world where individual civil liberties are severely restricted to near-nonexistent -- there's no comparison. KS

I assign counselors from the district list, write their names, addresses, and phone numbers on the blue card before I give it to the Scout, and will continue to do so. I know my Scouts, and and either know or can learn about the counselors from the "old timers" here. My goal is to make the best match of Scout/counselor. I look at things like proximity, availability, reputation, personality, and other intangibles. A few examples: - Great Family Life counselor, popular with the Scouts, but leaving for a 6-month school in two months. He won't be around when they finish, so I assign a different counselor, even though left to their own devices, the Scouts would select him only to be frustrated at the back end. - Great Aviation counselor, a pilot, very thorough, but prefers to work with older Scouts. I assign younger ones to a different counselor, even though most Scouts would call the former if left up to them. - Scout wants to earn Personal Fitness; has many family/church obligations on weekends. His choice as counselor is only available on weekends. I assign a counselor who works nights and is available to meet with him after school. Summer camp's a little different; we may not know the counselors ahead of time. But, if it's a big council camp, and other Troops have gone ahead of you, use the network to find out who's where on the continuum. Otherwise, you roll the dice. Do I deny a blue card to a Scout? Of course not, can't do that. I do try to steer them in directions I think are optimal based on their age, maturity, advancement requirements, etc. But ultimately, if they're insistent, I'll spend the two minutes and the eight cents to issue a blue card. One person's micromanagement is another person's attention to detail. KS