KoreaScouter

Why not use the PL Meeting agenda/plan that's in the PL Handbook (chapter 4, pp 62-63)? KS

Therm-a-rest is the only way to go, regardless of budget. They make a full range of self-inflatable pads that roll smaller than closed-cell foam. You can pay anywhere from about $30 to close to $200 for one, depending on width, length, inflated thickness, etc. Uncle Sam bought my last several for me -- $70 for the latest, 2 1/2" thick, 76" long, and 30" wide. Sleeping on the ground has never been better. I bought my son a 1 1/2" thick, 72" long, and 24" wide TAR pad for $39.95...he doesn't leave home without it. KS

You bet they still make cars in Dearborn...and Warren, and Ypsilanti, Highland Park, and Flint. Dearborn is the home of the Rouge plant, which at the time Ford built it was the largest single industrial complex in the world -- freighters still unload iron ore at one end, and over a mile away at the other, finished cars (Mustangs)drive out. My DE's a great guy; half my age, first DE assignment, and working his tail off, recently married, with a future DE on the way -- everybody at Council here seems to understand their lanes and work well with each other (haven't seen them run with scissors, either). Please forgive me if I can't get worked up over whether or not DSteele pays his registration fee each year. As I often do when I think I may be getting distracted, I asked my 13 year old Boy Scout if it mattered to him whether the adults thought the DE worked for the volunteers or the other way around. He looked at me with that look your dog gives you when you talk to him in a funny voice, then he scampered off to find some aluminum foil to chew on. Hmm. I think I'll get back to scanning our Troop Meeting plans into our web site... KS

I've heard of this, a couple of Councils ago. It wasn't a case of a BSA-chartered unit hanging out a shingle as a SAR outfit. Rather, it was a Venture Crew who focused their high-adventure program on Orienteering, Climb-on-Safely, wilderness survival, E-prep, and so on. The outsiders they tapped for their training knew who they were, and they had at least a few unofficial "callups" as I recall. KS

Check the G2SS, "Youth Behavior Guidelines", page 6, Unit Responsibilities. It says in part: - "The unit committee should review repetitive or serious incidents of misbehavior in consultation with the parents of the child to determine a course of corrective action including possible revocation of the youth's membership in the unit." - "If problem behavior persists, units may revoke a Scout's membership in that unit." What sorts of infractions could result in revocation? That's in the G2SS, too; same page. "Physical violence, hazing, bullying, theft, verbal insults, and drugs and alcohol have no place in the Scouting program and may result in the revocation of a Scout's membership in the unit." This tells me units can revoke youth membership. I'd certainly make sure the CO's notified, but don't see them having veto authority. Adult membership is different, since the CO approves unit leaders. KS

I don't think the lad should be forced to quit Scouting. In fact, his ability to face and overcome his breach of values in a values-based organization may ultimately give him the best character lesson he ever gets. I don't think it should be swept under the rug within the Troop. I wouldn't put it in the monthly newsletter, either, but to assume the 12-year old PLs don't already know what happened, or are unaware that this sort of thing takes place is in my opinion very naive. I also wouldn't equate this with other similar adolescent infractions -- shoplifting creates a police record; this created a human life. There's a middle ground I think, between giving him a pass and making him the reincarnation of Hester Prynne in The Scarlet Letter. It's true that nobody's perfect, and Scout Spirit is a journey, not a destination. The reason I asked about the CO in my earlier post is that I don't think this is necessarily a "revocation of membership" issue, unless the CO thinks so. In that case, he could transfer to another Troop, or something. If not, then it's certainly a test of our collective tolerance (love the sinner, hate the sin, if you will) of this young man who made a huge judgment error. And, our ability to do this will also be an application of the "Adult Association" method and a behavior model for the Scouts in the Troop. Again, this all assumes he's doing the right thing by the girl, her family, and his unborn child. As the father of a son and a daughter, my thoughts and prayers go out to both families -- this must be heartbreaking. KS

FOG; "Individual History Report" from Troopmaster; sorry for the abbreviation. KS

If your District/Council is enforcing the requirement to register and train MB counselors, it shouldn't be impossible or even difficult to track them down, unless they leave the program. Every Council I've been associated with has the MB Counselor spreadsheet based on registrations. If, on the other hand, you're using unregistered counselors, it'll likely be easier to find Jimmy Hoffa than "Bob, the archery counselor from summer camp". An SM is supposed to only assign counselors from the District list -- so, it's not a "nice to have", it's a "must have". I've gotten many Scouts transfer in from other Troops, with partials. I do the handoff to our local counselors, they review the Scout's status, and off we go. BTW, I encourage the use of the worksheets from meritbadge.com -- makes it so much easier for Scouts to organize their material and counselors to review it, especially if they're moving around. As an editorial comment, I have a concern with Saltheart's suggestion that Scouts can hop around counselors on their own (SH, please forgive me if I misinterpret your post). The SM's only input to this process is assigning the counselor when they issue the blue card. Some counselors are more accessible, some are better with younger (or older) Scouts, some better trained, some are simply more thorough about meeting requirements. I know which ones are the best "fit" since I know the Scouts and (most of) the counselors, at least by reputation. If a Scout wants or needs to change counselors, I think that's something that should only be done with SM involvement -- whatever the reason, it shouldn't be happening without our involvement & concurrence. KS

Great questions from BW; I'll assume he wants to continue his membership. All the other Scouts in the Troop already know what happened -- we're kidding ourselves if we think they don't. They may not tell YOU they know what happened, but that's a different matter. What they're waiting to see is "what happens now". If the lad is a 15-year old Life Scout, he's at least an informal leader in the Troop, probably a formal leader. He set an incredibly bad example for the Scouts in the Troop, and figuratively, if not literally, tore from his Handbook the "Making the Most of Yourself" chapter. In my opinion, if he stays in the Troop, the matter must be addressed with his active involvement. To not do so amounts to tacit endorsement of his behavior -- two wrongs don't make a right, and this is a litmus test for them whether or not we're "walking the walk" or just "talking the talk" regarding Scout Spirit. How to address? More than one option, but any technique should, again in my opinion, communicate clearly the following points: 1. I made a huge mistake 2. I'm sorry for making it 3. Here's how it's changing the rest of my life 4. Don't make the same mistake I did Troop leadership is walking on eggshells no matter what. The Scout may be salvageable, but adult leaders have to be very careful doing anything that may appear to endorse his behavior. It's almost a no-win. This assumes, of course, that the lad is doing right by the girl. Just out of curiosity, what type of entity is your Chartered Organization? Good luck. KS

Dad, Mom, and son (16) move to an undisclosed overseas location from an undisclosed location in the continental U.S. Dad and son visit a Troop meeting. Son says he's a Life Scout, wants to transfer in. Dad says he's got adult leadership experience; 3 older sons are all Eagles. SM gives applications to both. Dad turns his in to District office 2 weeks later; DE sends it to us for CC/CO approval. Son doesn't turn one in. Dad's application is processed; never comes to a meeting or activity. DE later says dad tried to register son directly with District as a Lone Scout; DE tells him to register with a Troop near his home (ours). At recharter time, Dad says he's going to be more active, wants to continue his membership. Following September, son (now 17), shows up at a Troop meeting with dad, asking for application. SM does conference with son. No handbook, no transfer since he's been inactive for two years, no IHR from last Troop. Son says he's 3 MBs and a project shy of completing Eagle requirements -- vague answers to specific questions. Dad says he's going back to their old home following week, will retrieve handbook and IHR while there. Dad tells me he's done his leadership, and the project's "nearly done". SM says "Great, do you have the Eagle Project Workbook?" Dad gives non-responsive answer. SM says in effect "Produce the workbook with necessary signatures or start over". Just over 6 months to 18th birthday. To play it safe, SM assigns a POR. Meanwhile, dad returns without Eagle Project Workbook, but claims last District Advancement Committee approved it. Repeated attempts to get anyone in last District to confirm it failed. Son is advised to write up the project again, and submit to our District Advancement Committee. DAC recommended additional "content" to make it Eagle-caliber. One month before 18th birthday. Old SM handed Troop over to new SM a month prior. Son has "mailed it in" for last five months. Project almost done. Son is moving two weeks before 18th birthday, going back to former home. Did dad do end-runs around everybody? Yes. Was the son coached on how to provide non-responsive answers? Probably. Did dad move the boy back home and play the same game to get the son a conference and BOR before his b'day? Don't know, but that's the way to bet. Was the program misused? I think so. KS

Since June, on the island of Oahu (Honolulu, to be proper, since the whole island comprises the city and county of Honolulu). An amazing array of microclimates here. Most associate Hawaii with lush tropical gardens. Lots of those, on the windward side of the island, which also gets most of the rain. On the leeward side, where we live, it's near desert, with less than 20" of rain a year. We're at near sea level, but go toward the mountains a few miles, and the temperature drops 10 degrees. Rainbows every day, and starry skies that nearly rival the Montana sky when I lived there. During my 18-mile commute, I pass Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona memorial, then walk into a building that is still riddled with bullet holes from the Japanese attack over 60 years ago. Whoever coined the term melting pot had Hawaii in mind. Native Hawaiians are the minority, with half the population from other Asian countries. Many bugs, but no snakes. Great food; shave ice, plate lunch, malasadas, haupia pie, ethnic food from everywhere. Very casual; aloha shirts and flip-flops are acceptable attire for just about any occasion. Wonderful, friendly people. Aloha Council Camp Pupukea offers a great out-of-council camping program if you want to bring your Troop here to camp... KS

If you can't get back issues from National, try your local library. Many have subscriptions, and will simply discard after they're a few years old. KS

In case anyone needs a reminder not to take what we have for granted...it's a little long, sorry. Thanks for all the time and effort you give to Scouting. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and everyone you care about. KS ____________________________________________________ by Staff Sgt. Jeramie Brown Detachment 4, Air Force News Agency 11/14/2003 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) -- Like most Americans, I find that I am pretty selfish sometimes. I learned just how selfish on a recent trip to Iraq. I was sitting on a C-130 Hercules waiting to leave a location I can't spell or pronounce, when we got delayed. I was annoyed. I'd been traveling for hours trying to get to my destination and here we were, stuck in some out-of-the-way place and I was hot, tired and ready to get there already. Then it happened. I found out we were waiting on another passenger. I didn't know his name. I say 'his' but I didn't know if he was actually a he or a she. I didn't know what branch of service he was in or what rank he was. All I knew was that this passenger cost me another hour and a half on that plane. Little did I know how profound an impact "The Passenger" would have on me. You see, this passenger that we had to wait on, who delayed our trip and annoyed me and the other passengers, was a casualty of war. The ground crew brought him on board in a body bag. They laid him down between the jump seats and the cargo pallet, and covered him with Old Glory. At that moment, I felt the heat of shame in my face. Who was I to worry about a little lost sleep or a few extra hours on a plane when he had given his life in this war? By this time, everyone on board had stood up out of respect and, when they had "The Passenger" secure, the sergeant leading the crew called the plane to attention and barked a quick command. Every man and woman on that plane, from private to colonel immediately snapped a crisp salute in honor of the ultimate sacrifice made by "The Passenger". It was a moment of perfect unity. Every eye on that flag, every arm raised in respect, every breath caught in every throat for just one second. With our respects paid, everyone took his or her seat and prepared for take-off. I don't know about anyone else on that plane but I found myself contemplating what this passenger's sacrifice meant: to me, to our country, but mostly to his family. I found myself wondering what he gave up for the war on terror. Did he leave a wife behind when he deployed? Did he have children out there somewhere who would never see their father again? What about his parents, brothers and sisters? How would his family cope with his death? Was the sacrifice he made for his country worth it? To his family, perhaps not. To the Iraqi families, maybe. You see, I learned something else on this trip. I learned how the Iraqi people are living. Ramshackle houses... no cars... no central air, or any air conditioning for that matter, none of the so called 'modern conveniences'. I also learned that, thanks to our efforts, some of the kids are now able to go to school for the first time in years. Teachers are allowed to teach in multiple languages and cover subjects that were banned during the old regime. Clinics are opening all over the country, doctors are no longer afraid that if they misdiagnose someone it will cost them their lives. That's right, there is no malpractice insurance in Iraq. A doctor at one of the clinics told me that, under the old regime, if a doctor made a mistake, he paid for it with his life. So was "The Passenger's" sacrifice worth it? I guess it depends on your point of view. Then I started thinking about my own family. How would my wife deal with my death if it came on this trip? Would my children be ok? How horrible would it be for my parents to outlive me? I thought of my brother and his family in California. How many times have I meant to call them only to get distracted and forget? I haven't seen them in almost four years. My sister in Illinois hasn't seen me in a couple of years either. When was the last time I called her? Why haven't I e-mailed her or my niece lately? I use to send her e-mails every week or so, but I seem to have let my oh-so-busy life get in the way of communicating with the ones I love. Do I write enough? Call enough? Definitely not! I think that's what it all comes down to. We get so wrapped up in our lives that we forget about the other people in this world. We forget that not everyone lives in a free society. We forget that sometimes you have to stand up for people who can't stand up for themselves. We forget that we have a responsibility to the people of this world, and not because we are a super power or have the best military in the world, but simply because we all share this planet. We forget that, for good or bad, what one person does affects everyone. What we can't forget is that we never know when the moment of our death will come. Don't forget to tell the people who are most important to you how much you love them and how much you miss them. Don't forget to take time out of your 'busy' schedule and call your family and friends. Don't forget to do something today that will make a difference tomorrow, so that when your time comes someone can say 'Thank you for the sacrifices you made, you had a profound impact on my life.' So to "The Passenger," I say thank you. Thank you for serving your country. Thank you for standing up for people who can't stand up for themselves. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice. Most importantly, thank you for making me realize that our time on this earth is never certain and we'd better do our best to make it worthwhile. May you find peace and happiness wherever you may be. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to go call my kids, my parents, my brother, my sister...

In an organization as large as ours, you can find anecdotal evidence to prove any assertion, even if it's just a "sample of one". Following the program often means following an individual...his example, his direction, his intent, etc. In fact, as far as program delivery/direct contact is concerned, I can think of two methods, Adult Association and the Uniform, that primarily rely on Scouts "following" our example for their success. When my District or Council leadership expects me to be somewhere or do something (be a follower), it by no means diminishes my position as the SM in my unit or creates a negative connotation -- unless I carp about it openly in front of others, or publicly defy my leadership. Let's not fall into the trap of assuming that leading and following are mutually exclusive, or like opposite poles on a switch. I assert as I did in my previous post that we are all both simultaneously. While a PL is following his SPL's instructions, he's directing the activities of his patrol -- doing one does not take away from the other. While being a good follower is not necessarily a dogmatic prerequisite to being a good leader, practical experience tells us several things. First, in any field of endeavor, the "rookies" take more direction than they give -- Scouting's no exception. Getting people beyond the rookie phase is the challenge, and maybe the bone of contention. Second, the people who take direction the best (the good followers) also happen to learn the most, generally don't have chips on their shoulders, are paying attention, aren't overly self-absorbed, and tend to work well with others. Guess what? Those are some of the traits we value in leaders. Good leaders are normally good followers. Not a coincidence. Third, regarding leaders who can't or won't follow at the same time, there's not a lot of history out there, because those guys generally don't last long enough as leaders to accumulate data points. KS

All of us, even the Chief Scout Executive, are both leaders and followers, simultaneously. We lead those in our units for whom we are responsible, and follow the guidance, direction, and inspiration (hopefully) of those to whom we are responsible. Again, and importantly, we are doing both at the same time. Can someone be a good leader and a lousy follower? Maybe, but that's not the way to bet. In my experience, leaders get to become and remain leaders by first becoming and remaining good followers. Also in my experience, the notion of setting a good example is incredibly relevant here. The people you're leading (adults and youth) are skilled observers. They will do what you do, good or bad. They have very sensitive hypocrisy meters, which will peg if you insist they follow the rules but do not do so yourself. In our military working dog business, we have an expression: "What goes down the leash comes up the leash." In other words, the attitude, expectations, and standards of the handler are felt and understood by the dog, and directly reflected in the dog's performance. Obviously, more complicated with human-to-human relationships, but the point's valid. What BW's talking about is the notion of "servant leadership", which is a valid concept that is embedded in the styles of many of our best leaders, regardless of field of endeavor.

It reads like one of those local council/district patches with a basic in the middle, and segments that go around it as Scouts complete various portions of the local program. Sure, they should go in the temporary patch area, but many parents without a uniform/insignia guide will put those things anywhere they'll fit (when I was a Cubmaster, one of my Wolves' mom sewed his Bowl-a-Thon patch above the right pocket where the Jamboree patch goes). Sometimes, we're our own worst enemy -- temporary patches are supposed to fit within the border of the pocket, but many don't. A previous District issued a MB Roundup patch almost the size of a personal pan pizza... KS

I find it hard to believe that somebody who's being honored as a "Scouter Emeritus" for years of past service by being registered each year at unit expense, would be unwilling to do ANYTHING to help with the leadership of that unit. Surely, these persons do $10 worth of work for the unit. If not, it's a legitimate question. I'M okay with "committee members at large" who don't do much, as long as the main committee positions are filled with people who aren't mailing it in, and there are enough working ASMs. Also, if the adults are helping with unit fund raisers, the $10 shouldn't be an issue; compared with boys having to sell $50 worth of popcorn to get it... KS

There are about as many ways to include visiting Webelos Scouts into the Troop meeting program as there are Troops. If there's a desire to have them involved in an opening, and repeat the Cub Scout Oath, you could simply have the SPL say "Our visiting Webelos Scouts from Pack X will repeat the Cub Scout Oath. Troop X members may repeat it with them, if they desire...". KS

I suggest to my Scouts that it includes having the "situational awareness" to have a plan, an alternate, and always know what your next move is supposed to be, and when you're supposed to make it. KS

As far as where the Scout/Adult Conduct agreements are, I don't think you need to look any farther than the Boy Scout Application. The Scout signs the front, saying he's "...read the Scout Oath or Promise and the Scout Law and promise to observe them." There's your Scout conduct agreement. As far as the parent is concerned, if this particular parent is, through her input, attempting to provide "leadership" to you, any other registered Scout/Scouter, or the unit as a whole, take a look at the "Information for Parents" on the application. It says in part that "Scouting's adult volunteers provide leadership at the unit...level." It goes on to say that "Leadership is restricted to qualified adults who subscribe to ...the Scout Oath, and the Scout Law." If this parent's behavior approximates "leadership", and she's not registered, you have an issue. If she were registered, and not conducting herself in accordance with the Scout Oath/Law, you have another issue. Resolving the issue is the responsibility of the adult leaders, working together. good luck, KS

How about those square German chocolate bars, that come in about 6 different varieties. Can't remember the name, but they sell them in the US, too, and they're great. I wouldn't do much for a Klondike bar -- no stick, makes the second half of eating them a...chocolate mess. They had an ice cream bar in Korea called a "Crunky". It was a Heath-type coating, vanilla ice cream, and in the middle, around the stick, a hershey-type chocolate bar -- beautiful, and about 35 cents. KS

Check out this link, e-mailed to me today. KS http://www.pressaprint.com/som/WeSupportU2.htm

Sorry, I got away from this thread for a while. Yes, there is the principle of "needs of the service", and you can be pressed into whatever duty is required of you. That said, with an AVF, it's up to you if you walk in the door in the first place, or if you re-enlist or retain your commission -- that was my point. Women are flying fighter jets, not in huge numbers, but they're doing it. Yes, the lines between combat, combat support, and combat service support are growing increasingly blurred as we're faced with adversaries who use assymetric methods to engage us. What that means is that we can't compartmentalize our people and assume that they'll be in sanctuaries because of where they are or what they do. New reality. KS

OGE; I'll remember that! Thanks for the alternative perspective... KS

Every aspect of youth behavior will fit into the Oath/Law somehow. For the troop administration stuff, if you need to write it down in order for the adults to remember, go ahead. The program's for the boys. If our Advancement chair has enough time at a BOR, we'll slide another lad in there even if he thought he'd only have time for three, but there's 20 extra minutes. They're all ready; why make 'em wait if it isn't necessary... KS