KoreaScouter

My current Troop doesn't own any tents, on purpose. Every Scout and leader brings his own or buddies up. Quartermaster loves it, and once you get over the "refugee camp" appearance of our Troop campsites, it's not a bad thing... KS

Yeah, I've been trying to get a crank starter for my truck, 'cuz that's what B-P had in his lorrie -- havng a devil of a time finding an aftermarket supplier, though. I may have to (gasp!) live with a modern, convenient, electric starter, much to my chagrin. I'm a gadget guy -- if it's useful, I'll use it. I carry a GPS, but also have a compass and know how to use it. I carry a lighter...and matches. I like Polartec more than wool. I have FRS radios, and a whistle... Many of the MBs need requirement updates to account for changes in technology, Hiking & Orienteering just two of them. KS

Several of the Scouts in our Troop have cell phones, and they will bring them to meetings/outings. It hasn't been a problem, since they all seem to understand that we don't want to hear ringing cell phones or have side conversations with girlfriends going on during skill instruction. Their phones are off or on vibrate and in their backpacks, not hanging on their belts. They come in handy on those occasions when our return time is different from what's on the permission slip, or they need to ask a parent to bring something for the end of the meeting, etc., etc. I'd rather have the lads using their own phones than lined up to use mine. In an emergency, or if some get separated, the more means of communication, the better. I'm not really interested in policing cell phones as a SM. If they have one, their parents know it and either condone it or want them to for some reason (sick relative, stay in touch, whatever). I'm not going to usurp the parents' authority. If the way the Scout uses the phone becomes disruptive, leadership will get involved starting with his PL. These things are a tool, like anything else. They needn't be feared, but should not be misused, either. KS

It's incredibly unlikely we'll ever return to military conscription under any circumstance. It's strictly demographic. We have a U.S. population of about 280 million and an active duty military population less than 1.5 million (double it with the Guard/Reserve). If we had conscription, the period of service to ensure everybody (with some medical/humanitarian deferments) served, would be so ridiculously short that it wouldn't be worth the investment in training, equipping, etc. Moreover, our accession sources and training centers would collapse under their own weight from the revolving-door training burden. Many of our NATO allies faced this problem after the collapse of the Soviet Union, shortened conscription times until they were meaningless and their training commands cried "uncle", then they went to all-volunteer forces. As an option, you could make the deferments more generous to cut down on the numbers you need to push through the pipeline, but then you end up right back where you started -- very small proportion of the population actually serves. Considering that we have more men registered than we can ever use, why register women too, unless it's to peg the social "fairness meter"? Aren't there better ways to do that? Women have the opportunities to join and excel in the military now (with just a few combat exceptions), without having to register for the draft. I don't see what they'll gain by compelling them to register. Newsflash: men do have an option regarding combat or support roles -- it's called the all volunteer force. And, once you're in the door, you can get guarantees on your MOS/AFSC/Rate. So, every infantryman is an infantryman because of choices & decisions he made, not made for him by someone else. Reservists who are called up weren't drafted; they volunteered too, a few or more years ago. When they did, they acknowledged that they could be activated on the order of the President. Most people gloss over that part, thinking it can never happen. I spent four years in the Guard between active duty periods, and although we knew we could be activated, we lived our lives as if we wouldn't be. Would I want my daughter to join the military? No. If I have to send my baby girl to fight, we've got an issue besides whether women should register. Pray to God it never comes to that. KS

Thanks for all the feedback. I have seen the Wells Fargo trailers, and wasn't aware that the dual axles gave such a handling advantage. Living in Hawaii is great, but three things you just don't see here are Cracker Barrels (the restaurants), Olive Gardens, and cargo trailers. I don't know why, unless it's a combination of lack of trailer storage space and small-island-nowhere-to-haul-anything. That's why I was originally considering the retired U-Haul. We're still looking... KS

My JAG can beat up your JAG, even if he doesn't have his own TV show. Different lawyers have different opinions. This is like arguing over how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. What Scouts do (wear dockers with their shirts) and what we as leaders should be modeling and encouraging can be two entirely different things, and apparently are in this case. I'm sure there are surplus stores with uniforms for sale that haven't been de-milled...doesn't make it right. KS

We've debated this one extensively in this forum. Some new nuggets have popped up in this thread though, so I thought I'd weigh in. First, even if somebody came up with an authoritative reference that said they were okay, why would any of us condone, let alone encourage it? The uniform is one of the eight methods, and collectively as leaders, we should be encouraging and modeling it's full wear. Do we allow substitutes for the patrol method, or some other set of advancement requirements? Then, why give a wink/nod to BDUs? There are complicated sets of rules on military uniform wear, not just by military people either. BDUs are appropriate (and legal) in certain settings off a military base, not in others. Stopping for gas, okay. Going to church, not okay. This is a work/utility uniform, and we're supposed to wear it only where mechanics coveralls would be appropriate. Different branches of service have slightly different interpretations, and base commanders can have more restrictive rules for their installations. Why get caught up in that? Catalogs and surplus stores sell military items, including BDUs. These items are supposed to be "de-milled", that is, rank and other insignia removed before they're re-sold. I have been taught by military instructors in a long past training course, that it's a violation of the U.S. Code (please don't ask me which section/chapter, I don't have the U.S. Code at my house, or in my office for that matter) for civilians to wear military uniforms with the insignia on them. Many complicated reasons for that, too, going back to the 19th century, Civil War Reconstruction, Posse Comitatus Act, and current reasons with the War on Terrorism. The full BSA uniform identifies you as a Scout/Scouter. Military BDUs mixed with a BSA shirt or some other clothing introduces cases of mistaken identity -- not something we want. To me, this whole thing is a symptom. So many people want to wear BDU pants because they think they fit & wear better than the official pants, that they're more functional, and they're certainly more affordable. If there was an official pants option that did all that (green, khaki, camo, or polka-dotted), we wouldn't be having this discussion, probably. KS

Old cargo pants much better. KS

Nobody should swim who hasn't taken the test and had their swimming ability classified (a SSD requirement after all). Once tested and classified, they shouldn't have to do it again, unless it's a resident camp rule or something. We allow any of the Green Bars to sign off the requirements, provided they already have the requirement signed off themselves. KS

Victory to me means we've accomplished the mission. For BSA, that's produce adults of high character. So, how about checking in on the lads when they're 25, and see how they turned out? Then we can declare victory or defeat, one man at a time... KS

Leadership development isn't the mission of BSA; it isn't even one of the 3 aims. It is a method, but only one of eight. And, BSA says that all eight are equally important. That means a couple of different things to me. First, that I need to stress uniforming, the outdoor program, advancement, etc., as much as I stress leadership development -- as methods of Scouting. Second, it means that I cannot allow one method (leadership development, in this case) to dominate the program at the expense of the other methods. For example, if some Green Bars are not taking the initiative to know which advancement requirements their Scouts need, or are not documenting their completion of these requirements, I will intervene to ensure that the PLs are properly focused on the advancement needs of their Scouts, and that the Scouts' activities that meet advancement criteria are properly documented, by whatever means necessary, including having ASMs review handbooks and fill in the advancement charts. Again, all methods are of equal importance. Why tell the adults to stay away, not get involved, not help, or not appear to be "interfering"? Isn't adult association one of the methods? Why can't an ASM whisper in the ear of a PL in real time, while there's still a chance to bail out a patrol meeting that's stalled or dysfunctional, instead of waiting until it's over, discover what went wrong and what could have gone right, then go out and do damage control? Which of these two techniques is a better way to ensure personal growth, also one of the 8 methods? What are we afraid of, or why do we think this is improper? I don't assign ASMs as "super PLs" to actually run the patrol with the PL as a mere figurehead. But I do expect them to move among the patrols, offering help and advice if needed or asked, directive coaching if called for, and helping the SPL ensure that rosters are done, menus are made up, patrol record books are getting filled out, dues are collected, etc. Don't get me wrong, I believe in the Scouts having the authority, responsibility, and freedom to carry out their responsibilities, to the extent they're capable of doing so. And, I believe in continuously developing their leadership ability so that they can do these things. But, this isn't like flipping a light switch on. Some are naturals, some get good after doing it for a while, and some never quite catch on. You have to operate on a continuum -- when they need or want help, they're going to get it; when they don't, they won't. And, it's situational and personality-dependent. I don't get to pick the youth leadership team; the Scouts do. With the power to do social engineering, I'd place Scouts where I thought they'd do best, and leave them there longer. But, I can't, so I deal with the continuously changing human dynamics of semi-annual elections, inexperienced new leaders, training and team building, growing pains, misunderstandings, and then team proficiency and harmony, just in time to blow it up and do it all over again. In that kind of environment, you still have to ensure that all the other methods are effectively used, so that the aims are achieved and the mission is accomplished. That's not the SPL or the PLs' responsibility -- it's mine. If my Scouts aren't advancing, or our outdoor program is deficient, or we're coming up short on some other method, I'll never blame that on an SPL or another Green Bar -- it's on my shoulders. Bottom line in my opinion: leadership development is important, but no more important than any of the other methods. And, I'll always maintain a balance of all 8 methods, as best I can. As another SM has said: "There's a difference between boy-run and boy-run-into-the-ground." Know the difference, and don't let one turn into the other. KS

That young man's values are already formed...his troop did the best job they could with him, but at this point, it didn't sink in completely -- unfortunate, but nobody bats 1.000. As far as the rest of the Scouts in the Troop are concerned, exactly how do we instill these values? One big way is through modeling, by both the adults and the older youths. I submit to you that by allowing an older Scout to "mail it in" in front of them all, we're not instilling the values we should be, in the other Scouts in the Troop. If they allow this, nobody should be surprised if others do the same thing five years down the road. What course of action will have the greatest good for the greatest number of people? Afraid to lose him? We've already lost him -- let's move on. KS

I have some experience in Cub/Boy Scouting, and even a little in Girl Scouting; my daughter's a Junior, been in since Brownies, and I've been through their outdoor and basic leader training. I'm going to paint with a broad brush here. In my experience, Girl Scout Troops are organized and operated much like Cub Scout Dens, but without the Pack leadership to keep everyone moving in the same direction (although they are much better than us at collecting and managing $$). Each GS Troop leader is an independent entity, designs her own program, gives or doesn't give the girls a real share in the planning/leadership (depending on the leader's comfort level, confidence, experience), and the girls are just along for the ride. I realize that some Cadet and Senior troops may be different, but I've seen many that aren't. It's a coincidence if what the leader wants is what the girls want. Not surprisingly, many find something else to do as they get older. Shopping around for a Troop that fits your daughter's interests is impractical. My daughter really enjoyed her Junior Aide time (almost identical to BSA Den Chief duty), but there are very few structural opportunities to mentor younger girls like that. You do it once, then it's over, and you're back with peers in your Troop. You don't have the dynamics of older, more experienced girls working and interacting with younger less experienced ones in a large troop setting with experience-based patrols. I've never understood why not. I know GSA has provisions for large troops to organize into patrols and give girls leadership opportunities, but I've never seen it anywhere we've been associated with Girl Scouts (3 councils now). KS

I use outlines for mine, different for each rank, plus one for Scout and one for new families. They're all different of course, but follow the same general template: -Congratulations -Ice-breaking, "put him at ease" small talk -Discussion of specific requirements for the rank he's nearing --Scout skills for first three (which TF requirement was the most difficult, which did you enjoy most, etc.) --Leadership/service/MBs for Star+ (tell me about your service project, how do you see your responsibility to younger Scouts, etc) -Discussion of some topic not specifically in the requirements, such as ethical decision making, or duty to God -Discussion of upcoming BOR -Review remaining requirements for next rank -Ask what I can do to be a better SM -Ask for any questions, problems, concerns -Scout handshake Takes about 15 minutes with a quiet lad, my longest was around 35 minutes with a future radio talk show host. I don't re-test requirements at the SM conference; I expect the Green Bars to ensure they can tie knots and put a bandage on -- besides, I see their Scout skills, Scout Spirit, etc., at meetings & outings. I assume you're talking about Scouts going for TF, 2C, and 1C when you say they re-test requirements. I conduct my conferences immediately before, during, or after Troop meetings or during outings. So, they're already in uniform. If I conducted one outside a Scout activity, I hope I'd remember to ask him to be in uniform -- I know I'll be, and it gives me an opportunity to correct any uniform mistakes before his BOR. KS

I echo the poster who said you could provide a quality program for your den. It reinforces what I firmly believe from my Cubmaster and pack CC days: the Den Leaders are the key to Cub Scouting effectiveness. The Cubmaster can be great, but if the den leaders aren't, your program will stink. The reverse is true, too. You can't save the world, but you can save your eight. What can they do, fire you? KS

The half-committed Scout (or leader for that matter) is a bad example to others. I've said in other posts that we often do this to ourselves when we ingrain in these lads that Eagle should be their goal. Reach your goal, go do something else. In my SM conferences, I address Eagle as an intermediate goal, one waypoint in a lifelong journey. It'll take a generation, but if we could shift this paradigm, I think we'd run into this problem a lot less than we do now. Regarding this particular Scout's active participation, this isn't a Luby's cafeteria where you can take the dessert and not the vegetables. But, that's exactly what he wants to do -- bad life lesson. Burnt out on Scouting? Then, why is he interested in the outings? In this case, burnt out may be a euphemism for lazy, or "selective work avoidance" for the PC types. We expect a lot from Eagles, as we should. First, an expectation of leadership -- if a 17-year old Eagle isn't a JASM or in some similar position, then something's wrong. Again, bad example for everyone else. I had a similar situation in a former Troop with a former Scout who we knew was in the community and trying to back into Eagle through the Lone Scout Program -- didn't want the leadership or Troop/patrol involvement, just the badges/project. District wouldn't buy it, so he registered with us "under duress". Absolutely minimally involved, and that was like dragging a horse through a knothole. Marginal project, etc., etc. I wasn't the SM when it was Conference time, and the committee gave him a pass -- worst example of shabby behavior I've seen in Scouting. I was really upset for the other older Scouts in the Troop, who came to the meetings, taught the knots, planned the program, did the fund-raisers, stood in the ceremonies, and essentially "ate their vegetables". We're all volunteers, and have a finite number of hours for this. Invest those hours with Scouts who want the program, rather than just spend them on those who don't. If it's any consolation, you should only have this problem for a couple more months -- recharter's right around the corner... KS

I think Bob's right in spirit, if not strictly in letter. The Patrol Leader's Handbook includes an entire chapter on other leadership positions in the patrol. While it doesn't require a PL to appoint them, or require that every Scout in the patrol have a POR with a patch and advancement requirement credit, that's obviously what BSA's getting at, and the reasons why are obvious. I disagree with CubsRgr8 that the appointed patrol positions have nothing to do with advancement. Granted, a POR is not required for the first three ranks, and except for PL, the patrol positions don't count toward advancement. But, I believe that if a Scout, however junior, shares in the leadership, decision-making, and operation of his patrol (and by extension, his troop) as a Grubmaster, patrol Scribe, etc., it lays a foundation of responsibility and familiarity with "how the Troop operates" that will serve him well when he is completing Star requirements. So, there's no immediate, direct relationship between patrol positions and advancement, but that's no reason to not use them. After all, most of what's important about Scouting doesn't pay off immediately. We often don't know if this worked for a particular boy unless we can see him when he's 25. So why not use patrol positions, with the crossed-fingers expectation that a patrol Scribe today will make a better Troop Scribe tomorrow? On another point, I wouldn't use appointed patrol positions for advancement credit under the "...leadership project assigned by your SM..." clause. To me (and I've been wrong before), that's an end run around BSA requirements. A Troop may have more than one Instructor, even more than one ASPL. I would appoint additional Instructors who specialize in certain areas of Scoutcraft before I'd count patrol positions that BSA didn't intend to count for advancement. KS

I've bought and sold on E-Bay, and in my opinion, the nature of the bidding has changed and made it very frustrating for the casual user. There are web sites now that, for a piggyback fee, offer automated bid generators that end-load successive bids in the last couple minutes of an auction, to ensure you get the item you want. If you don't use automated bid generators, and don't sit in front of your computer 24/7, you're going to be constantly, and slightly, outbid by the SWAT team members. I've tried sliding in manually at the end of auctions and it just hasn't worked. I still bid, mainly on used uniform items, but before I bid, I set a personal limit on how high I'll go, and don't go over that. I know the cost of new items, and in general, what I'll pay for used ones in good condition is slightly over half the cost of a new one. KS

In my opinion, piling on a lot of other rules and processing requirements will only make this more difficult for volunteer Scouters trying to make this system work. For example, with 40,000 eagles a year, even a records-only BOR at national means somebody will have to do over 100 per DAY, every day of the year, including weekends and holidays. Who would do such a thing? What kind of quality review will these applications get? To me, the key to making this work and keeping it aboveboard lies with the DC and the District Advancement Chair. Those guys know the units, the leaders, and should know the Scouts who are knocking on the door, too. They know who's cutting corners and who isn't. They know if projects are viable or if they aren't. The "traffic cop" function, if we need to have one, should be at the District, no place else. If those guys are involved and participating like they should be, we shouldn't need minimum project hours or 3 BORs. KS

Military parachute cord; light, holds a knot well, strong as the dickens Garmin E-Trex GPS; just five buttons, runs all day on a set of batteries, Scoutproof, and around $100 brand new. KS

We required a Class 3 on all participants in our off-peninsula winter "medium adventure" trips when I was in Korea. The trip didn't meet Class 3 requirements based on activity level, but on proximity to a full-service hospital...we erred on the side of caution. One thing to keep in mind if you require Class 2s for everyone, for every outing: the parents fill out the Class 1 for free; they often have to pay out of pocket for the doctor's appointment to get the Class 2 done. KS

CaptainRon: We're on Oahu. Even after the novelty wears off, it's a wonderful place to live, even if it's only for three years. Some things are ridiculously expensive (real estate and gasoline, for example), but others are remarkably cheap (shave ice and plate lunches) or free (mangoes, papayas, coconuts, lychees). Everybody's easygoing except the tourists and the newcomers, and although central Honolulu is crowded, just ten minutes out of town you're either in pineapple plantations or a valley they could have filmed a jungle movie in. First time living here, but we've been coming for business/vacation on and off for ten years. Great council camp in Pupukea, and they offer a good deal to out-of-council Troops who want to attend summer camp here. KS

The covers are okay, but they do nothing to extend the life of the binding -- if we're depending on the covers to keep the pages in the book, the cover's not the problem. The Kinko's option works out to 15 bucks including the cost of the book -- $5 less than buying it bound through BSA. I'm not trying to take business away from the Scout store, but for those with a filled-in book and faced with transcribing all that information into a new one, the choice is obvious. You can create a storage pocket without a cover by sticking one of those adhesive transparent floppy disk sleeves inside one of the handbook covers. Holds blue cards, phone rosters, etc., and you can still see through it if you take the stuff out of it. KS

My son's BS Handbook was a shambles, with the binding failing, pages coming out and taped/glued back in -- just beat up after lots of hard use. I was in Kinko's to get an advancement chart laminated, and saw their binding services. We took his book in there, and for $7, they put a spiral binding on it with clear hard plastic cover sheets that made it look like new. And, the book lays open flat now so you have two free hands when tying knots, instructing, whatever. I know BSA sells spiral bound handbooks now, but if yours is older, and you thought your only option was to get a new one and transfer all the information, think about the Kinko's option (no commercial endorsement intended)... KS

Our council service center has a poster up that says a new Fieldbook will be out soon. We're a fair distance from Irving. Anybody got one yet, or seen it? Is it that much different from the old? How much will this one cost? Is it printed on sturdier paper? KS