ManyIrons

According to the Troop Committee Guidebook: "Each assistant Scoutmaster is assigned specific program duties and reports to the Scoutmaster". Aside from ASM for the New Scout and Venture patrols, what program areas has your troop assigned to the ASMs?

Shell, glad to hear that your son is looking for a project that is both meaningful to him and to the community. It's great to watch the boys with a project they're really enthusiastic about. His first idea sounds similar to one a Scout in our district is planning -- working with an elementary school teacher to create books on tape for their reading program. Part of the plan was to involve the theatrical departments of local high schools and colleges to get good quality speakers. Although the school uses cassette players, it was suggested that he explore the possiblility of using CDs or MP3 technology -- at least for the master copies. Most of the projects I've seen over the years would probably be considered typical -- not that there's anything wrong with that: - Sand dune restoration (Hurricane Floyd did an impressive job of un-doing that project) - Walking trail at a home for young women - Baseball dugouts at community ball fields (finally some shade!!) - Equipment racks for dugouts - Pavillion for a park Two huge projects in our district were: - Restoration of a trail down to a natural spring behind a church. The springs are important to the local history of both the town and the church. Our fellow forum member Purcelce (hey ya buddy!) can give you all the details on that one, but it's a steep trail and I recall him saying it was about "3 projects worth of work". - Construction of a 14-foot wooden tower to house an orphaned church bell -- a 400 lb church bell I might add. The church relocated to a new location in 1995 and the new design didn't incorporate the bell. Unfortunately that left it sitting outside behind the sanctuary for nearly 9 years. The project was completed last fall in time for the church's 50th anniversary and was dedicated as part of the festivities. I can give ya all the details on this one. That soon to be Eagle Scout is still one of my tax deductions Good luck to your son in whatever he chooses.

"Pop!!!!" Sorry Sctldr, the Jumpstart feature won't work without a password, and he'll need the OA Handbook to get the password, and he can't get the handbook until . . . . oh well, you see where this is going. Congratulations to your son CubsRgr8. The advice you received about the OA website is good and it should answer many of your son's questions for now -- the rest will have to wait until after his Ordeal. All in good time, all in good time. Another good idea would be to check and see if your local lodge has a website. YIS

Whoops! I was remiss in my earlier post (translation I didn't have the awards program in front of me), our very own purcelce received a few baubles of his own last Friday night. He was presented with his first commissioner's award -- the Arrowhead Honor, and also received the Boy Scout Leader Award. So let's give a big hand to ol' CP P.S. His Wood Badge jokes not withstanding, I understand that he'll be getting a "beading" of his own sometime in the next two years.

Belated thanks to purcelce, Laurie, and matua (I didnt do any surfing on Saturday or Sunday), You could have knocked me over with a feather when they announced my name. I had just asked our SM what heck award is that? He responded with a dead-panned its a very prestigious award to which I replied May be, but Ive never heard of it. Ironic I suppose. Anyway as I made my way up to the podium it finally hit me -- thats why my wife was so insistent on attending this year. Sigh, despite my recent achievement I guess Im still just a typical male/husband The good news is we honored a Scout in the district for saving a boy from drowning. Also our unit commissioner received his arrow patch as well as a district award of merit (Ive mentioned before that this guy has a lot on his plate). In addition, a wood badge patrol mate also received the district award of merit. Last, but not least a friend will be receiving the Silver Beaver award next month. Lots of folks received the Outstanding Unit Scouter award, so Im a pretty common fellow, but Im in good company. What purcelce should have mentioned was that the food and location were both excellent -- a vast improvement over last years fare. The lack of freezing rain this year was also appreciated. Anyway on the menu: green salad, rolls, au gratin potatoes, green bean almondine, choice of chicken, beef or both (Yes Eamonn, both). Dessert was a slice of your choice of a wide variety of pies -- there were even seconds available. Now I know what some of you are thinking -- a buffet in the mid-west without the requisite mostaccioli or corn? How could it possibly be good? How could this happen? I cant explain it and I dont know who is responsible, but it was very good. ;) The location was also excellent -- a former church (probably 100+ yrs old) restored now to a banquet facility. By the way, its owned and operated by an Eagle Scout. Good time, good atmosphere, and good friends. (This message has been edited by ManyIrons)

Scoutldr, you took the words right out of my mouth. If our newest member wants to fill his posts with philosophical ruminations, then lets roll some Zen back in his direction. By not responding to his posts well be, in effect, demonstrating the ancient riddle of what is the sound of one hand clapping?

Happy B'day Hops, I'm 45 ("Class of 58"), born at the end of August in East Patchogue, NY. Have an extra piece of cake for me.

EagleInKy, I meant to respond earlier but I've been under the weather and I've been having trouble accessing this site of late. We'll attempt to keep the FY-FC very linear -- at least I'll draft it that way. Aside from my previously stated reasons, I want to get a simple syllabus into the hands of the Troop Guides. They can use that at the PLC to take advantage of any opportunities that present themselves. We'll "bounce" around quite a bit I'm sure. It'll naturally occur just due to the differences in individual advancement. Good point about the requirements, like cooking, that have to be spread out. I'll try to factor that into the syllabus somehow -- don't know how yet, but somehow. Our last batch of Webelos have done fairly well, at least half can achieve 1st Class by the end of their first year. The others are lagging behind simply due to initiative and lack of camping (their lack -- not the troop's). With regard to the latter, perhaps it's just a phase we're going through, but our last two groups of new Scouts just don't want to camp. We get a few, but even then it's hit or miss. Thanks for all your feedback. hotdesk: how are you making out?

Good to see the Man o' Steel back on the air! Here's my good news story. It happened last November after our last campout of the year. When we awoke on Sunday morning it was obvious that rain was on the way so the boys made quick work of stowing the tents and packing the trailer. The fact that we were heading to MacDonalds on the way home probably had nothing to do with their haste . The sky literally opened up just as we were climbing into the vehicles. If it had happened a few minutes earlier we would have been soaked to the skin. Anyway . . . . . There we were standing in line at Micky Ds (everyone in uniform) when a gentleman walked up to the Scoutmaster and said "Take this for the Scouts". He then handed him a $20 and walked away. We were stunned and speechless (we did manage a thankyou). The SM quickly chased him down to thank him again and talk with him. Turns out the man and his wife were simply traveling through the area. They had stopped (like we did) for breakfast, saw us and decided to help the boys pay for their food. The boys had a chance to talk with the couple before they left and also thanked them. What a great experience. We had an awesome campout, we missed the rain, and then we experienced a random act of kindness from someone who appreciates Scouts and the Scouting movement. That's good news to me!

Good point Scoutingagain, I like your approach. Afterall crossing the bridge merely symbolizes the fact that the boys are leaving Cub Scouting - which they all are doing. It's what they do on the otherside that matters. Some will join a troop, others may move on to sports, school band, or other pursuits, but the point is that they are leaving and there should be something more for them other than a "Hey, thanks for coming". I think it's also important for the Tiger, Wolves and Bears to see the Webelos depart as a group. Let them see who meets the boy as he crosses over the bridge -- they'll figure things out for themselves and make their own decision when the time comes. As for the special recognitions, by all means have it for those who have earned the AOL and/or all the activity badges -- and have it in front of everyone. Those who have worked for those achievements deserve the public recognition. It's rewarding for the achiever and inspirational for the observer. CMFB, I hope all this has helped you come to your own decision. Lawerly enough purcelce? Nahhh, I'm not lawyer material. As for your questions. We're expecting 5 webelos, and with our projected losses (aging out) we'll stay somewhere in the 30s for total enrollment. As for summer camp, the boys chose to go to Camp Sunnen in Missouri. They've never been there nor have they ever done patrol cooking in summer camp -- should be interesting.

Just thought I'd chime in with the apparent minority - let 'em all cross over the bridge. Regardless which of the 180 directions they choose to follow on the other side they're all crossing out of Cub Scouts. Every cross-over ceremony I've seen treats it as a graduation which makes for a good illustration -- when you graduate from high school they let you walk across the stage even if you aren't going to attend college. I attended a cross-over ceremony 3 years ago where the boys were moving to different troops. As each one crossed the bridge they were met by representatives from their new troop and received their neckerchief, book, etc. Those who weren't continuing into Boy Scouts simply crossed over and were met by their parents. After they had all crossed, they stood together for one last time and everyone clapped in recognition of their accomplishments -- none of which were diminished because some didn't move on into Boy Scouts. My $0.02

EagleInKy, I agree about having a program that's flexible. I've done a lot of looking but haven't really found anything. The Troop100 plan looks good, and I'll probably mine it for ideas, but I've decided to create a plan for our troop. It'll be a straightforward approach showing what requirements to cover at which meetings and campouts. At the moment I favor a linear approach as well. In other words, cover each rank completely rather than bounce around (i.e. Tenderfoot requirements this week, First Class next week, back to Tenderfoot the week after). Obviously we'll make allowances for opportunities, but I want to avoid what I've seen a lot of in the past -- boys who have a lot of things completed in several ranks but no rank. I like the idea of the Parent-Scout meeting. I don't think our troop has done this before, but we're going to have one for this new group next month.

TwoCub - The tracking sheet Bobwhite mentioned can be found at: http://www.scouting.org/forms/34118.pdf All - Here's a "First Class - First Year" plan I found recently while researching the topic for our upcoming new Scout patrol. I can't find a date on it, but it references "Wood's Wisdom" which is the predecessor of the current "Troop Program Features", so it's a few years old. I can't offer any judgement on it because haven't fully scrutinized it yet, but it appears well thought out. Of course looks ain't everything so it could benefit from a critique from the resident training gurus (bobwhite?). Be sure to cross-check the requirements it lists with current BSA advancement criteria. Hopefully this will help, or at least serve as "inspiration fodder". Here's the link: http://www.troop100.org/1stclass.pdf

Respected by whom? This guy's axe must be worn down to a nub by now. Imagine trivializng victims of terrorist attacks by equating them with people struck by lightning. Perhaps it would benefit Mr. Dyer to reread what President Bush actually said in his, oft misquoted, 2003 State of the Union address: "Some have said we must not act until the threat is imminent. Since when have terrorists and tyrants announced their intentions, politely putting us on notice before they strike? If this threat is permitted to fully and suddenly emerge, all actions, all words, and all recriminations would come too late." Here's a link to C-Span to read the entire speech www.c-span.org/executive/transcript.asp?cat=current_events&code=bush_admin&year=2003

Laurie, Count me in. This is a great idea, I hope it gives him comfort and renewed strength to win his battle. He'll be in my prayers. God Bless.

Some Scout shops have them and some don't. Ours used to carry them and is trying to get them back in stock. I hear that the St. Louis Council has them. If there are no options locally you might try contacting their Scout shop. The address and phone #s are available via their website http://www.stlbsa.org/Common/Home Good Luck.

I know you'll do well. 4:49 AM ?!!!! Looks like you've had enough coffee and naps!

Purcele, Lots of good ideas here. The only thing I would add is to invest some time to teach the counselors how to teach (or in military parlance: train the trainer). Ill admit complete ignorance on how the counselors are prepped for summer camp, but in my experience they appear to be looking at the material for the first time when theyre attempting to teach it. We usually attend camp during the first session so that may be a factor. If the training isnt a feasible option Id suggest sitting them down and making objectives/goals of your program crystal clear. Next, ensure you are an ever-present director. Every first-year program I've ever seen was taught by counselors who seemed less than interested and appeared "deprived" of a motivating influence. Perhaps they felt as though they were thrown to the wolves -- we all know what a handful those exhuberant 11 & 12 year olds can be. They can be a tough crowd for adults and are often doubly so for the camp counselors. I guess what I'm trying to say here is to be visible enough to let them know you're keeping an eye on things and are available for guidance/assistance if it's needed. Side note, slightly off the trail, at summer camp last year I sat in on several merit badge classes. One counselor in particular stood out because he was teaching the class from prepared notes. This young man had actually read through the MB booklet and mapped out the requirements and answers. Was it the most interesting MB class Ive ever seen? No, but I was impressed with his level of interest and commitment -- something I have seen very little of at most camps. I made a point of telling him personally what a great job I thought he was doing and then I hunted down the camp director and let him know what a great job this young man was doing. Grousing about the camp staff is pretty common, so by all means go out of your way to commend those who are doing a good job. Okay, I'll just slip these soap-box slippers off my feet and call it a night.

OGE, Heres one I remember: Two people standing in front of the audience. Two or three others, off stage and out of sight. Person #1: Hey, did you know this camp has an echo? Person #2: Really? Person #1: Yeah, check this out (puts hands to mouth and hollers helloooooo, this is repeated at short intervals by the folks off stage to simulate an echo). Person #2: Whoa! Thats cool, let me try. (puts hands to mouth and hollers ba - lon - neeeeeee, which is repeated at short intervals by the folks off stage). Person #1: Baloney? Whats up with that? Person #2: (shrugs) Its my favorite lunchmeat. Hey, do you think that echo would still work with a longer phrase? Person #1: Hmmm, I dont know, give it a try Person #2: Okay, umm, uh, oh, Ive got one! (puts hands to mouth and hollers Our camp director is the best! to which the folks offstage respond with: baloney . . . baloney . . . ) Another variation is for the off-stage group to just yell "baloney" all at once.

Hmmmm Eamonn, looks like this thread is getting back on track, thus you were correct. I now know I can always "Ely" on your judgement. I've heard of Dickies, but don't know much about 'em. I guess my first question is what's their durability as compared with the Scout pants?

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the sentiments. Eamonn, nice touch. I imagine it will be hard to not remember the experience whenever I handle the beads, but I like the addition of the promise and the continual reaffirmation. Ill pass that along to my patrol mates. Scoutmom, funny thing you should mention chips (or maybe not since Buffalo are involved), but our patrol yell was: Well be there when the chips are down!. buffalo2, thanks I've "herd" that and am looking forward to it. evmori, wish I had a pun for you like I did for buffalo2, but nothing comes to mind. I will say that eagles are good, my advisor (and course mentor) is an eagle (and a 4-beader). If I can be half as good as him, I'll consider myself successful. Neilup & Shell: I have and will continue to encourage others to attend. One of our ASMs committed to attend last night (it's difficult to say "no" to the Wood Badge mafia), and a soon to be ASM is already signed up. Again, thanks all -- hope to see you all on the Lea.

Defecation skits? Where in the world were they occurring?! Poop could be funny -- but then again, I'm a Buffalo (and a good ol Buffalo too!)

Now She and her man, who called himself Dan, were in the next room at the hoedown . . .

A Wood Badge "beading" that is. I received my beads tonight alongside 2 of my course-mates. One is the SM of our troop and the other is our Unit Commish. The ceremony was held at our troop meeting and we had a great turnout -- almost 100% of the boys attended (even our "sportsmen" were there), lots of Wood Badge patrol members plus some of the staff, a bunch of parents and we even had 2 boys join the troop tonight! Our course advisor/mentor gave a detailed history of Lord Baden Powell, Scouting, and Wood Badge. He's a great speaker and the boys were very attentive. After that, the course director presented us with our Wood Badge "accouterments" . That was then followed by the handshakes and refreshments. I'm thrilled we had such a great evening to round out such a memorable experience. To those of you who are signed up for an upcoming course, get ready for a fantastic time. To those of you who are undecided -- go for it, you'll be glad you did. Above all remember -- "if you ain't having fun, you ain't learning". "I used to be will always be a buffalo, and a good ol' buffalo too!"

Adrianvs, thanks for the response. If I had to, I would have guessed that you weren't a parent -- but that would have been based on my own experiences (i.e. frame of reference). The extra info and your subsequent response helped me to better see where you're coming from. I still prefer my way, but these are our preferences and opinions and I'm not judging them. As NJ observed, it appears to be an "age thing", but if those who prefer to be on a first name basis are also Scouts who transitioned over to ASM then it's also an "experience thing". It seems natural that those young men would prefer to continue on a first-name basis with the boys in the troop. Then over time, as Gags mentioned, gradually switch over to "Mr." Or then again, maybe not. Very interesting thread. Thanks to andrewcanoe and all who participated.