MarkS

result1 said, "Last Night they had the CC come to the center of the room, every one (Pledge alliance to the Flag) that was on her uniform." I've been lurking in your threads and am kind of wondering just what kind of role does the CC fulfill at troop meetings? Apparently, she's already the Treasurer too but I would hope she's letting the youth leaders, Scoutmasters, and Asst. Scoutmasters do their job delivering the program and training the boys during troop meetings (unless called upon to help out). If not, sounds like she feels the need to assume the responsiblities of others or wants to be in control of all aspects of the troop. Depending on which it is, the other adults in the unit either need to get more involved so she doesn't have to do so much or consider if they're comfortable with someone who wants to control so much. One person with too much responsibility or control will eventually have an adverse impact on the survivability of a unit. They leave awfully big shoes to fill when they're done. The program works best when adults share responsibilities and provide the PLC with an appropriate amount of control over the unit.(This message has been edited by MarkS)

We're making sure that all our outings are down hill both ways so we can turn off our engines and coast. If it's not, we're going to have the boys regrade road as a service project so it is.

My troop chose a new SM this year. Our committee prepared a score sheet (just like any other trade study) to rate the SM candidates. The score sheet identified qualities to rate for each candidate and provided a weighting muliplier for each quality (so we could decide if one quality was more important than another). The committee assigned a score for each quality and used a spreadsheet to factor in our weighting and tallied the results for us. We used the following qualities... Commitment to the ideals of scouting High moral standards Ability to relate to boys Ability to relate to and interact with adults Ability to keep a "cool head" under pressure Good organization skills Flexibility and the ability to compromise Good planning ability High energy level Attention to detail Comfortable in the outdoors Training and experience Age was not directly considered. Only experience. A younger candidate can actually have more experience in scouting than an older one. The scores are used to compare the candidates with the highest scorer being the first to be offered the position. If he/she accepts, the search is over and the other candidates are not contacted. Otherwise, the person with the next highest score is contacted. It was a lot of work for two candidates but worth it.(This message has been edited by MarkS)

Was Billy one of the four that crossed over? If so, rather than focusing on the Cammping MB, focus on something with more immediate impact. Work with the SPL, TG and the PL to make sure that all of the boys complete their Tederfoot requiremenst ASAP. If they can complete everything before the next campout, recognize them immediately. Billy, will realize hd didn't get recognized with his buddies because he did not sleep in a tent he helped pitch. Mom will realize she held him back and everything will correct itself the next time Billy participates in a campout. In other words, let the way your troop runs the program work things out--lead by example.

We had our rainoree in April. We had 1.75-inches of rain in two days with an overnight low of 28 and a high of 44. Nearly the entire rainoree field had ankle deep standing water. If you didn't have good quality high-top hiking boots, your feet were soaked. Our theme was Orienteering, Not the best theme or activities for the rain. The Saturday evening campfire activities and Sunday morning closing were canceled.(This message has been edited by MarkS)

I think my point was if the Scoutmaster can't make the PLC, reschedule the PLC so he can. The Scoutmaster is required in order to have a quorum.

I don't think it is right to hold back a boy because of his parents. If Johnny's parents are not allowing him to camp, should he be held back? You should definitely encourage him to go camping and press his parents to allow him to go, but you can not force them. We are trying to build better boys and to hold one back because his parents are over protective seems to go against the BSA way. Suggest looking at allowing the boy to complete alternative requirements in place of camping for Tenderfoot, Second Class, or First Class as is done with some physically or mentally challenged boys. That may allow the boy to retain interest because he is advancing and give you time to help the parents gain confidence in your program. Once you get the umbilical cord cut, you can decide then if he needs to complete the camping requirements before advancing to Star Rank. Another thing to consider with this suggestion is whether or not your troop sets a specific rank as an eligibility requirement for a boy to be elected as a PL. You really don't want a boy who won't camp to be a PL. It will adversely affect the boys in his patrol too much when they go camping.(This message has been edited by MarkS)

I see three mistakes that were made: 1. The SPL with support of the PLC and Scoutmaster can make this kind of decision but should have discussed this with the Scoutmaster first to see if the Scoutmaster had any advice or recommendations--they should have a good working relationship overall too; 2. The PLC meeting is the right place to make decisions on patrol organization but should only be held with a Scoutmaster and an Asst. Scoutmaster (two-deep) in attendance; 3. There were Committee Members at the PLC. There shouldn't of been. They don't belong there and as long time Scouters should know better. Committee Members have a role to fill in the troop and coaching, acting as informational resources or helping the PLC make the decisions that will enhance the program for the troop is not part of their role. They provide this kind of feedback via the Scoutmaster at Troop Committee meetings. If you want to empower the SPL, simply make those three changes and you should be good to go.(This message has been edited by MarkS)

Our patrols use a grubmaster to buy food too. The patrols try to figure out who is most able to do the shopping keeping in mind that they should be fair and try take turns. If they can't figure it out, the PL assigns the job like any other duty roster job. No budget is set. Patrols decide on their menus and figure out about how much it will cost. If necessary they settle up shortages or surpluses after the campout but usually they're pretty accurate. Money never passes through the hands of anyone outside the patrol (well, maybe the grubmaster's parents, but he's still supposed to do the shopping--sometimes first-timers in a NSP might shop with the TG but usually the TG just answers questions of the parent of a first-timer). Patrols try to keep it to about $10 per weekend campout that would typcially be about $2.50 per meal. However, if they want to have rack of lamb with parisienne potatoes and asparagus wrapped in carrot rings and lime sorbet for dessert, they can. Our Scoutmaster does not approve menus. Instead he works thru the SPL by having the SPL review them for nutritional balance, whether or not they can be prepared (including eating and clean-up) in the anticipated time available, and making suggestions. If the SPL is not sure, he talks to the SM, the SM makes suggestions, and the SPL gives them to the PL. Our troop fundraising pays for everything on our monthly weekend campouts except food. For the most part, all the patrols do the same activities at one of our campouts. Because the general activities are planned by the PLC, the patrols don't have full responsibiity over those activites. However, we treat meal preparation as strictly a patrol based activity that combines, planning, leadership, teamwork, and fellowship. That's why food money is not part of our budget, we don't want to limit the boys. It seems to work for us.(This message has been edited by MarkS)

Thanks for the note Crew... The young staffer was perfectly polite and simply seemed to be enforcing what he believed to be correct policy. He was very convincing in explaining the policy and had me thinking I had forgotten a key detail in my training. That's for sure. However, we were on an orienteering course when he asked for my Totin' Chip that was in my daypack which I decided to leave at our troop campsite because it was raining cats and dogs (large ones). I offered to escort him to our campsite to retrieve the card but he declined and let me off with a warning because I was an adult so nothing came of it.

Well, everyone is saying the things I expected to be said. Most of which I already know. What I have is a lockback knife with a single 3.75-inch blade of which the sharpened edge accounts for 3.25-inches. It's a Craftsman that I bought at the local Sears hardware years ago before I was involved as a scouter. I'd like to thank kenk for the link to the web site on state laws. While the length is okay in my state, it's a quarter inch too long for where my troop is going to summer camp. I'm glad I started this thread. Guess I'll leave it at home when we leave for summer camp.(This message has been edited by MarkS)

I was at a camporee this past weekend where a young staffer noticed my pocket knife and wanted to cut a corner off my Totin' Chip because the blade was too long. He claimed that the rules say it should be no longer than the width of your palm. The blade of my pocket knife is about a half inch longer (including spine and cutting edge). I thought I might have forgotten the rule from my training so I checked. The Totin' Chip says to follow the rules outlined in the "Second Class Scout" chapter of the Boy Scout Handbook. Neither the card nor the chapter list any blade length restrictions. I also checked GSS and none there either. Just wondering if the young staffer was trying to enforce a real requirement documented elsewhere or perhpas a derived requirement from the training he received from his camp staff or unit training? If it's documented elsewhere, let me know. I'm having trouble locating it. Wasn't documented in the camporee manual either. Manual just says no sheath knives permitted. Thanks.(This message has been edited by MarkS)

Well, I view Asperger's and ADHD as significantly different in the behaviors exhibited--we deal with both in our Troop. Not bascially the same. However, I agree totally, no medication holidays on Troop activities. That's the policy of our Troop.

Gonzo1 said, "Asperger's Syndrome is the "new" ADD by the way. So,don't be fooled if some parent says that their kid has Asperger's. It's basically the same thing with a different name." This is an incorrect statement. While there are some common traits, there are several behavioral issues of Asperger's that are significantly different than that of ADHD. Simply put the symptoms of ADHD are inattentiveness, impulsiveness and hyperactivity to a point that are detrimental to a child's ability to function in a social setting. Asperger's includes inappropriate social interaction, poor or the lack of nonverbal communication skills, narrow interests and preoccupation with those interests, repetitiveness, stubbornness, lack of empathy, the inability to form friendships, and poor gross and fine motor skills.

Keep track of the incursions... write them down... and make it a policy to use this behavior as one criteria for determining whether or not a Scout has demonstrated the appropriate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in his everyday life. If in the judgement of your Scoutmaster the Scout has passed the threshold of failing to demonstrate the appropriate Scout spirit, he can choose to not sign off on that advancement requirement for the Scout (recall that every rank has this requirement except Tenderfoot). That's why he's paid the big bucks. The members of the BOR can also choose to decide that a Scout failed to meet the requirement when it's their turn to verify he's completed the requirements of advancement. If the Scouts realize that their behavior can adversely affect their ability to advance, maybe they'll behave.

As everyone said, rules are local. For example, in my old pack... solid axles were prohibited and BSA wheels and axles were required for fairness, precut blocks from kits were permitted to simplify the build (because the shape of the car doesn't matter in terms of performance--except for how it affects the center-of-gravity), and the slots in the blocks didn't have to be used (to make the kids think and use their ingenuity). If done right, extending the wheelbase of a car will improve stability and permit the to roll straighter down the track (less rubbing means less friction and more speed). It will also provide the design with more flexibility in positioning the center-of-gravity to maximize potential energy at the start while maintaining that sability down the track.(This message has been edited by MarkS)

OM, If you think about it, achieving Scout rank is an advancement from Webelos so the boys crossing over can advance right away. What's different about Boy Scouts is advancemnts are presented at COHs which occur on a Troop defined schedule but are typically about one every three months. Rather than immediately or at the very next opportunity as they should be done in Cub Scouts. Our Troop has a COH in March because the local Packs tend to bridge their boys at their B&Gs in February. At bridging they get their handbooks and red loops (our boys elected not to have a neckerchief) from our Troop. During their first couple of Patrol Mtgs after joining, our new scouts work with their TG to get oriented and sign off on their Scout rank which is presented at our March COH. So you get them transitioned to the Boy Scout method of advancement presentation while retaining and eventually weening the boys from the Cub Scout method of award presentation. If the boys participate in our Troop meetings and outings, they'll make Tenderfoot before their second COH and 1st Class within a year. That's four ranks in one year--an advancement almost every COH. They don't advance that fast in Cub Scouts.

Working with the youngest lads in the program can be a challenge. The KISMIF method is the way to go. Just remember that S also stands for short. Tiger Cub lads won't have a long attention span. Be prepared (where'd I hear that before) and keep things moving in your meetings. Lack of idle time equates to lack of problems. Also remember that a Tiger Den Leader works with a different boy/adult partner team each month to plan the den meetings, the Go See It, and the dens part in the pack meeting. The emphasis is on shared leadership. You're trying to build a foundation of cooperation that helps you build a quality fun program that boys will enjoy and help them develop. Everything you need to get started is the Program Helps! guide and Tiger Cub scout manuals. Have fun. I sent you a PM.

It's an undocumented feature of your software. Who says you don't get anything for free anymore?

I hate those clutch mechanisms on pins. Don't like them poking my chest. If they're optional, I don't wear them.(This message has been edited by MarkS)

I recently went to REI to get a pair of the Vasque Sundowner. I really wanted the full-grain leather because it's the easiest to waterproof--using sno-seal. Don't trust the gortex liner as your waterproofing. It may work great when the boots are new but I wonder what will happen as they age and the liner becomes worn. Alas, I had trouble getting a decent fit with the Vasque boots. Turns out I needed a wide fit with them. I could have ordered the wide fit at an additional shipping cost but ended up buying Montrail Torre GTX. They have a nubuck leather upper which will require additional care and maintenance to keep it waterproofed--can always use sno-seal when they're older and I don't care about appearance anymore. However, they had an excellent fit for my feet and fit is the most important feature of a boot. The REI salesperson was a lot of help fitting me with the right boot.(This message has been edited by MarkS)

If the camp kitchen drains are not in service or are otherwise unavailable, strain the dishwater and put the food particles in your trash and dispose of properly or a sealable plastic bag and pack them out. Broadcast the strained dishwater over a wide area at least 200 feet from the nearest water source, campsite, or trail. Scattering dishwater in a sunny area will cause the water to evaporate quickly. If you have separate buckets for washing and sanitizing, be sure to dispose of the dishwater first and pour the sanitizing water into the dishwashing bucket before disposing of it--to sanitize the dishwashing bucket. I recommend that Webelos Leaders get a copy of the Boy Scout manual. It documents a lot of the camping basics. My council requires pressurized fuels training before you're allowed to operate camp stoves on council property. You might want to check the training requirements of your council for such equipment.(This message has been edited by MarkS)

Our Boy Scout/Webelos Fall Encampment was based on a Pirate theme. Check out our manual on our district web site. Maybe some of the games will be age appropriate for Cubs. http://www.stlbsa.org/NR/rdonlyres/6667F750-7084-4288-80CE-70CB361C1D8C/0/Resource_PiratesCamporeeManual2006.pdf

ScoutNut, Fair enough. Maybe councils do have some discretion on defining the rechartering requirements for their units. Based on the recharter packages I received, it doesn't seem to be a paperwork or a forgetfullness issue on the part of my council. For small units such as DenZero's, I would agree that the requirement of just one den leader should be sufficient for rechartering the unit. However, DenZero did say they only had two "official" leaders and if "official" equates to chartered leadership, I don't think that would be sufficient for a quality program. Anyway, given the makeup and geographical descriptions of the two units herein, it sure seems that merging the smaller struggling unit into the larger one is the best solution. Qaulity programs come from spreading the work around, not from just one motivated leader doing all the work--no matter how talented.

When I rechartered my pack in 2005 and helped transfer that responsibility to someone else in 2006, I recall the paperwork saying that a den leader for each level of boys was required. Not a single den leader for the entire pack. I didn't find any list of recharter requirements from the National web site, but I did find some information dated October of this year from the Transatlantic Council that lists the adult leadership requirements I recall. See http://www.tac-bsa.org/how_to_recharter.rtf for details. Is this accurate?(This message has been edited by MarkS)