ozemu

I understand that the homeschooling rate of progress is often accelerated ie on some sites parents are advised to do no more than three hours academic work per 'school' day. Therefore the rate of progress may be several times faster than traditional scouting expectations. If lots of merit badges are being done concurrently with a homeschool curriculum then the family may have problems accessing councellors. Also homeschooling means that the work is done at home - if the badges are tied in to the academic work then they may have few options than to be very involved in the sons merit badge progress. Also the other scouts are at school while the homeschoolers are at home working on badges - therefore they would have lots of problems accessing other scouts too. Homeschoolers seem to argue that the children get to socialise with a wider age group than in a normal school class for six hours a day. ie other relatives, part time jobs, voluntary work, different community education classes / clubs. Is this family accessing other adults in the homeschool work (and therefore merit badges) and just not making a big deal about it? Then again they may be cheating outrageously. Impossible to tell without being very direct with them. If they don't want help when it's offered I would be suspicious.

Yarrow, a big emotive topic. I couldn't figure out how to make my contribution flow so excuse the numbering pls: 1. Yes, rings can be dangerous. I explain why and people remove them or ask to have them taped flat when doing ring unfriendly activities. ( I daytime at an outdoor education centre) 2. Body 'art' and dress is a cultural thing. Cultural misunderstanding is a big issue. 3. Due to 2. wearing unusual things (including rings etc) can be misconstrued by people even if you are of shining character. For this reason restraint is, I think, the best policy when wearing uniform in public. 4. Many young people wearing rings, chains, exposed undies etc are seeking conformity or attention because they are unsure of themselves somewhere. Most of the time they will work it out fine. In extreme cases it is a cry for help. Such times are our big opportunity. 5. Being culturally determined, dress and adorment can be harmless and even a sign of moral strength and integrity (Budhists, Krishna's, Hindu's, Sikhs etc.) This also goes for quite a few bikers, martial artists, soldiers etc who I know. Are the 'flamboyant' scouts in category 4 or 5? 6. Pants three sizes too big with a crotch around the knees make such things as running, backpacking, bracing body in canoe, swimming, riding bikes etc very difficult. The inability to perform in these activities helps these scouts to consider why they are lining up so strictly in the fad. It has helped me initiate frank group discussions on why we might, or might not, dress this way. Many had not really considered that there are options. 7. This issue is big and timeless. Aristotle and Kurt Hahn had problems with disrespectful youths slavishly lining up to social fads. 8. I have great respect for the senior forum members and their depth of insight. But like any 'junior' it upsets me to see my seniors fighting when they do so much more when off their moral high ground. I have some of these issues in my Troop and can do with some useful suggestions please.

We have also, in the past, come to an agreement with the Scouts about uniform. Sometimes none, other times shirts only, other times full uniform. If it was an issue we have tried a 'wear what you think our uniform should be' night ... at the meeting explain your reasons and have a troop discussion. Some very reasonable discussions ensued and usually a Troop policy that all agreed on. Did I say 'in the past'.... seems that I have slipped! I started a new troop 1 year ago and haven't worked on this issue. Is that why one or two are rebelling on uniform? I can be thick sometimes. Thanks for the reminder - I'll talk to the P/L's next meeting.

You're dead right sctmom. I have had any number of boys with behavioural difficulties and have two currently in my Troop. Yes; what you say is what happens. I have only seen one outstanding change in over ten years as a leader yet I know that others have benefited. Scouting does contribute and looking around at Jamboree's etc there does seem to be a scout personality of sorts. A relaxed approach to where they fit in how they relate to others. Trouble is that sometimes, and at present, I get some parents who find it difficult to tolerate the 'behavioural' kids. They don't realise that consistant adult boundary setting combines with the other boys example to effect a change. Slowly but surely. I suppose they are worried about the effect going the other way and disrupting their 'normal' child. It's a balancing act. Sometimes I feel like a voice in the wilderness when speaking in favour of these boys. It's nice to hear that it is appreciatted somewhere. Thanks for your post. PS I see the Troop structure using older boys as leaders as being vital to this. But you Americans have patrols where all the boys are one age. I can see some benefits but yet....

My previous post was not very clear. While new scouts are enjoying the whole Scout experience they progress through the award scheme simply by being there and learning. I make an effort to keep their records up to date - but this may not be the case in all Troops. Some of my parents keep an eye on what their kids have done and bring gaps to my attention so I can remain up to date. These kids pass more tests because two adults are keeping a quiet eye on things. Inevitably, and either way, the Scout 'realises' suddenly that they have almost earned a badge / level etc. What a great surprise they get - and they dive into learning and earning. As I said that seems to take 12-18 months to come about. The Scouts have fun and WE watch their progression. I hate to see scouts miss out on progression simply because they aren't paying attention (which is fair enough) and because adults aren't watching (which is not fair).

Australian 11 year olds often concentrate on fun rather than progression in badges too. It seems to take about a year for them to realise that they have covered a lot of ground in badgework just by turning up. And then they get excited. The number of times scouts have come to me and said 'Emu, I've only got two things to do and I've got ... badge!". Keep an eye on the troop program. Make sure that things are signed off and followed up if that is the requirement for passing tests. Most of them don't look at the badge requirments from one meeting to the next. If you keep an eye on this one day he'll have a look himself and the bomb will drop. (Most of the time)

Some great suggestions on this post. I think the parental nurturing can be extended. Parents are concerned about who the other scouts are and what their child will learn from them - good and bad. Possibly get the P/L's to make contact with new members by phone or visit between meetings to make sure that the new scout has the right kit, is informed, etc. This shows the parents that scouting is a lifestyle and allows them to see the older scouts doing the role model bit. This should work better in the US than over here where all scouts go on to venturers at age 15. Even so we get it happening when they prepare for patrol camps and activities. Not as easy for routine events. Also we have a badge for new scouts that is to be taught by the scouts P/L. It takes less than 6 meetings and gets them off to a quick start with a youth mentor.

I agree with Chipewa29. A high turn over is undesirable. At the point in their lives that we lead them there are many uncertainties. Their bodies, intellects, hormones and roles in family, school etc are all developing. Having a safe refuge with a consistant role model may be very important. Obviously inappropriate styles and 'grumpiness' is to be avoided. Having other good adults around in formal and informal roles is also important. The kids need to examine alternatives to mum and dad and a variety is as important as consistency. They need both I suppose.

We have our national flag above the left pocket. At jamborees it seems to be fairly normal. About the world 'brotherhood' badge. Do you mean the purple membership badge? We use that one and have since 1973. Trouble is every such badge on a uniform, letterhead etc costs us a royalty to WOSM. We are about to make a national scout membership badge to replace it so I suppose we are going your way. Thought the international perspective might be useful.

oh yeah. and I agree about heavy awkward boxes. Our boxes are a 2 scout lift and that allows them to get the gear across the creek and up the hill etc.

we hike and then equipment is down to pairs within their patrol. The point of boxes of gear for patrols is that they learn to manage the gear, keep it clean etc. If it is issued from a central QM store then it will be more organised. By the adults. I agree that it is an uphill battle and often causes me to get all military about inspecting the patrol gear. But I think that is the whole point. When you get out a frying pan with yesterdays (or last camps) remnants still inside you learn that keeping up with chores is an important thing. We do some hike camps, some standing camps and I've almost got them trained for canoe camping. Obviously the boxes are only good for standing camps. Do you guys camp as patrols or as a troop? All of my camps have my patrols separated by 50-100 yards and adults somewhere in the middle.

I wear my uniform to every scouting event. Weekly meeting to Jamboree. None is Scout pattern nor bought from Scout shops. No-one says anything to me about it. It looks close to the real thing I suppose. None of my scouts have bought from the Scout shop either. Cost, quality and accessibility are all reasons. I encourage thrift shops and buying similar colours in any style they want. If a kid likes it they might wear it. Besides, when it's covered in badges who looks at the lable inside the collar? It's what they do not how they look that people seem interested in. I just ask them to wear it neatly in public (tuck your shirt in and do the buttons up Tim...)

Look for scoutmasters from outside the parent body. Dads can make great leaders but teenagers need role models who are not family members so that they can compare. Having said that most of our leaders are, in fact, mums and dads. Yet it seems the leaders who hang around the longest are not.

Similar concerns in Australia. Disclosure is not evident and most opinions amongst volunteers are (due to lacking disclosure) fairly anecdotal. However, we do NOT have proffessional scouters (bar the state chief exec and a few secretaries). Council staff consists of a part time secretary. There is almost no advertising, few camping grounds (private property is the go) and the few camping grounds have volunteer staff with barely adequate equipment. It strikes me that they may be a bit like the self fulfilling prophecy. They exist and raise money etc yet they cost a lot which means they must raise more, and to do their job best they need a secretary and office which requires more money... I still think though that your finances seem better than ours and professional assistance would be excellant. Relations between management and staff are often strained and it needs both work and commitment from both. But management should lead the process. They should not have to be asked.

We are different here but I keep mine light enough for an 11 year old to carry. We use plastic meat boxes that are stackable and have lids. Not very backwoodish I know but hygenic and younger scouts cannot say that the box is 'too heavy'. Being uniform I can stack the whole troops boxes easliy for travel.

I require my Patrols to conduct a camp or half day activities each quarter. I check on these activities once only and have adults within a few minutes distance for a scout in a full panic sprint. Adults are otherwise NOT around. I explain this to parents on joining. When adults are not present kids generally do not take stupid risks. however when adults are nearby they think that if they get out of their depth they will be rescued. Before they go on camp I explain to my Scouts as many possible ways that they could be killed or injured as i can think of. I talk the P/L's through possible scenarios and tell them to pull out at any time they feel that things may get dangerous. They can also send home anyone who is disruptive to the point of danger. I will back up the P/L and sort out the personalities in the wash up. They still go and have fun. Troop camps have the patrol campsites separated as much as possible. Our Patrol Leaders have the job permanently and the Patrol membership changes only a little from time to time so they build up quite some expertise and esprit de corps, our ages are mixed so the P/L is generally the oldest. Things are different with you blokes.

1. I use a plastic onion bag. it allows the soap to dry faster, i would think, than the stocking idea already mentioned. a bit rough i admit but envigorating! 2. An antiseptic solution in an old dishwashing liquid bottle is part of each patrols kitchen gear and also outside our toilet. No dishes and no need to pour water through containers. Just squirt, scrub and flick your hands dry. obviously this is for hands only.

Not sure if I'm in the right place but my mixed Troop has six girls, 10-12 years, who wish to send a fluffy mascot an a tour of the USA. We seek hosts. Girl Scouts of same age may be interested. Troop council meets about 23 Jan to plan program so responses before then would be helpful Graham