perdidochas

If you are satisfied with those, that's fine. However, some like to learn knots beyond the minimum. The books or apps are good for learning more esoteric knots. My oldest son is a knot guy. He learned to do the monkey's fist and other knots that aren't scout required.

Smart phone is a good method to learn knots--better than books, because at least in my knot app, you can have video, rotate the knot, etc. I do agree the best choice on knots is to know them. Technology is good, but you have to be aware of it's limitations, just like anything else.

I pretty much agree. The good thing is that the more they use smartphones on scouting trips, the more they learn their limitations and the best way to use them. My sons know that in wilderness that they can't run the GPS app all the time, and that it's best to use airplane mode, for example. I, personally, love the knot apps, as well as the nature ID apps. I don't count on the phone for rescue, but I would use one if necessary.

Well, they still have to be able to find directions during the day and at night without using a compass or an electronic device (2nd class 3c). They have to know how to use a compass (3b). In First class, (4a) they have to use a map and compass to complete a mile long orientation course. Now, they also have to know how to use the electronics as well (FC 4b) Before they get to First Class, your young scouts should have at least passing familiarity with a map and compass. If they don't, they shouldn't be getting First Class rank.

At the time to renew their membership (rechartering), I always asked my boys if they wanted to continue. Older son from wolf to aging out (coming in 6 weeks), younger son from Tiger Cub to 16 (still in).

I do believe that the idea of FC/FY is a good goal. I don't believe it's good to actually achieve it that fast. IMHO, the point is that a Troop's program be robust enough (IMHO, 10 weekend campouts a year and summer camp) so that a scout could theoretically FC/FY.

Well, I agree with part of that--there should be a peaceful morning coffee time after breakfast for adults. That said, I do think that as troop leaders, that you should be eating with the scouts. It's part of adult association. It's also part of the scout safety. You can tell a lot about what's going on with the boys when you eat with them.

The main thing you should concentrate on is a good outdoor program, and teaching scout skills. There is nothing to keep on track. Advancement for Boy Scouts is individual, not group like in Cub Scouts.

Up to the parent, IMHO.

I do agree that a Scout can't be an atheist, however, other than that, I don't understand it. I can see a Catholic CO only allowing Catholic kids, or kids from a Catholic school. I don't think it's a good idea, but it is allowed. I can't see a Catholic CO allowing kids of definite faiths, but not allowing kids who believe in God, but don't follow any organized religious faith. I say this as a fairly devout Catholic who is an ASM at a troop with a Catholic CO.

The other option is lock it in a car. I'd probably carry it in a daypack. Why no footlocker?

Of course he should, if he doesn't have any mental problems that would prevent it. The Handbook has spaces to log in all of his activities. The spreadsheet would be a nice backup.

I've got mixed feelings about it. On one hand, I'm a fan of sports-type sandals (such as Tevas), and have never had any problems in the outdoors with them. On the other hand, I'm dealing with other people's kids, and any way that I can avoid taking them to the emergency room is good. I like the closed-toe sandals as a compromise that's "scout legal."

IMHO, BSA leaders shouldn't be social media friends with any scouts. I'm not.

It depends on what you want. I doubt that the troop would allow the last one--it would probably be the best for your wallet. I know ours only does the first or the second (depending on your choice).

Try to encourage him to finish. I've met many "Life for Life" scout leaders, and all felt that was one of the biggest mistakes they made as a teen. I understand the discouragement, but he needs to persevere. He's too close to quit, IMHO. Did the project beneficiary sign off on it?

Well, JTE helped our troop. Going through it the first time, we realized what we needed to do to enliven our troop and make it more productive (namely up our outdoor game). Since the first time, though, it's been worthless.

Improved clinch and palomar are good knots to use to tie a hook or lure to the end of the line. Turle is a flyfishing knot (I've never used it in actual fishing) for tying a fly to a leader. Blood loop (barrel knot) is used to make a loop that sticks out perpendicular to a line. The barrel knot is used to tie two pieces of similar strength line together. Double surgeon's loop is used to make end loops on a line. Is he tying these in something like paracord rope, or is he doing it on monofilament (fishing line)? If in paracord, I can see how scissors handles would be handy. If monofilament, I think it would be better to tie it on something smaller. I can't imagine doing the palomar with scissors.

To me, a hammock is the best for my back. The last time I went to summer camp, I slept in my hammock, but had my gear in a tent. Don't most summer camps provide tents?

Based on the above, I think we may have a troll present.

With what? That's SOP in our district as well. The references are sent to our SM, who gives them to the EBOR committee. The references are destroyed after the EBOR. All the Council needs is the Eagle Application signed by the relevant people.

I believe it. Most of us are honest about our kids. I know we didn't rate our sons as best in all categories on the Eagle reference form.

Really? Here in FL, before the boy comes in, we read the references and go through the Eagle Project book. Never heard anybody question on the references, but it is part of the discussion when the boy is not present.

That is one of my nightmares--Scouts in an accident on the way to or from an event. Praying for them and the Troop.

Well, all depends on the child. We have Second Class scouts that are barely able to car camp. We have Tenderfoots that are experienced backpackers.