perdidochas

There are as many different methods as there are troops. Our troop has the adult "patrol". We camp together away from the boys and plan a menu, shop for and cook our own food just like they do. The method you described is what happens at Jamboree. There are 4 adult leaders and 4 youth senior leadership and 4 patrols. We had a rotating schedule and an adult and senior leader would eat with adifferent patrol for each meal. That is done more for the time limits that come with a Jambo than anything else and provides time to get to know the boys who are in our charge for such a short time. An issue I had with my troop was that we provided different equipment to the adults than we did to the youth. The SM at times would be concerned with how long it took the patrols to cook and do KP. Well, they didn't have the turkey cookers type burners and large pots we had. They had coleman stoves and small pots. A horse and buggy is going to take longer to get to town than a racecar. I mention this because I think it is important for adults to set the example. We really shouldn't set ourselves apart and use better equipment than they have. That can create resentment. So can "eating better" than them. But all we do is plan a menu of what we want to eat using the ssame amount of money they do. They choose fast and simple. We take this as an opportunity to challenge them to stretch themselves in the cooking arena. They too can eat just like the adults if they really want to. There is always a standing offer to show them how. Honestly. I've seen what the boys "cook" and eat for the past 10 years and I prefer to stay in my area and eat the adult food. In our case, the boys have better equipment for cooking, and we share some things--dutch ovens, for example. We have the same budget--$12 per person per trip. We tend to eat better, but rarely is it something they can't do. (Teh chicken cordon blue our formerSM made a few yars ago, one of the few exceptions).

In our troop, the adults are their own "patrol" along with the SPL and ASPL (if they want to eat with us). We do this to lead by example, and because we like to eat well. We're also less likely to interfere with the boys' eating plans this way--I wouldn't eat some of what they plan for menus.

He still does a great job with Eagle letters. My oldest just got one from him.

We have more of a problem with cancellations than late registration, but we usually allow registration up to the meeting before the campout (and often will allow a later one). A few months ago, we had a boy who volunteered to be grubmaster back out of a trip the day after last signup. He never informed any other scout that he wasn't going (and wouldn't be buying the food). Thankfully, the SM knew the scout was grubmaster, and averted the catastrophe.

Just complete another registration, I don't think dual registrations have to both be paid for, one registration fee will serve for both.

For his future troop, try to get him to have a scouter position NOT directly involving the boys. Definitely not an ASM.

Look at another troop. I know our troop takes Scouts whenever. Last year, we had one scout begin in October, another in December. yes it's easier to have a NSP, but it's not a big deal to integrate one or two scouts into existing patrols.

Not sure what you mean by "deserve" the Tiger Badge. The basic way it works is if he meets the requirements (does, what is it 15 activities), he gets the badge. He has until June 1st to do it.

My general observation is that if the Troop has a bunch of older boys, your son will be ok. For the most part, the older boys are less tolerant of misbehavior and bullying than the younger ones (and even less tolerant than adults). Webelos isn't boy led. It is adult led, with some opportunities for youth decision making.

Great news!!!!!

Locally we are down 12%.

So, on an $11 million budget, Atlanta Scout council pays it's exec $300K. On a $1.4 million budget, AHG pays it's exec $70 k. AHG is paying a higher percentage of it's income.

Mazzuca is retired. Second, without a link, I really don't buy the salaries for the Atlanta area scout exec. This link shows the typical salary of a scout exec in the $40k range. http://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Boy-Scouts-of-America-Salaries-E7807.htm

GAmom, Do you have a link for finding BSA salaries? I'm curious.

I would have no problem if I were the MBC counselor. Simply put, the same requirements for the MBC at a MBC powwow as anytime else. I'm like AK. I prefer to deal with my own troop's scouts. Makes it much easier to say, you didn't do that completely, see me next week when you have it done right.

I agree on some of those issues. Not sure about the complaint about summer camps--they are an important part of the program, and aren't cheap. Fee increases happen. Can't avoid it. I just wish that the paid professionals were more responsive to the volunteers.

I pretty much agree. That said, my local council had a 12% loss of scouts. Part of that is that we have plenty of units that are in disrepair, and I don't think the gay policy and the increase in dues helped any. My troop is in good shape, but I fear for the council.

From Safety Afloat in g2ss. Qualified Supervision All activity afloat must be supervised by a mature and conscientious adult age 21 or older who understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the wellbeing and safety of those in his or her care and who is trained in and committed to compliance with the nine points of BSA Safety Afloat.

Go to an already obviously disturbed site to collect rocks. In terms of shells, I don't see the big deal, provided the local laws allow.

I think Eagledad makes a great point. We aren't just trying to teach the scouts technical skills, but we are also modeling behavior. Take for example the (very bad in my opinion) practice that some troops have of making a scout sing to get lost property back. What behavior is it modeling? If a scout is out in the street and sees the man in front of him drop his wallet, which should he say: "Excuse me sir, you dropped your wallet." or "Hey mister, I got your wallet. Sing a song and I'll give it back to you.". If the second is not acceptable to a stranger, how is it acceptable to a fellow scout? I thought BSA gave up on that practice a few years ago. I can remember doing it wh en the boys were cubs, but some training said it was now considered hazing, so we stopped.

If it were my sons or my scouts, I would have taken them to the council. My brother didn't want to make waves. I did suggest it.

People cut apples for reasons other than apple pie and fruit salad?

Thanks to all for responses. Sometimes I like to get grounding from outsiders, to make sure it's not just me.

http://www.nps.gov/nts/nts_trails.html'>http://www.nps.gov/nts/nts_trails.html Here's a national trails website: Some are historic, some not. http://www.nps.gov/nts/nts_trails.html

I think I will talk to the ASM. He also has a tendency to take over from the boys, while the rest of leadership sits back and let the boys do it. I think I will talk to him to try to lessen the confrontation that my son will have with him.