RememberSchiff

In keeping with making the world a better place...imagine if scouts had to re-certify (like Red Cross and WFA certificate holders) in first aid skills periodically. So the scout who got a speed-pass of T-SC-FC first aid and then first merit badge by age 12, now had to re-certify say at age 14 before he could advance or maybe complete WFA at age 14 and maintain current certification if he wanted to advance in rank. Of course, adult leaders could still be considered "Trained" and have no first aid training whatsoever. My $0.02

Yeah, I have heard others also speculate that a scout t-shirt and jeans would be the next uniform. So I asked what about all those badges, where would they go? 'Badges? They would probably get just cards (personalized Pokemon cards?). Parents want less work - no sewing or gluing.' Took 2 aspirin with that thought,

First, Safety and security. Safe storage of fuel. We store stove fuel off site from Charter Organization. Charcoal is stored in our troop shed. Food? We do not store any leftover food. Not looking for critter problems in our shed. Water jugs, coolers need to cleaned and stored DRY, closed! Storage area and trailer securely locked. Spare tire and registration folder in trailer. Trailer inspection? Insurance coverage? Depending on your storage area, consider smoke/fire detector. Good point about storing about floor level. Second, inventory and inspection. What serviceable equipment do we have? Make sure everyone has returned gear (yeah but how will I know ) before inventory. The troop likely stores more than just camping gear. We store badges, forms, troop library, ceremony stuff, and even a Pinewood Derby Track for our Pack. From here, it gets more involved. Deciding to repair or replace. How to store? We store gear by patrol (patrol signs out and is responsible for their gear). How to control access will be an issue. How to accept returned gear (dry, clean, in good condition) will be a bigger issue. As mentioned, you will guide the troop quartermaster and his assistants through this process. They will have problems handling the time-consuming details particularly after an outing. No quick and dirty. Take a particular interest in your first aid kits and lashing rope. My $0.02

"Do we have pictures of what the things look like to recognize bronze, silver, gold? How noticeable will a given level of accomplishment be?" Hopefully, National will put same team on this as is working on Geocaching Merit Badge. Teach your PLC to plan and execute the program and let whatever awards take care of themselves...eventually. Another $0.02

Patrol method = everyone has a job but all help. No sitting on your duff because it ain't in your job title description. In a newly formed patrol, the PL sees to this. As (if?) the patrol successfully gels, this occurs automatically. A thing of beauty! Often in a successful patrol, it will not be readily apparent who the PL is. Everyone knows their job and helps everyone else. My $0.02

While you are attending adult leader leader training courses, can your 15yr old scout son be a member of a provisional crew taking a trek during that time?(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Hmmm, So for a Venture Crew, the Crew President and Secretary must sign, but for a troop, naah we don't care for the SPL to sign for his "scout-run" troop. 1. Advancement - I would rather see 60%, 80%, 100% of those scouts who left (aged-out, quit) had earned the rank of First Class or higher. I'm not thrilled with encouraging mills for those who remain. Did we SM and ASM's help all those boys that joined? 2. Retention - Corrected any troop problems stated by departing and transferring scouts as verified by District Commissioner and departing scout parents. Retain 70%, 80%, 90% of Webelos crossover for 1 year. 5. Short term outings (hikes, camping, bike trip, Red Sox game...) - PLC plans and conducts outings (too often troop conducts = adult conducts) 6. Long term camping - PLC plans and conducts. 10. Budget - allow scout families an opt-out of fund-raising i.e. donate cash equivalent, return all monies in his account to scout when he leaves unit or scouting. No scout participation requirements except for summer camp? Maybe split form for troop performance: one section adult leader goals, one section scout goals. My $0.02

If I could only take 1 thing from Sports and apply it to Scouting, it would be the discipline, particularly taking away awards (even Heisman and Olympic gold) for rules violations. Runners-up: - physically strong (physical conditioning) - a local central authority ( league, conference) with enforcement powers over team programs and personnel. - scholarships - competitive spirit and sportsmanship - no sewing - membership would be nice too, far more involved in sports - Hollywood. There are many sports movies (Rudy, Remember the Titans, Hoosiers, Miracle on Ice,...) but only 1 boy scout movie. Say where is "Waiting for Green Bar Bill", the documentary that I am fabricating that Kudu is producing ? My $0.02

Give each helicopter parent an open can of root beer and see if the old adage is true that misery loves company.

'Eagle scouts join (pick a service) as E-3'. Maybe. My understanding is an Eagle scout is eligible for E-2 or E-3 upon successful completion of boot camp and recommendation. No guarantee. It would be interesting to see if this is writing in an enlistment contract. Also, why in 2010 is there still no mention of Venturing awards? I would think the Ranger Award and Silver Award would have value as well to the military. Maybe our Irving boys can contact the Secretary of Defense, an Eagle Scout himself. My $0.02

"My Pack is going to start requiring an application and background check for each parent with kids in the pack. Our COR stated this is the new national policy." While untrue for now, I think something like this is coming. My CO/unit is considering an "approved safe driver list" as there are parents who are known to be accident-prone, drive distracted, and worse. Nice people, just not safe drivers. I think part C of the new Health and Medical Form shows where we are heading: "Adults authorized to take youth to and from the event: (You must designate at least one adult. Please include a telephone number.) 1. ________________________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________________________ Adults NOT authorized to take youth to and from the event: 1. _______________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________________" A side-effect of this Part C is some parents now feel empowered to ask up front who are the adult leaders for trips, especially the big $$$ trips and specify similar restrictions, e.g., 'My son has my permission to be on a backpack crew with ASM A and ASM B but not C and D.' "When we are spending that kind of money, we just want our son to be with those he likes. Not necessarily personal, we do the same when selecting a music teacher... " More hassle. My 2 aspirin,(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Sounds like the federal government!! Units should have job descriptions for each leadership position. Again so everyone is on the same page - another thing to add to your To-Do list. Googling, you can quickly find other units that have posted job descriptions. I found this list from http://www.roselletroop408.org/generic.aspx?PageType=Classifieds Treasurer Filled The Troop Treasurer maintains all troop finances, collects dues and fees, and pays troop bills. Appointed by the Committee Chair and serves at the satisfaction of the Committee Chair and the Troop Committee. Reports to: Committee Chair Duties: # Handles all troop funds. Pay all bills on recommendation of the Scoutmaster and authorization of the Troop Committee. # Help the Committee Chairman and the Scoutmaster establish a sound financial program for the Troop with a Troop budget plan. # Provides a treasurers report at each Troop Committee meeting. # Maintains a written budget for Troop expenses and provides account statements as requested. # Prepares financial records for annual audit. # Maintains the Troop savings and checking accounts, and keeps appropriate records related to troop funds. # Supervise Scout Accounts, tracks individual Scout camp fund accounts. # Work with Re-charter Coordinator to collect and record annual dues. # Work with Fund Raising Coordinator to account for monies earned during fund raisers and track scout account credits earned. # Work with Membership Coordinator to process registration of new scouts and adult leaders. # Work with Outdoor/Activity Coordinator to make necessary payments for camping/activity reservations. # Collect Summer Camp payments and remit funds to council office for camp reservations/payments in a timely manner. # Needs to attend most troop meetings. # Coordinates the payment of all bills. # Provides a list of Scouts who are delinquent in their camp fund or are behind in payment of dues at each committee meeting. # Works with the fundraising committee with respect to the placement of incoming funds. # Critiques Troop expenditures and purchases. # Works with the Troop Scribe to coordinate and compare Scout trip payment status. # Report to the chartered organization as needed on the financial condition of the Troop. # Support the policies of the BSA Other signers? Scout Master and Troop Committee chairperson, assuming as Eagle92 mentioned, that they are unrelated (excellent point). With your Troop Committee membership new and maybe a little unsure, your District Commissioner should be dropping-in to offer advice and training. But you can phone, e-mail, attend next District Round Table to jump start that process. Another $0.02(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Some thoughts 1. Go to the bank/credit union and get the troop's account statement, ASAP. 2. Change signature authorization card. Old treasurer off the list. Also it is good idea to require TWO authorization signatures. 3. Bring checkbook up to date. You may want new checks or transfer to a new account to get things under control. 4. Ask troop leadership questions, what fundraisers are there?, what troop dues?, what does rechartering cost?, how much do we spend on awards, how does the troop approve purchases (Sorry Scoutmaster cannot buy whatever he/she wants)? These questions are important as if the troop leadership is not on the same page regarding money, there will be trouble and if there is money trouble - the Treasurer is on the hot seat. Everyone is nice to you when they want a check, not so nice when you turn them down. Make the troop's money policies known - all on the same page. 5. Ask Troop Chairman for a budget-planning meeting. Your troop may have never operated under a budget rather just fund-raise, pay as you go. This is not recommended as program time is lost to numerous bake sales, car washes, yard sales... 6. Paper ledgers still work. Thanks for volunteering. Remember these tribulations when you hand over the troop books, in good order, to your "trained" successor in the distant future. My $0.02 (my authorization limit)

What a disappointment. The rumor I heard was that the requirements were dumbed-down to just one. 1. On a clear day, using a GPS unit of your choice, complete a course with the following waypoints: Mynose, Myelbow, and Myass. In April, professional scouters from National Headquarters field tested the new requirement. The bad news is they became lost on the third leg. The good news is they still have not been found. My $0.01

Steel wool comes in many grades. I prefer Chore Boy Stainless Steel scrubbing pads, hot water. For old rust that will not scrub away, I have used Coca Cola to remove rust. Rinse with plenty of hot water, dry, reseason with thin coat of vegetable oil (upside down but catch dripping with bake tray, 350deg oven, 15-20 minutes). I have not heard about olive oil or beeswax, thanks for that tip. My $0.02(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Just to clarify, The Valley Forge Pilgrimage, a Saturday historical walkabout event, is at Valley Forge National Park. The winter camping for that weekend, "The Valley Forge Encampment" is NOT at Valley Forge National Park but nearby. Scouts are then bussed to/from Saturday's Pilgrimage event. As to the original question, the Cradle of Liberty Council should have camping info. An overnighter on the Battleship New Jersey could be a possibility. Troop 50 in very nearby Devon rents their campsite and cabin http://www.devon50.org/rentjarvis/rentjarvis.htm Another $0.02 (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

So your question is does the color of your underwear matter? No. Officially? No. Now the name and perhaps the day of the week labeled on them might matter, particularly for Cubs. My $0.02

It is about the "activity" of Scouting and not any scouting organization, at least according to this article. (I believe it was released at our 100th as a way to increase sales). http://www.antique-stamp-collection.com/TB/?P=2401 "Stamp illustrator Craig Frazier loves seeing his work in the mail or rather, on the mail. I never get tired of seeing my stamps on an envelope. Its thrilling, he says. Theres something very official about it. Therein lies a challenge for the U.S. Postal Service. As Frazier recognizes, commemoration on a stamp is a nearly universal symbol of arrival into national significance. Yet how many worthy organizations might deserve such recognition? Many. How many slots are available? Not many. Back in the 1980s, pressure to recognize different groups grew so great that the Postal Service had to issue a blanket policy: We dont do organizations. But occasionally, they will do activities things like scouting. We chose to do a stamp about scouting because it so deeply embraces the culture of our country, says Terry McCaffrey, manager of stamp development for the Postal Service. Scouting runs deep in our national consciousness. Many people treasure the scouting experiences of their own past, or that of siblings, parents, or friends. Whats more, scouting calls to mind the simpler times of a nation shaped by the frontier. Although the unveiling of the Scouting stamp also coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts, the stamp will celebrate far more. Its not only Boy Scouts, but its Girl Scouts, its Camp Fire USA, McCaffrey says. Its all the organizations that embody the ideals of scouting. ..." That's their explanation anyway. My 2 stamps,

"If the board of review is for rank advancement, the board will satisfy itself that the Scout has done what he was supposed to do for that rank and will review with the Scout the requirements for the next rank. The board of review is also a way of reviewing the troop's progress" If a scout cannot tell me anything about what he has done, if he gives me the impression of across the board confusion - his scouting experience is a blur as you put it, then it is time for a PAUSE. The scout needs some help and maybe the program too. Opportunity missed. Scout and troop not served. My $0.02,

Well, did the BOR (you?) tell this scout that he is not ready or did he get the rubberstamp so the problem can grow?

I often use the pseudonym "Scout Tommy Jones" when teaching scouts and a friend sent an e-mail titled "Scout Tommy Jones is Real" with the following news attachment. I googled and found out about the medical bills and scout insurance questions and decided to post a reply to this topic. I too would like to learn how scout insurance helps this family. My friend is right, Scout Tommy Jones is real. http://www.chagrinvalleytimes.com/NC/0/2215.html Scouts, rescuers commended after fall from cliff Tom Jones Jr., 17, of Bainbridge is being hailed as a hero for his actions in an incident at the Quarry Rock picnic area in Bentleyville. He and other members of Boy Scout Troop 102 in Bainbridge were walking on a trail July 14 overlooking the Aurora branch of the Chagrin River in the South Chagrin Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks off of Solon Road. Scout Nick Mannochio, 11, was in front of Tom when the narrow and muddy path collapsed. "I grabbed him by his backpack, and the earth gave way," Tom said. That's when both went over the side, falling 40 feet down a cliff. On the ground below, Tom's foot was in one direction, and his leg was in another. "I felt the pain immediately," he said. Nick was also in pain and hyperventilating, according to Dale Olson, Scoutmaster of Troop 102. Mr. Olson had been leading the group and had come to a halt because the trail had ended. He saw them hit the ground below, he said. The Scouts were on a practice hike before going on the Appalachian trail and were walking north. They were on the west bank of the river, opposite the Quarry Rock parking lot. At that point, Mr. Olson's son Matt, 17, also a Scout, repelled down the embankment, and Scout Pat Hanlon climbed down, grabbing a tree branch to steady himself. Scout Jarrad Gold also reached the bottom of the incline. First on the scene, they were able to administer first aid to their fallen comrades. Nick's father, who was on the hike, made it down the hill, as did another father, while Mr. Olson called 911 at about 8:40 p.m. Matt was able to calm Nick. The three Scouts held Tom's hand, talked to him and made him as comfortable as possible. Chagrin Falls Fire Department rescue workers arrived and crossed from the east side of the river. They were called about 8:40 p.m., and the rescue operation took about 45 minutes, according to Assistant Fire Chief Mark Vedder. Tom and Nick were placed in neck braces, strapped in stretchers and placed in baskets. Rescue workers brought them up the 20-foot embankment to the waiting rescue squads. Despite his pain, Mr. Olson said, "Tom was in good spirits." The injured Scouts were taken to Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights. Nick was examined and released. Tom had a broken tibia and fibula in his right leg. A rod was inserted in the tibia. Now, after four surgeries, he is recovering at his home in Lake Lucerne in Bainbridge. He is using a walker with a boot on the broken leg. Much of the surgery work had to do with assessing muscle damage, his mother, Sue Jones, said. A skin graft was done to close the wound. She said Chagrin Falls Fire Department rescue workers "were wonderful with Tommy." Mrs. Jones said a fund has been set up at Fifth Third Bank in his name and the funds will help with medical bills that the family faces. "The support has been phenomenal," Mrs. Jones said. "We're very blessed with thoughts and prayers. We have received meals and many cards, from the community, the troop and friends." She said her son has a great attitude. He has never complained, and is doing all that the doctors have prescribed, including exercise. He will undergo outpatient surgeries now involving skin grafts, she said. Even with his injuries, Tom said he is planning to start his senior year at Kenston High School later this month. He has been active in the school's drama program and has been in six productions, he said, and is looking forward to the spring play. Tom is just a project away from his Eagle Scout award as well. He was planning to rehab the playground at Kenston Intermediate School, but now he will have to find another project. In reflecting on the incident, Mr. Olson said, "The fire department did an excellent job. You just don't realize how fast things can happen. We were fortunate to be in an area where there was easy access." Chagrin Falls was assisted by the Solon Fire Department and the remaining 13 Scouts and four leaders were guided off the ledge on the west side of the river. One of the problems in the park involves the lack of information on the trails, Mr. Olson said. "You can't tell where you are at in the park," he said. They would not have been on the trail has they known its condition and that it was a dead end, he said. "Tommy was a hero to risk his life to save Nick," Mr. Olson said. And the three Scouts who reached their fallen comrades are to be commended for their actions as well. They used first-aid procedures learned as Scouts, he said. They checked for other injuries, talked to them and kept the victims focused, according to Mr. Olson, who is certified in advance outdoor emergency care. "First aid is something I stress," he said. "It really paid off this time."

Here's a story where you have to ask where is the BS insurance. http://www.cleveland.com/chagrinsolonsun/index.ssf/2010/08/medical_bill_mounts_for_bainbr.html

A Council returning unspent funds to participants of one of their Philmont or Jamboree treks would be something I would like to see. I would settle for a full accounting of funds. My $0.02

If scouts and scouters wanted to express their opinions in a political rally, they should have removed the uniform first. Which brings up an interesting irony straight out the Scout Guide for Jamboree 2010 that scouts were required to read and follow. http://www.bsajamboree.org/filestore/jamboree/pdf/410-153.pdf Page 20 "18. Adult leaders and youth leaders must instruct youth to avoid confrontation with groups, demonstrators, or hecklers, and must assume a passive reaction to name- calling from individuals or groups. Units or groups must be removed from the area of potential conflict immediately." Walt Kelly (Pogo comic strip) was right. "We have met the enemy and he is us." My $0.02 (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

"Tab goes to the scouts" Huh? Maybe we need to bring in a newly former HP CEO to speak about "It Happened to Me". So should an third party audit of Jamboree expense reports be done? Or did Scout professionals learn from the Orange County Council partying of 3 years ago? http://www.ocregister.com/articles/baron-68925-council-orange.html Why would Scouting professionals need to leave Jambo (the 100th Jambo!) to party, eat, sleep,...? Or did I misunderstand?