ScoutNut

Your main job is your den. You need to concentrate on making your den program the best it can possibly be. You want your den families to stay because your den is so great, and in spite of the problems with the Pack as a whole. A year's calendar is a MUST for a den. Include all events, meetings, activities, for both den and Pack. Mark as tentative all dates that you are unsure of, or estimating based on past Pack activities. Create a monthly den newsletter with updates/reminders on upcoming meetings and activities. Include on both the den calendar, and newsletter, contact info for den leaders and Cubmaster. At your next den meeting get current address, and contact info from all parents (including email that they will actually read). Do this at each den and Pack meeting until you have hit every den family. Contact the former den leaders of the den that merged with yours. Hopefully they will have contact info for their former den. Your Cubmaster should also have a complete Pack roster by den. Get one from him. Send info to your den families via a number of different avenues (email, hard copy at meetings, phone calls, snail mail). That way you know they will get it some way or another.

The BSA Scouting for Youth With Disabilities Manual - http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34059.pdf

Contact your District Training Chair and ask about the ceremony.

Yes, and yes.

Sounds like since neither of you could attend the Committee meeting, someone who had an issue with one, or both of you being SM, used that opportunity to replace you. Talk to your CC.

You are not going to find anything for free that offers decent features. Or if there are any, I have not seen them. The biggest plus with Troopmaster is that it is Scoutnet compatible. Personally, I like the web based applications were you have access anywhere you have access to the internet, and you don't have to pass a CD around and download stuff on your computer.

You say you were both "sworn in". Did you both submit BSA Adult Volunteer applications (along with youth protection completion certificates)? Was your Co-SM at this Committee Meeting? One of the SM's should have been. Did she question the Committee? I would immediately contact the Committee Chair(CC), and ask what the reasoning was, and why there was no discussion with you about any issues. I would also request reimbursement for SM training. If you do not get an answer then I would give the Charter Organization Representative (COR) a call and ask him/her the same questions. The COR, and the CC are the ones who do the "hiring" and "firing" of their volunteers. Your council Scout Executive has nothing to do with it (unless your applications were rejected by the council after the background check, but then council would have notified you).(This message has been edited by Scoutnut)

If just your Webelos show up for a hike, then it is simply a Webelos den activity, and can be counted as such. It has nothing to do with Boy Scouts. If just the SM shows up, how is that Boy Scout oriented? I would call the SM 1 or 2 days in advance to find out if this outing is a go or not. If no Boy Scouts then let the Webelos know that the outing will count as a Webelos hike only (as long as it is 3 miles). While the Cub Scout criteria is Do Your Best, a Webelos only hike is NOT a Boy Scout activity. The actual requirement is - With your Webelos den, VISIT at least one Boy Scout-oriented outdoor activity. They do not have to participate in the activity. Does this Troop, or other area Troops, do outdoor activities monthly? How about an outdoor Troop meeting of any sort? Can you visit any of them? Bottom line is that you do not have to answer to your Committee. As Webelos den leader the decision is yours as long as you follow BSA policies, and you are. However, you should be prepared that over half of your Webelos may not be receiving their AOL, or crossing to Boy Scouts at the end of November.

Not all Charter Organizations supply "a significant amount of resources to the troop". Some CO's are extremely hands off. Some to the extent that they offer no resources at all, and barely even recognize that they charter a BSA unit. If your Troop wants to recognize it's CO, the Troop flag is the traditional place to do it.

There is no need to get defensive. No one said that you were doing something wrong. Parental involvement IS critical. However everything we do in Cub Scouting should reflect the Purposes of Cub Scouting. One of those purposes is the preparation for Boy Scouts, and part of that preparation is fostering more independence in the Scouts. This is something that you, as DL, and as CM, should keep in mind.

Actually, NO it is NOT "anything that fits". As per the quote for the BSA Insignia Guide that I posted, A temporary insignia patch MUST be issued/awarded by the BSA ONLY. It has to contains some kind of BSA identification. It can NOT be a "patch earned in another country as a result of an exchange", unless it is a BSA patch.

From the BSA Insignia Guide - "Temporary insignia are issued for such events as summer camp, camporees, and Scouting shows. All temporary insignia must contain identification including one of the following: corporate name (Boy Scouts of America); corporate initials (BSA), BSA fleur-de-lis (universal with eagle or plain one-color), "Venturing BSA", or "Venturing"." and "The general rule is that badges awarded by organizations other than the Boy Scouts of America may not be worn on an official uniform. This includes military medals and service ribbons."

The OP was complaining that their SM - "insists that our younger scouts be seen teaching someone how to tie a square knot". My comment illustrates that there should be testing, and it is the SM who decides who gets to "test". While others might do this differently, Shrubber's SM is NOT WRONG in how he is handling this requirement.

You seem to have conveniently dropped off part of that quote. The Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures also states, on page 24 - "The Scoutmaster maintains a list of those qualified to give tests and to pass candidates." Weather you like it or not, it IS the SM's call. If you do not want to support your SM, then your other choice is to take your son and find a different Troop that fits you better.

The requirement is - Find out how you can help your church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or religious fellowship. Tell her that they should concentrate on helping their "religious fellowship". Since they have no church, that would be their family, community, or generally, their fellow man. The requirement does not state help worship, just help. An act of service would complete this requirement.

How about reminding them they are not acting in a vacuum. They are supposed to be voicing the wants and needs of the boys in their patrols. Clearly they are not doing that. They are opting for the things that are the easiest to do, not even things that THEY want to do, because they don't want to put forth any additional effort. OF course, maybe the rest of the Troop does not want to put forth any effort either.

I don't see a problem here. Your Council Shop person was incorrect. The current BSA Insignia Guide clearly states that there are two OPTIONS, and that Webelos Activity pins can be worn on EITHER the Webelos cap, OR the Webelos Colors. Until BSA comes out with a new Insignia Guide, or some other publication, which changes that ruling, it stands as is. This is usually a PACK decision. In most every Pack in my area they use the Webelos Colors. The Packs will usually pay for them by incorporating the cost of the Colors in their annual budget, along with other advancement costs. If your Pack is making the choice of cap or Colors a family option, and requiring the families to pay for them, then they can choose either one, or both. If your Pack does not cover the cost of either the cap, or the Colors, and you have a family that can not afford either one, then the Scout will not be able to display his Webelos Activity pins on his uniform. Or, the Pack can give financial aid to the family for this purpose.

I think that in it's explanations on the online Tour Permits, BSA is assuming that the owner of the vehicle is the driver since that is the case in most instances. If you are renting a car/van, or borrowing one from a church/school/etc, the owner is a corporation and will have no driver license, so again, it is the license number of the driver that is needed. If you are borrowing the car of a friend or relative, I would put down their name AND their license number in the column marked owner. Then put the license number, and name, of the car's driver in the next column. If you are unsure, call your council Tour Permit person. They will be more than happy to tell you what information they require on the permit.

clemlaw, not to worry, the two Pack's that you have been affiliated with are handling their Pack Leaders Meetings (Committee Meetings) exactly the way that BSA says they should. While the TROOP Committee Guidebook does use the word "vote" in conjunction with the Scoutmaster and the TROOP Committee, nowhere in the Cub Scout Leader Book does the word "vote" appear. The Cub Scout Leader Book does, however, talk about the monthly Pack Leaders Planning Meeting, the Pack leadership team of Cubmaster, assistant Cubmasters, Committee Chair and members, Pack trainer, den leaders, assistant den leaders, and den chiefs, the importance of the team approach in Cub Scout Packs, how it is a combined effort, and how, at least monthly, this team of Pack leaders should meet and plan the Pack's program together. Discussion and consensus is how a Pack Leaders/Committee Meeting should make decisions. As others have said, there are LOTS of discussions on these forums on how a Pack works, or should work. It seems to be one of our hot topics!

If you have a capacity limit on the cabin you are renting, and don't want to rent an additional cabin, then your answer is pretty simple. On your sign up flier state CLEARLY if your event is family, or just parent/Scout. Then also state CLEARLY that there is a capacity limit in the accommodations and you can only accept up to XX number of people. so it is first come, first served. Any reservations received after the cutoff number is reached are returned with the explanation that capacity has been reached, see you at the next campout.

Committee Meeting, and the Pack Leaders Meeting, are the same thing. All of the Pack's registered Scouters should attend this monthly planning meeting. That includes the CC, CM, COR, Committee Members, and Den Leaders.

>>>>"So if it is by the book Then why was a den leader at the committee meeting???????"

In Tigers you should have a parent (or other adult partner) attending all activities with each Scout. These parent adult partners should not be allowed to simply sit in a corner and watch and chat. When you set up the room put enough chairs around so that every Partner is sitting right next to their Tiger. When you hand out crafts, make sure you give one to BOTH the Tiger and his Partner. When you have a Tiger TEAM do an opening flag ceremony have the Tiger hold the flag (use a smaller, hand held one), and the Partner lead the Pledge/Law/Promise. Everyone (Tigers, Partners, siblings,etc) stands, salutes, and recites. When you have a closing ceremony (I do the Living Circle) include all Tigers, Partners, and any siblings. See who can do your den cheer louder, the Tigers, or the Partners. Include the Partners in EVERYTHING. No one sits on the sidelines. The boys are only half of your den. The Partners are the other half. Make sure they know that, feel that, and are having fun right along with their Tiger. Every Tiger Team signs up for at least ONE activity/meeting. Make sure they know that you will be there to help in any and all ways. The more creatively challenged can easily put together a trip to the Fire Dept, library, or nature center. The more gung ho can do more. But everyone must do something. You are naturally going to have some parents who are more active than others, and that's OK. Some might need a bit more encouragement to sign off on the things they did at home, and that's OK too. Don't ever assume that they are not doing things at home. They usually are, and sometimes they don't even know it (game with a purpose remember). Ask questions, give suggestions, and work with them. Tigers is EASY. That is not just for the boys either! You will need to explain the program, and set these expectations from day one. If you can get your parents to feel involved, like a real part of the den, instead of a bystander looking in, they will get hooked on Scouting. When that happens you will not have to worry about scout retention, or parent help. You will have a cohesive group that will work together, and have fun together, for years to come. Your mileage, as they say, will vary. But, in the 12+ years I have been Tiger den leader, I have lost very few Scouts, and I have never had a problem getting 2, or more, adults to step up as den leaders.

I am not sure where you are reading this, as that is not what the Local Tour Permit states. You are required to list the following - Make/model/year of vehicle Number of seat belts Owner's name DRIVER'S License number (note - it does not state owner's license number) Will everyone wear a seat belt (silly, why would anyone put no?) Liability insurance coverage "If the vehicle to be used is designed to carry more than 15 people (including driver) the DRIVER must have a commercial drivers license (CDL). In some states (including California), this guideline applies to 10 or more people." The EMPHASIS is mine. The person who is driving must always list their license number. If they are driving a vehicle designed to carry 10-15+ (size varies depending on state laws) the license that the driver lists MUST be designated as commercial (not a regular license). If you are driving a two seater car, you CAN transport a Scout. However that Scout can ONLY be your son.

If your Charter Organization ends up backing this man, there will be no way to "solve" this issue. You need to acknowledge that possibility, not ignore it. Again, I recommend that you get your Unit, or District, Commissioner involved. Helping units in situations such as this is what they do.