Sqyire21

It's interesting to see how these rules have changed since my youth. When I was a kid, our troop would alternate between Solmers (now Northern Tier) and Philmont. Many of our youth and leaders wore the Bull on the left shoulder, and the Loon on the right shoulder. I'm pretty sure it used to be written in the rules this was how they were supposed to be worn. I know once I finally make it to NT, I'll be wearing my Loon and Bull.

Anita: I would also like a copy of your ceremony. sqyire21@aol.com

Since I'm sitting oversea's right now...any chance someone will be able to pull these up on national's website AFTER the fact? Hate to imagine waiting up until wee-hours of the morning for this..

Alaskan: The answer to the question actually lies in the question itself...which is flawed. Unlike Boy Scouts, who earn/hold a rank and are in patrols (often based on similar ages/activites)...Cub Scouts are placed in Den's, based on ages. Each age is working towards their specific Award. Many people call them ranks, (in fact the national BSA site does as well) but in reality, they really aren't ranks at all, but awards. This is one of the many differences from Boy Scouts. So.. a boy in the 5th grade is still in the WEBELOS Den/Patrol...and working towards their Arrow of Light Award. (notice it's not called a rank...the Bobcat Badge is also not called a rank) The 'rank,' or 'badge' is only a symbol of the Cubs completion of the award for their year. This is one of the reasons a Cub can advance from one program to the other, without actually completing the award for their year. (which I have seen happen when I was a DL and Cubmaster) I'm sure there will be some disagreement over the titles, but this is my understanding.

Is it bad I have no idea what a segment is? (former Cubmaster and Den Leader)

Only 5? lol Some-how, we've managed to finish 10 in 2 months. (2 summer camps and a dad who knows how to read the book and take pictures of events tends to help) Webelos is a simple program...and there's no need to be 2 years.... but glad they are letting us finish what we started.

Just a thought: One of the things I did this year was have the Camp Counselor or Den Walker sign off my son's book for the things he completed at camp. This just made more sense...since I'm his Den Leader (again). This lets the Pack leadership know I'm not just signing everything off....and allows his scout book to have signatures other than just dad's. (not that he'll notice for 10-15 years) If no-one has ever told you...it's a good idea to keep a word document listing all of the awards and when they were earned. 15 years from now, you'll have forgotten a LOT of those first couple of scouting years and what he did and where. A simple word doc makes it easy to job your memory. I also suggest you place all of his scout books, hats, scarves and slides into a box each year. Boys don't take care of these things...but mom/dad can ensure he'll have them for years.

Wow.. if your shop actually has the 1910-2010 patch...I want a couple! I can't find them anymore.

Page 21 of the 2013 version clearly spells this out....in an example already used in this forum. 2013 version: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf However, this is also a change from the 2011 version. (on page 17) 2011 version: http://boyscouttrail.com/docs/guidetoadvancement-33088.pdf Not sure this really helps anyone, but what the books says. (as a point of interest, for our pack, we allow unused parts for Wolf to count for arrow points)

I find it interesting no-one mentioned the BSA Guide to Advancement. I know it's normally used by Boy Scouts, and not Cub Scouts, but if memory serves, this question is specifically addressed in that guide. I'll look to see if I have a copy digitally.

Some great idea's. TO answer the initial question: Read about it, then practice it.. then actually do it with the scouts. Making a paperclip into a magnet isn't that hard, and several of these are also easy. The trick is to inspire their curiosity... do something, then ask them why it worked. Ask them what they think will happen BEFORE you do it, and see if they are right.

Was comforting to read this thread. I've been complaining about this for months, and can't seem to get anyone to answer these similar questions. Thanks for everyone trying to get this issue fixed. At least when the BSA changes the Rank requirements, they allow several months.

Just a thought: Where are you chartered from? Church/school/American Legion? I've read a LOT of great thoughts on how to move forward, but I didn't see anything about what you're Charter Rep thinks. My former unit was chartered from an American Legion. Look in your town, and see if you have an AL or VFW, and send them a letter to request financial assistance. Many times, the AL and VFW both LOVE to support BSA and other youth Civic Organizations. I'm not saying they'll be able to solve all of your troubles....but it may be helpful to get $100-200 for awards. As suggested....talk to your District Rep as well. If you bring them in for a Friends of Scouting presentation... even if they don't get a dime..your end of year awards are paid for. That at least ensures you're able to present the youth something.

I wish I could share your enthusiasm Ember...but if the NOVA program is any indication of the ability for National to 'Roll-Out' a new program....I expect Cub Scouts to be jacked up for years! Like many of the other folks have already said...at least I don't have to deal with it for more than a few months at worst. My next concern will be when they try to update the Boy Scout program a year later... just a few months after the Cub Scouts have moved to Boy Scouts. Yup... National really thought this whole thing out well.

Great advice. I'm being asked to assist with similar project here. Very interested in anything else you discover. Howarthe: Send me a PM with your e-mail, and I can e-mail you a NOVA book I've worked up. Might be some help..