sst3rd

All of the skits of our Troop's past cannot be used in today's environment of Scouting. All of the pranks previously mentioned, no longer have a place in Scouting. I will say that my training, Basic and Woodbadge, brought most of these to my attention. They were presented in a positive way (adult leaders to adult leaders), but again, can no longer be used in Scouting on any level. It's sad, but times have changed. It is a matter of opinion as to what degree any of these activities can be hazing. I still remember a phrase hammered into me by my company's Diversity Training program. Any possible negative behavior from one party to another is "victim defined." If the receiver of said action in ANYWAY feels he/she is a victim, said action is WRONG. Thus, Scouting's past has caught up with itself, and like all older traditions and programs, is constantly being reviewed and critiqued for possibilities of inappropriateness. Current common sense prevails, and like the old saying about what to sell at a backyard sale, "when in doubt, throw it out."

Districts do NOT have authorization to set standards outside of the National program. I couldn't believe what I was reading. There is a "Life To Eagle" package from National, available at your Council's office. It breaks down the Eagle advancement process, and has an excellent section on Eagle Projects and required paperwork. A Troop's adult leadership (Committee and Staff), have current and complete knowledge of an individual Scout's participation in the Troop's program. Levels of activity, participation, leadership, training, etc., are discussed well in advance of a Scout completing any rank. A Council's District Staff does NOT have knowledge of individual Troop programs, or of individual Scouts, in order to make some sort of District advancement policy outside of the National program. Nor should it. So, this should answer your question of what other Districts do. All nine Districts in our Council do nothing!!!! sst3rd

A tradition passed down from a long time prior Scoutmaster (Navy)has worked for me. I (the SM) have the alarm clock. I get up in time to call a general reveille at 7:00AM for the entire campsite, I then visit the SPL's tent to personally make sure he's getting up. He knows the program and takes it from there. I go start a pot of coffee. We just lost our most recent bugler to the University of Maryland, so we're looking for another........

I took the old Woodbadge Course about 10 years ago. I too, simply wanted validation of my many years of experience in Scouting. I enjoyed the program, but other than the fellowship and making new friends, I learned little that was new. In our Council, Woodbadge is always promoted, particularly after our District Leader Trainings (I know the names have changed). Most Woodbadgers I know are great, fun, and dedicated Scouters, and draw little attention to themselves. However, the Woodbadge Staffers are always looking down at regular Scouters (Woodbadge or not). During my training, I felt that, and documented this attitude on my Woodbadge Ticket. My Advisor did NOT want me to turn in my ticket as such, but I insisted. Several years later, I ran into my advisor (a great friend and long time Scouter whose opinions I value). He mentioned that the following Woodbadge Course that was taught, he and all of the older Woodbadge Staffers were asked not to participate anymore, and that a group of young lions were taking over. This was a tremendous loss to say the least. I hate politics in Scouting, but it's everywhere. So, to answer your original question, if you have the Basic Leader Training, you were encouraged to take Woodbadge. They always wanted a good sized group. No one had to be "invited." Our Council has a Woodbadge Course every other year. An adjacent Council has a course during our "off" year. sst3rd

I have know idea what a "G2SS" is or where it comes from. Feel free to clarify. As a Scoutmaster, it has always been a rule that Scouts under the age of 18, could NOT drive even themselves, to any TROOP function under any circumstances. Maybe your listed exceptions allows for a 17 year old Scout to drive himself to an OA Ordeal, but I will never allow a Scout under the age of 18 to drive for any Troop function. All of my training, experience, and my common sense may be of years past, but as long as my name is on the BSA required permit for our Troop functions, a Scout under the age of 18 will not be a driver. Anderson

Eisely is again on the mark. Even though our Troop is small, we have a Committee member working merit badge counselor issues. Since we are limited in adult leadership for merit badge counselors, we actively seek the parents out, as well as folks from our church sponsor. Our Troop counselor list is quite extensive. Our District has a list as well, but we rarely offer it to our Scouts unless it's something unique. Our Troop has an "Open Advancement" time during our regular Troop meetings. Our Advancement Committee member coordinates the merit badge program, and makes sure counselors are qualified. This person also makes sure the Scout is working on a relevant merit badge, and explains the merit badge program process to both the Scout and counnselor. It works for us !!!! I do remember documentation somewhere about 5 merit badges being a counselor's limit. This was a while back.........

I work with a Troop of approximately 20 active Scouts. We have a young Scout Patrol and a older Scout Patrol. We do NOT get Webolos graduates on a regular basis (our Pack is being reorganized). The youth leaders are trained once elected, and know what is expected in their positions. We have an SPL with one ASPL. Now you know what we've got, here is my question. Do six month terms really work? At the end of the term, do you bunch all of the Scouts together and have them pick their new SPL? Then he gets to pick his ASPL? Then, does the Troop elect the two new Patrol Leaders, and they then pick their APL? Now, does the new PLC get together and create the new Patrols for the coming six months? What happens to the old SPL and ASPL? If a Scout doesn't like his new Patrol, can he change? What's a workable policy for this? It sounds logical, and over the many years I've tried this, only to have a Scout not take it seriously and had to be removed, replaced, etc.. I'm willing to hear some sound advice for a Troop of this size. We should be growing over the next year, and want to be better prepared. Thanks very much...... Anderson

No person under the age of 18 can provide any type of transportation for any Scouting event.

Eisely is again, right on target. When selections are made for a variety of leadership positions, as the Scoutmaster, the positions must me needed (other than PL, SPL; like Quatermaster, Librarian, and Chaplain's Aide). The Scout is interviewed and clearly told of the expectations. The responsibilities have to be fulfulled. If a Scout misses a meeting or two and possibly a camp out every so often, most of these offices can still be taken care of. I have a Chaplain's Aide who misses several camping trips in the spring because of baseball, but he prepares the material and plans the worship service with several other Scouts in advance. To me, he is meeting the requirements. As Scoutmaster, I am aware of the positions being successfully executed. Where there are shortfalls, I talk with the Scout and advise him of my concerns. I have several Scouts finishing up requirements for Star and Life, but their leadership requirements aren't happening. They know it, and their advancement will stop at the Scoutmaster's Conference. We'll discuss what needs to happen, and see what the Scout does. This isn't easy, but must be done to protect the integrity of the program. Our Troop hasn't had to go to written policies for this yet......... Anderson

TexasEagle, The youth Staff includes the SPL and any ASPL(s). The adult Staff is the SM and any ASM(s). The Committee membership is separate from the adult Staff. Each has specific responsibilities. The adult Staff advises the youth Staff. The Committee approves and supports the program planning done by the PLC, which includes the SPL, ASPL, PL, and APL positions. You can say that the adult Staff and Committee are adult leaders of the Troop, but to get to your main question, Committee members ONLY, vote at Committee meetings. Responsibilities of the Committee are background support issues, and support the programs of the PLC. An issue would have to be outragious for the Committee not to support the PLC. It's their program.

Certainly not as drastic, but on our way home from summer camp (a little over three hundred miles), one of our familie's mini van had a tire going flat as we were gasing up for the trip home. I noticed the tire appeared almost bald, but I used a can of that fix a flat stuff. It did just fine, but I was a nervous wreck on the way home. I know, I should have inspected all vehicles before the trip and demanded that all vehicles be in tip top shape, but a Scoutmaster is slightly preoccupied during this busy time, and I expect the parents to take care of their vehicles. Unfortunately, it still is the Troop leadership's responsibility to see that all vehicles used in Scout transportation, are safe. I screwed up, and it won't happen again. That can of fix a flat saved us from being late arriving home, but I understand that tire technicians hate cleaning that stuff off during the repair process.

I'm sure you're going to get some great ideas on this one. Much depends on your location and the resources available. Our Troop had the county fire and rescue organization come by with their special mobilization and communication van. It's the mobil command post that goes to the sites of search and rescue incidents. Thay reviewed the actual procedures that they used, and this process was easy to duplicate on a smaller scale using the Troop and its personel. You may have to plan a meeting around a practice exercise, and use a Scout as a victim. I'm sure there will be other ideas that can work on the scale required for this requirement. Good luck.

Our Troop, like most Troops I think, are made up of Scouts who are athletes and those that are not. Our Scout program includes a lot of physical games. We also start playing softball in the spring time. This allows for the older Scouts (and athletes) to teach basic skills and rules of the game (we have the church's softball field nearby). Sportsmanship is a part of the program, as I find that our nonathletes learn to play the game and compete as well as the seasoned "all stars." My question is this; has anyone organized a tournament using the Varsity programs (in this case, softball). I'm interested in starting the planning phase of a District wide softball tournament for next year. We have approximately 45 Troops in our District, but am sure, at least in the beginning, that we would get 10 or so Troops involved. If it is clear that we will use the Varsity program as the guide for rules, has anyone taken one of these Varsity sports to a "tournament" type level?? And most importantly, what were the problems that came up, that I could possibly avoid from the start? Thanks to all,,,,, Andy,SM

I agree with all of the above. I've been in Scouting as an adult leader for over 25 years. Things change, but each Troop is responsible for having the checks and balances in place for the Troop's advancement program. Then there's still the Scoutmaster's Conference and Board of Review as a final verification. Other than the normal "First Class within a year" push, I've never had District, Council, or National push for some sort of "Fast Track" advancement. I wouldn't use it if they did. The current system has lots of flexibility.

I've been waiting for this to happen in our Troop. I was aware of two Scout leaders (one male, the other female), who have gone through divorces several years ago. We're all great friends, but they've been dating for over a year. Last month at summer camp, the female leader prefers who own tent to the camps big canvas ones, so her friend puts hers up. I realized that they were going to sleep in the tent together. After I verified that this was going to happen, I clearly stated the possible problems. If a Scout brought it up, it becomes a problem, and they would have to have separate quarters. They didn't agree or disagree. If it becomes a problem, I'll simply loose two very dedicated Scout leaders. I would have preferred that they not put me in this situation to begin with.

Keeping it simple, has worked for us. A short prayer before each meal (on tha camping trips). The Scoutmaster's Benediction at the end of Court Of Honors. A Sunday morning worship service on all camping trips. And of course the leaders need to be youth. This could be a Chaplain's Aid, or a youth Staff member. Having an adult leader to offer advice helps, just to be sure things are planned appropriately. This allows for a consistent exposure to "a Scout is Reverent". It allows Scouts who regularly are involved in their church to lead, and those Scouts who are still seeking "something", an opportunity to learn, and possibly ask questions later, without things getting too heavy and uncomfortable. It's worked with our Troop for over 38 years.

Our Chapter has had various fund raising programs over the years. The fundraisers have to meet BSA requirements, but since this is a Chapter fund drive for a Chapter project, it is administered by the Chapter. This is youth leadership with adult advisership. There's no need to make things any more difficult. An adult advisor may choose to hold on to the funds. There may even be a bank account in the Chapter's name with the appropriate required adult involvement. When our Chapter performs projects for the Council, usually at one of the Camps, we certainly get permission to do so from appropriate Council people. But once the project is planned and approved by the Council, the Chapter takes it from there. Our Council welcomes all of our Chapters in our Lodge to support our Council facilities at ANY time. This is in addition to the three Ordeals that are executed at our main Camp, each year. Sounds like the youth and adult advisors need training, so everyone knows how to get this Chapter GROWING again. Youth leadership can be "turned off" quickly, when the adult advisors take over. GET THAT TRAINING!!!!!!! gah

Our Troop is fairly small by most standards. The Eagles we've had the pleasure of working with recently, have gottin their Eagle toward their 18th birthday. They definitely had to work their social lives with Scouting, so I'm pleased with that. We occasionally have a younger Scout head for Eagle. We've had a couple of 16 year olds, and they've hung around for Palms, but mainly simply enjoyed being youth leaders and going on the camping trips. You say that your Troop has all of the "stuff" going on, but can't seem to keep those Eagle Scouts interested. That's odd. It sounds as if there is the "tradition" of quitting the Troop once a Scout earns their Eagle. Ask these Eagles what's going on??? Go to the source. There's got to be a clue. Other than this point, it sounds like your Troop is very successful in fulfilling Scouting's goals. Keep doing it, and maybe your next Eagle will start a "new" tradition of continued service to the Troop until his future calls (college, armed services, tech school, or a career of some sort). sst3rd

The PLC is the responsibilty of the SPL. The SPL's advisor is the Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster is also responsible for the training of the SPL and his PLC. Ask the Scoutmaster what's going on, and if training is in the works. As always, when one questions Troop (BSA) policy, that very same one sets themselves up to be the leader. I say, for the sake of the Troop program and the Scouts, GO FOR IT!!!!!

This is in reference to "kdhoogland". When you say that merit badges are used for their primary "curriculum", is this in regards to their home schooling??? Either way, there are "checks and balances" in the Scouting advancement program. Each merit badge has to be approved BEFORE the Scout starts, by the Scoutmaster. Because of the Scoutmaster's "Conferences" with the Scout, he/she has an idea of the Scout's advancement pace, and can guide and offer advice. It DOES sound like too many merit badges in too short of a period. Are all of the merit badge counselors registered and approved for teaching each of these merit badges? Scoutmaster Conferences and Boards of Reviews, are great places to discuss each Scout's advancement, and ensure that all appropriate policies (Troop, Council, and National) are being followed. If merit badges are being used as part of the home schooling primary curriculum, I can see how other Scouts may see an unfair advantage when THEY have to work merit badge programs into their busy lives OUTSIDE of their school work, activities, and family responsibilities. There can and should be a "balance". Sounds like a time for open discussion with the adult leaders, so there are no "concerns" with all parties. Anderson

Over many years, our Troop has had the varied levels of disruptive Scouts. When a Scout joins, he and his parents are informed of the limits. The Patrol Leader, as part of his training, is given parameters at which he will have the Scout removed from his Patrol, either for the meeting or for a longer period. The Patrol Leader is told that his priority is his Patrol and their Scout planned program, and that a Scout does not have the right to disrupt it. Parents are always notified, and a adult meeting suggested. I've had to deal with parents trying to explain why their son is out of control, but they also fully expected the Troop's program to allow it. Medication is always brought up, but I've always responded (with our Troop Committee's approval) that the Scout has to behave within the limits, with or without his medication. This is a boy run program, and it would be impossible for the Patrols to operate their programs, when a disruptive Scout was allowed to participate. The responsibility level demanded by the program and parents, both for the youth and adult leaders, is extremely high. I came close to organizing Troop Bylaws, but felt the flexibility of the program would no longer exist. We take it on a Scout by Scout basis, with the parent(s). It ain't going to get any better.

If your Scouting program "kicks", they'll come. If you have great programs for all levels of Scouts, they'll stay active (or get active). Only those more dedicated Scouts become and stay leaders. These are the ones getting their ranks (leadership requirement). As for the inactive Scouts, as was said earlier, if Scouting isn't their cup of tea, they'll leave on their own, and will be dealt with at reregistration time, OR as dues are probably not being paid, some Troops don't allow Scouts on the trips. There's a lot of flexibility that you can use, but as you are trying to get those inactive Scouts "active" (as you should), always make the ACTIVE Scouts "top" priority. I have a lot of Scouts that are extremely busy, but make time for Scouting, because they are the ones planning the meetings and activites. What other youth program does that????!!!! Anderson

Over the years, and depending upon the size of the Troop at the time, I've used the Instructor position in a variety of ways. To train new Scouts, I like to have a older Scout responsible for the Firen' Chip and/or the Totin' Chip programs. I've trained the Scout in the requirements, and worked with the Scout in planning and executing the program. I've also used this position to dedicate an older Scout to work with the new Scouts for the Scout, Tenderfoot, and Second Class requirements (with an adult advisor). Use your imagination, and the needs of your Troop. Seek guidelines from your PLC. They can identify areas of need as well. sst3rd

There are many ideas, but the two biggest in my opinion are; 1) the rule of no awards being presented to a Scout NOT in complete uniform (nor being allowed to participate in any other appropriate function), and to recognize those Scouts that are in complete uniform; and 2) Scouting being compared to sports teams, in that no soccer, football, baseball player would be allowed to play, nor would the player want to play, with just part of a uniform.

Incorrect. This will always be taken as a local issue. YOU want it to be much bigger than it has to be. Again, you are obviously not a supporter of Scouting.