billpelger

OK...I have looked and cannot find, in authoritative written form, if there is any minimum age or rank rank requirements for Den Chief. I want a scout, who is interested in being a Den Chief, to take the Den Chief training. I just receive a training flier that has a specific age and rank requirement. I called the training leader and he said it was a "national" requirement. So, again is there any "National" minimum age or rank requirement to take the training or be a Den Chief? If yes, can you lead me to the link/source/authoritative language? Thanks

I am a scoutmaster of a relatively new troop 2 yrs old. We have one scout who may become OA elidigble, but I must admit, I will have a hard time approving him...but lets assume he is approved. Can the boys vote not to elect him? He is the class clown, goof off, rules do not apply to me (dad is an ASM who sent the cell phone to summer camp with son, rules stated to leave all electronic devices at home, dad does not attend summer camp), when others are working, he will play. He listed on his leadership application that he wanted to be a PL, nobody in the troop voted for him, including himself. So back to my question, can the boys vote NO on his election?

Thanks for the info!!

Regarding the additional requirements, yes I am aware of them. My son belongs to a swim club and attends the practices regularly, they have "dry land" and talk about the safety and the do other excercises to build strength and stamina. Regarding the "No", I appreciate and respect your answer, but...can you show me where it specifically states that a Cub (Webelos in my sons case) cannot earn it or does not qualify, and that it is only a Boy Scout or Venture patch? Over the years, I have heard many "no you cannot do that's", only to realize later that it was their old council rules, or their opinion, or the way they thought they read the G2SS or other document and needless to say, an activity was cancelled or a patch was denied only to find out later it was an opinion, and not factual. By the way, I am not looking to score another patch for my son. It was a leader from a different troop who was watching my son swim who suggested this and even offered to sign off any application of form needed. Also, I thought of this in the past, and asked the very same question and was told no...I accepted it as gospel...but when I asked to see it in writing, they said they would get back to me and needless to say I waited and it fell between the cracks and I let it go, and I never heard from them and they never supplied the backup to their "NO".

Can a Cub Scout earn the BSA mile swim?

I understand your frustration with PWD. Some of the cars at ours have a better finish than the cars coming off the assembly line in Detroit. Too many stories to share...would fill up too many pages here. As far as quitting, only do it if it impacts your work. Do not quit because of the parents...it is true they win(?) or have satifaction and the "see I told you so" factor... you look bad/weak even though it is more than likely you are correct. I applaud you on your training...I too am a Wood Badger...a Good Old Buffalo...but please do not make it sound like or appear you are better than a non-Wood Badger...it is a great program, but being Wood Badge trained does not make a good scout leader...there are many good leaders who are not Wood Badge trained. It appears that you do this because you have a deep and great respect for scouting...continue it because of that reason no matter what a parent thinks or says. Continue to explain the virtues and values of scouting and the many opportunities it offers to all involved. Keep up the good work.

Personally, I would take the course when you can. If you are active in your district, you already know some perhaps many of your fellow scout leaders, and you know a little about their unit(s). If you take the course outside your council, you only expand your resources/knowledge and you bring back resources to your council/district that they may or may not have. It is a win win. It is a great course...you will work hard for your beads, it is worth it...have FUN with it and...Back to Gilwell... Bill (aka BBB Baby Buffalo Bill) C-27-04 Buffalo Patrol

Can a Cub Scout earn the BSA Mile Swim? The Firemans Chit, says to read the Scout Handbook for requirements. I cannot locate the requirements for either BSA Mile Swim nor can I find the requirements for Firemans Chit in the Scout Handbook. Thanks for your help Bill Pelger wpelger@sbcglobal.net

Wood Badge is a GREAT course...you will have fun...you will learn so much. I would recommend that all Cub Scout Leaders take the course so you can use it when you become a Boy Scout Leader

I am a Wolf den leader and a former Cub Scout (back when they had wolf bear and lion)and I am looking for the plaster molds that have the various rank emblems. Do you know who or where I can get these?