t4eagle137

My Council (Buckeye) offers a program called the SPL2B program. The way it works is like this: The SPL from a troop goes to camp twice. Once before his scheduled week and then during his scheduled week. He also only pays for camp once. The first week he is there, he is assigned to a troop. While he is there, he takes all his merit badges and such and observes how the troop's SPL works. He's essentially the SPL's shadow. When he returns to camp with his troop for his second week, his SOLE job is to be the SPL. He doesn't take any more merit badges his second week, he just runs his troop. http://buckeyecouncil.org/Boy%20Scout%20Summer%20Camp.htm You can find details in the Leader's Guide PDF file by searching "SPL2B" and the application form is under the Forms link on the left of the page. Hope that helps! PS: I apologize in advance for the...unprofessional nature of the website.

It sounds to me like the Committee Chairman needs some training in social skills. You might talk with the Chartered Organization Representative and see if he has noticed (or heard from other adults) any of the same "bush beating" from the CC. If that's the case, it might be time to find a replacement. That's my two cents. Otherwise, perhaps you could talk with the CC and have a civil conversation about his issues.

Thanks Rob, I was planning on bringing lunch for sure and I contacted Cedar Point to ask about the group discount and have that sorted out. As for the weather...well that's something we'll have to gamble with.

Definitely. I'm not one much for roller coasters either but I do enjoy being there with friends and having a good time.

Thanks guys, I just wanted to be sure before I got too far into the planning process.

I've checked the Guide to Safe Scouting and didn't find anything in there but I wanted to check with some other experienced scouters. During our yearly planning meeting some of the boys brought up the idea of vising a local amusement park (Cedar Point). As things are getting closer to needing a date and an immediate plan I wondered if there's a BSA rule about taking scouts to an amusement park with a a majority of rides being roller coasters. Cedar Point has an impeccable safety record so that isn't an issue, but I just wanted to see if there was anything from the BSA preventing this. Thanks!

I agree with Beavah, we would be able to help you if we knew the circumstances. I have a limited knowledge of how committees generally work, but it makes sense that the Chartered Organization Rep and the Committee Chairman should be in agreement for removing an adult leader.

Yeah, I noticed a bit of that too. But that's what beta testing is for: to work out all the bugs and kinks.

For those of you who are not aware, the National Council has started it's own version of "Myspace" and "Facebook" called Scouting Community. It is a Scouts-only area where you can post ideas, topics, and meet other Scouters (much like this forum). It is open to adults and youth and is accessed through the MyScouting application. It's really a cool resource even in its beta testing run. Anyone have an opinion of it?

J-Dawg, In my troop we always welcome the older boys to stick around to help out and guide the younger scouts. We would never reject help because of what your work schedule "might" be. In my opinion, your Scoutmaster needs to back off a few yards and let the boys run the Troop. Seeing as there are no active Venture Crews you might visit your local Council office and see if another district or nearby Council has one you could join. If not perhaps they know a few people that would be willing to start one. Hope that helps, feel free to e-mail me if you need anything. Phillip Boyle Troop #4 Canton, OH

I also agree that it isn't obsolete. I would love to get my hands on a copy of the Signaling merit badge book to teach the boy in my troop about flag signals. Before long (if it isn't already) the skill will fade into history. So anyone know where I might be able to get my hands on a book?

Yes, Kudu, thanks for the link. Thanks for everyone's input. I'll certainly put it to good use. Especially the invitation of a friend to outings.

First, let me lay out the scenario: My Troop has 27 (approximately) registered adults, this includes Committee Members, Assistant Scoutmasters, and Venture Crew Advisors. There are currently 4 active adults in the Troop with 15 registered and 15 active Scouts. In years past, we have relied solely on a joint Cub Pack to provide new Scouts. We have since seen the error of this and are hoping to correct this. I'm wondering what other Troops do in order to recruit Scouts. We have plans to visit local schools with the District Executive and also to set up a mock campsite in a local park and offer food to give people an understanding of how we work. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

I was pleased with the article. I'm looking forward to see how Mr. Mazzuca plans to portray Scouting in a way that will encourage young men to join a local Troop.

Ours is the Pipestone Camp Honors Program, Buckeye Council, Seven Ranges Scout Reservation. It's been around since 1926 as a way to keep Scouts returning to summer camp and also to help Scouts reach Eagle at the same time. http://www.buckeyecouncil.org/pipestone.htm(This message has been edited by t4eagle137)(This message has been edited by t4eagle137)