TAHAWK

"When we're talkin' about da Chartering relationship, it ain't a franchise like McDonald's, eh? We're not makin' hamburgers, we're teachin' kids. Da BSA functions more like a textbook publisher. They hold da copyrights and trademarks on da BSA materials, and they license those materials to Chartered Organizations for the CO's use in runnin' its own program with its own goals." Again, the CO formally agrees to operate the program of the Boy Scouts of America, inclusive of the advancement program of the B.S.A. THE ANNUAL UNIT CHARTER AGREEMENT... The Chartered Organization, as a duly constituted organization that serves youth, desires to use the program(s) of the BSA to further its mission respecting the youth it supports. The Local Council provides the support and service necessary to help the Chartered Organization succeed in its use of Scouting. The Chartered Organization agrees to: • Use Scouting to further the Chartered Organization’s aims and values for youth. • Chartered organizations must utilize the Scouting program to accomplish specific objectives related to one or more of the following: o Youth character development o Career skill development o Community service o Patriotism and military and veteran recognition o Faith-based youth ministry • Conduct the Scouting program consistent with BSA rules, regulations, and policies. They may be found on the My Scouting website and at the following location: www.scouting.org/Membership/Charter_Orgs/ resources.aspx. If the CO elects to violate this contract in any material way, it may - and should - lose it's franchise to operate Boy Scout unit. Wether B.S.A. elects to pull the plug on outlaw untis is another issue entirely.

Attention sometimes brings change.

You have said this several times. The reality, legally speaking, is that BSA owns Boy Scouting in the U.S.A. The right of an organization to operate a troop or pack is absolutely subject to the CO following the rules set by B.S.A. So says the written contract the CO signs every year. The charter represents expressly that it wants to follow the B.S.A. program. If you don't want to offer Boy Scouting as set out by B.S.A., don't enter into the contract, If you want to talk practicalities, that's a different discussion. You may get away with violating the rules. Many have just as many get away with other behaviors.

I don't claim to be the swiftest person around when it comes to things computeristic. I went to myscouting.org I clicked on Training Validation, which seemed like the place to go. I got: BSA Training Validation Training Search Youth Protection Training* The only thing to do seemingly was "search." So I searched by my oldest ID number. I got: "The search criteria used did not return any person record. Please modify the search criteria." So I switch the search criteria to User Name and got a little box that sadi I finished YPT on a given date in 2016. No other buttons to push - anywhere. I did a Screen shot of the page. Council said that was not satisfactory proof of what It said. It should not be hard. There should be a big button; "Print out certificate of completion of training." The Help Desk person at National said ti was easier to mail me a certificate than explain how I could print one out.

I don't claim to be the swiftest person around when it comes to things computeristic.\\I went to myscouting.org I clicked on Training Validation, which seemed like the place to go. I got: BSA Training Validation Training Search Youth Protection Training* The only thing to do seemingly was "search." So I searched by my oldest ID number. I got: "The search criteria used did not return any person record. Please modify the search criteria." So I switch the search criteria to User Name and got a little box that sadi I finished YPT on a given date in 2016. No other buttons to push - anywhere. I did a Screen shot of the page. Council said that was not satisfactory proof of what It said. It should not be hard. There should be a big button; "Print out certificate of completion of training." The Help Desk person at National said ti was easier to mail me a certificate than explain how I could print one out. Back when people made computers from kits (which I did), software came in two flavors: "operating" and "application." If I am violating some rule by using "app" for application software, you cannot imagine how little I care. The search criteria used did not return any person record. Please modify the search criteria.

Organizations have rights. They sue and are sued as persons. The extent of those rights under state, law varies from state to state, and those rights under federal law are not identical with those of a natural person, but the rights are many and significant, including the typical right to sue and be sued, to own property, and to engage in commercial and political speech. Even associations, although not legal entities in most states, have some rights. Rights sometimes conflict. We try to teach youth to come to the better decision in such cases.

Thank you. I finally got it to print a certificate, but I could not tell you how. Not very instinctive software.

Courtesy is a good thing - both ways. "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"

We were all new once.

Pictures: https://www.google.com/search?q=mosquito+net+pvc&rlz=1C1GGGE___US527US527&espv=2&biw=1680&bih=943&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiO8Lf_0ZPNAhXJZj4KHbCeCsIQsAQIRg Articles: http://bsa344.com/Mosquito%20Net%20PVC%20Frame%20for%20Summer%20Camp.pdf http://www.511scouts.org/files/Mosquito_Net_Frame2.pdf http://www.troop81.org/documents/MosquitoNetting.pdf http://bsa87.com/uploads/26_MOSQUITO%20NET%20FRAME.pdf Animated knots and lashings: http://www.animatedknots.com/indexscouting.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.png&Website=www.animatedknots.com#ScrollPoint (Coloring one end of the rope so it stands out from the other end is usually a big help.)

I could make a list of all the things that were merely common when I was a Scout. The longest journey begins with the first step. Even those at National who understand and support Boy Scouting seem to be in the minority. Until last year, the Rules and Regulations required the use in every troop of "the patrol system." Guess what went away when everyone was watching the changes driven by the Gay thing ?

In the 1990's, the U.S.-made red jac-shirt was replaced by one from Asia that appeared to be made of red burlap sacking. It wouldn't hold any shape and you could see light through it. At least it cost the same as the Woolrich product. Sales dropped off a cliff. Then around 2003, a sage or olive green version came along. It was MUCH better - but it was not red. It did fit the change of the Scout color from red to green and was probably superior to the old Woolrich red jac-shirts. Some didn't like the obvious BSA symbol on the pocket. In 2009 or so, green went away and an improved red version appeared (washable). (That's when I bought my green jac-shirt on clearance for $30.00.) The current supply organization may not understand what the word "uniform" means, but they do try to make the customer happier with lots of choices. Years ago - 1960's - there were forest green jac-shirts for Scouts. Red was the Exploring color. I was poor and in California, so it was out of the question. There was even a red and green plaid version - 70's I think. I only saw it on paid Scouters.

This would be a start: Patrol Method: Use the Patrol Method as defined by B.S.A. (This provision would require the B.S.A. to gather its scattered statements into a coherent description of the Patrol Method and to eliminate the inconsistent statements. [such as incorrectly describing the Patrol Method as a component of "the youth-led troop"].) The troop has patrols, and each has an elected Patrol Leader who appoints his Assistant and fills other patrol positions, such as Patrol Scribe. The patrols meet separately on a regular basis to plan and conduct their respective programs. If there is more than one patrol there is an elected Senior Patrol Leader who appoints Scouts to fill other troop leadership positions and who leads the troop's activities. Under direction of the SPL, the PLC meets at least four times a year to democratically plan troop program. Achieve Bronze, plus PLC meets at least six times to plan program. The troop conducts Patrol Leader training. Patrols have at least four independent activities each, at least two of which are outdoor program. Achieve Silver, plus PLC meets at least ten times to plan program. Patrols have at least six additional independent activities each, at lest three of which are outdoor program. At least one elected leader has attended an advanced training course, such as NYLT, National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience, Powder Horn, or The Kodiak Challenge.

Cooking would seem to require cooking. Then again, Google "salad cookbook" and get over 17,000,000 hits. 0___0

The Patrol Method is to be used, but B.S.A. has failed to define the Patrol Method in training or any other coherent way for decades. And it's not just volunteers who are in the dark. Some at B.S.A. are significantly befuddled. Scouting,org just said, "Patrols are one component of what we call youth-run, or youth-led, troop." No. the youth-led patrol and troop are a component of the Patrol Method. Just as there is no "Troop method," there is no "youth led troop method." You get the points for having a Patrol Leaders and an SPL, but the is no mention of them being elected, much less actually leading, Point for the PLC meeting up but not a word about the PLC doing anything. And Patrol Method points for a Scout (not necessary to be a leader) attending the National OA Conference ?! You get to "Gold" is the patrols do as little as six separate activities. Given the JTE Q&A definition of a "weekend campout," six "lockins" to play video games would qualify.

The "local Boy Scout chapter" turned out to be the local council. Expect little and you are less likely to be disappointed. Later, the Council said it was looking for an "amicable resolution." Complying with the law and respecting the Mom's civil rights would be a good start.

Tried five years with a troop in my neighborhood. Five SA's attended regularly when I started. I was the last when I transferred last Summer. The "Scoutmaster of the Year" for 2011 has no training - zero after sixteen years - and does not own SMHB, BSHB, or PLHB. "All you need is to like kids." He is loved by the Committee, none of whom have a minute of training. "Best Scoutmaster in the World" i was repeatedly told. SM has blocked training for TC by telling them strongly that it is boring and a total waste of time. No Unit Commissioner. All you hear at a meeting after opening flag ceremony is the SM. He lectures on a variety of topics for 60-80 minutes. ("Hair is the best tinder. Get some from the barber.") SM did all the planning until he stopped and there was often no planning. Now it is usually "What shall we do tonight?. (Do you have a compass? Do something on map and compass") "Why if the troop breaks up into patrols, the patrol leaders would have to be in charge." Obviously, no patrol meetings or even patrol corners. When I first joined, the PLs did not know which patrol they were in. I managed to get that changed and to have patrols sit together during troop meetings, but having them compete as patrols or even play games as patrols was out. "The purpose of Scouting is to produce Eagle Scouts." The "Quartermaster" was a dad until there was no Quartermaster. Now the SM pulls stuff out that he thinks he will need. The SM did the occasional troop newsletter until there was no newsletter. When an older Scout volunteered, he was told it was "too important." Boards of Review are almost 100% retesting. (Yes, that the CC going into the room with a half dozen ropes and a couple of sticks.) So, furry Scouter, support of the committee and other adults may be significant - or not. Look who gets votes these days.

Leadership can be by example. A Troop scribe who does a conscious job of keeping the troop records is a leader, even if he hardly says "Boo." "Leadership" has many definitions, but either persuading other that the "job" belongs to them or helping others to do better both seem simple, understandable, and true. Talk is useful only when it leads to useful behavior. I too worked for a giant company that was to be operated by "bottom up" leadership, and I never saw it. But I have seen the results of excellent leaders. Briefly, consider a high school in Cleveland that was the worst in the system in every way you can measure - grades; violence; parent participation; attendance; even athletics. Change one thing - the principal. In two years, the high school was the best in the system in every way that could be measured - student won the NATIONAL History Day Essay contest; chess team won the state championship, and absent its two best boards, fourth in the national HS chess tournament; scholarship money granted up 2300% One little short Jewish guy in a ghetto high school was the only addition. (Sadly, The Board was apparently embarrassed. Expectations had been raised. They closed the school. Hundreds of outraged parents attended Board meetings. After several years of INCREASING outrage, the Board agreed to rebuild the school. Reopened, it remained the best even without the principal [sent packing]. So he's gone, but what he did changed everything, and not just in the one school.)

If the facts are as reported, and we have no contrary report, Scouting is fine for this Scout. The adults in power in the present troop are, as described, not fine, or minimally acceptable, for Scouting. The position that whatever the SM says goes is contrary to the rules and ideals of Scouting. Scouting in fact urges the "obedient" Scout to attempt to change things that are wrong, and the behavior of the troop's adults in power as reported is wrong by every standard EXCEPT "Whatever the SM says goes." It is not "brave" to knuckle under to bullies who have decided to defy the Guide to Advancement, and for a Scout's parent to agree to knuckle under is a poor example. Of course, we have no first-hand knowledge. It's all hearsay, but the automatic assumption that any complaint about a SM just must be wrong and an evil reflection on the Scout and/or the reporter, must have some basis in experience outside the facts presented here for our consideration and comment. It is probable that the Council will not refer this mess to Region, which has the power to act delegated from National Council. Whether anyone at council will help in any way is unknown. I had a Scout brought to my troop in a situation even worse than that reported here, and the District Director and Unit Commissioner of the other troop brought him, introduced him, furnished his records, and vouched for him. Within a year, he was an Eagle Scout and his former SM was a former Scouter. (That SM also had his own personal advancement rules requirements. For example, only one who had been appointed SPL and served to this SM's entire satisfaction could advance beyond Star.) That leaves transferring to another troop. Hopefully there is another troop where your son has one or more friends or at least positive acquaintances. Discuss the situation with prospective SMs. Try to have someone with good rep introduce your son to the prospective SM. Bend over backwards to be fair to those who have not earned fairness. Hopefully, your son can honestly say, " I don;t want any special breaks. I just want Eagle if I have passed all the requirements - no more and no less."

Typically, a Scout wants to be in a troop because of other Scouts in the troop. especially his patrol. The goals and methods of Boy Scouting are not foremost in his decision-making. Also, he probably has nothing to which to compare the troop he is in.

Council may propose. Region decides.

Sure the CO "owns the troop." But what that means is quite clear. The CO owns the troop so long as there is a troop. There is a troop so long as B.S.A. decides there is a troop. Unit Charters are subject to revocation. The SM is a Scoutmaster if commissioned by the B.S.A. as such, and that commission is subject to revocation. It should never come to revocations, but it can and has.

The answer would depend on the definition of a "scout unit"- more accurately a "Boy Scout Troop." There should not be a dispute about the definition. We are, of course, getting the story second hand, but assuming the accuracy of what we are being told, the SM, at least, should not be re-registered as a commissioned B.S.A. leader and the CO needs to be reminded that it voluntarily agreed to sponsor a Boy Scout Troop, inclusive of following the rules.

Thank you.

Sounds great, but I don't reach it via your link.