TwoXForr

I am spinning this off another thread I started. http://www.scouter.com/forums/viewThread.asp?threadID=216603 (hope that is how you do it. The thread is in High Adventure and probably should have been here, What makes a good summer camp.) What are the criteria by which you judge staff at summer camps. Enthusasim for thier program, knowledge of topics, presentation, senority (how many of the overall staff are returning year after year)

So Lem correct me if I am wrong but what you want to create or encourage is a subset of Scouting, that is involved with competition of either sports (soccer, baseketball) or possibly intertroop teams that compete in Scout skills competion. So in addition to troop outings, and scout meetings where we are trying to teach skills, citizenship, and a moral code you want to add another compentent. Why not it should only take an hour a week.

I think the biggest selling point in getting Cub parents involved, we tell them right away this is not Cub Scouts, parents are not allowed to do much. Not allowed to carry thier kids gear, not allowed to work around the camp. We get the Cub leaders on one trip, feed them well, actually our Scouts feed them, and I have found this is almost half the battle.

Wow what a gang.

Where at in PA, from outside Philly now, but grew up in Western PA

Well I guess I should turn in my ASM patch and maybe if I am lucky just be allowed to work with the committe and maybe sell popcorn, because my height and weight dont match up. Even though last year I completed the MegaTransect in Lock Haven PA (http://www.ultrahike.com/home.htm) and do a MS 150 every year. (Yes, I could be a better example to my Scouts) Not to mention some older Scout leaders who love Scouting and our programs could not function without them including the head of our Rifle Safety Program who is an ASM but is pushing 60. Statements about peoples height and weight and combination of the two are contrary to the ideals of Scouting. As for a 95% drop out, all because a kid does not make Eagle it does not mean he has droped out. Maybe he aged out as a Life Scout. I consider it a success if he puts the Scout Oath and Law into his heart and mind and it makes him a better man. Not some stupid numbers game.

Thanks for the replies so far. As for facilities, Ohio Scouter mentioned Rifle, Archery and Shotgun ranges. I myself have never been to a camp that didnt have at least a rifle and archery range. (Shotgun hit or miss, pun intended) Is it your experience that camps dont typically have these ranges.

My troop travels around to different camps each year, we enjoy it, it keeps things fresh and it keeps us leaders on our toes as well. The boys decide where they want to go after we give them some options. I pose this question: What makes a good Scout camp? My top three answers. (and this is a work in progress is) Staff-they determine the quality of instruction and overall attitude in camp. Food- quality but quanity counts as well. Facilities- you cannot control wheather or not you have a lake, pond, or shore front, but what can be controlled is how it is maintained. Your input would be appreciated, is there something I left out, something I am wrong on please chime in. My troops history of camps has been, Camp Rodney in Delware, Camp No Be Bos Co in NJ, Treasure Island, Firestone-Part of Ressica Falls in PA. and another camp I cannot remember the name of up around Watertown, NY. (some we have been to twice in recent history)

I am curious, in your orginal post it led me to believe his parents were aware of the theft, what has been thier reaction, and other involvement with the troop.

Good units in Northwales, The Troop shares thier own building with the Pack and the Venturing Crew #84. I also think some older Girl Scouts meet in the building as well. Actually I am just south of you in Audubon, PA.

Welcome, in the Philly area myself, what area are you in.

Saw the movie "American Carol" was a little let down, some of it was hilarous, but it was kind of uneven. Some very funny, some not so funny. The scene with George Washington and his seat at the church almost had me crying (sad, not funny). Overall I would give it a C, the terrorist scene with the bicycle was great.

My suggestion, for what it is worth have your boy go away and be a CIT at a Council camp for the summer, show the Troop his maturity level, and have him experience BSA in another format. Also have him work on the Enviroment and Religous Awards, get a 50 Miler Patch or have him work towards Philmont or Order of the Arrow projects. There is a lot more to Scouting then just Merit Badges. Have him have some fun.

Great movie, loved it. Very Positive, some parts are little painful, but this is from being the jerk that the husband is and relating uncomfortably and seeing the same mistakes I have made up on the screen. But there is redemption and reconcilation, I walked out feeling better and wanting to be a better husband.

I am also from COL and just joined the Forum.

Hi just signed up, looking for advice for my troop and all, firgured this would be another resouce. Anyone got any questions about Valley Forge Encampment and Pillgramge (sp) (Longest continuning Scout Event in US) just ask, been to it four times and my troop actually hikes in and hikes out.