UCEagle72

I have heard a rumor that our local fall Woodbadge course actually has some staffers who have not completed their ticket ... but I am hoping this was some great extenuating circumstance. I think BD, that the only case you would get an extra bead, is when you worked at a level above your current position -- staff, or course director -- and you would receive the appropriate number of beads, 3 or 4. And Kahuna ... thanks for that update. When I was at Gilwell last in 2001, the Director of Training was not in, so I never saw him in uniform. Now, does anyone know if there has ever been a BSA Scouter, other than GBB, who had 5 or more WB beads?

I taught YP at a troop I serve the other night - 16 total adults - some volunteers, some parents (who the troop is working on to become MBC). I capped my presentation with a discussion on Patrol Outings ... parents got noticeably uncomfortable, the CC came around the table to try and stare me down, the SM, he stood back, and just smiled. As Kudu has already said ... when the PL and the Patrol Members have the proper skills ... not something I would do with a Patrol of 1st year Scouts. I also mentioned GBB's message on badges of rank ... and how these are skills that are always demonstrable ... "The badges which accompany his advancement and which the Scout wears on his Uniform are not to show that he has "passed certain tests." There should be no past tense implied! On the contrary, each badge cries out "I can, right now and here!" The badge of rank worn by a Scout is like the M.D. sign on a doctors door. It advertises to the world that "Here lives a man who is prepared to help sick people." So must the First Class Badge advertise to the world that here is a boy who is qualified to help others as well as take care of himself. It is not to be considered a decoration, but rather a symbol of knowledge and ability. Games and other activities that review the various Scout Requirements should be worked into the Troop's program continuously so that the Scouts will not "grow rusty" for lack of an opportunity to use and practice their knowledge and ability." (Handbook for Scoutmasters - Vol II, 3rd Edition, page 958)

Heh ... I had the new SM of the Troop that I serve ask me that question (and the related, "what are the requirements") last night. Such serendipity!

Just remember, there was only 1 "five bead" scouter!

"It's not all about speed to rank -- it's about growing young men." A-men!

I was on active duty when the first BDUs were issued. Man, I loved those things, especially since you were not allowed to iron them (due to the dies in the fabric to "hide you" from night vision) -- having come from the old Army fatigues that we starched and bloused in our boots -- these were heaven!

Youth Protection also covers "emotional abuse." And cornering and screaming at a PL is easily in that realm. Now, in additional to all that has been said, this parent did violate YP and should have been reported to the Scout Executive by the unit leaders and probably child protective services.

Guess it depends on your location ... The pack that I service was having problems getting new parents involved. Now, a great deal of this was due to the new CM, who always approached every problem as "the sky is falling." Since I was already scheduled to teach YPT for the Troop I service (and a neighboring Pack that does not have a UC) I asked the DE to go over and see if he could lend a hand. He's excellent at being "positive" and has a great way with folks. His report back (via text message) "All Den Leaders covered, and 5-6 Committee Members to boot." So, all-in-all, a successful night. 16 adults received YPT, and the Pack is back up to full strength.

The Unit Commissioner is charged with helping the Unit Leaders to succeed and deliver a great program. If you want to know more, you can check out the Commissioner's section of the BSA web site: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Commissioners.aspx From the web site: "Commissioners are district and council leaders who help Scout units succeed. They coach and consult with adult leaders of Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and Venturing crews. Commissioners help maintain the standards of the Boy Scouts of America. They also oversee the unit charter renewal plan so that each unit reregisters on time with an optimum number of youth and adult members." If you want even more information, check out the Unit Commissioner's Fast Start program, you don't need to be a Commissioner to take the course: http://olc.scouting.org/ Now, you should speak with your District Commissioner, or your Scout Executive, if you do not know who your Unit Commissioner is, or, if you have not seen one in a while. Unit Commissioner's are charged with making at least one unit "contact" per month. Now, that could be coming to a Troop Meeting, a Committee Meeting, visiting the Troop on a Campout, or service project, s phone call with the SM or CC, or even an email. As an example, tonight, I am conducting Youth Protection training during Patrol Corners at the Troop I work with -- and I expect about 16 adults in the class -- scouters and parents (and possibly some cubbers from the local Pack, that does not have an assigned Unit Commissioner). I am doing this in advance of re-chartering (starts in October down here) so that all their unit leaders will show up on their re-charter packet. (Those missing YP training, will not be listed on the auto renewal forms, and will need to complete a new Adult Application and attach proof of YP training completion.) Last week I was at the Troop meeting to conduct an EBoR as the District representative, and check out the Troop meeting. Next week, I have another EBoR at the same troop. Now, three weeks in a row is a bit "unusual" for me -- but I do normally attend at least one Troop Meeting, or the Committee Meeting, each month. (This message has been edited by UCEagle72)

Kudu ... I did the Patrol Method section of our last SM/ASM Basic training. I skipped over most of the slides (but left EDGE up there) ... talked about the "real" Patrol Method, using my old "Handbook for Patrol Leaders", and with about 5 minutes left, I explained the EDGE method, so that they would have some idea on what their Scouts were to be using for the latest batch of rank requirements. And I left the "patrol outings" for my last topic as well. I just love the looks you get when you tell them that a Patrol can go camping or hiking on their own.

According to this publication, listed in the FAQ: http://www.goodturnforamerica.org/about/02-797.pdf "Anyone who worked on the project is eligible to receive a patch." And there is no stipulation for minimum number of hours. Now .. here is a description for the GTA: "Good Turn for America is a national call to service by the Boy Scouts of America to address the issues of hunger, homelessness, and poor health in our nation. In this effort, the Boy Scouts of America is partnering with some of the nation's most respected service organizations, including The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, America's Second Harvest, and the Department of Homeland Security. These organizations and thousands of others will work to provide opportunities for youth and volunteers to fight hunger and homelessness, and teach the habits of healthy living. " But when I look under "Project Ideas" - http://www.goodturnforamerica.org/enter/getpage.cgi?wrap=support&page=/support/ideas.html and check the "Elderly" category - the last item listed is: "Yard work for senior citizen in neighborhood" so I would say your project qualifies. BTW -- this program runs through the end of 2010 according to the web site. (This message has been edited by UCEagle72)

'92 -- This meets the whole purpose of the Patrol Method. They are older, more experienced Scouts, on a one-night trip, on their own, doing what a Patrol *should* be doing. I sure hope they DON'T need a shakedown -- these are requirements they completed for 2nd and 1st Class! However, I can concur on the emergency communication. Of course, depending on how far they are from a cell tower, it could easily become "un-needed weight."

Hmmm ... using AVG and the latest version of FF, and I have no reports. And I have seen reports on infected sites (like BoyandGirlScouts.com) I double checked using the latest versions of Chrome and IE9 -- and not one report!

Jeff -- Welcome to the virtual campfire. Pull up a stump, sit back, and relax. Skeeters aren't too bad here. I hope you enjoy your tenure as SM. I did 5 years - but work demands said I needed to cut it there. It was some of the best fun I ever had in Scouting.

"Again, I don't see why the BSA would have this position (patch and all) if they didn't intend for it to be used for advancement." Because the position goes back to the days of the real Patrol Method (when Patrols hiked and camped on their own). If you read the "Handbook for Patrol Leaders" (published 1929-1967) then you will see that there is a section on the Patrol Organization, and the APL has two pages worth of material. The Leadership requirements were added with the 7th Edition of the Handbook (1965-1972) - and they were limited to "Troop Warrant Officers" (PL, SPL, ASPL, JASM, Instructor, Scribe, QM, Librarian, Den Chief) -- and yes, I can remember when I held many of those positions, I received an actual "warrant" to carry out my duties. Now, if you say that a young man is fulfilling a currently eligible POR, but not really doing his duties, then that is an issue for the SM to address during his SMC. And finally, a young man knows what positions will qualify for the Leadership requirements (or the need for a leadership project) -- let him do what is necessary to fulfill one of those positions. He is the one working on advancement, and should be aware of the requirements!

From everything I have seen, the "Good Turn for America" program is still active and hours may be entered into the system.

I concur with Noles ... focus on the many items the UC needs to concentrate on. You'll have re-charter coming up soon -- and a unit inventory is always in order. Also ... read this column by "Ask Andy" - http://netcommish.com/AskAndy218.asp - many of the items mentioned here are what a UC should be looking for on a unit visit. And remember, you "owe" each unit at least one visit per month. Remember that is the minimal goal! And, lastly, have fun as a Unit Commissioner!

According to what I found in our Commissioner circles, the next program will be called the "Journey to Excellence" Quality Award. And from what I have been told, this will go back to a standard set of National criteria, and no longer have "unit definable" goals. (This message has been edited by UCEagle72)

Moose -- I think you are referring to the Bahamas Seabase ... not the one in the Florida Keys. While some refer to this area as the "Conch Republic," last I knew, they did not have their own currency. ;-)

Flying to Seabase can be a challenge. The closet airport is in Marathon -- but the closest "real" airport (not a single runway) is either Miami or Key West -- and even then, service to Key West is limited.

Hmmm ... my first summer camp at D-bar-A camp we split carrying duties ... each of us carried half of the tent, one pole, pegs & ropes. Of course, surplus Army pup-tents came that way naturally! ;-) (and it was 1969)

Good PDF! From the 1st Edition of "Handbook for Patrol Leaders" by Green Bar Bill ... (referring to the Patrol Scribe and his duties which included the Patrol Log) "The Scribe's foremost duty is the keeping of the Patrol's Log Book, bringing it up-to-date with a vivid account of every Patrol activity. Remember that word 'vivid.' Let's have none of this: 'Left home 9:35, Arrived at Ralston 10:45 Hiked to Hemlock camp site pitched tents ...' Instead, the tale should be full of pep, reporting what the fellows did and said, describing things seen along the way. Your log book should, of course, relate all the adventures, achievements and successes of the Patrol. But be sure in include your flops and failures. Without them the account wouldn't be complete." (That is the copy I used when I was a PL in 1970-1971. It was given to me by a neighbor who had been a Scout in the '30s. I told him I needed to do a few odd jobs to buy a Patrol Leaders Handbook -- and when he paid me for my work, he also handed me his book. Sorry to say that the 1st Edition (1929-1967) was the best one printed -- and the only one Bill Hillcourt wrote. [He contributed to the 3rd Edition.])

Hmmm ... if you spent 30 minutes signing up new cubs, then it sounds like you needed your membership person there 30 minutes early too! (This message has been edited by UCEagle72)

And what about your Committee Chair, or Membership Committee person -- could they not handle the school night while you handle the Pack Meeting? As Cubmaster your #1 priority should be to the Pack Meeting. You could even sending your CA to the School Night. But you are the "ringmaster" and should be there, especially since this will be your first Pack meeting!

You do not need to be a registered Scouter to have a MyScouting account. I signed up to take some of the training before I decided to become active again. Once I was registered, I added my new membership number and everything in my training records is up-to-date. We have a significant number of Hispanic Scouts here in our area. I sure see a lot of them camping. In fact, why not ask Tico Perez his take on that matter? He was a Scout here -- and loves camping. And -- let's all remember the lessons of the 1972 "no outing in scouting" program ... we don't need to go down that path once more.(This message has been edited by UCEagle72)