83_Eagle_T148

Chippewa29 Thats a very interesting scenario, and one that speaks to the strength of the patrol method. I assume is a temporary measure, put in place until your PLs gain experience and confidence. Adding a 3rd, later and 4th, patrol, will make this model all but impossible. However, You now have two worthy candidates for SPL. Frankly, SPL will be an easier job than what either of these patrol leaders are doing now.

The examples you are using are specific to den leader knots. I understand the original question was about the cub scout Den leader award, and it clearly prohibits using tenure for another award while working on it. However, no all awards have the same restriction, like the scout training award and scouters key. For example: A leader can be a pack trainer, and work on the pack trainer and cub scouter awards using the same tenure. To take it to another level, the same scouter could also be a commissioner working on the commissioners key and doctrine of commissioner science at the same time - that's a total of four knots. I'm not advocating working on multiple awards at one time, but it is possible with many of the leader awards.

Unless one of the awards specifically states otherwise, tenure can be used toward multiple awards that are apropriate to you position. Please note the Den Leader does state you can't use the tenure time for that award for any other award.

The office patch goes on the sleeve pocket, with the trained strip on the pocket flap. I just put together a centenial uniform shirt, and had no issue sewing my office patch on the sleeve. As an alternative you may consider patch magic for a temp patch.

Why isn't it possible for the boy to communicate with you directly - that's where I would start. Barring any unforseen answer, I would explain what the program is about and how making the young man take responsibility for his own advancement fits into the program. Should the parents still disagree, I would let them know I respect thier postion, but that is how you run the program, and do so for the boy's own good. I would then inform the parents of how to contact the Tropp Committee with any further concerns, and move on. What you're doing is the right thing, don't let the parents bully you on this.

I'm straight, but think BSA, I can't say Scouting as GSA has a more liberal policy, has made an error here. The youth in our program need to interact in a real enviroment, not a fantasy one, out intent is to prepare these young men for life in our society as adults. There is no doubt these young men are, and will encounter, people who are homosexual. I have friends, and business assiciates, who are homosexual ... and would be great role models. In excluding homosexal leaders and youth, we are failing these young men. It's time to let go of antiquated ideas, and live in the real world.

Broccoli with Cheese Sauce - always remember what business we are about here: The BSA goal is to train youth in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs, and, at older age levels, career-oriented programs in partnership with community organizations. For younger members, the Scout method is part of the program to inculcate typical Scouting values such as trustworthiness, good citizenship, and outdoors skills, through a variety of activities such as camping, aquatics, and hiking The program exists for precisely the reasons listed above - the broccoli Use whatever is needed, within BSA policy restraints, to bring the boys to the program - the cheese sauce. Uniforms can be a very strong tool to teach the elements of our mission statement, but they can also run counter to our mission. My point is each group of young men is different, don't loose focus of what is important. For the record I do wear my full uniform at all events, and meetings, although it is not always required. The best way to lead is by example.

I didn't read all the posts prior to my replay, ao let me add a bit more. If the Lodge, Chapter, of a Committe of eitehr, id performing the AOL ceremony, the sash should be worn. The newest publication of the OA Handbook has the latest policy on sash wear, which is more liberal than those of the past. However, whenever the OA is officially part of any program the sash should be worn.

Is the AOL ceremony at a Blue and Gold, if so sash wear is permitted, just like a COH.

I've been following this thread since last week, and can only say I'm very pleased to see a productive and civil discussion on this topic, one that put's the young mans needs first!

Nolesrule is quite correct regarding: "I think BSA may need to tweak the requirement wording as I doubt that's the true intent." That is most certainly their true intent. The whole point of Arrow of Light is to prepare Cub Scouts to enter the realm of Boy Scouts. Without having earned AOL, the grade/age requirements are in place for a reason. Or, to put it another way, earning Arrow of Light creates an exception to the Boy Scout age/grade joining requirements that allows a boy to join earlier than usual.

Although I do not know an Eagle Scout of that age, you may contact NESA, the National Eagle Scout Association, who may be able to point you in the correct direction. I suggest your son make the contact, his efforts will be better received, as this is his project. Tell your son to keep at it, the trail to eagle is a rewarding and life changing experiance. www.nesa.org

Basement dweller, in as far as electronic communication with youth, stick to format's that are either public or leave a permanat record avaliable to all parents and leadrers. This is my best advice. Email is good, copy other leaders, and the child's parent/guardian. Email can also be printed or moved to Word to work from, great for project work and planning. Social Networking is a hot topic. I suggest a Unit page, and keep all communication on it. Make all scouts, scouters, and parents friends of the unit - the owner of the page, and keep everything public. IM/text is bad, it's one and one, with no hard copy left - don't use text or IM with youth members. Good phone use practices will pay off. 1. Call the boys home phone, not his cell. 2. Ask his parent, tell them why your calling, and ask to speak with the boy. The parent can stay on the line if they choose. Good practices will prevent nasty policy changes.

What *do* we allow youth leaders to decide? ... This question strikes me as odd .. Should we not be asking "when do we step in", as the boys should be deciding everything. Our job as adult leaders is not to act as a controller, parceling small amounts of decision making to the boys. As adult leaders we should be observes, moderators, advisers, guidance councilors, and bringers of the reality check. Let them run with all of it, and reign in as necessary. Growth requires space, and more than a bit of trial and error.

The price turn me off - more starbuck's fodder.