DuctTape

Yep.

I do not think we are in opposite corners here. My primary focus is on the patrols and their activities (both meetings and outdoor activities). The PLC is NOT the conduit for transferring those baseline skills. This is done by the individual Patrol Leader (possibly with assistance from an Instructor). The PLC is the conduit for organizing the Patrols. Regarding the specific examples, those are a result of a failure all around. My main point is he Patrol is the fundamental unit, the PLC is a coordinating team to assist the patrols within the troop.

I am not 100% sure I agree. Advancement is a method and the responsibility of the individual scout, it is not the responsibility of the PLC or adults. That said, if a real scouting program was ocurring with real outdoor patrol based events then the opportunity for advancement is inherent. Meetings are mostly for planning the patrol events, games (which practice scoutcraft). In patrol meetings, the PL (or better yet the APL) should be checking in with each member's advancement status and desires and use them to help plan the patrol events. Also bring the needs/desires to PLC to help plan troop games and/or coordinate with another patrol on an outdoor event. Sure some advancement particulars may take place like a scout asking to be tested on a specific requirement and/or having his PL sign off on one completed at the campout. In general if a meeting has "advancement" as the agenda item, then IMO this is problematic; this says to me the patrols are non-functioning. To summarize, a well planned patrol based scouting program will have opportunities for advancement baked in; the individual scout is responsible for his own advancement (encouraged by PL and SM/ASM). Focus on well functioning patrols, then the PLC and troop meetings will improve. Too many troops fail at this improvement by attempting to start with the PLC and troop instead of the patrol.

I did not think of that. Good point. Perhaps a push for more Patrol outings instead of troop focus is in order. Depending on patrol makeup, this might mitigate the problem.?

I cringed when I read the term "Family Troop". My initial reaction was, "there's the final nail in the coffin of the Patrol Method".

One of the purposes of a BoR in the early days was for the scout to gain familiarity with the job interview process. The BoR committee was made up of influential community people, and/or business leaders. It was a chance for the Scout to learn and grow at promoting themself and answering questions from unknown adults. I think it would be great if we brought this idea back. Conceptually it would not change current practice (or GTA regs), but it would provide both the committee and Scout a slightly different focus and perhaps make it more meaningful.

Hmmm. Thinking out loud for you AM... -change PLC location (and time) -change PLC construct to "patrol planning meeting" vs troop planning -physically separate PLC into PL/APL buddies to plan their patrol -have SM conferences with each plc member to hear from them and mentor -reign back SPL to serve as resource/help to PLs (mentor SPL) -roses/thorns the PLC meeting -suggest menu planning NOT as a whole patrol, but done by grubmaster/assistant (if each patrol member does not have a specific role, start there) -planning by group is difficult, split into subgroups each plan small parts. (Both Patrol and PLC planning) You probably thought of many(all?) of these already which should serve solely as validation of your ideas. As mentioned I was thinking out loud, so feel free to ignore too.

It may be kind of dated, but the original Fieldbook (from late 1940s-50s) is basically a step-by-step manual of activities (called pow-wows) for a fledgling patrol (or troop of patrols). Table of Contents page 1 One could easily modify it with more modern equipment and skills. I bet a good prompt into ChatGPT while uploading a PowWow would be an easy way to do this. Then hand the newer version to the PLs.

In addition to all the excellent points made by I. S., I will add that is the reason for Patrol based scouting instead of troop based. By shrinking everything to a patrol it is easier for scouts to imagine and plan for their own small group as they utilize, develop, and grow those skills.

I would use the campout as the learning and practice ground for the skills, and then the folloeing meeting to individually "test" for the sign-offs. Especially considering all the other activities of a campout. As you know, the individually testing of the scouts takes some time. After which, mention to the scout that you also counsel the orienteering mB, and if they are interested to see the SM for a blue card.

Yes. A majority of our BoRs are done on the night of the committee meeting. It is rare for us to do them at a troop meeting.

The main purpose is for them to have the activitity of looking at their actual trash, having the discussion and thinking critically. It is not about answering the question. My advice, have them list the specific trash and then brainstorm the 3 Rs for each item of trash. Also list different options which would produce less trash from the onset. ReReading my advice is just having them DO the requirement. So yeah, focus on that.

I do not know about SeaScouts requirements/interpretations/exceptions. I have no experience with Sea Scouts. I only know the specific wording of the Camping Merit Badge as it pertains to Scout Troops.

What are their sleeping accomodations at seabase? This is the most important detail.

We always called this one "purple pancakes" as the scene was a chef preparing purple pancakes.

If the program does not continuously use the skills from T-1st, then the program itself is lacking. Reqs are only one-and-done when the program is lacking.

If the SM is signing things off, thrn there really isn't anything that you can do. It is to bad the adults are denying the scout a real growth opportunity. Only thing you can do is become SM yourself. Edit: perhaps talk with the SM about having the PLs teach their patrols some of the second class skills. The SM and ASMs will only observe. Have him watch this scout. Encourage patrol v patrol games using the skills.

Cool. My main point was to increase attendance by not marketing the side quest as advancement, but instead market it as a fun time to play like a Patrol kickball game. The advancement just hitches along for the ride. Even if no advancement happens, it builds patrol identity and cohesion.

Perhaps the "side quests" could start as just fun stuff to do. Find the advancement opportunities hidden within. For example: Get the patrol to just go the local park to play. While there notice the different trees, plants and signs of animal life.

That would certainly make the epaulets more function than form.

Curious as to others scouting pet peeves (not failures of adhering to program, or safety, or other regs). I'll go first: the use of the terms "Class A" or "Class B" when referencing the field or activity uniform. I recently saw it used in an email from Council. Grrr. I know it is not a major issue, just irks me. Anyone else?

Not harsh at all. "Do your best" does not mean "did not do".

Yeah. The site has been super slow to connect for a bit. While other sites and forums will connect and load almost instantly, scouter.com spins. Emptying cache yielded no change.

Agreed. Though often I do not want their "help" as they do not understand the program hence their complaints.

Agree with staking to the ground. Making tent pegs is a great way to use the saw, axe, knife skills on a regular basis. Often we complain about one&done, or advancement reqs as separate from program. This is how to incorporate it. If the books&magazines don't show it, the adult patrol can certainly model it. Scout: wow mister, how did you set up your guys tarp without any tent stakes or line-locs. ASM Smith: look here, we made a couple pegs with our hatchet & knife. Tied the tarp to them with a taut-line hitch. Each of us made one peg, so it only took a few minutes. Mister Peabody never made one, so I showed him how. Scout: Neat Mister Smith, can you show me? ASM: I could, but better yet how about Mr. Peabody shows you while I watch. Then you can show the rest of your patrol while Mr. Peabody watches. Scout: Swell. Can I get my assistant patrol leader to come watch too? ASM: certainly. We willbe right here.