DuctTape

separate volunteer registration from re-charter. The charter is for the unit. Any names on it are current at the snapshot in time of re-charter. Registration (or de-registration) of scouts or scouters should be ongoing and happening between the snapshots of re-charter.

I heard those Teams play dodgeball against each other. 😜

Having a buddy in one's tent does not make one safer from bears. In general the best bear mitigation strategy is to keep a clean camp, cook and eat far away (and downwind) from the sleeping area, and store food appropriately.

If Woodbadge is just another training as has been stated numerous times, why is there any ceremony for completing it? Completion of IOLS does not necessitate a ceremony. Completing a training is not an award.

I like the idea, especially he part about communicating with the parents. I think many parents need the help and support of scouters to educate them on the reasons for scouting processes. Barry (iirc) often writes about spending time with adults to help them understand the "why" for our processes. I think that is vital. If the parents don't understand, they are unable to support their scout on his journey and without realizing hamper their growth.

One of the other opportunities denied to scouts by the often used mB University, Summer Camp, Troop-based mBC, etc... is the opportunity to make the initial contact with an unknown adult mB counselor. The entire process was well thought out and the process itself provides significant opportunities for scouts well beyond the specific mB reqs. By having the SM give a list of mB counselors to the scout and the scout taking the intiative to make the contact, set-up the appointment and follow-through IMO is possibly the greatest loss in the current (most commonly used) system. I still remember the time I had to call my first mB counselor, I was scared to death. Calling an adult whom I has never met? The conquering of the fear and the development of communication skills necessary was probably one of the greatest learning opportunities I could have experienced. The mB process with registered mBcs provides a safe and positive opportunity for me to develop these skills and overcome the fear. When it was time for me to begin my Eagle project, making contacts to unknown adults who had no part of scouting was much easier. Regardless of what the system changes too, I will continue to advocate for the process to require scouts making contact with the mBcs and reduce (eliminate?) any adult appointment settings. We must remember the process provides (or denies) growth and learning opportunities as much if not more than the badge requirements themselves.

Unfortunately one of the primary purposes for mBs has been long since ignored. Mbs are a medium for the Adult Association method with an expert in a specific field of study (and an adult who is new to them). Too often the processes used deny scouts this opportunity whether it be because the scouts use troop mBs who they already know, camp mBs with older scouts acting as mBCs, mB Universities with large group presentations and almost zero personal interaction between a scout and the mBc, or scouts filling out workbooks and calling a mBc who just signs off aftfer the scout reads from their workbook, etc... All of theseexamples are where the process is designed to "earn the badge", not for scouts to engage with some subject of interest to them and an adult expert in that field. I agree the mBs are too much like schoolwork, and there is far too little choice with so many mBs being required. I just do not want to lose sight of the adult association method of scouting vital to accomplishing the aims through the mB process.

Barry, Would you be willing to share that course with us? -dT

Agreed. It is also a means to implement the Adult Association Method especially with adults who are not part of the scouts immediate circle. Personally these two reasons is why I advocate against using troop specific mB counselors whenever possible.

Current reality: -registered adult leaders already "passed" background and are in system. -some (many?) only will counsel for their own troop. -zero vetting of qualifications for mB counselors. -mB counselor application does not ask for qualifications. IMO the current reality requires nothing from district or council. They have de facto allowed any registered adult to sign off on any mB as long as the adult sent in extra paperwork. And even then does anyone even check to see if the mB counselor on the blue card is approved? If the district/council cannot even look at an application which requires some background of experience to qualify the mBcounselor, they certainly are not looking at sumbitted blue cards and cross referencing them. Anyway, most of the problems which have been discussed could be resolved by having truly qualified mB counselors. Perhaps the district/council folks could spend a little time checking basic qualifications of potential mB counselors instead of arranging mB fairs and universities? The whole system is a mess. Some simple things could improve it.

Well if they put in even half an effort to ensure the mB counselors were in any way qualified in the topic they might have more than zero trust.

A lot of the cooking extravagance is a result of modeling by the adults. Simple one pot meals can be nutritious, delicious, and easy (both in prep and cleanup). Adults should be modeling this instead of trying to outdo each other with extravagance.

ugh. the entire merit badge counselor process has been a dumpster fire for a while. There is zero attempt to determine whether an adult is in any way shape or form qualified to counsel scouts in a badge. Having an adult sign up because "we need a counselor for xyz" yet the adult has zero experience in the topic. And allowing scouts to be counselors at camp...

videos could use "actors" to model a meeting. As to the types you describe with the latter, often it is viewed as the SM just sits there. What is necessary for the SPL/PLC to have full control like that is continuous personal SM conferences with the PLs and SPL about how they are progressing. The feedback and growth during these conferences cannot be understated. IMO this is the most significant area of growth for most SMs... to provide the structure for continuous SM conferences. Before and after every meeting, activity, etc... They must NOT be done as a group, but as a personal SM conference (following YPT protocols).

yes. some are. I apologize for using a wide brush. My point (I bumbled) was that the bankruptcy hearings and tort against BSA cannot hold any individual liable unless they are named in the suit as a respondent.

That is only because the perpetrators are not being sued themselves.

The bankruptcy and related civil litigation does not preclude any victim from filing against the individual perpetrator. They just don't have as deep of a pocket to go after.

we could build a bridge out of it.

and a high percentage of politicians are lawyers.

A one night camping trip is not nearly enough. I had an ASM (who had a youth scouting experience) struggle for two years going on trips, and having late night conversations before he "finally got it." (his words).

I thought woodbadge was (not currently) an advanced scoutmaster course? Is that not the point many are trying to make? The problem I see is is that ALL the trainings are Intro level and there is nothing offered which is advanced. Pre-requisites are not obstacles, they are an acknowledgement that skills and knowledge increase on a continuum. Unfortunately this idea has spread throughout all of BSA even for the scouts. This is what created and perpetuates the one and done issue.

This is how I understood it, and is consistent with what I witnessed. I never did woodbadge myself (either old, new, or newest version). It seems that the newest is a basic intro course as opposed to the advanced course of old. What is interesting is I see the newest WBers touting it as something special, and thus "they" are special more than the oldest version WBers who truly were something special.

Because that is not what is being discussed. COs are doing events themselves at the same location.

Whatcha got for sale in that there bucket?

I do not have any insider information, but many councils in NY whose camps were struggling financially sold an easement to the State which provided a significant influx of cash in exchange for (limited) public access. A quick search shows the state does hold a public easement on the Pouch property, but I did not look to see when it was acquired.