DuctTape

As a related aside, for years we have heard the refrain regarding summer camps as advancement focused (mB mills in worst cases) because "that is what scouts and their parents want". At the same time we see camps struggling to stay afloat due to steady decreasing attendance. It appears that the common refrain is not an accurate reflection of reality as scouts/parents are voting with their feet. So, to stay on topic councils should reorganize with a focus on shoring up attendance and financials of their summer camp (and other offerings). First recommendation is to begin operating camps which "may provide advancement opportunities" but are primarily "a weeklong adventure for scouts with their patrol; emphazing fun, leadership, and doing things for themselves and others."

Agreed. And to add one other aspect, the oft quoted "Train them, trust them, let them lead." has a specific order to it beginning with training.

Yes, the Chartering Org being the PTA makes all the difference.

The NFL? Not sure about assets, but definitely dependent of parent company.

I have never had an issue. No different than sleeping under a tarp on the ground. There is condensation on the underside of the tarp. This is true in tents as well. Sometimes moreso due to lack of airflow. I wonder if the texas climate plays a role. I will check with some fellow hammockers in TX.

Is a hammock a possibility for you?

As I have stated before the JTE is a measure of quantity not quality, therefore not a way to measure "excellence". I think it thus a barrier to improve units, and scouting in general as it perpetuates "check box" philosophy which then permeates other areas of program.

Training regarding how "The Methods lead to the Aims". How to use each method specifically to reach the aims, and also how inappropriate use is a hindrance. These could be broken down into multiple modules. 1. Overview of Methods to Aims. 2. Using each method to best accomplish the aims. (one for each method?). In person, hands-on training is best but digital is better than nothing. IMO only in-person training should "count" as training. Digital is a resource summary, but not complete training. I would incorporate this philosophy into all trainings (except YP.)

Somewhere along the way I learned the word "thrifty". Now where was that again?

I agree the structure and guidelines are good. The problem is lack of focus on quality in all levels of scouting.

True. I was responding the the idea that scouting is expensive for the scouts, and troops. I apologize for not being more clear.

It doesn't have to be this way. The quid pro quo in days gone by was the networking between the business leaders in exchange for their businesses supporting scouts both financially and with time. It is unfortunate that todays business leaders see scouting, education, community, etc... as a resource for their business to exploit instead of engaging as partners (with their "payout" being the networking between each other). It is short sighted on their part.

I think your recognition of the low hanging fruit is spot on. Scouting doesn't have to be expensive at all. Very little in donations is needed, those would supplement but the scouts could do things to earn their own way for a campout. At its core, Scouting has little $ cost. We (BSA) has taken the easy, yet expensive approach. To buy high end tents for a troop is expensive. It is cheaper for scouts to make their own. Boys Life used to have plans for all kinds of camping gear to make. As did the Fieldbook. A new patrol comprised of scouts gathered from the "low hanging fruit" mentored by a Scouter with vision can help deliver a high quality scouting program at very little cost.

I, too, remember scout stuff at Sears and/or JC Penny.

Interesting concept. I will spend some time pondering this. Thanks for the thought.

Interesting that yesterday a Voice of the Scouter survey appeared in my email inbox and was focused on council responsiveness, programs, etc... as to how it provided benefit to scouters and units.

I understood beads for WB, back when it was an advanced course for experienced scouters. Now that it is an intro to leadership (nothing wrong with that), having beads or other regalia for completing an intro course seems a bit much. There aren't beads, etc... for IOLS or SM Specific. Maybe it would make sense if there was an AOLS course.

It would behoove us to remember that some cubs/families might have dietary restrictions due to health or beliefs. One pot meals are awesome, but having only a single one-pot course makes it impossible for those with dietary restrictions. Having enough variety in meal courses will allow those to eat something.

It might behoove us to review the expectations of the unit leader when first providing the blue card. Most of the time I have seen it go like this: Scout: I want to do "xyz" mB. SM: Do you have a counselor? Scout: Yes. SM: Ok, here is a blue card. Have fun! This is NOT appropriate, and the unit leader has signed a card without doing his/her job. There should be a significant conversation between the unit leader and the scout at this time. The initial signed blue card should be the unit leader attesting to this conversation. Many (not all) of the issues surrounding mBs could avoided if the process is started appropriately. The entire process should be reviewed by all unit leaders annually, and involve parents. The PLC should also include this in their annual planning especially when a large group of new scouts joins.

Almost all the ones with clips have a "fast and light" set-up option where one uses just the rain fly and poles. By setting up this way first, the inner can then be clipped from the inside. At the backpacking course I teach (for adults), I recommend folks set up their tent this way as their SOP. In general, I recommend they have all their routines assume inclement weather that way when it does happen they follow their normal routine instead of trying to figure it out then.

I would agree with troop iff, the entire goal of their unit is getting scouts to eagle. It is then their own fault for not delivering on the promise of scouting. Now, I have zero evidence this is the case.

There is no prohibition. I applaud the focus on adventure where advancement (specifically T-fC ) is a by-product and not the goal. However I would be cautious about the "launching a program..." because this sounds like an adult designed, adult planned, and executed program. The scouting program us supposed to be planned and executed by the scouts at the patrol level. Advancement, specifically mBs are supposed to be chosen, planned, etc... by the individual scouts.

DFS? I am unfamiliar with the acronym Probably something I should know, but don't.

It sounds like the pack does not have active dens, apart from pack meetings. Am I missing something?

Any type of advancement poster, or chart is best used at the Patrol level. In my experience this is a perfect role for the APL to take on. Not as a cudgel, but for patrol planning purposes. For example: At a patrol meeting: PL: "So for next month's outing, what are you guys interested in?" Patrol mates chitter chatter for a minute. PL: "Sounds like a lot of you want to go back to campsite xyz. Ok. Let's do that." APL: "Looking at our advancement chart it appears Johny needs to do FC req 2, menu and cooking, and Timmy needs to do 2C req 2. Andy needs 2C req 3 and Danny needs FC req 4&5. Patrol chatters about advancement, and ideas. PL: "Good info. We can use that to plan our campout actitivities, and duty rosters. How about I work with Andy and Danny to plan our days activities, focusing on map, compass, hiking, plant id, etc... and you work with Tim and John on menus, shopping, cooking, fire prep etc... " APL : "Sounds good. We should be able to have basics mapped out in about 30 minutes. Reconvene then?" PL: "Awesome, lets get to work."