DuctTape

Agreed about being a mB counselor for those things we are passionate about. Should be the case for all mB counselors as that passion can transfer to the scouts. If the passion does not exist, the likelihood of the scout becoming passionate about the activity is unlikely. Worse, a scout with fledgeling passion will have it extinguished by a ho-hum mB counselor. Back to your post, that is very cool for the scouts to have their letter published. It will certainly encourage them to continue to write letters to editor, etc...

Yes. But a marketing program and strategy is necessary to deliver the message. In the early days, books and comics abounded. Written by scouters, but allowed by BSA. Scouting was part of kids entertainment. In these times, kids use youtube, and other social media. To attract them, there needs to be content. Not "how to tie a bowline" content, but the fun and adventures which have the outdoor skills embedded. Also, not to focus entirely on the "super high adventure", but on more everyday scouting activities. A regular campout, not philmont. At least the proportions should be an accurate reflection.

That is fantastic!

In the not so distant past, some councils had community youth soccer/bball groups registered as "scouts". They did no scouting at all, it was just an after school youth sports program. As long as dues were coming in, no one cared. I suppose the number of registered scouts made someone look good too. It was about 10-20 years ago when it was finally cleaned up.

There are a few species of moss (I do not know the names) which make fantastic TP. It is like using a wet-wipe. One species in particular my paddling partner and I call "the clean get-a-way" (from the commercial). This allows us to not have to burn used TP in areas which require it.

The "smearing" or "frosting" technique shows a complete understanding of the principles when used appropriately. And a complete misunderstanding when not. I do not include it in my basic LNT instruction as it is suitable only in environments where those new to backcountry camping are not (or should not) be venturing yet.

When the water is heated, it is quite nice as a "shower". No need to lather up! Feels great to have the bath temp water pouring over one's head, especially when lake temp is in the 50s.

It is not difficult to find a location. I have been to the Quetico (Canadian side of BWCA) numerous times, and locations are easy to find. One has to find them for digging a cat hole anyway. Second, if one is only using warm water (no soap), then it is no different from swimming in the lake.

I have always viewed the problem as some chartering organizations used their pull to have BSA conform to these COs beliefs and doctrine which then forced other COs who did not have those same beliefs to exclude members they would otherwise allow. To use an analogy, many religious based COs believe the eating of pork is a sin, and thus violates their moral code. I argue it would not be appropriate for those COs to dictate that BSA prohibit bacon and/or exclude from membership those who eat it. It is entirely appropriate for the CO to not have bacon at their functions. Sure this seems like a ridiculous argument to make, but the "sexual ethics" argument would be the same, just swapping out "one sin for another". Again, it boils down to whether one CO should dictate to another CO (through their power with BSA) what "values" the other COs must use for membership. I argue no.

And I think BP would agree. In "Aids to Scoutmastership" he wrote, "Living under canvas is a very different thing from camping. Any ass, so to speak, can live under canvas where he is one of a herd with everything done for him; but he might as well stop at home for all the good it is likely to do him."

For sure. Backpacking having to carry all water sounds like a chore. I tend to go places where water is abundant.

Take a "woods shower". A pot of water heated to a nice bath temp, a cup, a bandana, and a private place in the woods. Scoop and pour cupfuls of warm refreshing water over your head. Use other hand to "scrub" away dirt and grime. Being extra mindful of crotch and armpits. Dry off best you can with bandana. Get dressed.

If a business provides a service or product, it may not discriminate against the customer. (ie "we don't serve your kind".) An organization and can have its own membership policies (Freedom of Association). BSA acting as a business selling popcorn cannot choose to "not sell to certain groups". Or if they "rent" their facilities to others, they cannot discriminate. This is how I see it (as a non-attorney).

As the ash borer began to make its way towards our parts I began to plant some seedlings to take their place in my woods proactively. I have also collected acorns from the nearby park and left piles for the squirrels to hide hoping that some might take root. Fortunately my woods are not a monoculture of ash, so all is not lost. The hickory are the most abundant.

Yes. For the last decade or so I cook a traditional thanksgiving menu in the woods over an open fire. I use backpacking cook gear (no dutch oven) . We camp from Thurs-Sat. Since most cannot make it for Thurs, I cook the main meal on Friday. I break down the turkey into breast and thigh pieces before heading out as it is easier to cook in parts. (I do the same when I cook turkey at home.) Edit: This is not a scout trip. But one w/ adult friends. Although there is no reason it could not be undertaken by youths.

Another benefit the Adult Association by means of the traditional approach to the mB process is the scout making the initial contact with an adult he/she does not know to plan and arrange the counseling sessions. I do not think losing this opportunity by having scouts do mBs only at camp, mB colleges, or even with troop adults can be underscored enough. When a scout desires a "rare" mB, this is the perfect opportunity to this traditional approach, in contrast to offering it at a college b/c only one or two counselors for that mB exist in council. I think the colleges serve a role, but they should be limited to introducing the mB counselor and content. Ending with providing contact info for the scouts to call/email/etc... the counselor to set up sessions (perhaps with a couple buddies at most).

What is often missing in the rush to mBs via "colleges" or the like is the real benefit of the Adult Association method. The more personal the time spent with the youth, the more the adult assiciation as a method can be used to accomplish the aims. The biggest problem with the mB mills and the give-away mBs is they are an example of the opposite of our aims. Cutting corners and taking the easy way out is not ethical decision making. By focusing on advancement as the goal, handing out signed blue cards to scouts who have not fulfilled the reqs, showing scouts how to cheat the system and denying scouts the benefit of true adult association is the worst example we can provide the scouts. It goes against the very Aims of the movement.

There is a reason for dens to be the size of patrols. Using other adults to split up the larger group into manageable sizes is an acknowledgement that the group size is too large to begin with. In general no matter how large the group is, the fellows will only be able to "hang out" with 5 or 6 others at any given time. Which is the typical den or patrol size. So even with a large den, the reality is there are smaller dens already. These might be more dynamic groupings from meeting to meeting, but they are smaller dens within the larger regardless.

As you transition to having scouts having the authority to sign-off, I would hesitate using something as arbitrary as rank, or age as whether they may sign off. Instead designate those who you have determined understand and can demonstrate what "a scout is tested" is supposed to look like. This goes for adults too. I would not designate any adults until they demonstrated this understanding either.

The belt loops in the 80s were for skill awards as a Boy Scout (not cub). IMO the skill awards were the only good thing about the ISP. They were introductory to the skill, a basic competency which then left the mBs for more advanced. This provided a means for growth over time as opposed to one-and-done. I still remember my patrol leader going over communications skill award with me at summer camp. I am ok with the reqs being put into the ranks, but I think they should all be done "as a _____ rank". So as to provide the building of the skill opportunity.

Did you all see the latest Scouting magazine? The FAQ column addressed "group" merit badges. One wonders if this was a reaction to often discussed issues here and/or survey comments. I know I have expressed significant concern with mB mills in the surveys I complete.

my first thought from your title was "bugling". For a trumpet (or any brass instrument) player it might not be challenging. But for someone who play no instrument or a string instrument it can be very challenging.

When I taught IOLS, we did do height of tree and distance across ravine. But with only 1 hour, could only do basics of map/compass. I focused on how the adults could encourage the scout leaders (youth) with activities instead of school like instruction.

To add to other good comments thus far: to go with TP, a small vial of hand sanitizer. I would also add sunscreen even though one is in the woods, the amount of uv penetration may not be insignificant. This might be a decision made by individuals more prone to sunburn than others.

I have a few acres of woods which the scouts on occassion will use. One patrol has set up a new campsite location for themselves. They lashed a pole between two trees on which they attach their tarp to make a lean-to. Their firepit is just in front with a couple of log seats. Mostly they use the tarp lean-to as a place to hang out or eat. But a few have opted to sleep there. Overheard comment, "We don't need to carry in a tent now."