DuctTape

From BP's Aids to Scoutmastership p. 3 "The Scoutmaster guides the boy in the spirit of an older brother."

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I think partials are a benefit to the scout. Rarely, if ever, should a scout have a blue card completed at the first meeting with the counselor. Partials should be standard operating procedure as a scout works through a mB over the course of time with the counselor.

IMO there is too much focus on mBs as "advancement " and checking off requirements. When in comes to camping mB (and some others) I am a big fan of a scout getting started early on it with a local mB counselor who isn't part of their troop (at present). mBs provide such a unique opportunity and often the opportunities are squandered by scouts primarily (exclusively?) doing them at camp, "colleges" or with troop adults. Camping mB is a great way for a scout to gain insight from a different adult, learn new techniques, share stories and ideas... and all the benefits which are supposed to be derived from the adult association method. Camping (and other mBs) are perfect for scouts to interact and learn from an outside adult expert. Imagine how the patrol and troop would benefit from the scout doing a mB this way.

As you said, homemade boats are not inherently dangerous. No more than a commercially made one. I would hate to see bsa move towards prohibiting homemade "anything" as that is the antithesis of scouts learning to do for themselves and others. The problem was poor planning and execution for such an advanced skill level trip. Gear prohibition is never the solution, training in safe use is.

So much for achieving the principle aims of scouting. I have said before, the the first requirement for all ranks "show scout spirit" is the most important and far too often is simply signed off automatically.

Agree with others as a big NO to Web3. A great resource for a patrol just getting started is the Scout Fieldbook 1944 edition. Patrols can start with "PowWow#1" and progress in order, or bounce around as they see fit.

I always fall back on Baden-Powell's writings that "...to do their duty to God through doing their duty to their neighbor. In helping others in doing daily good turns, and in rescuing those in danger, pluck, self-discipline, unselfishness, chivalry, become acquired, and quickly form part of their character. " Thus I see it can be as simple as "Be Prepared" and "do a good turn daily".

The idea of pack inspection should be standard protocol. Far too often the "present yourself to your leader..." requirement for tenderfoot is a one-and-done (as are too many of the requirements). Every activity, outing etc... should include this at the beginning. When we begin to look at advancement requirements as a method instead of the aim, we begin to provide a scouting experience which mitigates so many problems often experienced and described on the forum and elsewhere.

most of the time excess weight in packs comes from the the things that "weigh nothing". I am not an uberlight backpacker and I do carry some extras, but I found the key is to know exactly (to the tenth of an ounce) what everything weighs and use a list. This almost all but eliminates the "I *might* need this too and it doesn't weigh much". B/c all those add up to a lot. This is also why I suggest all scouts should pack for all trips as though it was for backpacking that way they know what is really necessary.

And this, among other things, is explicit in the Chartering Agreement.

I believe Camp Sabbatis in the Adirondacks of NY still has patrol cooking. I do not know the council.

dubious- not to be relied upon or suspect.

That is how it should happen. If the CC, or COR is using his/her authority to veto an activity for dubious reasons he/she is demonstrating an abuse of power.

Matt, Thank you for your last clarifying post. I interpreted your orginal the same as peri, your last post changed that interpretation so I now (think) I know where you are coming from.

one person attempting to change a group or organization is rarely successful. It becomes tilting at windmills. However, 2 people with similar goals increases the likelihood tremendously. (I cannot recall the stats on these.) Thus I suggest finding another ASM who can be an ally. Work together to steer the organization to a better place.

One reason I believe it is difficult for adults to delivery on the promise of adventure is many sometimes think of adventure as a huge thing. For kids (and even adults) adventure is trying something new and exploring. It can be as simple as going to the local creek and looking for crawfish. If a kid has never done it before, it will be quite the adventure. Another difficulty is trying to do too much at the Pack level. Dens are the heart and soul of the pack. Adventures done at the Den level are easier to plan and execute. IMO pack events should be extremely limited and the design should be the bringing together of Dens. Replace everything above with dens:patrols :: pack:troop.

And a single Patrol can participate in their own activity. A troop activity is (ideally) when the patrols get together to participate in an agreed upon joint activity.

pie irons are also a good way for scouts to stick things in the fire in a useful fashion.

I have been treating my clothing, including hat with permethrin for at least 5 years. I do one treatment at the beginning of bug season and it stays good for the entirety of the year. Since I started doing this, I haven't used an apply-to-the skin repellant.

Since you say the troop relies on the pack as a feeder, I would recommend that when you do have the Key 7 meeting. One of the things you keep in mind is that the cubs have no obligation to go to this troop when they join Scouts BSA. I would also encourage the Webelos dens to visit other troops. One reason the troop culture is not great is b/c they do not have to be. They keep getting scouts and have no competition. Introduce competition and they will have no choice but to change or dissolve.

Reminds me of the Godfather... "No more meetin's, no more discussions, ... we go to the mattresses."

One thing I try to instill in my scouts is that "Be Prepared" is much much more than knowledge, skills and gear. It is the mindset of doing your duty to others, etc... It goes hand in hand with "do a good turn daily". It is the willingness to act, to do the right thing regardless. Knowledge, skills and gear are helpful, although not necessary. It is the honor and duty of a scout to be prepared to do the right thing.

They would be useful instead of solely adornment.

Not sure why temporary confiscation of other inappropriate items such as adult material, etc... is a red herring. If the law is as stated, then the taking of any personal property regardless of the type would be considered theft.