DuctTape

Like NJ, I did not look back to see if I ever responded. Also like NJ, I spent some summers at Massawepie. We also did our own summer trips as well. I recall a 5 day canoe trip in the Adirondacks as an older scout.

our "friends of...xxx" board was comprised of the troop committee. Regardless of the make-up, it would behouve any org to have a set of by-laws and an organizational structure which outlines the board, duties, elections, etc...

When you apply, your organization is "Friends of troop xxx". Do NOT reference BSA in the application.

We often write about the work vs the patch. You are doing the work. Keep it up young fella.

I wonder if the group here could collaborate to produce something better which we could all use? I am sure we all already do something quite good, but perhaps putting all our good together might become something great?

I have always seen the religious aspect of scouting (which I believe is also how BP envisioned it as "practical religion") is that by doing scouting right, service to others, personal growth, doing a good turn daily, living the scout law, etc... one is fulfilling their religious duty (whatever that may be). As BP put it, "to do their duty to God through doing their duty to their neighbor." At some point this seems to have been turned upside down which befuddles me.

Let's start a list of present day needs for tree identification skill. 1. Find "good firewood". 2. Identify species for lumber. 3. tracking invasive species (e.g. emerald ash borer). 4.

This is key. Before you talk to the "problem guy", talk to these folks and be sure you are on the same page about your vision, and expectations. If possible, garner their help with dealing with "the problem".

This may not work for you, but even at a State campground, there is often a main parking lot. Use that and then hike into the campground area. This will also free up space in the site to use. Do you have the support of any other adult leaders (besides grandpaw?)

The troop scribe's main responsibility is to record the goings on, decisions, etc... of the PLC. He then puts in writing the individual reports (after review by SPL) which go to the SM, TC, other boy leaders (webmaster, librarian... etc...) The patrol scribe is often the most important job. How often do we see a patrol lost in organization because they "didn't write something down". The scribe should record the goings on at patrol meetings, for organizational purposes and put into writing the patrol needs/wants for the PL, so PL (and/APL) can fully represent the patrol at PLC. I think the the job of a newsletter (if one exists) is now taken over by the "webmaster".

I thought Boyce started the lone scout program for rural boys?

I think most of the disagreement here stems from an official or formal "position of responsibility" as opposed to "a job". These are two very different things. The patrol QM might be for a single campout, or he might be so good at it, he continues for the entire year. Regardless, every patrol member should be doing something to help out, whether it is setting up the tents with his buddy, while two others gather firewood. The point is no patrol mate should be sitting around while others are doing something. Thus I have no issue saying "every patrol member needs a job". There are varying degrees of responsibility within the patrol and troop. I find it difficult to say a troop cannot have more than one QM for POR if there is enough responsibility to share. A troop with 8 patrols vs a troop with 2 patrols? Heck I have seen troop QMs when there was only one functional patrol. IMO most of the PORs are patches not responsibilty anyway in my observations. I would rather that requirement be changed to "service to my patrol, troop, pack over and beyond the basic expectations of a scout"(or something to that effect". The scout would need to demonstrate what he did which exceeds just showing up and leading the opening every once in a while. Sure it is subjective, but as I mentioned many get signed off by having a title without really doing anything. The official positions could still exist, and doing something while wearing the patch should be acceptable. But it is the doing and leading that matters.

Barry, I do not disagree with something that comes to light which may be so egregious that it is impossible for the scout to show he " accepts Scouting’s ideals and sets and meets good standards in his life. " Without insisting on perfection. How the scout responds to imperfection with a positive attitude " is most important...".

The EBOR is not the place. The SM signed off on Req #1; thus as the person whom the committee/CO has conferred authority to determine whether or not the scout has shown scout spirit the requirements were met. If the CO or committee has issue, they should take it up with the SM as they would any other subjective advancement requirement.

I think the best GBB Patrol stuff (outside the PL Handbook) is in the first Fieldbook. It is basically a "how to" manual from start to finish on how to be a patrol and do patrol things. A patrol could even just go in order, page by page.

the boys just camped this past weekend in the white stuff. in tents fri night, then lashed a ridgepole between two trees and leaned some others against. A tarp for cover and they had a lean-to. Two of them opted to sleep in it Sat night. Temps both nights were just under freezing. They cooked and ate over an open fire.

I like the idea of "the whole troop" event as a follow up, the curriculum could then focus on establishing the other patrol members roles and responsibilities within the patrol method.

Thanks for sending the draft outline. I look forward to seeing the SM schedule of events. I wonder if you have considered and are incorporating towards the end a time for the PLs and SMs to discuss and reflect together to summarize a shared understanding and create a positive path forward.

Sounds promising. The recommendations already made only add to the promise. I would also like to see a draft.

Effective recruitment is an active process. Signs and "come to" events are passive and yield less results. The current scouts need to go to where prospective recruits congregate and do stuff with them, become friends, ask them to join. The adults do the same with the adults. This can take many forms, either engaging with the prospectives immediately, or doing scout stuff to gather an audience. Recruitment is cheap, easy, effective but you can only pick two.

or call the by their individual, patrol or troop name. Hey troop 123, Hey Coyote Patrol, Hey johhny and phil, Hey jane and margaret.

The QM issues the lantern to the patrol for the year. If it is broken the patrol should repair it. The patrol can raise funds for the repair, and/or go without a lantern until it is fixed. It is their problem to solve. They might just learn something from this. And no, a giant lantern is not needed at camp.

I didn't start with the troop until after the summer, so we were all older. Then we had an entire year before our first boy scout summer camp.

Park, I get what you are saying and agree. My "frustration" comes from webelos who are pushed through, with the focus on "just getting things signed off" so they can join a troop early. If I could change one thing, it would be to eliminate the aol early joining. 11 years old or completed the 5th grade. I am also not a fan of spring (worse is earlier) cross-overs. I think it is too early for them and they get too little overnight patrol camping before a weeklong(or more) scout camp. I know many will disagree with me on these latter points, and that's ok. I have seen it work well, but that is the exception not the rule.

I am with Barry on this. I would rather the webelos program be the best webelos program it can be and not attempt to be Boy Scout prep.