DuctTape

Welcome to the campfire. Grab a cuppa and have a seat.

The suggestion to speak with his mB counselor is spot on. While the experience of completing the requirements as written is important to fulfil "advancement" as a method of scouting, the mB process also provides for another significant method, "Adult Association". The conversation, experience and guided decision making opportunity from the Adult Association with the mB counselor cannot be understated in its importance. When one ponders this query putting the Aim of Scouting in the forefront; the Method of Adult Association to help the Scout navigate their journey of completing this badge becomes strikingly obvious.

One thing to add to the discussion is the Uniform is one of the Methods, it is not an Aim. That the PLC understands why uniforms are part of Scouting and that they decide how to address uniforming is what is important.

Boiling water is an excellent sanitizer. Remember the mesh dunk bags? In general the bulky 3 bin assembly line washing stations are some of the most unsanitary methods I have ever witnessed. IMO, It is better to have scouts individually clean their own stuff separately. This becomes the norm anyway in backpacking situations, so why not have only a singular process.

I believe the series of downvotes you received had more to do with disagreement, and your response to the replies. In general this forum is quite welcome to new folks and downvotes are relatively rare. I went back and reread your original post and can see why others responded he way they did. Perhaps it was another communication faux pas. I am sorry you feel that the responses were brutal and perceived them as hostile. I am glad that your issue was resolved to your satisfaction.

The "pay to play" board models have become the norm. For many, the boards have abdicated their oversight responsibility and given over complete control to their CEO/Executive to the point where that employee dictates board policy and even who serves on the board. The boards are now that person's subordinate. Certain organizations which consult for boards have been infiltrated and now recommend even more drastic changes to by-laws which have the effect of making the situation even worse. When the executive is able to insulate themself from any accountability they have become a despot.

It could be. It definitely isn't part of Scouting.

IMO ScoutBook is for the adults and the troop for record keeping. The HandBook is for the Scouts for their record keeping. There is no official standard for using ScoutBook, except for if/when it interferes with the Scout's personal role in their own advancement as a method of Scouting. If the adults "take over" the majority of the purposes of advancement as a method (motivation, planning, record keeping, communication, etc...) then the Scout does not benefit from advancement as a method, it simply becomes a checkbox.

Or when BORs were conducted by "men of the community", which allowed scouts to get an early preparation for job interviews with unknown business leaders.

I agree it is a reminder. And this is due solely b/c of society as a whole not understanding the language of the symbolism in the art world. Thus society thrusts their own interpretation of the symbolism which misses the mark entirely. I am not casting aspersions or laying blame to societies' ignorance or to artists failure to educate. Just sad commentary on the status, appreciation, and understanding (the lack thereof) of anything but contemporary, popular art in our modern times.

I was glad I took an Art History class while in college (back in the last century). I do not recall a lot, but I remember symbolism was the language used by artists. Nudity was expressive of "purity" or "vulnerability". It is unfortunate that our society has lost this understanding and now views nudity in art as something else. 😥

Sadly it does not appear, from what you have described, that this is a real scout troop. They might have a charter and a unit, but the adults are completely missing the point. If the adults do not see this as an issue, and are not willing to listen, learn and change then the only other option is to find a "real" scout troop.

I hear you. And the adults not modeling it makes it even more difficult. The solution is to get the scout leaders (and adults) to speak with individual scouts separate from the group as the means to not overlook them. When everything is done "as a group" this only facilitates participation by those whose personality thrives in that type of situation. Encourage (and model) more individualized communication protocols. I would begin with the 4-step process outlined above with the ADULTS and move towards the following: For the adults, the SM needs to speak individually with the SPL (not with the entire PLC). Second. ASMs need to reorganized to mentor POR like QM, Librarian, Scribe, etc... and not interfere with Patrols. Then with the scouts... Step one, I would start with eliminating "troop announcements". The SPL should go to speak with the PLs individually, then circle back to them to see if they have any questions, concenrs or needs. Step two, the PLs eliminate "Patrol Based Decisions" and each Patrol Leader assign specific patrol positions to the members (GrubMaster, Cheermaster, APL, QM, etc...) These positions need to have specific duties and responsibilities clearly identified. This is just me thinking out loud with what I interpret to be your situation. YMMV.

One of the most challenging aspects of leadership (in Scouts and elsewhere) is for leaders to involve all of their members in processes not just the loud-out-in-front ones. Asking a Scout Leader (PL, SPL etc...) the question of how to ensure all members are "heard" and have the opportunity to truly participate regardless of the member's personality is an ongoing discussion I have my with Leaders. For any issue the discussion wioth my PLs uses this: 1. Identify the concern. 2. Evaluate current practice(s). 3. Brainstorm alternative/modifications to practice(s). 4. Implement and re-evaluate. Meal planning was mentioned, IME this is typically where the discussion begins b/c it is the most common area where "quiet" scouts are not heard. Many of my leaders when it comes to meal planning realize the "group discussion" is not very effective nor efficient and land on a process something like: PL: Assigns a grub master for the patrol. GM: Selects an assistant. (all GM duties are assisted by AGM and the PL/APL as a resource.) GM: speaks with all patrol mates individually to "know" what they like, dislike, allergies, favorites etc... They keep this info in some sort of binder, whether it is paper or digital. GM: Makes meal plan based on the individual needs/desires of those attending the event (also taking into consideration the type of event). GM: Brings plan to PL to review. PL & GM: Present plan to Patrol for final approval GM: Keeps plan in "binder" for future use.. note: GM also needs to know what cooking equipment is needed so the the Patrol QM can be sure it is brought (this begins the process of planning ahead and not bringing the entire trailer.) One reason many land on this is it also part of the larger discussion with the PLs about training the "next level". And yes, it does take a LONG time to get here and is easily dismantled (mostly by adults).

And note about the wet pants fabric holding air, this is best if the fabric is mostly cotton, as cotton swells when wet. Performance fabrics will work as they are generally a tighter weave but may not work as well due to the threads not absorbing water and swelling.

What MattR said! I would encourage the SPL to do two things: 1. A quick morning check-in (5-10 minutes max)with the rest of the PLC to help. set the stage for the rest pf the day. This also ensures they are up, dressed and ready first. 2. Evening check-in (5-10 minutes max) after all is done and other scouts are readying for bed. This is to reflect on the day and put it all to rest. Note: The SPL and PLC dictate the topics based on their needs. These check-ins should be adult free. The SPL can conference with the SM before or after.

That gives me pause and wonders if my adult ID# matches my youth #. I should go look through my box and see if I have an old membership card.

Organizatiinal chart is not a hierarchy chart of levels. It is a communication chart.

If it were me, I would defer the decision to the PLC to make the determination as to who should be the SPL at camp. IMO when it comes to hierarchy, the PL is the highest and the SPL and all other troop positions exist to serve the patrols thus the PLC should make the decision.

It also appears the unit number might have a 3rd digit? As it would likely have been centered under the council patch, and the 4 appears to be in the middle.

Our troop does monthly dues collected by the patrol. It is $1/month, (basically 25cents per weekly meeting.) It is purposely low, but has a greater purpose than the $. The majority of finances for the troop is through our larger fundraisers.

I was a twin of Ogilvie, second from the right.

At the core I believe it is to ensure safety; at least mitigate the greater risks not bubble wrap. In practice this varies greatly based on the group and activity. The rifle range director will be much more hands on and the decion maker regardless of the scouts' maturity and leadership ability. The SMs on a campout with a patrol of experienced scouts will be 100 yards away in case they are needed. And everything in between. This is a judgement call for the SM based on the Scouts ' experience, knowledge, and ability. Navigating this tightrope is fundamental to the program, else it fails as either unsafe-lord of the flies, or the other end as adult-programmed day care.

Yep. Advancement is a method, it is not the goal.

The SM has the authority to decide who may sign-off. If the PL does not have the skill themselves, then they should not be granted authority to sign-off. The continual re-testing of a skill CAN be done if it is to be used as a requisite for being able to sign-off on another scout's requirement. For example, Scout Timmy is a new patrol leader, he wants to be able to sign off on his patrol's knot requirements. The SM says sure, let's see if you can do them first. This is not a retest for advancement, but to be granted additional authority.