DuctTape

In general troop meetings are not where merit badges get done. The troop meeting is planned and implemented by the scouts. If they are bored at meetings, it is because they aren't planning anything. Merit badges are (supposed to be) done by individual scouts or with a buddy. Sometimes they might demonstrate what they are doing at a troop or patrol meeting.

I recall my first time going to summer camp as a Scouter. I looked at the schedule and realized there was nothing for me to do as the boys were all at their activities. I called my dad and asked him what he used to do when we were all at our activities. He said, "I went fishing." I packed my rod&reel.

Difficult? Yes! But that is our mission. One can either find reasons for future failure, or seek solutions for success.

If the mission of the BSA is to prepare young people to make ethical choices... lamenting over parents who not bring theirchild to scouts with these skills seems a bit misplaced. That is our mission, of course it is easier if we have no work to do. But if a scout is not brought up in a way to help them grow into a young person able to make ethical choices... heck that is why we exist. If all parents already did it, bsa would not be necessary according to our mission. Now whether our mission is misguided... that is a whole 'nother can of beans.

These are toys. They were designed as toys, received a patent as toys and are used as toys. Some marketing genius figured he/she could promote them as a way to help kids focus. There are some medical pros who encourage this too. However beneficial these toys might be for the small minority of kids, the reality is almost every kid has one and are using them for fun and enjoyment, thus being used as designed as a toy. All that said, in my opinion this is no different than the phone thread. I do not think any item should be banned by adults (or PLC) unless a direct safety issue is evident. A patrol should have activities which make the items either part of the activity, or useless in the activity. The boys decide what gear is needed.

I was exploring an area of wilderness a few years ago where trails no longer existed except on old maps. I like to try to follow where these old trails used to go, as often they would go near some neat things. Anyway, my bushwhack using map and compass was uneventful until I headed out; not the way I came but to join up with a marked trail. I took a bearing from my map and followed my compass heading. When I intersected the trail, my position was off considerably. For a few years I could not figure out what went wrong. I then came across an old usgs publication which had a map of this area identifying areas with significant magnetic anomalies due to outcroppings of magnetite ore. These anomalies were upwards of 24degrees depending upon distance. The cause of my navigation error was finally revealed. I still rely on my compass and map, but your comment reminded me of this story.

are phones/electronics banned at 4H, FFA, little league, travel soccer, etc... If a patrol (not plc) decides their activity will be done without aid (or distraction) of some man made object, then ok. I think it is great when a patrol "bans tents" so they can build and sleep in a primitive structure, or "bans stoves" so they can cook over an open fire, etc... If a scout does not want to attend an activity planned by his patrol,ok sit this one out. Miss out on all the fun. If a scout on a campout spends all his time sitting on a log reading and not interacting with his patrol, I would think a SM conference would be in order to help determine why the boy isn't participating. Substitute book for electronic device. IMO, the issue is not the device.

Simply because someone doesn't understand the usefulness of something, or doesn't use it themselves does not mean it isn't useful to others. Very little is actually necessary, so to use required as the threshold for usefulness or whether it should exist is hardly compelling.

Instagram also uses hashtags. These tags allow someone to follow a tag and not just a person.

The intent used to be in the handbook in the sections associated with the requirements.

I think sometimes too many view the requirements in a vacuum for advancement purposes only and miss out on the intent. Scouts should be observant and knowledgeable of their natural surroundings. Go outside, walk around, have fun. Find stuff, find out what it is. Make a game of it. Have fun. The requirements will happen with only a wee bit of focus.

clumping cat litter makes a decent dessicant. I would also suggest that the crew not just keep filling the bucket. have one which is used for the business at hand, with a plastic bag. Into the bag goes some kitty litter, seal that bag and it goes into a storage bucket.

I know I have gained some useful tidbits here. Some of which is understanding the perspective of others. Even if I disagree, I can appreciate the conviction of their beliefs which are their basis. I might have different beliefs, which lead me to a different perspective, but I now better understand why I disagree with someone.

When I hear about situations like this it really bothers me. This is a perfect example of using the GTA, and rules to provide an award based on not really being deserving. I would bet good money most of the work preceding the project was also delegated to dad. I have seen it happen in my neck of the woods, a scout eagle project being planned, designed, and executed by adults with the boy holding a clipboard and writing in his workbook. So sad. This is what happens when the badge becomes the goal instead of recognition of something else coupled with the "can't deny a boy who checks off boxes" mentality. I have no problem with adults being led by the boy, but it appears a line was crossed long ago. I partially blame the "construction project" type projects. /rant

I concur with Qwazse. I would also suggest a different mindset, instead of seeing it as "miss out on their badge", replace the thought with "miss out on the outdoor adventure (which results in a badge)". I make this suggestion because it changes the focus to the fun adventure as the goal and relegates the badge back to its rightful position as symbolic recognition of the completion of the adventure. ie the badge is not the goal.

while I know that quip is meant partially as humor, it also demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding (or mischaracterization) of what it means to be transgendered.

would be a lot easier to just expect adults to set an example by not engaging in sexual conduct on scout trips. Where one sleeps does not change this. I have shared tents with straight men, straight women, gay men, gay women, most I had no idea of their orientation since it did not matter, we were sleeping, not engaging in sexual activity. Thus it would be better to make the rule only prohibiting adults to share tents with scouts. The only exception is a parent/child, though this should be discouraged to promote the scout's independence.

In general I think more of the scout skills type mb's should have pre-requisites. Perhaps not the full 1st class rank, but the sections pertaining to that skill. One of the commonly discussed issues here is scouts "forgetting" or never truly learning, or one-and-done, etc... The idea of having these skills as a progression which (if required) to fulfill in order and the previous being a pre-requisite of the next provides a system by which a scout will demonstrate their experience multiple times, over a period of time thus strengthening and growing each time. This would provide the scout a more enriching opportunity and decrease the complaints of one&done, etc... It would not eliminate, but at least the system would not encourage it. And lastly it would be consistent with the original goal of scouting for boys to learn to do things for themselves and others.

They should just make it 11, and get rid of the grade level and arrow of light nonesense. New marketing for cubs, "These go to eleven."

I am still smh at the fact when it was asked whether the original memo was legit, someone in the position of knowing did not simply say "yes".

The Wolf Patrol by John Finnemore was a good one. A digital version is available. Years ago in a used book store I picked up a copy of "The Black Wolf Pack" by Daniel Beard. Also a copy of Beard's "Shelters, Shacks, and Shanties". I concur with Stosh's commentary.

To be the contrarian voice, it was the president himself who stated on the campaign trail that he was pushing for a ban on muslims. It was his own words which the courts used in striking down aspects of his executive orders. For others to claim it isn't about religion are ignoring what the president himself said he was going to do. One of the president's advisors, Guiluani admitted on tv that the president asked him how to legally implement a muslim ban. As stated by the judge in Hawaii, “significant and unrebutted evidence of religious animus driving the promulgation of the Executive Order and its related predecessor.â€

Let the boys decide. If the newer boys are all together without any older boys, then an older boy should serve as a troop guide to help the new patrol leader best serve his patrol. The older boys should be encouraged to set the example, and to provide help and guidance especially at troop meetings.

Candy. While the environment will steal heat, and dry clothes will help slow heat loss (wet clothes will exascerbate heat loss), clothing, sleepings etc... do not generate heat. The only way to do that is vie calories and sugar is rocket fuel. Candy will be an easy way for boys to stoke the furnace.

A Scout is helpful. It is obvious that help is not being provided by someone with specific knowledge of the subject, and instead is obsfucating (might need to go look that one up as well). That is unfortunate.