DuctTape

I think the bully term is being used rather inappropriately. To use it to describe anyone or anytime someone complains or tries to dissuade, makes light of true bullying. While I think I inderstand the reason one might choose to use it in this situation, it really falls short of what is considered bullying.

I said in the other thread, the key word is trust.

I see the distinction between leadership and management as two words, trust vs compliance. Leaders trust and have the trust of the others. Managers comply and and ensure compliance.

IMO there should not be NSP, same-age patrols, nor mixed-aged patrols. There are just patrols. When we label them a certain way we interfere with their construct. The boys pick up on the labels so even when put to their own devices will use those adult labels as parameters in their decisions. Thus, I never use any of the labels, I just refer to them as patrols.

Federal law "allowing" isn't the same as "required". The GTSS has an exception for those who are "required".

The UC corps working together like a patrol. No surprise it would be more effective. Plus maybe when the adults use the patrol method themselves they might be able to effectively nurture it in the units.

But again you are ascribing "this self indulgence" to those who lean liberal. I am stating that this is not unique to one side or the other. Your description of the liberal agenda shows your bias, so I understand. I just happen to disagree. I see it on both sides.

The issue is not partisan. It is parental, on both the left and right.

I have noticed that bsa has transitioned from using the term boy-led to instead youth-led, or scout-led. This signals a change has been considered and the change of vocabulary was intentional. While I agree with an inclusive BSA in regards to all other aspects, I do believe it should remain Bsa.

Some good ideas. I think I will suggest your idea that at the next camporee, we have an area for adults to do training. It will also keep them away from interfering with the boys.

I have noticed the same thing Stosh. I would also add an idea that the adult training have more scouts as trainers. Imagine IOLS or OWLS being instructed by star-life-eagle scouts.

I also blame organized kids sports. With adults organizing everything and acting as the umpires, referees, etc... kids dont get the chance to mix up their own teams at the playground, or neighborhoid park. When johny has to go home, teams used to just swap players to keep it even. When a dispute started, "do over" was a common means to address it. Without these playful opportunities and deference to adults in all manners, it is no wonder they do not debelop any dispute management skills. Well actually they do... they learn quickly that the adult is the only one to decide and they cant make their own choices.

One with a hammock underneath.

While I agree with the usefulness of cast iron. (I type this while sitting in my room with 20+ CI skillets and griddles hanging on my wall). I encourage the boys to learn to use multiple types of cookwear. Cast iron has its place, but one won't venture more than a couple of miles from their car or portage much with them. With a variety of skills using a variety of cookwear, the boys can choose the appropriate cookwear and other tools for the trip. Choose tools for the adventure, dont let the tools limit ones choice for adventure.

Welcome. Grab a cuppa and join in.

Regardless of the knowledge and skill a scout brings with him when he first meets with a MBC, a good counselor will illicit ways for the boy to learn more and grow while working on the requirements. When I first meet with theboys, I use those first discussions to gauge what they know and are able to do. I then counsel them through the badge providing adult insight based on my experiences and knowledge of the MB. Almost always when the time to "test" comes along the boy will have a greater understanding, a fresher perspective, more insight, and a finer appreciation into the MB than when he first showed up. This is true even if he "filled in the workbook" prior to our first meeting. The adult interaction, and helping the boy grow is how I view my role as a counselor. Of course I could not do this without a rather in depth knowledge of the MB to begin with.

I would add: 4) Encourage the boys to use social media, youtube snapchat, etc... to show off their outdoor adventures.

As to the OP, the best cookset for the patrol is based on what they want to be cooking and how. There are many nesting sets still available. Like others I recommend AGAINST teflon or other non-stick. Learn to use pots and pans properly to avoid sticking. Even a well seasoned cast iron skillet will stick if not used correctly. The correct pot, pan, etc... is the one that is best for that particular job. Garage sales are a great way for scouts to find decent cookwear for cheap. A scout is thrifty.

The nesting patrol kit is great for storage. On a trip, taking the entire set is generally too much. The same can be said for the utensil set, and all the other things that collect in patrol boxes or tubs. The boxes, tubs and nesting sets are storage devices. On a trip the patrol lists what specific items are needed and the patrol QM then gets them from their patrol box. Perhaps a large pot, skillet, "coffee pot", large spoon and spatula. Prior to departure after PL inspects the packs, the QM and grubmaster divide up the patrol gear and food to their mates. The pots are used to hold the food so they end up not taking up extra space. The PL and APL make sure that the smallest scouts arent carrying too much. Patrol tents, tarps etc...are also broken down and distributed the same way. Once at camp, all the patrol gear/food is taken from the packs and re-assembled. Tentsites are chosen, approved by the PL as "safe". Patrol splits into different duties, tent setup, food prep, fire prep, water procurement. Half an hour later they are roasting marshmallows and sipping cocoa.

How to pack is done by the PL or APL using the gear list in the handbook. Each campout the PL has each scout present his pack to him to ensure he has everything.

Besides helicopter parents; those who hover waiting to swoop in to save, there are also velcro parents who are attached to their childs hip for all activities. They have a difficult time separating their childs activities from their own.

An adult with no experience can learn along with the boys. The boys have less risk aversion and thus are usually more interested in taking the next step of the adventure continuum if we let them. Too often adults either dont allow the scouts to take the next step or they try to push the scouts to take too big a step which requires the adult to do too much. For the former, I encourage the scouts to take the next step in their adventure by telling stories and asking questions. For the latter, I ask the adult which scout is leading the adventure.

The main problem is the current use of "teaching", "classes", "universities" when referring to merit badges. Scouting is not supposed to be done as school. When we use school terms to describe the scouting process, it devolves into school. The adults are supposed to be merit badge COUNSELORS not teachers. The point as you said is to inspire, and encourage. I say this as a professional educator. My teaching hat stays at home during scouts.

Both begin with a premise, and the logical (mathematical) consequences can be derived. If the consequences are not supported by observation, one possibility is the premises were incorrect in part or in full.

I guess I went off on a tangent if my scouting and didnt stay on topic of the free-range kids. But that was a common theme in the scouts for us. Adults were around, but we didnt see them. We made all our own decisions. In the neighborhood, the kids were often in some group playing somewhere. It was like a neighborhhod patrol, but just not scouts. We played in the woods, rode our bikes. Went fishing. Be home for dinner and tell us where you are going were the only requirements.