Buffalo Skipper

jsdan, I agree somewhat with what others have posted here, but not entirely. You asked for a resource to allow scouts to rate the program and activities anonymously. I believe that some of your best feedback comes from scoutmaster conferences and boards of review, but neither of these methods is anonymous. I don't know why you want to keep do this without names (if any of these scouts offer good ideas, you want to include them in your future planning) but I am sure you have your reasons You provided all you need in your original post. Make your own form. Obviously your form needs to address you particular program, so you don't want some basic template. Just ask the questions pretty much like you asked us here. If you want to be cleaver about it, put a: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 after each question so they can give them a rating. But ask for an explanation of why they rated it that number. Most important, ask the scouts if it was FUN, and why or why not. If the scouts aren't having fun, something is missing. Good luck, and keep us posted of your progress.

Sorry to be late to chime in here, but our troop took a 3 day/night campout this past weekend (caving and 20 mile canoe trip--much fun!). I posted a link recently on where to find some good questions about this exact topic. Look at http://usscouts.org/cubscouts/goodtroop.asp This was part of a BSA document from several years ago. From the other end, I make a few other recomendations, which may echo what others have offered. When we have a visitor (and parents), we give the boy to one of the patrols (especially if he has a friend in one), and we talk to the parents. We have a little tri-fold flyer we pass to the parents which covers some basic info about the troop, including a little of what is expected, including equipment and fees, but it is mainly an overview. Who pays for this, who organizes activities, what we like to do, with a few pictures to back it up. We go over this and make a mention to the parents that the scouts lead each other and run the meetings themselves (hopefully they are and we have not been interrupted). If there is interest, at the end of the meeting we offer a detailed handout (4 pages) which talks more about what is expected of parents and scouts, details of fees (dues, equipment fee, and campout costs), parents involvement with the committee. We don't often have vistors (outside of the Webelos season) but it seems to work well for us. I am also a Webelos leader. I encourage all Webelos parents to visit at least 3 troops and if possible, try two outings with different troops. And I am a strong believer that the scout should choose which troop they will want to join. And have the Webelos-friends visit troops together, when possible. It helps. I have also I have run a Webelos recruiting program at district roundtable, from the perspective of Webelos/Pack leaders, SPLs, SM/ASMs and commissioners. I can't find the thread at the moment, but I will keep looking and post it for you. Choosing a troop can be an exciting time. Good luck! Choosing

Gern, do they issue any of the under the seat or transom mount packs, or only the larger portage types and what size?

"As a programmer, we give the user what they ask for, occasionally what they want and rarely what they should have."Yes, but if we give them what they ask for, then everyone is happy. If we were to give them what they need, instead of what they ask for, they would not be happy with us, not would they?

Looking for some ideas for canoe packs. I have seen the Granite Gear packs (online, not in person). Can anyone give any advice on these and others? My interest is multi-facteted. Our troop is doing 2 canoe trips coming up, but I am also looking at building an Adirandack guide boat over the next few years, and I would like to plan around being able to pack efficiently. Guide boats are similar to canoes in basic basic appearance, but have no thwarts, instead being built on structural ribs. They also have oar locks so that they can be rowed (either with one person, or with a second paddling/steering from the aft seat).

When I changed from Committee Member to ASM, the council expected a new, completely filled out application, complete with COR and CC signatures. We complied, and again when I stepped up to SM (and the SM stepped down to ASM with an accompanying, signed application).

Troopmaster provides a report of what is needed on an Eagle application. It is neitjer an application, nor a substitute for one. It is a generated report from data in Troopmaster of what should be on the application; more of a pre-filled out worksheet. To generate the report in Troopmaster go to: Reports > Awards/Advancement > Eagle Application Assistance... > Select Scout. The application I just looked at (from the NESA site) has the Eagle required MBs listed first and in "partial" alpha-order. The remaining are blank. Putting these in any order should suffice.

There is a way to manually assign specific MBs for specific ranks in Troopmaster. I saw it some time in the recent past, but I cannot figure it out now. I had one I was trying to do a few weeks ago and I got nowhere.

Gutterbird, what are you looking for? I have over time seen half a dozen or more "knotmaster" programs at troops around the country. Each is quite unique. If you can be more specific, I may be able to point you in the direction you desire. I like knots, rope, splices and such, and it is sort of a hobby of mine; though I am consider myself an avid knotter, I am no expert. Most of the knotmaster programs I have seen at different troops, for one reason or another, I consider missing the mark, in the troop and patrol setting. Many of these methods have a tiered "rank" structure similar to the colored belt system in martial arts; often these are presented as rope lengths which are braided and worn on the belt. Each colored rope is awarded upon demonstrating competence at a predetermined list of knots for that level. What I really don't like is that these are typically adult run programs, and in some cases, adults can demand a demonstration from the scout at any time and take away already presented ropes if the scout no longer can tie the knots correctly. After careful consideration, we decided not to promote a knotmaster system in our troop. Instead, we have a more simple competition, the "Scout knotting challenge," which is a variation of the internationally recognized "six knot challenge." This includes the square knot, sheet bend, two half hitches, taut-line hitch, bowline and clove hitch. We have a tying rack, and any patrol who wants to challenge for the best time is welcome to do so most any time; we also allow individuals to challenge for a record time, and these are posted on a designated board for all to see. More than anything, this has become a simple, fun way for scouts to show off and be recognized for their skills. So far, this has worked out well for us. This time last year, even our Life scouts were fair (at best) at knotting. In November, they took 2nd at the council encampment in the knot tying event. They were very proud (as was I) of their accomplishement. My attitude about knots revolves around a solid understanding of their their practical applications, and knots are taught and identified by type and how they are used. Knot types are: stopper knots, binding knots, loop knots, bends, hitches, shortenings, and splices. Knot use can sometimes be an issue of safety (especially while on boats or while climbing), and in those and similar situations, adults do check behind scouts. Otherwise we trust them to know the correct knots. I have created a knot book for our troop which contains an introduction to knot tying and a page by page list of knots (by type), including whippings, lashings and splices. It has about 70 or so different knots, and as an example, in it are 11 different variations of a bowline. I have found references to more than 126 knots called in one form or another a "bowline," so my collection is more of a sample of different applications. There is no expectation that scouts know all these knots, but it does provide a reference rescource when needed. Several scouts have gone through the book and tried to tie may of these knots on their own. I hope that helps. Again, let me know what you are looking for, and I will try to help you find it.

Welcome to the forums. Even after you move, I hope you take the time to keep up with what is being said here. Though most of the participants here are adults, there are youth and we always welcome your perspective on things. I would listen to what others have said, but I would add one small thing to the list. Make sure you have your registration card and your ID number. That is how you are identified in the ScoutNet system, so having that very important. Also, take the time to verify that your troop and council office have all which is signed off in your book. And as others have said, keep your blue card copies of your merit badges. When you get to your new home, make an effort to find a good troop. You will find plenty of advice here about what makes a good troop, but don't make this a snap decision. The time to meet with the leaders (youth and adult) of your perspective troops. Ask them about activities, fees, advancement, program planning, and the PLC. Obviously you have a beef with your old SM. Find a nice way to ask a perspective SM to find out how he would address your concerns. Don't expect to find the perfect troop on the first try. If you are in a sufficiently populated area, visit 4 or 5 troops, take notes, and weigh your decision. Do any of them call you back? Do the youth or adults return a call? Here is a website which I consider a good evaluation of a troop. Use what you like of this. http://usscouts.org/cubscouts/goodtroop.asp Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress.

momma_bee, The S.M.A.R.T. criteria is used in Boy Scouts as well. Specifically it appears with Wood Badge, as a method of evaluating one's tickets. but this is an adult evaluation tool, not a youth. Certainly it has merit as a management tool, but I appreciate your reluctance to apply this to a youth setting (girl or boy). On the other hand, acronymns like this do have retention value with youth. As I and others have stated before, it is important to differentiate leadership and management.

We always do. It used to be met with more resistance, but we do. But let's put this into perspective. This summer, we have had a number of one day activities, without an overnight. We took a 4-hour canoe trip last month, and did not wear a class-A to or from the outfitter, nor did we wear class-As to the beach when the troop went surfing this past Saturday. But for campouts, always. And we usually have our campout "church" service right before we leave camp, so we are always in a class A for Sunday church. We have worked hard in the past year to change the attitude in the troop about the uniform, and it has worked. We have a unique troop neckerchief, a tradition which goes back more than 70 years. In recent years, we have not brought our neckerchief to summer camp at all. This year we did. We were the only troop out of 48 at camp to have every scout wear their neckerchief and scout pants at flags/dinner every night. The first day, as we left camp for dinner, we passed a 14 or 15 year old scout who made the remark, Wow, those are neat neckerchiefs. The troop quickly took notice of how "sloppily" dressed the other troops were, and it became a real matter of pride for the scouts; the attitutde of our scouts changed very quickly, and everyone began wearing it out of pride rather than obligation. Before we left camp, we had a uniform inspection. Anyone who did not have the correct patches on their uniform was given a seam ripper, needle and thread and the correct patch and fixed in the car on the drive up. Some of them did a horid job of sewing, but it looked pretty good to me, all done with scout hands. I almost shed a tear, I was so proud.(This message has been edited by Buffalo Skipper)

I agree that assessments are too often viewed as counter-productive and a waste of time. Prehaps some of the problem with these 360 assessments is that those who write them (presumably those who put on the activity/training) see the program as good, and therefore they do not ask the right questions. I have always written my own on training events and activities with which I have participated. I try to present open-ended and well thought out questions which allow the participants to explain in their own words how they felt about the event. I usually get a balance of short answers ("this assessment is a waste of my time"), narrow minded responses (missed the whole purpose of the event), and well thought out feedback (not always complementary or what I expect to read, but honest and refreshing). I do feel that how well written the assessment/questionaire is will determine the quality of the respone. For years I worked for an international company who required their employees to answer a 5 question self assessement, which, with the supervisor's additions went into one's "permanent" record as a preformance evaluation. For the 5 years I worked for this company, the questions remained unchanged, and one in particular always burned my *%#(!). It was: "Explain how you plan to exceed your expectations in the next year." What?!? I don't plan to "exceed my expectations" this year. If I planned on exceeding them, the would be my expectations, and I would not be exceeding them! I was dumbfounded year after year as to how this question was actually asked of employees of a company of this size. It did serve to have me set a higher standard on any assessments I have written as a scouting volunteer.

Coordinates, gentlemen and ladies. We need lat and long.... How else can we locate these things on our nautical charts and shipboard GPS plotters?

With no new evidence to support this allegation has emerged, can we conclude that there is no official change in this policy? I have seen nothing here which conclusively eliminates this.... Anyone? Anyone?

There is a wonderful story about a BBC reporter interviewing three guys who were building the Liverpool R/C cathedral. The reporter saw three men laying bricks... He approached the first and asked, "What are you doing?" Annoyed, the first man answered, "What does it look like I'm doing? I'm laying bricks!" He walked over to the second bricklayer and asked the same question. The second man responded, "Oh, I'm making a living." He asked the third bricklayer the same question, "What are you doing?" The third looked up, smiled and said, "I'm building a cathedral." While each of us has to make up our own minds about how we see what we are doing. I do think that each of us helps set the tone or the mood. There is a Scoutmaster minute in there somewhere, and I may even use it tonight. Nick's observation about scouts (and even the one who did the high adventure) is enlightening, especially when read in concert with my "young troop and high adventure" post. Thank you both for the inspiration.

Scoutnut, Like I said, it all varies from council to council. We have no real expense with a Pow Wow. Just alot of legwork to coordinate the trainers and the schedule. We typically us a large church with plenty of training rooms, and lots of seating. No need to spend money. The only expense we have ever had is coffee and lunch, which is covered by the modest registration fee. Each trainer make his own copies, but mostly that is done at the scout office. I think it is a matter of scale. We are a district, and we have a 8-hour Pow Wow with maybe 4-6 classes offered each hour. Most trainers do 2-4 classes throughout the day. Apparantly your local experience is different, which is exactly my point. My mistake on UoS being nationally recognized. That must be a recent change, because just a few short years ago (and on many of the Adult Award forms I have on file, UoS is not listed, only Pow Wow). Sorry about that.(This message has been edited by Buffalo Skipper)

As are already aware, Walter Cronkite passed away at the age of 92. He was just 12 days older than my father, and like so many, I have admired Mr. Cronkite and his integrity since I was a small boy (he was also an avid sailor and would rather be on his boat than anywhere else in the world, so he must have been a decent man). Hearing the news tonight and listening to his younger peers lauding his career and accomplishments, I heard a stirring remark by Brian Williams. He said: "Walter always said he was 12 years old reading Boys' Life when he read about a foreign coorespondant and set his mid to becoming one...." I had read somewhere before that he was a Boy Scout, but the comment left an impression, nontheless. It reminded me that, as our scouts read their Boys' Life, and as we work with them, we should always me mindful that anything we say could have a lasting impression on their future. Every moment we spend with these boys (and girls) is a opportunity which must not be squandered or taken lightly. And that's the way it is.

I am a naval history buff and am very familiar with the USS Laferty's story, and the heros who graced her decks. I will definately say a prayer for the sake of those who served on her.

My daughter wants one of those so she can play with it with her Barbies. The are just the right size.

Good info. I agree, there needs to be some background, but the focus, in my opinion is exactly what the MCS 308 course title states: Venturing and the Commissioner. I think I should be focusing on what Venturing crews need from their commissioner, and what a commissioner can offer for a crew. I also expect my audience to be familiar with the Ventruing program, which around here is very small (10 or less active crews in the whole council, including 2 ships). The only other commissioners I know of who work with Venturing are advisors to a crew they organized several years ago. What our council needs, more than anything is more crews and a push to grow the program (the potential here is truly untapped), but I do not feel that a Commissioner College course is the place to push that agenda, or at least not hard.

I have been asked to teach a class at our upcoming College of Commissioner Science, specifically MCS 308 Venturing and the Commissioner. I have found some files online, including a power point presentation, but the to call the material thin inaccurate, as it contains 8 slides on general Venturing and a single slide with 6 bullet points on commissioner issues. Hardly an hour's worth of presentation for what will likely be a very small class. Any suggestions on where I can find some more material?

"Oh yeah, a roll or 2 of Duct Tape and some extra band aids." Why, if you have Duct Tape, do you need band aids too? Another thing to bring along is some mind puzzles, toysand such (like the the horseshoe and rings--how do youremove them). Even scouts from other troops will show an interest in figuring out what is in your bag of tricks.

I have been to Powderhorn, and I am actively working to have our council host our first one (fall 2010), as probably less than a dozen people in our council have participated in this event. Powderhorn is a great program (when organized well), and it is a useful tool for troops as well as Venturing crews. As I stated earlier, resources are not the issue for us; it is about getting the scouts to buy into it. Beavah, I do appreciate your down-toning my use of the word "lazy." I don't want to make any derogatory statements about my scouts, but these guys are just plain lazy. Some would gladly skip dinner just so they didn't have to prep, cook or clean up. It is a culture which we are trying to change. Fortunately, most of our 6th grade scouts have a better attidude, and are actually more willing to work than our 7th and 8th graders.

Your son learned a good lesson about choices: that his scout leader supports the decisions he makes. Well done. I know that my scouts enjoyed the Fingerprinting MB (Mel, from England, has a way with the scouts, if she is was still at Woodruff last week). I sure would have been proud if any of them had wanted to go for the Mile Swim instead.