InquisitiveScouter

Most of us have felt this frustration. Remember who you are dealing with... Teenagers do not have a fully developed prefrontal cortex. That area of the brain is responsible for planning, goal setting, self control, evaluating risk, evaluating consequences, predicting outcomes, decision making, etc... all the things you and I struggled with as teens but may not remember well 😜 https://www.simplypsychology.org/prefrontal-cortex-development-age.html For this reason, I often think our US Scouting program is poorly designed. The things they are supposed to do for a successful program do not seem to be in line with their natural capabilities in the age groups we are dealing with. Now, there are always exceptions... from time to time, I come across a Scout who is really "switched on." Here are some things I perceive as common denominators to those Scouts: 1. Two parent family with strong religious values. 2. Extremely limited TV, computer, smartphone, and social media access up until about 15. 3. Avid readers. (Reading stimulates the imagination. Screens and video "imagine" everything for you, so the brain gets lazy, or just under-developed, in that department.) 4. Very limited involvement in sports. Often a lot of involvement in music. (Music is a language 😜 ) 5. Parents and Scout pick a few activities to be deeply involved in, instead of trying to do everything. 6. Parents encourage adventure and acceptance of managed risk. 7. Youth has much more free time than peers, and is allowed to self-select activities instead of having their day intensely scheduled. And these self-selected activities are usually reading, music, or doing something outdoors. Your mileage may vary. There may be some other commonalities, but I'd have to think more about it... So, as a Scouter, I see my purpose is to provide opportunity to do Scouting things. More and more of late (over the past six or seven years), fewer and fewer Scouts take advantage of the opportunities we provide. Fewer and fewer attend meetings, outings and overnighters. We still work to provide the opportunities, but Scouting is less and less a popular activity with youth because it demands a lot of them to make the program work as designed. I think this is why BP said a Troop should not be more than 16 youth. Here's the excerpt from his Aids to Scoutmastership -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ONE REASON WHY A TROOP SHOULD NOT EXCEED 32 The number in a Troop should preferably not exceed thirty-two. I suggest this number because in training boys myself I have found that sixteen was about as many as I could deal with-in getting at and bringing out the individual character in each. I allow for other people being twice as capable as myself and hence the total of thirty-two. Men talk of having fine Troops of 60 or even 100-and their leaders tell me that their boys are equally well trained as in smaller Troops. I express admiration (“admiration” literally translated means “surprise”), and I don’t believe them. “Why worry about individual training?” they ask. Because it is the only way by which you can educate. You can instruct any number of boys, a thousand at a time if you have a loud voice and attractive methods of disciplinary means. But that is not training-it is not education. Education is the thing that counts in building character and In making men. The incentive to perfect himself, when properly instilled into the individual, brings about his active effort on the line most suitable to his temperament and powers. It is not the slightest use to preach the Scout Law or to give it out as orders to a crowd of boys: each mind requires its special exposition of them and the ambition to carry them out. That is where the personality and ability of the Scoutmaster come in. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Guide to Advancement (G2A), Para 7.0.0.3, (Emphasis added with boldface.) "Any registered Scout, or qualified Venturer or Sea Scout, may work on the requirements for any merit badge at any time. However, before working with a counselor or attending a group or virtual merit badge opportunity, a Scout must meet with their unit leader or their delegate. This is the leader’s opportunity to give guidance on the wisdom of pursuing a selected badge, to advise the Scout on how work might be approached and what may be encountered along the way. It is also the time to provide the names and contact information for one or more approved counselors. The best outcome, however, is that a growth-oriented, positive dialog occurs that provides inspiration and direction in a Scout’s life and even leads to conversations about talents and interests, goal setting, and the concept of “challenge by choice.” The benefits can be much like those of a well-done Scoutmaster conference. It must be noted that this meeting is a required part of the merit badge process, and that it should be documented either by the unit leader’s signature (or their delegate’s) on the Application for Merit Badge (blue card) or in Scoutbook Plus or other method. Even though a leader may voice concerns about a particular Scout pursuing a particular merit badge, it is the Scout’s decision whether or not to proceed. Units must not impose rank or age requirements for merit badge work." https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf Who can initiate a MB for a Scout? The G2A is clear that the Scout initiates the MB. This is not the role of a unit leader. Is the the SM, CC, ASM? It is the SM, or any delegate. Ideally, this would be an ASM, but the G2A does not specify who qualifies as a delegate. What if the SM doesn't want the Scout to start the MB? Suck it up, cupcake. You can advise the Scout of your concerns, but you cannot prohibit them from working on the MB. Does the SM need to say that the Scouts who come can do the MB, or can one of us give the green light? No. There is no "green light" to work on a merit badge... But, an interaction between a unit leader (delegate) and Scout MUST occur before the Scout meets with a counselor. The reference for the Scout on this is the Scout Handbook (because the Scout is not responsible for the G2A. But, you are.) Page 416 in my edition. In step 1., the Scout has this instruction: "Talk with your Scoutmaster about your interest. He or she will help you find a merit badge counselor..." The first sentence cited is an imperative, a non-negotiable requirement... a command. Hope this helps... BTW... we have Scouts with multiple partials who never finish work on merit badges before turning 18. That's OK. How many partials can a Scout have? 141, or however many merit badges there are on the list 😜 Bad practice, and not what we are after, but that is your burden as an SM to bear... working with youth who may be scatterbrained and unfocused. Advise and mentor, but when they don't take your advice, it is not a reflection on you.

The survey instructions say they have done this every 10 years. But last one was conducted in 2010. (Fifteen years ago for those of you who are mathematically challenged 😜 ) From current NESA feed: "Scouting America is partnering with the Harris Poll to update a major outcomes study last conducted in 2010. This research will help us better understand the long-term impact of Scouting. Who’s Involved? Randomly selected Alumni, Eagle Scouts, and Volunteers will receive email invitations to participate." But, from BSA's own website ( https://www.scouting.org/about/research/the-scouting-edge-study/ ) , there was this, in a Scouting Edge Report "These findings comprise results from two parallel studies fielded online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of the Boy Scouts of America between November 29th and December 14th, 2023." https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/marketing/pdf/Final-File-The-Scouting-Edge-8-5x11.pdf That pdf report covers many of the same questions asked in this survey. @Tron, you could perhaps compare there from the 2023 study. So, BSA paid Harris to conduct another poll within 2 years? Seems odd...

Give them that advice. Your experience and intuition matter. 😜

@MikeS72, thanks for the excerpt! "Any remaining assets obtained with funds raised in the name of Scouting must be redeployed for Scouting use in the local area. " I would hope the unit committee and CO would do the redeploying, as their decisions would, of course, be more in line with their wishes. Our council camp is becoming a graveyard of trailers and gear, particularly canoes... The council does not have the time, expertise, or money to fix these assets up to make them salable.

I would not call it theft, because council does ask the CO for the assets. In my limited experience with this, though, the CO's usually do not understand the stuff is theirs to keep, just earmarked for future Scouting. Does "predatory opportunism" better describe the practice?

LOL, I have two Eagle Scouts at Pitt who could bring some gear home on Thanksgiving break. Our Troop is looking for some flint and steel sets, draw knives for shaving spars, and an axe or two, if they are 3/4 axes. If you have any of that, we'd be happy to make sure it continues a life in Scouting. (Also, canoe paddles... Scouts are merciless on that gear 😜 ) One day, I'll get out that way and have a coffee with you...

The survey asks questions primarily about demographic information (including religious and political leanings), values, Scouting background, and a smattering on your perception of the impact of Scouting on your values and lifestyle. Nothing about Scouting operations at any level. So, I submitted my answers.

I know you know these options... but for the benefit of others who may not know... 1. Spend the money on Scout things: Summer Camp tuition for those continuing, adult training courses, patches and books you will give to a deserving unit nearby, etc. 2. With COR approval, donate the money to a good Scouting cause... here's one... The Memorial Scout Camp, in Maine, run outside of council/national influence... https://www.memorialscoutcamp.org/ They give gear and camperships to Scouts all over the country. Some of our Scouts have benefitted from their program. Here's another... Friends of Treasure Island (FTI)... https://www.friendsoftreasureisland.org/ think of these folks as a Scouting History Preservation Society. The private owner of Treasure Island (Scout Camp) allows Scout units to camp there for FREE from Labor Day to Memorial Day. The FTI is a non-profit group that staffs and runs program for those free weekends, including an awesome Scouting Heritage museum. I'm sure you could find others, if desired. 3. Tell the COR they may keep those funds, per Charter Agreement, in a reserve fund, should they be able to start a Scouting unit in the future. --- see CO responsibilities at https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/524-95625-Annual-Charter-Agreement.pdf "Administer the assets of the Unit, including all funds, real property, and personal property (e.g., trailers) that are acquired by the Unit either for the benefit of Scouting or in the name of Scouting and administer the assets for the benefit of the Unit." Nothing there says they return those funds or equipment to council. See also https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Fiscal_Policies_and_Procedures_for_-BSA_Units_20210513.pdf The only time a unit must turn over gear and money to the council is when the unit is chartered with council as its CO.

LOL... didn't take it. I'll look at it in a bit, but doubt it will let me advance through without answering questions and recording answers. Please stand by.

Thanks for staying with it until the end, and making sure those who wish to continue in Scouting may have a good transition to wherever they may go. Agree all this should be done in person. Best to tell the two remote college members on the phone... a text would be impersonal, depending on how attached they are to the unit. I have been following your situation as you have related it here in the forum, and from my foxhole, it looks like you have made a great effort of it. I commiserate with you, as I am beginning to see a downward slide in our unit as well. Our best hope is to latch on to a few dedicated adults such as yourself, to keep it all going. Well-trained and motivated adults are the real heart of Scouting. Best wishes in the next Scouting task you take on 😜

Your answer is contained in the Guide to Safe Scouting; Lodging/Cabin Accommodations Whenever possible, separate cabins or lodging should be provided for male and female adults as well as for male and female youth. Where separate accommodations cannot be provided due to group size or limited availability, modifications may be made. Where completely separate accommodations are not available, additional supervision is required. If adults and youth of the same gender occupy single-room accommodations, there must be a minimum of two adults and four youth, with all adults being Youth Protection trained. Physical separation by other means, including temporary barriers or space, should be used only when no other arrangements are possible. So, in your example, yes, one large cabin with 4 rooms would meet the requirement. But you could work something out with far less by way of accommodations.

Welcome! The site mentioned above by @qwazse is an outstanding resource. There is another page in that site at https://troopleader.scouting.org/activities/scout-skill-challenges/ which will help you pick some activities to populate your "BattleBoard." And another for Patrol Activities: https://troopleader.scouting.org/activities/patrol-activities/ I really like your idea, and there are literally hundreds of different things you could do. Here's a few spitballs: - Have the patrol perform a skit (a good patrol knows three or four skits) - Have the patrol lead a song (a good patrol knows three or four songs) - Have the patrols do their yells (a patrol must have a yell) - Using the checklist in the Scout Handbook First Aid section, Inventory the Troop First Aid kit and create a list of items missing. Present the list to the Troop Quartermaster or other person responsible for upkeep.. (When done with a MB Counselor, this fulfills a requirement for First Aid Merit Badge.) (This one ought to be done after every outing.) - Whip a rope using the method in the Scout Handbook. - Use a smartphone or computer and identify what is at the following locations: (this one has lots of potential) -- 40.6892° N, 74.0445° W -- 38.6251° N, 90.1868° W -- 36.0998° N, 112.1125° W -- 43.8803° N, 103.4538° W Have fun!

What!! If true, then very, very low... lower than a snake belly in a wagon wheel rut. And thanks for your continued service at the unit level. That is the heart of Scouting, and where things really matter most

Dear InquisitiveScouter, [name change 😜 ] Scouting America, in collaboration with the Harris Poll, is conducting a landmark study to better understand the values that define our nation — where they come from, how they evolve, and how they influence our lives today. As a valued Scouting America alumnus, you've been randomly chosen to participate in this exclusive survey. Your insights will help illuminate the role Scouting has played in shaping the character and values of generations of Americans. Your responses are completely confidential and will only be reported in aggregate. The survey takes less than 20 minutes to complete. This study is only conducted once every 10 years — and only a select group of alumni are invited. <SURVEY LINK> [REDACTED] Please note: This survey link is unique to you and can only be used once. Kindly do not forward it to others. Your perspective matters. By participating, you'll be contributing to a deeper understanding of the values that unite us — and how Scouting continues to make a lasting impact. Thank you for being part of this important effort! Patricia Wellen Research Director, Scouting America Pat.Wellen@Scouting.org ------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Patricia! Question... if my survey is to be completely confidential, then why issue a survey link that is unique to me? To my regret, I believed BSA once before on this. After giving my opinion on what could be fixed in the organization, particularly with regards bloated and unresponsive staffing, poor IT support, and an unnecessary number of councils with overpaid council employees at the higher levels, our local council executive blacklisted me and removed me from all district and council positions. No, thank you! Regards, Inquisitive Scouter