InquisitiveScouter

And from the same newsletter... "Each interaction with a registered adult is an opportunity for personal growth and learning on the part of the Scout. It is through this interaction and association with adults—the conversations, the counseling, the instruction and learning experiences—that mission-oriented Scouting takes place. (GTA 7.0.0.2) Shortcutting this process in the interest of efficiency robs the Scout of the opportunity to grow, which is the heart of the merit badge program." Emphasis added. Spirit of the law, rather than the letter...

Guide to Advancement, Section 7 (emphasis added) "Since blue cards support the merit badge process as it is intended to function, the Guide to Advancement continues to reference and recommend them. It is expected that when blue cards are not used, advancement administrators at all levels will find ways to carry on the processes, interactions, documentation, and other nuances that make the process such a critical element in BSA mission achievement." "The blue card has three parts: the “Application for Merit Badge” portion, the “Applicant’s Record,” and the “Counselor’s Record.” It requires a total of four signatures—two each from the unit leader and a merit badge counselor. The unit leader signs first on the front of the Application for Merit Badge portion and gives the entire blue card to the Scout. Each signature represents interaction with a registered adult. It is through this interaction and association with adults— the conversations, the counseling, the instruction and learning experiences—that mission-oriented Scouting takes place. This association must occur even if blue cards are not used."

Used to be that way. Old blue cards said "approval" as well, iirc. Nowadays, it is simply a discussion betwixt Scout and Unit Leader, with the signature acknowledging that the conversation occurred and an MBC contact was provided. A Unit Leader cannot deny the opportunity to a Scout.

Correction... not a must before starting! A Scout can start working on any merit badge at any time. However, he cannot meet with a counselor until after having the discussion with the unit leader. That is the "must" and the "showstopper." If a Scout comes to me with no blue card, and says everything is being tracked in Scoutbook, I check the unit leader signature block in SB. If it is not checked, then the merit badge session is on hold until I verify with the unit leader. If the until leader gives me a verbal acknowledgement, then we continue, and I ask the unit leader to put the date in Scoutbook.

Educate yourself, please. Scout Handbook, page 418, outlines the merit badge process. This is a BASIC Scout knowledge requirement. Scout rank requirement 2d. Now, for your situation, accepting previously completed requirements (even is the Scout has a blue card) is entirely up to the Merit Badge Counselor. As a Swimming Merit Badge Counselor myself, if I was working with the Scout in your situation, I'd have her show evidence she has completed the BSA Swimmer check (I hate to call it a "test", because it is still a subjective measurement), and briefly show me each swim stroke. If the Scout could do that easily, I might not peel the onion back any further, and grant the Scout any requirements she says she completed. (Maybe with a bit of discussion.)

Yes, it is... a must, and should be a showstopper.

Yes, of course. But do not lose sight of the forest for the trees... the forest is the culture you (plural) need to create at your unit... one of the trees is that form. The standards must always be the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Do not set any other. (Like grades... that should be up to the parents, IMHO) And every Scout is unique (just like you, lol) and in unique circumstances. So treat every situation like it is brand new. Good discipline is not a formula. It's a relationship. And @SSScout is correct regarding hiring/firing. Just look at the adult application. Who signs it to approve? COR or IH Therefore they have to power to remove. https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/524-501.pdf

Welcome!

No, they won't. I have been "one of the poorest" here. And I have travelled to over 60 countries on the planet. Many "developing" We have the richest poor in the world.

LOL, it's not really for the Scouts... it's for the parents. Ultimately, you are not recruiting Scouts; you are recruiting their parents. If you do not establish a safe environment for Scouts, you'll soon have none. Their parents will have taken them away.

Bottom line: If your adult leadership is not in harmony on how to deal with disciplinary issues, you will have problems. Does your Troop have a set of written expectations (Scout Oath and Law are all you need) and consequences? A written policy on how you will deal with disciplinary issues? (Bullying being just one of them.) This is an issue for all adults... Committee, Scoutmaster Corps, and parents. Our standard is the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Whenever a Scout (or adult) violates, we self-police. It starts at the Patrol Leader level and works up. (Under adult supervision, of course.) If the situation is not resolved and it gets elevated to an adult (an Assistant Scoutmaster usually) then the adult addresses the situation WITH ANOTHER ADULT OBSERVING (but not in the Scout's face... our object is not to intimidate.) It takes time to change the culture of a Troop. And a strong leader(s) who is willing to stick around to see change implemented. Upon matriculation to the unit, each family receives a copy of our Troop policies (Our Troop Handbook, if you will.) In it there is this section: ------------------------------------ Troop XX Code of Conduct Scouting activities are fun, memorable experiences. Troop leaders want Scouts to enjoy themselves and grow individually and as a Troop. During all activities, Scouts must behave appropriately, and in accordance with the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Not only does inappropriate and disruptive behavior ruin Scouting for others, it can be dangerous. Troop XX will not tolerate such behavior. The consequences of misbehavior will vary depending upon the severity of the action and the Scout’s circumstances. The PLC may address behavior under the guidance and approval of the Scoutmaster. Consequences may include verbal or written warnings to the Scout, excluding a Scout from an activity, parent conferences, sending a Scout home from an activity with a parent, or exclusion from future activities until leaders regain trust in the Scout’s behavior. The Scoutmaster or adult leader of each activity will be ultimately responsible for managing any breach of acceptable conduct. Scoutmasters may refer conduct to the Troop Committee for advice and action. If a Scout’s behavior or negligence results in damage to Troop equipment or a person’s property, the Scout will pay for repairs or replacement. The PLC may recommend, and the Troop Committee may direct using Scout Account monies to pay for damages. All Scouts and their parents will sign the current Troop XX Code of Conduct Agreement and Handbook Receipt before a Scout participates in Troop outings. ---------------------------------------------- Parents and Scouts must sign an agreement with the Scoutmaster governing behavior expectations and consequences. This establishes a culture, standards and consequences for Scout and parents. It makes it a little more "real" when a Scout signs his name... When we encounter conflict, we work through it using the template above. Each situation is different. In my seven years with this Troop, we have formally dismissed (in writing, that is) two Scouts from our Troop: one due to bullying, and one due to inability to control their physical outbursts with other Scouts. Two others have left during the process of addressing similar issues. Each case is documented, with written communications with parents, and discussed first with Key 3, then with the Committee and Scoutmaster Corps. Whenever we take the formal action of dismissing a Scout, we inform our IH, Commissioner (if we have one at the time), and DE (if we have one at the time) or Scout Executive. Scouts know they can come to us with issues, and we will deal with it fairly and quickly. Justice delayed is justice denied! Word has gotten around to parents that our Troop works diligently to keep a safe environment for Scouts. In that seven years, our Troop has doubled in size (and I don't mean by height or weight 😜 ) (This being only one of the reasons for the growth, IMHO.) Here is the Agreement: ------------------------------ Troop XX Code of Conduct Agreement and Troop Handbook Receipt Scout’s Name ____________________________________________________________________ I will behave appropriately during all Scout activities, living the Oath and Law, and demonstrating Scout Spirit at all times. I understand that misbehavior and inappropriate activities will not be tolerated. I understand there will be consequences if my behavior is not acceptable. I understand consequences can and will include warnings, sitting out during an activity, parent conferences, having a parent take me home from an activity, or exclusion from future activities until I earn trust in my behavior again, and demonstrate to my Scout youth and adult leadership that I can be trusted. ____________________________________________ _____________________ Signature of Scout Date I have reviewed the Troop Handbook, 2022 Revision, and discussed behavior expectations and consequences with my Scout. Furthermore, I understand I must make arrangements to pick up my Scout from an activity if necessary, even if the activity is out of town. ____________________________________________ _____________________ Signature of Parent or Guardian Date ____________________________________________ _____________________ Signature of Scoutmaster Date Scoutmaster will return signed agreement to the appropriate Committee Member for tracking.

Agreed that SB shows this, and that that is the proper order of things... that was not my point. A Unit Leader can invite a counselor without having that block actually signed in Scoutbook. Should it be that way? No, but the system allows it. A counselor can sign off requirements without actually having that block signed. Should it be that way? No, but the system allows it. So, in essence, SB does not "require" the unit leader signature before engaging the counselor. And it should!

To note, the "blue card" is not required when using Scoutbook. Scoutbook "automates" the process. However, I have had a few instances where a Scout contacts me for MB counseling, and the leader has not "signed" in Scoutbook. That is, Scoutbook allows a unit leader to invite a counselor without signing the card electronically. It seems to me this should be automatic, as well. That is, the signature on a physical blue card indicates just that: the unit leader has had a discussion with the Scout and recommended a counselor. Although, a unit leader could invite a counselor in Scoutbook without having had the discussion with the Scout. I would not do this, though... Because sometimes the Scout already knows the counselor or wants to work with a specific counselor. After a Scout finishes a badge, I direct them to print a copy of the completed blue card from Scoutbook for their own records. "Since blue cards support the merit badge process as it is intended to function, the Guide to Advancement continues to reference and recommend them. It is expected that when blue cards are not used, advancement administrators at all levels will find ways to carry on the processes, interactions, documentation, and other nuances that make the process such a critical element in BSA mission achievement."

C'mon, man! How else are we going to mass produce Eagle Scouts? We have to remove all barriers, obstacles, challenges, etc. In fact, we are working on a 40-hour video, to be viewed in segments. When all are completed, poof! You're an Eagle Scout 😜 Access to the video will be about $2500. Pricing model still being worked out!

@curious_scouter, the Application for Merit Badge (aka blue card) is the Scouts responsibility. Hold them accountable for their responsibilities.

Hear that? The winds of change... Thanks to @RememberSchiff https://experiencebasecamp.org/pages/boy-scouts-of-america "Scouting is a community parenting program that develops character, citizenship, leadership, and fitness."

Which ship? The ship of Scouting, or the ship of BSA?

Or our own Congressional Award for Youth: https://www.congressionalaward.org/ I could see the option of Lone Scouting continuing... will probably need a name, change though. How about "Family Scouting"! (Doesn't that seem to be the way they are pushing things anyway?

I haven't specifically tracked all costs, but I tell parents that, to participate in every outing in our program for the year, including Summer Camp, you'll spend about $1000. And, in our fundraiser, it is entirely possible for an enterprising Scout to earn that much money.

You learn something new every day, whether you want to, or not 😜 Had to look that one up. Not really an element of the culture I grew up in... https://www.fredsegal.com/collections/red-ball-jets The first thing I ever bought on layaway was a pair of denim overalls. It was 1976. I was earning money picking up tobacco leaves dropped by the harvesters as they went up and down the rows in the field. I remember how big I felt when one week, I got paid $10!! Didn't know until later that that was far below minimum wage. But, as a 10 year old, I'm sure I wasn't a very productive worker Thanks for the stream-of-consciousness stroll down memory lane!

We will continue Scouting at the unit level... My biggest concern, after the insurance, is awarding Eagle Scout rank to a Scout. Since this is only granted by the National Council, and they keep these records, would it be legitimate for a local unit to recognize/award someone as an Eagle Scout? (On a separate note, it's time to start hoarding some Eagle rank patches...)

Do we know this? I haven't gotten a quote yet, but I intend to...

We all need to begin thinking about this "What if?" If you desire to continue supporting Scouting, what will you do if BSA goes Chapter 7? (Let's make this a new thread, please?)

Get yourself a Scout Handbook, and MASTER the skills there. This will pay dividends with your Cub Scouts now, and later when/if you transition into the Scouts program.

Find another Troop that has canoes and ask to borrow (or rent) at lower cost. We have a local Troop that, in it's heyday had 100+ Scouts. Once upon that time, they bought 22 canoes and two canoe trailers. Nowadays, they are around 20 Scouts. I asked to use a rack of canoes in exchange for refurbing the canoe trailer. (repacked bearings, bought them a spare tire, fixed trailer wiring, pressure washed the gunk off the trailer, replaced old bungees (a hazard) with painter ropes (which are taken off the rack as tiedowns and used as bow & stern painters on the trip; Scouts learn and use two half hitches, trucker's hitch, and bowline, a lot!)) For about three hours of work for two people (me and one other adult who likes to be a grease monkey with me), and about $10 a head in materials, we now have a perpetual invitation to use their boats. Another idea that our Scouts like: find your local historic hikes, and earn the patch or medal. https://tap.scouting.org/bsa-historic-trails-index/ And a cycling trip is always a hit. Find your local trails, and make an adventure of any size! https://www.traillink.com/