InquisitiveScouter

Wow, are they taking this step to distance themselves further from BSA? BPSA marketed themselves as "traditional scouting" They'll probably be changing their pages soon. https://bpsa-us.org/

OK, you are fired! Now, fire me, too, please!!🤪🤪

What is the real mission here? Parents, you keep the revenue stream open (membership and fundraisers), and we'll keep your Scouts advancing. Versus: Parents, we need your support to focus all resources and efforts to "... prepare young people [your Scout] to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law."

I imagine they have significant scar tissue from the backlash it caused...best to let sleeping dogs lie for the moment.

All your observations are spot on! (and no school!) Run your program during the summer. Have a blast!

That's not a knife... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSnosk4tWrg&ab_channel=TomasTree

I think many have been putting out resumes and doing interviews just to hedge their bets.

and go Commando, of course

Which is why I use it in cold weather

I have never seen Scouts (youth) wear ponchos during outdoor activities and stay dry. They (the Scouts and the ponchos) require a good deal of management to stay unsoaked. And you still need something for lower legs and boots... Ponchos do work great when sitting still, waiting for the rain to pass. But, " a boy is not a sitting-down animal." Your mileage may vary.

Here's the entry for rain gear in our Troop blog that we encourage new Scouts and parents to read and heed: ---------------------- Rain gear: Don’t get a poncho, please. Ponchos are nearly useless. The best rain gear for Scouting is a two piece rain suit. Buy a set a size too large, as your Scout may need to put on extra layers underneath to stay warm. Frogg Toggs makes a good entry level set for about $25. Please choose a subdued color. Bright colors aren’t really suitable for our adventures in the woods. ----------------------- As mentioned above, Frogg Toggs are somewhat fragile. That's why we call them "entry level." If a Scout really loves the program and wants to go for more challenging adventures, then we tell them to invest more in better gear. REI, Columbia, HH, and any number of other purveyors of quality outdoor gear have suitable suits that will suit your needs In warmer weather, and for backpacking, I use a lightweight REI shell. ~$60, https://www.rei.com/product/177196/rei-co-op-groundbreaker-rain-jacket-20-mens In cold weather, I use my military issued Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) (Gen III) wind jacket. https://ciehub.info/References/peosoldier.army.mil/factsheets/SEQ_CIE_ECWCS.pdf Don't really prefer this in warmer weather just due to the weight and warmth... In all weather, I carry the ECWCS bottom, but rarely use it. https://military.wikia.org/wiki/Extended_Climate_Warfighter_Clothing_System Primarily keeps rain and snow out of your boots as @SSScout and others mention. I've seen lots of folks on the trail use gaiters for this purpose instead... You can get these (in outdated camo patterns like Woodland) as surplus (or on EBay) at a very reasonable price. Enjoy! P.S. Color is a matter of Troop and personal preference. Bright colors are helpful if lost/separated/etc. Subdued colors are a LNT consideration, to blend in and not be visually obnoxious in the woods. There are reversible models https://www.ganderoutdoors.com/blocker-outdoors-men’s-shield-series-evolve-reversible-parka-627600.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign={Campaign}&gclid=CjwKCAjwqIiFBhAHEiwANg9szorDbANobQBk_zt3emln-eNSnidymnDcb_ElK45-FhSrWVUAR0rzABoCxpoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds But that is way down on my list of gear to procure and test We do have our Scouts purchase a reversible fleece hat, as we hit the woods during hunting season as well!! https://www.amazon.com/Equipment-Camouflage-Fleece-Reversible-Cuffed/dp/B07WVT6XBF/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=reversible%2Bblaze%2Borange%2Bfleece%2Bhat&qid=1553806549&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-9&th=1

In the not so distant future??? Jimmy, building a fire: Mr. Scoutmaster, will you sign me off on the requirement for building a fire? Me: Jimmy, there aren't any requirements to sign off any more. The Boy Scouts of America no longer exists. Jimmy: Uh, OK, may I still build the fire? Me: Sure, have at it

mazel tov!

The reasons to depart are reaching critical mass...

Our unit practice is that the adult leader in charge (and there is always only ONE designated) must review all AHMRs prior to an event for "Prohibited Adults" and allergies. At show time, each person with a rescue inhaler or Epi-pen must produce it, or not go. (But we do not do this for meetings...)

That's why there is a section on the AHMR which says "Adults NOT Authorized to Take Youth to and From Events" The burden is on the parents/guardians to inform the unit. It would have never held up in court

When we came to the Troop five years ago, the 'behavior agreement' was about three pages long... yuk. We shortened it to this: ------------------------------------------------------------ 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 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ We had to put in that last blurb because, on two separate occasions, we had to send a Scout home, but his parents had gone away while we were camping and said they couldn't get him. That's one clue as to why he acted out His grandfather came to get him.

We do not do masks in any aquatic activity. You go in the water with one on, and your breathing is immediately impaired. Not a good idea, IMHO.

I have been thinking about sending them a response like this (with their parent cc'ed...) --------------------------------- Hello Scout! Thanks for your email. But, I am not going to answer it until you send it to me again and include your parent. One important component of Youth Protection is that there are no private electronic communications between adults and Scouts. Please help our Troop with this. I'm looking forward to seeing your request again soon! The Scoutmaster ----------------------------------

Review the 2021 Troop JTE Scorecard. There are any number of things there you could take on to build a ticket. https://www.scouting.org/awards/journey-to-excellence/unit/ And, if your unit has not followed JTE as a guide before, even doing that could be one of your ticket items.

And that is another facet of tort reform that we need...

This should be a perquisite for Scoutmasters? If unit financial situation permits, ask your committee to cover the umbrella while you are in the seat. Thoughts?

People will sue you, especially if you have an umbrella insurance policy (Never advertise that you do!!) I also had an umbrella, and cancelled for the same reason...it only covered the excess of things that happened on our property. If you ever find a policy that will cover you, let us know! (anonymously here, of course )

You are covered by the Federal Volunteer Protection Act of 1997. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-105publ19/pdf/PLAW-105publ19.pdf https://www.astho.org/Programs/Preparedness/Public-Health-Emergency-Law/Emergency-Volunteer-Toolkit/Volunteer-Protection-Acts-and-Good-Samaritan-Laws-Fact-Sheet/#:~:text=The federal Volunteer Protection Act,for its protections to apply. However, "Protection under VPA does not apply if the volunteer engages in willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual(s) harmed by the volunteer. " I don't think any insurance policy will cover you under those circumstances, either. This is the basic position of the insurance companies who believe they have a case to deny payment under claims for sexual abuse...they hold that BSA violated those standards. Which is why we diligently follow Guide to Safe Scouting, Scouter Code of Conduct, and written BSA policies. You signed an application saying you would do the same

Snakes and snails...