Ojoman

`When we had in person training sessions and Pow Wow training sessions I believe more volunteers understood how to put out a quality program for the kids. Most units lack a knowledgeable commissioner that can assist them. When a Pack is well led the kids/families stay. To be a gold standard unit a pack can drop 25% or more of their membership... 25 x 6 years and you get the picture. nothing left by AOL year. We need to restore quality at all levels of Cubbing and see that the program experiences beyond just the rank requirements grow with the cubs.

The BSA is in bad shape. The first step in fixing a problem is to identify the problem(s).A brief summary of how we got to where we are: nearly 50 years of traditional membership losses, being cast as a bigoted/prejudiced white, middle class organization because of certain 'standards' that no longer formally exist, being cast in recent years as a dangerous place to enroll your kids thanks to the massive lawsuits without regard for the outstanding youth protection standard of the BSA, mergers and consolidations resulting in reductions in service, huge reductions in the number of unit serving professional and a massive reduction in volunteers at all levels, a failure of the program, especially at the Cubbing level, to retain membership, a failure of councils to raise adequate funds and the recent bankruptcy along with the adverse impact of the pandemic on all levels. Over most of the past half century the BSA's answers were to lower the age to enter the program , first to grade 2 with tigers, then to lower it to grade 1 and make Webelos a 2 year program and finally to add grade k with Lions thus turning a 3 year program into a 5 1/2 year program. A long time to keep a family interested. the second 'solution' was to organize more units and do more recruiting. This resulted in more emphasis put on new units than supporting existing units and in many (most) cases councils ended up dropping as many or more units than they created and membership continued to decline. The third way was to create outreach programs to low income and minority youth. This was probably the best thing that was done but it was expensive and difficult to sustain. My own council, 20 years ago had a vibrant 'Scoutreach' program withan inner city day camp and a provisional Scout long term camp program. As funding dried up that program became a casualty. What can be done: I expect a lot of folks have strong, positive suggestions. With the number of dropped units, we need to revisit those chartered partners and see if we can bring them back. With existing units we need to look at their programs and help them deliver a program that meets the kids and parents needs and expectations. This will result in higher retention. Higher retention, even if nothing changes in recruiting will result in growth. Recruiting involves strengthening our relationship with schools. We need access to youths and schools are the best access point. Social media can help but that is not the answer. If programs are meeting needs and expectations word of mouth will generate new members. Finally, we need to see program support and delivery for a full 12 months, Scouting is not seasonal. Councils must raise more funds and employ competent staff that deliver the best direct support to districts/units possible. District committees and commissioner staffing must grow to be effective. I look forward to more suggestions, observations and feedback...

The leader/advisor would, of course, need to view the video. The posting would be, in part, promoting the activity and we would hope, Scouting in the process. It is 'optional' so those youths that don't have a social media account can just do the report or post it to a parents social media account such as YouTube. Either way, we want the kids to 'think' about their experience and the historical importance of the Canal. As an adult, I must admit that even having lived in CNY for 15 years I had not given much thought to the canal and its history is quite remarkable. I hope that this award helps many others beyond just the kids to gain a greater appreciation for the canal and what an achievement it really was.

Erie Canal Historic Trail Medal, Patch and Hiking Medallion These are the updated requirements as of now... always subject to change/improvement. Awards/patches/medallions can be ordered via the Longhouse Council, attn: Hillcourt Museum Purpose of this award is to raise awareness of our local history and the role that the Erie Canal played, not only in New York economy but in the Nation’s History. Planning your adventure: The New York State Canal System offers some highly helpful guides to assist your unit or group in planning your adventure at canals.ny.gov. A free Canalway Water Trail Guidebook and Map Set can be ordered or downloaded at eriecanalway.org/watertrail. Camping along the Erie Canal System: Information is available at https://www.canals.ny.gov/trails/camping.html Requirements: for the Erie Canal Trail Medal: The patch and hiking medallion are available as souvenir purchases. 1: With your Troop or Patrol, plan to traverse at least 15 miles of the Erie Canal either by hiking, by bike, by boat, canoe or Kayak or a combination of each mode of transport. Keep a record of historic markers and locks that you pass. 15 miles to hike was chosen as it aligns with the Erie Canal Song and also with the Erie Canalway Challenge: Chec it out at: https://eriecanalway.org/explore/challenge. 2: Visit or pass through at least one lock. Learn about the present day traffic on the canal. Satisfy your leader that you understand how a lock works and why they were important. 3: Visit/tour the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse or one or more of the many historic canal sites in the state. 4: Visit the Salt Museum in Syracuse either in person or virtually (https://video.wcny.org/video/insight-insight-012717/) at Onondaga Lake Park and learn how the Canal was important to the salt industry in Syracuse. 5: Discuss with your adult leader or partner the transformative effects of the Erie Canal on the past, present, and future of our country. If you are part of a group working on this award this may be a group discussion. 6: Write a report of no less than 200 words to explain what you learned about the canal and its historical importance as well as present day uses. Submit it to your unit leader for review. Optional requirement, post a video to YouTube or other social media of 2 minutes or more about your experience, what you learned and sharing shots of what you saw and did while earning the award. 7: It will be up to your unit leader to decide if you have met all of the requirements for this award. The Erie Canal Trails Medal will be awarded for completion of the above requirements and the completion of at least a 15 mile distance along the canal. There is no time limit or minimum # of hikes to reach 15 miles. Applicants for these awards must be at least 10 years of age or in the 5th grade and not older than 18. Hikes along the canal trail can be applied to the hiking merit badge and towards the completion of either the Historic Trails or 50 Miler Awards. This Trail award is available to groups outside of the BSA and who must meet all of the same criteria assigned to BSA members and are subject to the approval of the William Hillcourt Museum Committee. This program is an extension of the William Hillcourt Museum and the Longhouse Council BSA as a part of Central New York history within the service area of the Longhouse Council, BSA. Hiking, boating or cycling any part of the Canal Trail in or outside of the Council Service area will qualify for earning the award. A Hiking Staff Medallion will be available for purchase to both youth and adult members and the public. There are no requirements to purchase the Historic Trails Hiking Medallion or patch, only for the medal. Significance of the medal: Mule & Driver Statue - Erie Canal Museum - Syracuse, NY This bronze, life-size sculpture was created by artist Tom Tischler (1990) and commissioned by the Erie Canal Museum. It stands on Erie Blvd at the site of the original towpath across from the 1850 Weighlock building. The statue is a memorial to the young boys (mule drivers) and mules who made travel on the Erie Canal possible. Mules and hoggees worked on the canal pulling canal boats along the waterway in six hour shifts around the clock, seven days a week. The Erie Canal Museum is located at 318 Erie Blvd East in Syracuse, NY. Mr. Tischler is an Eagle Scout.

This sounds really strange... If accurate I feel for the young person with multiple neurological disabilities but if the 'troop' is not part of the BSA then this is not a BSA issue... ("the troop having seceded from the national organization, due to the troop being their own private troop"). No outside group can use our name and insignia without affiliation.

Works for me

Good points... getting the kinks ironed out prior to the kickoff... Thanks

Same thing...

Our council policy involves the use of council range and all shooting sports trained volunteers are part of the council shooting sports committee and there is a modest charge to use the council equipment to help maintain it. Both archery and bb. That way a unit shoot can be done on council property with trained staff and strict controls. Units without trained volunteers are at the mercy of the shooting sports committee if they want to have folks open the range and they are not always available. Off council shooting sports programs are often done at day camps and district events and I see little difference between a unit doing a shoot with qualified staff on an approved range (and possibly renting or borrowing council equipment). A mile from my home the community maintains a free public archery range with posted rules. I often see families using the facilities and I have taken my grandson there to shoot. When done properly it is a fun and safe activity. Perhaps even safer than the launching of rockets and some of the other activities that have been allowed in the past. Just saying... These are the types of activities that attract and retain membership and it does need to be well managed.

A few years back we were running BB range training for our Daycamp staffers. Two police officers were taking the training. They said they got some good natured ribbing when the other officers heard they were going to be 'certified' in BB's. Then, when we went to the range and they got the rifles one said to the other, "hey, these have better sights than our guns." At any rate, if the council has a policy that a unit with properly trained volunteers and a safe range can do a unit shoot, go for it... Our council has a policy where the camp bb and archery range and equipment can be used. Remember, the equipment must meet the BSA standards too!

Tiny dens/packs can pose a problem. Usually the pack meeting should be built around the cubs and the dens rotate doing an opening, skit, song, refreshments, and closing. The advancement chairman takes care of the advancement ceremony (including inducting new cubs and their parents) and the committee chair or CM handles announcements. Once a rotation is in place it all pretty much goes on auto pilot.

I would encourage units to have a uniform bank/exchange where they collect uniforms that kids have outgrown. They are called 'experienced' not 'used'. A uniform can go through multiple cubs before it wears out. Packs can also go with a pack t-shirt. They can be easily made with a silk screen kit or ordered on line or through a local t-shirt design company. Often referred to as 'class B' uniforms it can be an inexpensive way to 'uniform' cubs until perhaps a birthday or Christmas when they get the balance of their uniform. Also, if you have someone that sews, the red vests are a good way to 'uniform' in a manner of speaking and the vest becomes the keepsake so the shirts can be 'recycled' to a new family.

My sons pack had a father and son Webelo/AOL trip from Pittsburgh to Gettysburg each year, late spring. This was for the graduating 4th graders since the 5th grade cubs were already crossed to the troop. The troop supported the event usually with equipment and with a leader and older scout or scouts. Today it would be a parent cub event. It was great for the AOL's to be presented with the trail medals that they had earned at the June Pack Meeting. All the younger cubs envied them and I expect that helped keep kids in the pack as they set their sights on earning that award too. It was an important trip to not only start the process of preparing the AOL den to crossover to the troop but also for the parents to understand that there was a place for them in the troop too.

My response is that BSA doesn't mean Baby Sitters of America but there may be times when a child might miss an important or fun activity or meeting so as long as that child is with an appropriate other adult and the 2 deep rule is met I would not want anyone excluded. Just don't make it a habit.

For years I ran our councils Cub Family Camps and the female siblings loved it. Often the girls would congregate together and 5 or 6 of them go around to all the program areas. I loved chatting with them and asking if they were having a good time. I'd often ask if any were in Girl Scouts and often heard them say 'I'm a Brownie or a Daisy' usually followed by, 'but can we be Cub Scouts because it is so much fun'. Now, girls can enjoy all the fun of Cub Scouts and also be in Girl Scouts. Best of both worlds. The admission of girls was long overdue and I'm happy to see it. Now I just hope that we can rebuild our membership after years of decline by meeting a families needs for value based programs for the whole family.

I like that as an option. Perhaps having them post a video to YouTube would give them a great experience and also help promote the award. I'll see about adding that as an option. Good thought.... Thanks... Considering this: 6: Write a report of no less than 200 words to explain what you learned about the canal and its historical importance as well as present day uses. Submit it to your unit leader for review. Optional requirement, post a video to YouTube of 3 minutes or more about your experience, what you learned and sharing shots of what you saw and did while earning the award.

FAMILIES PAY FOR A 12 MONTH PROGRAM I am a firm believer in the 12 months of program for both Cubs and Scouts. I rebuilt the pack by sons were in back in the late 80's and we had all the sports to compete with along with nintendo and atari games and we had the single parent issues but we built a great 12 month program and instilled the habit of participation. We didn't shut down from May through September like many packs and the result was nearly 100% retention (except for a family here and there that moved out of the area). It was great. Dens met both indoors and outdoors and did field trips regularly, the pack had outdoor pack meetings at camp and in parks and we played games and took hikes. Every member earned the summertime activity award because if they missed on thing there were other things happening each month. The pack grew from 6 families to over 50 in two years and then spun a 30 member pack off the next year. Great programs shouldn't stop for months and great programs keep interest and participation. District and council events were icing on the cake.

The Longhouse Council, William Hillcourt Museum is about to launch a new Historic Trail, The Erie Canal Trail. The kick off celebration will be done at the Erie Canal Museum on June 18. A patch, hiking staff medallion and historic trail medal will be available. The patch and medallion can be purchased by anyone but the medal has requirements to earn by any youth ages 10 to 18. Requirements are: Erie Canal Historic Trail Medal, Patch and Hiking Medallion Purpose of this award is to raise awareness of our local history and the role that the Erie Canal played, not only in New York economy but in the Nation’s History. Planning your adventure: The New York State Canal System offers some highly helpful guides to assist your unit or group in planning your adventure at canals.ny.gov. A free Canalway Water Trail Guidebook and Map Set can be ordered or downloaded at eriecanalway.org/watertrail. Camping along the Erie Canal System: Information is available at https://www.canals.ny.gov/trails/camping.html Requirements: for the Erie Canal Trail Medal: The patch and hiking medallion are available as souvenir purchases. 1: With your Troop or Patrol, plan to traverse at least 15 miles of the Erie Canal either by hiking, by bike, by boat, canoe or Kayak or a combination of each mode of transport. Keep a record of historic markers and locks that you pass. 2: Visit or pass through at least one lock. Learn about the present day traffic on the canal. Satisfy your leader that you understand how a lock works and why they were important. 3: Visit/tour the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse or one or more of the many historic canal sites in the state. 4: Visit the Salt Museum in Syracuse either in person or virtually (https://video.wcny.org/video/insight-insight-012717/) at Onondaga Lake Park and learn how the Canal was important to the salt industry in Syracuse. 5: Discuss with your adult leader or partner the transformative effects of the Erie Canal on the past, present, and future of our country. If you are part of a group working on this award this may be a group discussion. 6: Write a report of no less than 200 words to explain what you learned about the canal and its historical importance as well as present day uses. Submit it to your unit leader for review. 7: It will be up to your unit leader to decide if you have met all of the requirements for this award. A Historic Trails Medal will be awarded for completion of the above requirements and the completion of at least a 10 mile distance along the canal. There is no time limit or minimum # of hikes to reach 10 miles. Applicants for these awards must be at least 10 years of age or in the 5th grade and not older than 18. Hikes along the canal trail can be applied to the hiking merit badge and towards the completion of either the Historic Trails or 50 Miler Awards. This Trail award is available to groups outside of the BSA and who must meet all of the same criteria assigned to BSA members and are subject to the approval of the William Hillcourt Museum Committee. This program is an extension of the William Hillcourt Museum and the Longhouse Council BSA as a part of Central New York history within the service area of the Longhouse Council, BSA. Hiking, boating or cycling any part of the Canal Trail in or outside of the Council Service area will qualify for earning the award. A Hiking Staff Medallion will be available for purchase to both youth and adult members and the public. There are no requirements to purchase the Historic Trails Hiking Medallion or patch, only for the medal. Significance of the medal: Mule & Driver Statue - Erie Canal Museum - Syracuse, NY This bronze, life-size sculpture was created by artist Tom Tischler (1990) and commissioned by the Erie Canal Museum. It stands on Erie Blvd at the site of the original towpath across from the 1850 Weighlock building. The statue is a memorial to the young boys (mule drivers) and mules who made travel on the Erie Canal possible. Mules and hoggees worked on the canal pulling canal boats along the waterway in six hour shifts around the clock, seven days a week. The Erie Canal Museum is located at 318 Erie Blvd East in Syracuse, NY. Mr. Tischler is an Eagle Scout. 15 miles to hike was chosen as it aligns with the Erie Canal Song and also with the Erie Canalway Challenge: Chec it out at: https://eriecanalway.org/explore/challenge.

The Longhouse Council, William Hillcourt Museum is about to launch a new Historic Trail, The Erie Canal Trail. The kick off celebration will be done at the Erie Canal Museum on June 18. A patch, hiking staff medallion and historic trail medal will be available. The patch and medallion can be purchased by anyone but the medal has requirements to earn by any youth ages 10 to 18. Requirements are: Erie Canal Historic Trail Medal, Patch and Hiking Medallion Purpose of this award is to raise awareness of our local history and the role that the Erie Canal played, not only in New York economy but in the Nation’s History. Planning your adventure: The New York State Canal System offers some highly helpful guides to assist your unit or group in planning your adventure at canals.ny.gov. A free Canalway Water Trail Guidebook and Map Set can be ordered or downloaded at eriecanalway.org/watertrail. Camping along the Erie Canal System: Information is available at https://www.canals.ny.gov/trails/camping.html Requirements: for the Erie Canal Trail Medal: The patch and hiking medallion are available as souvenir purchases. 1: With your Troop or Patrol, plan to traverse at least 15 miles of the Erie Canal either by hiking, by bike, by boat, canoe or Kayak or a combination of each mode of transport. Keep a record of historic markers and locks that you pass. 2: Visit or pass through at least one lock. Learn about the present day traffic on the canal. Satisfy your leader that you understand how a lock works and why they were important. 3: Visit/tour the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse or one or more of the many historic canal sites in the state. 4: Visit the Salt Museum in Syracuse either in person or virtually (https://video.wcny.org/video/insight-insight-012717/) at Onondaga Lake Park and learn how the Canal was important to the salt industry in Syracuse. 5: Discuss with your adult leader or partner the transformative effects of the Erie Canal on the past, present, and future of our country. If you are part of a group working on this award this may be a group discussion. 6: Write a report of no less than 200 words to explain what you learned about the canal and its historical importance as well as present day uses. Submit it to your unit leader for review. 7: It will be up to your unit leader to decide if you have met all of the requirements for this award. A Historic Trails Medal will be awarded for completion of the above requirements and the completion of at least a 10 mile distance along the canal. There is no time limit or minimum # of hikes to reach 10 miles. Applicants for these awards must be at least 10 years of age or in the 5th grade and not older than 18. Hikes along the canal trail can be applied to the hiking merit badge and towards the completion of either the Historic Trails or 50 Miler Awards. This Trail award is available to groups outside of the BSA and who must meet all of the same criteria assigned to BSA members and are subject to the approval of the William Hillcourt Museum Committee. This program is an extension of the William Hillcourt Museum and the Longhouse Council BSA as a part of Central New York history within the service area of the Longhouse Council, BSA. Hiking, boating or cycling any part of the Canal Trail in or outside of the Council Service area will qualify for earning the award. A Hiking Staff Medallion will be available for purchase to both youth and adult members and the public. There are no requirements to purchase the Historic Trails Hiking Medallion or patch, only for the medal. Significance of the medal: Mule & Driver Statue - Erie Canal Museum - Syracuse, NY This bronze, life-size sculpture was created by artist Tom Tischler (1990) and commissioned by the Erie Canal Museum. It stands on Erie Blvd at the site of the original towpath across from the 1850 Weighlock building. The statue is a memorial to the young boys (mule drivers) and mules who made travel on the Erie Canal possible. Mules and hoggees worked on the canal pulling canal boats along the waterway in six hour shifts around the clock, seven days a week. The Erie Canal Museum is located at 318 Erie Blvd East in Syracuse, NY. Mr. Tischler is an Eagle Scout. 15 miles to hike was chosen as it aligns with the Erie Canal Song and also with the Erie Canalway Challenge: Chec it out at: https://eriecanalway.org/explore/challenge.

I'm now in the Longhouse Council in CNY. I expect that this council has had a far more significant membership downturn than most having dropped over 90% of its membership since 2000. Most of that happened prior to covid. While I dearly hope that the council will turn things around the staffing is so reduced and we have dropped so many units that it will almost take a miracle. In the meantime we do have a wonderful 'William Hillcourt Museum at Camp Woodland in Constantia, NY and I am now on the committee. If any of you folk are within a reasonable distance you are welcome to come and visit. The museum is open most Saturdays from 10 AM to 3 PM and also by appointment. Camping is, of course, available via the Longhouse Council. We have 2,500 sf of history and this is a great place to kick off your Scouting Heritage merit badge.