ChaiAdventure

this is where I am going to get attacked.... I think that you can run a very effective program with that number of boys....but you just have to ensure that your methods and expectations are not the same as a unit with multiple patrols. The critical factor is that you maintain the Patrol Method since with one patrol, it is too easy to micro-manage. There will be District and Council activities that will afford you opportunities to "link-up" with other units and get the boys some varied exposure. Ultimately, the goal would be to reenergize a solid meeting schedule and begin recruiting a second patrol. That will happen much easier when you get your one patrol moving along. There are negatives to a unit that size, but I also see a lot of positives and potential....

We had an issue with wearing the hats inside of the church that is our CO. The easiest and most effective thing for us was to make hats optional as part of the Pack uniform. The neckerchiefs do a good job identifying what program/den the boys are in and the hats were left on the side anyway. It has worked well and I am glad we made the change.

I managed to make it through this entire thread and I find both viewpoints interesting. What I have noticed is: 1. adults care much more about uniforms than the boys do...scouters come in many varieties, but the dangerous ones are the "buffs" who are trying to relive their missed youth and attempt to impose their priorities on the boys...for those who take pride in pointing out non-official green socks, you missed your calling as a drill sergeant 2. boys do not get much of a vote in the process, except in venturing where I see a large number of crews embracing the uniform when they deem it appropriate, others, not so much 3. we wear uniforms everyday...what we wear affects how we are treated...there are "appropriate" forms of dress in virtually every activity we participate in 4. uniforms, or scouting for that matter, needs to be taken in measure and balance is the key...never too much one one thing My thoughts are that the uniform is a method...period. Use it for what it was designed for. Should we rid ourselves of uniforms, no. Should we over-emphasize it, absolutely not. Again, it is all about balance. I have spent the past 25+ years wearing a uniform and I know what it can and can't do. All in balance... Larry

We do one Pack event in June, July and August, but for June and July, I give the boys credit for day and resident camp as well. That however, only counts for June and/or July credit. As a side note, we do not have a lot of the boys earning their summertime pack awards since they have busy summers and do not schedule around Pack events (which I have no problem with at all knowing that burn out is more dangerous than the summertime pack award is worth) IMHO.

thanks for all the comments... you have a great forum going here and I am happy to be a member Larry

another 11...you got to be kidding me I have kids that would have to wrap their belts twice around to carry that many....

From what I have seen, most CS scouters wear none, and when they do, they are one of the WB varieties. The boys really don't care what you wear. They are just busy having fun.

I just wanted to say hello to members of the forum. I am currently a CM in Fayetteville, and am in the process of starting a crew at the local synagogue. It is going to be a lot of fun...I hope.(This message has been edited by ChaiAdventure)