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An article from today on the logistics side of the service, http://www.register-herald.com/jamboree/x596953308/Incident-Control-Center-tracks-Scout-projects

I was originally slated to go with our contingent, but stepped out when they had to cut one troop. If I remember correctly every troop has one day of service, they will work with an agency in one of the 9 surrounding counties. The adult leadership should have know about this and passed the info on to they youth. Ah found an article on it, http://www.summitblog.org/40000-scouts-5-days-and-300000-hours-of-community-service/ I think that they were renting out the buses that brought everyone to jambo to take them to the service sites.

I typically stay away from the non-scouting topics, but for whatever reasons I feel a need to post in this issue. It is always a tragedy when a young person losses their life, I pray for both families. From what I have seen so far the state simply did not prove their case, and all the defense had to do was introduce a bit of reasonable doubt. Remember Zimmerman was not found to be innocent, he was found not guilty of the case the state presented. The states star witness turned out to be a better witness for the defense. I doubt that anyone other than Zimmerman and the Lord actually knows what happened. I simply do not understand either side that are 100% convinced that they are correct, the evidence that I have seen simply did not prove guilt or innocence, thus the not guilty verdict. Innocent until proven guilty, and guilt was not proven. I know as a carry permit holder that is some one was on top of me hitting me "pound and ground" style and I could not get them off of me I would not pulling the trigger. Zimmerman was not legally bound to obey the dispatcher to not follow Martin. If he had we would have never heard of Zimmerman or Martin.

Ah, did not catch the mention that it was the camp director that pulled the trigger.

None of the articles I have read indicate that anyone, youth, adults, staff, etc, were ever threatened by the animal. All of the accounts that I have read state they simply could not get it to leave, and it was rummaging through whatever they had left out, so he shot it.

It is the Guide to Safe Scouting, http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34416.pdf There are several mentions of it in the Youth Protection Training.

"For the safety of all of our youth, which was about 500, we had to take the bear down," said the Scout Executive, yet the troop was asked to leave? Sounds like the SE was more upset over leaving the food out, granted that is a big issue the bear never should have been shot. From the G2SS: "Except for (1) law enforcement officers required to carry firearms within their jurisdiction, and (2) circumstances within the scope of the BSA hunting policy statement, firearms should not be in the possession of any person engaged in camping, hiking, backpacking, or any other Scouting activity other than those specifically planned for target shooting under the supervision of a certified firearms instructor. (Among the purposes of this policy is to prohibit adult leaders from bringing firearms on BSA camping and hiking activities or to unit meetings.)" Wonder how long this guys is going to be a leader? This is a clear G2SS violation.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56587186-78/bear-anderson-division-leader.html.csp "A criminal investigation is underway after a Boy Scout leader shot and killed a bear in a Scout camp Wednesday evening. The leader told Division of Wildlife Resources law enforcement officers that the bear was on top of the picnic table eating left-out food at about 8:30 p.m. when it jumped down and began approaching Boy Scouts in a threatening manner, said Jodie Anderson, member of the conservation outreach section of the division. He then drew a gun and shot it three times, killing it. The incident happened at the Hinckley Scout Ranch on the east fork of the Bear River on the north slope of the Uinta Mountains. Anderson said division employees had given a presentation to the Scouts earlier about proper bear safety, including thoroughly cleaning up all food and disposing of any leftovers in bear-proof containers. "Right now, our law enforcement is hoping to finish up the investigation," Anderson said. "Once it’s completed, we’ll turn it over to the county attorney." Anderson didn't want to speculate on what possible charges the leader could face. Anderson said campers in the area had reported a bear had entered campsites the previous weekend, and division employees were working to trap and remove the bear from the area. The deceased bear appears to match the description of that bear. The Tribune will continue to update this story as more details become available."

After reading through all of this, here are some of the major changes 4.1.0.4 “Do Your Best†…In the same spirit as “Do Your Best,†if a boy is close to earning a badge of rank when the school year ends, the pack committee, in consultation with the den leader and the Cub Scout’s parent or guardian, may allow him a few weeks to complete the badge before going on to the next rank. Earning it will give him added incentive to continue in Scouting and carry on and tackle the next rank. 4.1.1.6 Arrow Points Unused Bear badge achievements, or parts of achievements that were used for the Bear badge, may be counted toward Arrow Points. For example, in Bear Achievement 9, “What’s Cooking,†four of seven parts listed are required for the achievement. The other three may be used as electives toward Arrow Points. Since 12 achievements will have been used to earn the Bear badge, electives may also be chosen from any of the remaining 12. For the Wolf badge, only electives may be used to earn Arrow Points. Once a boy moves to the next Cub Scouting rank level, he may not earn Arrow Points from the earlier rank. 7.0.1.4 Counselor Approvals and Limitations … The National Council places no limit on the number of merit badges an individual may be approved to counsel, except to the extent a person lacks skills and education in a given subject. The intent is for Scouts to learn from those with an appropriate level of expertise. Merit badge counselors must submit the Merit Badge Counselor Information sheet, No. 34405, according to local council practices. The form must show each badge for which the counselor requests approval. Additions or subtractions may be submitted using the same form. Although it is permissible for councils to limit the number of badges that one person counsels, it must not do so to the point where Scouts’ choices, especially in small or remote units, are so limited as to serve as a barrier to advancement. Neither does the National Council place a limit on the number of merit badges a youth may earn from one counselor. However, in situations where a Scout is earning a large number of badges from just one counselor, the unit leader is permitted to place a limit on the number of merit badges that may be earned from one counselor, as long as the same limit applies to all Scouts in the unit. Approved counselors may work with and pass any member, including their own son, ward, or relative. Nevertheless, we often teach young people the importance of broadening horizons. Scouts meeting with counselors beyond their families and beyond even their own units are doing that. They will benefit from the perspectives of many “teachers†and will learn more as a result. They should be encouraged to reach out. 7.0.4.7 Limited Recourse for Unearned Merit Badges From time to time, however, it may be discovered that merit badges could not actually have been earned. For example, a Scout who returns from summer camp or a merit badge fair with signed blue cards for an extraordinary number of badges could raise concerns. If, after consulting with those involved in the merit badge programâ€â€such as an event coordinator, the camp director, or a merit badge counselorâ€â€it becomes plainly evident that a youth could not have actually and personally fulfilled requirements as written, then the limited recourse outlined below is available. It may result in a decision that some or all of the requirements for a badge could not have been fulfilled, and thus, that the badge was not actually earned. After such a consultation, the unit leader, in a positive environment similar to that of a unit leader conference, discusses with the Scout the circumstances under which a merit badge in question was approved. A parent or an assistant unit leader should attend as an observer. The young man shall not be retested on the requirements, but a conversation with him can reveal if he was present at the class and actually and personally fulfilled all the requirements. Such a discussion could cover who taught a class, what sort of activities took place, where and when they occurred, how testing was done, what the Scout might have brought home from the class, and other similar process-oriented details. In most cases, with a fair and friendly approach, a young man who did not complete the requirements will admit it. Short of this, however, if it remains clear under the circumstances that some or all of the requirements could not have been met, then the merit badge is not reported or awarded, and does not count toward advancement. The unit leader then offers the name of at least one other merit badge counselor through whom any incomplete requirements may be finished. Note that in this case a merit badge is not “taken away†because, although signed off, it was never actually earned. Just as we avoid penalizing Scouts for the mistakes of adults, it should be a rare occurrence that a unit leader finds the need to question whether merit badges have been earned. This procedure for recourse is limited and reserved only for clear and evident cases of noncompletion or nonparticipation. For example, the recourse could be allowed when it would not have been possible to complete a specific requirement at the location of the class, event, or camp; if time available was not sufficientâ€â€perhaps due to class size or other factorsâ€â€for the counselor to observe that each Scout personally and actually completed all the requirements; if time available was insufficient for a “calendar†requirement such as for Personal Fitness or Personal Management; or if multiple merit badges in question were scheduled at the same time. This procedure is not to be viewed as an opportunity for retesting on requirements, for interjecting another set of standards over those of a merit badge counselor, or for debating issues such as whether a Scout was strong enough, mature enough, or old enough to have completed requirements. Unit leaders who find it necessary to make use of this recourse must act quicklyâ€â€if possible, within 30 days of discovery. It is inappropriate to delay a Scout’s advancement with anything less than a prompt decision. If a Scout or his parent or guardian believes a unit leader has incorrectly determined a Scout has not earned a merit badge, or more than 30 days have passed without a reasonable explanation for the lack of a decision, they should address their concerns with the unit committee. They should first, however, develop a thorough understanding of the merit badge requirements and that each one must be passed exactly as it is set forth. Upon encountering any merit badge program where BSA standards are not upheld, unit leaders are strongly encouraged to report the incident to the council advancement committee, preferably using the form found in the appendix (see “Reporting Merit Badge Counseling Concerns,†11.1.0.0). 8.0.1.0 Conducting the Board of Review …The number of “observers†at a board of review should otherwise be minimized. The members of the board of review, however, have the authority to exclude the unit leader or any other observers if they believe their presence will inhibit open and forthright discussion. …The BSA discourages mock or practice boards of review. “Practice†reviews may imply that board members will ask predetermined questions or that the board of review is anticipated to be other than a positive experience. Instead, the advancement committee should aim for unrehearsed, spontaneous answers revealing character, citizenship, and personal fitness at the boards of review. 10.2.2.0 Advancement for Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts With Special Needs …It is important to remember that the advancement program is meant to challenge our members; however, not all of them can achieve everything they might want toâ€â€with or without a disability. It is for this reason all Scouts are required to meet the requirements as they are written, with no exceptions. For boards of review for Scouts with special needs, the board members should be informed ahead of time about the special circumstances and needs. It may be helpful, too, if the unit leader is present at the review. He or she may be able to help answer questions and provide background. It may be important to allow parents or guardians to be present at the meeting as wellâ€â€especially if they are able to help interpret and communicate what the Scout is saying. At the least, parents should be available to help board members understand the Scout’s challenges and how he copes with them.

The Guide to Advancement 2013 was released yesterday, and it contains the first policy change related to the vote. 4.0.0.1 Changes to Requirements ....If BSA membership eligibility rules change, and as a result a former member rejoins a BSA program, still as a youth member, then that youth may carry on in the advancement program, picking up where he left off when last he was a member, but not receiving credit for activities while not registered. Basically if a youth was kicked out for violation of the membership standards, and now is allowed back in because of the vote, he can pick up where he left off in regard to advancement.

Here is an overview list of the major changes, Section 2. Advancement Defined 1. 2.0.0.2 and 2.0.0.3: Added that learning Scouting skills and concepts is a vehicle for achieving the primary goal of advancement Section 3. Guidelines for Advancement and Recognition Committees 2. 3.0.0.3: Clarified position on “First Class First Year†3. 3.0.0.5: New topic on building an advancement committee 4. 3.0.0.6: New topic on educational presentations Section 4. The Mechanics of Advancement 5. 4.0.0.1: Clarified procedures for when advancement requirements change 6. 4.1.0.4: Added language for Cub Scouts close to earning rank at the end of a school year 7. 4.1.1.0: Clarified that new Cub Scouts begin with Bobcat but may work simultaneously on the rank appropriate to their age or grade 8. 4.1.1.6: Changed that unused Bear badge achievements, or parts of achievements that were used for the Bear badge, may now be counted toward Arrow Points 9. 4.2.0.1: Added language on Boy Scout ranks and simultaneous fulfillment of requirements for Tenderfoot through First Class 10. 4.2.1.2: Added that Scouts who may not have learned a signed off requirement should be given opportunities to practice or teach the related skills or concepts in order to complete learning 11. 4.2.1.5: New topic to clarify how BSA intends skills and knowledge retention to be achieved 12. 4.2.3.3: Added reference to publications related to service projects released in 2012 by the national Health and Safety Committee 13. 4.2.3.4: Clarified that positions in provisional units such as jamboree troops do not fulfill rank requirements 14. 4.2.3.5: Clarified that unit leaders do not have the authority to deny a Scout a unit leader (Scoutmaster) conference that is necessary for rank advancement 15. 4.2.3.6: New topic on procedure for fulfilling more than one requirement with a single activity 16. 4.3.1.4 and 4.4.1.4: Clarified that Eagle Scout and Quartermaster projects must be separate and distinct Section 5. Special Considerations 17. 5.0.1.2: Revised and expanded the examples of procedures a council advancement committee might consider for camp settings; added statement on advancement in Cub Scout camping Section 6. Internet Advancement Highlights 18. 6.0.0.1: Added benefits and features of Internet Advancement 19. 6.0.0.3: Introduced presentation, “Getting the Most from Internet Advancement†20. 6.0.0.4: New topic related to using Internet Advancement and working with board of review signatures, Scout transfers, and dual registration Section 7. The Merit Badge Program 21. 7.0.0.1: Clarified recommended merit badge process 22. 7.0.0.2: Topic changed to explain more about the blue card; much of the former content in 7.0.0.2 moved to 7.0.0.3 23. 7.0.0.2 and 11.1.0.0: Introduced method for reporting instances of merit badge counseling that do not follow BSA procedures 24. 7.0.0.3: New topic clarifies procedure on the purpose and meaning of a unit leader’s signature on the blue card, and a Scout’s freedom to choose counselors 25. 7.0.1.1: Added adherence to the Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety; updated special qualifications for supervisors of Canoeing, Climbing, Rowing, and Scuba Diving merit badges; and added special qualifications for Archery and Kayaking 26. 7.0.1.4: Added language allowing unit leaders to limit the number of merit badges Scouts may earn from one counselor 27. 7.0.1.6: Introduced new presentation, “The Essentials of Merit Badge Counseling†28. 7.0.3.2: Added suggestions for improving merit badge group instruction quality 29. 7.0.4.6: Covered how to address the use of unregistered, unapproved merit badge counselors 30. 7.0.4.7: New topic on limited recourse for cases where it is clear and evident Scouts could not possibly have fulfilled merit badge requirements 31. 7.0.4.8: Added topic on the use of unofficial worksheets and other learning aids available from the Internet 32. 7.0.4.9: Added topic on merit badge opportunities with non-Scouting organizations or businesses 33. 7.0.4.10: Added topic on charging fees for merit badge opportunities Section 8. Boards of Review: An Overview for All Ranks 34. 8.0.0.2: Clarified that a board of review must be granted if a Scout believes he has completed rank requirements 35. 8.0.1.0: Clarified approach to observers and parents attending boards of review; added statement discouraging mock boards of review 36. 8.0.2.0: Clarified age qualifications of unit committee members serving on boards of review; added statement on Scouts ready to be reviewed for more than one rank 37. 8.0.3.2: Clarified procedures for boards of review under disputed circumstances, including that they may be appealed Section 9. The Eagle Scout Rank 38. 9.0.1.3: Clarified dealing with positions of responsibility when a Scout transfers from a troop or team to a crew or ship 39. 9.0.2.9: Redefined role and source of Eagle Scout service project coaches 40. 9.0.2.10: Added language allowing local councils to add parameters for Eagle Scout service project fundraising 41. 9.0.2.10: Added procedure for project beneficiaries that are not allowed to retain funds from an Eagle service project 42. 9.0.2.12: Added mention of new service project beneficiary information sheet, “Navigating the Eagle Scout Service Project,†which will be included with the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, and can be found at http://www.scouting.org/BoyScouts/Ad...resources.aspx. 43. 9.0.2.14: Clarified unit responsibility for safety on Eagle Scout service projects 44. 9.0.2.16: New topic on Eagle Scout service projects and the Messengers of Peace program 45. 9.0.4.0 and 9.0.4.1: Added various clarifications to the tests and process for time extensions to earn the Eagle Scout rank Section 10. Advancement for Members With Special Needs 46. 10.2.2.0: Clarified requirements for Scouts with special needs and inclusion of unit leaders and parents in boards of review Section 11. Appendix 47. 11.1.0.0: New form, “Reporting Merit Badge Counseling Concernsâ€Â

According to the National Advancement Teams Twitter account, the 2013 revision of the Guide to Advancement should be posted here, http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/resources.aspx, any day now. https://twitter.com/AdvBSA

DWise1_AOL, I'm not sure if you are trying to call me out on something or what, I simply posted the BSAs official policy. And I'm really puzzled on how I could familiarize myself with BSA's officially published policies even more, as what I posted was copied from the BSAs Charter and Bylaws, that is about as official as you get. I think you thought what I stated was opinion, it was not it was all direct quotes from BSA official publications.

A few quotes from the Guide to Advancement 4.2.3.1 Active Participation The purpose of Star, Life, and Eagle Scout requirements calling for Scouts to be active for a period of months involves impact. Since we prepare young people to go forth, and essentially, make a positive difference in our American society, we judge that a member is “active†when his level of activity in Scouting, whether high or minimal, has had a sufficiently positive influence toward this end. Use the following three sequential tests to determine whether the requirement has been met. The first and second are required, along with either the third or its alternative. The Scout is registered. The youth is registered in his unit for at least the time period indicated in the requirement, and he has indicated in some way, through word or action, that he considers himself a member. If a boy was supposed to have been registered, but for whatever reason was not, discuss with the local council registrar the possibility of back-registering him. The Scout is in good standing. A Scout is considered in “good standing†with his unit as long as he has not been dismissed for disciplinary reasons. He must also be in good standing with the local council and the Boy Scouts of America. (In the rare case he is not, communications will have been delivered.) The Scout meets the unit’s reasonable expectations; or, if not, a lesser level of activity is explained . If, for the time period required, a Scout or qualifying Venturer or Sea Scout meets those aspects of his unit’s pre-established expectations that refer to a level of activity, then he is considered active and the requirement is met. Time counted as “active†need not be consecutive. A boy may piece together any times he has been active and still qualify. Alternative to the third test if expectations are not met: If a young man has fallen below his unit’s activity oriented expectations, then it must be due to other positive endeavors in or out of Scoutingâ€â€or to noteworthy circumstances that have prevented a higher level of participation (see below). In this case a Scout is considered “active†if a board of review can agree that Scouting values have already taken hold and been exhibited. This might be evidenced, for example, in how he lives his life and relates to others in his community, at school, in his religious life, or in Scouting. It is also acceptable to consider and “count†positive activities outside Scouting when they, too, contribute to his growth in character, citizenship, or personal fitness. Remember; it is not so much about what a Scout has done. It is about what he is able to do and how he has grown. 4.2.3.2 Demonstrate Scout Spirit The ideals of the Boy Scouts of America are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan. Members incorporating these ideals into their daily lives at home, at school, in their religious life, and in their neighborhoods, for example, are said to have Scout spirit. In evaluating whether a member has fulfilled this requirement, it may be best to begin by asking him to explain what Scout spirit and living the Scout Oath and Scout Law mean to him. Young people know when they are being kind or helpful, or a good friend to others. They know when they are cheerful, or trustworthy, or reverent. All of us, young and old, know how we act when no one else is around. A leader typically asks for examples of how a Scout has lived the Oath and Law. It might also be useful to invite examples of when he did not. This is not something to push, but it can help with the realization that sometimes we fail to live by our ideals, and that we all can do better. This also sends a message that a Scout can admit he has done wrong, yet still advance. Or in a serious situationâ€â€such as alcohol or illegal drug useâ€â€understand why advancement might not be appropriate just now. This is a sensitive issue, and must be treated carefully. Most Scout leaders do their best to live by the Oath and Law, but any one of them may look back on years past and wish that, at times, they had acted differently. We learn from these experiences and improve and grow. We can look for the same in our youth. Evaluating Scout spirit will always be a judgment call, but through getting to know a young man and by asking probing questions, we can get a feel for it. We can say however, that we do not measure Scout spirit by counting meetings and outings attended. It is indicated, instead, by the way he lives his life. 8.0.3.2 Initiating Eagle Scout Board of Review Under Disputed Circumstances An Eagle Scout board of review under disputed circumstances is held at the district or council level. Volunteers from the candidate’s unit are not involved. It is indicated when a unit leader or committee chair does not sign the application, if a Scoutmaster conference is denied, if it is thought a unit will not provide a fair hearing, or if the unit leader or project beneficiary refuses to sign final approval for what might be considered a satisfactory service project. See “Evaluating the Project After Completion,†9.0.2.13. If a unit leader or committee chair does not agree a Scout has met the requirements, then before a board of review is held, he or she should confer with the Scout and his parents and come to an understanding of all viewpoints. Guidance should also be sought from the district or council advancement chair to assure expectations are not more than are actually required. If the leader or chair remains unconvinced, then they may deny approval of the Eagle Scout rank application. In this case, the application is returned to the Scout or his parent or guardian, who may then choose to request a board of review under disputed circumstances. In any case, if a Scout or his parent or guardian has legitimate concern that a unit cannot deliver a fair hearing, one of them may write a letter explaining the reasons and request a board of review under disputed circumstances. The letter is attached to the completed Eagle Scout application and sent with the service project workbook to the council service center. The council advancement chair or staff advisor, or other designated volunteer or professional, then guides the process through the council or district advancement committee according to local practices. It should be rare that a council or district would deny a request for a board of review under disputed circumstances. However, the request may be denied if it is deemed frivolous, or any concerns about the unit’s inability to deliver a fair hearing are deemed invalid. In that case, the initial board of review must be held according to local council practices (not under disputed circumstances). If that board decides not to approve, the Scout may appeal the decision (see “Appealing a Decision,†8.0.4.0). Procedures for a board under disputed circumstances are the same as for any Eagle Scout board. The members should be well versed in related policies and organized in advance so they can research background and facts. Written statements or telephone interview summaries must be obtained from the unit leader, knowledgeable committee members, a representative of the service project beneficiary (if applicable), and others familiar with the case. Every effort should be made to have balanced representation. Only review-board members and administrators with a need to know may see the evidence. The review is like any other for Eagle, but with extra attention to the concerns at issue. Afterward, all statements, summaries, or notes are sent to the council and then destroyed once any appeal efforts are concluded. If a board of review under disputed circumstances approves a candidate, his application goes through the process as outlined under “The Eagle Scout Rank Application Process,†9.0.1.0. The board must attach a letter to the application indicating it may be processed without the signature of the unit leader or unit committee chair, the date of the Scoutmaster conference if it had been denied, or the date of the final Eagle service project signature if that was at issue. The first issue to address is who from the troop signed off on the project plan. This young man needs to be active for six months, I would sit down with him and come up with a written plan that you both can live with and both sign off on it. By doing this you have established the unit’s reasonable expectations. He also needs a POR, and this is up to your senior patrol leader with you advice and consent. While PORs are not guaranteed, but as the Guide to Advancements states, certain positions such as instructor may be filled by more than one scout. I would a come up with a written job description for the POS, these can be found on the internet. Again, the purpose here is establishing the unit’s reasonable expectations. See section 4.2.3.4 Positions of Responsibility in Guide to Advancement for more detail on this. I would go over with him the definition of Scout Spirit above and make sure that he can live up to it. As for the statement above from ScouterWamp, "When he requested an Eagle SM Conference, I denied it, and instead, granted a SM conference to define his path", it is bad advice. The Guide to Advancement states "Some leaders hold more than one (Scoutmaster Conference) along the way,and any of them can count toward the requirement." Remember, that no matter high of an opinion of the Eagle rank, it is no more than a set of 7 requirements, and once those requirements are met you have an Eagle Scout.

Churches charter the majority of BSA unit, they technically own the units. What is the difference in Sunday school class using the tax exempt status of the church for purchases it makes, and its chartered units using the same exemption status for its purchases?

Also, from the youth application: The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God and, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but it is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Its policy is that the home and organization or group with which the member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life. Only persons willing to subscribe to these precepts of the Declaration of Religious Principle and to the Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America shall be entitled to certificates of membership. And from the Adult application The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God and, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but it is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Its policy is that the home and organization or group with which the member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life. Only persons willing to subscribe to these precepts from the Declaration of Religious Principle and to the Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America shall be entitled to certificates of leadership.

Below is the BSA Declaration of Religious Principle Article IX. Policies and Definitionsâ€â€From the Charter and Bylaws Section 1. Declaration of Religious Principle, clause 1. The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God. In the first part of the Scout Oath or Promise the member declares, “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law.†The recognition of God as the ruling and leading power in the universe and the grateful acknowledgment of His favors and blessings are necessary to the best type of citizenship and are wholesome precepts in the education of the growing members. No matter what the religious faith of the members may be, this fundamental need of good citizenship should be kept before them. The Boy Scouts of America, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but it is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Its policy is that the home and the organization or group with which the member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life.

Same for me

I think the change, really any change at this point, is needed to kick start venturing. Venturing has the potential to be best program the BSA has to offer. The idea of a committee training is great, but I have argued in the past that a committee in venturing should not really be needed if the youth are truly running the crew.

Issue 1 - The guide to advancement is clear on this on, 7.0.4.6 Once It Is Earned, It’s Earned Once a registered and approved counselor has passed a Scout on requirements for a merit badge, it cannot be taken away. Nor does unit leadership have the authority to retract approval, or take the badge away. Even if a merit badge counselor were found to be improperly documented, it would be a rare occasion when a Scout would be penalized for the mistake of an adult volunteer. Issue 2 - Two deep is not an issue here as it was a patrol meeting, two deep is on required on trips and outings, from the Guide to Safe Scouting Two registered adult leaders, or one registered leader and a parent of a participating Scout or other adult, one of whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips and outings. As for not trusting the patrol adviser, the scoutmaster designates who may sign off on rank requirements. If the adviser was approved by the scoutmaster, then the advancement coordinator has no business kicking out the approvals. If the book was signed off improperly, that is for the BOR to decide, again not the advancement coordinator on her own. Issue 3 - This is just crazy. The scoutmaster is in charge of implementing the advancement program, the advancement coordinator is just the record keeper. No where in the Troop Committee Guidebook, Scoutmasters Handbook, or the Guide to Advancement, does it give the advancement coordinator authority to do any of this. A campout is a GREAT place to hold a SMC. Issue 4 - Basementdweller hit this on on the head, she need to be re/trained According to the Troop Committee Guidebook, the job of the advancement coordinator is: Encourage Scouts to advance in rank. Work with the troop scribe to maintain all Scout advancement records. Arrange quarterly troop boards of review and courts of honor. Develop and maintain a merit badge counselor list. Make a prompt report on the correct form to the council service center when a troop board of review is held. Secure badges and certificates. Work with the troop librarian to build and maintain a troop library of merit badge pamphlets and other advancement literature. Report to the troop committee at each meeting.

From http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/MembershipStandards/KnowTheFacts/FAQs.aspx The voting members of the National Council of the Boy Scouts are defined in the Boy Scouts of America's bylaws. Commissioned professionals do not vote. Members of the National Council eligible to vote include: Elected members of the National Executive Board and the chairman of the National Advisory Council and NESA president, and those registered youth members appointed by the president with the approval of the Executive Board (national Venturing president and national Order of the Arrow chief). Members of regional boards, which consist of regional executive committees, the area presidents, youth members appointed by the regional president to serve as members of the regional committee, and those members elected annually by the region. Local councils can elect National Council voting members based upon their Dec. 31, 2012, enrolled traditional youth membership (Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers). These voting members are elected on the basis of one voting member to the National Council for every 5,000 youth members (NOT including Learning for Life participants or Explorers) and one additional voting member for a major portion thereof (2,501 or more). Local council presidents and local council commissioners are also National Council members and therefore eligible to vote. Members at large, who are elected by the National Council at its National Annual Meeting to serve for one year, and persons who become members of the national Administration and Finance Standing Committee, Council Operations Committee, Development Standing Committee, Human Resources Standing Committee, Information Delivery Standing Committee, Marketing Standing Committee, Outdoor Activities Standing Committee, Regional Presidents' Committee, and Supply Committee.

Then if ALL units say no thanks, then it is. If they all do who determines where the young man will go?

Huzzar, DEs are not always right, you need to read the the resolution, ...."No youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone."