Crew21_Adv

Fellow Scouters, Greetings! Great comments about the past and future of the various Council Summer camps. Here are my 2 cents I gotta agree with GernBlansten on certain comments. I do trust that most all council summer camps deliver a great program. The majority of camp programs aimed at the 11-14 y/o. There are council camps out there that offer a program for each age group, but Id consider those few flagship camps to be in the more attractive councils, and just fewer of them. Baden Powell called Scouting a Game with a Purpose, I tell my friends that Scouting is educational fun. If its not educational, the parents are not going to send their Scouts. If its not fun, the youth are not going to attend. Somewhere around the age of 15, probably in most Council camps. The summer camp programs may become weaker, while other council camping committees have seen the light. Some council committees or council camping committees have not considered programs that are adventurous and may draw the 15-18 y/o Scout or Venturer. So of course, their population is going to be 11-14, and the young lad that Eammon encountered. Twice, Ive seen a 50 miler trek offered during Summer Camp, with high adventure events every day. They were highly successful. Ive also seen a high adventure trek (at 40 miles). The older teenaged boys loved it, but Id expect a few parents are asking why they paid 350-450 dollars for their son to hike and shoot without even earning a patch or completing an accomplishment. Scouting is a youth led program. While the desire to wander in the outdoors may be slowly fading at age 15, increasingly more older teens (even our older teen Scouts) desire to hang out in the mall. Even when I promote the attending Order of the Arrow meetings and Summer Camp Staff applications, I state, Its where all the cool Scouts hang out at, doing a little bit of work, and playing video games during the Summer Can the outdoors be re-engaging again, If programs for 15-21 y/o are offered at council summer camps? If its educational fun, will they staff and lead the events themselves? If they are really having fun, will they lead (or promote) other teen Scouts towards a high adventure summer camp program? Can they be led out of the malls and away from the video games for a short while? I think so, if they are having fun while learning something. Otherwise, no. Ive constantly inquired to council camp staff, why didnt they offer a Kodiak Course (for both Venturers and older Boy Scouts) during Summer camp weeks? Why didnt they offer a Venturing Road to Ranger? and even for the 40 mile high adventure treks, why didnt they just add on another 10 miles to make it a complete 50 miler? Ive constantly been told it is all too difficult. If councils can find something educational (an accomplishment) while being fun for the 15-21 Scout/Venturer. Heck Im sold.. and Id bet those Scouts/Venturers would be too. If we build it? Will they come? Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv (This message has been edited by Crew21_Adv)

hikeing god, Have fun in Philmont. With the permission of your parents, Scoutmaster and trek leader, I would recommend doing a google search for cadence calls. There are quiet a few out there. Some are humorous, and some cross the line into vulgarity and violence. A few word edits to make them suitable for all ages, can change the lyrics to a more acceptable cadence or chant. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

z, First off. Good luck in your choice. Scouting is one of the best family programs out there. I would say its the best, but others may argue that there are other sports, academic, recreation programs that meet their families needs. For some DE's, professional Scouting may be the only profession they will ever enjoy, they may be a DE or professional Scouter, from college until retirement age. Others may linger around Scouting for a few months, but may decide the match of their skill and the occupational requirements just don't equate. I have heard that professional Scouting is a job, and takes the fun out of it. I have known a few Scouting parents, who entered Scouting as a second career after their sons departed. Maybe one of every three DE's that I've met. Out of those, a couple of DE that I've known resigned from the profession and continue Scouting as a volunteer. Essentially stating the BSA program is a great program, but the job just wasn't for them. I've heard that entry level salary for a DE is reasonable, but I don't know if that's true, so I won't speculate on the salary range of an entry level DE. It should be enough to sustain a small family, husband, wife and one child; but if you are going to have a stampede of little feet running thru the house, you will have to promote thru the Scouting profession or eventually leave for a more competitive and higher paying employment. You second question was; is it a bad idea to become a DE fresh out of college? My answer, No. Its not a bad idea. Your knowledge of BSA programs and recreation may be sharp. Though, I doubt any Cub Scouting parent would go to you for parenting advice. I would state that probably two-thirds of the DEs I have met, started fresh out of college. Most have found that Scouting is the job they enjoy and the employer that they like to work for. Not all stay, but the majority do stick around for a few years before moving on in their life. So yes, Id recommend giving it a try, seeing if you enjoy the profession. See if you can add to a good year round program and summer time program. And even looking at professional Scouting as an optimist, The glass is half full ; if you choose to leave, I would not call it a bad decision, but an opportunity to move onto another career more suitable to your abilities. Again.. Good luck in your choice. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Fellow Venturers and Scouters, The most recent responses sound good to me. I saw the Scouting.org webpage, and scratched my head. Everyone wants to get the most advance notice, and make good investments in uniform items that are quality and will stick around for a while. But then as emb021 gave us the verbal update from the National conference (and I trust what emb021 says is true, or at least that's what was stated at the conference). It is slightly disappointing that national does something completely different (not in writing but with a webpage image) than what they state at the conference. I'm not angry about it, I was just confused and wondered which way are we going with Venturing uniforms. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

coastalscouter, Greetings! Regarding parents acting as Merit Badge Counselors for their Scouting son(s) as part of a group, I concur with Twocubdad, I have never seen a prohibition against it. A standard, the Scout must ask the Scoutmaster for a Merit Badge Application "Blue Card", before beginning a Merit Badge. Here is how my troop and district has handled it.... Within my district and council we have a difficult time maintaining Merit Badge counselors, due to the families and professionals that frequently move. The troops in my community usually allow registered Scouters to counsel merit badges regularly and ask (non-registered) parents to just fill out the application selecting the MB Counselor code. Most of the troops in my community, and at least my troop, do not have an issue with parents (Scouters or newly registered) counseling their own sons, as long as the Scout has first requested the MB application. We advise all parents that Merit Badges are about 1/4 education and about 3/4 performance. We only request that the parents announce to the troop that a MB training session will commence, if their own son is the only participant, so be it. The offer to counsel a Merit Badge was given to the entire troop or district. Good Luck! Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Fellow Venturers, Without starting a new thread. I appreciate the Venturing news that emb021 has relayed to us from the most recent National Conference. Also in another thread, there are comments about the new appearance of the Scouting.org website. So I'm sure a few of us have been looking thru the new links and new pages of Scouting.org. But, when you take a look at the new About the BSA page. You see the Chief Scouter, National President, and National Commissioner surrounded by a few Cubs, Scouts, one Arrowman and five Venturers. http://www.scouting.org/About.aspx On four of the five Venturers you can see the new (Boy Scouting green) Centennial Switchback pants. As reliable as the Scouting.org webpage is, and they (National BSA) have made minor errors on the webpage and the Scouting catalogue on rare occasions over the years. But I would think this is either going to become the standard uniform slacks for Venturers or National has made a bad example. Possibly there will be no Charcoal gray zipoffs coming? Possibly Charcoal pants are gone? Any comments? Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

David, Not for our Troop. I've seen commissioner visits wooden nickels. Mrs Crew21, oldest son and I have Wood Badge business cards on our Wooden Nickels, that we hand out. I joke, you can either use my wooden nickel to remember me, or at least it can double as fire tender if you break it in half. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

ASM915, Memorial Day 2009 is already in the past. So, now it would only be time for reflection, and maybe ethical controversy exercises. Also, you could get their feedback and opinions without preaching to them. Hopefully you can get them to develop their own "buy in" to participating in Memorial Day events. Some reflection questions I would think of asking would be. What is the actual purpose of Memorial Day? Some Scouts could probably blurt it out verbatim, some other Scouts may just know it is another day off from school. Also maybe ask. What has the VFW done for our Troop? Have they given finances, Camperships/Scouterships, vehicles, meeting places, etc? If the local VFW has been very generous to the troop; then ask. How can we show our appreciation for what the VFW has done for us? My own attention span is short. So imagine how long a Tenderfoot or SPL's attention span last. Next memorial day, it may be a thing of the past; and they may not know what you are talking about. But hopefully, the troop will find some way to participate and honor the fallen troops over the years; whether it is a parade or other specific Memorial Day events in honor of the VFW. Good Luck! Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Fellow Scouters, npr1488 and dg98adams gave their opinions, and I would probably also follow suit. You can certainly voice your opinion, and refuse for you and your son(s) to participate. But it is the tour leader (whom signed on the tour permit), if they will cease and withdraw from the event. Surely, most adult Scouters are reasonable and can evaluate hazards that become too extreme. But just to comment, every event we conduct has some risk. The adults just have to measure the risk and ask is it worth it? Or, Is it safe to proceed? Just going to summer camp, with all those fires, propane stoves, liquid fuel laterns, ax yards, knifes, not to mention stinging insects and boys that have allergic reactions; but we still take those minimum risks. Even schools and community parks are not safe anymore. If I didn't take any risk, my boys would have grown up wrapped in bubble-wrap sitting on an inflatable chair in their padded bedroom. So, hopefully your unit leadership will consider the risk involved and make the right choice. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Fellow Scouters, Just from thinking of Eagle90 and SMT224 post of something new chopsticks and flaming marshmallows. Reminds of a Scout leader from Western Samoa that attended Wood Badge a few years back. On the evening of the participants Campfire program he came out dressed in his lava-lava. If anyone has ever seen the Samoan Fire Dance it is pretty entertaining. You have to see it in person to appreciate it, but there may be a reasonable show on youtube (I havent searched). Our Samoan Scouting brother (and Wood Badge participant) stole the show that night. That was the funniest (and safest) non-fire Fire Dance Ive ever seen. He came out with a pole and two flashlights lashed at both ends. He clicked the button of the flash lights, as he simulated sticking it into an adjacent (but cold) fire pit. Then proceeded to spin the illuminated torches rapidly around his body. That was really something new! Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Fellow Scouters and Arrowmen, Greetings! In addition to many good points brought up during this discussion. It sounds (just from reading this forum topic) that nearly half of the units conduct their own election and submit their results to the Lodge, vice having a Chapter Election Team visit. We all should encourage our Arrowmen in our troops to be active in the Chapter and Lodge (not just a sash and dash). And beyond being active in the Chapter, attend their annual Lodge Leadership Development. Lodge Leadership Development Seminar offers many sessions, but one specifically is for Chapter Election Team (and procedures). Of course there is the Guide for OA Officers and Advisors (manual), that a Scoutmaster could flip thru before an election. But most of our elections should be conducted by a team of Arrowmen youth, explaining the proper procedures to the Scoutmaster and troops. Oddly enough, we still have Scouts throughout the local council that dont understand what is going on; after watching a video, listening to the procedures, listening to the procedures explained, a strong Scoutmaster endorsement, handed printed ballots with pencils, and confirming that there are no remaining questions. The election results are sometimes still surprising. Good Luck! Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

ScoutmasterBradley, If I may chime in... I did not earn rank in my youth, but I was an Explorer for four years. BSA Career Exploring was fun, but I missed out on Scouting. Hindsight is 20/20 sometimes. But I like to say, that all the scout ranks are accomplishments, some are just greater than others. I give "props" and recognition to the adults that made Webelos Scout and Arrow of Life (but went no further) in their youth. But I hold more respect for the "Life for Life" that is a good citizen and demonstrates leadership in the Community. And more often, I meet Eagle Scouts that daily apply what they have learned in their youth and adulthood. So, I co-worker that says he was a First Class or Life Scout or Eagle. I admire their previous accomplishment and expect more out of them. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Cubmaster C, The only Cub Scouting specific recruiting video I can remember was "Cub Scout Jam" made about 1990. So the music and clothes are a little dated. But the link I found also has a video called "Cub Scouting: Its Not Just for Kids" http://www.pinckneydistrict.org/videos.htm I tried to download them. But they continue to say "Video Loading". Good Luck! Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Gutterbird, Greetings! I'll be honest. I've been Scouting over a few years. I've had my limits pushed and lost my cool at least three times. You ask an honest and blunt question. Have you ever yelled at a scout in front of parents? Yelled at a Scout, yes. Restrained a Scout, yes. I've told a similar story, here in the forum and also during Outdoor Leadership Skills when we talk about G2SS and YPT. How far can adults be pushed? What are their limits? What could cause them to be asked to leave Scouting? Along with other G2SS topics. Everyone has their limits. Are they short fused? Or do they have long endurance before someone crosses that threshold? Ive been pushed to the limit and over the limit only on three occasions I can recall. I lost my cool in response to violent youth and verbal challenges. Would I have been asked to leave Scouting? Would I have been justified by the Committee? I would expect a unit committee and Scouting professionals to be rational, as to the cause and effect. Now remaining calm in tense situations allows a person to think and plan out things. I (similar to others) have elevated my voice, captured the attention of the entire troop, instructed them what needs to be done, what needs to be done now, and how much time we have to do it. At the end of meetings and campouts, we have the usual parents (I am one of them too) that want to take my child and get home. But I know, there is work to be done at the end of a camp out. Drying wet tents, cleaning grease off the stove, or just putting gear back into the Quartermaster shed. At the end of meetings, parents want to make a mad dash for the parking lot, and leave the Scoutmaster to sweep the floor and take the trash out. Usually, at the end of campouts, it is Stand Fast! Do not leave the parking lot!!! Parents do not take your Scouts!!! Senior Patrol Leader Take Charge! I have also seen older Scouts (which the younger Scouts idolize), ridiculing the Senior Patrol Leader. Ive captured their attention, and redirected them back to listening to the Senior Patrol Leader. Essentially raising my voice, to control the group, to bring them back to the immediate task that they departed from. I would say; there is a difference between losing your cool and being heard. And if an adult lost their cool, I would want to know the reasons that caused it to occur and the outcome of them losing their cool, and then make a determination as for course of action. My question would be, was it justified? What occurred that may (or may not) justify this situation? And what was the outcome of a Scout Leader losing their cool? Its not fun being physically challenged by a 16 y/o Scout, whom thinks he can take you down. There may be some threshold limits that a cocky older Scout may cross purposely. They may push the wrong button of a leader, if its verbal or they become physical. Ive had to be yelled at by two boys and physically challenged to be pushed over my limit. What stories make it home to the dinner table and the Scout parents is like selective hearing. The story not told at the Scouts home dinner table is, Life Scout Johnny got into Mr Crew21_Adv face and curse at him. That story never gets brought up. But the story that the youth will remember is, Man! Mr Crew21_Adv yelled at Life Scout Johnny. My own leadership has been brought into question by parents that never attend meetings or events. Only for other leaders to state, that the troubled Scouts are only revealing half of the truth to their own parents. So, work on establishing a longer and stronger threshold. Think before you speak. All the Scouts see what you do and say, as well as the parents. Resist as long as you can. You may be pushed beyond the limit again, but dont make it so easy. A whining and complaining Scout shouldnt even be a thought, you may have to elevate your volume to delay his sincere request. But it should need to be the more serious incidents that takes you up to your limit and crosses the threshold. As a metaphor, like the mighty Mississippi River, shore up the canals and bring in sandbags to resist damage. The dam and levies have a threshold, but you would have done everything to maintain your cool. Good Luck! Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Fellow Venturers, I do not know if BSA National Supply Center has asked Crew 697 to cease selling patches. So grab them while you can, before BSA brings a halt to their unit fund raising sells. In addition to patches on Venturing Green, they also carry, patches on White, Black and Khaki backgrounds for Sea Scouts. http://www.dougfirdistrict.org/crew/crew.html Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Fellow Scouters, At least pinkpooj stated his opinion. And thankfully he didn't ask a question (such as Why can't atheist....) and didn't invite an answer or explanation; just to stir up a repetitive debate. I'm just glad that pinkpooj and I, have a difference of opinions. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Fellow Scouters, Just to clarify, Though predominately earned via the Troop, the Eagle Scout Rank can be earned in a Troop, Team, Ship or Crew. Or even as a Lone Scout. For this scenario, how the rank application was routed may be questionable. Did this specific Scout/Venture route the Service Project thru the Troop or Crew? (or for any others maybe event Team, Ship, or directly to council) And whom did he ask to assist on his project. I believe he should have "followed suit" with the original signatures of the previous Service Project Worksheet. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21_Adv

jshupe391, Greetings! If I can describe my current troop, so I can relate what I think the problem is, and a solution. We have an excellent SM, a high school teacher as his second professional career, an Eagle Scout and an excellent role model. All of our ASMs are good gents, most are Eagle Scouts, either very experienced with Scouts or just slightly; but we all have a mutual agenda; "try to plan what is best for the troop". Our SM/ASMs agree on most every topic and situation, or can be persuaded a different venue may be more beneficial. We don't agree on everything and have had extremely rare small disappointments with each other. But for the most part, we SM and ASMs are in unison. Further, we know our Scoutmaster cannot be everywhere, so often we make a "command decision" with the thought "what is best for the troop". Our ASMs have fairly good communications; we email or telephone the Scoutmaster and each other. Explaining, here was my decision at the time. I think the problem with your unit may be lack of communications. Your ASM/ASMs are not dialoguing with you (the SM) on a regular basis. Which seems like you are surprised often when you arrive to a unit meeting and find out a decision has already been made. Probably better communications, across the board, would lessen the amount of times the ASM surprises you (the SM) with his decisions. He/they (the ASM or plural ASMs) will probably continue to make decisions for the troop that you serve. Either you will complete agree, somewhat agree, or on occasion disagree with their decision. But as long as you are communicating, you wont be surprised and offended. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Fellow Scouters, Thank goodness, I work on the Firing Range and not the Water Front! Another odd thing on Scoutstuff, there is a newly fresh scat bandana. Maybe a star finder bandana, maybe a first aid bandana, maybe an illustrated forty knots bandana. But an animal scat bandana? C'mon now. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Fellow Scouters, In addition to all or forum members, OGE and TAHAWK have made some good comments about the legacy Wood Badge courses and comparison to the current (administrative and leadership seminar) style of Wood Badge. (I wish I could state that Ive been there all along and watched the transition from the previous course to the current curriculum. But I all I have to trust is the second hand and third hand description of events.) As I have been told many times. The current syllabus was born out of feedback and critiques of the Wood Badge for Boy Scout Leaders. There were a few regional teams of former course directors (a variety of Course Directors from the 70's, 80's and 90's) assembled with professional educators to rewrite the WB21C in a manner that the feedback and critiques had asked for. I understand many numerous WB course critiques in the 90s questioned, if Wood Badge learners are already experienced in the outdoors, why is the curriculum on an aggressive outdoor schedule? I also understand critiques asked, why is Wood Badge still teaching the 11 traits of a leader; when in New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, London, Bombay (and etc), they are learning the 4 styles of Situational Leadership, Team Development Model, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, and etc. After the initial draft there were 2-3 pilot courses in 1999 and 2000, to test the curriculum. I understand the only attendees on the pilot courses were three and four bead participants. An entirely different curriculum, but it met the request of feedbacks, and was considered contemporary. Again.. From second hand and third hand information, this is what has been related to me; so take it with a grain of salt. So, while it may seems to be a drastic change from the previous curriculum, and a different presentation. The current WB21C curriculum was to satisfy the critiques and feedbacks from the Wood Badge attendees of the 80s and 90s. But my bottom line is that the goal of either Wood Badge (WB for Scout Leaders or WB21C) is to enhance the program of a participants Pack, Troop or Crew. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv(This message has been edited by Crew21_Adv)(This message has been edited by Crew21_Adv)

Fellow Scouters and Venturers, Greetings! SageVenture, aka Craig Murray, is a knowledgeable Scouter/Venturer, and he offered some Forest Green patches that National Supply has been dragging their feet on for a while. As SageVenture he post and reads this forum, as well as posting to a few other Venturing newsgroups. SageVenture is suppose to be teaching during Venturing week at Philmont this summer. After the cost of the patches, the profit was benefiting his local council Venturing program and crews, so he personally wasn't benefiting from the profits. I guess BSA asking him to cease, primarily had to deal with the recent royalties and BSA licensing. There is/was also a crew on the West Coast that was selling similar green knots. I havent seen their webpage in a while, but expect BSA has asked them to cease. Equally, Ships-Store, sells similar items with black and white backgrounds for Sea Scouts. I certainly hope that BSA National Supply Center purchased out his stock, when they asked him to cease. And also, I hope BSA begins to sell Venturing patches. But Id hate to see SageVenture take a loss, when he was providing a service to fellow Venturers. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Fellow Scouters, Greetings! In my opinion. An adult Scouter who is an Eagle is even more of a reason to attend Wood Badge. Regarding just a few of HICO's comments. I would agree to some issues. On few rare occasions a Scouter may personally develop all the skills that are taught in NLE, Scoutmaster Specifics, and Wood Badge (or Cub Scout, Varsity, and Venturing equivalents). But I seriously doubt a Scouter can develop these skills within the average tenure of their Scouting son. Possibly by the time a Scouters grandson is entering the program, they could personally develop a life time of lessons which Wood Badge skills can deliver in six days. The BSA "training continuum" goal is that leaders attend Wood Badge for the 21st Century within two years of becoming a leader. I would expect an adult leader to develop the similar skills may take the full tenure of a Scouting son. (Let's say, a family with one son, age 6 thru 18, maybe 12 years of Scouting.) Wood Badge assembles some very valuable lessons, and wraps them into a six day curriculum. I would expect any normal person could develop all these similar skills (taught in Wood Badge). (IMHO) These similar skills can be learned at their work (team work) seminars and sensing session, in college group project graded work, youth sports coaches seminars, and community and church based family programs. But (IMHO) I would think these (SM Specifics and Wood Badge) skills, separately, would be learned over a lifetime. At least longer than 12 years. Maybe by the time a Scouting parent or leader returns to Scouting as a grandparent, possibly they could have experienced everything Wood Badge has to offer. So, I frequently see many Cub Scouters that can lead Dens and apply Den Leader in a Box. I run across many Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmaster that are experienced campers and are business leaders, which run a fairly good program. But their troop's program could be better if they attended Wood Badge. For these fellow Scout leaders; over time have they learned similar skills to Wood Badge? probably so. Are they applying all the skills they could learn in Wood Badge? Definitely not. Many times, I've met successful men and women that are Scouters, but their Scouting adult leadership and mentoring could be improved. Attending Wood Badge would encourage them to apply those skills; skills they already have and whatever new skills they just might learn. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Scouter&Mom, I've attended a only a few ECOH that were run by the Troop as a standard. Most that I've attended, and my own son's are done by the Eagle Families. Usually, a celebration for the Eagle. We expect distinguished guest and families come and say "Dang! That's a neat Ceremony and a great party". The troops are always there for the boys, with youth and adults escorting, speaking, setting up, and etc. The Eagle rank would not be possible without the work done for the Service project. But the primary effort and preparation is done by the families. I've normally experienced seeing that the Troop help. But 90-95, maybe 99 percent of the ceremony and reception is done by Eagle family. I would expect that the troops would gladly bend over backwards for fellow Scouting families, but only after being asked pleasantly. But no, I wouldn't make assumptions that the Troop would automatically do anything for an ECOH. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Fellow Scouters, Funny how things eventually come around. And a Scouter may eventually run into old Scouting friends every few years. I've been close to Korea, but never on the Peninsula. I've traveled thru Japan a few times, and barely missed the Scouting store by an hour over a decade ago. I've camped with a fellow forum member, KoreaScouter, though he hasn't posted in this forum in a few years. Now my oldest son, visits Troop 86 in Osan on occasion. Oh yeah.. My Associate Advisor came from the Korean peninsula just a few years ago. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

PACK15NISSAN, Greetings! I'll try to remain neutral as well. You asked: Does Wood Badge make you a better leader? Is it supposed to? What does this course really teach you? Yes (if applied). Yes (it is suppose to). It can teach you a few unique items. Maybe a review/refresher for some, but at minimum everyone comes out learning a new technique to apply with the Pack, Troop or Crew. Here are my thoughts. There are many places where you can read about the five central themes of Wood Badge, with the current curriculum Wood Badge for the 21st Century. Without restating the themes, I feel that Wood Badge teaches goal setting and accomplishing those goals. I have stated to subordinates that if you do not write personal goals down (no matter what format you may use; WB ticket, five year plan, POA&M, benchmark vision), you probably will not attain those goals. Creating goals, writing them down, and allowing a coach/confidant to mutual check your goals and you may reach them. In addition to setting and accomplishing goals, Wood Badge allows a learner to focus. Sometimes changing the mind of a too laid-back registered Scouter. From "I will just be there when my Pack or Troop calls", to "I will manage an event that will specifically assist in the Advancement Program". Additionally, it helps network with other leaders with similar goals. My only disappointment. As Wood Badge for Boy Scout Leaders and Wood Badge for Cub Scout Trainers merged into the Wood Badge for the 21st Century, we then desired all adult leaders to attend within their first two years of becoming a leader. Great, I applaud that notion, and I applaud that Cub Scout leaders are attending Wood Badge now. Statistically Cub Scouts about four times the population of Boy Scouts, and many times the population of Venturers. Cub Scouts just happens to be where most of Scouting is at, and most Cubs (and families) just do not bridge over into Scouting. But I've seen more than a few Wood Badgers whom have attended WB21C as a Cub Scout Den Leader, eventually join Boy Scout troops and just go on cruise control thru their son's Boy Scout tenure. Not leading too many events, not really stepping up to the plate again. They are not bad people, but just not effective Boy Scout leaders. Mainly, because they feel that they have already accomplished their "commitment" to Scouting. I am in no way against these Wood Badgers, but I only wish they could "work their ticket" and accomplish more goals during their Boy Scout tenure. Regarding the attitude that you received during your Webelos Resident Camp. That should not have happened exactly that way. Sometimes the beads are just a quick indication of accomplishment. True, you cant tell a book by its cover; but it is just like Human Resource directors making a snapshot decision. Would you hire the 22 y/o walking in with his associate degree from the local community college, or would you hire 22 y/o carrying his Yale diploma with him? I too, if I just met two Scouters (without any prior knowledge of them) one with beads and one without beads, I would immediately identify with the training that the Wood Badger had attended. Making a snapshot decision, I could prove myself wrong down the road. But statistically the chances are lower, by siding with the established credentials. So, yes. Maybe a Camp Director did not recognize your Scouting skills, but the second rate Scouter treatment should not have happened. ] Anyways... I would highly advise attending. You will either get alot from the course, or (at worse) just a few skills and some personal goals. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv