dfolson

National has a separate form for Super Nova Mentors and a different registration code (52). The form is available from National here:http://www.scouting.org/stem/Council/Volunteer_Support.aspx YiS, David

I got my red coat at NT two years ago. I definatly love the pockets on the Bemidji Woolen Mills jacket. They still make them, but are a bit more expensive...

Technology Quest

qwazse: "But, I'm still trying to get son #2 to sew his new POR patch on. Anybody got a video game simulation for that? " I know I have said several times there should be a sewing merit badge which includes the requirement that all scouts should sew thier own badges on thier uniforms/sashes/duffels....

Thanks FScouter! That was what I was looking for.

At a recent CoH I was asked if it was OK to put old rank patches on the back of the sash when a boy advanced to a new rank. Can anyone tell me the latest policy? I have seen conflicting information and am unsure what is correct. YiS, David

Two of the Packs I have as a Unit Commissioner have a follow up fun event after the open house: Ice cream social at a local park. Flyers go out at school. Leaders and boys already in the pack go to the park for an afternoon of fun and invite new guys to play along while leaders talk to the parents. I go to help with paperwork so leaders can spend time talking . Pack 2 does essentially the same thing but at a bowling alley with pizza and pop for a treat. They both do this in addition to having tables at the school open house, and the flyer for the fun event is front and center on the table. David

I received my beads at the kick off round table for my district. All but one of my patrol was there, and she had the best excuse - on a campout with her troop. My patrol guide did the talk and each of my patrol did part. (one removed my training necker, another gave me the new one, and so on. My SM, SPL, and a few others also attending made it very special. When we were done, we asked if anyone was going to the next WB course and found 4. Thanks to all for the support, good luck to all that are in process or starting, my admiration for anyone that has their beads (whether old or 21), and a special thank you to all that wear 3 of 4 beads! David I used to be a Buffalo...

I guess I am on the fence... I just got my beads. For me it was no mountain top. That was summiting Baldy this summer with my daughter Did I enjoy it? Yes and no. Did I learn from it? Absolutely! Am I glad I did it? Yes, but I am also glad I am done. Since you have not had the opportunity to do NYLT and you are signed up, I wholeheartedly say go have fun, and I wish you well on your journey. Now Moose, pass me the koolaid....

When I was at Philmont this summer, the sanitize step is postponed.... Boil water for food. Dip all utinsils and plates into boiling water for 5 sec. set aside to dry. use water for cooking. If you measured right, leftover water is used for human sump and washing. Dry and then wait until next meal to sanitize. David

The advantage for me was schedule. I could not take another week of vacation (2 weeks for Philmont - have to save some for family) David I used to be a Buffalo...

I am going to be beaded next week. I have been given an old WB neckerchief from the 60's by a friend. It has a slightly different McClaren Tartan and the color is more grey than other WB neckers I have seen. Is it in bad tase to use the old one and I should just put it in the collection box? David

I am still trying to evaluate the changes from the Pilot to the released program. The kids did enjoy it. The Venturer I worked with wants to go for the Silver SN now - trying to understand where she is due to the changes... The Webelos I started with have to wait untill they get First Class to continue. I wish they could at least do Nova and wait for FC to do Supernova... David

Requirements are on line here: http://scouting.org/stem.aspx David

Sasha, This is a program still in development. I have pieced together the following information: Nova - counselors guide Scouts earning Nova awards. They do not have to be in a STEM field. Supernova - Mentors guide Scouts earning Supernova awards and MUST be in a STEM field. Mentors will be trained - with a training module that is still being developed, and registered with the Council. It is supposed to be similar to a merit badge councilor but a different form that will be found at scouting.org/stem by the end of August.

I have received 2. Both look like Cito's with the orange border. I wonder what yellow means (participant?) I know that mine is from being staff. I have not seen any for the Council's contingent leaders.

The books are in the stores and it is all online too. http://scouting.org/stem/Awards/AboutNova.aspx There are different activities for all levels: Cubs, Scouts, and Venterers. David

I think the courses that were originally selected for this elective have been dropped by Red Cross. I would suggest to take Wilderness First Aid as a starting point. That will satisfy the Core requirement for Bronze as well as Siver Then work woth your Advisor to find some additional, appropriate training that you agree on - regardless of any certification(or not) and when you have agreement - call it good! David

More information can be found in this discussion: http://netcommissioner.com/askandy/2012/08/issue-323-august-1-2012/

This is not an isolated incident: http://kstp.com/article/stories/s2689447.shtml http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2012/08/02/2nd-woman-attacked-by-otter-in-minnesota/ I can't help but wonder as I notice the original article did not indicate, what Wood Badge critter the ASM is associated with... David

FYI- skydiving is listed in the GSS as an unauthorized activity... The age for Venturing is 13 and completed the 8th grade, or 14.

Funscout, I don't anticipate it becomming a MB anytime soon. The first big hurdle is to get it approved as an activity for Boy Scouts (I think that would be great!). Once that is done, then maybe if there is enough interest. I have spoken to several in my Council about this and the general feedback is 'we would love to, but...'. It usually hinges on staffing levels. Even at Philmont they only had 2 stations (1 RSO and 2 instructors) for 2 crews a session and with several sessions a day the staffers were beat by the end of the day. David

I can only speak to the Philmont program. They were single action revolvers chambered for .38. In our Council we use Ruger semis in .22, but may only do so for the Venturing youth. YiS, David

I just got back from Philmont. They also had a pistol shooting range as a 'pilot program'. Before it could become a MB, National will have to decide to change the policy to allow pistol shooting for Boy Scouts. It is currently only allowed for Venturing youth (outside any pilot programs). While that would be great (IMHO), it will also put increased burden on the camp staff. Adding the pistol rating to the shooting sports directors adds a day to their training. The classes for rifle shotgun muzzleloading rifle and archery add up to a minimum of over 50 hours now. And the need for the rifle and shotgun MBs at summer camp are seldom fully met. Handguns also require one instructor per shooter, plus an RSO. That is a lot of staff for camps.... YiS, David

I am an ADC now. Was a UC for a few years. I am also on a couple of Council Committees (one is Venturing). While I have 2 kids - 1 in a Troop and the other in a Crew, I am not a memeber of either unit. I am trying to support SS in our Council as I can, and they have an event comming up that I will be attending. As for the singing.... I can only imagine how much I could embarass the kids if I danced too.... SP - I am Buffaloing and proud of it! BTG,HL