dg98adams

I agree "Why Iron"? No where in the Scouting manual are creases required. In fat if it doesn't smell a little bit like a camp fire, I'd say you must be on the committee.

I have organized our Troop to help with Flags at the local Cemetery a couple times. I even found we had 3 MOH awarded soldiers buried there, 1 from the civil war, one from Perl Harbor (USS Oklahoma), and 1 from Vietnam.

On our Canoe Trips, we often have spots where the boys get out and cool off. PFD's stay on. Usually these spots are only 3-4 feet deep. Here's what I do for these "swimmin" holes. Post an older Scout (usually have 1 or 2 who are BSA Lifeguard) in the middle to watch upstream where the beginner swimmers are, and I stay on the downstream side (usually still in a Canoe in the water) in the middle of the river to watch the swimmers and mark the end of the swimming area. We both keep the throw bag (rope)/float handy. Everyone keeps their shoes/sandals/water shoes on...no bare feet. If we were at a beach on a lake I would make the footwear optional after checking it out.

I think .22 is a reasonable starting place for the Crew.... But among the few leaders who enjoy target shooting, I could probably scrape up 2-3. My 9 mm Glock is just about as easy to shoot as the S& W .22. And I know my friends .38 revolver is in between. I just want to let my son/daughter know what resources they have access to. So if they want to bring it up in the Crew meeting they can.

I think I found it. http://www.usscouts.org/advance/venturing/Electives/ShootingSports.asp

Are ventures limited to a caliber for handgun shooting? It is not listed below the caliber... although .22 is probably the optimal choice. http://www.minsitrails.com/Venturing/Leader/Shooting.aspx Handguns 1. Handgun use is limited to the Venturing program. 2. All pistol shooting activities must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified Pistol Instructor and when on the range, must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified Range Safety Officer. 3. When on the range, there must be a ratio of no more than three shooters per adult coach or instructor. The adult coaches or instructors must be close to the shooters for close supervision. The adult coaches/instructors must be supervised by the Range Safety Officer. 4. All participants must complete an NRA basic pistol marksmanship course prior to range firing. 5. With the approval of the local council, handgun shooting may be conducted on BSA camp ranges, provided the shooting is done under the supervision of a currently NRA-certified Range Safety Officer. 6. Shooting safety glasses and ear protection must be worn on pistol ranges. 7. Care must be taken to comply with federal, state, and local laws.

It's not really an issue what den he goes to, as there is no attendance policy for Cubs for den meetings, regardless of rank. But there is age/grade requirements for registering.

One of the popular NSP challenges is the build a fire to burn strings (3 different heights) suspended over the fire competition. Another one is build a fire, and boil water in a paper cup. Can be done with patience. Tomahawk throw is popular one with our Troop. We use a playing card in the center of a target for sodas during the competition. The card gets cut in half on the last round. The "2-man saw competition" is a good one, but you need two big saws, which you can make using band saw blades and saplings.

Huh? It's been a while since I was a CM, but I understood new Tigers recruited in the Spring can start Cubbing June 1. The application can't be submitted to council earlier anyway. If you have prospective youth (showing interest before June 1), and they come to pack meetings, they are guests and although can be introduced to the Bobcat material & belt loops, can't actually earn them until June 1. So, nothing wrong by including Guests in Cub activities/skills as Cub Scouting is a family activity, but actually earning "Bobcat/loops" needs to wait until June 1.(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

I got it off netflix a while back... I wil pick it up when it's on the $9.99 rack.

Not uniform police, but a better choice than a fabric name tape IMO. I have converted the 3-4 plastic name plates with metal pins to a stick-on magnet backer that uses another magnet on the inside of the shirt. The price is relatively inexpensive, but might be cheaper if you order a bulk when the tag is made. Anyone who has a name tag can convert it over with some side-cutters, and some sand paper. Much better than getting stuck or putting holes in the shirt.

This should be easy. Assuming the MB cards were complete, otherwise why hand them in? If the MB cards were complete and signed then it's a simple issue to get the MBC to "resign" a new card. The MBC should have the "MBC copy (1/3rd portion) anyway with date info on it. If the MBC contact info is needed the council should have them on a list they maintain. If not, then they were not approved .... Besides Merit Badges aren't "awarded" they are earned when the MBC signs them.

Is this really worth all the hassle? This program is for the boys, what does it matter which den he comes to in the end?

3 ways to take that ruling: Ask for clarification what determines a "group", could be 2+ scouts? Abide by the 7 MB for the Troop. Keep on Scouting - The Troop does not manage Merit Badge Councilor approval (moot point). Submit in writing to CC & COR the BSA policy on why those 2 rulings are conflicting with BSA policy. Wait for the clash.... it will come. Too many troops out there to fight a despotic CC/Comm. Find a new Troop.

Every time I have done this it was computer programming project... but fun. To do it non-virtual, I would use inflatable tubes, like cheap life rafts. The key would be to finding 5 sizes or 5 colors (since it's not size or color, but some specific order). You could do it with the translucent plastic tubing in 5 different circle diameters, then cover it with vinyl wrap leaving a hole in the middle. Another way is 5 different hiking stave's (length) with a hole in the center. This one is probably lighter and more durable and maybe cheaper.(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

I don't have a Committee handbook, and I could not find a good reference online, but I would tend to agree the CC is not required to invite other positions in the Troop other than the SM (non-voting member). You could start a feud with: "I am not aware that Committee meetings are closed to all of the uniformed leaders and parents not on the Committee, if you can find a requirement in BSA policy for that, feel free to quote it."

Webelos cost more than Tigers...the Webelos pins are almost $2 or close.. ben a while since I was a CM. I think we averaged $40-60 and used that figure as part of our Pack budget.

When you read the Unit money Earning application (2nd page) it lists some things that are guidelines for things you can/can't do: Regardless, you need to get the application approved before hand. For example: Sell fireworks or solicit funds directly, or gambling proceeds. Google "cub scout unit money earning" application and you can read it. (This message has been edited by dg98adams)

I think in our council, Cubs are promoted to the next rank at June 1 as far as Scout Net goes.... Although, I don't think I had needed more than that to finish the Tiger/Wolf/Bear ranks for the Cubs in our unit.

IMO, let the SM decide the credit issue. I am an ASM in the Troop I serve, and sometimes act as the sounding board for what counts and what doesn't for the SM. With the outing being run as "Family Camping" and not a Scout outing (with the limited info you provided - tour permit or not)....you appear to have a valid point. I personally would not "punish" the Scouts for the decisions made by adults..... If the Scout felt he deserved credit for nights/miles I would do whatever I could to extend it... within the bounds outlined in the requirement. Take the 50 miler award for example: ** It does say "provisional groups" (that could be interpreted as "families") are eligible, BUT it does appear to require a National or Local tour permit right n the description....nit-picky yes.....but clearly stated. http://www.usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/50miler.asp

I suggest making it easy and asking him to bring a fellow Scout. He can tent with this Scout apart from the Cubs and that way he has a "buddy" for his activities in association with adults. And yes, of course he should be in uniform, as with most Troop outings. They will still have their parent's sign a permission form (copies to the CM and Troop outing chair - standard format for Troop outings), and the SM should be aware of the outing - but the Boy Scout youth are NOT adults. As far as "manning a station", why not let him do what he has been doing - helping the Webelos instead of "manning a station". I'm sure the Boy Scouts setting up their own tents and maybe cooking their own food would set a good example.(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

Alpha-numeric usually means letters from the alphabet or numbers 0 thru 9. No special characters like "TAB" or "=". It would make a difference if you included a link to the site you are using.

Might wanna do wider and not as tall. Think of Tigers/Wolves carrying the banner in a parade...

I think I have Eagle92's back on this one. My son took a couple of the MB's I usually do in the Trail Drive, at the Y with another Troop or with him and another Scout on off-meeting times. I'd like to think I treat all Scouts the same (no more no less), but my son would probably be the 1st to say he does not get ANY slack. I think he actually wears it well, and i hope he remembers it later in life.

A good resource is: http://www.crazycrow.com/ But you can check your local craft store for a lot of the "plastic" or non-traditional basic items.