dg98adams

Anyone know the new (if any) merit badges for 2010....I know about Scuba, as a local Scuba instructor (who was a TG on WB staff with me) helped develop it. Is there 3 more? Someone mentioned "Scout Heritage or "Scout History"? I have not found anything online yet. Thanks DG

I guess my question would be, if the Scouts feel as you do, why were they elected? I'm guessing it is either the scouts that voted for these boys do not feel as you do, or there were many new Scouts in the Troop that did not know them, or they did not have any experienced Scouts to "run" against. I have seen the last 2 in our Troop. Some boys will surprise you and step up, and some won't. Give them all a chance, because they can all learn something from it.

I think our district offered "Derby Car races" for business, and other groups/sponsors. They could either "buy in" and build and race a car, or "sponsor" the event. I think our district raised $10-12,000, but they really did not advert it to the general public.

I would be really interested to read your results. Not long we were not going to have a Troop QM, and a PL for one patrol. I suggested to the SM (I'm 1 of 3 ASM's)..... For the Patrol, I suggested the entire Patrol would have to attend the Troop JLT & PLC meetings and generate the reports/info from/for the PLC. With no QM, we shut down the Troop trailer for ALL supplies (including flags/poles, etc). Make the Scouts come up with all camping gear, flags and flag poles as well as supplies to support Troop fundraisers (dining fly, stoves, hot dog cooker, etc...). I told him the first couple meetings might slide thru, but the 1st PLC & campout would be an eye-opener. He thought it was too harsh, and "talked an older Scout into the QM POR" that did not need a POR and selected the same Scout as Patrol leader (which he did nothing for). Where I saw a "cut & dry" response to lack of responsibility, he saw conflict. No one ever learns unless they have to take responsibility. Ask me how this year looks? (This message has been edited by dg98adams)

I would say to "air" any info about her would be legally dangerous. But if she was DENIED a BSA position because of the background check: In my opinion.... Should not have supervision of Scouts (other than her own). Should not drive Scouts (other than her own) anywhere. Should not be "used" in any "Scouting function" or capacity where 2-deep, registered leaders are not present. Volunteer parent support fine....not given role of registered Scouter. If it's outside of Scouting....then it's just that "Outside of Scouting". Our Troop requires drivers (of more than own Scout) to be registered.(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

We do well at: Car & Dog washes (usually fund for Eagle Projects) Santa Breakfast (pancake breakfast in December) Working booths at local Ice Cream Festival (simple games for tickts - the tickets represent a token $ amt, which the Troop gets a cut of) Hotdog/bake goods sale at local Memorial day Parade or during the Car & Dog washes. I think the biggest $ maker is the Troop Rummage Sale. And of course popcorn...... What does NOT work for us: Any type of coupon book Restaurant night fundraisers (10% from Smokey Joes Ribs) Some Scouts do ok with boxes of candy bars (slow return) Christmas/Holiday wreath sales (only work for Scouts that hustle) Council Spring Sale (choc. rabbits/flowers)

Here's how I started as UC for 2 Troops and 1 pack. Call/email when it's good to stop by and review the mid-year roster. I asked if they knew of any updates. For the pack, I was told to watch for the Webelos that will cross over, and become Boy Scouts so they don't show up as "dual registered". I plan to drop off info from Round Table (if they did not attend) and any other forms I pickup. Other than that, just asking if they need anything I can help them with.(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

A short example of the "Patrol method" to show the parents this is not Webelos III.

If the incident did not happen on a Scout outing, why would you report it to anyone in Scouting? I think you have no business "providing a police report". If your comm. removed him pending a court case, then that is all that needs to be known.

My guess is that the Scout did not complete a "do" or "explain" thht all the others did (or turn in a written portion"). Easy enough to figure out if the SCOUT can find a MBC and the SCOUT ask's for a "discussion" to complete the badge. The MBC can either to decide to accept what they Scout describes he finished or the Scout can look elsewhere.

Just don't get a "Tates" compass...... Because, he who has a "tates" is lost! (Hint: say it out loud) Couldn't resist! By the way, I have 2 Silva's that are as good as I need.

Been hashed out before... Adults are advisers, not a youth member or in a Patrol. Exceptions during Woodbadge but the "Patrol patches" are just pinned or buttoned on during the course. http://www.scouter.com/forums/viewThread.asp?threadID=190540 (This message has been edited by dg98adams)

Unless the "camp MB counselor" went with you on your "climbing over night" I would be very surprised he would accept any climbing requirements done months prior, especially with out a Blue Card. In our council, the climbing MB counselor wants to see Blue Cards for any Scout who wants to work on the climbing MB. No Blue Cards mean you bring him a SM-signed Blue Card and start from the beginning. I know we had a few Scouts who wanted to "finish" the existing cards (we climb every winter indoors) but had to wait at the indoor climbing wall to be "belay certified" at 14, because the camp climbing guy was an "all done here" or "nothing".

How is it not fun? The key is get OUT of the normal meeting place. Find someone interesting, police Officer, town official, etc... to speak. This may be old, as it's been awhile since I was Cub Master or a Webelos Leader. I found a good program on the web......do you look at the Program Helps? Badge Name: Citizen Start Date: 10/01 Completion Date: 10/30 Den Meeting Location: Chris's house Date/Time: 10/09 Den Outing Location: Senior Citizens Center Date/Time: 10/19 **** Note: The Senior citizens center loves it when the Scouts come in uniform. You will be surprised how many residents were Scouts! Fulfilling Badge Requirements: #2, 3, 4: Activity: 3 stations run by parents. Scout rotate between stations to review the governing officials, flag etiquette, and flag respect. #5: Activity: At den meeting opening, everyone says the Pledge of Allegiance and then take a couple minutes to discuss it. #6, 7: Activity: group discussion at den meeting. #8: Activity: perform service project as den outing this month. #12-17: Activity: Hand out descriptions of the 5 requirements and allow the scouts to choose any two to write about. Homework do before Den Meeting: * Read Citizen section in Webelos handbook * Can start on two requirements from #12-17 Den Meeting Agenda: Time Activity, Game, Presentation, Skill, ... 6:55 Gathering: SPUD or Crab Fights 7:00 Opening Ceremony - Pledge of Allegiance and discussion 7:10 Talk about the National Anthem and Citizen Rights and Duties. 7:25 Hand out requirements #12-17 and sheets of paper and pencils. Scouts complete any two requirements. 7:45 Game: any Webelos Game 8:00 Divide group into 3. Rotate through 3 stations. One to discuss government leaders, one to discuss and practice flag etiquette, one to discuss flag respect. 8:20 Closing Ceremony - clean-up and snack Den Outing Agenda: Time Activity, Game, Presentation, Skill, ... 2:00 Meet at Senior Citizens Center to play bingo with residents. 4:00 Head home.

Steve, Did you take them at a Camp School?

Do the other younger girls mom's know the Troop will fold when the olders girls bridge?

When I picked up the new uniform shirt to augment my uniforms which I wear for the different "hats" I wear within the Troop and Council, I decided to keep it a "slick". So, I skipped the Adult knots, Quality Unit, and OA flap. Strangely enough, the only Scouts that asked about it were the younger Patrol.

I bet the Boys in our Scout Troop or Crew would listen better with this ASM. An ASM...yes, but remember the G2SS uses 21 or older as "responsible adult" for some stuff. G2SS Online; Trek Safety 1. Qualified Supervision All backcountry treks must be supervised by a mature, conscientious adult at least 21 years of age...... Safe Swim 1. Qualified Supervision All swimming activity must be supervised by a mature and conscientious adult age 21 .....One such supervisor is required for each 10 people, with a minimum of two adults for any one group. At least one supervisor must be age 21 or older .... Snorkeling Safety 1. Qualified Supervision All swimming activity, including snorkeling, must be supervised by a mature and conscientious adult age 21 or older .... Safety Afloat 1. Qualified Supervision All activity afloat must be supervised by a mature and conscientious adult age 21 .... Leadership Requirements for Trips and Outings 1. Two-deep leadership: Two registered adult leaders, or one registered leader and a parent of a participating Scout or other adult, one of whom must be at least 21 years of age or older....Coed overnight activities, even those including parent and child, require male and female adult leaders, both of whom must be 21 years of age or older, and one of whom must be a registered member of the BSA.

....are just guidelines, not actual rules.... I think this only applies to the "Rules for Pirates" set down by Bartholomew (:-p)

You know Girl Scout Troops are very different than Boy Scout Troops. In my area, with the way I see my daughters Troop.... Those girls don't change Troops. Other Girl Troops don't recruit (or appear to want) new girls like Boy Scouts do. The Girls in her Troop are all the same age, and the Troop dwindles as they get older. Most of the girls (and most of the mom's are not campers.....). I know only 1 year they did a 3-day summer camp, but it appeared to be for 3rd-4th grade level events other than archery.

Ok, I agree it's out there....but as I have 14 year old twins (boy/girl) I'm interested. The boy is a Life Scout, and girl is a GS Cadette (working on Silver). Both have joined the new Venture Crew at our CO as well. JFS&G lets say they include girls in Boy Scouts (probably need to be renamed "Scouts"), how much other than 2 deep leadership to include a female leader would really have to be revamped? Existing Merit badges - don't think so, girls would probably do better than boys in a lot. Rank Advancement - don't think so, as we see in our Venturing Crew, girls make good leaders. Troop size & camp attendance would increase.....all good things for the SE My daughter was not challenged in GS anymore (they never really did have a summer camp or camporees like her brother), and is enjoying Venturing.(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

Hi Nathan, Welcome to the Forum! I am an ASM for Troop 311, Tecumseh council, Springfield, Ohio. I am also an Arrowmen with Tarhe Lodge #292.

The DAC is then suppose to call around and see who is still teaching what, and if they will teach anyone or limit it to specific units. "THIS WOULD BE TOO MUCH WORK FOR A VOLUNTEER - I KNOW 1st HAND - Expiring MBC's yearly is a GOOD THING. I am surprised you had not been informed before the policy went into effect. Does your district/council have a Round Table meeting once a month? if so, do you send anyone to this Round Table meeting? Please don't take offense on whether you have a RT, or go to it, no disrespect was intended. Our Council implemented such a policy last fall (yearly Troop MBC's need to update an app during recharter), and I am all for it. We had tried go get the Troop to police the MBC's info they use when they recharter..... with little results. I am a Merit Badge Trail Drive organizer for 3 districts and contacting MBC's for the event via info on-file is extemely difficult because of old or expired info. On your Troop MBC's I expect the registrar at the council will have no problem accepting the MBC Blue cards as valid if your MBC's just get updated or confirm no contact info changes. I have called MBC's that no have their # disconnected, no answering machine (just rings), or have been told that they "died".(This message has been edited by dg98adams)(This message has been edited by dg98adams)

I have a Wal-Mart peak, mixed butane, backpack stove. I have been using it in our Troop outings (mostly to show the Scouts you don't need to lug the big stoves all the time). I do my own meals (diabetic). It comes apart from the small fuel canister, fit's inside the mess kit pots I use and is reliable so far. $25 I picked up a 2 man backpack tent $40. I bought my son a used internal frame pack for $50. I don't hike (Mobility issues). 2-man tents are cheap..... Probably the best $ spent is on a sleeping bag. If you can't stay warm & get sleep, then even the best trip is hard. Course 2 wool blankets and a ground tarp is usually good enough.

I was a Cub Master that did more than needed and stored more than needed (goes with the job). Lack of Parent support, was probably the main issue. You need to be firm, tell the Pack committee/Cub Master that camp supplies are no longer your issue. Move on. They will either get with the program, make a firm request to borrow from the Troop, raise $ to buy Pack main camping supplies, or not.