dluders

Scouters in our district just received a letter from the District Executive that said: a) "First, each merit badge counselor is to only register for seven merit badges at one time. The types of merit badges can change throughout the year but will stay at seven." b) "Second, the Eagle Board of Review has approved that all Eagle Scout applications can not have more than five merit badges from the same counselor." What do you think about these pronoucements? Do you think that they're FAIR when other districts in the same council don't have these limits? Is it a uniform application of standards compared to other BSA councils in the country? Does your district/council have similar limits? The letter didn't say WHY these limits are in place.

1. Our troop goes to the Spokane, WA "Wild Walls" indoor climbing gym twice annually. Those who want to climb can do so for ~$10 (using our troop's harnesses & trained balayers), and those who don't go to the adjacent "Laser Quest" laser tag facility. 2. We do these outings when our regular troop meeting place is not available, or the Patrol Leaders' Council can't think of enough interesting activities for those months with "tough" themes. 3. When the weather gets warm, the troop climbs a local outdoor rock face (Minnehaha Rocks) to get some "Venture"-style activity.

My troop in Spokane has a 6-page document that answers many parent questions. Check it out at http://www.spokanetroop171.org./index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=14 . As the Scoutmaster, I wish I had this information BEFORE I took the reigns -- it would have saved me a lot of grief.

As a Scoutmaster myself, I must say that the ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTER(s) should help provide discipline. The Scoutmaster cannot be everywhere, but (since all troops are SUPPOSED to have "Two-Deep Leadership") the other adult can help rein-in unruly Scouts. Yes, I realize that the SPL is supposed to be "in charge," but sometimes it takes an adult to restore order.

I too have seen some Scouts from other troops sew patches on the BACK of a Merit Badge sash. This is allowed, per the BSA Insignia Guide 2005. On page 4 of that booklet, it says: "Excess Insignia...members wear only the insignia that show their present status in the movement. MEMBERS SHOULD MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO KEEP THEIR UNIFORMS NEAT AND UNCLUTTERED. Previously earned badges and insignia -- not representing present status -- make a fine display on a BSA red patch vest, a trophy hide or blanket....Members may wear only temporary patches (no badges of rank) on the back of the merit badge sash. Members may only wear one merit badge sash at a time. A merit badge sash is NEVER worn on the belt."(This message has been edited by dluders)

1. According to the related Scouter.com post http://www.scouter.com/forums/viewThread.asp?threadID=94200 , visitors ARE allowed at the 2005 National Jamboree. Here's what Eamonn says: "Visitors Every day, beginning Wednesday, July 27, and continuing through Tuesday, August 2, the jamboree will be open to visitors. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors will be permitted to stay until 11 p.m. only to attend the arena shows on July 27 and 31. On entering the jamboree site, guests will be directed to the public information tent in the main parking lot. There they will receive directions to regions, subcamps, or activity areas This was in the Troop Leader Guide Book, and is what I have told all our parents. Today I received the May-June 2005 Scouting Magazine, in News Briefs it states: Plan to visit between Tuesday July 26 and Tuesday Aug 2, 2005." 2. I went to the 1973 National Jamboree-East in Moraine State Park, PA. Together with the other one held that year in Farragut State Park, ID, we had THE BIGGEST BSA National Jamboree ever. I highly recommend going, if there's some possible way. I'm sure there were "Vistors," since the place was PACKED. (This message has been edited by dluders)

1. I'm an Eagle Scout and the Scoutmaster in my son's troop, and he's "only" a Second Class Scout after the first year. Many (but not all) of his fellow Scouts in his age group have earned the First Class Scout badge. Although it IS preferable to have all the Scouts in a patrol go through the first three ranks together, it is not necessary. Each Scout will progress at his own speed (including the son of the Scoutmaster). I think that SCOUTERS push the Scouts too fast; it should be the SCOUT who says he's ready for advancement. 2. I've actually seen many Scouts in our troop achieve Life Scout after 2 years, but are they "mature" enough for Eagle Scout? Heck, no! A Scout has up to 7 full years in which to try for Eagle Scout -- what's the rush? It's not like Cub Scouting (where a Scout has only one year to achieve Wolf, Bear, etc. before it's too late). 3. My Second Class Scout son is going to summer camp with his First Class Scout patrol-mates, and is going to work on Merit Badges. It doesn't matter whether he's "on the same level" as the other Scouts -- I don't care. To me, it's more important to have my son MATURE and LEARN about life, rather than try to just "fill the squares" to make Eagle Scout.(This message has been edited by dluders)

The use of a "Parent Permission Slip" (whereby medical personnel can treat a Scout if their parent(s) cannot be contacted) is a good idea. Although we have used Parent Permission Slips for the 2004 Summer Camp, and for the Council Camporees, our troop doesn't routinely use them. "We bad." We're not following the Scout Motto ("Be Prepared"), and we're asking for trouble. We are aware of what version of BSA Medical Form is required for various Scouting activities, but our problem is that 1/2 of the troop is IGNORING my appeal to submit UPDATED, ACCURATE MEDICAL FORMS. Some of the biggest offenders are the Scouters who don't have ANYTHING on file at all. I can't even get a simple Class 1 Medical Form from the Over-40 crowd. It's most frustrating. (This message has been edited by dluders)

In my 1-1/2 years as Scoutmaster, I've seen a Scout nearly cut into his foot with a 5-lb. splitting maul, and another Scout toss a hatchet across the ground towards other Scouts in disgust. We've had a Scout punch through the rotten floorboards of a dock. Some of the older Scout and Scouters are now embarking on more "High Adventure"-type outings, where they're miles away from cell phone coverage. In my opinion, we've been darned lucky that nobody's gotten seriously hurt (yet). We DO have a desk near the front door with a stack of blank medical forms. I gave everyone detailed instructions on what they needed to do 1-1/2 months ago. Some older Scouters going on campouts don't even have ANY medical form on file at all. We have a grandfather going on most outings & campouts, and he's out of breath hiking the trails; is he going to have a heart attack? One would think that the parents would WANT their sons to have appropriate medical care, and that the First Aid Responder would WANT to know about medical complications, drug reactions, etc. By me having a set of 2-3 year old medical forms (or no forms at all), THEY'RE endangering themselves and I'M exposed to unfair liability. Is it unreasonable to prohibit Scouts (and Scouters) from attending any more campouts until I receive their updated medical form? I don't like the existing situation one bit....(This message has been edited by dluders)

As Scoutmaster, I'm having trouble getting my Scouts and Scouters to provide an updated BSA Class 1 or Class 3 Medical Form. Some of the forms are 2-3 years old. As the "Unit Leader" who's listed on the Local Tour Permit, I feel I'm being exposed to insurance liability if somebody should get hurt, and they end up getting inappropriate medical treatment (due to drug allergies, recent medical conditions, etc.). It's been two months since we asked everyone to update their forms. Is it appropriate for me to say that "You can't go on any more campouts without first providing an updated Medical Form"? I don't want to be unfair or petty, but I don't want to get sued by some lawyer who will say that I KNEW that the medical information was old. What should I do?

Here's a possible cheer for the Lightning Patrol that I just made up: "We ZAP your HAT in no time FLAT! We ZIG and ZAG down to your FLAG! Shade your eyes for awe-some LIGHT, Branch-ing out, we're quite a SIGHT! LIGHT-NING is our awe-some NAME THUN-DER also plays our GAME! Zip-zap, BOOM-BOOM-CRASH! Zip-zap, POW-POW-POW! We're hot as a FLASH Right here and NOW!"

As a Scoutmaster myself, I agree with your troop's Scoutmaster about the composition of the new Scout patrol. Patrols composed of mixed ages/ranks do not allow the new Scouts to display leadership and make their own decisions. Yes, a Troop Guide (older, experienced Scout) should be helping the new Scout patrol get on its feet, along with the Assistant Scoutmasters.

...to spend only "One Hour Per Week" on Scouting stuff! [Fat chance]

1. "SemperParatus," I agree with you, it's not the Troop Committee Chairman's fault that popcorn money wasn't collected on time, the Klondike Derby sled is missing, or that ski poles were broken. What IS the Troop Committee Chairman's fault is that: a) The troop's rechartering package was almonst late. Had I not bugged our Treasurer about the deadline, he would have submitted the paperwork in January. As the "Unit Leader," my butt would have been on the line when we have no insurance coverage because we're not registered for 2005. Why should the Scoutmaster have to chase this down? b) The troop almost forgot to make a key, $50/person deposit for the 2005 Summer Camp. Had I not reminded our Ass't Scoutmaster and Treasurer about this, we would have lost our slot for summer camp and would have had to settle for a less-desirable camp. That would affect the program. Why can't the Troop Committee Chairman chase stuff like this down? c) The Troop Committee Meeting Minutes haven't been published in months. The Troop Secretary has computer problems, and she expects ME to publish the minutes. When the same thing happened in my old Cub Scout pack, I (as the Pack Committee Chairman) published the minutes. The job got done. Why should the Scoutmaster publish the minutes? I'M TOO BUSY! Some weeks I have to attend 5 Scouting events in a row (Committee Mtg., PLC, Troop Meeting, Roundtable, and campout). Where is there is time to tend to my family and chores? 2. Part of what upsets me most is that, when I was recruited for the Scoutmaster job a year ago, I was promised "all the support I need." The one doing the most talking was the Troop Committee Chairman. Well, where's the support? I can't do TWO jobs in a big troop of 43 Scouts and be a happy camper. Something's got to give. 3. I've tried to "follow the chain of command" and vent my frustrations with the Chartered Organization Representative (who happens to be the Treasurer too). However, he has not forwarded my complaints to the chairman. My District Executive agrees with "EagleInKY," and wants to hold a Parents' Meeting at the next Court of Honor.

1. Let me clarify our troop's situation a bit. Although our Troop Committee Chairman literally lives across the street from our troop meeting place, he NEVER attends our troop meetings. This is because he's on the road at some construction site. He never attends campouts or outings. Boards of Review are arranged by a Committee Member. Fundraising, Local Tour Permit, Treasurer, & Troop Quartermaster tasks are handled by other Committee Members and Assistant Scoutmasters. Everything DOES get done despite the fact that our Troop Committee Chairman only runs a 2-hour meeting once a month. 2. What I'm wanting is somebody to CHOREOGRAPH all the logistical arrangements. Even though the Scoutmaster should only be worrying about the PROGRAM (in theory), I'm finding that I'm spending lots of time "chasing down" details normally handled by the Troop Committee Chairman. I was a Pack Committee Chairman for 4 years, so I know the roles and responsibilities. 3. Here are some of the issues I've tackled just in the past month: a) Why is there still $1,875 worth of popcorn sales not collected yet, even though we've already paid for the popcorn at the council office? [Resolved after 4 e-mails with our "Popcorn Kernel."] b) Where is the Klondike Derby sled that we need next month? [No answer, despite a troop-wide e-mail inquiry.] c) Who bent 6 sets of ski poles and 1 pair of skis (the damage for which I had to pay $50 out of my pocket to the Ski Rental place? [Mixed response; no reimbursement.] d) Why are two Eagle Scout candidates forced to wait over 7 weeks to schedule their Eagle Board of Review? [Troop Committee Chairman waiting for others to contact HIM, which they did. He's out of town, so these Scouts have to wait still more. I don't know how the chairman can "review" these Scouts anyway, since he hasn't even seen them in action for 6 months.] 4. I'm trying to get a Troop Committee Chairman that KNOWS what's going on. He honestly has no clue about the week-by-week issues that confront the Scoutmaster. Why should the Scoutmaster have to worry about the program AND handle all the above logistical matters? I have a real job and a family too, and I'm GOING TO GET BURNED OUT unless things change soon.

1. I tried entering our troop's "Scouting for Food" service hours on the "Good Turn for America" website. After I had to find out our special, 6-digit Unit Number from our council office, I finally was able to log on. When I tried to enter the service project information into the various fields, the computer kept rejecting my entry. I could not enter the DATE of the service project, no matter how hard I tried. Clicking on the calendar next to the field didn't do any good. So, I gave up. 2. Despite my problems, I bought enough of the "Good Turn for America" patches and "2004" rockers from our council's Scout Shop. They didn't ask for any proof of the service project, so I bought as many as I wanted.

1. As a compromise, our troop alternates between IN-COUNCIL camps and OUT-OF-COUNCIL camps. That offers good variety, and the older Scouts can see some territory that they've never been to before. Alternating camps can appease the Professional Scouters who pressure their units to support their local camps. 2. If you're wanting some ideas about various Scout Camps, check out the website http://www.scouter.com/compass/Where_To_Go/BSA_Camps/ .

The National Weather Service forecast for Saratoga Springs, NY is pretty good: Friday night. Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of rain showers. Low in the mid 30s. West wind 10 to 15 mph. New Years Day. Partly sunny. High in the lower 40s. HAVE FUN!

Well, if the SCOUTS want to camp like homeless folks too, then SCOUTERS must go too. I wonder what the neighbors would say if they saw how "down and out" Joe Scouter became, when they saw him living out of a cardboard box on the street corner! That's not to say that most Scouters already look kinda grubby after a campout, with a growth of beard and filthy hands!

1. When I took over as Scoutmaster a year ago, our large (43 Scout) troop didn't have a newsletter. So, I started one immediately to enhance communications. Although the Scouts get a "hard copy" of my monthly newsletter, I also e-mail it to the parents. One way or another, the families can keep track of upcoming activities (campouts, outings, etc). 2. The 2-page newsletter is just a Microsoft Word document, with articles on the front and a 3-month Calendar of Events on the back. I add a bit of Scouting clip-art to snazz it up a little bit. Even though a Troop Secretary could publish a newsletter, I find that the Scoutmaster can emphasize those areas that need attention. I publish "as required," but roughly once a month. I can whip out a newsletter in about 15 minutes.

I've used the huge, wheeled Rubbermaid bins as patrol boxes. They're available at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, and other "big box" stores. The other brands of wheeled totes may look similar, but their plastic is a lot more brittle. They crack easier -- stick with Rubbermaid. They're #1 for a reason.

1. I've been Scoutmaster for a year now, and am getting tired of our Troop Committee Chairman's inability to help me. Due to his out-of-town construction job, he conducts a monthly Troop Committee Meeting and that's about it. He NEVER attends any troop meeting, campout, etc. Due to his home computer having constant problems, he doesn't even have e-mail. Several Eagle Scout candidates are having trouble scheduling their Eagle Board of Review with him, because he's rarely in town. 2. I'm lucky to have a bunch of Assistant Scoutmasters that help in certain areas, but I need somebody to handle the troop LOGISTICS on a weekly basis. I'm plenty busy worrying about the weekly troop PROGRAM without having to worry about the BUSINESS end of the troop (collecting dues, checking on campsite availability, publishing newsletters, etc.). Our longtime Troop Treasurer was handling a lot of the chairman's duties, but now his job takes him out-of-town a lot too. 3. At the December Troop Committee Meeting, the chairman told everyone that he'll be out of town for 8 months, and will be home only on weekends. Even though everyone recognizes that he's ineffective, his Woodbadge buddies in our troop don't have the heart to ask him to step down. I (as Scoutmaster) have tolerated this situation for 8 months already, and I really don't want to tolerate it for 8 more months. I'm getting to resent the entire situation. 4. I'm trying to get our Chartered Organization Representative (who happens to be the Treasurer) to ask the Committee Chairman to step down. The problem is, there are no likely prospects to take on this job. So, I grumble and do 1-1/2 jobs. I'm going to get burned out. Even though we have a BIG troop (with 43 Scouts and 28 registered Scouters), nobody seems to want to tackle the Troop Committee Chairman job. Our District Executive doesn't have much sympathy for our plight, since we have so many folks to choose from. 5. QUESTION: Would you "force the issue" and ask the Troop Committee Chairman to step down at the upcoming Troop Committee Meeting, or just "put up" with the situation some more? The position is essentially vacant now, so maybe I have nothing to lose. Comments?

1. Our troop camps every month except in August. Those Scouts (and Scouters) who don't like to get cold in the Spokane, WA area don't go on winter campouts. Those that have warm-enough gear seem to have an OK time. If people don't want to go on winter campouts, then don't pressure them to go. It only takes one "bad" campout experience to turn a Scout off to camping entirely. 2. As Scoutmaster, I'm expected to go on all campouts. Although I must admit that I don't really enjoy camping in the snow, it's OK if there's a BIG campfire with LOTS of firewood. I tend to "sleep cold," so I heap lots of blankets on top of my zero-degree sleeping bag. Some Scouts don't bring enough stuff, so they have trouble sleeping. 3. I think that the LONG winter nights (with over 15 hours of darkness) present more of a challenge than the cold. People are confined to camp, sitting around the fire long before they're ready to hit the hay. You can't really go sledding in the dark, and the tents are too cold for card games. It's a challenge to keep the Scouts happy and busy during those dark, cold evenings. 4. Unless you're at some "Klondike Derby" or "Winter Camporee," I'd keep winter camping limited to one night per month. That way, Scouts and Scouters who are too cold don't have to endure TWO nights of freezing temperatures.

1. As the Scoutmaster of a large troop with 43 Scouts, we haul our 7 wooden patrol boxes in a troop equipment trailer. Yes, they are heavy, but they contain all the cooking gear for each campout. Each patrol hauls their food in separate coolers that the Patrol Quartermaster owns. For "base camping," the patrol boxes work well. 2. However, if your troop is trying to do some High Adventure-type outings, the heavy patrol boxes don't work. The troop (or the individual Scouts) must tote LIGHTWEIGHT cooking gear. Our troop is not wealthy enough to buy a bunch of backpacking stoves, aluminum pots, etc., so we're somewhat tied to our patrol boxes and equipment trailer. This limits our ability to go on long-distance hikes. 3. I set up a patrol box using one of those huge, wheeled Rubbermaid bins. They are a lot lighter than the wooden boxes, and they can be left out in the rain. Our wooden patrol boxes are usually set up on wooden door tabletops that rest on plastic sawhorses. I've seen other troops' patrol boxes with wooden carry handles that can be bolted on at an angle to form legs. Those are good for base camping. 4. Our previous Scoutmaster made all of the patrol boxes in his shop, and painted the boxes different colors. The pots and pans have their handles painted the same color so that the patrol gear doesn't get mixed up.

1. I'm a new Scoutmaster with only 5 months under my belt. My troop has an existing "Troop Policy" that is controversial among some of our Scouters. It currently says: "Participation is important in Scouting. Any Scout not attending 50% of scheduled Troop meetings and 50% activities over the past 12 months will be considered inactive and not eligible for advancement. To be considered for a leadership role such as Senior Patrol Leader, Brownsea training, or advancement to Eagle Scout, a higher standard of participation is expected." 2. I know that the BSA Handbook says that a Scout must be "active" in the troop. However, is it reasonable to actually set a MINIMUM OF 50% ATTENDANCE for advancement? We have 16 ea. Life Scouts, and 3 of them don't have 50% attendance at campouts over the past year. Am I (as Scoutmaster) supposed to disapprove their Eagle Scout applications? 3. To me, this Troop Policy is capricious and arbitrary, and is a form of hazing. One of our Troop Committee members disagrees; he thinks that the troop can set its own standards. I don't want my Life Scouts quitting our troop, going down the street to another troop, and getting their Eagle that way. To me, there are national STANDARDS for rank advancement, and it's not fair for our troop to impose more stringent standards than other troops. I would like to enforce the national standards for rank advancement -- no more and no less. There is no minimum percentages of attendance in the BSA Handbook, Scoutmaster's Handbook, etc. It's up to the Scoutmaster to determine if a Scout is "active." 4. What do you think about our Troop Policy?