DPWatson

Eagle723, I was at the Roundtable last night as well and somewhat surprised that there wasn't some discussion of this. Either everybody is trained, or they don't understand the implication. I may be able to rearrange my troop activity schedule to do the classroom work in October, but there's no way I can make the Outdoor Leader weekend. That's it for the year. I will see if someone else can register as SM in December. Failing that, I guess we will just have to hope that the Council doesn't decide to put my 60 kids on the street... /dpw

We have 46 troops in the local district. A spreadsheet was distributed last week that showed 53% of the scoutmasters as "untrained". I'm in my third year of the job, and have relied on OJT so far. Certainly not optimal, but that's the way it is. My predecessor, who was SM for 5 years and a CM for several years before that was never "trained". Perhaps some culture change is required, but I wonder whether a "zero tolerance" policy from above will solve the problem. /dpw

It will be interesting to see how it plays out. /dpw

My CC just got a letter from Council (Baltimore Area) indicating that they are going to phase in a mandatory training policy over the next couple of years. If all unit leaders are not trained in their positions, the unit will not be allowed to recharter. Is anybody else doing this? /dpw

Is there a special troop number patch available to honor significant troop anniversaries (e.g. 50)? It seems that I've heard something like this, but have not seen one myself. /dpw

Thanks to everyone for your comments. In the middle of an emotional situation, it's refreshing to get rational, dispassionate advice. And heck, at least they haven't called the cops on us... Bottom line is that I think we're on the right track with the "rebuidling" strategy. Thanks again. /dpw

I'm current the SM of a fairly healthy (60 scout) troop. We're not terribly organized, but must be doing something right as we've been growing steadily over the past few years. Anyway, my question has to do with expected relations with the chartering organization (an Episcopal church). At some time, back in history, a number of the troop families were associated with the church, but that's not the case any longer (we're all involved with other churches in the area). In addition, there have apparently been internal debates in the church with regard to support for the troop. I'm only vaguely aware of, and not really interested in these politics. At the current time, I would characterize the support for the troop as mixed at best. We are still allowed to use the church's meeting hall for our meetings, but have had our storage space reclaimed (troop gear is now split between our travel trailer and a couple of tarp-covered pallets). I'm on a campaign this year to try to improve relations by looking for opportunities to perform service for the church, to meet with the rector and educate her on the program, etc. My question is: What is the minimal level of support we should expect from a chartering organization. Some people are telling me that the organization should provide storage and meeting space at a minimum. My general assumption is that it is easier to try to work with an existing chartering organization rather than try to find a new one, but at what point do you start looking for a new home? Has anyone done this? /dpw Dave Watson

Greetings from Severna Park, Maryland. Just joined the network here a couple of weeks ago. Been looking around and it seems very well organized. I'm currently scoutmaster into my third year of learning on the job (previous roles as Committee Chair, Secretary, and chief cook & bottle washer). I have lots of questions, but let me start with a general one: Which forum is appropriate for a discussion of relations between a troop and it's chartering organization? /dpw