help,advancement questions

[anarchist]

Again...it seems like a communications problem..."amouse" says SM was 'going to do Cooking MB"...perhaps (?) as part of his troop meeting program...which is discouraged (greatly) in many councils...(again right or wrong!?!).

 

Many feel that troop meetings are for training and planning of/for upcoming activities and that merit badges are 'extra' outside the troop/meeting endeavors. Many SM's, CC's and people at council offices feel MB's should not be troop activities at all! MB's should be worked on in small groups or individually (or by "2's" with youth protection and two deep etc.). Perhaps the SM told his plan to a 'drone' at council and was given a flat response, without any backup reasoning ). Keeping in mind that some well meaning volunteers at council offices 'hear' only parts of 'proper' answers 'during training' and outside, ongoing discussions... but then start 'distributing' what they heard as policy, believe me, just because someone says 'it is a rule' doesn't mean they are correct!Research is always inorder!

 

Council+New troop+new Scout Master+ new scout... = lots of chances for info to go goofy there. A quick call by parents to council(or email so you have answer in writing) should help clear this up...probably not 'sinister' just short-circuited info...

 

"amouse", what merit badge do you want to work on???

 

Here is an exercise...first get the requirements for this merit badge Buy the book... or go online...(remember this is just an intelectual exercise ...you are not 'officially' working on the badge...yet)...and make your own 'plan' to see which of the requirements you can do... or have done before.

 

Look at the advancement sign-offs you have accomplished and those you will be working on towards second and first class ranks...are any similar? Will any 'count' towards the merit badge skills? Then look at your troop's program calendar for the next year...which of the activities can be used for that badge...(hummm, if none seem to fit(?)...can you think of a way to help 'plan' the activities and add 'fun stuff' in order to accomplish a task or two that will help you towards your merit badge? If so make a suggestion to your partol leader, the SPL and the SM!) You now have the start of a plan to discuss with your merit badge counselor! AND after your answer from council...you should be ready to ask the SM for a blue card...

 

Also, 'amouse', check the district and council websites for merit badge 'days' held (usually in winter)usually at some church or school site...sort of like a seminar. Many, many merit badges can be earned by 'signing up' pay a few dollars for registration and getting your parents to spend a day 'outside' of your council or district at 'open' merit badge classes. Web sites are great for getting this information.

good luck and good scouting!

anarchist