Issue 631 – March 3, 2020

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Several readers had good points to make about some of the issues that have recently come up. Here they are, and they’re worth a read!

Hi Andy,

Great answer on that troop discipline issue! I’d add that there’s no such thing as a “troop discipline committee” – that’s ultimately the job of the Scoutmaster. And we sure don’t need additional policies or rules, as you point out. The only “best practices” we need are the Scout Oath and Law. (Frank Maynard, UC, Mighty Ottawa District, GLFSC, “I used to be a Bobwhite”)

Hi Andy,

About that soon-to-be Scout with food allergies, the parent’s should start by informing the troop’s adult leaders, as a start. (There’s even a software package where they can list the allergies all Scouts have, for all to see. Also, the Scout herself has some skin in this, too. She needs to speak up for herself. This is a “life skill”—so she might as well learn it right now! Plus, since the patrols are supposed to be creating their own meal plans for campouts, this is where the Scout jumps in and participates (not mom and dad). (Lee Murray, Sierra Nevada District Committee, NV)

Andy,

I read your column regarding a Scout with a gluten allergy, but I thought your answer may have missed one important point. In addition to the Scout’s parents being involved, the Scout herself needs to make sure her patrol knows of her allergies. While gluten allergies pretty much eliminates many things Scouts enjoy (bread, regular pasta, and so on), maybe this Scout can ask her patrol if a gluten free meal can be made—or, better yet, show them how to do it! (Joe Sefcik, CT)
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Dear Andy,

As a Unit Commissioner, I find all of your columns extremely insightful. They’ve been helpful guides to me through the years. Going back a bit, your “Issue 226” in 2010 titled “Andy’s Laws” happens to be one of my favorites. At one time or another within my Scouting journey, I’ve discovered this exhaustive list of adages you complied to be very accurate. But one of them has always puzzled me: “When all else fails, RTBH.” Would you mind explaining this one in particular? (Troy Wingard, Tecumseh”

Back in 2010, I fairly regularly used the expression, “Read The Bloody Handbook!” which became “RTBH.” I’ve since changed that to “RTFM”—as in “Read The Friendly Manual” Thanks for asking!
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Hi Andy,

A question has recently come up in our pack about which adults should and shouldn’t be wearing uniforms. There’s one opinion that only the Cubmaster, Committee Chair, Den Leaders, and designated assistants should be uniformed. The other opinion is that all registered adults, regardless of position, are entitled to be uniformed and set an example. We’ve had trouble finding hard documentation either way, so I’m hoping you can help point at something definitive. Thanks! (Name & Council Withheld)

Happily, I can definitely help you, and the good news is that it’s pretty simple. But first, I’ll agree that it’s not easy to find a statement in BSA literature about this. So what to do? Start by going to the BSA’s GUIDE TO AWARDS AND INSIGNIA (yes, it’s online—you don’t have to buy the book). Now look under the section on Cub Scouts. Scroll down and you’ll find that there are badges for Pack Committee Chair, and Pack Committee members. We already know that Cubmasters, Assistant Cubmasters, Den Leaders and their assistants definitely want to be in uniform. Now we know that every adult volunteer registered with your pack is entitled to wear a uniform too, because if that weren’t son, there wouldn’t be a position badge to wear! So it’s only a question of whether they’d like to, or not, and I certainly agree that this sets a fine example for your Cubs and their parents!
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Hi Andy,

My son wants to earn the Scuba merit badge. My whole family dives, so I checked with my council. But they couldn’t answer an important question. The requirements specify a “BSA recognized agency” but doesn’t specify what agencies these are. My local dive shop does both PADI and NAUI, and this is where my son is getting certified to dive. But I’d like to work a merit badge into the lessons as well. Can this be done? (Troy Madden, ASM, Mobile Area Council, AL)

Good news! The BSA’s SCUBA policies can be found in the GUIDE TO SAFE SCOUTING and also in the BOY SCOUT REQUIREMENTS book. In the second book, I found this statement on page 287: “The counselor for Scuba BSA must hold an instructor rating and be in current teaching status with PADI, NAUI, SSI, or another member of the RSTC…” So, for the merit badge, without doing further research (I’ll leave this to you) it looks like an instructor from any of these organizations might be able to provide a letter or other document describing the requirements of this merit badge and, for each requirement, state that your son successfully completed what the requirement states. That said, it would be even better if the instructor was willing to register with your council as a merit badge counselor for Scuba. (It’s just a bit of paperwork and there’s no BSA membership fee for this, ever.)
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Hi Andy,

Our troop here in Wasilla, Alaska is doing just great. In fact, I think we’re now up two dozen more Scouts already this year. Here’s a video we’ve put together, just to give folks an idea of what Scouting in Alaska is like. I hope you enjoy it! (Bill Casler)
https://johndee.smugmug.com/T300-MOVIE-SECOND-TO-NONE/n-PQnt4K/

That’s one fabulous example of Scouting at its absolute best! Thanks! And, for my readers, go take a look and enjoy the ride!

Happy Scouting!

Andy

Have a question? Facing a dilemma? Wondering where to find a BSA policy or guideline? Write to askandybsa@yahoo.com. Please include your name and council. (If you’d prefer to be anonymous, if published, let me know and that’s what we’ll do.)

Although these columns are copyrighted, any reader has my permission to quote or reproduce any columns or column parts so long as you attribute authorship: “Ask Andy” by Andy McCommish.

[No. 631 – 3/3/2020 – Copyright © Andy McCommish 2020]