Issue 657 – September 29, 2020

Have a question? Facing a dilemma? Wondering where to find a BSA policy or guideline? Just drop a line to me at askandybsa@yahoo.com.

Here are some spectacular responses to September 15th questions! First, Game Design Merit Badge…

Hi Andy,

About that Scout completing Game Design, the BSA says “Approval of the Application for Merit Badge (“Blue Card”) requires a total of four signatures—two each from the unit leader and a merit badge counselor.” (BSA Guide to Advancement § 7.0.0.2. The Guide to Advancement goes on to require that the Merit Badge Counselor be currently registered as such in compliance with Guide to Advancement § 7.0.1.1.) Of course, the National Counsel alone has the power to vary this or any other requirement. And there is, of course, no requirement that the Merit Badge Counselor in question be “local” in any sense. (Thomas Linton)

Hi Andy,

I’m happy to help this Scout. I’m in the Garden State Council, NJ, and can work with any Scout. I’m a counselor for Game Design, so if that Scout still needs help, I’m happy to see what I can do.
(Dustin Tarditi, tarditi@gmail.com)

And for that delayed board of review because the Scout “didn’t have his handbook”…

Hi Andy,

Straight from the BSA (https://www.scouting.org/resources/guide-to-advancement/boards-of-review/): “A Scout must not be rejected at a board of review for reasons unrelated to advancement requirements. For example, the Scout must not be rejected for not bringing a Scouts BSA Handbook or being tardy for a board of review…” (Ed Colaianni)
==========
Hi Andy,

I’m looking for something like this for Scout leadership positions…

Patrol Leader Leadership Card

Name: __________________________
Patrol: __________________________
Term: ___/___/___ to ___/___/___
Job Description: Each patrol elects a patrol leader. The patrol leader takes a leading role in planning and conducting patrol meetings and activities, and represents the patrol at meetings of the patrol leader’s council. Each patrol leader can appoint an assistant patrol leader to serve with him.
Leadership Position Coordinator: Senior Patrol Leader
Ranks that this job may apply toward: Star, Life, Eagle
Duties of Patrol Leader:
1. Reports to the Senior Patrol Leader.
2. Carries out assignments given by the SPL.
3. Help patrol scribe take attendance; note excused absences.
4. Read the “Patrol Leader Handbook” (No. 32502A)
5. Mark patrol gear.
6. Keep patrol gear in the patrol’s locker in the shed.
7. Attach the “Action Packer Inventory List” to patrol’s action packer and check it before going camping.
8. Attach the “Patrol Locker Contents” form to the patrol locker and keep it filled out.
9. Use the “Patrol Leader Trailer Packing List” with the Quartermaster when the patrol goes camping.
10. Assign gear to patrol members to be cleaned on return from an outing.
11. Assure gear is returned to locker the week after an outing.
12. Check gear in with the Quartermaster when it is returned.
13. Sign off rank requirements for patrol members of lesser rank.
14. Do at least one patrol service project in a 6-month period.
15. Plan and lead patrol meetings and activities.
16. Use “Camping Menu Planner” and “Shopping List” for outings.
17. Fill out a “Patrol Duty Roster” for each camping trip.
18. Help your patrol set up; use “Camp Set Up Checklist”.
19. Keep patrol members informed. If you are asked to communicate a message via a phone chain, do it promptly and completely.
20. Assign each patrol member a job and help them succeed.
21. Represent the patrol at all Patrol Leaders Council meetings and at the annual program planning conference.
22. Prepare the patrol to take part in all troop activities.
23. Develop patrol spirit.
24. Appoint an assistant patrol leader to fill in if you are absent.
25. Fill out and bring the “Patrol Leader’s PLC Report” to the PLC.
26. Set a good example
27. Enthusiastically wear the Scout uniform correctly
28. Live the Scout Oath and Law
29. Show Scout Spirit
Position Coordinator (Date/Initials)
____ Briefed on duties and responsibilities
____ Lead patrol in at least 1 opening or closing flag ceremony.
____ Conduct at least 1 patrol meeting.
____ Complete and post campout duty roster (verified at campout)
____ Take notes at, and relay information from the PLC to patrol.
____ Bring concerns of the patrol to the PLC.
____ Complete all other Patrol Leader duties during term in office.

Does the BSA provide any resources like this, for all positions of responsibility? (Dave Bailey)

Yes, the kind of list you’ve created here can be found at the BSA’s “Troop Leader Resources” website (https://troopleader.scouting.org/), with lots of hints and suggestions for each youth role in their patrol and troop.

I’d recommend using the BSA’s version, for several key reasons. First, the “list” is shorter because it limits itself to the bigger picture. It’s also more prioritized, which makes it easier to follow and to separate the more “strategic” points (e.g., show Scout spirit) from the more “tactical” (mark patrol gear). It has less of a tendency to look like a school “report card.” And finally, it doesn’t look so much like it was written by an adult for the purpose of “bookkeeping.”

Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay positive!
Happy Scouting!
Andy

When you write to me, please include your name and council. If you’d rather be anonymous—if published—just say so and that’s what I’ll do.

Although these columns are copyrighted, you have my okay to quote or reproduce any column or part, so long as it’s attributed: “Ask Andy” by Andy McCommish.

[No. 657 – 9/29/2020 – Copyright © 2020 Andy McCommish]