________________________________________ Dear Andy, For his Eagle board of review, a Scout provides the names and contact information for up to six references. Following his successful review, two questions for you: Should “thank you” notes or letters be sent to the people who provided those references? If so, who should do this? (Bill Bohling, SM, Northern […]
About AskAndy
Andy is a Board Member of the U.S. Scouting Service Project, Inc.Andy was recognized in 2017 as a National Distinguished Eagle Scout and Regent of the National Eagle Scout Association. He is currently serving as council member-at-large. His previous position, which he held for over 20 years (except for several years when he served as District Commissioner and Assistant Council Commissioner-Training), was Unit Commissioner. He has previously served as Den Leader, Webelos Den Leader, Cubmaster, Pack Committee Chair, Scoutmaster, International Representative, and--as a Scout--Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. He is a charter member and founding director of his prior council's Alumni Association and Eagle Scout Alumni Association, both established in 2001. He earned Eagle Scout rank at age 15, in 1957; two years later, he earned the Explorer Silver Award--at that time referred to as the "Double-Eagle." At age 16, he served on the National Junior Leader Training Camp Staff at Schiff Scout Reservation (at that time this was a salaried position). He also served on the Philmont NJLIC Staff in 2002, 2003, and 2004, and, later, on two Pilot Regional NAYLE Staffs. His recognitions include: Kashafa Iraqi Scouting Service Award, Distinguished Commissioner, Doctor of Commissioner Science, International Scouter Award, District Award of Merit (2), Scoutmaster Award of Merit, Scouter's Key (3), Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award, Cliff Dochterman Rotarian Scouter Award, James E. West Fellow (3), Wood Badge & Sea Badge. He has attended four National Scout Jamborees: Scout in 1957, First Assistant Scoutmaster in 1993, National Staff in 2001, and NESA Featured Speaker in 2014 and 2017. The BSA included his article titled "Frictionless Scouting Events" was incorporated into the BSA National Training Video, "Meetings of the District" for ten years. He is a charter member of the BSA National Advancement Advisory Board and has written multiple technical articles for the BSA Advancement Team's "Advancement News" since 2012. Read Andy's full biography
Issue 562 – April 1, 2018
________________________________________ BSA REVAMPS PHILMONT! CIMARRON, NM – Following several years of nationwide conferences and planning sessions, the Boy Scouts of America will be launching major reconfigurations of Philmont Scout Ranch and Training Center this summer. Here are some of the highlights of changes to come… The famous “Tooth of Time” will be drilled out and […]
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Issue 561 – March 27, 2018
________________________________________ Hi Andy! Your recent discussion about counting service hours brings up two issues we recently faced, and I’d like to get your take on them. At this year’s Scout Sunday, one of our Scouts, who regularly operates the electronic sound board in the sanctuary, wore a jacket over his uniform for the entire service. […]
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Issue 560 – March 20, 2018
________________________________________ Hi Andy, I just read your column last week, and the piece about the Scouts who did an opening ceremony at a hockey game and then stayed to watch the game. I so rarely disagree with you, but this time I think you “dumbed down” the requirements so much and just gone too far […]
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Issue 559 – March 14, 2018
________________________________________ Hi Andy, We just had three Scouts help out at a Wounded Warriors Hockey Game as the flag detail for the opening ceremony. After they’d completed this, they stayed and watched all or part of the game. One Scout was there for about a half-hour; the other two for an hour-and-a-half each. Since they […]
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Issue 558 – February 28, 2018
________________________________________ Dear Andy, I’m concerned that the Boy Scouts of America has had a long relationship with the NRA, but today the NRA really is a political organization and is tarnishing the reputation of my beloved BSA. I think it’s time to sever ties with the NRA publicly! Keeping the ties can only shrink the […]
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Issue 557 – February 21, 2018
________________________________________ Hi Andy, Is there a way to find out what project a Scout accomplished in order to become an Eagle Scout in the 1930’s? My sister and I are trying to get more information about Charles Frederick Day. Thanks! (Susan Day) In the 1930’s there was no specific “service project” requirement for Eagle. However, […]
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THANKS!
Thanks ever so much for your patience, folks…and special thanks to you all who sent best wishes to my bride! I’d started out today with every plan to get back to you with a fresh column before sundown, but that just wasn’t destined to happen. Please check me out tomorrow (Wednesday, Feb 21st), ’cause I’m […]
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Oops!
A funny thing happened on our way to the tepee… Well, actually not so funny. While visiting our daughter (one of three) who lives in Colorado, my bride Linda fell and fractured the top of her femur, requiring immediate surgery and now about two weeks of physical therapy before she can get onto a plane. […]
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Vacation Alert!
Hi Folks! I’ll be on the road from now till early next week, and that’s when I’ll get my next column out to you. Happy Scouting! Andy
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Scouting Cartoons by Rich Diesslin - Click to visit the cartoon gallery at usscouts.org. 
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The NetCommish web site was selected by Scouting Magazine in 1998 as one of ten "Quality Scouting Web Sites." The article, entitled "
