________________________________________ Hi Andy, We have a pack in our home town with around eight Webelos Scouts: Three were born in 2007 (two in August, one in October). Will they need to “cross-over” to a Boy Scout troop when they turn 11 years old? Thanks. (John Burnham) Here are to become a Boy Scout, of which […]

________________________________________ I’m a Merit Badge Counselor for COMMUNICATIONS. I regularly get four types of inquiries, in this order: (1) Emails or texts from Scouts, (2) Phone calls from a parent (99% his Mom), and (3) Phone calls from Scouts. This order is important. It demonstrates that between 67%and 75% of Scouts (and their parents) know […]

________________________________________ As we pop out of 2017’s holidays and wend our way into the beginning of a new year, let’s promise to be kind to one another and loyal to the spirit of Scouting! ————————————————– To get started, I have a personal request to PAUL GEISSLER… Paul, you wrote to me and I’d like to […]

________________________________________ Hi Andy, Our Troop has a board of review process that operates very smoothly and places a high priority on making sure the content and discussion is beneficial to our Scouts and assists them along their advancement path. While at a recent campout, two of our newer Scouts completed their requirements for Tenderfoot rank. […]

________________________________________ In this column… • Rank- and grade-appropriate “Cyber Chip” earning • BSA Membership numbers—How it works • Keeping your Scout troop “Scout-led” • Lone Scout service opportunity…By a former Lone Scout ============================= Hi Andy, Our troop has a Scout who will be First Class on December 6th. Then, for Star rank, he will need […]

________________________________________ In this column… • “Co-” Senior Patrol Leaders? Really??? • Under-age drinking. What would YOU do? • Eagle project gone sideways? • How to be smart about Eagle references. ============================= Dear Andy, I’m a Troop Guide and I’m getting ready for our troop’s elections. Last time I ran for Senior Patrol Leader, two other […]

________________________________________ In this column… • Is Assistant Patrol Leader a qualifying position for advancement? • When to wear your Eagle medal. • What makes for “conservation” service hours? • How to handle “Two-Deep Leadership” and The Buddy System. ========================================================= Hey Andy, I’m a Patrol Leader in my troop and something here has been going on […]

________________________________________ Here’s a conversation from November 7, 2007—ten years ago—with a fellow online columnist… Hey Andy, As I read your considerable archive of advice, I note that some of the most intractable situations brought to you involve leaders with some serious blind spots—they seem to be caught in a cul-de-sac of their own importance and […]

________________________________________ Hi Andy, My Eagle Scout son earned a total of 51 merit badges. That’s 30 beyond the 21 for Eagle rank. So how does he pin six (!) palms on the ribbon of his medal? (Lynne Ghwieny) That’s an easy one… He actually doesn’t wear six palms; he wears three: one silver, representing fifteen […]

________________________________________ Dear Andy, I’m proud to say our son Joey is officially an Eagle Scout. He had his board of review successfully in July, and his Eagle court of honor was last night. Even his new Scoutmaster said, “This kid is a rock star!” His total his community service hours totaled a shocking 387, and […]