Andy’s Rule No. 15: Everyone succeeds one hundred percent of the time…at what they’re really up to. Andy’s Rule No. 16: Scouts and teabags: You never know how strong they can really be till they get themselves in a bit of hot water. Andy’s Rule No. 17: The only sensible answer to the question, “May […]
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 261 – June 24, 2011
Dear Andy, Can an Eagle Palm also be awarded at an Eagle ceremony, at the same time a Scout’s receiving his Eagle Badge? (Mike Bowman) Assuming that the three months’ tenure has passed since the date of the board of review for Eagle rank, the five additional merit badges have been earned, the other requirements […]
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Issue 260 – June 16, 2011
Dear Andy, About a year ago I wrote to you about my son’s Cub Scout pack that blatantly refused to follow BSA stipulations regarding program delivery.Your advice to me was to take my son, and any other families that felt the same way, and transfer out. At first I didn’t take your advice, hoping instead […]
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Issue 259 – June 10, 2011
NAYLE! National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience Has your son signed up for this adventure-of-a- lifetime yet? There’s still time! Go to my April 18th column, read up on it, and then follow the steps needed to get your Scout on that course! Do It Now — You snooze—you lose! NAYLE COURSE DATES Central Region August […]
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Issue 258 – June 4, 2011
Andy’s Rule No. 14: The only kind of personal dignity that’s genuine is the kind that’s not made less by the foolishness, meanness, indifference, or invective of others. Dear Andy, Do any of the activity items such as earning the Astronomy pin, count towards an activity that helps toearn a Compass Point? Or do you […]
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Issue 257 – May 26, 2011
Andy’s Rule No. 14: The only kind of personal dignity that’s genuine is the kind that’s not made less by the foolishness, meanness, indifference, or invective of others. ERROR: In my May 19th column, I made the statement that the decisions of boards of review for ranks other than Eagle don’t need to be unanimous. […]
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Issue 256 – May 19, 2011
Andy’s Rule No. 13: Once you’ve hit “send” Mister Flame-Mail is no longer your friend; neither is he the missile you wrote him to be…He’s now a boomerang. NetCommish Comment: Bad news travels like wildfire and can show up in unexpected place. The infographic below shows how a flame email can spread, but with a […]
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Issue 255 – May 11, 2011
Andy’s Rule No. 11: If you’ve molded yourself to have Command Presence you never need to announce who’s in charge and you’re never challenged. Andy’s Rule No. 12: Life is a series of lessons. Each lesson appears to us in different ways and forms until we learn it. Then the next lesson appears. Hi Andy, […]
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Issue 254 – May 6, 2011
Andy’s Rule No. 8: Scouting’s first “volunteers” are the Scouts themselves. Andy’s Rule No. 9: Program produces participants. Show me a dull, no-show troop or pack and I’ll show you dull programs. Andy’s Rule No. 10: Cleanliness is next to godliness; except at camp, where it’s next to impossible. Dear Andy, My son took the […]
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Issue 253 – April 30, 2011
Andy’s Rule No. 4: When in doubt, ask a Scout! Andy’s Rule No. 5: The apology you’re willing to make to your fellow Scouter causes you to grow, not shrink, in your own and everyone’s eyes. Andy’s Rule No. 6: Pray not so much to win but to do your level best. Andy’s Rule No. […]
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