THE LAZIEST SCOUTMASTER Charlie, with his wife and 12 year-old son, moved in next door just two weeks ago. Charlie Junior is a Scout, and Charlie Senior—who’s been reading my columns off and on since his son was a Tiger—asked me about a week ago if I knew anything about Scout troops in town that […]

Hi Andy, If a Scout has already earned a specific merit badge, like Rifle Shooting for instance, at summer camp this year, can that same Scout earn it a second time at summer camp next year? I’m asking because there’s a very limited number of shooting positions available at our camp’s range and, while many […]

Dear Andy, Our troop is having a recurring problem resulting from “poor language choices.” Last week, the dad of a family new to our community contacted me about getting his boys involved in Scouting. I let him know when and where for our troop’s next meeting. I was out of town that day, but both […]

Hi Andy, I saw this article in about the Baden-Powell Service Association in a local newspaper the other day: https://www.nj.com/news/2019/07/these-kids-do-scouting-the-old-fashioned-way-but-membership-has-a-modern-twist.html I know there are various “alternative” Scout-like organizations in recent years, established largely in reaction to certain BSA policies. This one was formed in 2006 and seems to differentiate from the BSA based on inclusiveness […]

Hi Andy, I’ve been a committee member for my son’s troop for several years, mostly handling campsite and summer camp reservations. I’ve just been asked to be the troop’s advancement coordinator, and I agreed to handle this. But I need some advice about courts of honor for our Eagle Scouts. We’re a solid and successful […]

________________________________________ INDEPENDENCE DAY Today is for renewing, celebrating, appreciating, staying safe, and honoring with thanks all men and women whose service has made and kept America free. The usual day we make resolutions is January first. Today may be an even better day… o As Cubmaster, I will encourage all dens to participate in our […]

Dear Andy, Can I ask you some questions? In addition to being in a Scouts BSA troop, I’m also a Sea Scout. I’ve earned Eagle Scout rank and also received a bronze palm at the court of honor. Can I work on additional palms through my Sea Scout Ship instead of my troop? I’m still […]

Hi Andy, I’m our troop’s Committee Chair and the father of a Scout in the troop. I just found out that, while on a troop campout, a 15 year-old Life Scout in my troop vaping with—of all Scouts!—my own 17 year-old Life Scout son! This report came from multiple Scouts in the troop as well […]

Hi Andy, I absolutely love reading everything that’s posted on your online columns. I’m still learning from you. May I share your content on my website? (Achat, Scouts Mauritius) Thank you—Merci! Yes, you may share any column or comments within columns, and my only request is attribution. Happy Scouting World-Wide! ========== Hi Andy, Is it […]

Hi Andy, I enjoy reading your weekly columns… But I do notice that the BSA’s GUIDE TO SAFE SCOUTING seems to be catching so many of us left and right. I did notice one slight problem with your answer to the question on the composition of PLC (Patrol Leaders Council) meetings (Issue #600). You said […]