________________________________________ Hi Andy, I read with interest your latest column about the Scout needing to reschedule his appointment time because his mom decided to change the time she could drive him. Unfortunately, this sort of parental dysfunction is all too common. Several years ago, I took karate classes with my daughter. The instructor was talking […]

________________________________________ It’s 9:15 Saturday morning. The Scout should be arriving momentarily; he’s earned Communications merit badge, so I’m hoping his counselor added to his knowledge—but not the requirements—by letting him know the best way to show respect when you make an appointment with anyone is to arrive ten minutes early—especially since this also gives you […]

________________________________________ Two years ago, instead of my usual column, my Christmas gift to you was a short story titled “A Winter Tale.” It was based on a story I’d read as a boy, in a 1921 Boy Scout Yearbook passed down to me by my father, who had also been a Scout. Many readers quickly […]

________________________________________ Dear Andy, I recently attended our council’s annual Eagle Scout recognition dinner—a very nice, semi-formal event to recognize this year’s “class” of Eagle Scouts, their parents and Scoutmasters. It’s also a big fund-raiser for the council. As an Eagle Scout from this council, I attend most every year to connect with Scouting friends and […]

________________________________________ A Scout recently earned every merit badge Scouting has to offer. Here’s the link… http://www.wrdw.com/home/headlines/Some-upset-Boy-Scout-earns-all-merit-badges-of-scouting-232276831.html#.UorHQPOWcPw.email It’s interesting that this clip talks about some folks not “approving” of this—as if their lame-brained opinion had any weight or merit. To Scout Carter, GREAT GOING! To anyone who doesn’t “approve” of a Scout setting a goal for […]

________________________________________ Dear Andy, (I am using my mom’s email address and she is okay with me sending this.) I noticed today on my Webelos handbook that there is a mistake as there is only one bucket of water by the fire. I learned from my Den Leader that there should always be two fire buckets […]

________________________________________ Dear Andy, There doesn’t seem to be a requirement for two-deep leadership at troop meetings. There’s only a requirement for trips and outings. The only additional rule is that of no one-on-one private contact between an adult and a Scout. So it seems that as long as there are several Scouts and one registered […]

________________________________________ Here’s an interesting question about the “Statement of ambitions and life purpose and a listing of positions held in your religious institution, school, camp, community, or other organizations, during which you demonstrated leadership skills. Include honors and awards received during this service.” First, from two Scouters who are regular Ask Andy readers… Dear Andy, […]

________________________________________ ARE YOU READING ADVANCEMENT NEWS YET? To get yourself started, here’s where to check it out (copy and paste this link)… http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/GuideToAdvancement/Advancement_News.aspx ADVANCEMENT NEWS is the official e-newsletter of the BSA’s National Advancement Committee and National Advancement Team – It’s written by volunteers for volunteers! If you’re a council or district advancement chair or […]

________________________________________ Dear Andy, Our troop’s adult leaders have been at odds recently over the final determination of individual Scout accounts. Our troop does two major fundraisers each year—holiday wreaths and popcorn—and we split the profits with the Scouts (the troop keeps 50% and the Scouts get 50% of all profits they make from these sales). […]