________________________________________ Dear Andy, Our troop that is advancing Scouts that haven’t met the requirements. During a recent board of review, it was evident that a Scout advancing to the rank of Star did not even know the basics: the Scout Law, Oath, Motto, or Slogan. Yet our Scoutmaster and committee are signing off on these […]

________________________________________ Hello Andy, I’ve been reading your archive issues as well as your current ones. Looking back at your Issue 87 (October 2006), may I gently chastise you for your response about the “World Brotherhood” crest? At that time, you said, “Yup…The World Crest isn’t mandatory. So any Scout or Scouter who doesn’t wish to […]

________________________________________ Serving over 30,000 youth across 22 counties, the GREATER ALABAMA COUNCIL is one of the largest in the U.S. Their UNIVERSITY OF SCOUTING this past Saturday, with some 300 wonderful Scouters and youth members participating on a delightful sunny and warm day, was a highlight for all…especially me! Sincere thanks to KENDALL BROWN, RANDY […]

________________________________________ Dear Andy, Our troop will be going in a high-adventure kayaking trip on the Colorado River. One of the parents in our troop would like to bring his ten year-old daughter along. What’s the BSA policy on siblings attending high-adventure trips like this? (Karl Smith, Grand Canyon Council, AZ) Here’s the good news: You […]

________________________________________ Dear Andy, Why does the BSA want the Scoutmaster to be the “messenger” between the PLC and the troop committee? The BSA Troop Organization Chart clearly shows this relationship. Moreover, the Senior Patrol Leader Handbook does not include as one of his duties contact or communication with the committee. And the Troop Committee Guidebook […]

________________________________________ SAVE THE DATE! SATURDAY – MARCH 8th. If you’re in the area, consider signing up for the Greater Alabama Council’s UNIVERSITY OF SCOUTING! It’ll be held on the campus of Jefferson State Community College, 2601 Carson Road in Birmingham. I’m honored to have been asked to be their keynote speaker that day, and I’ll […]

________________________________________ SAVE THE DATE! SATURDAY – MARCH 8th. If you’re in the area, consider signing up for the Greater Alabama Council’s UNIVERSITY OF SCOUTING! It’ll be held on the campus of Jefferson State Community College, 2601 Carson Road in Birmingham. I’m honored to have been asked to be their keynote speaker that day, and I’ll […]

________________________________________ Hi Andy, What kind of training is available for new troop committee members, especially as it relates to how to conduct boards of review? (Name & Council Withheld) For general training, the BSA offers “The Troop Committee Challenge” as a training course all members of the committee would benefit by signing up for. It’s […]

________________________________________ Hi Andy, I enjoy reading your column—it’s extremely helpful. Now, I have a question… We’re a troop of 17 Scouts. Seven of these are Life rank, two are Eagles, and only one is under age 13. We have two patrols. We’re expecting between six and eight new Scouts shortly (Webelos cross-overs), so our Scoutmaster […]

________________________________________ Dear Andy, It seems, of late, that boards of review are being treated more like job interviews—a discovery process that’s very difficult to keep from devolving into re-testing—rather than what I think the BSA intends for them to be: more like job “performance” reviews where, in conclusion, Scouts are given, in effect, merit promotions. […]