Rule No. 60: • The extent of “politics” in any organization is inversely proportional to its ability to show results. MARLINSPIKE SKILLS A marlinspike is a tool used in rope-work, to unlay rope for splicing, untie knots, form a toggle, and more. It’s been the essential rope-working tool of sailors for centuries untold. Two absolute […]

Rule No. 59: • When your good work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt. Dear Andy, You noted, recently, that the new EAGLE SCOUT SERVICE PROJECT WORKBOOK allows for a project proposal to be presented as an overview, instead of (previously) a full-blown work plan, and commented that this was both a step in the right […]

Rule No. 58: • If “the fine print” were your friend, it would be printed in large. Hi Andy, I’m starting work on my College of Commissioner Science doctoral thesis. One idea I got from reading your column… In Ask Andy Column 281, a Scouter asked about Roundtables for Senior Patrol Leaders and Brent Bomer […]

Rule No. 57: • One troop in town will constantly struggle to stay afloat; two troops in town will both succeed. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! Scouters, today’s a special day to thank your own Valentines for their understanding, as they watch you trot off to all your Scouting events! Without their understanding, our movement would be […]

Rule No. 55: In phone conversations with fools, say whatever will make them pause; then hang up. Dear Andy, Do the Scouts themselves need to raise whatever funds may be needed for their Eagle Scout Leadership Service Projects? (Name & Council Withheld) For projects that require funding of some sort (for materiel, etc.), there’s no […]

“TROOP-SPOTTING” Your son’s soon going to receive his Arrow of Light badge and graduate from Cub Scouting into the real adventure of BOY SCOUTING!  He and his den have already visited at least one Boy Scout troop meeting and one Boy Scout outdoor activity.  Now it’s your turn… You and he together will visit a […]

Rule No. 54: The more logical and simple the Scouting procedure or policy, the more it will be ignored. Dear Andy, I’m a pack Committee Chair struggling with the definition of an Arrow of Light Scout visiting “a troop meeting with his den.”  Our Scouts are always invited to events with the troop we feed, […]

Rule No. 52: • Conscience is what you do when nobody’s looking. Rule No. 53: • The Scouting units that actually thank their commissioner are often the ones for whom he’s done the least. “SUPER 8” Every now and again a movie comes along that fits closely with one or more of the values or […]

Rule No. 50: • Beware excess enthusiasm. It often masks incompetence. Rule No. 51: • It’s lonesome at the bottom, too. It’s just more crowded. Hi Andy, About the signature now required by the Scout himself, in his Eagle project workbook, while unfortunately it’s true that one of the main reasons the process was changed […]

Rule No. 48: Want to create half-hearted Scouts?  It’s easy: Just wear a half-hearted uniform. Rule No. 49: No boy can be saved from his own parents. My “Winter Tale” must have struck home for many readers… Thank you for your responses!  I’ve chosen one to represent all… This one is from a Scouting volunteer […]