Dear Andy, I’m looking for plans for a pack advancement ladder, ideally one that comes apart and stores nicely. Can any of your readers help? (Carl Sommer, CM, Occoneechee Council, NC: cubmaster@pack222nc.org) If you have what Carl’s looking for, you can send them directly to him (his email address is there) or to me and […]

This boy’s tying his very first square knot, and learning how it symbolizes his connection to Scouting. Nothing unusual, right? Except… He’s an Iraqi, in Baghdad, right now, this very moment.He was taught this knot, and lots of other stuff, too, by American Scouters in the military, giving their precious free time, and money, and […]

A Scouter told me that the sheepshank knot has been removed from the Scouting program. I can’t find that information anywhere. Is this a fact, or just wishful thinking? (Ralph Lee)Yes, you heard it here: The sheepshank knot has been removed as a result of high-level conversations between the BSA and PETA. Seems that far […]

Hi Andy, The son of a friend and co-worker is currently serving in the 82nd Airborne, in Iraq. His military unit is stationed in an Iraqi village where some American Girl Scout volunteer leaders have started up a troop for the girls of the village, complete with the famous Girl Scout cookies! My friend’s son […]

Hi Andy, While catching up on some of your columns that I missed over the summer, I noticed you’re your comments about the Roman Catholic Church’s “Protecting God’s Children” training program; in particular, this statement: “…The (R.C.) church powers-that-be do need to understand that Cub Scout camping is not like Boy Scout camping, where a […]

Howdy Andy,Your October 12th column had a question about whether or not the Wood Carving merit badge required earning the Totin’ Chip. I think you may have given out some incorrect information. Req. 2a says: “Earn the Totin’ Chip recognition”. (My pamphlet’s 2002, so I may have an outdated list of requirements, and I’ll check […]

Hi, Andy, When I became a Scout leader five years ago I found that Morse Code was no longer in the Boy Scout Handbook, because everyone now has a cell phone. But when our Scouts go camping at remote campsites, there’s no cell phone service. So is there a good reason why Morse Code is […]

Dear Andy, On “Green Bar Bill” Hillcourt being an Eagle Scout, I’ve looked at multiple web pages in search of a definitive answer. I’ve found multiple answers. Only one of them says that he earned the BSA Eagle Scout, and that’s Wikipedia. All the others say he earned the Danish equivalent. As I read the […]

Dear Andy, After hours of research, I can’t find anything about a “recruiter strip” for adults. There’s plenty of information on these patches for youth (including local incentive patches), but I have a volunteer who insists she’s seen an adult wearing one, and she wants one, too. If anyone has information on this, please advise. […]

Dear Andy, I agree with the advice you gave that new Den Leader in your September 10th column. I’d add this: GO TO ROUNDTABLE! Learn from those who have experienced the trail you’re traveling. Leaders, especially new leaders, will learn from the Roundtable staff, but perhaps even more importantly they’ll learn from the folks sitting […]