{"id":76,"date":"2003-04-03T14:08:01","date_gmt":"2003-04-03T19:08:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/netcommissioner.com\/askandy\/?p=76"},"modified":"2011-11-03T14:09:05","modified_gmt":"2011-11-03T18:09:05","slug":"issue-12-april-2003","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/netcommissioner.com\/askandy\/2003\/04\/issue-12-april-2003\/","title":{"rendered":"Issue 12 – April 2003"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Hi Andy<\/em><\/strong>!<\/em><\/strong><\/tt><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This is J.C. from Montague again. I want you to know we were able to find and contact our Commissioner, and he met with our Pack Committee. He\u2019s going to help us iron out our Cubmaster problem, and we\u2019re all working together now. I don\u2019t think we would have called the Commissioner if it hadn\u2019t been for you. Thank you so much! I think we\u2019re on the right track now! (J.C., Pack Committee, Montague, NJ)<\/em><\/strong><\/tt><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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That\u2019s really great news! I\u2019m glad I could help\u2013that\u2019s what we Commissioners are for! Keep on keepin\u2019 on!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Dear Andy,<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We have a new Scout in our Troop \u2013 He\u2019s from another country and he doesn\u2019t swim and nobody in his family does, either. Because of this, he can\u2019t pass the Second Class swimming requirement and he\u2019s on the edge of dropping out of Scouting and our Troop because he can\u2019t advance. Are there any \u201calternate requirements\u201d he can do instead of this swimming one that he can\u2019t? (C.B., ASM, North Branch, NJ)<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Your question\u2019s an interesting variation on the same requirement, last month. It raises two important points. The first is rank requirements, and the second\u2019s about boys learning new skills. I did some more research on the requirement part of your question, and here\u2019s what I found out: Yes, alternate requirements can be substituted for what\u2019s in the book, says the BSA National Council, so long as we\u2019re talking about \u201ca permanent physical or mental disability\u201d confirmed by \u201ca licensed physician or educational administrator.\u201d But that doesn\u2019t sound like what we have here. What it seems more like is that you have a \u201cpre<\/span>-swimmer\u201d in your Troop (\u201cpre-swimmer\u201d sounds better to me than non<\/span>-swimmer, because \u201cnon\u201d sort of suggests an impossibility but \u201cpre\u201d just says that there\u2019s something new to learn!). So what we\u2019re really looking at is learning a new skill. That\u2019s part of the Troop\u2019s responsibility\u2013including you and the Troop\u2019s other adult leaders. So the real question is this: Where and how are you going to find a way for this Scout to learn to swim? At camp? Maybe a local Y or swim club? How about the backyard pool of a qualified swimming instructor or Swimming Merit Badge Counselor? Whichever way you go, be sure to use the \u201cBuddy System\u201d \u2013 It\u2019s not only safe; it helps the Scout feel not so \u201calone.\u201d And here\u2019s the best part\u2014When this Scout succeeds, as I\u2019m confident he will, he\u2019ll be the very first swimmer in his family! How cool is that!?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Dear Andy,<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

One of the fathers in our Troop is an expert on Indian Lore and would like to be a Counselor for the Merit Badge, but just for the Scouts in our Troop, since he has a hectic business schedule and not a lot of free time. Is this OK? (B.E., Milford, NH)<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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In a word: Nope! It\u2019s really terrific that he\u2019s willing to step forward and counsel Scouts on a Merit Badge that\u2019s fun, informative, and helps boys understand more of the American heritage. But he can\u2019t be restrictive, and that\u2019s a BSA policy. It\u2019s a pretty good one, too, because one of the finest things about Scouting is that it\u2019s always in<\/span>clusive and never ex<\/em>clusive! I hope you can convince him that the rewards of counseling far outweigh the inconveniences of making time in his busy schedule.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Dear Andy,<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In the last two years I\u2019ve had three Eagle Scout dads sign their sons up for our Pack and positively refuse when asked if they could help with Pack activities. Any suggestions how we can get them back into active participation? (E.L., Cub Pack Chair, Lawrenceville, GA)<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ouch! Been there! Here’s what I did… Instead of shuffling my feet and staring at them while sorta hinting around that we could use some help or wouldn’t they like to help out, I held “New Parent Orientation” meetings whenever a new boy joined the Pack. Then, the Cubmaster and I (I was Committee Chair) described our Pack\u2019s activities and program, and told how Cub Scouting is a PARTNERSHIP between parent and child. We pointed out that folks whose sons are in this Pack all have jobs. Some, like Den Leaders, a lot; others, like “Snack Parents” at our Pack meetings, a little. Then, we put a bunch of index cards on the table \u2013 each card naming and describing a job, like: “Pack Activity Driver-Drives 6 Cub Scouts to-and-from the annual Cub Circus” or “Den Leader-Is responsible for weekly meetings, in your home…” We told the new parents that they can look over these cards and pick one or more that fits them best, and EVERY card must be chosen. We recorded who chose what card, for follow-up. And guess what \u2013 The smart parents picked their cards right away and ultimately every card was chosen by someone! Now, what about someone who absolutely refuses to pick a card? Well, you may have to “hang tough” and simply say that, in this Pack, folks contribute and if this can’t happen maybe there’s another Pack in their area where they might be happier \u2013 and then stick to it! If you need to go that route, I can promise you this: This will only be difficult the first time; after that, you’ll be more relaxed and comfortable, and word will get out that this is how you operate. Hey, what would you rather have \u2013 a moment of being uncomfortable or three or more years of frustration on your part and grumbling by the parents who are contributing and getting the job done? <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Hello Andy,<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m a Commissioner, and in one of the Troops I serve there\u2019s an overzealous committee chair who feels that she needs to tell people how to do their jobs. She\u2019s even tried to tell me how to do mine! She has no son in the troop; she\u2019s the wife of one of the Assistant Scoutmasters. Is there a way to deal with an overzealous committee chair without resorting to the old \u201cjust yes them to death\u201d routine? (S.C., UC in New Jersey)<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Every unit has its own personality, and so does leadership! Personalities aside for just a moment, when you visit this Troop, here’s what you want to be observing and asking yourself: <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

– Do the meetings have a PLANNED PROGRAM? <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

– Are they STARTING & ENDING ON TIME?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

– Are MOST IF NOT ALL OF THE SCOUTS SHOWING UP?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

– Are there SCOUTCRAFT & SCOUTCRAFT GAMES? INTERPATROL?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

– Is the SENIOR PATROL LEADER running the meeting? Through the PLs?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

– Are they using the PATROL METHOD, with ELECTED LEADERS?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

– Are ADVANCEMENTS evident?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

– Can you see PLANNING FOR FUTURE ACTIVITIES?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

– Are they PARTICIPATING IN DISTRICT & COUNCIL EVENTS?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

– Does the Troop do LONG-TERM COUNCIL CAMPING?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

– Are there HIKES or CAMPOUTS planned or done?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

– Does the Troop do an ANNUAL SERVICE PROJECT for their sponsor?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

– Are ADULTS TAKING TRAINING?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

– Do the COMMITTEE AND PARENTS SUPPORT the TROOP’S PROGRAM?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

If these things are happening, then I’d say tolerate the Chair’s personality. If not, then the question is really: Does this personality bother the other Troop leaders? Because this is really an “inside-the-Troop” issue, and if they’re OK, you’re OK!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Dear Andy,<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We have a new Scout in our Troop who\u2019s a vegetarian. His parents want to know what menu adjustments the Troop and his Patrol will make on hikes and campouts, to accommodate him. We\u2019ve not had this situation before, and don\u2019t really know what to tell them. (S.D., SM, Metuchen, NJ)<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Being a vegetarian, vegan, Kosher, Hindi, no-meat-on-Friday Roman Catholic or Episcopalian, or having any other non-\u201cmainstream\u201d dietary preferences or restrictions is usually a personal decision, and is likewise certainly a valid one that no Scouting unit would purposefully interfere with, treat lightly, or demean in any way. This said, such personal dietary preferences or restrictions are usually best accommodated by the individual. This assures accuracy and guarantees that \u201cthe letter of the law,\u201d as it were, is met. Consequently, the Troop might want to advise this Scout and his parents that there will always be \u201croom\u201d in the Troop for his preferences, always \u201croom\u201d in his backpack for whatever special foods he may need to bring with him, and never any demands that he consume exactly what his Patrol cooks or Troop provides.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Hi Andy,<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

What are the restrictions for fund raising at the Troop level. In other words, what activities are prohibited and what activities are acceptable to raise funds for our Troop. The reason I\u2019m asking is because a gracious patron has offered to donate a Jet-ski and trailer to the Troop. Based on Guide to Safe Scouting, personal, powered watercraft like this are prohibited, so the Troop has no use for the equipment. We tried giving it to the District for use at our Aquatics Base, but of course the same rules apply, so they can\u2019t use it, either. So, we\u2019re thinking about either raffling or auctioning it off, and then use the proceeds to fund Troop activities. I was told raffles are prohibited since they are too close to gambling, so I suggested a silent auction. The other alternative is to simply sell it and add the cash from the sale to the Troop\u2019s piggy bank. What are your thoughts on this type of fund-raiser. (M.M., ADC, Atlanta, GA)<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

First, let\u2019s talk about fund-raisers in general. The BSA\u2019s “Guide to Safe Scouting” is worth checking out, because it has a whole list of ways to make sure whatever you do is done safely and appropriately. For any fund-raiser, you\u2019ll want to be sure to get a FUND-RAISING PERMIT from your Council Service Center before starting. Then, my trusty TROOP COMMITTEE GUIDEBOOK tells me that you want to get approval from your Council, your Unit Committee, and your Sponsor (Chartered Partner) before you start any fund-raiser (this includes methods, dates, location, and so on). All fund-raisers also have to conform to not only local ordinances but also with the ideals and purposes of the BSA (like, nothing to do with gambling, fireworks, paint-balling\u2014you get the idea). There are other stipulations, but these strike me as some of the main ones. Be sure to check everything out yourself, first\u2014Like Davy Crockett said, “Be sure you’re right; then go ahead!” <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now, let\u2019s tangle with that jet-ski! Now I’m no expert on the nuances between raffles and lotteries and gambling and such, but I sure can tell you this: At virtually every Boy Scout patch Trade-O-Ree I’ve ever been to, there’s a silent auction, and at several council-level fund-raisers silent auctions went on all night. So, that’s the route I’d look at, first, and there\u2019s a better than even chance you\u2019ll get the OK from your council. But maybe an even simpler way to do this is to tell the Troop’s patron that you can’t accept the jet ski for BSA policy reasons, but if he\u2019s willing to sell it himself, you’d be happy to give him a receipt for his cash donation. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Dear Andy,<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I have a Scoutmaster who wants me to find a Counselor for Fly Fishing Merit Badge. I\u2019m not aware of a Fly Fishing Merit Badge. Is this a new one that I\u2019ve not found information on or is he mistaken? Also where on the internet can one find a list of all active merit badges? Thanks!<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In late May 2002, Fly Fishing Merit Badge became “official.” Check out the requirements here: http:\/\/www.meritbadge.com\/bsa\/mb\/135.htm<\/a> and while you\u2019re at it, check the rest of this site for a list of current and \u201cold\u201d Merit Badges. Your council or district may not have a Counselor specifically for Fly Fishing yet, and if that\u2019s the case, tell that Scoutmaster that he can check out the Counselors for Fishing and he’ll probably find a fly caster among them! Good hunting… er, fishing! <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Dear Andy,<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m the grandmother of a 17-year-old Life Scout who did his project and was Senior Patrol Leader in his Troop, but still has just a couple of Merit Badges missing in order to earn Eagle. Is there anything I say to him, to encourage him to do this? He\u2019s got a girlfriend now, and that\u2019s where he seems to be spending all his time lately. (C.G., Pensacola, FL)<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a message for the young man who\u2019s about to become a \u201cLife for life\u201d… Scout, if you have a few months between now and your 18th birthday, that’s enough time to get a couple of Merit Badges! On the other hand, if, let’s say, you’ll turn 18 in 2 months and you still need Personal Management (which takes 3 months, minimum), then you’ve run out of time! So, you’ll end your “Boy Scout career” as a Life Scout, and that\u2019s pretty darned good! But, if you do have time, then you might want to go for it\u2014maybe just to prove to yourself that you can do it! And I can promise you this: If your girlfriend’s really, really cool, she’ll be on your side and want you to be an Eagle Scout (Hey, it tells all her friends she’s hanging with a real winner!). So, the choice is yours, and whatever decision you make, you\u2019ll “own” it for the rest of your life. As you\u2019re thinking it over, you might want to know that being an Eagle Scout isn\u2019t \u201ceverything,\u201d but it does do three things \u2013 It will give you the satisfaction of knowing you can \u201cdo it,\u201d it will delight your family, and it will thrill the parents of your date! Promise! <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Dear Andy,<\/em> <\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This year, our Philmont Trek crew has a Scout who\u2019s allergic to any and all corn products. I had a Scout in our Troop years ago that had the same problem, and he went to Philmont and had a great time. This Scout and his family are sending me detailed information, but I could use help and information on this subject, and how Philmont assists. (W.P., Crew Advisor, Philadelphia, PA)<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the Philmont Guidebook to Adventure<\/span>, (see pp. 21 and 22) they explain the procedure for special trail menus. There are many reasons crew members may have a need for special meals including allergies, dietary needs, religious preferences, and so on. In most cases, Philmont Trek crew members with special dietary needs are expected to package and bring their own food. However, Philmont will help with the logistics of getting the food to the right place, at the right time (the famous \u201cfood drops\u201d) in the backcountry, so that there\u2019s no food-related reason why these people can\u2019t enjoy taking a Trek. Also, if you call Philmont Camping Headquarters (505-367-2281), they\u2019ll be happy to send you a copy of the latest Trail Menu. Give the crew member and his family a copy of this, so they can determine what adjustments may need to be made. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Dear Andy, <\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Our Troop was formed about 18 months ago with a small group of scouts from another troop. When we began, we\u2014the committee\u2014appointed the oldest Scout as Senior Patrol Leader. He took his leadership training and has served in this role for 18 months. We now have over 25 Scouts in our Troop! Last week, after consultation with the committee, our Scoutmaster appointed the next Senior Patrol leader. But, right after the announcement was made, another Scout came forward seeking this position as well. It had been decided since our Troop inception that the Scout just chosen by the Scoutmaster was the most mature, and since he had also attended junior leader training, he would be the next SPL until our Troop had time to create by-laws and policy to govern elections. Nonetheless, our Scoutmaster met with all of the older Scouts who would be eligible, and explained why he had chosen the one he had, for SPL, and all of these Scouts were offered an opportunity to speak about this privately. Of the four, two Scouts had no desire to be SPL, one had been waiting for the change, and the fourth only voiced his interest after all actions had been completed. At this point the Scoutmaster has asked that a \u201ccommittee\u201d of the Scouts and some adults be formed, to create the rules that will govern the process, thus allowing the SPL that was appointed serve his term while this process is established. Is what we have done ok, or should we now sacrifice the one Scout who thinks he\u2019s SPL to provide \u201cScout #2\u201d the opportunity for an election, or should we ask that second Scout to wait six months while we put together the rules? We don\u2019t want this action to be nothing more than a popularity contest. Please advise your thoughts. (Tom)<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Well, the Scouts have had Junior Leader Training, but I’m wondering what training you adults have had. I’m wondering, because, right on page 13 of the Scoutmaster’s Handbook (1998 Edition — but it’s been in every edition of every SM Handbook since the first) it says: “The Senior Patrol Leader…is ELECTED<\/span> BY ALL MEMBERS (meaning the Scouts; not the adults) OF THE TROOP.” That’s it. That’s the bottom line. You don\u2019t need \u201cby-laws\u201d on this. It should be a \u201cdone deal.\u201d Now, there\u2019s no question that sometimes you get a Senior Patrol Leader who\u2019s real sparkplug, and sometimes you get a sack ‘o hammers. But that’s part of what Scouting is all about, and that’s how boys learn to make decisions! If we “all wise and all-knowing” adults get in the way of this, we’re getting in the way of a Scouting fundamental. Same with Patrol Leaders \u2013 They’re elected by the members of their Patrol. It isn’t this way “by accident,” and this isn’t “optional.” This is a fundamental part of how boys learn and how boys grow. It’s what sets Scouting apart from every other youth-oriented organization there is! Next, let’s talk about “popularity contests.” OF COURSE elections are popularity contests. Think about it… Would it make sense that the Troop goof-off, clown, no-show, fumble-fingers, still-tenderfoot-after-three-years, gets elected? Not likely. The “popular Scout” gets elected because he shows up, he helps out, he wears a smile, he’s willing to shoulder tasks others avoid, he SHOWS SCOUT SPIRIT! He’s popular — he gets elected. Pretty simple when you look at it this way! And, trust me, when it comes to something like this, THE SCOUTS THEMSELVES ALWAYS<\/span> KNOW BEST! So, with these considerations in mind, what do YOU<\/em> think is the right thing to do? (One more point\u201418 months is probably 12 months too long. Try holding elections every 6 months, with the understanding that the incumbent can run again! Yup, this is in the Scoutmaster\u2019s Handbook, too!) <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Dear Andy.
\nI have a Scoutmaster who needs me to help find a Fly Fishing Merit Badge Counselor. I\u2019m not aware of a Fly Fishing Merit Badge. Is this a new one that I haven\u2019t found information on, or is he mistaken? Also, where on the Internet can one find a list of all active merit badges? Thanks! (B.S. Unit Commissioner)<\/p>\n

<\/em><\/strong>In late May of 2002, Fly Fishing Merit Badge became “official.” Check out the requirements at http:\/\/www.meritbadge.com\/bsa\/mb\/135.htm<\/a>. Your Council or District may not have a Counselor specifically for this one (yet), so check out the Counselors for Fishing and you’ll probably find a fly caster among them! Good hunting…er, fishing! <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Dear Andy,<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Our son earned his Eagle at the age of 17 yr and worked on earning his first two Eagle palms, completing the 2nd palm just before he turned 18. Our council has everyone recharter by December and we just paid $10 in December 2002 so he could finish earning his 2nd palm before his next birthday. Now that he\u2019s 18, they want another $10, since he\u2019ll now be registered as an adult. We know about the $1 transfer when you move from one unit to another and the $1 transfer for bridging from Webelos to Boy Scouts. We say it should be just $1 to transfer from being a Boy Scout to being an adult Scouter in the same Troop. Is this correct, or does he now fill out an adult form and pay another $10? My husband and I are Unit Commissioners, too, and we\u2019d like to pass on the correct information to others. Thanks! (D.A.)<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Congratulations to you and your Eagle Scout son! Now, on this registration thing, I’d love to give you a direct answer, but part of it depends on the twelve-month “charter\/recharter cycle” in your council. BUT, if the $10 was paid in December and they’re asking for $10 more just two or three months later, sounds like someone can’t count right! You say he’s staying in the same Troop, and changing from “Boy Scout” to “Adult Leader” (probably an Assistant Scoutmaster). Then of course he’ll fill out a new application (he needs to complete the ADULT Application now) but his paid fee from December should carry forward without even a $1 “transfer” fee, because there’s no change in units. BUT (yeah, another “but”), consider how much of a hassle this’ll be, trying to convince somebody who can’t even count up months right! For ten bucks, I’d be tempted to just pay it and let that make the problem go away. All depends on how feisty you want to be! (This is in the “pick your battles department”!) <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dear Andy, <\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Our Troop was formed in September of 2001 with a small group of scouts. When we began, we-the committee-appointed the oldest boy as senior patrol leader. He took his leadership training, attended summer camp and Junior Leader Training. He\u2019s served in this role for 18 months. We now have over 25 Scouts in the Troop. Last week, after consultation with the committee, our Scoutmaster appointed the next Senior Patrol leader. Our Scoutmaster picked a Scout in the Troop who actually expressed an interest in being the next Senior Patrol Leader, and he was the only Scout who asked. But, after the announcement of who the next SPL would be was made, another Scout announced that he was interested in being SPL, too. Now the one picked to be next was, in the minds of the committee and the SM, most mature, and he had attended the training as well. So, we figured he\u2019d be the next SPL until our Troop had time to create by-laws and policy to govern elections. But the other Scout still expressed his interest in being SPL. Our Scoutmaster met with all of the older Scouts who would be eligible and explained why he had chose the Scout he did. He spoke to four Scouts, and none of them spoke up strongly about wanting the job. At this point, the Scoutmaster has asked that a committee be formed of the Scouts and some adults to create the rules that will govern the process, thus allowing the SPL that was appointed serve his term, since he\u2019s a good role model, while this process is established. We\u2019re a new Troop, and any issue that\u2019s come up thus far would have been easily resolved had we had by-laws. Is what we\u2019ve done OK, or should we now sacrifice the one Scout who thinks he\u2019s SPL to provided Scout #2 the opportunity for an election, or should we ask him to wait the six months while we put together the rules. We don\u2019t want an election that\u2019s nothing more than a popularity contest. Please advise your thoughts. (T.V.)<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glad you got a new Troop off the ground \u2013 You\u2019re truly the backbone of responsible citizenship in America (but don’t tell the Scouts that \u2013 tell \u2018em they’re gonna have FUN!) Now, let\u2019s look at your situation here. It\u2019s great that the Scouts have had Junior Leader Training, but I’m wondering what training you adults have had! I’m wondering, because, right on page 13 of the Scoutmaster’s Handbook (1998 Edition — but it’s been in every edition of every SM Handbook since the first) it says: “The Senior Patrol Leader…is ELECTED<\/span> BY ALL MEMBERS (meaning the Scouts; not the adults) OF THE TROOP.” That’s it. That’s the bottom line. Now, sometimes you get a real sparkplug, and sometimes you get a sack ‘o hammers. But that’s part of what Scouting is all about, and that’s how boys learn to make decisions! If we “all wise and all-knowing” adults get in the way of this, we’re getting in the way of a Scouting fundamental. Same with Patrol Leaders. They’re elected by the members of their Patrol. It isn’t this way “by accident,” and this isn’t “optional.” This is a fundamental part of how boys learn and how boys grow. It’s what sets Scouting apart from every other youth-oriented organization there is! So forget writing your \u201cby-laws\u201d \u2013 they\u2019re already written for you! Now, let’s talk about “popularity contests.” OF COURSE elections are popularity contests. Think about it… Would it make sense that the Troop goof-off, clown, no-show, fumble-fingers, gets elected? Not likely. But, even if this does happen, then it’s up to the Troop to deal with it, including the Scouts, most of all! The “popular Scout” gets elected because he shows up, he helps out, he wears a smile, he’s willing to shoulder tasks others avoid, he SHOWS SCOUT SPIRIT! He’s popular. He gets elected. Pretty simple when you look at it this way! And, trust me, when it comes to something like this, THE SCOUTS THEMSLEVES ALWAYS<\/span> KNOW BEST! So, with these considerations in mind, what do YOU<\/em> think is the right thing to do? <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Oh, one other thing: 18 months is probably 12 months too long. Try holding elections every 6 months, and the incumbent can run again! (Yup, this is in the Scoutmaster\u2019s Handbook, too!) <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Dear Andy,<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I’m planning an outing for our Den of Tiger Cubs in June. The place we\u2019ve picked to go is willing to give us a 50% discount, which will be an enormous help, but they\u2019d like me to write them on Scout letterhead. This seems like the sort of thing where Council can help. Yes? (C.L., Tiger Cub Leader)
\n<\/em><\/strong>
\nIf you give the name and address of the place to your District Executive (the person in the Scout Service Center who provides direct services to units in your District), I’m sure that he or she would be delighted to write and sign a letter on Council stationery that would help your Den go \u2013 and maybe even help your Pack earn the Summertime Award while you’re at it! A phone call should do it! <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Dear Andy,<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I heard a rumor that the Crime Prevention Patch had been discontinued (of course, these things are all overheard by someone’s friend). Is there any truth to this? We have had our Webelos Den complete Citizen and Family Member Activity Badges, had a talk by a NYPD detective on Internet safety, and we\u2019re are making 30 mouse pads with Internet safety rules for the local school (the PTA there is our Chartered Organization). Do I need to find an alternate special patch? (M.D, CM, White Plains, NY)<\/p>\n

<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Check with the BSA National Supply Division (they have both a Web site and an “800” phone number). They can tell you whether this patch is still available and, if it is, how to order it. And, while we’re talking about special activities, be sure to check this out: <\/strong><\/span><\/span> www.nationstrails.com\/USHeritage\/<\/a> <\/span> <\/strong>Here, you’ll find a really terrific program for both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts! <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Dear Andy,<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve just had one of our leaders die. He was a great guy and he was only 44. He left behind 2 young kids \u2013 just 12 and 14 years old. We want to honor him by wearing something on our uniforms, such as an armband or black string tied into square knot hung from a pocket. Is there a BSA uniform standard for showing honor to a fallen leader? I\u2019m hoping \u201cnational\u201d had a policy about this. I wonder what they did when Lord Powell died? Thankx. (B.D., ASM) .<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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When my own Troop lost our Assistant Scoutmaster to “The Great Master of all Scouts,” the Scouts of the Troop formed an honor guard at the funeral, and as we filed past his final resting place, each of us placing a memento there… A Troop numeral, a patch from a Scout camp he had gone to with the Troop, a photo of the Scout in uniform. Each of us chose for ourselves. We wore black neckerchiefs that day, instead of our usual Troop colors. At the time, I didn\u2019t know whether this was “official” or not. It simply seemed the right thing to do. Since he, as my assistant, was truly my right-hand man and “unsung hero” of the Troop, we created a special award in his name and presented it at Courts of Honor to the most helpful Scout in the Troop, as decided by the Scouts themselves. So, is it \u201cofficial\u201d or not? From one who’s “been there,” don’t worry about “policy” in a situation like this \u2013 go with your heart and you’ll never be wrong! Godspeed.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Dear Andy,<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m a new Assistant District Commissioner. For the past year I\u2019ve been asked to sit on Eagle Boards of Review for the District that I serve in. I just had the pleasure of sitting on the Board for an Eagle candidate who had completed all of the requirements for Eagle, but about two years ago, he had joined a Venturing Crew that has the same sponsoring organization as the Troop. He hasn\u2019t participated with the Troop recently, but did have his tenure in a leadership position in the Troop before he went into Venturing. The real question is what to do with a Scout who gets to Life, joins a
\nVenturing Crew, stays registered with, but doesn\u2019t participate with the Troop, completes his Eagle requirements as a member of the Troop, and would like to come back to the Troop for his Eagle Board and Court of Honor? (G.H., ADC, Howell, MI)<\/p>\n

<\/em><\/strong>I’m going to assume from your description of the Eagle Board of review you attended that the Scout had completed the tenure and leadership positions in his Troop. The other Eagle requirements aren’t directly tied to Troop participation, so I’m not concerned about them, in the context you described. This being the case, what a wonderful compliment to his Scouting experience with the Troop that he wanted to “return” for his final step to Eagle! Yes, being “active” with the Troop remains a requirement, and there can’t be substitutions. But “active” is judgmental — it doesn’t mean every meeting or even an arbitrary percentage of meetings or outings. It follows from the principle of “do your best.” So, as long as the six months of “active” involvement (usually coupled with the leadership requirement — and that’s TROOP leadership!) is met, everything’s fine. And “dual registration” is definitely the way to go! The Venturing-Boy Scout relationship anticipates this, and it should work just fine. (By the way, did you know that the members of an Eagle Board \u2013 with the exception of the Council representative, of course \u2013 DON’T have to be registered in the BSA?) <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Dear Andy,<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Thanks for your reply (right above). Since you did so well with that one, here\u2019s another. Situation: A Scout is Life rank, and he\u2019s been working on his Eagle requirements. For the past year, he\u2019s has been the Chapter Vice-Chief in our Order of the Arrow Lodge. Not much involvement with the Troop, right now, but some day he\u2019ll want to finish his requirements for Eagle. He\u2019s 15 years old right now. He\u2019ll need to get back involved with his Troop, in order to finish Eagle \u2013 do I have that right? I could use a \u201csecond opinion\u201d because not a lot of the Scouters know me, since I\u2019m a new ADC, and they continue to go to the DE in our area when they have questions like this. Thanks again. (G.H., ADC, Howell, MI)<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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You actually have two questions here, although you may not know about the second one just yet… Let’s tackle the first one. For Eagle, requirement 4 states: “While a Life Scout, serve actively for a period of six months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility…” And one of those is now OA TROOP REPRESENTATIVE. Notice that this doesn’t say “in the last six month period before Eagle…” It just says “six months.” ANY six months! And once a requirement is completed, it never expires and never has to be repeated (that’s true for Merit Badge requirements, too!). So, when this Scout completes his six months of active leadership, he’s done, and this requirement should be signed off right then and there! <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Now, let’s talk a little about how a Commissioner works with a DE who hasn’t relinquished his second job as Commissioner. Buy him a cuppa java and say this: “As a Commissioner, I need something from you. I need for you to not do my job, and do your job instead. Specifically, when someone in one of the units I service asks you a question that’s really a Commissioner’s job to answer, I need for you to refer that person over to me instead of answering the question. In exchange for this, I’ll do the same thing for you, and I’ll give you a ‘heads up’ that the question is coming your way. This way, I can do my job better, and you can concentrate on doing the things a DE has to do to be successful, and you’ll always have my support.” If the DE doesn’t “get it” at this point, don’t get frustrated or angry. Just say to yourself, “This DE’s got a LOT to learn!” And then just go do your job. But, a really smart DE will take you up on this in a heartbeat! <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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HERE\u2019S THE ANSWER TO MARCH\u2019S \u201cSCOUT TRIVIA\u201d QUESTION<\/span>: <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I asked, \u201cIn the movie, \u2018Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade,\u2019 young Indy\u2019s wearing a red, heart-shaped rank badge on his Boy Scout uniform. What\u2019s the next<\/span> rank he\u2019ll earn?\u201d<\/em> The answer is STAR\u2013At that time, the order of ranks above First Class was Life-Star-Eagle.<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The first one to get it right (he emailed me on March 13th<\/sup>) is <\/span><\/span>Marty Doyle, who\u2019s Cubmaster of Pack 20 in White Plains, NY! <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Happy Scouting!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Andy<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

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Have a question or problem? Got an idea that will help others? Send an email to <\/em>AskAndyBSA@yahoo.com<\/a><\/span> (Include your town and state, please)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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(April 2003)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Hi Andy! This is J.C. from Montague again. I want you to know we were able to find and contact our Commissioner, and he met with our Pack Committee. He\u2019s going to help us iron out our Cubmaster problem, and we\u2019re all working together now. I don\u2019t think we would have called the Commissioner if […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-76","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-13"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/netcommissioner.com\/askandy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/netcommissioner.com\/askandy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/netcommissioner.com\/askandy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/netcommissioner.com\/askandy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/netcommissioner.com\/askandy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=76"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/netcommissioner.com\/askandy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":77,"href":"http:\/\/netcommissioner.com\/askandy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76\/revisions\/77"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/netcommissioner.com\/askandy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=76"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/netcommissioner.com\/askandy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=76"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/netcommissioner.com\/askandy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=76"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}