{"id":840,"date":"2010-06-12T15:17:47","date_gmt":"2010-06-12T19:17:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/netcommissioner.com\/askandy\/?p=840"},"modified":"2011-11-13T15:25:44","modified_gmt":"2011-11-13T20:25:44","slug":"issue-219-june-12-2010","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/netcommissioner.com\/askandy\/2010\/06\/issue-219-june-12-2010\/","title":{"rendered":"Issue 219 – June 12, 2010"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

I\u2019<\/span><\/strong>m acting as a temporary <\/span><\/strong>D<\/span><\/strong>en Leader for my son<\/span><\/strong>\u2019<\/span><\/strong>s Tiger Cub den. I didn’t realize until I found this website that there<\/span><\/strong>\u2019<\/span><\/strong>s a new <\/span><\/strong>Video Game belt loop being offered for Cub Scouts. I’m <\/span><\/strong>an <\/span><\/strong>Eagle Scout<\/span><\/strong>, and <\/span><\/strong>I didn’t earn th<\/span><\/strong>at rank<\/span><\/strong> by sitting on my butt playing Pac-Man and Donkey Kong<\/span><\/strong>!<\/span><\/strong> I’m very troubled and disturbed by this. I think you guys are lowering the expectation level. I think it<\/span><\/strong>\u2019<\/span><\/strong>s a joke. I understand we<\/span><\/strong>\u2019<\/span><\/strong>re only talking about young kids here, and everyone says you have to change with the times, but this is ridiculous. (Tom Riley<\/span><\/strong>, <\/span><\/strong>Pine Tree Council<\/span><\/strong>, ME)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

I hear you loud n\u2019 clear. It may help a bit to recognize that the <\/span>Cub Scout <\/span> belt loop and pin programs are supplemental, only. They’re not mandatory in any sense, and all Tigers, Wolves, Bears, and Webelos <\/span>will <\/span>focus first on the achievements and electives in their handbooks.<\/span> Then, if there’s time left over and they’ve already earned their rank badges and a bunch of arrow points and so on, they might consider tackling a few of the academics and sports offerings in this supplemental program.<\/span> They’re simple, harmless, and many of them can be knocked off i<\/span>n a single den meeting or outing.<\/span> In other words, it’s no biggie.<\/span>Don’t fret…<\/span> Regular ranks <\/span>and their requirements <\/span> in both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts haven’t been dumbed-down. Honest!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

Why is the order of the Eagle Palms: Bronze, Gold,<\/span><\/strong>and then<\/span><\/strong> Silver?<\/span><\/strong>Logically, one would think the order <\/span><\/strong>w<\/span><\/strong>ould be Bronze, Silver, then Gold. <\/span><\/strong><\/strong>I\u2019m sure the BSA must have a reason for this and I\u2019m <\/span><\/strong>curious to know. <\/span><\/strong>(Dave McMann<\/span><\/strong>,<\/span><\/strong>Blue Ridge<\/span><\/strong> Council, SC)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Great question, and the answer\u2019s available with just a little bit of on-line research: <\/span>The BSA follows the military order, whereby silver supersedes gold (or brass).<\/span> One citation gives us this tidbit: <\/span>Although g<\/span>old is worth more than silver, silver outranks gold, because in 1832 <\/span>the <\/span> U.S. Army decreed that infantry colonels would wear gold eagles on an epaulette of silver <\/span>while<\/span> all other colonels would wear silver eagles on gold<\/span>, but w<\/span>hen majors and lieutenant colonels received the leaves, this tradition couldn\u2019t continue<\/span>, s<\/span>o silver leaves <\/span> were designated to <\/span>represent<\/span> lieutenant colonels<\/span>,<\/span> and gold, majors.<\/span> This tradition was<\/span> borrowed from the British <\/span> military tradition, <\/span>so, since our founder, Robert S.S. Baden-Powell, had been a British <\/span>Lieut<\/span>enant General, <\/span>he <\/span>transposed <\/span> the tradition <\/span>to <\/span>the <\/span> Scouting movement<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, where the common expression is \u201cgo for the gold,\u201d in Scouting we go for the silver. This also tells you why the \u201ceagle\u201d itself is silver and not gold. Also, the badges of the highest-level council staffers (both volunteer and professional) are also largely silver, and as \u201cranks\u201d move closer to the unit level, more and more gold color is introduced. Also, where the old Scoutmaster emblems were silver, those of Assistant Scoutmasters were gold and Junior Assistant Scoutmasters were gold-and-brown.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now some sharp-eyed readers are sure to wonder why<\/span> the shoulder loops of regional and national Scouters (both volunteer and professional) are gold, while those of council staffers are silver. I can only speculate here. My guess<\/span>es are<\/span> that either (a) somebody goofed or (b) somebody wisely realized that regional and national Scouters serve largely as support to <\/span>our<\/span> council folks (and don\u2019t actually \u201cout-rank\u201d them), so gold would be more appropriate. I\u2019d like to believe that the latter of these two guesses is more accurate.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

I\u2019m a fairly new \u201cScout Dad\u201d <\/span><\/strong>in the troop my son transferred to when our family moved. I<\/span><\/strong>\u2019ve just become advancement coordinator for a troop whose predecessor to me in this position held it for some 20 years. As I\u2019m going through troop records and learning from some of the <\/span><\/strong>more seasoned volunteers in this troop, I\u2019m picking up some stuff that just doesn\u2019t feel right. For instance, we have an Eagle rank candidate who just completed all requirements and his Scoutmaster conference, and I\u2019m being asked to set up his \u201cpreliminary\u201d board of review. When I asked what this is, the other troop leaders told me that, for Eagle, we do a \u201cfull dress rehearsal\u201d with the Scout, so that he knows how to answer all the questions when we do the \u201creal\u2019 board of review and the council advancement committee representative is present, so <\/span><\/strong>that <\/span><\/strong>the \u201creal\u201d one<\/span><\/strong> goes well<\/span><\/strong>, with <\/span><\/strong>no \u201cglitches,\u201d they tell me. Then there are the \u201cskills reviews\u201d for the other ranks. Here, it seem<\/span><\/strong>s<\/span><\/strong> that<\/span><\/strong>,<\/span><\/strong> each time a Scout advances, he\u2019s tested on almost all knowledge and skills he\u2019s supposed to have acquired since first becoming a Scout\u2014from knot-tying to first aid procedures to compass-reading, to re-re-explaining what each point of the Scout Law means, <\/span><\/strong>etc.<\/span><\/strong> When I mentioned that this sounds like re-testing, which isn\u2019t permitted, according to BSA advancement policies (I\u2019m not exactly a babe-in-the-woods here, although some think I am\u2014I held this same position in my son\u2019s first troop, before we moved here), they dodge this by claiming \u201cit\u2019s only a \u2018review\u2019\u2014it\u2019s not a \u2018re-test,\u2019 so it\u2019s legal.\u201d <\/span><\/strong>(To me, the notion of <\/span><\/strong>calling a pig a swan <\/span><\/strong>doesn\u2019t <\/span><\/strong>change the fact that it<\/span><\/strong>\u2019s hairy and <\/span><\/strong>wallows in muck<\/span><\/strong>.) The other thing I\u2019ve noticed, in reviewing this troop\u2019s \u201cEagle Wall of Fame\u201d is that almost every one of the Scouts who made it to Eagle rank were within months (actually, usually weeks) of their 18<\/span><\/strong>th<\/span><\/sup><\/strong> birthdays<\/span><\/strong>. W<\/span><\/strong>hen I asked why this was, the answer was that the person who had this job before me didn\u2019t believe that a Scout could fully understand the meaning and significance of the Eagle rank till he\u2019d matured, and so most Scouts were stalled or otherwise held back from advancing until they\u2019d \u201cproperly matured,\u201d in this guy\u2019s eyes. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

So, I guess my question is: What now? Do I go along with the \u201ctraditions\u201d of this troop, or do I try to make some changes (and maybe make some enemies along the way)? Even the current Scoutmaster, who was a Scout in this troop, thinks that what my predecessor was doing was, as he put it, \u201cmaybe not perfect, but what\u2019s the harm?\u201d (Name & Council Withheld)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

What you seem to be faced with is a situation of advancement mis-handling that is several Scout-generations deep. If what you\u2019re telling me is even half-accurate, this troop has been off-the-mark for years, and the pity is they don\u2019t even seem to know it! I believe your best bet to get things right after so many years is to move slowly and gently. On things like those \u201cpreliminary\u201d Eagle reviews (which I\u2019d call stupid<\/span>, because they totally take away from the Scout himself any sense of spontaneity and conversation) and those \u201cskills reviews\u201d (which you\u2019ve correctly branded as totally illegal), I\u2019d probably suggest something along the lines of \u201clet\u2019s just try to do without, this time, and see how things go\u2026\u201d You might also want to be sure that you sit on every single board of review, from here on out, because you have no idea whether or not the Scouts are being \u201cgrilled\u201d and you\u2019ll need to cut this off instantly in the review. Finally, on the \u201cmaturing\u201d thing, this is endemic and will take a long time to get fixed, but if you keep current requirement-by-requirement\u2014by-rank records, you\u2019ll be able to \u201calert\u201d and encourage the Scoutmaster to conference with the troop\u2019s Scouts as soon as you see that their other requirements are done, so that you can then schedule their boards of review without any delay.<\/span><\/p>\n

You don\u2019t have an easy job, but at least I hope your predecessor\u2019s no longer involved actively with the troop, so that he can\u2019t try to undermine you<\/span>, blind-side you<\/span>, bad-mouth you behind your back, or decide<\/span> to have a confrontation. <\/span> In mean-spirited confrontations like that, there are no \u201cwinners\u201d\u2014only survivors. <\/span>Good luck \u2013 <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

My troop recently marched in a Memorial Day parade.<\/span><\/strong><\/strong> One of <\/span><\/strong>our S<\/span><\/strong>couts wanted to carry one of the parade rifles. One of the parade <\/span><\/strong>leaders informed th<\/span><\/strong>is Scout<\/span><\/strong> that he<\/span><\/strong>\u2019d need to be properly trained in how to carry a rifle before <\/span><\/strong>he\u2019d be <\/span><\/strong>permitted to <\/span><\/strong>do so, but another<\/span><\/strong> leader s<\/span><\/strong>aid<\/span><\/strong> that it<\/span><\/strong>\u2019s against BSA policy for a <\/span><\/strong>B<\/span><\/strong>oy Scout to carry a rifle during a parade.<\/span><\/strong><\/strong> Needless to say, <\/span><\/strong>it didn\u2019t happen<\/span><\/strong>. So, w<\/span><\/strong>hat are the <\/span><\/strong>BSA <\/span><\/strong>policies<\/span><\/strong>, if any,<\/span><\/strong> with respect to Boy Scouts carrying rifle<\/span><\/strong>s during a parade or similar activity? (Rick Brewster<\/span><\/strong>, ASM, <\/span><\/strong>Baltimore Area Council<\/span><\/strong>, MD)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Excellent question, and here’s your answer, <\/span>straight <\/span> from the Special Regulations section of the BSA <\/span>Insignia Guide<\/span><\/em> (No. 33066): “The wearing of special helmets, scarves, gloves, unofficial leggings, and the carrying of ceremonial guns or swords…is in violation of the <\/span>Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America<\/span><\/em>.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

One of our <\/span><\/strong>committee member<\/span><\/strong>s<\/span><\/strong> says <\/span><\/strong>that <\/span><\/strong>it<\/span><\/strong>\u2019s against BSA policy for a S<\/span><\/strong>cout to use the left<\/span><\/strong>-handed handshake with a committ<\/span><\/strong>ee<\/span><\/strong> person who is <\/span><\/strong>not in uniform.<\/span><\/strong><\/strong>But w<\/span><\/strong>e can<\/span><\/strong>\u2019t find <\/span><\/strong>any<\/span><\/strong> written reference to this<\/span><\/strong>. Do<\/span><\/strong> you know <\/span><\/strong>where we\u2019d find it<\/span><\/strong>? (Alice Reno)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Stop looking and make that Yo-Yo find it and show it to you. Why? Because it\u2019s unadulterated <\/span>horsepucky.<\/span>A<\/span><\/em>nyone<\/span><\/em> who is a Scout or Scouter and wants to get it right will use the left-hand handclasp, just like the rest of the <\/span>30 million <\/span> Scouts and Scouters on this planet.<\/span>Whether in uniform, in “civvies,” or wearing cowboy boots and a thong with a buffalo-horn headdress<\/span>, the left-handed handclasp between Scouts and Scouters (or any combination thereof) is never wrong<\/span>!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

I’ve searched high and low on <\/span><\/strong>a variety of online <\/span><\/strong>resources, <\/span><\/strong>and <\/span><\/strong>discussed th<\/span><\/strong>is issue with numerous <\/span><\/strong>S<\/span><\/strong>couting leaders<\/span><\/strong>, and can\u2019t seem to get an answer\u2026 M<\/span><\/strong>y question <\/span><\/strong>is<\/span><\/strong> this<\/span><\/strong>: Can a Scout perform a project and have that project count for two or three <\/span><\/strong>different requirements<\/span><\/strong>, for<\/span><\/strong> different merit badges? <\/span><\/strong>Now on the surface, most would say <\/span><\/strong>no way, <\/span><\/strong>but hear out the scope of the project to see if there is any variance on your thoughts<\/span><\/strong>..<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Having b<\/span><\/strong>eing raised around <\/span><\/strong>IT (<\/span><\/strong>Information Technology<\/span><\/strong>) my son set out <\/span><\/strong>to do <\/span><\/strong>req. <\/span><\/strong>4 or 5 of Family Life merit badge and <\/span><\/strong>req. <\/span><\/strong>7b of Communications merit badge, which in a somewhat related way, a Scout could also satisfy nearly a<\/span><\/strong>ll<\/span><\/strong>requirements for <\/span><\/strong>Computers merit badge. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

His p<\/span><\/strong>roject is to p<\/span><\/strong>lan, <\/span><\/strong>d<\/span><\/strong>esign, <\/span><\/strong>i<\/span><\/strong>mplement, and <\/span><\/strong>maintain an open-<\/span><\/strong>source <\/span><\/strong>home <\/span><\/strong>i<\/span><\/strong>nventory <\/span><\/strong>system. The r<\/span><\/strong>esources required<\/span><\/strong>include a<\/span><\/strong> computer tower <\/span><\/strong>with a CD-ROM drive<\/span><\/strong>, <\/span><\/strong>monitor, keyboard, mouse, power cords<\/span><\/strong>, <\/span><\/strong>power strip<\/span><\/strong>, data cables<\/span><\/strong>, <\/span><\/strong>blank writable CDs \/ DVDs<\/span><\/strong>, and <\/span><\/strong>notepad. Work details: a<\/span><\/strong>ssemble computer parts into a functioning machine, r<\/span><\/strong>esearch best open-source OS distribution for the project, download ISO-type file<\/span><\/strong>, u<\/span><\/strong>se CD<\/span><\/strong>–<\/span><\/strong>\/DVD<\/span><\/strong>-writing software to transfer ISO file to usable DVD, install operating system onto project computer plus <\/span><\/strong>database<\/span><\/strong>, web server<\/span><\/strong>, <\/span><\/strong>PHP<\/span><\/strong>, and i<\/span><\/strong>nventory system software<\/span><\/strong>, configure security<\/span><\/strong>, then c<\/span><\/strong>onfigure all to function properly together, testing with item entry. Finally, c<\/span><\/strong>ustomize\/personalize web entry\/lookup pages and p<\/span><\/strong>erform phased entry of items into system<\/span><\/strong>, then create b<\/span><\/strong>ackup database locally, to another computer, or to writable CD\/DVD. <\/span><\/strong>So<\/span><\/strong>,<\/span><\/strong> with this potentially many-week to many-month project, could any, in part or all, satisfy requirements across the <\/span><\/strong>merit badges<\/span><\/strong> I\u2019ve mentioned<\/span><\/strong>?<\/span><\/strong> Thanks in advance for your insight, and reference to any rules\/regulations that might apply here.<\/span><\/strong> (<\/span><\/strong>Arby Davis<\/span><\/strong>, ASM, <\/span><\/strong>Las Vegas<\/span><\/strong> Area Council, NV)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

This Scout should absolutely not proceed with this idea before speaking with each individual Merit Badge Counselor.<\/span><\/p>\n

To your question, you won’t find a BSA policy for what you’re looking for, because there isn’t one.<\/span> Acceptance and approval of such projects are the specific province of each individual Merit Badge Counselor.<\/span> One or more might give a green light; others may not. It all depends on whether or not the individual Merit Badge Counselor sees the project as fulfilling the letter and intent of the requirement at hand.<\/span> So, this Scout would serve himself well by obtaining a “Blue Card” (i.e., Merit Badge Application) for the merit badges he’s interested in and then, in meeting with the particular Merit Badge Counselor for each one, describe his project and ask the Counselor for approval.<\/span> The Counselor will decide.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond your question, the BSA-prescribed process for earning merit badges is to first obtain the <\/span>Merit Badge Application (aka \u201c<\/span>Blue Card<\/span>\u201d) and then meet personally with the specific Counselor to review the requirements and begin fulfilling each of them under the guidance and expertise of the Counselor’s watchful eye. To work on requirements in isolation and in advance of actually starting the merit badge (the BSA states that a Scout has started when he has his first meeting with the specific Counselor) is highly uncertain and dangerous, <\/span>because if the Counselor doesn’t consider the work appropriate to the letter and intent of the requirement, it won’t be counted, meaning that the Scout has done unnecessary work in the absence of direct guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, the very best thing this Scout can do is get his Blue Cards, get the names and contact information of the Counselors he’ll be working with, and then arranging a meeting with each one.<\/span> This is how the earning of merit badges progress, as described in the <\/span>Boy Scout Handbook<\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

Our troop <\/span><\/strong>recently observed S<\/span><\/strong>cout Sunday <\/span><\/strong>at a <\/span><\/strong>Congregational Church<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/strong>I think<\/span><\/strong><\/strong>it\u2019s true that <\/span><\/strong>Scouts <\/span><\/strong>can have<\/span><\/strong><\/strong>Scout Sunday any date they want, but why do they expect <\/span><\/strong>Scouts who are<\/span><\/strong>n\u2019<\/span><\/strong>t of this denomination to attend a church that\u2019s <\/span><\/strong>not of their own faith?<\/span><\/strong><\/strong>(Name & Council Withheld)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

On Scout Sunday, the entire troop goes to their chosen church<\/span>, temple, <\/span> synagogue, meeting house\u2014<\/span>it<\/span> really <\/span>doesn’t matter which.<\/span> The pastor, priest, rabbi<\/span>, or other religious leader<\/span> should be collaborated with in advance, of course, so that he or she can gear the sermon to this unique annual event. “A Scout is reverent” means that he respects the religious believes of <\/span>all<\/span><\/em>, and so <\/span>any Scout <\/span>can quite easily attend a service or mass outside of his own particular faith or denomination with impunity.<\/span> It’s, that the very least, a unique and friendly learning experience. In short, there should be no hesitation whatsoever. As far as the month the troop chose, <\/span>consider next year getting it a little bit closer to when it’s actually supposed to be, which is the Sunday immediately before or on February 8th.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

O<\/span><\/strong>ver the past several years, our troop has instituted series <\/span><\/strong>of “<\/span><\/strong>p<\/span><\/strong>articipation <\/span><\/strong>r<\/span><\/strong>equirements” <\/span><\/strong>required for rank <\/span><\/strong>advancement.<\/span><\/strong> This list <\/span><\/strong>includes:<\/span><\/strong> (1) attendance of at least 50% of the <\/span><\/strong>t<\/span><\/strong>roop weekly meetings<\/span><\/strong>, (<\/span><\/strong>2) participating in a minimum of 3 <\/span><\/strong>t<\/span><\/strong>roop or select<\/span><\/strong>ed<\/span><\/strong> OA campouts during the prior 6 months or 5 troop or select<\/span><\/strong>ed<\/span><\/strong> OA campouts during the <\/span><\/strong>prior 12 months (each week of s<\/span><\/strong>ummer <\/span><\/strong>c<\/span><\/strong>amp <\/span><\/strong>may <\/span><\/strong>count as one campout<\/span><\/strong>; a <\/span><\/strong>Jamboree counts as one campout<\/span><\/strong>; Philmont counts as two campouts<\/span><\/strong>; c<\/span><\/strong>abin camping qualifies<\/span><\/strong>), (<\/span><\/strong>3) participation in a minimum of 6 hours of troop <\/span><\/strong>c<\/span><\/strong>ommunity <\/span><\/strong>service during the prior 6 months<\/span><\/strong>, (<\/span><\/strong>4) participation in a minimum of 3 hours<\/span><\/strong><\/strong>at the <\/span><\/strong>annual t<\/span><\/strong>roop <\/span><\/strong>w<\/span><\/strong>reath <\/span><\/strong>sale fund<\/span><\/strong>–<\/span><\/strong>raiser<\/span><\/strong>, and (<\/span><\/strong>5) <\/span><\/strong>at least 3 hours <\/span><\/strong>participation <\/span><\/strong>at other t<\/span><\/strong>roop fund-raising <\/span><\/strong>events <\/span><\/strong>during the prior 6 months, if applicable.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Clearly<\/span><\/strong>, there<\/span><\/strong>\u2019<\/span><\/strong>s some overlap with <\/span><\/strong>official <\/span><\/strong>BSA <\/span><\/strong>national <\/span><\/strong>advancement requirements, and<\/span><\/strong><\/strong>this <\/span><\/strong>list is couched in terms of “participation.”<\/span><\/strong> But don’t these additional items<\/span><\/strong><\/strong>violate the BSA rules by<\/span><\/strong><\/strong>effectively <\/span><\/strong>establishing <\/span><\/strong>many more requirements<\/span><\/strong><\/strong>for <\/span><\/strong>rank <\/span><\/strong>advancement than the <\/span><\/strong>BSA stipulates<\/span><\/strong>? It<\/span><\/strong>\u2019<\/span><\/strong>s certainly putting a damper on the spirits of many long-term <\/span><\/strong>Scouts who have <\/span><\/strong>been working toward advancement! (Name & Council Withheld)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

I\u2019m honoring your request for anonymity but I\u2019ll tell you now in complete honesty: I want to publish the number and location of this awful troop, so that all boys and parents considering the Boy Scout experience will STAY AWAY.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is total, unadulterated nonsense.<\/span> That’s not my opinion; that’s the standard of the BSA and there’s a policy for it.<\/span> The BSA clearly states that units may not apply percentages, numbers, or anything else to “participation” (which is merely an attempt on this troop’s part to “loophole” out of BSA “active” regulations, and shame on them for trying).<\/span> Moreover, this constitutes adding to requirements, which is also <\/span>strictly<\/span> prohibited by BSA national policy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unless they’re willing to follow BSA standards, get your son out of that troop and into a troop that delivers the Scouting program the way it’s intended to be delivered.<\/span> What these people are trying to do has a parallel: “The floggings will continue till morale improves.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The true “volunteers” in Scouting are the Scouts themselves. No “participation legislation” will ever make up for a weak, boring, dull, or non-challenging program.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you.<\/span><\/strong> It’s really helpful to get some guidance. <\/span><\/strong>I w<\/span><\/strong>ish I’d written to you sooner.<\/span><\/strong> I’m going to talk to the leadership, as I believe that they will listen. (Your column is invaluable!<\/span><\/strong>)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

I hope they’ll listen, and come to their senses.<\/span> If the BSA wanted such strictures put on “active” or “participation” the BSA would have written this stuff into the requirements, so that fact that the BSA <\/span>hasn’t<\/span><\/em> done this is your very best guidepost.<\/span> Beyond this, the very idea of thinking that a troop (or <\/span>anyone<\/span><\/em>) can arbitrarily play fast and loose with BSA national requirements isn\u2019t just off-base; they\u2019re not even in the ballpark.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

Can you tell me who can give<\/span><\/strong>,<\/span><\/strong> or where we can get<\/span><\/strong>,<\/span><\/strong> the official interpretation of a specific merit badge requirement?<\/span><\/strong><\/strong>It\u2019s <\/span><\/strong>been my understanding <\/span><\/strong>that <\/span><\/strong>the role of <\/span><\/strong>a Merit Badge C<\/span><\/strong>ounselor <\/span><\/strong>is that of <\/span><\/strong>coach<\/span><\/strong>; not inquisitor.<\/span><\/strong><\/strong> I\u2019ve also never presumed that it was ever the Merit Badge C<\/span><\/strong>ounselor\u2019s place or authorit<\/span><\/strong>y to determine which options a S<\/span><\/strong>cout chooses to use<\/span><\/strong>,<\/span><\/strong> to complete the requirements for a <\/span><\/strong>merit badge,<\/span><\/strong> or which options within a single requirement a Scout chooses<\/span><\/strong>. H<\/span><\/strong>ave I <\/span><\/strong>been <\/span><\/strong>miss<\/span><\/strong>ing<\/span><\/strong> the target all these years?<\/span><\/strong><\/strong>Here\u2019s an <\/span><\/strong>example <\/span><\/strong>of what I mean: For <\/span><\/strong>Citizenship in the Community<\/span><\/strong>, req<\/span><\/strong>uirement <\/span><\/strong>8 says: <\/span><\/strong>\u201cStage your presentation in front of your <\/span><\/strong>Merit <\/span><\/strong>B<\/span><\/strong>adge <\/span><\/strong>Counselor or a group<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/strong>\u201d Is the \u201cor\u201d at the discretion of the <\/span><\/strong>S<\/span><\/strong>cout, or the <\/span><\/strong>C<\/span><\/strong>ounselor?<\/span><\/strong> (Greg Robinson<\/span><\/strong>, Ozark Trails Council, MO)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

L<\/span>et’s first agree<\/span> that “interpretations” of merit badge requirements are rarely if ever actually needed.<\/span> Most all requirements are written to be specific and without vagueness or guile.<\/span> For in<\/span>stance, when a requirement says<\/span> “<\/span>tell…” it means tell; when it says “<\/span>d<\/span>escribe…” it means describe; when it says “<\/span>d<\/span>eliver a 5 minute speech…” it means a speech, not a “talk” and it’s to last 5 minutes, not 4 or 14 or some other number; when it says “<\/span>d<\/span>emonstrate…” it means show, not talk about or write an essay about<\/span>;<\/span> when it says “<\/span>i<\/span>mprovise a natural shelter…” it means don’t use a tarp or tent<\/span>;<\/span> when it says “<\/span>p<\/span>repare a first-aid kit…” it doesn’t mean go out and buy one<\/span>;<\/span> when it says “<\/span>d<\/span>emonstrate your ability to jump feet<\/span>–<\/span>first into water over your head…swim 25 yards on the surface, etc….” it doesn’t mean dive in and swim underwater for 15 or 50 yards.<\/span><\/p>\n

Second, the role of a Merit Badge Counselor is that of an expert who<\/span> not only knows <\/span>the requirements <\/span> but has the experience and ability to teach beyond them; however, without ever demanding that a Scout do more (or less) than what is stated<\/span>;<\/span> and who can instill in the Scout an appreciation for the subject matter in such a way that the Scout may choose it as a hobby or life-long interest<\/span>, or even career.<\/span><\/p>\n

Third, w<\/span>hen a requirement offers an option, such as the one you cite<\/span>\u2014<\/span>“Develop a public presentation…Stage your presentation in front of your Merit Badge Counselor or a group, such as your patrol or a class at school”\u2014since this is the Scout’s merit badge it’s the Scout, in consultation with his counselor, who gets to choose which option he’d like to use.<\/span><\/p>\n

If a Scoutmaster receives feedback from any Scout that a Merit Badge Counselor is not following these and the other guidelines provided by the BSA for Merit Badge Counselors, he would be wise to investigate, and then not only inform the district or council advancement committee but also find an alternate Merit Badge Counselor for his Scouts. Conversely, if a Scoutmaster learns of a Merit Badge Counselor who is getting it right, and Scouts describe him or her with enthusiasm, then this is exactly the sort of person the Scoutmaster would want to encourage his Scouts to contact and work with.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

Where did the terms “Totin’ Chip” and “Firem’n Chit” originate<\/span><\/strong>? These <\/span><\/strong>terms are hard to remember and <\/span><\/strong>pronounce, <\/span><\/strong>even for us leaders!<\/span><\/strong> (<\/span><\/strong>Brian Glanz, ASM, <\/span><\/strong>Lincoln<\/span><\/strong> Heritage Council<\/span><\/strong>, KY)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Totin’ Chip started around 1950, as a simple way to assure th<\/span>at Scouts had a decent knowledge of edged tool safety before we sent them out there to hack up the woods (and themselves!). The Firem’n Chit came later, for similar reasons (helps prevent having to call in smoke-jumpers!).<\/span> “Totin'” is pronounced just the way it’s spelled; “Firem’n” is pronounced “fireman” (and we don’t have to bow to “PC” addicts here, because it’s BOY Scouts).<\/span><\/p>\n

Thanks<\/span><\/strong>! <\/span><\/strong>More specifically, I\u2019m<\/span><\/strong> often asked what a “<\/span><\/strong>c<\/span><\/strong>hit” is<\/span><\/strong>, as in <\/span><\/strong>\u201c<\/span><\/strong>Firem’n Chit.<\/span><\/strong>\u201d Any ideas?<\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

“Chit” is in <\/span> most any<\/span> dictionary… It’s a voucher, usually an informal one.<\/span> So, from now on, j<\/span>ust tell anyone who asks you to do a bit of homework first, before asking for an answer they can easily get for themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

Why is the <\/span><\/strong>\u201cWhittlin\u2019 Chip\u201d patch shaped <\/span><\/strong>like a<\/span><\/strong> pocket flap <\/span><\/strong>patch, <\/span><\/strong>if it\u2019s not meant to be worn there?<\/span><\/strong> (<\/span><\/strong>Rick Hautekeete<\/span><\/strong>, Transatlantic Council, <\/span><\/strong>Basel, CH)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

I’ve seen both Whittlin’ Chip and Totin’ Chip patches shaped like flaps and, <\/span> in my not-so-humble opinion<\/span>, they belong in a bucket labeled<\/span> “Dumb Patch Ideas.”<\/span> Of course<\/span> they don’t belong on uniforms, and <\/span>certainly not <\/span> on uniform pocket flaps, which are specifically reserved for Boy Scout <\/span>Order of the Arrow <\/span> and Cub Scout Outdoor Activity flap-patches. Some genius<\/span>, I\u2019m guessing, had<\/span> the idea that there should be a <\/span>p<\/span>atch for everything, from Pinewood Derby participation to \u201cI Wiped Myself Clean<\/span>\u201d<\/span> to <\/span>\u201cSpinach-Eating Hero<\/span>\u201d<\/span> to <\/span>\u201cWhen I Up-Chucked I Missed My <\/span>Tennies,\u201d <\/span>and on and on… and the unfortunate thing is that these repudiate a fundamental tenet of Scouting<\/span>: T<\/span>hat we do something for the doing of it and not to get a patch. I’ve seen these silly things even sewn on the backs of uniform shirts, which practice <\/span>I personally consider about<\/span> as nonsensical as one can get!<\/span> Patches like th<\/span>ese are <\/span> fine when p<\/span>ut<\/span> in a memorabilia box or album, or sewn on a Cub Scout’s red patch vest, or even on the back of a <\/span>Boy Scout\u2019s merit badge sash (yes, they’re legal there), but to slap ’em all over a perfectly serviceable uniform shirt is <\/span>about <\/span>the height of dumb<\/span>, if not desperate<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

One of our <\/span><\/strong>Scouts<\/span><\/strong>just<\/span><\/strong> asked <\/span><\/strong>me for his <\/span><\/strong>Scoutmaster Conference prior to <\/span><\/strong>his <\/span><\/strong>completing his Eagle <\/span><\/strong>project. His <\/span><\/strong>f<\/span><\/strong>ather <\/span><\/strong>claims that <\/span><\/strong>the <\/span><\/strong>Scoutmaster <\/span><\/em><\/strong>Handbook<\/span><\/em> says that a Scoutmaster Conference for Eagle can be held at any time, and is asking that I do it when his son requests it.<\/span><\/strong><\/strong>When is the proper or best time to hold a Scoutmaster Conference<\/span><\/strong>, for Eagle or<\/span><\/strong> any rank?<\/span><\/strong> (Allen Beaman, SM<\/span><\/strong>)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Scoutmaster Conference is always the last of all requirements to be completed.<\/span> This is so that the Scout has the opportunity to review with his Scoutmaster the requirements he’s completed, in the dimensions of how well they went, were there any problems, and what he might suggest for other Scouts coming along behind him.<\/span> It’s also an opportunity for the Scoutmaster to learn from the Scout how well he believes the Scouting program offered by the troop as a whole is going and what might be improved.<\/span> Finally, it’s an opportunity for the Scoutmaster to help the Scout prepare for his rank boards of review, which will be shortly coming up. Therefore, to carry out a Scoutmaster Conference before all other requirements are completed is about the same as getting ready for a prom by putting on your dancing shoes but leaving your tux at home<\/span>!<\/span><\/p>\n

To correct a misimpression, thereby averting future difficulties in this area, you\u2019ll want to <\/span> ask that father to show you the page and statement in the <\/span>Scoutmaster Handbook<\/span><\/em> that says a conference can be conducted at any time. He\u2019ll show you this, on page 120: \u201cThe Scoutmaster conference can be used as a counseling tool at any time and for a variety of other reasons.\u201d This is precisely where this father, although I\u2019m sure well-intentioned, is mistaken. This particular statement points out that <\/span>in addition to<\/span><\/em> conferences preceding rank advancement, the Scoutmaster conference can also be used for other purposes and, therefore, would be conducted as needs <\/span>or situations <\/span>unrelated to rank advancement arise. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

Can a person be both a Cubmaster and a Scoutmaster at the same time? I can\u2019t find<\/span><\/strong> any BSA guidelines for this. <\/span><\/strong>(Bill Errico)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Anyone may hold more than one unit-level position, just so long as the positions aren’t in the same unit (the sole exception being CR-CC, which is permitted by the BSA).<\/span> So, in the case of a person who wishes to be both a Cubmaster of a pack and Scoutmaster of a troop, there’s no BSA policy that prohibits this.<\/span> Whether it’s a sensible idea or not is another matter, and that’s for the individual and his or her family to decide.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

We have <\/span><\/strong>a young <\/span><\/strong>S<\/span><\/strong>cout <\/span><\/strong>in our troop who\u2019s <\/span><\/strong>is looking to keep busy this summer with merit badge<\/span><\/strong>s (h<\/span><\/strong>is parents offered him<\/span><\/strong> a <\/span><\/strong>choice of brushing up on school <\/span><\/strong>subjects <\/span><\/strong>or work<\/span><\/strong>ing<\/span><\/strong> on merit badges<\/span><\/strong>\u2014easy decision!) He\u2019s <\/span><\/strong>request<\/span><\/strong>ing<\/span><\/strong>\u201cblue cards\u201d for four <\/span><\/strong>Eagle<\/span><\/strong>-required and <\/span><\/strong>six elective merit badges<\/span><\/strong>. I\u2019ve suggested that he pace himself and try a few at a<\/span><\/strong><\/strong>time<\/span><\/strong>\u2014complete two and I<\/span><\/strong>\u2019ll<\/span><\/strong> give him more<\/span><\/strong> blue cards\u2014in an <\/span><\/strong>attempt to set him up for success<\/span><\/strong>. However, <\/span><\/strong>his parents strongly disagree<\/span><\/strong>, pointing out from the Boy Scout H<\/span><\/strong>andbook <\/span><\/strong>that <\/span><\/strong>a <\/span><\/strong>S<\/span><\/strong>cout work<\/span><\/strong>s<\/span><\/strong> at his own pace and <\/span><\/strong>that I can\u2019t <\/span><\/strong>limit how many he work<\/span><\/strong>s<\/span><\/strong> on at a<\/span><\/strong>ny<\/span><\/strong> time.<\/span><\/strong> Do you have any advice here? (<\/span><\/strong>Kevin Lynch<\/span><\/strong>, Troop Advancement Chair, <\/span><\/strong>Greater <\/span><\/strong>Cleveland Council, OH)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

In life, we’re limited by only two things: What we believe we <\/span>can’t<\/span><\/em> do, and what <\/span>others<\/span><\/em> believe we can’t do.<\/span> There are no other limitations.<\/span>Our jobs, as Scouting volunteers, is to help the youth we serve spread their wings and fly… It’s not to tell them, in our infinite wisdom, that we don’t think they’re ready yet.<\/span> This young man’s Scoutmaster (not advancement coordinator) needs to give him exactly what he’s asked for, along with the names and contact information for at least one Merit Badge Counselor for every merit badge he’s expressed interest in.<\/span> There is no second option.<\/span><\/p>\n

It<\/span>\u2019<\/span>s not our job to “set Scouts up for success” by applying <\/span>limits<\/span><\/em> on their ambitions.<\/span> It’s our job to help them devise, initiate, and follow through on their own goals…which lead to successes.<\/span> We can stand behind them, stand at their side, but never stand in front of them<\/span>\u2014W<\/span>e risk blocking their vision.<\/span> You already know what needs to be done here, and I sincerely thank you for writing to me to confirm it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

I\u2019m <\/span><\/strong>a Camping M<\/span><\/strong>erit Badge Counselor<\/span><\/strong> and have a question<\/span><\/strong>..<\/span><\/strong>. If a <\/span><\/strong>Scout started th<\/span><\/strong>is merit badge three <\/span><\/strong>years ago and has<\/span><\/strong>n\u2019t finished it (yet), does he<\/span><\/strong> need to complete it <\/span><\/strong>now using the <\/span><\/strong>new requirements<\/span><\/strong>, or the old?<\/span><\/strong> (<\/span><\/strong>Sandy<\/span><\/strong>Scharpenberg<\/span><\/strong>)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The last time the requirements for this merit badge were revised was on January 1, 2007; so that the Scout you’re asking about must have started in 2006 in order to be affected by the two relatively minor changes<\/span>\u2014one having to do with using a GPS and the other stipulating that the 20 days and nights of camping be Scouting event-related.<\/span> There\u2019s usually a one-year grace period when <\/span>merit badge <\/span> changes like these <\/span>are made, and this would have expired some two years ago, with the result that<\/span>, today, a Scout would obviously use the current and not three years out-of-date <\/span>requirements.<\/span> Since the changes are, as noted, minor, they\u2019re hardly burdensome for any Scout.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

I\u2019m a <\/span><\/strong>new Scoutmaster<\/span><\/strong>,<\/span><\/strong> having only been <\/span><\/strong>with the troop for nine months and in this position for <\/span><\/strong>the last six.<\/span><\/strong> Right now, w<\/span><\/strong>e have 11 <\/span><\/strong>S<\/span><\/strong>couts<\/span><\/strong>\u2014they\u2019re mostly from a <\/span><\/strong>group of boys who came up from <\/span><\/strong>Cub Scouting <\/span><\/strong>with the same leader the entire time<\/span><\/strong> and, w<\/span><\/strong>hen they were <\/span><\/strong>about to cross-over to <\/span><\/strong>Boy Scout<\/span><\/strong>ing, our <\/span><\/strong>sponsor<\/span><\/strong> chartered <\/span><\/strong>this <\/span><\/strong>troop. <\/span><\/strong>Up to now it\u2019s <\/span><\/strong>been <\/span><\/strong>mostly just a <\/span><\/strong>“hang-out” for the boys<\/span><\/strong>; <\/span><\/strong>not much in the way of <\/span><\/strong>S<\/span><\/strong>couting has ever been done. <\/span><\/strong>There\u2019s n<\/span><\/strong>o patrol method, no real leadership positions, in general <\/span><\/strong>no responsibility<\/span><\/strong> on the boys\u2019 parts for anything<\/span><\/strong>. The<\/span><\/strong>ir (former)<\/span><\/strong>Scoutmaster<\/span><\/strong>did all the meeting and trip <\/span><\/strong>plann<\/span><\/strong>ing, cook<\/span><\/strong>ing<\/span><\/strong>, <\/span><\/strong>and everything else, and the boys just sort of showed up (or not). When my <\/span><\/strong>own <\/span><\/strong>son crossed over<\/span><\/strong>, I talked the Scoutmaster into stepping down and letting me take a shot at it, and t<\/span><\/strong>he committee agreed. So what we have <\/span><\/strong>right now <\/span><\/strong>is a group <\/span><\/strong>of 13-14 year<\/span><\/strong>–<\/span><\/strong>old<\/span><\/strong> boys who have no interest in S<\/span><\/strong>couting<\/span><\/strong> as it\u2019s supposed to be<\/span><\/strong>, little discipline<\/span><\/strong>, and not a lot of enthusiasm for doing anything themselves. I\u2019ve tried to get them excited about <\/span><\/strong>S<\/span><\/strong>couting by telling stories of <\/span><\/strong>own <\/span><\/strong>my adventures <\/span><\/strong>as a Scout, but the former Scoutmaster (who\u2019s now the <\/span><\/strong>ASM<\/span><\/strong>) still doesn’t want to get with the program. His wife is the C<\/span><\/strong>ommittee<\/span><\/strong> Chair, and she\u2019s said that <\/span><\/strong>she doesn’t want the position<\/span><\/strong>\u2014s<\/span><\/strong>he’s just there to <\/span><\/strong>satisfy the chartering requirements. Then there are <\/span><\/strong>a couple of <\/span><\/strong>hand-picked committee members who don\u2019t do much other than agree with this couple.<\/span><\/strong>I<\/span><\/strong>\u2019<\/span><\/strong>m not one to give up eas<\/span><\/strong>ily<\/span><\/strong> or complain very much<\/span><\/strong>,<\/span><\/strong> but I<\/span><\/strong>\u2019<\/span><\/strong>m feeling like I’m hitting a brick wall and feel like I should encourage my son to visit other troops. I really don’t want to give up on these boys.<\/span><\/strong><\/strong>I do like to end things on a positive, so I will. We have filled some <\/span><\/strong>key youth leader positions<\/span><\/strong> with elections, <\/span><\/strong>and these boys seem to be on the right track. I\u2019<\/span><\/strong>m continuing to coach them to help them stay focused, but I can see them wanting to give up. We\u2019ve started having monthly campouts. <\/span><\/strong>And, f<\/span><\/strong>or the first time in the troop<\/span><\/strong>\u2019<\/span><\/strong>s history, records are being kept<\/span><\/strong>\u2014even though they\u2019re only by me. <\/span><\/strong>Any advice would be greatly appreciated.<\/span><\/strong> (Name & Council Withheld)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Essentially, what seems to have happened is that the former Cub Scout leader created a “Webelos 3” den instead of a Boy Scout troop, and has subjected these boys to something that has absolutely nothing to do with Boy Scouting for the past several years.<\/span> In all candor, it may be too late to change these “old Webelos Scouts” into true Boy Scouts… their off-the-mark activities and habits have simply become too ingrained for you or anyone else to overcome in the short- or even medium-term.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even though you’re the Scoutmaster at present, I’d say that your primary responsibility is first and foremost to your own son.<\/span> On this basis, I’d immediately check out neighboring troops, find one that’s delivering the Boy Scouting program as it’s supposed to be delivered (or, if not “perfectly,” at least a lot closer to True North than the way this unfortunate lot of boys have been mishandled!) and give your son the option to <\/span>transfer over right away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now you might consider this “abandonment” of your current troop, so you’ll need to keep firmly in mind that even the most vigilant and heroic of sea captains reaches a point where he knows his ship is not going to stay afloat, and he orders his crew and himself off and into the lifeboats<\/span>\u2014he does <\/span>not<\/span><\/em> “go down with his ship!<\/span><\/p>\n

I wouldn’t <\/span>be saying<\/span> this if you<\/span>\u2019<\/span>d told me that the committee, other adult volunteers, and sponsor are behind you 110% and the boys were eager to become true Boy Scouts.<\/span> But none of these things seems to be happening and, in many ways, you\u2019re repeating what the former \u201cWorld\u2019s Oldest Patrol Leader\u201d was doing\u2014just with better intentions.<\/span> There comes a point where we need to decide whether we put our energies into our own children, or others’ and I opt for my own.<\/span> Your choice is yours. If you decide to stay and \u201cfight the good fight,\u201d that\u2019s your decision. I hope, however, that you\u2019ll let your son clearly know that he can go and join another troop <\/span> regardless<\/span><\/em> of what <\/span>you<\/span><\/em> decide.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

Can you<\/span><\/strong> post a picture <\/span><\/strong>of <\/span><\/strong>how <\/span><\/strong>E<\/span><\/strong>agle palms are wore on the <\/span><\/strong>E<\/span><\/strong>agle Scout <\/span><\/strong>medal and how the medal<\/span><\/strong>\u2019s worn on the <\/span><\/strong>uniform? Thanks! (<\/span><\/strong>Aaron Hothem<\/span><\/strong>)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Go here: <\/span> http:\/\/www.mninter.net\/~blkeagle\/eagmedal.htm<\/span><\/a> This is a good description from “Black Eagle,” a Scouter who’s also a military officer, so he’s pretty buttoned up on this sorta stuff!<\/span><\/p>\n

For how palms are worn<\/span> try: <\/span> www.usscouts.org\/awards\/eaglescout.asp<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

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

How many merit badges can you complete at the Jamboree if you<\/span><\/strong>\u2019<\/span><\/strong>re prepared and if you<\/span><\/strong>\u2019<\/span><\/strong>re not prepared? How many days do they give you to work on merit badges? (Andrew Duncan<\/span><\/strong>,<\/span><\/strong> Star Scout<\/span><\/strong>, Circle <\/span><\/strong>Ten Council<\/span><\/strong>, TX)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

There’s a whole bunch you can go for<\/span>, and a lot don\u2019t make you have stuff done first… There’s no exact number, because each Scout’s different and will have a different set of patrol and troop responsibilities, and there’s lots and lots of other stuff to do<\/span> at a Jamboree<\/span>, too!<\/span> Be sure to check out the ACTION CENTERS!<\/span> This is much bigger than a “merit badge fair”! My suggestion would be to find unusual <\/span>merit badges\u2014s<\/span>tuff you wouldn’t <\/span>find ba<\/span>ck at home, like Railroading, Textiles, Weather, and stuff like that. And, be sure to pic<\/span>k a “buddy” and do ’em together\u2014<\/span>It’s a lot more fun that way<\/span>, and you want to come <\/span> home with \u201ccompletes;\u201d not \u201cpartials.\u201d<\/span>Have a BLAST!<\/span><\/p>\n

Happy Scouting!<\/p>\n

\n

Andy<\/h3>\n<\/form>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Got a question? Have an idea? Send it to AskAndyBSA@yahoo.com<\/a>. (Please include your POSITION and COUNCIL NAME or TOWN & STATE)<\/p>\n

(June 12, 2010 \u2013 Copyright \u00a9 Andy McCommish 2010)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Letters to AskAndy may be published at the discretion of the columnist and the editor. If you prefer to have your name or affiliation withheld from publication, please advise in your letter..<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Hi Andy, I\u2019m acting as a temporary Den Leader for my son\u2019s Tiger Cub den. I didn’t realize until I found this website that there\u2019s a new Video Game belt loop being offered for Cub Scouts. I’m an Eagle Scout, and I didn’t earn that rank by sitting on my butt playing Pac-Man and Donkey […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-840","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-6"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/netcommissioner.com\/askandy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/840","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=840"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/netcommissioner.com\/askandy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/840\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":841,"href":"http:\/\/netcommissioner.com\/askandy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/840\/revisions\/841"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/netcommissioner.com\/askandy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=840"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/netcommissioner.com\/askandy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=840"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/netcommissioner.com\/askandy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=840"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}