New Comments : BSA Innovation Engine

Comment by brian.dungan

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:02:47 PST

Well the Super Bowl happened last night. Where was the announcement? is this going to happen?

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:05:07 PST

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by kswanson

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:54:05 PST

Amen. It would be wonderful to have the hard copy again. I have also lost touch with the magazine since it has gone digital. Too bad as there was always some interesting reading in there. It was great to pass around to staff and key volunteers.

Comment by kswanson

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:50:23 PST

Cultivation of prospects is a key to long term financial success. Sadly, we are driven to the short-term mentality and our review and promotion system has a very limited ability to recognize long-term cultivation. This is a great idea for further discussion.

Comment by cisrael

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:53:35 PST

What a great idea. Just like a school system tracks its students as they graduate from one grade to another, having an alpha list of all Scouts in the system would make the graduation from one program to another seamless. Individual listings could still be printed out for all Boy Scouts, Webelos, etc. It would also allow an older Scout to join a Venturing Crew and not feel like he is leaving the Troop.

Comment by Kenneth Kimble

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:50:06 PST

I like it.

Comment by Alex Tyms

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:13:14 PST

Maybe we could just go back to printing and distributing ProSpeak. I cannot remember the last time I read a copy. If I have to go look for it, then it must not be as important as it used to be.

Too bad. It was a good thing to hand out at staff meetings and an opportunity to hit some of the highlights at the same time.

Comment by Lou Perseghin

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:21:13 PST

Agreed. It would be helpful to have a user-friendly interface on here. Until then, I will continue to use Google for all my image searches, which has worked just fine thus far.

Comment by Lou Perseghin

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:17:31 PST

Agreed. The ability to download a vCard would be helpful in many instances, especially if you're using a windows mobile phone and have your contacts synced.

Comment by Lou Perseghin

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:10:30 PST

I like this idea. The whole notion of "following Akela" is kind of broad, as is "gives good will." Helps the pack go? Go where; or is that a metaphor?

I think giving some definition to the Cub Scout Law in this way will also help the transition when they move to Boy Scouts.

While this isn't somehting I would think of necessarily as 'innovative,' I think it's a change that clarifies the goals of the pack for a child. Also, it is a little easier to say.

Comment by bkenyon

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:07:44 PST

Per Ellen at the National Service Desk on 10/29/2009, this is a known issue and it is Problem 3497.

Comment by cisrael

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:00:03 PST

I would propose that this document be placed on line so Board members could complete it at a time that fits their schedule and bring the results with recomendations to a group meeting.

Comment by cisrael

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:31:08 PST

The philosophy of a Scout having to interact with the community is very important in the development of a strong society. I believe the real challenge is the administration of the program. An electronically submitted application would be a first step.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:04:13 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:48:42 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:46:37 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:54:48 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Anthony Vogl

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:15:57 PST

If you set up RSS feeds from ProSpeak in Outlook, you can print out the articles individually if you want, and best of all, you don't have to follow the breadcrumbs to find the actual site where it's located. Kudo's to National staff for setting up working RSS feeds on this. I take the relevant articles and forward them on to staff or volunteers as appropriate.

Comment by Rebecca Williford

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:06:36 PST

Yes, I love this idea!! The Exploring program is such a fabulous program, and it would really be great if national had a cohesive website to send people to.

Comment by rtheberg

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:50:46 PST

We need to employ ALL means at our disposal. We need to better understand our target audience and connect with them in the way they want. For some boys, in some markets, at some ages, that may very well be texting. Some families still respond to flyers from school (especially in grammar school).
I encourage moving forward with this approach, but cautiously because some families pay per inbound text message.

Comment by bkenyon

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:08:45 PST

This need or something similar has been requested by several people through this site. I was told by Tom Ritchey this project is on the development list.

Comment by Doug Brown

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:58:00 PST

Learning for Life created this comparison / impact results study in 2003 for both the in-school and Exploring programs - two separate documents. They have been very helpful for us in gaining access to schools, speaking the language of education, and grant writing.

The LFL version can be found on BSA Info, Learning for Life, Finance & Fund raising, Finance / Outcomes Measurement.

Comment by jotoro

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:27:04 PST

What you are proposing would be a nice service to our existing members, but what means would you use to share this new text application with people who don't know what scouting is? How would we access their cell phone numbers to text them? How would we reach out and get them to engage with us?

Comment by jotoro

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:19:47 PST

It is true that we need to think of some way to access the new social interface market. Our local efforts have not been very successful. I am waiting to hear from someone who has recruited youth successfully using one of these efforts.

Has anyone had success with this kind of thing yet??

Comment by Christopher P Buckley

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 06:57:16 PST

While I completely understand that most troops only use merit badge counselors from their own unit, it is always been my understanding that this isn't the way the MB program was set up. From my days as a youth, part of the merit badge experience was to teach the Scouts responsibility to reference the merit badge list and contact a counselor themselves to work on a badge. While some badges can be worked on within the unit, the majority of merit badges earned Should be from merit badge counselors from outside the Scouts own troop. By promoting MB work within the unit, are we then moving closer to doing away with all MB counselors and making all MB study the job of each unit? Just a thought.

Comment by Ryan Weisbrod

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 12:06:36 PST

As our Council's Venturing Program Staff Advisor and the supervisor of two local Scout Shops, I can tell you that the pants are poorly received by our volunteers and camp staff. My summer camp staff refuses to wear them and local Scouters on our Venturing Committee asked if we could approve a substitute for our council. These pants are neither good looking nor of a durable material. If the BSA wants to make sales of Venturing pants/shorts for the summer of 2010, Supply Div needs to get the ball rolling on a redesign or simply bringing back the last design.

It should also be noted that discontinuing the old line before the summer season in 09 was a poor idea, since this new design was not available until the fall. We host a large Venturing weekend in June to promote the program and a Venturing resident camp and lost out on tons of sales due to a lack of availability. Our camp staff purchases close to 200 pairs of Venturing shorts, which were not available to us this year. Only Scouts who had the odd sizes left in stock at our National Scout Shop could buy them.

Like other posts in this thread, I am curious as to know where the local testing was done for these pants.

Comment by William Dunbar

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:25:22 PST

I agree 100%

Comment by kswanson

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:18:41 PST

Interesting idea. We are in the process of starting a CSI Scouting Venture Crew in conjunction with the Coroners Office and the interst by High School students has been been phenomenal. Thank you for posting this thought provoking idea.

Comment by kswanson

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:15:00 PST

Agreed on the pants. In my Crew, the Venturers like the old material, but hated the pockets.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:25:29 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:20:35 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:53:27 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Eric Hearn

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:32:07 PST

The new pants are fine. Most Venturers are not thrilled with the look. I must agree there are many outdoor companies who could have manufactured these pants. There are pants designed for extreme outdoor use. This one is not.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:05:49 PST

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Michael Mitchell

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:34:15 PST

Looks to be very thought provoking! No matter what side of the fence you are on politically (and I don't want to start the discussion) this is kind of where we are heading, in everything we do. I mean the ACLU has been after the BSA for years. So I ask, what is so unrealistic about this movie? It's pretty much happening now.

Comment by Michael Mitchell

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:15:30 PST

Great idea. The Texas State HOG (Harley Owners Group) Rally is here in Wichita Falls this year and we have several volunteers that work out there. Good stuff.

Comment by stan.willey

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:49:25 PST

These forms are being converted right now to be fillable and will be placed in the following location where you will be able to access them and use them as you see fit:

MyBSA>Resources>Council and District Operations

Comment by Sharon Larson

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:34:13 PST

I think that no matter the cost, we should look into it and we can surely cut back in a less efficient manner (um, back to school fliers?) that get wasted anyway.

Not only to the older youth text, but the parents of the now young kids all txt and this is the way they communicate. Very rarely will they talk or answer a VM - they prefer email and txting.

Comment by kmcclell

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:26:25 PST

I like this concept and here's why. The comment made describes how the paperwork is handled in our council offices, which is true and I think we do a good job. The concern that I hear more often is the paperwork as it is going through the process prior to being delivered to the Council's Registrar. There are at least two and sometimes more volunteers that put their hands onto an adult application while it is still in the field (Committee Chair and COR/IH). The paper could easily be lost along the way or misused. I think this idea is worthy of further consideration.

Comment by mbarbern

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:48:06 PST

Does not look like a movie I'll spend my money on.

Comment by John Oneil

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:44:01 PST

there are plenty of ski resorts in the immediate area. Maybe BSA can strike a deal with them for visiting Troops?

Comment by John Oneil

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:41:41 PST

there was a "Mining" merit badge, it was one of the original 57 merit badges. It morphed into "Rocks & Minerals" merit badge in the 1930s which then morphed into "Geology" merit badge in the early 1950s

Comment by John Oneil

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:31:38 PST

great idea. Most American Legion, VFW, and AMVETS posts collect "used" flags too.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:16:03 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by trupert

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 06:33:11 PST

How about if we have it on July 25th, the day before Jamboree and we have thousands march through the streets of Washington DC! Follow this link for more details. http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/registration/calendardetail.asp?orgkey=370&activitykey=487061

Comment by Cathy Cunningham

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:08:17 PST

I aggree! We really need a specific place where we can post customer suggestions and concerns.

Comment by Cathy Cunningham

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:03:34 PST

Our council did away with the special "FOS" csp's a few years ago and MANY volunteers and collectors are still unhappy about it.

Don't go crazy with them, but a special FOS csp or one for significant events (such as the 10oth anniversary!)are great
additions to Scouting. The volunteers love them, collectors love them, and fundraisers love them. The uniform is still uniform no matter what different ranks or recognitions are on it, and csp's are no different.

Comment by Cathy Cunningham

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:58:15 PST

There is the little pocket booklet BS Advancement Record that we used to have that covered scout rank thru first class; We still have the "Upward to Eagle" (33430) that covers Star thru Eagle Palms, but I think the requirements are outdated as it was published in 2001. These were popular. A notebook sized card stock sheet has been requested as well - both for cubs and boy scout levels.

Comment by Cathy Cunningham

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:48:23 PST

the service star has nothing to do with being a Veteran. The service star denotes years of membership and/or service. I think the idea concerned our US military veterans and finding a way to honor our military personel.

Comment by Liz Johnson

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:27:50 PST

This idea was already posted ... about 8 months ago.

Comment by mdjohnson

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:45:49 PST

How do you use beascout.org seems like a great concept but there is no direction to use it. I think BSA should pick this up and run with it.

Comment by bfasci

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:07:44 PST

Why not attach an online application so that this works with the on line unit tracking system

Comment by Charles Howard-Gibbon

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:43:04 PST

If we were to do this, it be should done through an addition to MyScouting.org. This proposed online module for Eagle would allow for at least some kind of printout where autographs are collected (I do not think electronic approvals capture the importance of rank advancement validation). If we do this, we should also include Venturing Silver and Sea Scout Quartermaster applicants.

Otherwise, the fill-in-the-blanks PDF version of the Eagle application and project workbook already available suffices for the time being. I do not yet hear a "hue and cry" for this particular proposal above from any Scouters in a state where technology is popular.

I vote for online access to training records and council activity registration (with electronic payment) as higher priorities for software development then service project workbooks.

Comment by Alex Tyms

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:44:10 PST

I would suggest that we carry this idea one step further.

While I like and enjoy seeing all of the Scout Executitives in my area, I could see where it would be helpful to do this within geographic areas. For example Ohio is split between multiple areas. A gathering of all the Ohio SEs (and their XOs) could be beneficial. Ditto with GA, PA, TX, etc.

It seems at times that we often segregate metro SEs from their counterparts in the smaller councils. Granted metro SEs have some unique challenges but I believe we could be missing out on some significant mentoring opportunities.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:34:09 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Christopher Schuler

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:24:22 PST

Who cares about hats, this is the innovation page. While we are talking about hats kids are leaving our progams all over the country...

Comment by Christopher Schuler

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:11:52 PST

Alex brings up a good point. We need to be attracting new youth to our programs, kids who are NOT already in a Scouting program.

Comment by bruce.drake

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:50:17 PST

WOW! What a great idea. At a time that we need to rethink our recruiting methods it makes sense to start embracing the new technology available to almost everyone in the country.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:45:23 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:37:20 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Marian Jordan

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:06:01 PST

Also not sure which way to vote. I voted up to agree with the comment. Before I saw the new Venturing pants, someone called them pajama pants. I agree. I haven't come across anyone who likes them or is willing to pay that much for them. I have not had any orders for them through our satalite scout shop. With so many great fabrics and out door clothing companies, this wasn't a good choice. Who did the product testing?

Comment by William Dunbar

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:10:59 PST

I am not a fan of the new pants either they are way too long.

Comment by angela.elliott

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:39:33 PST

Not sure how to vote for this, my Venturing Crew wears the old pants and none of the youth like the new ones.

Comment by innovideas

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:49:34 PST

'Since so many boys are interested in video game design, I think we should offer a merit badge based on this career. This could include storyboarding, graphic design, animation, illustration, testing, and marketing. Many colleges offer this as a major, so finding merit badge counselors should not be a problem. ' authored by Janel Holt was merged with this idea.

Comment by innovideas

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:36:41 PST

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by innovideas

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:12:43 PST

From: Michael Thomas, Senior District Executive, Ojibwa District Boy Scouts of America, 248-338-0035 x130

Lowering the age to 11 would be great. The point of all this is to keep middle school age boys in the program, and sports seems to be a way to do it. That might be more attractive to a boy 11-13 that has never been in the program vs. going into a middle school in your uniform and asking if he wants to join.

Comment by innovideas

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:10:13 PST

From: Daren McClellan

The real problem is not that there are only so many days in a week. The problem is what is a priority? These busy boys have the opportunity to be involved in scout but CHOOSE to the other! Allowing them to do nothing with the local unit does the boys and the units a disservice.

Comment by Bill Steele

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 07:23:58 PST

Greetings, Scouters. I'm the NESA director. Please know that the NESA quarterly publication now has a new name, AND, it's now really a quarterly, being published four times a year instead of three as it has been. Starting with the Winter 2009 issue, which was mailed at the end of the year, the name is now Eagle Scout Magazine. It's got a new layout, more feature articles, and it's more of a magazine than a newsletter, which was what the Eagletter was when it began.

The Eagle Scout Magazine is the primary benefit of being a NESA member. Dues the members pay cover the cost of publication and mailing. Back issues, up to one year prior to the current issue, are available to everyone at the NESA Web site, www.nesa.org, by clicking on Eagletter archives and then downloading the PDF. At present there are a dozen issues available there, spanning from Spring 2005 to Winter 2008.

What I suggest is to have a NESA member bring their current issue to a troop meeting a couple times a year and tell the Scouts about NESA and how interesting the magazine is. They could also tell about the extensive online services availalbe to members.

Many troops purchase a NESA membership for their new Eagle Scouts. Four councils pay for NESA memberships for all of their Eagle Socuts. For new Eagle Scouts, NESA members only costs $10 until the new Eagle's 23rd birthday.

Bill Steele
National Office
Irving, Texas

Comment by Charles Howard-Gibbon

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:25:27 PST

The proposed concept of a Forensic Science merit badge should be integrated with the existing Fingerprinting merit badge and other related topics. The revised badge covering all of these topics should have have a broad, all encompassing name, related to this field. The badge could have core components, and then electives (fingerprinting, human forensics, etc.).

This links well with the need to expand the requirements for the existing Fingerprinting merit badge. That badge currently can be completed in a hour at summer camp - which doesn't make it very meaningful compared to other badges which require several hours if not extended periods of effort

Comment by Charles Howard-Gibbon

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:20:11 PST

The topic of "mining" should be part of the Geology merit badge, not as a stand alone merit badge topic. It may be time to update the Geology merit badge to include the current career elements of mining and other geology related careers

Comment by Charles Howard-Gibbon

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:17:27 PST

I think this topic is closely related to Environmental Science. It seems to me that adding that the element of resource management to that badge, rather than creating a separate badge, would be preferable

Comment by jmueller

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:13:59 PST

Boy Scouts need to learn how to follow and work together before they can learn to lead. An 11-year-old won't be able to internalize these lessons.

Comment by jmueller

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:11:26 PST

Hoping this concept is still being embraced at the Center for Professional Development to help new and veteran professionals.

Comment by akraus

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:43:46 PST

Having an online training component (like fast start is for adults) that hands on courses like NYLT build upon would be a great way to prepare them for future leadership positions in the Boy Scouts. It also could help correct misstructure in a troop internally by teaching the national method without the Scoutmaster's possible prejudices.

Comment by akraus

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:37:01 PST

This could possibly be offered as an app as well.

Comment by Darla Hulse

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:18:03 PST

I liked the actual Eagle pin with a pin back (not tie tac)

Comment by Brett Bybee

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:14:05 PST

It could be made a little less cumbersome, but Scoutnet already allows you to export data which can be imported into Outlook. Maybe technical instructions could be posted somewhere easily accessible to everyone.

Comment by chthomas

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:09:46 PST

The Eagle Mom pin in the Eagle Scout Award kit is like a lapel pin. There is also an Eagle Scout mother's pin in the shape of the Eagle Scout eagle, item #124 available through NDC. It is $3.50

Comment by Judy Boydstun

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:01:17 PST

We often receive comments from disappointed leaders and Eagle moms in relation to the Eagle parent pins. Some comment that they actually look like plastic.

Comment by Karl Shelton

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:39:42 PST

We have EXCELLENT training available, just not required for rank advancement. TLT, NYLT, and NAYLE are excellent programs. Making participation in TLT a requirement for Star or Life, Making teaching part of TLT a requirement for Life or Eagle would be awesome.

I would love to see NYLT as an Eagle requirement, but I'm not sure how local council resources could handle it. Here in our council we had 450 Eagles last year and only two NYLT courses, which were completely full, so about 100. Probably not feasible.

Comment by Karl Shelton

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:26:38 PST

This is a great idea, especially if the app would update.

Comment by Karl Shelton

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:25:44 PST

The parent pins have had several changes. In my time the dad's tie-tack just had an Eagle on it (no words) and the mother's pin was a small silver Eagle.

Comment by Susan Meyer

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:53:31 PST

Conflict management is an important skill in todays world. Maybe it should be part of the Communication Merit badge.

Comment by Susan Meyer

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:27:00 PST

I liked to previous mothers pin much more then the curent one.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 06:02:00 PST

Status Changed from Complete to In Progress.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:54:13 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Justin Judd

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:23:18 PST

Change the word Training to Resource and I think we have a winner!

We need to make materials like this available without bundling them up into trainings. If we were to create a website where all these "resources" were available to them in a cataloged, cross-referenced, and searchable format, it would become a much more valuable tool. Especially since they (and we) could refer to it whenever needed (which for trainings is a big shortcoming).

While a training could still be offered, it should only be as a brief introduction to these resources, not be the resource itself.

Comment by Tim McCandless

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:50:01 PST

I would simplify this to two online trainings: one for the charter organization representative and one for the IH. The two sessions could cover all of the above topics. But I heartily agree with doing an online training module for these two positions.

Comment by Don Day

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:05:42 PST

There is a report in Scoutnet & MyBSA Fundraising (Campaign Management) which is called "FR Day End Summary Report". This can be scheduled to run daily and will automatically arrive in your Report Repository on MyBSA (Resources - BSA Resources gadget). This is available from remote locations as well as in your service center.

I recommend having your FR staff person set this up to run daily and be distributed to all council staff members. Please feel free to call me or email me if you need assistance setting this up. Don Day, Council Fund Development Team, 972-580-2551 or don.day@scouting.org

Comment by innovideas

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 07:40:09 PST

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by innovideas

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 07:39:44 PST

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by innovideas

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 07:39:20 PST

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by innovideas

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 07:38:46 PST

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by Joshua Glacken

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 07:38:15 PST

Add the mining merit badge to this one.

Comment by innovideas

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 07:38:06 PST

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by innovideas

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 07:37:28 PST

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by Joshua Glacken

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 07:37:25 PST

I like the new trend of leadership/management skills. However, are merit badges the right place for these? Could we add a leadership development component to each rank advancement?

Comment by Joshua Glacken

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 07:35:44 PST

A bit outdated...could be part of a larger focused merit badge.

Comment by Sharon Larson

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:35:20 PST

coverlan,

I believe bruce.drake was referring to units all chartered by the same organization - ie: LDS where 4 applications are required. We currently ask them to fill out 1 and make copies of both sheets and that is wasteful, time consuming and just plain goofy.

Comment by Alex Tyms

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:19:15 PST

Thank you for posting that information Merril. What was the make up of the youth respondents? Were they existing youth members? Youth non-members? A mixture?

I would think that you would get a different response depending on who you survey. Our existing youth who understand what Venturing is would naturally identify with the Venturing brand. I'm not so sure that same result would happen with with non-member youth.

If it is our intention to grow Venturing I would think a survey of what excites non-members is more valuable. Otherwise it is like the preacher standing at the pulpit on Sunday morning asking "Who believes?"

Comment by mbarbern

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:15:17 PST

That is always a great idea, just make sure if you have something printed, it needs to be in "food grade" soy ink.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:01:35 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:52:04 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Adam Cheadle

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:48:50 PST

There are still many topics that are related to supply coming through the inovation engine, maybe it's time we see some action on this?

Comment by Adam Cheadle

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:31:49 PST

There still needs to be a better way for the customers to view the posters. Whether it be in print like the cards that hang from the Afgahn Racks or a miniture display.

There are still a lot of customers who don't have access to the internet to search scoutstuff.org plus it's sometimes just not convenient. Especailly if the customer has driven the distance to come into the Scout Shop to look for a product. I would always be willing to assist a customer that would want to look at a poster but most customers won't even take the time to look at them because they don't know what they are, especially if they're packaged in a cardboard tube.

The chart rack is a nice concept however for the few number of posters that it actually holds it's not very effective and takes up precious space in the smaller stores.

Comment by Adam Cheadle

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:15:43 PST

Nick,

I agree with you. Currently, there is no way for the Scout Shops to have access to Online Advancement, especially if they're a National Scout Shop. It might be easier for Council Distrubtors.

In our Scout Shop (which is a National Store) we have found that the easiest way to process these orders is to have the Advancement Report complete with order be sent to the Scout Shop first to process the order, then the Scout Shop will pass the report to the Registrar. If the volunteer doesn't need the order filled then the Scout Shop will never see the Advancement Report. Through the online advancement program the volunteers having the option of saving the advancement report to their hard drive which then can be sent via email to the Scout Shop Staff. It really depends on what the Council requires for Advancement Orders.

However, I do think this is a process that needs to be refined.

Comment by Jeffrey Griffin

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:55:29 PST

This would be great!

Comment by Scott Verrill

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:45:25 PST

Adobe Form-fills are created in Adobe Designer. It is not that difficult if you are familiar with the program.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:30:12 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Nick Geinosky

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:08:31 PST

lomiller,

We currently have the same system, but it causes problems in my district's case because the mail is particularly slow due to the geography of two different states. In some cases mail goes through 5-6 post offices and distribution centers.

Adam,

I would think the BSA could develop software that could link with the online advancement sytem. It could simply generate a list of badges, pins, etc. Then ask the volunteer to make adjustments (if needed), verify the order (or cancel it all together) and provide payment info. It would automate the process for everyone involved and simplify it for volunteers as well as our registrar and scout shop people.

Comment by Eric Magendantz

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:03:19 PST

I like the concept. makes sense, but please don't add another writing assignment. Too much like school. I am sure we can come up with a better to drive the experience home. Thanks for the idea.

Comment by Eric Magendantz

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:51:11 PST

Aren't we currently doing this with the Arbor Day Foundation as a part of the 100th Celebration?

http://www.arborday.org/partnerships/bsa/index.cfm?TrackingID=917&utm_source=publications&utm_medium=links&utm_campaign=Boy%252BScouts

Comment by Tim McCandless

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 14:15:40 PST

I think the point is that many kids become freshmen in high school, but are not yet 14 years of age, so they cannot join Venturing. In this case, Venturing is NOT a high school program! This change would ensure that ALL high school students could be Venturers. Many Venture crews are associated with high schools in one way or another but as it is, not all high school students can join Venturing. This would be a good change.

Comment by Adam Cheadle

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 09:55:00 PST

I like the idea of revising the Arrow Points but I'm not sure how I feel about the Bronze Arrow Point. It just sounds like more sewing and removing of patches (2 silver arrow points replaced by one bronze). It's hard enough getting the parents to sew on the emblems the boys earn already.

Maybe we could transition the arrow points into a different program like segments or something the is built into a larger patch.

Another idea is to just make the arrow points pins instead of emblems. That way they could be make smaller and even worn on the pocket flap.

We could even create a pocket flap emblem that is split in two. Left side for wolf and right side for bear. Then the boys could put their pins on the emblem to represent the number of arrow points that's been earned. Kind of similar to the webelos compass point emblem and pins. Only a pocket flap instead.

Comment by Adam Cheadle

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 09:31:09 PST

I agree, the images are difficult to search through and the system is not very user friendly. The resolution on the images are lacking as well for web and print quality.

Comment by Adam Cheadle

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 09:28:32 PST

I believe it would be up to the local council on how they handle their online advancements and filling that order. A very simple solution could be where the Registrar would pass on any noted orders that need filled to the Scout Shop, then the Scout Shop can handle the transaction from that point on including payment and shipping. Not all online advancements need filled. The volunteers would have to follow up with the Scout Shop/Council to make sure that their orders are being filled.

Comment by Adam Cheadle

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 09:22:32 PST

We use to have the CS Individual Progress Charts that came with stickers so the boys could chart their own progress. Everytime a boy would earn a rank or achievment they would place that sticker in its designated position on the Chart. It was a really cool product, I actually had one as a Cub Scout myself. Maybe we could re-introduce those?

Comment by lomiller

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:44:45 PST

Attention to detail is part of leadership. Reading the entire document is essential in all business and personal matters. Never know what could be in the fine print.

Comment by lomiller

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:28:40 PST

Though not on-line our Scout Shop has always provided a mail option for our out of town units. They can mail, fax, or
e-mail a scanned copy of their advancement reports and pay via unit account, check, or credit card. We only charge for postage no "handling fees". This seems to work well for most units.

Comment by Alex Tyms

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:10:09 PST

In the last several councils I have been with the daily mail log was emailed to all staff. This allowed us to see not only FOS but special events, activities, registrations, etc. It is especially helpful for those that do not live/work near the office.

A mail log is supposed to be done on a daily basis anyway. It would seem that it is not that big a deal to send it to the staff.

Comment by lomiller

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:19:59 PST

I agree with Joe. Attention to detail is part of leadership.

Comment by lomiller

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:35:44 PST

Obviously National does not see this the same way council stores do since this has been ongoing for a year and nothing has changed.
If nothing else why isn't there a uniform/handbook specailty catalog? When a youth or adult joins they should be able to see what is available and at what cost. I know the standard answer is just have them go to National Supply's website. New members probably wouldn't even know it exists, and where does that leave the local council store? Out a sale that's where.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:46:38 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:44:47 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:16:41 PST

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:12:26 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:10:21 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:06:47 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by coverlan

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:38:10 PST

I would agree with this if the digital signature thing was more secure. As it stands, any Joe Doe could click digital signature on a PDF and pretend they are someone they might not be. With our membership policies and privacy regulations, I think it is still a good idea to have a paper trail with each applicant (adult or youth).

I do agree it would be nice to do this digitally and save us a LOT of time, as long as its a bit more secure. Maybe a way for them to apply online, and then it stores to a database, that could them be printed out and signed on once for all applicants at a given time. (Mass application).. I would love to see more ideas on this.

Comment by coverlan

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:34:24 PST

I disagree with the person in multi units going thru the process only once. This would remove the ability of the CR Signature from being able to approve these people, if there are different Chartering Orgs for the units this single person is in, they need to be approved by each CR of each unit.

I think sometimes we forget that this is the reason we get CR signatures, they are responsible for approving and disapproving.

Comment by coverlan

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:31:05 PST

I have to vote down on this. if anything, it need to be at LEAST having completed the 8th Grade. This should be a High School kid program (in my opinion). I realize there are some kids out there who might have late birthdates, held back, etc.. and be 14 in the eigth grade, but non-the-less I like that it's a High School program.

Comment by bruce.drake

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:42:42 PST

It would also be nice to make it possible for an institution that has more than one unit and adults who serve on all of the unit committees to only enter the adult information once and populate all of the units. As it is now; the information must be entered in each unit.

Comment by Cathy Cunningham

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:14:20 PST

PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! We need a full catalog at least once every year or two; then do the seasonal ones, as they are really great and helpful also. We only show customers the old catalog when we have to (out of something etc)and tell them it's 4 years old and prices may be different. The master catalog for staff is usually difficult to find things in, and many are not in it at all, so our "go to" book is the 2006. Then we move forward to the seasonal catalogs from there. The seasonal catalogs should be an add on; not the only!

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:47:29 PST

'In support of our collective goals of increasing membership and retention while simultaneously delivering relevant and engaging program, the “New BSA” has embarked on a new initiative to pilot Personal Watercraft, more commonly referred to as jet skis.

Read the ProSpeak article in the September 2009 issue at: http://www.scouting.org/ProSpeak/best_practices/watercraft.aspx
(Copy and paste the link)

Early in the spring of 2009 councils were invited to submit proposals detailing how they would potentially deliver a Personal Watercraft pilot program. The proposals were required to include details such as; location, training, safety, budget, equipment, promotion and staffing. It was anticipated that our first tests of this new concept would occur during the summer 2010. However, as a result of some great work by the Blue Ridge Mountains Council in Roanoke, VA, we were able to conduct our first pilot during their seven (7) week summer camp program at the Claytor Lake Adventure Base.

High level results of the first pilot are as follows:

• 280 Scouts participated in the pilot
• 90% stated the program “met” or “exceed” their expectations
• 90% of all youth indicated they were either “somewhat” or “very likely” to return to camp because of the PWC program.
• 35% stated participating in the PWC program increased their likelihood of staying in Scouting
• 59% indicated participating in the PWC program increased their likelihood of recommending Scouting to others
' authored by innovideas was merged with this idea.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 06:33:05 PST

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by jotoro

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:04:50 PST

It is a fed law that this background check document cannot be a part of another document. Maybe someone should call their congressman or senator.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:48:12 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:57:07 PST

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:52:34 PST

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by John Oneil

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:09:35 PST

how about sending a copy or two to each Council office? That way it can be read by the professional staff as needed (post it on a bulletin board or something) but we're not mailing 3,000 plus copies a quarter.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:21:49 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:39:47 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Jeffrey Griffin

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:17:37 PST

Sounds good. Now lets make it happen.

Comment by jotoro

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 07:29:30 PST

In IPhoto (Mac) there is a great way to produce this kind of picture book. I've used it as a recognition item for our Distingiushed Citizen Award recipients. Just pop your pictures into the program, press a button, and the hardcover photo album comes in the mail about 10 days later. Very classy.

Comment by Charles Howard-Gibbon

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 14:28:53 PST

I would prefer to see a PDF version e-mailed to all registered BSA volunteers and staff.

The cost of sending a paper copy of Eagleletter to unit leaders, commissioners, professionals, and others who are not NESA members would be a financial expense that may not be feasible. NESA memberships are sold, in part, on the idea of Eagles getting this subscription, so the fairness issue of who else (besides registered Eagles) would get complimentary copies is also a concern

Comment by jsears

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 05:02:16 PST

This comment speaks to a broader need. Our technology needs to be simpliflied so that the front line customer service staff can access, adjust and use it as a tool to help them. In its current format, it is a reactive tool and not a proactive tool. As we develop these kinds of tools, we need to insure that data can be inputted easily and found easily. Also, PDA compatibility- is a must.

Comment by bruce.drake

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:16:26 PST

I also find that most of the images are not of sufficient resolution to be "print quality." There needs to be vector image formats also.

Comment by Jeffrey Griffin

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:46:09 PST

Great idea and I would also say one should be sent to every District Ex. as well. Its great for research or to use for story telling.

Comment by kswanson

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 10:15:49 PST

I love the historic images and use them often. Too bad there are not more of them available - especially with the anniversary year.

I agree with the shopping cart format - it is a pain to use and many vendors gripe about it as well.

Updated pictures - that would be great!

Comment by akraus

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 10:03:15 PST

Wasn't there already a thread somewhere talked about switching Webelos to Jaguar or soemthign like that since there is the Lions pilot running for kindergardeners? It seems like the two threads should be put together instead of having multiple copies of the same topic.

Comment by coverlan

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:43:41 PST

I like the system. there are sooo many images, that you need a system like that to sort them. if you view the original, you can simply right click and save the image to your computer. I use it all the time. I also like to see the historic images available, but dont use them really.

Comment by Eric Magendantz

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:27:17 PST

This is not "innovative" regardless of how you feel about the issue.

Comment by Eric Magendantz

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:17:55 PST

I absolutely take every day of my vacation and I have done so every year of my 17 years on the job and I will continue to do so. I also expect my staff to do the same. As a matter of fact I get on them if they don't take at least one full week off and away. Just ask them.

Many European countries and economies function just fine with an extra ordinary amount of vacation compared with what is offered here in america. I think Mark is onto something that many have spoken about for years.

On the other hand maybe we are so important to a volunteer movement that we, and they, just can't afford to have us gone for an extended period (sarcasm).

Comment by emills

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:22:31 PST

Since we went to council wide internet rechartering for traditional units- the recharter packets that are time consuming to put together were not being used as they had in the past. this year we are trying a paperless packet located at the site on the council web page where the rechartering process is located. It will be interesting to see how well this idea is received and plan to take a survey to see what the units think of the idea

Comment by Liz Johnson

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:13:29 PST

In our council we put the access code on a label on the Recharter Packet envelope. The access codes are also available in a folder online for our district executives, field assistants, registrars, and others within the council who would need to reference them.

Comment by Charles Howard-Gibbon

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 09:40:25 PST

If we need to change the Law of the Pack because it is too hard to explain to Cub-age youth, then following the theme of "Seamless Scouting", I recommend using the twelve points of the Scout Law for all 3 programs (Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing). We already require subscribing to the Scout Law for all adults in all programs, and the simplicity of the 12 words works for all who follow the Scout Law.

Having taught the meaning of the Law of the Pack to hundreds of boys during Cub Scout recruiting nights for over 2 decades, I sense that the above alternatives would be even harder to explain (particularly the concepts of respect and responsibility for Tiger and Wolf-age boys).

Comment by Charles Howard-Gibbon

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 09:32:45 PST

Sometimes recapturing an old idea will work again. Using the name "Lion" for the fourth grade rank (instead of Webelos rank badge) would probably be very attractive to Scouts, leaders, and families.

If we are going to have a program for boys before first grade (and I am not yet convinced of the value of expanding Cub Scouts to potentially 6-7 years total), calling that age group a Bobcat den makes much more sense than Lion. The Lion rank of 1930-1967 for 10 year old Cub Scouts would be seriously misunderstood if it was restored and given to the kindergarten and "pre-first" age group.

Comment by davjohns

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 10:36:47 PST

Lion Scouts should replace "Webelos" name, not Tigers.

Comment by davjohns

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 10:33:19 PST

Go back to Lion Scouts if you change at all.

Comment by Luann Martinez

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:36:14 PST

How about a Food Network Challenge to create a fabulous 10th birthday cake?

Comment by Joe Connole

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 11:35:04 PST

When my Troop underwent a recognization, and we had an all new Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster stuff and a new Committee we decided to go with berets. Initially we opted for a green beret, which was given to all the scouts in the troop. We had a BSA pin we wore on the beret, it looked like it was made for it. Then we switched to a red beret, and made it something scouts had to earn. Those of us who had already had the green were given the red one, but all new scouts had to earn it. I think the beret looks better, classier and more professional than a flimsy baseball cap that the BSA has.

Comment by Joe Connole

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 11:29:43 PST

A knot is a great idea. The Centennial World Crest Ring should only be for the year; but a knot would make sense because years later it will be unassuming and a Ring won't be.

Comment by Joe Connole

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 11:26:51 PST

This doesn't sound like a horribly bad idea but here are some problems I see with it. Scouting starts at the age of 6 with Tiger Cubs and the Cub Scout program culimates at age 10. The average scout enters Boy Scouts from Cub Scouts at 10 years old, almost 11. Their only option is to be in a Boy Scout Troop until they reach the age of 14, at which time they can become Varsity Scouts or Venturing Scouts. So really what you are looking for is a program that encompasses scouts for all of 3 years. The day they turn 14 they can join a Team or Crew (or even a Post if they want to do Explorers.)

As a remedy for this problem, I suggest that we lower the age for Varsity Scouts to 11.

Comment by pat.friedrich

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:10:00 PST

What a fantastic idea!

Comment by pat.friedrich

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:07:53 PST

Unless I'm mistaken, it's called a "Service Star".

Comment by pat.friedrich

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:01:49 PST

The National data system needs to be set up so that they assign the member number and it follows the person from counsel to counsel.

Comment by Peter Ashworth

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:42:51 PST

If we are looking at bringing back old caps, what about the winter cap or the camp staffer hat?http://www.infinetivity.com/~blkeagle/hats.htm

Comment by coverlan

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:14:06 PST

The talent release form might be better served as part of the BSA Application then on the Medical form. This way, the info is stored on file at the council office, and you don't have to bring a copy to every event. Maybe a check box in the Scoutnet system when the registrar processes the app, that says "Talent Release?" (Check). and then we can see it as a yes or no via their member record online.

As for the Philmont Physical form, lets face it, that can be pretty important as most people in scouting are not doing as rigorous a task as the folks doing a trek.

Comment by coverlan

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:08:00 PST

Lone Scouting has its place, but not in these instances. For Michaels example, you need a traditional unit. If they all live near each other, even if not "in town" there is no reason why they cant be a unit. There are some fine tools for Rural and Urban unit recruiting and retention available via the BSA.

Lone scouting is for the individual that is too far from a unit to conceivably be effective.

I don't think that using the Lone Scout program to Pad numbers is a good idea at all (for the original poster). Boys can be registered in a unit, whether or not they show up is up to them. I had a kid whose parents insisted he recharter every year, and they only ever made 2-3 meetings each year, HOWEVER, we were there for them for when they had time to attend, and we kept them informed on what the boy had missed, and encouraged them to work on those items at home. For Cub Scouts, this is completely acceptable, its a bit tougher for Boy Scouts however, but can still be done.

We (professionals, and unit leaders alike) can not dictate who we think needs to be dropped from a charter/unit. The parent of that boy is the customer, and if they want him on the books, then so be it, and if they want to drop, then you have to drop them, but never assume you know what they want.

Comment by coverlan

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:00:54 PST

I was a scout from 1985-1990, and our troop opted for Berets when we went to the 1989 Nat. Jambo. So they were still around even as late as 1990. I thought they were cool, and because other troops didn't use them much, we looked distinctive, and uniform. I would love to see them available as a catalog item at the very least.

I do have to admit tho, I REALLY like the new BSA Hat, the Green with the embroidered flur.. I like that MUCH better then the old Red/Green "trucker" hats that used to be out there.

Comment by Patricia Fountain

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:49:46 PST

Individual councils can not tap into another council the way national can so the member number can not follow the person.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:47:22 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:44:31 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by lomiller

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:28:48 PST

Though Oprah has clout I doubt it would have a great deal of impact as she is geared toward women. Yes there are many women within the Boy Scouts but what is your target audience? Young men or middle aged women?

Comment by innovideas

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:54:15 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Steve Hanson

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:42:31 PST

This is an idea that definitely will help us get more out of the BSA database, and more for our postal dollars. The Postal Service wants to deliver every piece of mail, but bulk rate is not forwarded. Bad addresses result in bulk mailers simply being thrown away. Having good addresses in the first place is a win for the environment, as well as greatly improving our ability to reach our members and donors with hard copy information.

Comment by R. Mark Baldwin

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:21:38 PST

Good training may resolve the issue to some extent. But perhaps the legal requirements that increase the use of paper, staples, and additional file cabinets to accomodate these extra documents needs to be reevaluated. As good citizens, and good environmental stewards not to mentions being thrifty, shouldn't we help eliminate the cause instead of treating the symptoms. It appears that legal should be working on a solution to this issue.

Comment by Michael Mitchell

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:20:07 PST

This is a great idea. I have a very rural district and have tries a little to implement Lone Scouting but it hasn't been very successful. I actually have one town that is owned (yes I said owned) by a ranch. Most of the kids in the school, their parents work on the ranch and most of them live over 20 miles from town. I really wish we could put a little more emphasis on Lone Scouting, especially for rural districts.

Comment by Stephen Weisenreder

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:35:27 PST

I thought this post was absolutely hillarious until I realized you were serious. I'm a fairly conservative guy, but even I found this offensive.

Still, it made me laugh pretty hard, so I voted for it as a "thanks for the laugh". But seriously, No.

Comment by Marc Cardin

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:11:24 PST

...Or we could organize more units that meet on different days. For example if the only Pack in town meets on Monday then organize one that meets on Wednesday.

Comment by rbauer

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:19:18 PST

How about a monthly email post to all users of bsa.org with list of the significant dates for that month- e.g. date congress signed the first charter, the first BS Troop in the USA,the first Eagle, first Cub scout etc. I know the dates are all out there in various places but it would be nice to have a monthly listing/reminder. Then we could print/share/post the information for unit volunteers, in the Scout Shops or even submit to local media.

Comment by rbauer

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:12:41 PST

There is already in existance the Leader's Fitness recognition Bin 19-326 that is available through Health& Safety. While it doesn't directly address hiking, it is a great resouce for planning a healthy life for adult leaders.There ia an activity challenge that might well include walking a specific # of miles in a specific time. I agree that a special recognition for 100 miles in the 100th year might be just the ticket to getting us out more! For healthier leaders!

Comment by John Oneil

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:58:54 PST

Many of my units highlight the important sections before they hand out the applications. Twenty minutes of prep work will solve that issue

Comment by John Oneil

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:56:28 PST

The red beret has been gone since the 1970s. I'd rather see the "overseas" style cap come back.

Comment by Joe Connole

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:55:33 PST

What message are we sending to scouts by not requiring them to take Fire Safety merit badge? So are we saying a Scout should be safe about fire? I think its great we have a Scholarship merit badge, but the idea of a scout being educated is not a part of our mission statement, specifically speaking. Based on the arguments to add Scholarship, then all 120 merit badges should be required.

Comment by Joe Connole

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:50:00 PST

I agree that some merit badges should have some preregs. But as it stands now they don't, and its not up to the Scoutmaster to deny a boy a blue card. If the Scout wants to take a merit badge, he can. Only the Scout and Parent can decide if the Scout is ready to take merit badge.

Comment by Joe Connole

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:47:20 PST

Why can't a Scout who is supposedly going up for Eagle Scout pay more attention?

Comment by pcowan

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:19:05 PST

Yes, and please take the talent release form off the last page. How can we keep the talent release in a file when we take photographs and also give back the medical form when the event is over if they are on the same piece of paper?

Comment by pcowan

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:16:17 PST

What about having a poster turn stile like they have at Walmart for their posters of teen idols? This would take up limited space and allow multiple posters to be presented by just flipping from one to another. We already have rotating merit badge book turn stiles.

Comment by jotoro

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:43:18 PST

The current way of doing the CQUA suits our needs at the national/council/district level, not the needs of our units. We are forcing the situation on our units where they have to track year end results because we live and die by those results. It is not a natural way of thinking to a unit leader to think in terms of year end instead of school year.

The entire award needs to be rethought. Units don't care about retention. If they even get what the number means it makes them angry that boys that age out or crossover hurt that percentage. Training percentage? Our mybsa/scoutnet system hasn't worked for 10 years. We've been keeping our own records. National Parent Initiative? A poorly implimented great idea that almost no one has heard of. Advancement percentage? The number doesn't come from mybsa/scoutnet - you have to come up with that on your own (membership doesn't talk to advancement). No way to easily track it throughout the year at our level.

I'm amazed at the high percentage of units that get this award every year.

Comment by John McDougald

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:50:18 PST

After 20 years of serving as a professional, I have been chasing membership during December. I am currently at a 5% growth in membership (+156 youth)and at a 2.4% growth in units(+3 units); however, we have new staff that need help and that is why it is typical for me to be well ahead and still need to chase membership with our current date of December 31. It needs to change and October 31st makes sense. I agree with the comments about working on finance, retention of professionals, spending time with family, and allowing our volunteers to spend time with their families. It is nice to know that this is being considered.... Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:45:49 PST

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:09:16 PST

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:03:12 PST

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:00:01 PST

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:53:50 PST

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Steve Stephenson

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:42:02 PST

In evaluating this Innovative Idea, please do not get bogged down with the Term Mandatory - of course the word is a pejorative! Of course it would be difficult... but please do not let factor derogate the value of the concept - quite frankly, it is a good idea, is instituted in several councils, and works well.

Additionally, we are not too naive to realize that exceptions can be made for persons without computers/ internet access. Again, consider the time/ money/ trees saved. Thank you all for your comments.

Comment by Bob DeWar

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:20:48 PST

GREAT IDEA! I love the idea of units setting their goals and that unit commissioners are given a clear plan of how to interact with their assigned units given the "unit guide to self-assessment" and the materials contained in the yearly Centennial Awards packet. However, the difficulty in collecteing real data has led to a lot of guesswork in setting goals.

Comment by innovideas

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:13:41 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Charles Howard-Gibbon

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:53:17 PST

Based on my years working with training team and unit Scouters in three different councils, I would recommend one IOLS/BALOO/etc. type outdoor skills training that fits the basic needs of all Scouters (packs, troops, teams, and crews) so that if you take it once, it is certification for leading outdoor activities.

The need above about modeling Varsity team activity should be addressed in the next revision of the "indoor session" of Varsity Scout Leader Specific -- not by creating a "stand-alone" Varsity Outdoor Skills training.

I know this would take some effort to integrate the various existing outdoor trainings, but most Scouters are only interested in giving up one weekend away from their units for training, so we should make the most of it. In continuing with the theme of seamless Scouting, utilize the revised training to educate all Scouters of the age-appropriate activities for each level, so when troop leaders and den chiefs are helping packs, and Venturers/Varsity are helping younger Boy Scouts, they know what should and should not be done with the next younger age group.

Simplifying the training sequence is essential if we want to move towards the 2011-2015 goal of 100 percent trained leaders.

Comment by Patrick Nance

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:45:21 PST

I think we should avoid politicizing the Boy Scouts more then it already is.

Comment by jolynick

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:23:55 PST

I think we can nearly all agree, tracking the centennial Quality units has not been all we had hoped for. Thank goodness we only have one more year for it and a new quality program is supposed to be rolled out for 2011.

Comment by Charles Wesley Brasfeild

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:21:43 PST

Scrap the goal creation entirely at the end of 2010. For even our most trained leaders, it has been a challenge and a distraction.

THE BEST SENARIO Create a standard for quality as was before and continue on the calendar year (Jan-Dec).

Comment by John Whitford

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:14:28 PST

Lions certainly sounds better than Webelos 1... probably should have done this when we lowered the Tiger program to grade one. I give this suggestion a thumbs up. Of course, councils doing a 'grade k' Lion program may have some confusion about this.

Comment by innovideas

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:10:40 PST

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Comment by Steve Hanson

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:10:33 PST

I am a Scout Shop manager, and I too would like to have a poster display fixture like the ones I see at Spencer Gifts. But until we relocate to a larger location in a year or so, I don't have space either. Some of them are mounted on our facia boards above the wall boards.

Comment by innovideas

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:08:23 PST

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Comment by innovideas

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:07:18 PST

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Comment by sahawk

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:05:46 PST

Space would be the largest are of resistance for such an undertaking. Most Scout Shops are very, very limited on space which is why they are packaged the way they are to begin with. If you ask your store personnel to open one up for you to view I'm sure they would accomodate you.

Comment by innovideas

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:05:43 PST

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Comment by innovideas

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:04:08 PST

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Comment by innovideas

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:00:18 PST

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Comment by innovideas

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:58:02 PST

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Comment by innovideas

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:54:42 PST

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Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:52:03 PST

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Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:41:41 PST

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Comment by innovideas

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:28:19 PST

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Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:25:57 PST

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Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:21:35 PST

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Comment by innovideas

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:09:16 PST

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Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:05:54 PST

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Comment by innovideas

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:02:41 PST

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Comment by innovideas

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:59:53 PST

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Comment by innovideas

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:56:18 PST

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Comment by innovideas

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 07:53:26 PST

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Comment by Counci 538

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 07:02:20 PST

There's alway "optionally required". What message do we send to Scouts by not emphasizing striving for good grades in school? No, not everyone is a genius. Not everyone has the ability to perform well in school. But when we don't attach a significance to scholarship (other than "here's another merit badge you can earn"), we're demeaning the rank and putting Scouts on notice that this is something they shouldn't strive for. And while being a good scholar doesn't necessarily reflect future success, would you make the arguement that not emphasizing good scholarship is a definite indicator of future success? I doubt it. I'd wager that a majority of Eagle Board Chairs would argue for Scholarship as at least optionally required for Eagle. How much do we want to water down what a boy needs to do to strive for Scouting's ultimate achievement?

Comment by innovideas

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:59:04 PST

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Comment by innovideas

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:57:25 PST

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Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:56:24 PST

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Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:54:55 PST

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Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:49:24 PST

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Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:47:42 PST

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Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:44:41 PST

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Comment by innovideas

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:43:17 PST

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Comment by innovideas

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:42:28 PST

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Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:41:09 PST

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Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:30:52 PST

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Comment by innovideas

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:20:43 PST

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Comment by innovideas

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:04:16 PST

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Comment by rszymans

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:08:36 PST

I too have never heard of the trained strip being used by professional staff members of Scouting. However there has been since the 1980's a square knot that professionals can earn by completeing the pdl series and a couple of other significant Scouting or outside educational expirences. I believe it is called the Professional Development Knot. I'm sure it is still available.

Comment by emills

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:30:06 PST

We no longer give out printed recharter paperwork - we stopped doing that when we went to the online charters. It was adopted council wide and we knew we would have some try and turn in paper charters. I simply put the codes on labels which are placed on a letter to the committee chair explaining other details of the process. All of our units recharter in February - the letters with the codes go out the 1st week in December with a reminder the window is January 1st. We also make sure that the District Executievs have copies of the the codes for their units as well as the district commissioners. if a code is lost the unit has several options for obtainins the code when they need it.

Comment by Marie Rice

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:47:47 PST

While I agree that making event registration, payment or charter fees, and payment of FOS $ convenient for Scouters is a good thing, I don't know that a nationally-developed tool is the answer.

Our council (~100,000 youth, ~25,000 volunteers) piloted using a third-party product for online registration for our University of Scouting event this fall. We had to work individually with the company to ensure they had the programming capacity for our course offerings, as our event was so large (700 people).

Our demographics are very different from many other councils, so again, I'm not sure a national, 1-tool-fits-all would be the right answer.

Comment by Marie Rice

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:39:52 PST

Texting is a way to reach busy parents--AND adolescents. In many cases, it is even better and more versatile than email.

BSA needs to communicate with its stakeholders in ways that make sense for said stakeholders.

Comment by John Garrett

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:24:19 PST

The typo has been fixed, not the lingo.

Comment by John Garrett

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:23:49 PST

It's been fixed.

Comment by Charles Howard-Gibbon

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:19:29 PST

An advantage to using the calendar year for Quality Unit planning and recognition is that is in the middle of the program year, when unit leaders are more available and open to commissioner service. In my experience, it can be difficult just to get unit leaders to initiate a annual plan during the summer months, as that is a big process.

The second advantage, for the many councils like ours that renew charters on the calendar year basis, is that the Quality Unit forms can be done at the same time (in November/December). This is a process advantage that we would be reluctant to lose to a summer time period when it is harder to connect commissioners to unit leaders. It also allows those who are newly involved/recruited in Aug-Oct. Fall Roundup to participate in setting goals for the new calendar year

Comment by Marie Rice

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:15:09 PST

I agree with jeburke. I do think we need to place some guidelines on this technology--especially in light of the fact that youth and adults can be "friends" through social networking.

I would not have dreamed how silly some adults (who should know better) could be on a social network until I saw a status update that included an inappropriate reference in a Scouting context on Facebook last spring.

Comment by Marie Rice

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:53:40 PST

Okay, then.

Let's either change the "lingo," or fix the typo. Because in the meantime, our organization looks silly.

Comment by Marie Rice

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:52:00 PST

The corollary to this challenge is that people need to know that they *CAN* access myscouting.org and the online learning center even if they are using Internet Explorer 8.

Many of the calls we receive at a local council level involve this question.

Simply make sure IE8 is running with the Compatability View settings set for myscouting.org. (Tools menu, Compatability View Settings choice).

Comment by Marie Rice

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:45:53 PST

Agreed--but the password should need to be changed and updated, rather than remaining "permanent."

Comment by Marie Rice

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:44:11 PST

I REALLY like the idea of a consolidated list of changes. And an RSS feed appeals to me, too.

Comment by Marie Rice

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:33:55 PST

The articulated reasons for merit badges are to give youth a taste of activities that can either provide vocation ideas (jobs later in life) or avocation ideas (hobbies later in life).

This sort of merit badge--whether narrowly focused or broadly focused, as Mr. Howard-Gibbon indicates--will help to better interest and prepare the next generation's set of workers and citizens. That seems to me to be exactly what our movement is best at, so this sounds like a great idea.

Comment by Marie Rice

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:28:30 PST

Success in school and success in Scouting (i.e. earning the Eagle rank) often go hand in hand.

However, the converse is not always true--that is, success in Scouting does not always march right along with success (A or B average, great behavior, extra curricular activity) in school. As an educational program, BSA is a much more hands-on, experiential learning program than nearly any other school a youth is likely to experience. Many youth that do well with hands-on learning do less than well in a traditional school setting.

Scouting is meant to be inclusive, and for some, these merit badges as requirements could be serious obstacles to Eagle rank.

Comment by John Garrett

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:19:15 PST

I stand with those who believe that starting younger will not increase our overall membership or improve our ability to instill the values of the Scout Oath and Law. The reasoning has already been well stated above.

Comment by Marie Rice

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:08:46 PST

Obtaining a blue card from the Scoutmaster is mostly meant to ensure that a boy is working on his merit badge with a registered, approved merit badge counselor, as the Scoutmaster, in concert with a unit advancement chair, are often the "gatekeepers" of the copy of the district's merit badge counselor list.

The registered, approved part of the merit badge counselor list is important, because, of course, it means that the counselor has filled out a registration form and had a criminal background check. This is, then, primarily a youth protection issue.

That is really the only reason a youth needs to obtain the card and the Scoutmaster's signature. Beyond that reason, any youth registered with a Boy Scout troop or a Varsity team may work to earn any merit badge at any time.

Comment by Marie Rice

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:02:38 PST

I know that I appreciate an email reminder when it's time to renew several of the trainings I need to take for church and other organizations I with which I volunteer--good idea.

Also, the more often principles such as those of YP are reiterated and heard (yearly??), the more likely they are to be "automatic"--that is, implemented as a core portion of every unit's programming, with consideration given to YP guidelines every time planning commences for any activity.

The starting point from a reality and technology standpoint is showing YP as something other than a yes/no checkbox in ScoutNET. Right now, once trained, always trained, as far as ScoutNET is concerned.

Comment by Marie Rice

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:52:08 PST

Great idea, assuming the families read email frequently. But a good use of the information we collect on registration forms.

Our council recently used this function to assist in auditing training records and has considered using this function to assist in getting new leaders the training they need.

Comment by jmhill

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:04:07 PST

There is at least one other font in the new marketing guidelines that also requires purchase.

Comment by Brooke Stafford

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:40:31 PST

Is there any progress on this?

Comment by Brooke Stafford

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:39:18 PST

I'm glad to hear that we have the option to continue using the "old" career interest surveys! Thank you!

Comment by brobb

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:20:58 PST

I think Mark is on the right track here but I agree with the concerns stated about the inability to use additional vacation days in a year. Many of us do not take the time to be gone 12, 15 or 22 days.

However, a 60-90 day "Sabbatical leave" for each 10 year of employment would, in my opinion, be a great incentive for retention and a nice way to allow for extended travel or time off to reward an employee for achieving each 10 year milestone.

In the past 3 years our staff has worked through five maternity leaves and two medical leaves of extended periods of time. On each leave of absence, our operations continued without major loss of productivity as we found ways to make them all work out.

We don't think twice about young female executives taking multiple maternity leaves in their first three years of employment. We cover vacancies during medical leaves. Why not reward all executives with comparable "sabbatical leaves" after each 10 years of service?

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:28:28 PST

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Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:25:10 PST

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Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:14:24 PST

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Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:48:08 PST

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Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:45:38 PST

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Comment by coverlan

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 21:02:28 PST

Most if not ALL BSA Awards, Knots, etc. are based on some aspect of the BSA. Whereas I agree, the military does support the scouting movement, it is not a part of the BSA. The BSA works very hard to make sure we do not look like a Para-Military Organization, and I agree with that effort. Also, the metals for Heroism do not apply to Non-Scouts. They are based on efforts of scouts putting their scouting training to work to save/safeguard a life. I think that appreciation for the military should be done on a more local basis, with a show of support from the scouts, not from yet another BSA award.

Comment by Mark Saxon

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 09:09:14 PST

Doug, great point. I think this obstacle could be met either by the boys attending a district/council Venturing Roundtable or VOA. Perhaps with such a challenge in place districts might be inclined to offer an open house to showcase the program and its applications. Importanly, Boy Scout leaders could clearly see what Venturing isn't. It isn't a program that competes for the ever-shrinking time of their boys. If more leaders realize this and boys begin to anticipate wanting to join a crew at age 13 or 14 I am confident that we will lose less boys to OUTSIDE programs at age 16 or 17. I am often reminded by volunteers of a certain age that this is how the Exploring program once opperated before its reclasification as a Learning for Life program in the 70s and 80s. Honestly, I think it is time that we realistically look at what is happening in our programs instead of a theoretical model. Theoretically, every boy would join a Venturing Crew after they reach Eagle sometime around 15-17. In practice through, many boys simply lack the desire to strive for Eagle and move on to other activities once the dreaded fumes take hold. If more were exposed to Venturing as a Scouting alternative path in order to make the Star Rank, I know we would find more youth gravitating to Crews instead of simply writing their Scout Troop off as something they are beyond. Simply, some boys don't set their sights on Eagle (and know this by Star) and are simply looking for a social environment. Venturing is that social environment but sadly volunteers are reluctant to accept that some simply have no interest in Eagle. Ultimately, they will work to string these boys along for another year or so to Life before predictably they become less active and drop out. It seems a lost opportunity that we refuse to reignight their interest with a program that has that capibility to do so.

Comment by Doug Brown

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:21:46 PST

Interesting idea. What are your thoughts for areas that do not have Venture Crews within a reasonable drive to visit? How would a boy accomplish that requirement? Not shootinng it down, just looking for how to get it done.

Comment by Charles Howard-Gibbon

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:06:53 PST

I think it is time that National Supply bought ownership of one or two of the Unit Management Software (UMS) software packages, with the idea of selling them through National Supply and have the software development coming from National staff/contractors and completely integrated with MyScouting. This is what we did with adopting Boys' Life magazine, integrating the Order of the Arrow and NESA, pinewood derby cars, etc. -- taking a very good concept like UMS and making it work for the whole BSA and all its chartered organizations

If this is not feasible, then UMS vendors should be required to remain compatible to ScoutNET and MyScouting formats, and have data for tour permits, advancement, training, and charter renewal uploaded through MyScouting.org with complete validation through ScoutNET records (such as registered adults for BSA trips and outings).

The greatest difficulty in our council (and those where I have served previously) is serving unit Scouters who use UMS software to print paper reports (and avoid using MyScouting as the portal for submitting and completing reports). In those situations, the UMS relies on data created by units that includes unregistered youth and adults, and undocumented training of adults.

See Pat Friedrich's recent Innovation Engine posting for an example of the various problems encountered when UMS software (as it currently exists) becomes the individual unit's dominating software platform. Currently Troopmaster/Packmaster allows unit entered names and nicknames to override full legal names in ScoutNET during the online charter renewal submissions. Another concern is that UMS printed Advancement/Recognition reports still come in to the council service center with unregistered youth on them.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:55:25 PST

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Comment by David Nolle

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 04:11:10 PST

John-

Am pretty sure Sue Austin in our shopt at 785-354-0291 can hook you up with the soon to be outdated items you desire.

//Dave

Comment by John Oneil

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:17:45 PST

The Academics & SPorts Progam Guide was on hold due to the 13 new belt loops that weer just released. Maybe the ohter books are tied into that as well?

Comment by Tom Copeland

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:09:52 PST

totally agree !

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:03:05 PST

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Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:00:28 PST

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Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:29:53 PST

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Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:27:29 PST

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Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:25:10 PST

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Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:21:59 PST

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Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:19:54 PST

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Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:16:07 PST

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Comment by candera

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:14:49 PST

I imagine one reason for not highlighting a field is scan-ability of a document. However, a prominent colored dot next to the field or the field border in a color may achieve the same effect.

Comment by coverlan

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:34:57 PST

Though I agree that alot of people skip that part, it is the job of the person handing out the applications to check the forms for completeness before the applicant leaves the form. Through a proper training, we can fix this problem. I think we need to start to bread the culture into paying attention, and stop adding more "signs" to the landscape. I see people that skip the background questionnaire (#6) on the adult app, and its RIGHT THERE IN THEIR FACES on the same sheet that hold their name and address... We simply need to start to make people accountable for their actions, and point out to them that the missed something. Maybe eventually they will take the hint to read the entire material and take stock in what they are signing.

Comment by coverlan

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:22:55 PST

Though I agree that pros "should" be able to staff the trainings, they "shouldn't need to", if we are doing our jobs, we have volunteers to do that, along with most everything else. We don't have to be experts in everything, we DO NEED to be experts in resources.

Comment by John Fabsits

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:17:40 PST

Currently the Scout Cub Scout Leader How-To Book, Cub Scout Leader Book, Cub Scout Academics & Sports Program Guide and Cub Scout Ceremonies for Dens and Packs items are not available through BSA Supply.

Comment by pgaugler

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:59:27 PST

We get a lot of adult applications that do not have the Disclosure form included. And unfortunately many times we never get it, even though they are contacted, so that adult is never registered. I agree that something needs changed so that they are more aware. If the Disclosure form is required to be on a separate page, then why not include part of or all of what is right above the applicant's signature and place it on the Disclosure form and in red or another color direct them back to the previous page.

Comment by Roger Chatell

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:32:48 PST

I used Packmaster in my sons' pack, and I agree. There is a sheet it can print to supplement a paper tour permit, but it can be so much more versitile if we'd allow it to be. I wonder if it is an insurance roadblock to use the programs to create our tour permits?

Comment by Sharon Larson

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:17:54 PST

I don't know if I understand the concern here. The materials you are asking for are still available to all Scouting families and for purchase at both our Scout Shop and our NSD Scout store. Maybe you are out of these materials locally but I sell stuff at my district trainings every month - usually a little bit of everything you have listed here.

Comment by Lou Perseghin

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:16:40 PST

I like this idea, it continues the 'transitional' nature of the program that we already try to set out with moving from Cubs to Boy Scouts. I like Mark's idea of being accompanied by an adult as well.

You would need to make sure the language of the requirement said a 'registered venture crew,' and not venture patrol. I know a few troops that have 'venture patrols' and are very reluctant to register them separately. It would have to be clear that a scout is to visit a separate unit, not just the older scout patrol with their own troop.

Comment by Gillian Murrell

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:13:24 PST

Simplify, simplify, simplify.

Comment by Tom Dintaman

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:46:51 PST

Because we designed this to support other BeAScout.org methods of promotion, we tracked online responses from schools where we lack flyer or rally access as being attributed to the road signs. We think it added 75 - 100 new Cub Scouts. Summary: it's a piece of the answer, but not enough by itself.

Comment by jotoro

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:22:13 PST

Professionals should not only attend all the basic trainings, they should eventually be able to teach all the basic trainings.

Comment by jotoro

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:19:08 PST

How did this effect your membership? Did you see a signifcant increase?

Comment by jotoro

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:15:00 PST

I would even go a step beyond the transition requirement idea. I would suggest that the Boy Scout program end at 15. And an even more radical idea, that a boy can't earn his Eagle Badge until he is 15.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:02:28 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Mike Langer

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:55:25 PST

Training is an important part of what we ask others to do. They should expect the professionals to be trained as well. Completing the requirements, earning and wearing a small symbol of that effort are a great way to support that every kids deserves a trained leader. I might be wrong, but it seems that I received more training as a professional (e.g. PDL, Camp School, etc.) than I did as a volunteer (Assistant Cubmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster). I have talked to many volunteers who approve that I wear a Trained Strip. To them it shows that we are involved.

Comment by Mark Saxon

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:41:54 PST

If knowledge is power I can certainly see the merit in taking trainings which will bolster a pros ability to interact and serve volunteers. This might be something that could be considered as a Development goal in the new PDS for someone who has little experience with the Scouting program. I would however appreciate if our office staff was more knowledgeable about basic practices and trainings. Simply taking the online fast starts for example as needed could empower them to directly answer volunteer concerns at the desk rather than forwarding them on to a DE for further followup. Volunteers don't always appreciate the run-around. But hey it's all part of relationship building in the long run. Sometimes not knowing the answer shows we are human. Following up shows we care.

Comment by Mark Saxon

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:27:43 PST

Well said. I would only add that perhaps we could also include a requirement that the Scoutmaster accompany the boy to the Crew meeting. I can not believe how entrenched the sense of 'stealing' is among some leaders. Venturing is truly looked at as competition. Maybe seeing the program first hand could alleviate this mentality.

Comment by Tom Johnston

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:13:12 PST

If it is legally required to be on a separate page, then how about a neon disclaimer - warning - reminder on the actual application, to go back to the form you just skipped over, and fill it out? It sincerely does not look like a form - it looks like part of the cover that many people do not read.

Comment by pcowan

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:07:49 PST

There is a legal aspect to this form and they are not allowed to be on the same sheet of paper.

Comment by alobdell

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:29:56 PST

The Varsity Program would be a great bridging program if the age levels were re-set. Particularly in the inner cities a sports based progam would make much more impact with middle school aged youth. The age of fourteen is too old for reaching many of the inner city youth.

Comment by msurbaug

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 07:06:03 PST

Although this would likely be controversial with some of our leaders feeling we are encouraging the "stealing" of their older boys, we all run in to a lot of people that indicate they stayed involved BECAUSE they also joined the old version of High Adventure Exploring (I'm one too). Considering our loss rate of Boy Scouts in the 14-15 year age range, this seems like a smart strategic step to introduce the program in the minds of those who are at an age to most likely leave the program.

Comment by Thomas Kroenung

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:08:53 PST

Thanks for completing the project... its a shame that we need to wait till September 2010 to use this new tool.

Comment by Susan Cheever

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:51:15 PST

It would be really helpful if there were sub-routines in online advancement for tracking progress to rank, religious awards, and the sports and academic awards for cubs, and for making notes. That would reduce the need for software that has to be updated and maintained and would simplify life for many volunteers and all council staff.

Comment by John Oneil

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:16:11 PST

I've completed all of the on-line training courses as well as all District and Council offered training (except Woodbadge, haven't had time for that yet). Many professionals either had never been in Scouting or haven't been involved since he was a Scout. By completing the training, you can be up to date on current BSA policy and sound intelligent when discussing training/policy/BSA stuff in general with your volunteers. Plus, your District and Council volunteers see you caring about the program and outside of the usual places i.e. Council office, Roundtable, occasional OA weekends, or FOS presentations.

Comment by Dustin Shaver

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:18:31 PST

Two points:

1) Many states do not allow a "use it or lose it" vacation policy. Once vacation is earned by an employee, you cannot take it back or make it expire (Colorado and California are two of those states). Earning more and more vacation could become an oppressive financial obligation for many councils in these states, as they would have to be in the position to pay out accrued vacation to a departing employee at any moment.

2) I honestly don't know when one would find the time to take all of that vacation. I can't take what I am given now. I would question how essential a person is who can be gone on vacation eight and a half weeks a year. If you figure in meetings away from the office (i.e. Top Hands, National Meeting) and other trainings, etc, that would put me out of the office over a full week each month!

Comment by Justin Bytheway

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:56:33 PST

If the idea of professionals wearing trained strips is a problem, it should be removed from the BSA standards. Otherwise it is a farce.

Comment by geichste

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:45:38 PST

I concur about Wood Badge and other basic leader training being critical for best DE service. Second, the "old" leadership competencies, applied to executive positions, are still valid and very valuable. For one thing, these competencies are easy to remember when "evaluating" a recent task, and apply directly to our core responsibilities: Did I use my resources? Did I give and get information? Did I plan effectively? Did I evaluate? And so on. These 11 leadership skills should be a major part, and practical process, of PDL 1 and reviewed at PDL 2 and 3.

Comment by Sharon Larson

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:52:23 PST

Watching my Varsity units struggle with registrations, program, uniforming and then finally some of them just multipling the youth in the Venture Crew shows that this idea has more than merit, it's actually in practice in some of my LDS wards. Once the leaders learned about Venturing, Varsity emphasis went out the window and they took Venturing by the horns and are implementing FUN, YOUTH LED activities for all of the boys 14 and older. Lack of youth between 14-15 are adding to dilema as well.

Comment by Christopher Schuler

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:46:24 PST

I can get a Credit Card online and also buy cars, homes etc online... No reason why we cannot do this as well. Eric is right, it is possible...

Comment by Christopher Schuler

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:43:45 PST

This is an awesome idea that must be looked in to! 3.5 million people were at this years parade...

Comment by Christopher Schuler

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:24:12 PST

New CSP's are a good way to make money. MONEY keeps us employed...

Comment by Glenn Overby

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:55:00 PST

I've never seen a DE wear a Trained strip with a professional's badge of office. It seems rather redundant to wear a "trained" designation with any badge that marks employment status, be it commissioned or support. In fact, it may even be counter-productive. If we have some wearing a trained strip and some not, do we really want to send a message that some of our employees appear to be UNtrained?

Comment by Dina Brandt

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:54:55 PST

Great idea, we should even consider using Mac's in the BSA offices. I've been pushing this idea since I started at BSA in January. I too am a college student and use a Mac at home and on the fly. I co-edit the council's new paper as well, and it would be so much easier, efficient, and I think a quality standard by using Mac's in the office, especially for content editing of any kind. However, I understand that Mac's are expensive and trying to fit a whole office with them can be unrealistic.

Comment by Glenn Overby

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:45:49 PST

A thoughtful post. Lots of details to play with, but the overall idea of re-branding Varsity as an optional bridge between Boy Scouting and Venturing has merit.

Comment by Anthony Bessey

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:42:43 PST

jeburke,

I understand your comment about gym memberships, but I don't know if that is the answer. Often times we complicate things to a degree that is not necessary. While a gym membership is a good thing (I have one), one is not needed to obtain good health.

As a type 2 diabetic who was out of control back in February I am happy to report that following the program that I designed has lead to amazing improvements in my health. My latest A1C was 6.0, cholesterol is 149, my HDL is 25 (Low but I have hereditary factors), LDL =89, Triglycerides = 145 and my bilirubin is .30. I am also down 50 pounds from December 1 of last year and my chonic bronchitis is gone. I did all of that walking.

I started out walking 3000 steps over 30 minutes 5 times a week. As I got going I started to add distance and by the summer I was walking or nordic walking a 5k five times a week. My best elliptical 5k is 26:58, not bad for a guy who could not hike a mile 9 months ago. Now before I got my business degree I was a nursing major, so I have a little background in health sciences. I am also well educated about my particular illness and the associated treatments.

If we as an organization want to see major improvements in individual health we need to start taking control of the factors we can control. That is how BSA is going to get control of its health care costs. Until we as an organization take the time to sit down with "all staff" in "all Councils" and discuss 1) wellness activities in general and 2) work with employees with chronic illnesses to develop wellness plans aimed at controlling and improving those chronic conditions the only change employees will see is continued increases in health insurance costs.

Right now the focus needs to be on effective low cost actions that can be taken in order to improve the health and well being of BSA employees. Anything else is just re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

Comment by jolynick

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:18:46 PST

I have never seen a District Exec wearing a trained strip--and i would never encourage one to wear one. Its an appropriate patch for volunteers.

Comment by bruce.drake

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:19:40 PST

GREAT IDEA! With schools in our council becoming less cooperative, this looks like a great way to get the word out. We have placed signs near the schools but using the MapPoint software sounds like a way to become much more efficient.

Comment by coverlan

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:55:47 PST

I agree with Brian. Any dedicated Professional will most likely already participate in all of the online trainings, and probably help staff basic trainings, but more importantly, he/she needs to be able to point our volunteers to the proper resources.

Comment by Thomas Hurley

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:49:53 PST

Our council has a recycling dumpster for paper in our parking lot for the community to use. Our employees put paper in a box and carry to the dumpster when full. Confidential information is shredded and then put in the dumpster. Employees also bring paper from home that they would have had to pay someone to take away. The recycling company weighs the dumpster when emptying and sends us a check.

We also fill another recycling dumpster weekly with cardboard, but we still have to pay to have it hauled away.

Comment by Thomas Hurley

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:37:59 PST

After 37 years, I have taken the full number of days about half the time. The amount of work to get ready to go and the amount of catch-up after returning is oppressive. In theory, someone else does one's work while gone. In reality, I find that most spend much time upon returning catching up or correcting errors that were made while gone. Today, it is a lot easier for someone from the office to contact the one on vacation and review questionable issues and that saves a lot of time for everyone. I prefer that, but I know others who would not.

We have two people in bookkeeping and one or the other has been off much of the month of November. Neither is allowed off during the summer because of the large quantity of work from multiple camps. Because of the separation of duties required by today's accounting standards, it is difficult to get anything done as work piles up at the vacationing position. We have two people who can perform all functions, but we do not have a floater so that all tasks are covered all the time when someone is off. Oh yes, the back-up was a little busy this last month processing a little over $3 million in popcorn orders and problem solving with the aide of two part-timers.

Our volunteer chair of compensation and benefits made a similar suggestion so that older, more tenured positions would have people trained and ready to fill those positions. Sitting here at the dining room table after Thanksgiving dinner, I can count at least 10 staff with over 10 years and 6 with over 20 years. I don't want to begin to calculate how much more SME/FOS we would need to raise to hire enough people with the qualifications to fill these vacancies for the time suggested even if we correct the math in the formula - an rxtra week would add 5 paid days not 7 to the formula. With 22/23 paid days, plus 11 to 13 paid holidays, plus those who find ways to take most of their sick days, we are now down to only working 43 to 45 weeks now.

Oh yes, I am still looking for that slack period. Many issues are thankfully seasonal, but there are many issues.

On this Thanksgiving Day, I am thankful that I have a job and that I have 22 days of vacation whether I have taken all of them or not.

Comment by Steve Dunham

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:07:37 PST

I like your points for recognizing military service. Have you heard about the knot which is available to Scouters or members of the military? This is the same knot which is awarded to members of service organizations such as Masons, Elks, etc., and is generally accompanied by a medal and certificate.

The award I'm referring to is in recognition of their contribution to Scouting from within their organization, not just for their service in the recognizing agency. The military version also has a medal or device which can be worn on their Dress uniform as well.

I like the idea of recognizing people for their service, bit wouldn't it make more sense when it comes through us for the recognition to be for how they have directly added to Scouting and our youth?

Comment by brian.russ

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:12:03 PST

I would agree with this idea if our job was to be a professional Assistant Scoutmaster, Webelos Den Leader, etc. However, the job function of the professional is fundamentally and purposefully different.

Yes, any additional knowledge of the Scouting program helps a professional in program-related job functions, but our job is much more expansive than many of our volunteer roles. It's much more important that the professional knows where to find the answer than actually know the answer.

Comment by Roger Chatell

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:48:46 PST

I agree with pcowan... I'm always a fan of vacation, but honestly it just means working harder before and/or after the vacation, and often taking those sneek peeks at the e-mail traffic anyway. I have a hard enough time finding where in the year to take vacation as it is. Where in the world would I but 43 days vacation? Membership season, FOS season... If this was the way of it, my council would be without its Scout Executive 18% of the year; he'd be on vacation. And everyone would work that much harder to cover for others on an increased level of vacation time. I think this is a great idea at first, but just impractical.

Comment by Roger Chatell

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:39:26 PST

I beleive units need to be trained to use people's proper names in their data, just like ScoutNET, based on the person's original application. Units just starting to use Pack/Troopmaster can get a download from ScoutNET through us. Those programs have a place for nicknames and a setting for the program to use the nickname on a day-to-day basis, while still using the proper name to communicate with ScoutNET. For instance, my son in his former pack was refered to in Packmaster as "Ricky" which was entered in the nickname field, whereas any uploads to ScoutNET for advancement or rechartering used "Richard".

Comment by Roger Chatell

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:33:30 PST

I didn't even know that there were DE's wearing the Trained strip. I didn't think it was part of our uniform.

Comment by Roger Chatell

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:30:35 PST

Training such as Wood Badge is definately something that a dedicated professional should take upon himself to better himself, paid for by his council. Otherwise, I beleive it is our job to be the best recruiters that we can be to get the right volunteers in place to answer those questions. A wise man once told me that if I knew what a black Tiger bead was for, then I wasn't doing my job!

Comment by jotoro

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:48:07 PST

I like the Beltloop idea.

The comment that they should teach maners and ediquette at PDL1 also has merit.

I don't think a merit badge is the best method for this idea.

Comment by Bob Shepard

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:02:41 PST

I completely agree! The current system takes far too long and is many times incomplete! How about making it simple ... hmmm ... I believe I've heard that somewhere before.

Comment by pcowan

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:10:31 PST

As much as I like the idea, who actually does NO "zero" work on their vacation. Perhaps I am the odd ball here, but I am currently on vacation but because of obligations i can not pass off, I am working today and well, yesterday for that matter. Even when I am "off", I still end up checking e-mail from home. Who of us does not? So my question is "what is a vacation?" What does it mean not to work while on vacation? What does another week "off" going to get us but more behind? I see no value in this.

Comment by khuffman

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:06:03 PST

Pardon the ignorance, but are you saying there is a mass email functionality linked to ScoutNet?

Comment by khuffman

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:01:45 PST

To me, the 4+ weeks of vacation earned at 10 years is sufficient.

I could imagine the benefit of a "flex day" allowance, possibly linked to tenure. Flex days would be optional vacation days without pay.

It's just hard for me to imagine a professional being paid for that fifth or sixth week of vacation. Yes it would be nice, but I think the current plan is on par with other companies' vacation plans.

Comment by cstobbe

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:25:49 PST

I could not wait to get my hands on my brothers Boys Life Magizine. The fact that is said "Boys" didn't keep me from looking at it, in fact it made me want to look more.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:50:27 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Steve Hanson

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:44:08 PST

The previous edition is out of stock at National Supply. A new edition is coming, but at last report there is no date set.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:59:55 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:56:29 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:36:48 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Mark Saxon

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:07:24 PST

Why not make a badge a boy could earn which is similar to the mile-swim or 50-miler achievement. Seems like it would better fit as an achievement than as a mastered discipline.

Comment by Mark Saxon

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:05:20 PST

Seeing as though "Life" is no longer a publication (sigh) maybe we could just drop the "Boys'" for the Venturing version.

Comment by Jeffrey Sulzbach

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:58:54 PST

This really isn't innovation, but a capital need.

Comment by swilburn

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:37:40 PST

Fits in well with the Chief's call to action against childhood (and adult) obesity. Also helps tell our story about how Scoutng promotes health and wellness to some of our community funders who have selected this as one of their key funding issues, including United Ways and corporations.

Comment by Becky Staley

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:25:40 PST

I know if you call the phone company and ask them to run a search ,if the number is not taken you can have it. It cost something, but I do know it is possible as I have picked the last four digits of our home phone number by asking for a search.

Comment by coverlan

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:01:54 PST

this is part of the Venturing Program already. I think that its a good draw for 14 year old scouts to join a crew and hold duel membership in both a troop and a crew.

Comment by bruce.drake

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:17:54 PST

Years ago (early 80's) there was an Explorer Magazine - it was very well done and popular with that age group. I agree that a magazine or e-zine for Venturers would be a great marketing tool for that program.

Comment by bruce.drake

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:07:23 PST

On a slightly different topic - it is also very difficult to calculate youth retention for the unit centennial form. It seems to me that these to calculations could be printed on the final on-line recharter report.

I will be happy when we go back to the old quality unit form and program - much less confusing.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:05:43 PST

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by John Fenoglio

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:44:39 PST

On line would definately appeal to teens

Comment by kswanson

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:49:39 PST

How about an online magazine for teens instead?

Comment by Charles Howard-Gibbon

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:45:25 PST

I think it would be even better to have the advancement totals included as a column in the District Totals Report, and to have the youth membership totals (current) in a column on the District Advancement Report.

Percentages can be deceiving without seeing the numbers that create the percentages.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:20:22 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:17:34 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:14:19 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:11:04 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:08:25 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:03:12 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Janice Downey

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:26:06 PST

If the tracking details could be included in online advancement then I believe more packs would use this tool. The way it is now, the pack or Den Leaders need to use 2 tools which takes extra time and effort. If the tracking details are added to the online advancement tool then I suggest the detail portion be made optional for those that don't need it. This would make sense for both sides.

Comment by John Fenoglio

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:39:21 PST

We have an opportunity to capture the 14 and older girl market that the Girl Scouts have abandon. We need to be more focused on the coed aspect of Venturing, especially girls.

Comment by John Oneil

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:29:12 PST

at least bring back the BSA garrison hat. I'd love to have one again!

Comment by John Oneil

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:27:06 PST

Often amusement parks or county fairs will have photo booths with "Wild West" clothes and guns for "cowboy" pictures. Having a retro photo booth would be cool. I like the idea of a "re-enactment Patrol or Troop" for Jambo. It is very common these days with Civil War, WWII, and even Star Wars living history units.

Comment by John Oneil

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:24:35 PST

This needs to be fixed. It may not be "advancement" but it is important to the boys and leaders. Adding belt loops and arrow points will greatly improve the online advancement useage by the volunteers.

Comment by John Oneil

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:21:51 PST

could this not be written into Cylcing, Personal Fitness, Athletics, or Swimming?

Comment by Larry Edwin Bethers

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:20:16 PST

We just got another $175 this weekend from this. It makes me laugh to see so many negative votes. No one has really posted a good reason as to why it is not a good idea. All I know is it is working for me.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:05:30 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:58:05 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by trupert

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:42:04 PST

I am not sure how you get to that screen. What I am talking about is the MS Analysis screen when you go to the general Memebership tab after logging into MyBSA.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:39:11 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Karen Paskiewicz

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:17:31 PST

Yes to hover count!

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:34:44 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:23:19 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:20:09 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:12:30 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:09:53 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Site Administrator

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:36:59 PST

This idea has graduated to the BSA National Headquarters Innovation Engine panel (Idea #118)

Comment by Jason Goolsby

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:35:32 PST

What do the 9/11 attacks have to do with visiting a television or radio station or a newspaper office? Answer: ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. I have friends who work in each of these types of offices and they are always offering to take groups of Scouts on tours if there is ever a need.

Comment by rtheberg

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:36:25 PST

I would be more than willing to teach this locally, howeverI would rather not have to develop the curriculm from scratch. If national coudl develop the teaching materials as a course, that would be great, and all the help I need to deliver this important topic.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:07:27 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:02:29 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:00:06 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:56:49 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:45:43 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Kathy Devlin

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:50:17 PST

As a single Mom myself, I see how it's challenging enough just to get a boy to Jamboree. Then having to come up with the money for a uniform that will probably never be worn again? That's why I voted against it. Too cost preventative. I did like John Whitford's idea of photo area. All the big attractions do it, either by putting on the clothes or sticking your head in a stand up board.

Comment by kswanson

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:32:17 PST

Excellent Idea! If we had this, then perhaps units would actually fill them out.

Comment by kswanson

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:30:24 PST

I agree. Bring back the hover count...

Comment by pcowan

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:55:56 PST

How much for just an autograph?

Sheesh

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:06:00 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:01:04 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:47:15 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:39:43 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:30:56 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:59:25 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:55:16 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:07:21 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by tim.molepske

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:14:45 PST

Or simply create a excel spreadsheet so the end user can sort how they want.

Comment by Renee Fairrer

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:41:14 PST

The new 100th Anniversary Media Kit--has 100 things you didn't know about Scouting (factoids)--a decade by decade synopsis(approximately 300 words) that can be used in its entirety and 100 pictures (10 per decade w/ captions. All of this information was created to provide councils with a multitude of tools in support of the 100th.

Comment by lomiller

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:47:30 PST

TI880 (Texas Instruments 880 printer) does the continuous feed paper.

Comment by lomiller

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:29:39 PST

In the past month there was a report that came out that said the use of hand driers actually increases germs.The air filters in them are rarely if ever changed so the warmth from them is a breeding ground for germs. I am with the others, I use the towel to dry my hands and open the door.

Comment by lomiller

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:40:04 PST

Duff's cakes start at $1000. Hope you have deep pockets or he is willing to donate it.

Nice idea though.

Comment by lomiller

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:36:55 PST

Did you know that his cakes start at $1000 and goes up from there? He would either have to donate the cake or someone is going to have to come up with some money.

It is a great idea though.

Comment by Lynette Hendricks

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:26:12 PST

If you click on the idea title, it takes you to another screen where you can see that info and more. I still like the hover count though.

Comment by Sherry L Lee

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:56:52 PST

I am over advancement in our area and I have heard that comment from many Cub Scout leaders.

Comment by Ed Mulholland

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:15:56 PST

Without a significant change in the Webelos program, this seems to be a way to 'bore' kids out of Cub Scouts long before they are old enough to join Boy Scouts. I'm afraid it would be a killing blow to our core program - Boy Scouting.

Comment by Ed Mulholland

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:08:58 PST

Wouldn't it be nice....

Comment by Ed Mulholland

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:05:38 PST

These are all great idea's. Mark's idea would also fit in nicely with a 'continuing education' format for training. After getting their basic training out of the way, require leaders to earn some small number of CEU's every couple of years in order to continue as 'TRAINED' leaders. These CEU's could be required, or as a recognition, perhaps just used to earn a year tab to update their trained strip.

Comment by chummel

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:39:03 PST

Some time ago, we had designated paper recycling bins; then they were removed and "confidential material only" bins appeared. I've always encouraged recycling in our council and even have my own bin, which I personally take to the recycler every so often. Even when people visit my cubicle, they'll still throw paper in my general trash can. You can't make people recycle if they're not interested. What kind of encouragement/incentive can national provide?

Comment by Thomas Kroenung

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:00:36 PST

It would be nice to have by December with a new renewal season upon us...

I understand that National BSA would like to see more out of Exploring.

If we had the tools equal to traditional BSA in the way of technology, I believe that would happen. But until that day comes...

Comment by Shawn Philbin

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:29:48 PST

I agree 100%! We wouldn't have to chase down all of the advisors and like you said, most of the advisors are sitting at a computer during some point of the day. A few simple clicks and the work is done. Plus the registrars would have to worry about posts as much. What a time saver!

Comment by jotoro

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:22:27 PST

Dear National Office,

Please wake up and do something about training reports. You are a road block to our success in the field by not creating a training tracking system that is useful. You keep promising us that you are fixing the problem, but you have been saying that for the last 9 years. Don't promise us anything. Just fix the problem (pretty please with sugar on top).

Comment by jotoro

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:14:14 PST

I think having multiple versions of CSP's goes against one of the core methods of scouting, uniform. You can't be uniform if everyone is wearing a different CSP. The CSP is meant to be something that identifies your belonging to a council.

Baden-Powell insisted on uniforming his scouts to remove some of the social differences that the boys had. By creating CSP's for FOS or other high ticket item events we subtly reestablish class differences into the BSA.

I think that some exceptions can be made, but some councils go overboard. My last council created over 30 different CSP's in 5 years.

Comment by John Leigh

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:06:14 PST

I agree that the name does need to be changed. 15 years ago when I was that age I know we made the jokes. And as for the comment that boys do not join or quit because of the name and its jokes, I hate to say it but I know it is true. When you have your peers making fun of the whole program and saying that We blow etc... it does get to you as a youth. I also know that by the time we made it to Boy Scouts I was one of 3 left from a den of 7 and by the time I made Eagle I was the only person from my class who was involved in Scouting. I do not think that it had to do with the program though there can be some improvements. I think the real issue that comes here is that there is peer pressure that makes it difficult for a boy to want to be involved with the program. If you look at the media, the image of a Boy Scout over the last several years has been that of the nerd or the outcast kind of kid. While in High school I would hear the comments and the jokes, and I will be honest, there where times I thought about giving in. I am glad id did not. What I am saying though that changing the way the youth view the Scouting movement is what is going to increase membership. Changing the Webelos name will help with some of the teasing, but, it is not going to cause a huge jump in Webelos membership. We need to look at the macro problems here and start changing the way the Youth see scouting in addition to the way the adult population sees it.

Comment by caryl.lombardi

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:21 PST

Retro clothes are very popular with young people. These would most likely be a big seller if made available for purchase at the Jamboree. They wouldn't have to made from wool (as they were 100 years ago); just the same style as 1910 only made of a cotton blend. I find it interesting that those who voted it down don't say why.

Comment by John Whitford

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:51:55 PST

I like the concept of 'recognition' that goes along with various issues of csp's. What I object to is creating a rarity just to create a rarity. CSP collecting should be a fun activity and CSP's should be affordable and accessable to everyone, at least within any given council. I've seen CSP's issued for events with fewer than 10 people making up a contingent, even fewer than 5 in one case. This creates a 'problem' as in these cases the 'contingent' members get the patches and then can sell or trade them for many times their cost to those that are trying to have complete sets of that council or that type of event. As long as the volunteers and kids are having a good time, I don't see the harm of multiple issues in a council.

Comment by syackel

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:49:12 PST

We agree with this idea 100%. In fact we are already doing it as a council. For 2.5 years we have used a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool called Plan Plus Online that allows us to collect the information from Scoutnet and quickly import it so that we have all the Centennial Quality Unit information on a single page.

Our professional staff can access this information from any location with internet access, and are able to call a unit up on their computer while a volunteer is on the phone. It makes it quick and easy to provide information out to volunteers and also know where your commissioner staff can help make a difference in the units ability to achieve Centennial Quality Unit.

We also use this data to provide units with a pre-prepared Centennial Quality Unit form that gives them the history and current data that they need to complete the process.

If you are interested in learning more about CRM and how it can help you meet your objectives, contact me at steve.yackel@scouting.org or call me at 509-242-8248.

Comment by John Whitford

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:45:31 PST

Maybe we could have a 'photo' area where old uniforms could be worn by scouts and they could have their picture taken in a 'period' uniform... they could range from the earliest to more recent. There have been many variations and even some of the insignia, hats and other accouterments could be added. Might make a fun keepsake.

Comment by Sharon Larson

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:39:20 PST

Great idea - I also just wanted to let Chris know that our district holds annual training on the first Friday of October and it is a HUGE success every single year. This year we had 37 new leaders trained on a Friday night. They just love the idea of having their Saturday's free. Evenings are precious and already full.

Comment by Dennis Kohl

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:38:45 PST

The Patriots' Path Council contacted Bobby Flay for a Throwdown and we were told the fee is $35,000 for his appearance.

Comment by Sharon Larson

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:35:36 PST

Why all the down votes folks? This is a great idea and we need to start asking now for the % to be donated to Scouting on Sunday, FEBRUARY 7th. or for the entire month. This is a great idea.

Comment by Brad Bodoh

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:32:04 PST

Matthew,
From the standpoint of the national office you already do have access to do this from home. We all can have access to everything we have access to in Scoutnet anywhere we are with our computers. Your issue is a local one. Either you need someone to give you security access or you need someone in your local council to set you up to have this access. You may need to install Scoutnet software on your home PC. Ask whoever is responsible for IT in your council to help get you set up. If they do not know how have them contact the help desk.

Comment by Karen Paskiewicz

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:31:36 PST

Can I vote "up" more than once?? This is a big issue with certain groups of donors. I have some cards that come in every year with the spouse's name added by hand, and the underlines increase every time.

Comment by Sharon Larson

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:31:20 PST

Our council has a plethora of council strips - one for $350 sales in popcorn; one for FOS gift of $150 annually - so a new one every year!; ones for Cub Scouts stuff - ones for the 100th Anniversary. I have a different council patch on each of my uniforms - at least 5. And I've worked in the council 7 years. Hummm....

Comment by Karen Paskiewicz

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:28:51 PST

We just use a cardboard box at our desk to collect paper, and although it is sometimes mistaken for trash, it works well. However, a more durable and recognizable blue bin would be even better!

Comment by Brett Bybee

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:27:57 PST

I agree. And we should ensure our official Scout software is better or at least as useful to volunteers as the 3rd party software that is now available, or at least make them more compatible with one another. It seems we often produce a resource with our needs in mind, and then wonder why we can't get people to use it. If it also addressed their advancement tracking needs in a more complete and user friendly, in addition to collecting the data we want, we would have volunteers clammering to use it.

Comment by jeff.laughlin

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:23:10 PST

It might be corny to some, but it would be neat if a group of Scouts dressed up in 1910 uniforms and came bugling over the top of the hill on horseback carrying troop flags and banners and waved to the crowd at the stage show. Then turned around and disappeared back into the past. There are probably better ideas than that. The jamboree was delayed a year specifically to celebrate the 100th Anniversary, so why not feature the old uniforms somehow?

Comment by Arli Boustead

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:22:31 PST

THis would be especially handy with Trainer Development Conference so as a Council Program Exec, I could see who has taken that training and enlist their help in Training within their District or for the Council.

Comment by Karen Paskiewicz

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:22:17 PST

As a Food Network fan, I think this is a great idea! Campfire cooking (No grills allowed, Bobby Flay!) would make an great Throwdown!

Comment by Arli Boustead

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:20:27 PST

I've found that the Training Not Complted report from ScoutNet is the most accurate... HOWEVER, it does not include YPT or Fast Start for most positions which we know is "required" to be considered "Trained". It also does seem to be having problems with the New Leader Essentials transition to This is Scouting.

How can we be pushing Mandatory Training if we have no accurate way to verify it?

Comment by bblaeuer

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:11:34 PST

One report would be nice, a Unit Health Report Card of sorts, that unit committees and district commissioenrs could download and incorporate into unit committee meetings and unit commissioner visits and commissioner staff meetings. It would also give the professional staff a quick reference to the health of the unit. If advancemetns could also be part of the report, that would be great.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:43:34 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Michele Kidwill

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:34:16 PST

There are many 'cake' shows that it could be done. Or contact the Food Network and have them do one of the cake 'challenges' with the top bakers having a 'mystery' client and it is the BSA and they are to come up with a 100th Anniversary cake and the winner is presented at the Gala in DC.

Comment by edraddy

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:41:43 PST

useful and easy to implement, way to go. Ethan

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:44:28 PST

'I recently had 600 people needing various trainings in my district and training in two weeks. In order to email them their individual list of trainings needed I would have had to look up each of them in ScoutNET and write an email one at a time.

Luckily, I'm a little smarter than that. I found software on the Internet for $30 that merges the Training spreadsheet with columns from the membership roster spreadsheet (I needed email address) by matching the BSA ID# from both. This gave me a training spreadsheet with email address. By splitting the courses column into 3 columns and doing lots of search and replace I was able make a human-readable spreadsheet which I then did mail merge and sent each individual the list of trainings they needed by email with the click of a button.

I've created a web application that merges the two spreadsheets for free and does all the search and replacing at http://ironhorsebsa.org/tools/training . Can't National improve ScoutNET to make it more usable with email by at least including the email address?

See my Facebook post in the BSA Professionals group at http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=7506061819&topic=7102 for more details' authored by jturman was merged with this idea.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:44:27 PST

'Training Completed Reports and Training Not Completed Reports currently provide the unit, position, name, address and telephone number of the volunteers. If the email addresses were provided on these reports, the District Training Chairs could easily sort the reports for specific training that is needed for each individual needing training and then send them emails regarding any upcoming scheduled trainings.' authored by Lynette Campbell was merged with this idea.

Comment by Site Administrator

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:38:12 PST

This idea has graduated to the BSA National Headquarters Innovation Engine panel (Idea #111)

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:27:17 PST

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by akraus

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:04:08 PST

I have not personally run into the problem of 'We blows' (though it doesn't really surprise me) and in the greater picture of the program the name is likely not going to be a deal beaker. After all the parents singing the Weebles song were still at the Scout Shop buying things for their son's Cub Scouting experience. That said if the name were changed I like the Panther Scouts idea. It sounds cool, the boys would like it and it fits with both the Cub and Jungle Book themes.

PS The kids may not have an instant familiarity with Jungle Book but that doesn't mean they don't like it. If we cut everything from the program just because they aren't immediately familiar with it they'd never learn anything.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:43:20 PST

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:40:00 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:34:56 PST

'Experience the fun of exploring the history of Scouting – both nationally and in your own community. Explore the lives of Scouting’s founders, interact with long-time Scouters in your community and learn about your unit’s history and the evolution of Scout equipment and programs.' authored by innovideas was merged with this idea.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:24:42 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:23:16 PST

This Idea also contains Ideas 549 and 573.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:21:32 PST

Merged into Idea #687

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:21:04 PST

Merged into Idea #687

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:20:07 PST

'With the extreme networking power and precense on the internet of Myspace and Facebook, would a national ad campaign be affective? I know in my council there are numerous scouts who create facebook groups for summer camp staff, oa lodge activities, troops, etc.

Millions of youth in the target age group for scouting are online, lets take it to a whole new level!' authored by jebarnes was merged with this idea.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:20:06 PST

'I attended a technology network function recently and it was mentioned that businesses are utilizing YouTube and Facebook to market their companies. Youth, as well as many adults, are very much in tune with these types of technologies. It makes sense that we reach out to them where they are!' authored by Diane Jones was merged with this idea.

Comment by Patricia Anne Rohal

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:18:36 PST

This is a big issue with our Packs not using Internet Advancement. It would be great if this could get implemented as soon as possible. It would also give them a shopping list for their visit to the Scout Shop.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:44:13 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Paula Rhea

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:17:28 PST

I agree 100%. The National Staff Meeting is today and I will be (pleasantly) surprised if choices other than fat-filled, blood sugar-spiking, calorie-laden 'treats' are available.

Comment by Erik Karre

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:14:33 PST

I agree. The information is not correct under the Quality Centennail Tab in MyBSA

Comment by innovideas

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:28:39 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by innovideas

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:57:44 PST

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:38:13 PST

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by John Oneil

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:35:01 PST

My Council has the "official" strip as well as two FOS donor strips each year. We had an special strip two years ago for our Council's 90th anniversary. For a 90th anniversary, I think that should get a little extra recognition. What were some of these "trivial" events you speak of?

Comment by pcowan

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:36:08 PDT

I love Karen's idea. We already are able to get sample sizes from Trails End in August for training. There is a cost though I think $75.00 per cooler. Maybe those units willing could prepurchase and have a packet labeling party the weekend before Halloween. Perhaps TE can consider this a type of "Pay it Forward" if every packet has an online id sticker for the youth to get credit for a future sale? The ultimate bag stuffer. Sad we are now marketing to little goblins who thought they were just coming to our doors for a tootsie roll.

I still have join scouting in multi-colored shoe polish all over the back window of my truck with flags tied to the bed. Quite the sight as I drive down the freeway...

Comment by pcowan

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:15:00 PDT

Supplemental trainings are just that; supplemental. They are voluntary to take. Once we go to the mandatory training in 2012 most all of these issues of "old crusties" will go away. Either they will not recharter in their position as leader or their unit will not recharter or they will get trained. We are already forcing them to comply by 2012. Are we now going to force them to take supplemental trainings too?

Our current tracking of trainings in horrendous at best. How do you suggest we also track the occassional weekend supplemental trainings?

Comment by james.westfall

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:36:32 PDT

There have been several requests for this on this site in different forms. Hopefully soon the inovation idea for better training reports become more than an idea. This is especially challenging while trying to work on Quaility District

Comment by pat.friedrich

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:58:41 PDT

1. Those that want to will continue to go to trainings.
2. You can lead a horse to water, but you cana't make him drink.
3. These are VOLUNTEERS (what do we not understand about that?
4. Why do you want to kill them?

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:04:45 PDT

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:56:48 PDT

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:53:41 PDT

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Patricia Anne Rohal

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:53:11 PDT

This is the Innovation Idea website, not an open forum for opinions. You would be better served to contact HR at the National Council to discuss this.

Comment by khuffman

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:14:13 PDT

It would be good to change the name and it would improve recruitment of 4th/ 5th graders. Even if kids aren't joking "we blow" scouts, we all can agree it's not doing anything to increase their desire to join.

As many of the posts above indicate, changing the Webelos name is also an opportunity to bring about broader change to improve the program. Changing the name suggests changing the program.

5th grade boys need to go into something other than Cub Scouts. It's not possible to recruit Boy Scouts in middle schools, so 5th grade is our chance. 5th graders WANT to be Boy Scouts, not Cub Scouts. They either think, "been there done that" or "didn't sound that great the last 4 years I heard about it." Either way, we don't have much appeal in recruiting 5th grade boys (perhaps the most critical grade to the success of our program!

If a Kindergarten program is on the way (I hope it is) then just make Cub Scouts grades K-4 and Boy Scout grades 5-12. The other option is to have three distinct all boy programs (K-3 Cub Scouts, 4-5 _____ Scouts, 6-12 Boy Scouts).

We'll have a LONG TERM surge in both Cub Scout and Boy Scout membership if we do this. The Boy Scouts of America will begin to grow again, it will be more relevant, and ultimately more successful at accomplishing its mission.

Comment by Steve Hanson

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:07:04 PDT

I am a retired USPS employee. I did a check of the Federal Register, and did not find any notice of a filing. The USPS has ALWAYS preferred (but not required) all upper case lettering and no punctuation for business mail, unless a barcode is being applied. Information (more than you might ever want) on addressing may be found here: http://pe.usps.gov/cpim/ftp/pubs/Pub28/pub28.pdf

Comment by jmhill

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:41:06 PDT

Great idea! Perhaps using a similar distribution to the innovation engine or BSA must read...a regular e-newsletter to assigned council staff of clippings and such that could in turn be used in council eNewsletters, etc.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:48:00 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:37:47 PDT

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:23:54 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by lthompso

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:13:02 PDT

I just checked with my local Bulk Mail Office and was told this is not true. There is no change on address format for 2010.

Comment by Susan Cheever

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:52:27 PDT

I agree Michael Mitchell, but in my experience, those leaders who have been doing it for years and think they know everything resist the requirements we do have. When we explain to them that their trainings expire and need to be retaken, or that even when they've been trained for one position additional training is required for a new position, they often blow us off, choose not to take the trainings, and wear the trained strip anyway.

Comment by Karen Paskiewicz

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:19:34 PDT

We have this issue as well.

Comment by Karen Paskiewicz

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:13:09 PDT

I also checked with our local bulk mail department and they are unaware of a requirement change in address/labeling. All uppercase is currently required only for very small fonts.

I believe ScoutNet already has all uppercase as an option for billings and contribution statements, but I'm sure it would be a nice option in all areas, required or not.

Comment by Michael Mitchell

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:09:21 PDT

I agree with Susan Cheever to a point. I could see this working as a "long-term" rather than a yearly deal. Such as they have to sttend 5 hours (or teach) of training in 5 years or something like that. I have a couple of Scoutmasters that have been doing this since 1910 and tell me they "don't need training, we know what we're doing". Although things have changed since 1910 or 2008 even.

Comment by Susan Cheever

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:00:54 PDT

It's too hard to track and leaders who are dedicated will participate in "continuing education" in the course of doing their job well. This requirement would just give those dedicated leaders extra work playing "big brother" or "big sister" to less dedicated leaders to try to keep them in compliance.

Comment by Brian Sheets

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:47:40 PDT

This has been an issue up here and it would be nice to have the field.

Comment by Thomas Kroenung

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:37:58 PDT

David,

I would agree with you... I should restate my request in this fashion: free up the student entry catagories that it allows grade level entry but not just based by K-6, 7&8, and high school but possibly more by individual grade level however the grades levels happen in the school building. Does that make sense...

Comment by lpennock

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:31:10 PDT

I just talked with our local bulk mailing department and bulk mailing requirement department and they refered me to go to website pe.usps.com and place a check in quick service guidelins box search for QSG602 I found it on page two and those are the requirements no changes to this office knowledge for 2010.

Comment by Alan Anderson

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:23:08 PDT

We are working nationally toward requiring training, for a unit to recharter (a good and overdue thing). This will require SIMPLE & ACCURATE methods of getting training records entered, and SIMPLE methods of getting ACCURATE reports of trained and untrained leaders. The program must be much simplified, before we can hold units accountable for training at recharter. Alan Anderson

Comment by David Kruse

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:21:02 PDT

Please don't eliminate this. Some of us have to report this information to the United Way

Comment by kmarto

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:03:26 PDT

This would be a wonderful time-saver for Registrars!

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:30:08 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:19:11 PDT

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:17:51 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:08:17 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:04:25 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:59:47 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:54:59 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:48:48 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:40:57 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:28:06 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:25:04 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:14:56 PDT

Status Changed from Closed to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:38:00 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:22:53 PDT

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:16:21 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:07:23 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Thomas Kroenung

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:22:19 PDT

In Learning for Life, we have experienced great programming for our 6, 7, & 8th grade schools when we have them out on our climbing towers and ropes courses at our local camp. It is interest to see the interaction of the students, male and female, at this age and how they support each other on these challenges. Maybe we could look at the 7 & 8 grades for Venturing or have it as a separate program under a different name. Not a bad thought tho... most Girl Scouts are done after 6th grade and this would be a great Scouting alternative for them.

Comment by mabull

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:48:36 PDT

Of course kids don't drop out because of the name WEBELOS. They never signed up in the first place beacuse the name WEBELOS is dumb and kids unfamiliar with Scout do not know what it means or stands for.

Comment by bkenyon

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:37:52 PDT

I submitted an online incident to the National Service Desk and it has been forwarded to the Program Development Group.

Comment by Christopher Schuler

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:38:02 PDT

Every Council is a separate corporation. With most running in a deficit, this is not feasible.

Comment by Christopher Schuler

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:36:08 PDT

This is not innovative.

Comment by Christopher Schuler

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:21:40 PDT

Good idea! The name is dumb, it should be changed. The name is not relevant to kids today, not cool.

Comment by Christopher Schuler

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:20:37 PDT

Great idea. IMO we have too many trainings and too much time is required for leaders to be given the OK to go and be leaders. We ask too much. We require adults attend trainings in person or they can't take kids camping however we offer the MOST important training Youth Protection to be taken at home... This makes no sense. Offer ONE training online or in person for a Scouting Leader and have break outs for packs, troops, crews, committees.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:14:24 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by kbryan

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:45:00 PDT

Taking it a step further, is there a way to add "read-only" for the professionals so that we can see what our Commissioners see and write?

Comment by pcowan

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:51:03 PDT

forgive my lack of knowledge of this system, but how do we "see" the fliers just posted?

Comment by innovideas

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:35:11 PDT

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by Christopher P Buckley

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:01:40 PDT

Great idea! We have done something similar in our Council. In October, we do 10 consecutive days of training called the New Leader Training Blitz. The idea is to get all the new Cub Leaders that have been recruited in the fall trained in order to run effective den meetings. We hold a training on every weeknight (except Fridays) for two weeks. We choose different cities around the Council in the plans that no one will have more than a 20 minute drive to attend a training. The training itself is tailored to fit each groups needs and doesn't last more than two hours. We have had a tremendous response to this the past three years.

This idea takes it another step further!

Comment by Mike Langer

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:02:21 PDT

Camps as well would be a good idea.

Comment by spenix

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:36:57 PDT

Their My Scouting user id

Comment by John Whitford

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:44:44 PDT

Kids don't drop out because of the word WEBELOS! They drop out because of poor program. A few packs keep all or most of their boys from first through 5th grade. They have good quality program. We need to focus on quality experiences at all program levels. Make WEBELOS a truly unique, interesting and quality experience and you will have a lot of boys wanting to be WEBELOS.

Comment by John Whitford

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 06:30:04 PDT

In a 'perfect world'... but then again, we don't live in a 'perfect world'... The BSA tries to stay away from taking sides in or on political issues... much good that has done us. We get dragged into major controversies anyway. I agree that two persons can be of good moral character and act in good conscience and yet find themselves on opposite sides of many issues. Sadly, abortion is one such issue. Good luck to cstreet... We need to raise up our children to make good, positive decisions so all pregnancies are 'wanted'. I think Scouting helps to create that environment.

Comment by Andrew Sisolak

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:36:03 PDT

Many churches already take part of their normal Sunday offering and put a percentage (usually 5-10%) towards a community organization or non-profit. This is another possibility to generate some additional (new) money. Good idea I'll be trying to put it into action.

Comment by Glenn Overby

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:26:48 PDT

I got one of these requests about a half-hour before I saw this post. Good idea. We need this.

Comment by Glenn Overby

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:24:28 PDT

The suggestion of Lion in place of Webelos has a good deal of merit. I've heard the "We Blow" comments and snickers, and they do the program no service. And yes, since I'm in Illinois I get the comments about the ear of corn for an emblem too.

I suspect that what really needs to happen is to divorce Webelos from Cub Scouts, change the name, add a kindergarten program for Cub Scouting and turn the re-named Webelos into an independent program between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. But that's a whole lot of issues beyond the scope of the original post.

Comment by Larry Edwin Bethers

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:32:26 PDT

Here are the flyers.

Comment by tlabayew

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:20:47 PDT

If the name is in the way then let's change it. We're never going to be able to grow the program if we are constantly at odds with what the end-users are looking for. As a 2nd Webelos Leader I really like the idea of a middle program. As we skew younger with the kindergarten this idea has merit. Of course if we could drop the age of Boy Scouts to 10 and Venturing to 12 or 13... well that's another post.

Comment by Karen Paskiewicz

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 06:28:10 PDT

My employment experience with BSA covers three Councils in three different states. In two of those Councils, I worked for National Supply. I have heard "My son is a Weblo" or "My son is a Weeble" from more parents than I could count. Some even break into the Weebles jingle. I have even heard them called "the ones with the corn on their hat." Correcting them gets a "whatever" response - either verbal or simply in their expression. The kids giggle and parents are confused. The remarks come from adults just as often as they do from the kids. Kids that age don't join because they'll learn character and values, they join because it looks fun. To them, the name matters. We may like the origin and tradition of the Webelos name, but we have to face the facts.

I like the Bagheera/Panther idea. As older members of the Pack, they become mentors and role models, even if they don't know it yet.

Comment by Karen Paskiewicz

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 06:05:00 PDT

What about mini-snack size caramel corn or chocolate covered pretzels from Trails End? For freshness, they may need to be available independently from the regular sale, but it would provide a branded product that we already use, as well as a "sample" for those who have never tried it.

Comment by mabull

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:14:00 PDT

John,

I am a DE as well and I am hearing this from the boys themselves during our School Rally's or Boy Talks.

Comment by Justin Judd

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:05:46 PDT

Dustin, it’s strange that you advocate morals shouldn't interfere with healthcare coverage, because morals have created the very situation bcronin is complaining about. Someone made a moral choice that abortions are acceptable and from that choice included coverage for them in the health plan. Now someone who is opposed to them on moral grounds is complaining because they are being forced to compromise their moral standing by seeing their insurance money used to pay for them. As this situation currently stands, how are morals not involved?

We are an organization that offers youth programs to sponsoring organizations which are designed to allow them to make choices on how they are run based on their own moral values. It appears hypocritical when we deny the right to a similar moral choice when it applies to our own employees.

Please understand, I am not advocating if someone opposes abortion coverage we should simply eliminate it from the health plan. I am stating that in a case like this we need to make accommodations for everyone involved and provide such coverage as a voluntary "buy-up" option.

Lastly, you make some very good points cstreet, but I would recommend you submit a separate idea about infertility coverage (if there isn't one already). While it is definitely related to this topic, any discussion made here likely won’t be considered on its own.

Comment by John Oneil

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:50:40 PDT

I've never heard anyone say "We Blow" for Webelos. I may be just a DE but my volunteers would be more than happy to tell me about this if it was happening here. Are we promoting change for the sake of change?

Comment by mabull

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:06:23 PDT

Panther scouts would be great. Anything is betther than "We Blow Scouts." Just try to talk to a 4th grade class that has just heard the Thrid graders are Bear Scouts. Tell those 4th graders that they are in their own special group called "We Blows". Its not fun for them and its not fun for me. But tell them they are Panther Scouts, maybe they are more inclined to join

Comment by Carey Anson

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:03:45 PDT

I have felt for a long time that we should be partnering with the Wii orginators and develop a game/activity that even the parents can participate in, with it being a cub scout game that teaches them more about the program. We don't need to convert the boys to the program, but rather the parents to our program and if we could find a way that the parents and boys are doing a scouting activity in their homes first and see the benefits of the program and get them converted to the program, I feel that we could be more successful. The packs could then invite them to an activity which corresponds with what game/activity they participated in.

Comment by Mark Saxon

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:46:54 PDT

pcowan, I understand the concern. Since we currently allow other parties to use our logos to sell everything from popcorn to pickup trucks I am not sure if there would be a conflict with simply giving away candy. As I understand it, endorsing the product is a concern mainly at the point of sale. If Mars for instance started putting logos on their candy and people purchased Mars brand items because they were trading on the BSA brand that would be a conflict. If anything, we are trading on the candy in this situation. I say by King-Size bars and have every kid in town come to your door!

Comment by Arli Boustead

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:42:26 PDT

I think this and any other training required to be considered "Trained" for a position, should show up on the "Training Completed" or "Training Not Completed" report in ScoutNet Membership Reports. These might be complete reports if they could show these things when they expire. Mandatory Training is being implemented in the future so we need a good way to track these things.

Comment by Counci 538

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:11:58 PDT

Well you've hit the nail on the head, sort of. It's the PROGRAM that counts, and it's a great transitional program. We're only talking about a name change here, not what the progam does for kids. Tradition is fine, but we have been known to drop traditions before, and if the ultimate goal is to retain kids, why not try it? Heck, I'd try changing it for a year or three to see if we retain more kids simply with a name change. If not, no harm, no foul. And to the previous poster, the only thing most kids know about "The Jungle Book" these days is from the Disney cartoon...likely the sequel.

Comment by Steve Hanson

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:01:53 PDT

The main character from Jungle Book missing from our program is Bagheera the Panther. He was the wise advisor to the young Mowgli. Panther Scouts might work.

But much thought would have to given to such a change. There is a lot of tradition in the Webelos program.

Comment by jeburke

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:51:02 PDT

Gym memberships should be included in our health benefits. I am overweight like many of us, but I am bringing it down by going to the gym 4x/week. Unfortunately, it's cost me 10% of my take-home pay.

Comment by jeburke

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:50:40 PDT

Gym memberships should be included in our health benefits. I am overweight like many of us, but I am bringing it down by going to the gym 4x/week. Unfortunately, it's cost me 10% of my take-home pay.

Comment by jeburke

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:48:40 PDT

That's interesting-- I hadn't known this was included in our medical plan. Killing future Cub Scouts does seem hypocritical for a "values based" organization!

Comment by Diane Leicht

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:41:43 PDT

You'll be happy to know that we now address etiquette in the Family Life merit badge requirements and pamphlet. The new pamphlet will be available in early 2010, and the new requirements will become official when the 2010 Boy Scout Requirements book is released in January 2010.

Comment by Steve Hanson

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:34:30 PDT

The Cub Scout Academics and Sports program was supposed to add a Good Manners belt-loop. Mid-November according to national Supply unless they have dropped this.

Comment by mary.ferguson

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:30:15 PDT

Since many professional sporting teams send their new recruits to etiquette training..... I do not see this as a sissy topic. Many boys do not have the money to ever be exposed to formal situations. I think this is a great idea as these boys represent the BSA and are often invited to formal events to recieve awards. We need them to "be prepared".

Comment by chthomas

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:25:26 PDT

A manners belt-loop is scheduled to be introduced this fakk for Cub Scouts. It is never too early to begin teaching manners.

Comment by Gillian Murrell

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:21:49 PDT

We probably all know what we need to do to lose weight: Exercise,use portion control, and make healthy food choices - which takes self control and discipline...having a sedentary job makes it a little challenging, too ;) But, we can do it and we will be role modeling positive lifestyles for our children while building a healthier country. Good luck to us all!

Comment by Darla Hulse

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:14:29 PDT

I had no idea this was a controversy. I don't even know which way to vote. It's sad the the world has to make up derogotory names with whatever they are given. I would be okay with going back to Lions, as was mentioned, if we end up making a change. And yes, kids do know The Jungle Book characters.

Comment by Eric Hearn

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:13:00 PDT

The characters in the Cub Scout Program (Wolf, Bear, etc.) were taken from The Jungle Book. If the names were to be changed, they should follow that theme.

Comment by Eric Tarbox

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:03:31 PDT

Couple points:
1. Many parents rely on Scouting to help in upbringing. 2. Poor table manners detract from our public image.
3. Youth and adults of character _should_ know the difference of expectations at a camp-out, BBQ, Board Room, or recruiting call.
3. The Girl Scouts are already doing this.

Bump to Susan Cheever; suggest this be included in our Cub and Scout overall curriculum, not a merit badge.

Comment by pbrown

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:00:22 PDT

I'll support any initiative the opens up the talent pool. If it's from within, great! Better yet, allow SE's to be hired from other corporations.

Comment by Bryan Pocock

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:57:10 PDT

We live in a western state with lots of rugged remote terain around. We were working on an Explorer Post / Venture Crew option with the county search & rescue. They were really excited about sponsoring the unit until they learned that we can't use ATVs. The S&R team was hoping to be able to use older youth in the program (18 and up) to assist with actual searches. They couldn't envision any way to run an effective program without the youth being able to use their ATVs.

Even if ATV use is limited to specific types of units in specific situations, coming up with a way to incorporate it in our program is the right direction to take.

Our high adventure base has an ATV trail running right through camp. It is part of a network of trails with hundreds of miles of interconnected trails. I could see a fantastic ATV program run out of the camp ... and while accidents do happen, I don't see any reason we couldn't put into place appropriate safety guidelines. Part of the program would be appropriate safety training ... like we do at C.O.P.E., rock climbing, shooting sports, horse trek, aquatics, or any of our other programs. If anyone can make ATV usage safe, the BSA can.

Comment by pbrown

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:54:24 PDT

I would applaud any and all efforts to specialize what is now the District Executive position. We do too many things and have too many bosses. I would support this initiative as well as have specialized sales and membership staff and program staff. When you can focus on providing just program, or just unit and district service, or just sales and membership you are going to be so much more effective.

Comment by cstreet

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:45:57 PDT

thanks for the support mabaldwi, during the whole process I learned that now nearly 1/4 of couples trying to get pregnant face infertility issues and sometimes they are an easy fix that require no more than a doctor's consultation or the ability to relax...but in some cases there are various levels of treaments that can cost anywhere from $100 a month up to $25,000 a month. Many people I spoke with were outright Shocked to hear the BSA has no coverage for such conditions, there are many plans that allow couples 1 or 2 treatments at each cost level, giving families at least a fighting chance at having their own child. Many people against these treatments say- oh well just adopt its cheaper- what they do not know is to adopt a child from any Europe or Asian country it can cost anywhere between $15,000 and $50,000 dollars and take up to 10 years.

Comment by pbrown

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:44:27 PDT

Great comment! We ought to also provide more career incentives for support staff as well.

Comment by Dina Brandt

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:39:00 PDT

Um... No.

Comment by R. Mark Baldwin

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:38:22 PDT

The argument made by cstreet is more alarming. Infertility issues are a great concern to many. How can we justify suporting the one and not the other.

Comment by pbrown

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:34:25 PDT

My only problem with you system is that emails don't count. In our modern world, many of the younger generation use this as a primary point of contact. True that emails don't develope relationships in the same way as phone calls or even face to face, but just because it "seems" easy doen't mean that it won't work. We should communicate with our volunteers in ways that make the most sense to our volunteers. If that's emailing or texting or social networking, we need to adapt.

Comment by jbeaureg

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:31:57 PDT

Yes we need to change the name of "We Blow Scouts." I forst heard this a few years ago in an inappropriate campfire skit. But it may be more wide spread than I ever guessed.

Not so sure about Shart or Raptor Scouts, but the name needs to change.

Comment by Counci 538

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:31:06 PDT

We professionals don't often hear it because o fou rlimited exposure to the boys when we're busy doing so many other things. However, as a former Webelos Den Leader of five years, I know for a fact that boys make fun of the name, are embarrassed by it, and quit over it. I'm pretty sure that's not what we want. I wholeheartedly agree with changing it and have for years. But since studies show that Cub Scouting is already "too long", how about taking 4th, 5th AND 6th graders and building them an entirely new "middle" program so we'd have Cub Scouts, ___ Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers? A whole new charter, a whole new $20. Call it anything you want, someone is smart enough to come up with a name that doesn't make kids want to quit. Oh ya, and it doesn't have to be named for an animal. What kid these days has read "The Jungle Book"?

Comment by pbrown

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:30:30 PDT

I think if we just sort the idea "winners" that this is good enough recognition.

Comment by Susan Cheever

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:29:41 PDT

Maybe some rank requirements would be appropriate.

Comment by Susan Cheever

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:28:34 PDT

If it was optional, the only boys who would bother to earn it would be the boys who earn every badge. I definitely think Scout leaders can support parents by reinforcing teachings about good manners during meetings and by expecting civilized behavior from them, but merit badges are about exploring subjects the boys are interested in.

Comment by Roger Chatell

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:26:40 PDT

Maybe at PDL1 too!

Comment by pbrown

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:25:13 PDT

If anything they should raise the age

Comment by Roger Chatell

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:24:21 PDT

Yes, yes, yes! I understand the history is that WBLS was for Wolf-Bear-Lion-Scout, and when Lion left the scene someone came up with the "WE'll BE LOyal Scouts" thing. But yes, we talk of innovation, the second century, and Cub Scout 2010... I agree, time to change the name from Webelos to something else. (I gave up mentioning "Webelos" in schools long ago.)

Comment by Christopher Otto

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:22:40 PDT

Why is this topic included in this forum?

Comment by cstreet

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:21:12 PDT

while this is a very controversal issue...maybe we should just counter-act this with having infertility coverage on our insurance plan. My wife and I have spent over $20,000 in the last 20 months trying to have a child...and no infertility treatments are covered under our plan. Luckly we got pregnant, because to do just one round of IVF was $14,000-$18,000 dollars. The treatments we did were around $4,000-$6,000 a round...luckily we had great doctors at the Reproductive Science Center in NJ, one is an Eagle Scout and the other a Scout Parent (who grew up in the program) they got us a great deal of the medication at a discount.

Comment by smurrow

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:20:51 PDT

I've been a pro Scouter for 18 years with 27 years in Scouting overall and I've never heard a boy, or anyone, make the comments about the Webelos name you have. The name "Webelos" is a microscopic factor in a boy and his family deciding whether or not to join Scouts. Let's focus on larger issues.

Comment by Tim McCandless

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:12:47 PDT

I like the idea. Regarding whether it is a parental responsibility, it can certainly be argued that it is also a parent responsibility to teach their boys values, not the Boy Scout's.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:42:58 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:32:57 PDT

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:55:12 PDT

'How about getting a bunch of Boy Scouts on a float or some other representation in the Macy's Parade? Not sponsoring nessasarily but volunteering to ride on one or as a group or as balloon wranglers.....' authored by pashwort was merged with this idea.

Comment by pcowan

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:27:44 PDT

I also encourage my vols to put bag stuffers in "with" their candy. I would thnk attaching our brand TO a candy would be an endorsement of the maker of the candy. Since we don't do this with other products; should this be done with candy? A bag stuffer fixes the hurdle and may not get thrown in the trash as fast as the wrapper does.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:23:55 PDT

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:18:48 PDT

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:51:43 PDT

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:41:37 PDT

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by John Oneil

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:55:47 PDT

That sounds like a great idea. There will be some angry volunteers but they'll probably be upset at the mandatory training requirements anyway.

Comment by John Oneil

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:53:21 PDT

Raptor, Shark, or Wolverine certainly does not fit in with the "Cub" theme nor does it promote a "friendly" picture for Scouts. Perhaps, instead, we reintroduce "Lion" instead of Webelos and use "Bobcat" for the Kindergarten test program. Bobcat was the introductory rank for 2nd graders until Tigers and a 2-year Webelos program was intoduced.

Comment by Dustin Shaver

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:31:13 PDT

Where exactly should this end? There are some who believe that organ transplants and blood transfusions are absolutely immoral. Others who believe a vasectomy or birth control of any kind is wrong. Still others believe that mental healthcare is evil and anti-depressants. I prefer that we keep your and my morals out of healthcare decisions of others.

Comment by Bryant Perkins

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:10:03 PDT

Instead of printing it and mailing it to us, why don't they just email it to us like the bsa.communications that we get every we. If it showed up in my inbox I'm sure that I would read it.

Comment by Bryant Perkins

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:47:59 PDT

I think there should be a category for those marketing ideas that were designed and created in house by the council and not by a professional marketing company.

Comment by Christopher P Buckley

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:37:53 PDT

Why is it the responsibility of the BSA to teach youth proper manners? That is the job of the parents. As a parent myself, it is a reflection upon me and my wife if our daughter shows bad manners.

Comment by cshelley

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:14:14 PDT

We're in the process of launching a program here at the Jersey Shore Council titled, "I"m Physically Strong; I'm a Scout!" It will include age appropriate recognitions to be earned by our Scouts and Venturers AS WELL as one for Scouters. We expect to finalize the program in the coming weeks and our staff that read this will be the first to learn they'll be very much encouraged to be among the first to earn the award.

It's a crisis in this country and if we're to be as relevant in our second century as we were in our first, we need to be involved in the solution.

Comment by tim.molepske

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:27:50 PDT

Erik, not sure where the data issue is coming from, I imagine you'd have to do some research on the local level. It appears correct at the few I've examined in our council. If new youth are added during recharter time, those are counted as new members also . . .

Comment by tim.molepske

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:26:21 PDT

Mike, you will need to check with your Scout Executive or whoever is assigned that responsibility on mybsa. They can give you certain permission levels and you currently aren't marked with permission for that level.

Comment by Justin Judd

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:29:08 PDT

This is a very controversial issue based primarily on a person's belief and/or values system. As vehement as bcronin is about removing this "benefit", I am sure there are others who would be just as vehement on keeping it in. Perhaps the best option would be to remove it as part of the general medical benefit package and offer it as an optional extra. That way those who are against such practices don't feel like it is being supported by their medical insurance dollars, while those who feel differently on the issue can still select such coverage at their option.

This may not be a perfect solution, but sometimes we must make accomodations in a world where people have a differing value system than our own.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:26:57 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:13:55 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:56:54 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:52:52 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:45:34 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by bkenyon

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:36:06 PDT

Also the password

Comment by bkenyon

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:59:21 PDT

Could this also be applied to other trainings that have expiration dates?

Comment by Mike Langer

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:05:10 PDT

I can not access these tabs:

on mybsa:
select Program Tab
select tab Centennial Units tracking
you can select year as far back as 2007
there is a column that says "new members"

Comment by John Oneil

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:13:45 PDT

There was a 75th anniversary Hiker patch, I earned it as a kid but I don't remember what the requirements were. Maybe we could recycle that program.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:00:40 PDT

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:34:44 PDT

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:24:33 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:02:08 PDT

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:28:26 PDT

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:23:16 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:13:39 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:52:42 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Ashley Wyatt

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:30:07 PDT

To avoid the extra sheet I just print preview and choose to print only the pages necessary.

Comment by jeburke

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:54:11 PDT

I agree! What a great benefit! In our area, the job market is so poor that I had to slash my retirement savings 50% just to keep our house. The match, which they used to call a "thrift plan," is one of the first things I'll look for when selecting my next Council.

Comment by Alberto Rodriguez

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:25:17 PDT

In the Seminole District, down in the South Florida Council, we have been helping out the City of Hollywood during their last two Halloween events. We pass out flyers and other information for local units that also volunteer to man a booth while handing out candy. We have access to over 1,000 participants, if not more, that show up to Trick or Treat. It is great exposure for the BSA and I think having the branded candy would be even better than just passing out the flyers. This would help keep BSA Top Of Mind in those families for the next few days.

Comment by syackel

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:24:12 PDT

If you are interested in CRM software usage for a local council the Inland Northwest Council in Spokane, WA has been using an inexpensive and customizable tool for the last 2.5 years. It is based on the Franklin Covey planning system and all of our customization for Scouting professionals can be transferred to your council. We track Fall Roundup, Charter Renewal, Centennial Quality Unit and Friends of Scouting through this tool. CRM eliminates time consuming report gathering and consolidates data from multiple Scout Net reports into one easy to use location for District Executives.

If you are interested in learning about what we are doing with CRM contact Steve at 509-325-4562 or email at Steve@nwscouts.org.

Comment by John Whitford

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:00:53 PDT

If we drop 18% of the original group each year, that means we drop 49 boys a year. I rounded down...
Start of Year 1- 274-Lions
Year 2-225-Tigers
Year 3-176-Wolf
Year 4-127-Bear
Year 5-78-Webelos 1
Year 6-29-Webelos 2
Year 7, crossover to Boy Scouts... 0
If we drop 18% a year of the remaining group:
Year 1- 274-Lions
Year 2-224-Tigers
Year 3-184-Wolf
Year 4-151-Bear
Year 5-123-Webelos 1
Year 6-101-Webelos 2
Year 7, crossover to Boy Scouts... 83 which means we would be crossing over only 30% of the original group.
Either way, this change is of questionable value to growth in our Boy Scout program and may actually hurt it unless we address the issues of making the core program experiences significantly different and varied from lion/tiger to Cubs to Webelos. A boy must see a difference in program, fun, opportunity and adventure to want to move from one level to another and to make him want to remain in the program. Lions would only be a 'short term quick fix' for numbers in traditional membership growth if we don't address the program content delivery issues.

Comment by acasey

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:12:28 PDT

I fear this will decrease our % of Webelos crossing into Boy Scouts becuase too much a good thing sometimes really isn't.

Comment by Amy Strohmeyer

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:52:08 PDT

Really, I can't believe all of you are having all these problems with UHC! I've had nothing but amazing results with them & had them cover things that normally aren't covered (my husband's lapband to lose weight was covered within 2 weeks of him being put on the plan!) I've had several Dr offices state they are the easiest insurance compnay to work with! Trust me my daughter & husband have both had far worse insurance companies!

Comment by pcowan

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:51:26 PDT

Don't we all already keep spreadsheets with this information?

Comment by jebarnes

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:33:22 PDT

@ Mark - thanks for helping me out when you were down here in sunny Corpus Christi!

Comment by jebarnes

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:32:18 PDT

@ National - thanks for taking this into consideration. The market for youth/leaders/alumni on facebook is much bigger than one could possibly imagine. I think that through social sites, particularly facebook, a world of good could happen. The president raised millions of dollars on facebook! We can raise awareness!! I believe that awareness is connected to everything from FOS to new recruits, we need as much of it out there as possible.

Maybe even groups like the NFL could sponsor advertising.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:51:36 PDT

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Doug Brown

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:06:14 PDT

We are sticking with the old forms as they are much faster to scan (100/min vs 15/min for the new survey)and we spend less time correcting errors with the old one versus the new. We've found students can complete them in 6 - 10 minutes and the school administrators love the results.

The time to scan and correct the new surveys is critical to us - 15 per minute is not efficient.

The yes/no questions are a selling point for us but not a deal maker.

Glad to see forensic lab tech added. Also need welding, power plant operators, electric line workers.

We do need to update the hobbies on the survey. Who says "world wide web surfing"? Call it "web surfing". Music is too broad - is that composing, listening, playing, rock, rap, classical, jazz, hip-hop, mixing, singing, other? Same with dancing - ballroom, Latin, classical, other?

Add geocaching, gaming, painting, sculpting, graphic arts, social media, auto repairs, sign language, mentoring/coaching, community service, computer building, yoga, pilades, health & fitness, jewelry making, scrapbooking, magic, comedy, water polo, cheerleading, more? These are the many hobbies people have asked us about.

I'm somewhat concerned that since a similar posting about surveys was marked "completed" today, that this one will not gain much attention.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:57:01 PDT

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:54:51 PDT

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:48:04 PDT

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:40:41 PDT

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Shawn Elder

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:43:40 PDT

I've used Google maps (earth) to track locations of recruiting signs and other geographic information. It can be a useful tool. More useful if you find the right volunteer who has a passion for this, and makes it happen.

BTW - the link to iron horse is not available.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:28:19 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by John Whitford

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:12:25 PDT

I think that it is great that folks can post things like this for honest, open discussion. Management and staff leadership issues have been around for a long, long time and I doubt that they will ever totally go away. I've served with some of the finest managers and supervisors and with some of the worst. I've seen some of the worst producers, people with no ethics and absent of any decent managerial skills get promoted into supervisory positions, become problems and instead of retrained, fired or moved to a lesser position where they might actually be effective get promoted again. Sometimes it is easier to promote your problem to another council than deal with it at home. Anyone that has been around long enough will have similar stories. I have also seen good, decent and deserving people given a chance to manage and seen them do a good job. We can't afford to continue the 'good old boy' way of doing business. It appears that changes are starting and I hope that they continue and that they filter down to every council. Without competent staff from DE's on up and let's even say from program aides and para-pros on up, we will continue to lose membership and see councils run deficits.

We need to train council presidents and executive boards so they will accept their responsibility to see that councils are run properly and that they will intervene when needed to see that 'bad' managers at any level are removed. Council boards are just as responsible as the 'good old boy' network for poor leadership.

Comment by John Whitford

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:37:54 PDT

Seems like the results speak for themselves. Cubbing can be a weak link and an early link in the program. If a boy quits cubbing because of a poor experience he is probably not going to give scouting a second chance. We need to have healthy, strong cub programs that retain boys and move them over to Boy Scouts.

Comment by John Whitford

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:52:18 PDT

I was just at a Lion recruiting meeting this week and I am going to work very closely with the parents to try to keep this program alive. I have a concern that we give too much too early in these programs and the kids get tired or bored. The challenge is to make each year new and exciting. We can probably achieve that with good training, follow up and being creative. We have a wonderful program but it isn't always handled well at the district and unit level. Councils have a responsibility to see that the District Executive is able to function well with his/her volunteers and see that there is proper support for the program. This can be difficult in smaller councils where functional assignments pull a DE's attention away from district ops...

Comment by John Whitford

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:03:29 PDT

Re: jotoro... I certainly understand the concept of a councils ability to compensate and employees may find that the match is only there when the council is in a positive cash position. This would certainly be an incentive to employees to do what they can to see that there are effective cost controls and also to achieve their finance objectives. If we truly believe in assisting good employees to advance then we don't want barriers to them doing so since in many councils advancement opportunities are limited. In many cases it may be important for an employee to move on to another council in order to grow professionally.

Comment by jpadgett

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:16:47 PDT

Whats at TI 880 printer? Something like a typrwriter?

Comment by jpadgett

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:12:40 PDT

Gregory, You're right on. Maybe instead of hitting us with at $50/month pay cut folks that participate in physical activity and document it could waive the the extra $.

It's well documented that folks who particiapte in physical activity and eat whole foods are way less prone to heart desese and cancer.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:10:31 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by pabbott

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:56:22 PDT

If our data base is national in scope, then you would think that you could transfer all the information about a person from council to council via Scoutnet. A registrar, with unit number and council number, should be able to bring the history over so we do not have to enter the information in again.

Comment by jotoro

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:13:34 PDT

Matching funds for our 403b's across the board would be wonderful. Of course it is a matter of being able to fund such an account. Many councils can't afford it.

One of the main reasons councils do a match in the first place is to retain quality employees. Thus making it harder for them to leave the council.

Another reason is to attract quality employees, or make it easier to think about a move to a challenging job.

As it stands now, councils already support a retirement fund that puts away money for the future of each of their employees.

I think this idea would meet resistance from councils that can't afford the extra money as well as councils that use this to make themselves more attractive to employees.

Comment by Charles Howard-Gibbon

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:20:33 PDT

I still prefer exploring the "One Charter to Rule Them All" change previously articulated by Tim McCandless.

Part of this concept would be to automatically roll up youth members in the units within a single organization on either birthdates or grade levels, like we currently do within packs. Particularly with units chartered by churches, this makes a lot more sense then collecting a lot of paper applications from families that don't see the need to fill out another BSA application just because a boy had a birthday.

Comment by Ed Dinkins

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:06:18 PDT

To make sure we are on the appropriate path, please email me any information you may have regarding these signs and banners. We will contact our past vendors along with any leads you provide and review. My email is edinkins@netbsa.org. Once we complete the analysis, we will post the update.

Thank you,
Ed Dinkins
DM, Director,Supply Group
Merchandising and Marketing

Comment by jpadgett

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:03:51 PDT

BJohnson, You are right on!

1st why do we have training course codes. Just call it what it is. No one knows what S4 or C23 is. I jokingly call it the "decoder wheel" which isn't published anywhere (at least not accuratly)

With required training just around the corner to renew units we need a training report that volunteers can access for their unit or person at myScouting so they can track it and make sure they get credit for training courses attended.

Comment by jpadgett

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:57:34 PDT

I totally agree. As a youth the Scouting Program introduced me to a healthy lifestyle of bicycling, hiking, swimming, scuba diving, skiing, sailing and other active activities I enjoy in adulthood.

As a professional movement "movement" in discouraged. We work, work, work, stop at the drive through on the way to a meeting. Were a bunch of overweight work-aholics.

I have quite a few friends and volunteers that are encouraged to ride bicycles to work where they have secure bicycle parking and a locker room. Most workplaces have a gym or offer a gym membership as an employee benifit.

It's been shown that regular exersize and eating whole foods greatly reduces obesity, heart desese, and cancer. Why not work with United Health Care to design a health plan that pays for a gym membership and eleminates the added employee cost for employees that participate in an execsize program and document it?

I've been activly discouraged from commuting to work by bicycle even though I would do it on days when I don't have field meetings scheduled.

It's time to start paracticing what we preach

Comment by cyndi.mcanear

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:14:03 PDT

ATV's are so dangerous, I think the go-cart may be better, just this year the Dave Matthews Band had a member who died of complications from an ATV accident he had a few months before his death. These things look fun, but are dangerous and can cause injury way to easy for kids to be using them at least in my opinion.

Comment by cyndi.mcanear

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:07:26 PDT

that's awesome! way to go thinking outside the box! :o)

Comment by emills

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:33:19 PDT

In response to STHANSON - the number is not the key for the transfer it is having prood of a paid registration which just having the number does not provide. With an out of counci transfer for adults or youth - the Registrar needs to receive a copy of the individuals "person profile" from the former council - this will give all the advancment and or training records so that they can then be entered by the appropriate staff member. At least this is what needs to be done until we are able to acutally physically transfer someone from one counci to another and have their info follow them electronically which is not possible at this time.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:16:47 PDT

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by Steve Hanson

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:15:02 PDT

I'm not a Registrar, so I don't know the answer to this: even if you have the membership number, will the training history roll over? Certainly if you take a new application, all training history is lost, I assume.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:13:06 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Brett Bybee

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 06:31:58 PDT

Another plus would be to be in sync with the ages served by Girl Scouts, who begin serving kindergarten girls.

Comment by Erik Karre

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:00:04 PDT

At first when I looked at this I thought it was great. Then as I started looked at the specific numbers, there are some that are way off. For example one pack in 2008 it said they recruited 33 new boys and they only had a total of 34 boys in the pack at the end of 2008 and had 30 at the beginning of 2008. Another pack said they recruited 55 new boys in 2008. They recruited a lot in 2008, but not 55. This same pack it says they've only recruited 1 new boy this year. In fact they've recruited 13 new boys.

I can't speak for every unit in every district, but at least in looking at mine, many are not accurate. Some appear to be accurate, but who knows for sure.

So I guess is it just a glitch in my units in my district or are others seeing the same issue with units in their district?

If you have some feedback, please share it.

Comment by tim.molepske

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:21:06 PDT

on mybsa:
select Program Tab
select tab Centennial Units tracking
you can select year as far back as 2007
there is a column that says "new members"

Comment by Ed Grune

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:13:48 PDT

I kind of like your Idea Michael...a little worried that a khaki BSA uniform with a tie might look to much like a German SS officers uniform :o

Comment by Sharon Larson

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:25:18 PDT

I think the idea really has merit because it will generate revenue for the store. Most Scout Shops have the ability to hang up some uniforms. They could set standards - clean, not missing any buttons etc. and make this happen.

Comment by Sharon Larson

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:14:24 PDT

The BSA believes in being THRIFTY (although most Americans don't life that way now a days) and we should be debt free. I'm sure there is some financial benefit to council's and the national organization for having the LOGO on a credit card.

Comment by Susan Cheever

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:32:09 PDT

I think that is a little young for Cub Scouts even with adult partners.

Comment by John Whitford

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:28:19 PDT

Recognition is generally a 'positive'. Perhaps a posting much like the listings for Chiefs Winners Circle winners. Certainly giving recognition to people whose ideas result in positive action and improvement may even bring them to the notice of someone wanting to promote or hire or fill a vacancy with a creative and committed employee... That might encourage more people to post and share good ideas.

Comment by John Whitford

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:13:57 PDT

Thanks for the input... I like the 'ScoutFit' program. In Syracuse the YMCA has community monthly 'Folks Marches' and they are very popular. They have pins made for each walk and people do it on a Saturday or Sunday. They get a 'passport' and pay for the pins at the end of each walk. It has been a pretty neat event over the years with a 5k and a 6k route. I brought the subject up at our distict meeting and there is interest in trying to do something like that here in Western Pa. Still investigating it.

Comment by Virginia Hall

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:01:18 PDT

Just thought I would touch on the "professionals and scouters too..." portion of this post. There's nothing like example to reinforce the values taught and expected. A leader, professional or scouter that is, or is striving to the best of their ability to be, physically fit, shows a deep committment and integrity to this attribute. "On my Honor" then becomes meaningful and the effort to "keep myself physically fit" becomes part of an attainable lifestyle. Kudos to you and your efforts John!

Comment by Susan Cheever

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:57:17 PDT

Most adult recognition requirements include training, and unit committees need a convenient way of tracking the training the leaders in their units have so they can encourage all to get trained.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:43:41 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Dennis Holtby

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:33:37 PDT

This is not a problem. If a registrant is unable to provide his/her unexpired membership certificate simply charge them the full, current registration fee.

Comment by emills

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:27:29 PDT

The application clearly states that the card for a transfer should accompany the application- I encourage units to provide only a copy so i don't have the bother of returning the card to the youth/adult via mail. Units are told that without the card the youth/adult will be counted as a new registrant with the appropriate fees being charged. This does not affect any advancments that can be entered when the records are received from the original council. I will also accept the "Person Profile" as proof since it also gives the expiration date for the individual.

Comment by Arli Boustead

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:14:13 PDT

Hi John,

I'm from Mid-America Council in Omaha, NE and we've started a "ScoutFit" program where we are designing an award that highlights various health programs already offered through Scouting such as merit badges, belt loops, activity pins and so on. The Cub or Boy can earn this award by doing a pre-test for thier personal fitness, then completing certain requirements relative to their program (already offered) and completing the Presidents' Physical Fitness Challenge and then completing a post-test for their personal fitness. We are in the stages of packaging this award and promoting it to earn patches and other things. You can keep an eye on our website at www.mac-bsa.org and if scroll over a program (i.e. Cub Scouts) you will see a drop down menu and select ScoutFit from it.

I really like your Hiking Event idea! May try and get some volunteers from our committee to do this!

Thank you!

Comment by Arli Boustead

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:09:04 PDT

This is true and I was told it's because ScoutNet auto-rolls over a cub on his birthday or during re-charter so if the youth has not yet earned his Tiger it won't show up.

I have many volunteers upset about this as we are trying to get them to use the system for "all their advancement needs" and it's not delivering.

Comment by pgaugler

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:43:08 PDT

My sentiments exactly. I spend more time trying to get information for or try to explain to the volunteers why something isn't working correctly in the system so that it shows them as trained when they have all the training they need. I know that this is become a sore spot in our with the volunteers. I know that some major changes are ahead for trained leaders so please, please, please, do something soon.

Comment by brbuchan

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:39:37 PDT

What about a ScoutWiki?

Comment by Scott Wootten

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:15:35 PDT

So far, there has been some buy in from the troops. One unit has even agreed to pitch in $100 to help us cover the facility rental costs.

The event is happening on October 24, so no direct results as of yet.

The climbing area belongs to the Rec Center of the Major University that is centrally located in my district. It is not public, but can be rented by private parties.

No push back from the unit leaders so far... We'll see what happens when I give them a handfull of applications.

Comment by Michael Mitchell

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:54:18 PDT

I agreee with this one but part of the problem with the Pro Uniform is that we really don't look like Scouts in it. Don't we want to be identifiable as Scout/Scouters or "The Scout Guy/Gal" in a crowd. I have in years past worn the Green Wrangler (still american made I think) Riata dress slacks with the uniform shirt. Maybe we could just bring the Tan Uniform shirt up to a professional (with a tie) standard! I hate tie's in general and despise every day I am forced to wear them! And my father (a doctor) always tells me that they are one of the top ten for carrying disease and bacteria since they are rarely washed.

Anyway, I think the pro uniform should look like the Scout uniform only "professional" looking. No patches other than the BSA patch and maybe BSA buttons. Maybe a Green jacket to go with it.

Thats my idea anyway.

Comment by jeburke

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:33:07 PDT

Lynnette-- I think it's great that you want to argue what we "should" do. But the FACT is what we "do" do is not read the prospeak in digital format. So, if it's intended to convey information, it fails. If it's intended to save money, it succeeds.

Comment by Lynette Hendricks

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:03:10 PDT

For those of you who don't read Prospeak online because someone didn't hand it to you - for shame. I think it's great that Prospeak has gone digital. The cost savings are huge and the environmental impact is positive.

Comment by Lynette Hendricks

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:00:12 PDT

We set up a paypal account and used it successfully for one event. The fees (on an event with an average cost of $22) were about 3%.

Feedback from volunteers was positive and we will probably continue to use this in the future.

Comment by srosengr

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 06:41:25 PDT

Does status completed mean that the issue has been resolved or is in progress? If It has been reseolved please advise as to how I may print this report. Thank you.

Comment by Lou Perseghin

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:39:46 PDT

I like the idea. Where is the wall, at one of the camps or a public rock gym?

How did it go, or if it hasn't happened, are you getting any pushback from troops?

Comment by Lou Perseghin

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:26:08 PDT

Let's not get hung up on the name. Call it the kindergarten if you want.

I like the idea, and would like to see how the retention rate goes after being in Tigers. Growth is always good, but if it has a negative retention rate on the other end because kids are now getting 6 years of a Cub Program, it may not be worth it in the long run.

I like the idea, and would love to see what the program entails.

Comment by pcowan

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:10:35 PDT

Looks like we will not get our desire unless we can change some politicians minds. It should not be this hard to recognize the BSA. WHY would the federal governement who charters us, not recognize this milestone? Or is it the members of the Boy Scouts are a threat to this administration?

http://www.scouts-l.org/sl_kb.cgi?action=view_message&message_id=59468&view_option=plain_body&message_details=/

USPS CURRENTLY PLANS TO IGNORE SCOUTING ANNIVERSARY

FIRST visit & join our FACEBOOK Page:
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/335515/26816363?m=fb5a6ed7

According to the August 24th issue of Linn's Stamp News, the US Postal
Service currently plans to ignore the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of
America, the nation's largest and most successful youth organization with
over 100 million Americans having been members. Nearly ninety other
countries have honored the 100th anniversary of Scouting with postage
stamps, but the Postal Service of the country with one of the largest
Scouting organizations thinks it's not that important!

According to Linn's, the preliminary 2010 USPS Commemorative Stamp Program
was announced August 6th by David Failor, USPS Executive Director of Stamp
Services during the American Philatelic Association Stamp Show in
Pittsburg. Linn's reports:

"In answer to a question raised during the meeting, Failor acknowledged that
a stamp on the subject of Scouting is still under consideration for 2010,
the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.

Responding to a question about whether there will be a stamp for the Boy
Scouts in 2010, Failor replied, "At this point no, but I wouldn't totally
close the door on it"

If you think that Scouting should be recognized with a USPS postage stamp,
make your feelings known! Write a personal letter to Mr. Failor. Also, ask
your Senators, Representatives and other elected officials to support the
100th anniversary of Scouting Stamp! Urge them to write to the Postmaster
General requesting that the 100th anniversary of Scouting First Class
Postage Stamp be issued.

Your help is greatly needed. Time is of the essence! Spread the word to
other Scouts, Scouters and concerned citizens. Please write a letter on
your letterhead to:

Mr. David E. Failor
USPS Executive Director Stamp Services
1735 N Lynn St Suite 5018
Arlington VA 22209

and to

Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee
c/o Stamp Development
U.S. Postal Service
1735 North Lynn St., Suite 5013
Arlington VA 22209-6432

and to

Postmaster General John E. (Jack) Potter
United States Postal Service
475 L'Enfant Plaza SW
Washington DC 20260

Copy your US Representative and Senator on the letter and send them a copy
with a hand written note asking for their help.

Their Addresses are:

Address for Representatives:
(Your Representative), United States House of Representatives, Washington,
DC 20515.

Address for Senators:
(Your Senator), United States Senate, Washington, DC 20510.

You may also additionally email your legislators:

http://www.house.gov/writerep/

http://www.emailyoursenator.com/senators.html

or call them toll-free at the U.S. Capitol Switchboard: 800-962-3524.

Be a part of this ground swell grass roots effort!

This is a great time and a perfect reason for scouts to earn their
Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge by writing to their Congressional
delegation.

YIS,

Ed Henderson
Board Member - U.S. Scouting Service Project
BigEd@usscouts.org
580-382-1422

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:40:46 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by srosengr

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:17:47 PDT

Hi John, I am a local counicl registrar and I also volunteer with a local unit. How about a soccer or other sports oriented camporree. How about a Iron chef cook off with healthy food at a camporee? Just 2 quick ideas that come to mind.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:46:43 PDT

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:32:21 PDT

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by pcowan

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:42:30 PDT

I agree with Charles.

Comment by pat.friedrich

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:56:37 PDT

Please, please, please do this!

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:37:40 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:32:07 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Nick Carr

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:18:30 PDT

Regarding age, state laws will come into play in at least some states (just like watercraft). Here in Michigan there is a whole booklet of ATV/ORV rules. (www.offroad-ed.com/mi)

In addition to the usual ATV "4-wheeler", it might be worthwhile to extend this to include go-carts as a camp program. This past summer I visited a very successful summer camp (non-BSA) that has had a really cool program of 8-10 go-carts operating on a circle track for many years. They had a couple towers in the center of this area (maybe 5 acres) so that staff could observe and control everything. This camp is ACA accredited and it appeared to be a very safe program.

Go-carts more often use common parts, many use off the shelf engines, and are relatively simple to maintain (within the realm of training someone for the summer). ATV's (being more expensive and capable off road) use OEM proprietary parts and are tightly packaged machines, making service challenging (who will do that service?).

While ATV's might be great for an excursion to an outpost on a large scout camp, their capabilities will be wasted on a smaller camp property. Comparatively little land would be required for a go-cart course.

This seems like another good pilot, and it will be interesting to learn how it is implemented and perceived.

Comment by Nick Carr

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:59:06 PDT

This "turnover binder" is a great idea and worth implementing widely across the BSA. Even if it isn't mandated it would probably be a good step to see some guidelines that would explain what the basic content should be and recommend supplemental sections for different positions.

Given that many documents are created/filed electronically (especially Outlook contacts, calendars, etc.) a good part of the binder might go on a CD or memory stick with a sleeve in the binder to hold that info. Keeping the binder updated would also be a good backup tool.

If guidelines are created for this it should take into account the range of positions that would benefit from a check-out binder, and include position specific suggestions.

Comment by Nick Carr

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 20:30:18 PDT

This sounds like a good idea, at least from the customer's perspective. A good model for this might be www.grainger.com (Grainger Industrial Supply). Although vastly larger than BSA supply, they are similar to BSA in that they also have branches in addition to national catalog distribution.

Doing what you're suggesting (a will-call order) is possible with Grainger, and is very easy and efficient. Their site has useful features like searches that return things not listed in the print catalog, and a item-number only bulk-order pad that save a lot of time and eliminate extra detail when you don't need it.

Of course they have real time inventory of stock at each branch. In this area there are several branches. When ordering online if something is out of stock at our default will-call branch it will recommend other local branches that have it in stock or give shipping times and options.

I'm not sure Scouters need quite this level of online shopping and local pickup for our purposes, but they would probably like it if they could get it.

Comment by Nick Carr

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:44:36 PDT

A couple years ago at Wood Badge we were asked to address each of Scouting's programs, including Varsity. There was just a little information on what it really is; and not one person in the entire course had any experience with it. I remember occasionally seeing scout units wearing the orange loops at summer camp, but that was at least 10 years ago, and I can't recall ever seeing one since.

A while back I was flipping through some old Scouting magazines someone left here, and happened across an article about the origins of the Varsity Scouting program in the Western Region (it's on p. 24 of the Jan/Feb '84 Issue). It explains the purpose of retaining 14/15 year olds and common activities they do. Current info on Varsity (article in BSA Info) lists the same 5 "fields of emphasis" mentioned in the 1984 article, and puts emphais on high adventure teams and/or sports teams.

To me the word varsity is potentially misleading, because it helps to establish a connection between this program and varsity high school sports. Even if there is a connection to a sports team it's not a high school sports team, and sports isn't the intended entirety of the program.

There have to be good Varsity units in some locations, but they sure don't have a visible presence in this area. Perhaps there was more appeal for Varsity Scouting prior to the creation of Venturing from Exploring. Now if a 14/15 year old Scout isn't getting much out of his regular troop program the advantages of joining a Venture crew are likely more appealing than hunting down or creating a Varsity Scout team.

It will be interesting to see what, if anything, changes with regard to this. You're right, it isn't mentioned very often.

Comment by james.westfall

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:08:41 PDT

Please make sure this excellent resource is in spanish also

Comment by Charles Howard-Gibbon

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 01:04:46 PDT

Consider changing the name for kindergarten age boys to something else. Lion was the historic name for what is now the 4th grade Webelos program. A more appropriate name for the youngest age group might be "Bobcats" or some other small animal.

Comment by Jeffrey Griffin

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:23:53 PDT

I so aggree with you. Please let em know how it goes.
Jeff Griffin - Baltimore Area Council
JGriffin@Baltimorebsa.org

Comment by Mark Saxon

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:40:38 PDT

Love it! What a great way to energize the base and also cross-market. What about other products Scouts and Scouters love... I'm thinking Duct tape, SPAM the possibilities are endless. Maybe we could get the 2,000,000th Eagle on the Wheaties box...

Comment by Adam Cheadle

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:36:12 PDT

That's awesome! Thanks.

Comment by rtheberg

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:57:28 PDT

I agree with the concept of the National Council using the Web a vehicle for delivering more information and training, etc., however I really would like to see usability and user interface as a higher priority. the functionality and layout of the screens (never mind the responsiveness of the web servers) leaves much to be desired. While I may be a technologist, I udnerstand that the majority of the targeted customer base is not, and without the best UI design possible the penetration into the customer base (percentage of users) will be a fraction of the goal.

Comment by rtheberg

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:46:38 PDT

I don't get the votes up/down tally any more when I hover my mouse over the net total. did something change? Maybe I went to IE 8.0 in the mean time.

Comment by Doug Brown

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:42:30 PDT

In Indianapolis we invested the better part of three weeks to compile a spreadsheet which compaired Cub Scout advancement requirements to state education standards. We listed the education standards down the left side and grades / ranks across the top.

For example, one Indiana standard is to "Listen respectfully to the ideas of others". That relates to Cub Scouts as follows:
Tigers: At a family meal, have each family member take turns telling the others on thing that happened to hem or her that day. Remember to practice being a good listener while you wait for your turn to talk. T4fR
Wolf: Complete the Character Connection for Respect. Wr7R
Bear: Complete the Character Connection for Respect. B8gR
Webelos: Take part in at least four family meetings and help make decisions. The meetings might involve plans for family activities, or they might be about serious topics that your parent wants you to know about. FamMbr5R

We have gained more allies in the education field and from the United Way from that one document. We also learned that Cub Scout requirements mirror 26% of the Indiana State Education requirements. This helped educators realize we are an educational program and not just another child care program.

Comment by rtheberg

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:07:08 PDT

Most of the New England Scout shops use muffin tins. I agree, a more consistent and professional shopping organizer would be helpful.

Comment by Chris Morrow

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:07:14 PDT

Hello Chris,

Thank you for your interest in PEZ!

In follow up to our conversation today regarding your inquiry into creating a new custom PEZ dispenser for the Boy Scouts of America …the answer is yes! We can create a new custom PEZ dispenser for your organization. However, there is a very stringent review and approval process of all images, logos and custom PEZ dispenser concepts before permission is granted for any potential PEZ dispensers.
We take pride in the management of the PEZ brand and monitor it on a continuous basis to make sure all products conforms to the standard that the brand has achieved for over eighty years.

Below is a price quote for the development of a standard type dispenser. I have also attached images of the last custom dispenser we produced for another Client.

The costs to develop, package, and deliver a new custom PEZ dispenser similar to the Chick-Fil-A are as follows:

Up-front sculpt, clay, paint, two to three part mold @ $5,000 to $12,500 USD.
Product packaged bulk in poly film bags with one roll of PEZ Candy.
The cost is $0.99 per unit.
The minimum units will range between 750,000 - 1,000,000
Your candy flavor choice is lemon or orange
The delivery timeframe would be approximately 7 – 10 months for these dispensers
Delivery charges FOB destination.

The above proposed pricing is for producing a “one to two part custom mold production of a custom dispenser only.” A more complex mold or packaging with candy will change the pricing structure.

We hope this information helps, please call us with any further questions.

Sincerely,

Buninton Stevens
PEZ Candy, Inc. USA
P- 203 795-0531 x 236
F-203 306-3262
stevens@pezcandyinc.com

Comment by brian.russ

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:04:43 PDT

Great idea Charlie. Would be a huge boon to have one central point for all literature, even if we had to pay.

Comment by brian.russ

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:02:23 PDT

Where did you find information on Pez production?

Comment by pcowan

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:51:46 PDT

Most districts have a uniform closet for "experienced" uniforms. If districts promoted this it would not put an additional strain on our Shops for more space they don't have. It would also foster relations between "the district" and new parents who one day we will want to be district level vols.

Comment by bryon

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:01:18 PDT

Thank you for the comment. Supply Group began work to revise this packaging several months ago. You should see the new perforated packaging begin to circulate late this year into early 2010.

Comment by Charles Howard-Gibbon

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:49:58 PDT

We already decided earlier this year to promote this same idea as part of our council BSA 100th Anniversary plan here in Monterey Bay Area Council.

The concept of Scouts wearing their uniforms to school is a good idea retrieved from past years. The idea of Scouters wearing their uniforms is an innovation. Having everyone wear their uniforms on February 8 is a wonderful way to promote the brand and celebrate the Scouting brotherhood.

Comment by Charles Howard-Gibbon

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:44:41 PDT

The physical maturity and skills needed to drive an ATV suggest that this program might be limited to Venturers and older Boy Scouts (age 14 and older).

Comment by Shirleen Larson

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:18:07 PDT

If you go to "http://www.thefind.com/office/info-9-section-plastic-drawer-organizer" it will bring up something almost identical to what we use.

Comment by Adam Cheadle

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:47:39 PDT

Is it a National Scout Shop? What do they look like?

Comment by Charles Howard-Gibbon

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:59:10 PDT

We are encouraging all of our Scouters to wear their uniform to work on Monday, February 8, 2010, and of course, the Scouts are encouraged to wear theirs to school

Comment by Shirleen Larson

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:50:41 PDT

We currently do have these organizer trays in our store and are extremely useful!

Comment by Paula K Bernard

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:41:33 PDT

Thanks T Walter -

Comment by Chris Morrow

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:49:13 PDT

I agree! We spend a BUNCH of money to produce these "gift" catalogs that contain only a few items of the many that we offer. It seems that we should put our efforts into producing an annual catalog (without all the bells and whistles) that contains ALL the products the BSA has to offer. Then post it as a PDF on scoutstuff.org.

Comment by tlabayew

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:59:42 PDT

Great idea. Many schools are use to this style of program delivery. Without having to print materials funding could be shifted to website development and content development.

TML

Comment by pcowan

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:56:02 PDT

In our office we get charged for every sheet of paper printed to our unit service account. This extra sheet is also a charge with no value. Yes, please eliminate the extra sheet.

Comment by Chris Morrow

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:24:26 PDT

I noticed this the first time I put it on. And with slits cut in the sides, it almost promotes itself to be worn like a cabana shirt ...untucked! Also loose the velcro, cheap buttons and non-embroidered flag and "Boy Scouts of America." And bring back the more durable, higher-quality material too.

Comment by bkenyon

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:52:05 PDT

Many support staff have been asking for this type of report for the last several years. We really need it so we can serve the volunteers in a more efficient manner.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:39:57 PDT

Status Changed from In Progress to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:33:00 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Charlene McClelland

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:55:35 PDT

I agree with Cortland and hope something can be done to improve the user friendliness of myscouting for volunteers Not a day goes by that we don't have people call in or come by and ask for help.

They get very frustrated, and when they get to us, they have already experienced problems. Passing them off again adds to the frustration. Many times, they say it's just not worth it.

As National puts more and more online with web based training and information, it has to be easy to use, otherwise, leaders will just not bother and the purpose will be defeated.

Thank you,

Comment by cshelley

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:06:52 PDT

Scouts have rung the bell many times through the years at the exchange. The exchange, and it's members, have a long history of supporting Scouting. Greater New York can make this happen and if they haven't already started, I'm sure they wil put it in motion.
Craig Shelley, SE, Jersey Shore Council

Comment by cshelley

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:04:03 PDT

In the Philly media market we've pooled our resources and you'll see ads all over local and national morning shows as well as an occasional primtime show on network and cable. It's helped with new parents, but more importantly galvanized volunteers who are excited to see us advertising (Finally! They say).

We'll be on the radio al through October focused on popcorna nd Scouting generally (it is Poptober,afterall).

Our share of the cost? Less than $2,000. Thanks to Chuck Eaton & Marc Ryan in Cradle of Liberty for leading the charge on this. I guess a long way to say if you want it to happen, you can make it happen locally if you collaborate with other Councils that share your media market.
Craig Shelley, SE, Jersey SHore Council

Comment by Anthony Bessey

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:24:16 PDT

I just completed a discussion with a national vendor I have done some beta testing for with pedometers. They have agreed to give me 15 top of the line pedometers for the Council Field Staff and my volunteers. The goal it to take advantage of websites that are already in place to promote fitness for our 100th anniversary. Effectively leading the way for all to meet the newly enforced standard of physical fitness the BSA is promoting. It is nice to be leading the way.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:12:41 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:09:04 PDT

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:26:09 PDT

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:21:02 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Ingrid Olsen

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:36:53 PDT

Good Idea! I think this is an interesting. Where I am located in California, this would go over well. Jeans are normal work attire for many people, including Banks, CEO's, and some City Offices. If I wear a suit to work and meetings, my volunteers are not comfortable. I think that success depends on where you are located and the relationship with the United Way.

Comment by jotoro

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:44:56 PDT

good idea.

Comment by lomiller

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:48:27 PDT

The extra sheet originally beloged to the TI 880 printers. With the desk top printers they serve as a privacy sheet if your print jobs go to a community printer. I also just return the blank shee to the printer. Also you can go into print preview and just print pages 1-3 instead of 1-4.

Comment by Dan Richard

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:57:09 PDT

I like the idea of this, but the ACLU would be all over this and I feel this isn't worth fighting over.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:46:49 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:43:42 PDT

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:20:23 PDT

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:13:16 PDT

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by Liz Johnson

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:09:28 PDT

I always put the extra sheet of perfectly good paper back into the printer. I also use discarded sheets that are printed only on one side to make my own route sheets.

Comment by kwyatt

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:44:54 PDT

I believe that our 2 millionth Eagle scout is scheduled to ring the bell at the NYSE sometime in 2010, as well as attend a series of other national events

Comment by Rick Williamson

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:36:42 PDT

The District Market Analysis Training provided by the Western Region focuses on unit organization and youth recruitment in areas that are underserved.

To the comment above; it also shows where a large unit may be serving a small percentage of youth in a target market area.

Comment by Adam Blanchard

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:32:00 PDT

Check this out...

http://gocubscouts.com/videos.html

Comment by Rick Williamson

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:18:22 PDT

Well said "twalter." Your practicing of what you are preaching is why you are successful!!! Keep up the good work.

I have great hopes that as a movement we are progressing down this trail. The recent creation of the newest BSA is another indication that we (the BSA) are serious about changing the way we think, operate and evaluate individuals.

Comment by Rick Williamson

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:13:45 PDT

I hear this request from local councils all the time. Some even struggle to get the paper list.

Not to mention it would be easier to keep a list current and would save a lot of paper.

Comment by Rick Williamson

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:11:28 PDT

This is a good idea. When I was at National we did this informally as a new person joined the program group. A formal process would be a good benefit.

Comment by Rick Williamson

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:08:54 PDT

Clearly this is a local council, district or unit project.

National could support councils by reaching an agreement with Salvation Army, Goodwill and other national organizations that Boy Scout uniforms be given to local councils at no charge.

Comment by Rick Williamson

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:02:53 PDT

It would be another good opportunity. There is no stigma associated with those that ring the opening bell to the up or down of the market that day or to the NYSE itself.

Just good exposure.

Comment by Liz Johnson

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:46:55 PDT

Our council has used the "Jeans OK for United Way" stickers for years. It's one of our best fundraisers for United Way. We sell them for $5 each, with a limit of 5 and they must be used by year end.

Comment by jotoro

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:43:17 PDT

I think it is a great idea to offer leader training at summer camp.

Comment by jotoro

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:41:33 PDT

Many councils do have funding for uniforms. Of course it is the first thing that gets cut when times get rough.

If the national office were to make free uniforms available, they would raise the price of uniforms to cover the cost.

I understand the reluctance to purchase a uniform, but even the less priviledge of us will splurg on something nice. I joined scouting and had a uniform that was older than I was. I had to wait until Christmas before my parents would buy me a new shirt. I had to wait until my birthday in May before they got me new scout pants. My family was not poor.

Comment by Debie Franz

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:37:08 PDT

In the council that I work with (Circle Ten) this is already being taken care of either by experienced uniform closests or through the Friends of Scouting program. District Excecutives frequently come in to the Scout Shops to purchase uniforms for those who need help.

Comment by presha.mayberry

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:35:32 PDT

I think this is a great way to donate money to United Way or we could donate the money back to BSA. Also their is nothing wrong with jeans in a professional enviroment, as long as you keep in mind that you are working in a professional manner. After all it is all about how you dress them up!!!

Comment by jotoro

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:33:01 PDT

There are many councils where the United Way is hostile to the BSA. I believe that we need to get out of the United Way business and replace it with something sustainable like endowment.

Also, $2 a head would not generate a lot of money, and the United Way really discourages its member agencies to ply for money at corporate presentations.

Comment by jotoro

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:26:54 PDT

Most advertising happens locally. The ads you see on many nationally sindicated shows are purchased in local markets. There are exceptions, and the national office should look into those. But you have the opportunity to talk to local media markets and ask them to run our Words to Live By PSA's. Or at least get them to run as advertisements at a reduced rate.

Another problem is that there is no one place to purchase ads that would reach all mediums. Specifically, there's broadcast TV, Cable TV, Dish TV, Dish Network, TV online.

In order to get the word out you would need a couple of dedicated volunteers who are savy in the local media markets. A good place to find these people is from companies that place a lot of ads already. If you see ads for, let's say, Ace Hardware all over the place, call them up and talk to the person doing all the ads. Ask them for volunteer help. You might even get them to pay for ads.

There are radio PSA's also. When I worked in Allentown we did one step better. We had a couple of Webelos and their leaders go to the popular morning show and cook the DJ's breakfast in their parking lot. It was always a riot. The food would usually be hidious and the DJ's would poke fun, but for two solid hours of rush hour drive time they were mentioning the fall recruitment effort every 15 minutes.

I just placed some ad time with one of our local cable markets. 150 thirty second prime time spots on CNN, TNT, DISC, HIS, ESPN for a total of $200.

Advertising is a great idea, but the national office correctly tells us that it is best done locally.

Comment by Lynette Campbell

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:08:55 PDT

Great idea! Yes! Yes! Yes!

Comment by pcowan

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:12:29 PDT

Before we ambrace an entity of such public scrutiny, we better make sure Wall Street is having a "good" day that day or else we brand ourselves with a negative flavor.

Surely we can find better ways to get exposure and money...

Comment by Dustin Shaver

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:12:00 PDT

Personally, I have no desire to wear jeans to my workplace. I view my dress as a reflection of the respect that I give to those who visit me at my workplace and those who I visit in their workplace. I would feel extremely uncomfortable if any volunteers or donors came to my office an found me in jeans, no matter what the cause. It would feel very disrespectful to me.

My dress code is dictated by the level of respect that I want to give to my community, volunteers and donors. I will save my jeans for my personal life, on the weekend.

Comment by kswanson

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:11:11 PDT

Excellent idea - thank you!

Comment by Kate Karlik

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:52:25 PDT

Are there any updates on this? I had a volunteer call recently, very concerned about there not being a stamp issued.

Comment by james.westfall

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:28:09 PDT

How about a medical saving account alternative??

Comment by Mark Saxon

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 21:19:13 PDT

Perhaps they can take the leader specific the first year and then follow up with online continuing education segments for future Den roles. These wouldn't need to be long but a Webelos Den is completely different from a Tiger Den and I don't think volunteers should go in blind.

Comment by pcowan

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:28:31 PDT

It will also increase out training numbers since most Den leaders just move up the next year. If they feel they don't need training since they got trained last year and this years program is not much different, what's the point in going back?

Lets do a "one time you're done" training and improve our numbers dramatically.

Comment by pcowan

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:25:54 PDT

All the districts I have worked in have an "experienced uniform" uniform closet. This is easy enough for a volunteer to manage and request donations from RT. Also an easy first time job for a new volunteer to "cut their teeth" on.

Comment by Matthew Ghirarda

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:04:28 PDT

I recently used Skype for a staff meeting. Even though I had difficulty hearing (which could be easily fixed). I can see the benefits in this. My district and council has a distance issue, We are too far away from the council service center. So We are looking into cheap video conferencing solutions. Right now there are too few of us with webcams. Plus how do multiple people video conference to the host and communicate with each other?

Comment by kbryan

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:39:12 PDT

Instead of sewing on the strip, would it be better to just embroider it on in the first place?

Most of the leaders and volunteers I work with that are using the new uniform (as well as my own) put it through the same abuse as the old one and they seem to be holding up fine.

Haven't heard from the parents or the Scouts who can really put the uniform through the ringer...

Comment by kbryan

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:25:23 PDT

Although it may add more time to the training, the leaders will get to see specifically how the program progresses from Tiger through Webelos; and they won't have to come back to training every year.

Comment by kbryan

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:22:28 PDT

Many of the units in the district I serve are already doing this in one form or another. Another idea that is popular is that Scout Stuff makes a great birthday/Christmas/Holiday/special occasion/back to school/etc. gift.

Comment by bruce.drake

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:16:56 PDT

That would be a GREAT improvement.

Comment by cshelley

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:12:03 PDT

This would be VERY valuable. Pretty sure I posted it here before, and pretty sure I got a notice that it was "completed" but obviously it hasn't been. I've got to beleive since the data exists this shouldn't be difficult to add and would be a huge help.

Comment by james.westfall

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:18:32 PDT

This needs to be corrected. The information, as hard as it wast to work with, from mybsa is now missing units from my district. I have an active training committee that wants the information on a monthly basis and now it nearly imposible to get

Comment by Charlene McClelland

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:13:50 PDT

How about a Hot Air Boy Scout Ballon for the Macy's parade?
The balloon handlers could be Tiger Cubs, Bears, Wolves, Webelo's, Explorers, OA, Eagle Scouts and leaders too!

Comment by Charlene McClelland

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:02:19 PDT

Not a day goes by that my office that we don't get multiple calls about many of the new on-line applications. Espeically Tour Permits and daily calls about on-line advancements.

As a supervisor / manager of a service center and several employees, I / we are NOT able to look at any of this applications, therefore making it quite difficult to help our volunteers.

As we strive to improve customer service daily, retain our volunteers, it's become harder and harder to help them with the new material when we can't even have a demo to look at.

I think that National and Councils have a tendency to forget that even though our technology improves constantly, and National continues to roll out great products, that does not mean that everyone in the scouting volunteer world is that savvy with computers, or care to be.

We can't make them like computers / applications better, but I think the programs need to be more user friendly. The more we do, the more we give them, the more they get frustrated when they can't access them.

If it were one or two a week that inquire, it would be no big deal, but it's nothing to have 1-2 dozen calls...A DAY.

Thank you.

Comment by Charlene McClelland

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:37:23 PDT

In addition to what Alex wrote, it would be nice if the CBC were some how condensed to fit on the same page as the application with the legal jargon on the back, or in a smaller box on the front of the adult application.

It would surly cut down on the cost or processing, cost of paper and certainly the confusion since many applications come in without the second page.

If is must remain on two pages, then I would like to see an arrow on the applicaiton pointing up, or the CBC highlighted, extra bold, or something to stand out, so people will see it, sing it, bring it in, and we don't have to either turn them away, or chase after the second page.

Thank you

Comment by pgaugler

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:13:43 PDT

Since we are starting to do bulk email it would be a great help to have the email address on a roster too. This will help the units be able to verify the info we have.

Comment by pgaugler

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:10:31 PDT

Please, please, please help us with this.

Comment by Mark Saxon

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:36:50 PDT

Tim, as a member of the high five club, I agree that I hope unit metrics will be reviewed under the new evaluation system. There are many ways to serve more youth in our service areas and unit creation is certainly a great tool to expand Scouting's footprint in a community. The deadlines do tend to pressure USEs into cutting corners to make goal. They also do not recognize the efforts USEs and volunteers make when it comes to reorganizing a unit that was on the verge of collapse or had existed purely on paper and had been inherited from the previous DE. Sometimes by helping revive one of these units it is possible to create a better program experience for the youth and in turn recruit more boys overall. The deadlines tend to force USEs to make a choice between making goal in the short run or building toward the district's long-term membership plan. If a USE opts to turn in a shaky or rushed new unit and worry about the old one come recharter next year they risk having two units which will need interventions. In other words, you might show a plus 3 this year but ultimately pay by losing four units the following year. We pay for this now and in the future as we try to recruit the progeny of adults who had been recruited to a failed unit in their youth. If they feel let down you can bet they will think twice about signing their sons up.

It's a tricky situation and the obvious answer is to involve volunteers more closely. In my experience, unless a volunteer or charter partner is working on one of the aforementioned 'handed' units this work will eventually fall to us. I am sure glad people smarter than me are taking this into consideration.

Comment by Mark Saxon

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:13:13 PDT

I would only add that it might do some good to have these and most of our other literature (handbooks, etc.) available at national book retailers. I know this might hurt Scout Shop sales but it would serve two purposes. First, leaders and scouts would have an easier time finding materials they need instead of having to drive long distances. We are in the customer service business so I see removing hurdles for volunteers to be a good step. Secondly, if the Scout Handbook was at Barnes and Noble on the 'back to school table' this promotes brand awareness without the BSA spending money on advertising. It would also prompt parents who are interested in Scouting to find out more about the program. Odds are most people will never just 'happen' by a Scout Shop unless they are already in Scouting. As councils merge and there are less local offices this problem compounds itself. For alumni who are browsing at a bookstore seeing a collection of Scout materials might spark a renewed interest or at the very least a curiosity to see how things are changing in the program. Our charter partners in most cases embrace this. There are entire sections filled with religious texts. Specialty religious stores have not suffered as a result. In fact, as has been the case with online music downloading, we might find that once people get their hands on our sample materials they will be more apt to seek out and purchase more from our 'catalog.' Think of it as priming the pump.

Comment by pat.friedrich

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:50:35 PDT

This can't be implemented SOON enough!

Comment by pat.friedrich

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:40:52 PDT

I spent about 5 minutes one day taking the BSA strip off an old uniform so a Mom could sew it on her son's shirt. The idea of strips would be great! Better yet, go back to the old way and have the embroidered stip sewn on.

Comment by Nicholas Nowak

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:09:34 PDT

I suggest that the national council develop Bin items specifically for Homeschooling & Scouting. We have brochures for every ethnicity and many groups (Lions, Elks, Rortary, etc).

As a former homeschooler, I have had huge success in starting homeschool scouting units in my district, but it would have helped to have national support literature.

Comment by Andrew Wetterer

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:15:13 PDT

I think this is a good idea. I am a member of Rotary and I get a banner every year with the words "A Rotarian Works Here". We also get signs from our Local United Way to put up that say "A United Way Agency Partner".

I do like the "Scouting Meets Here" idea along with the idea of having an FOS sign that somes something like "I proudly support the Boy Scouts of America!" Or maybe even, "I support Character Development in our Youth. I support the Boy Scouts of America!"

I assume there would be a cost associated with this, but maybe we include those fees in either charter fees or at a certain FOS giving level.

Comment by Liz Johnson

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 06:08:07 PDT

Our local Scout Shops have started selling a fabric bag! I've bought 2 so far and may buy a few more to use as gifts and at the grocery store. What a GREAT way to advertise Scouting!!!

Comment by Mark Saxon

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:07:39 PDT

I whole-heatedly agree with this posting. You never get a second chance to make a first impression and our leaders on the front lines are universally bashing the new uniform's quality. If you are a new leader and you spend your time and money only to find that the uniform you just purchased has to be replaced what does that signal about the organization? We get hammered on each and every price change enough as it is but the frequent comments about the decline in quality leave us USEs in an indefensible position. Further, leaders and boys who don't trade in uniforms or find after-market fixes likewise damage the polished image of our movement. It can be challenging to convince people to set the example when it comes to uniforms. We don't need such defects further clouding the issue.

Comment by Doug Brown

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:49:28 PDT

There is an extensive template for Scout Executives - but way too much for a district level.

When I was in the military, everyone in a supervisory role was required to maintain what we called a "turnover binder". The 11 point format was the same for everyone - but the specifics of what was included varied by person and position. It included topics such as: supervisor, subordinates, important points of contact, specific procedures for accomplishing tasks, upcoming projects, location of important files, etc. It was a one stop reference manual. I used my routinely and updated it in pen as I used it, then updated the electronic version quarterly. It was critical to keep it updated as one never knew when a short notice deployment would send him / her off for 6 months or more and someone else had to cover those responsibilities. It also was fairly common for a gap between people in a position.

I created a similar binder for each of the positions I've had in Scouting (including unit, volunteer, and fund raising info)and at least some of my successors kept them updated. By keeping such a resource updated, it is more useful, easier to update when people change, and is likely to be more detailed than something created hastily when one is tryinng to depart.

The Field Book for Professionals is a great tool, too.

The key - whatever the template - is to keep it current.

Comment by pat.friedrich

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:23:54 PDT

Statistics do not necessarily prove anything taken out of context, so while you can say that such and such dropped so many percent, we must look beyond the numbers to what was happening at the time and the conditions that made those numbers. There could be any number of reasons for a drop in membership, not attributable to allwoing girls to join. I've been to scouting events in Scotland and they have no problem with girls in their organization and certainly do not attribute the drop in membership to allowing girls in the group. The event also has Scouts from 18 other countries and in talking with the youth and their leaders, not one has an issue with girls being in the organization. In the case of Scouting in the UK, they have left it up to each individual group as to whether or not to take girls in the unit. Given that this is such a contentious issue in the United States, it would seem that we could leave it up to each unit and Council to make up their own mind. If people want an all boys group, good they can join one, but if people want a mixture of girls and boys they should have the opportunity to make that choice. At the risk of my head, let me say it again, the BSA really needs to join the 21st century.

Comment by mgriffin

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:42:36 PDT

Pat, I am not afraid of anything other than seeing the BSA take the road that has failed in other nations, and what has been proven to not be in the best interests of boys developmentally.

I will repeat what I posted earlier and leave it to others to decide:

I believe that, as we should with anything, we need to do the research on something rather that react to what “we think”. If adding girls will enhance our program, so be it. But if all it will do is temporarily add a few members...

Nearly every, non-biased, study into single-sex education has shown that education and behavior is improved (especially among boys) in single-sex classrooms. For the most part, we have co-ed schools in the US because of convenience, funding issues, and politics - not pure education. Making the change to a single-sex schools would be the logical conclusion if we were only concerned about educating our youth, but that is not practical in our society.

If the things that we are trying to teach in the BSA are best taught in an all-boy environment, and research tells us that boys of Cub Scout and Boy Scout age prefer to be with other boys, why should we change? Unless of course those things do not matter any more.

I believe that there are a lot of other things we need to change to fix our program.

I have had the opportunity to study and review the impact of allowing girls in the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs in nations that had cultures similar to ours (Europe and Canada primarily.) While I agree that there are other issues, Scouting has suffered when it has gone co-ed in other nations.

In the UK there were 656,004 members of the Scout Association in 1990. They included girls in 1991, and by 1997 they were down to 469,000 youth. In 2007, the last report I have, they are down to 365,685. (Only 44,764 of these are female). Girl Guides in the UK report a current membership of 510,000 girls.

In Scouts Canada, the membership in 1990 was 265,313. They added girls in 1992. Today their youth membership is 97,395. Girl Guides of Canada report 116,206 members.

So, since 1990 the UK has dropped 44%, Canada has dropped 63%, and we have lost 33%. But our loss includes moving nearly one million of our Explorers and in-school Scouting programs to LFL in 1991. And they just added girls.

Comment by Rick Williamson

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:33:29 PDT

There will be a BSA float in the Tournament of Roses Parade. It is a partnership with three local councils (Orange County, Los Angeles Area, and San Gabriel Valley) and the National Council.

The 2 millionth Eagle Scout will be a part of the float.

Watch the parade, you will be proud.

Comment by pat.friedrich

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:15:34 PDT

I don't know what countries you have visited but I can tell you from going to International Jamborees and speaking with and seeing Scouts from many countries in action that the program was NOT "nearly wiped out" in many parts of the world. Get real and get modern. I certainly don't know what you are so afraid of by letting people have a choice.

Comment by kneiley

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:16:45 PDT

I agree - 10 years should be long enough to prove that it is a good program. You would think that ALL would want the increase of membership & money that this would bring councils and national.

Comment by Joshua Glacken

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:58:11 PDT

I agree w/ John...definately worth looking into. I think it will be better for the organization in the long-run. I'm willing to help put time and effort into this...and I think the organization should to stand the test of time.

I'm not necessarily advocating that every aspect of the program become co-ed...more so that we provide a supplimental program, similar to what we have for cubs to girls. Girl dens would definately meet separately. Go-see-its and den outings should be separate. Pack meeting and all-pack field trips could be co-ed.

I really think we have the infrastructure to make this work easily.

Comment by John Whitford

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:22:58 PDT

Gamers are 'normal kids' who enjoy gaming. Some kids do become addicted to gaming but others grow and expand beyond the games to learn to troubleshoot hardware and software issues. These kids learn skills that may help them in life. They need interaction and at younger ages limits and guidance. Scouting can help make gaming a positive experience. My youngest son had a post/crew built around gaming. They used the camp training center quarterly for gaming weekends and would network up to 20 computers. They would also get out and play 'capture the flag' and on several occasions helped tear down camp or worked on buildings as service. My son now works for a major company using many of the skills that he developed in the crew. The future will belong to those that are comfortable with computers, we need to find ways to involve our membership in a meaningful way to help prepare them for their future. Gaming can be an open door to a world of positive or negative influences. Better to do it in a Scouting setting with adult leaders or advisors and positive role models. They will do it anyway, why not in Scouting!

Comment by mgriffin

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:19:46 PDT

See my notes above. Going co-ed has nearly wiped out programs in other parts of the world, and is contrary to most current "best scenario" child development theory.

Comment by mgriffin

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:19:15 PDT

See my notes above. Going co-ed has nearly wiped out programs in other parts of the world, and is contrary to most current "best scenario" child development theory.

Comment by John Whitford

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:13:26 PDT

This would require a reworking of both the Cub Scout and the Boy Scout programs. It makes sense to 'join the world' in this way as most other Scouting Associations are co-ed. Still, it will mean a lot of work and will be a challenge to resolve all the underlying concerns. Proper supervision, consideration of all differences in building advancement programs and running activities, concerns over relationships with other organizations, especially the GSA.

Certainly worth looking at seriously. We have been co-ed in our teens program for 40 years, why not at the lower ages. Kids are much different today than they were 30 years ago. Perhaps it is time...

Comment by John Whitford

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:06:43 PDT

In recent years I have had volunteers approach me and ask how they could involve whole families in their programs. By whole families I refer to siblings of the female persuasion. In fact, several volunteers have told me that they have allowed girls to fully participate, even going as far as to present badges.

A girl can join our program at the age of 14. Why not at 13 or 11 or 9? Most Scouting programs around the world are co-ed. Families today are far more pressed for time and many are seeking ‘family friendly’ programs and activities.

Girls have been a part of the traditional program since the 60’s when the old ‘green shirt’ Exploring program went co-ed. Not so long ago, women were not able to hold certain leadership offices. Now those positions are open to all. Not so long ago, no women were in Woodbadge or the Order of the Arrow... now they have access and membership in both.

Times change... maybe we need to consider this step... carefully.... I know it is difficult, controversial and to some, radical but so was having female Scoutmasters. If the outcome is that boys need to have boy things to do with boys, so be it... If the outcome is a ‘voluntary’ co-ed option, so be that... we have all male and all female Venturing Crews and that works... it is an option...

Comment by Steven Harris

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:32:19 PDT

Thank You Mr. Schuler! Money or another "I LOVE ME" award doesn't get anyone anywhere.

Comment by Alex Tyms

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 04:42:50 PDT

Why not provide story lines to the teen magazines for girls? A couple of quality, well placed stories would do more for Venturing promotion than a $100K+ ads.

Comment by cstobbe

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:10:01 PDT

They just need to make it a seperate requirement like I already said a few days ago.

Comment by Karen Dameron

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:01:35 PDT

I agree totally - we say "be healthy", but we sure promote being unhealthy....

Comment by jotoro

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:30:25 PDT

The big guys don't hear us on this one. They say 'yea yea we'll fix it,' but they never get around to it.

I constantly have to make excuses for our inability to get correct training records. And tools that would make training easier (like an excel spreadsheet with leaders: names, training status, address, email, phone number and unit number on it). Basic stuff.

It has become a trust issue. We can't trust that this will ever be fixed.

Comment by jotoro

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:20:43 PDT

One of the great struggles of our professional evaluation system is how to evaluate positive performance. It is easy to see why membership numbers are used. They are convenient to observe. I agree with you that there should be another way of evaluating membership growth.

It is hard to use density as a means to do that because TAY numbers are not accurate. If the national office had a better way of tracking TAY, I would agree that there could be a density number that would always be great to have regardless of growth.

I have been a long time advocate of term of duty goals (goals for 3-5 years). I also think that we should be evaluated on how sustainable our efforts are after we get promoted to the next level. By looking at raw numbers alone our organization is becoming hollow. Districts and councils become a house of cards.

Lastly, it is not a given that it is easy to gain 4% membership growth after a loss of 10%. I have seen districts/councils continue the downward trend for years.

Comment by Steve Dunham

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:46:54 PDT

David,

Yes I do understand that the shirt can be replaced for free. That is a short-term fix. A new shirt will have it's letters falling off again in a few months.

Replacing my shirt for free also means resewing the six knots, world crest with 2010 ring around it, OA pocket flap, Region patch, Quality District patch, CSP, and my DE patch onto the new shirt.

I shudder at the thought of our Scout Shop staff asking our customers to do that once or twice a year, as they give away free replacement shirts not only to staff, but to all the Scouts and Scouters in our Council. Multiply that times 300+ Councils, and we're wasting a lot of time and money.

The glued on American Flag is also causing problems on some shirts. How many shirts wil be given away before we address thess issues with a long-term fix?

Comment by David Harkins

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 06:14:47 PDT

Since the BSA's Supply Group has a satisfaction guaranteed policy, this fix really isn't necessary.

Simply return the uniform shirt for a replacement.

Comment by Joe Connole

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 08:48:01 PDT

I got caught up and forgot to mention something. Its a great idea that Webelos leaders should stay with the program so that we have compotent leaders. But as you said, the parent wants to follow his/her son into Boy Scouts. Your suggestion is that the boy become his parent's Webelos den chief. If a boy transitions into a troop with lets say 50 boys, why should he and not an older, more compotent boy be allowed to be a Den Chief? The Den Chief's role is like that of a Troop Guide, you want your most experienced and knowledgeable boys to fill those roles and not a boy who just bridged into Boy Scouts.

Comment by Joe Connole

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 08:40:31 PDT

Dewjones,

A great post but a few problems. Based on how the Boy Scouts of America currently do things, and I don't see it changing anytime soon, creating a "Webelos" Unit will only cause the same hassle present in the current transition from Cubs to Boy Scouts. Thats not really what we want, is it? I don't think that having the Webelos as members of the Cub Pack is a bad idea, parents need to be more well informed about the Webelos program.

What do you mean by we shouldn't be chartering units, we should be chartering organizations? Currently the National Council establishes local councils throughout the country to help facilitate the Boy Scouts of America programs. They go to local churches, schools, VFW halls, etc. to have them become charter organizations. The BSA sells the program to those organizations and provides them with all the necessary information to successfully run a Scouting Unit. Now, what I take your comment to mean is we should do something closer to how the old Explorer program worked. Back before it was moved to Learning for Life, the Explorer program was school based, and career based where schools and career oriented jobs (i.e. police, fire, lawyers..etc) would purchase the program from the BSA and implement it almost entirely on their own. Due to the change in America's morals, this can't happen anymore. The BSA is a private organization, capable of excluding any member it wishes: Explorers was and is a public organization, intent on helping young people determine their future career options. If your understanding is to do away with the current chartering system, and implement an Explorer style chartering system we will run into numerous problems. Right now the BSA maintains some control over the Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Venturing Scout programs by selling the rights to administer the programs under the guidlines established by the BSA. From my understanding, Learning For Life does more than simply sell the rights but sells essentially the whole program and allows organizations to administer it as is most likely to meet their needs.

Finally, my own personal rant. The Venturing Program will need to be overhauled if we ever want to make it the "next" step after Boy Scouts. Currently, the Boy Scout program runs until a boy reaches his 18th birthday. If Venturing was truly a Scout's "next step", then it should more closely mirror the Boy Scout program.

Comment by Nathan Miller

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 06:48:38 PDT

They also could make the print bigger on the eagle application to make it stand out.

Comment by Anthony Bessey

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:24:50 PDT

chiochonb,

I would personally jump at the chance to have the opportunity to teach the things I have been doing to my fellow Professional Scouters. If they ever created such a postion I would be all over it. Magazines and articles cannot touch the power of coaching.

Tony

Comment by Anthony Bessey

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:21:21 PDT

This really comes down to us, as an organization, putting our words into action. Our volunteers are fuming over the changes in our health forms and how those changes will impact them, knowing full well that many professionals don't and won't meet the standards and will get away with that. All to often we hold an expectation because we are "Boy Scouts of America," however, what we are speaks so loudly that many people cannot hear what we are saying. As an organization we preach physical fitness. How many professionals do we all know, myself included, that don't meet the Philmont Requirements or at least the max allowable exception?

For health reasons (Full Disclosure I am a Type 2 Diabetic) I decided to take a very proactive approach to my health this year. This suggestion was posted at the suggestion of a CPD staffer I was talking to while at PD L3. He was very interested in the whole 3000 steps in 30 minutes concept. Since I have taken a more proactive approach to my health I can give testimony to the power of developing a fitness plan and following it.

To date I have lost 40 pounds since December. Since June I have lost 20 pounds. I am not insulin dependant, but I am taking a very interesting new drug that coupled with metformin has helped me get tight control of my blood glucose levels. I have had liver disease for the past 15 years and as of right now, that is reversing itself. That is just within the last 9 months. Imagine what will happen as I continue my program.

My volunteers seek my advice on matters of health (I also moderate a Men's Diabetes Support Group) and none of my volunteers complain to me about the enforcement of the Philmont Standard, because I went from being 270 pounds to 226 pounds. I am now at the max allowable exception for my height and my doctor has told me that I will be lucky to reach 215 pounds because of my build. I am still aiming for 210 by the end of the year. I cannot tell you how nice it is to weigh what I did when I was in college in 1993 and wear a size 38.

My suggestion could be turned into a national challenge from our Chief Scout Executive to all Scouters, professional and volunteer. Imagine the power of the entire professional staff stepping up to the plate and leading our volunteers in the effort to improve our organizational obligation to be physically fit? We are in the business of changing lives. What is wrong with helping our co workers and volunteers live healthy lives that allow them to see their children grow old? Who cannot give themselves the gift of 30 minutes 5 times a week to have a better, healthier life?

This week's email regarding the increases in our medical insurance costs said everything I needed to know about where we are headed as an organization. It is up to us to change that direction and change not only our lives, but the lives of our volunteers in the process. If we are leading the way, how can they argue?

Programs we can use:
walkertracker.com search for me as tjbessey for my blog and stats.

I also participate in the Presidents Challenge where I am 93% of the way towards my Silver Award after earning my Bronze Award earlier this summer. That information can be found here: https://www.presidentschallenge.org/index.aspx

It would be very easy for us to develop a program for professionals and volunteers. The question I have for all of you is, are we worth the investment? I we think are.

Tony

Comment by chiochonb

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:25:50 PDT

I don't think that incentives are the way to go to get people to eat right and live healthier; my guess is those that are healthy will be the only ones taking part. I think that a publication could go out with a few professionals going around and training each council on different practices that employees can use with real life situations that we all are faced with could help employees get motivated.

If people could see that just 30 mins a day walking, jogging, aerobics, yoga, stretching, anything that will keep your heart rate up will help.

We all have filled out the application and vowed to obey the Scout Law; most of the points are directly linked to maintaining a healthy body and mind.

Maybe the National Council can set recommended minimum efforts that would entice people to try and make the effort, especially if it will lower the cost of our Medical Plans. Another thought is to have a website dedicated to professional wellness and have a place were we all could log-in our workouts and it would help us see results by calculating number of calories burned from the activities logged. You could see how you did for the week, the month and the year.

I believe it costs $40-$50 on our medical plan to go in a see a dietitian; they can help anyone get on a plan that works for them.

I think if our employees were given some options and some scenarios of were to fit a work out plan into their lives they would realize they don't need a lot of time or money, just effort

Comment by dewjones

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:41:00 PDT

I think that the Webelos program implemented as outlined is great. My wife and I served as leaders with both our sons at all levels in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. I felt that the Webelos program was the best years of all.

However, many times (maybe most) the program is poorly implemented due to inexperienced leaders. Many capable adults who served as Webelos leaders have commented to me that they figured the program out about the time boys were ready to move on to Boy Scouts.

I suggest that 4th and 5th graders be a separate unit so a cadre of volunteers focuses on just Webelos. Now a successful Webelos leader moves on to be an assistant Scoutmaster. Why not encourage a successful Webelos leader to stay with a Webelos unit and utilize his experience? If he wants to be involved with his son, his son can be a Webelos Den Chief. Hopefully, those volunteers would become long term Webelos leaders who understand the program and provide quality program.

I do think that the primary reason for the drop outs between Webelos and Boy Scouts is time considerations. Parents and youth figure out that with the monthly camp outs, week long summer camp, and advancement and service projects outside of meetings, Boy Scouts is much more time intensive than Cub Scouts. A real analysis is needed as to whether to continue. Time is the most valuable commodity to most families. And as pointed out in other postings, sports, music, and other school activities are placing greater time demands on a boy and his family at that age.

As to a seamless transition, I don't think we should be chartering units. Why do we have a bridge to cross? Why fill out a new application form when transitioning? Why not just charter organizations to use the Scouting program? In order to register boys in grades 1-3, they need a Cubmaster and Den Leaders; for grades 4-5, a Webelosmaster and Den Leader; and so on.

Organizationally, we get folks thinking, "Do I want to continue, to make this big step?" We should be encouraging them to think that Boy Scouts and later Ventures is just the next step. Some people will still drop out due to time considerations, but I think we force the issue.

Comment by jmilharc

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:15:28 PDT

We either need an incentive for staff to live healthier or education on how to eat healthy and remain active in our busy, often hectic schedules. It is so much easier to grab an unhealthy meal in the car on the way to a late meeting, or eat at 10 pm after the meeting - neither of which are good.

Even our own HR administration is telling us that " many of us are clinically overweight and/or have existing chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, which puts us at greater risk for heart attack, stroke, cancers and many other conditions." As mcdermott shows us in the comment above, these things are largely preventable.

As an organization, we need to set the example and help our staff live a healthier, more active life. It will benefit all of us through our health care plan.

Comment by mrozecki

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:14:28 PDT

I have entered all of the schools in our Council into Scoutnet under Organizations. Then I have been able to associate units with schools. I know that this is not perfect but it seems to be working and helps the DE's to see how successful or unsuccessful any particular school recruitment was.

Comment by dewjones

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:00:32 PDT

I think that Youth Ministry Venturing should go into lower grades. When you go to a church and present yourself as having a program that supports their youth ministry, you are not meeting their needs with a program that starts with high school students. And in grades 1-8, they don't want a boy only program.
If we want a youth ministry program that meets a church's needs, it should be coed for all grades. So Venturing should go down several grades, or Youth Ministry should be part of Learning for Life.

Comment by nwolfson

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:59:22 PDT

This is the same request I submitted months ago. Everyone is having this problem (and unit Trainers don't have an easy time getting lots of paper instead of one or two sheets, either). Please, please help us with this! Thanks.

Comment by John Garrett

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:15:54 PDT

David makes a good point. Why do we hold on to non-sensical lingo like "Rechartering?"

Comment by Karen Paskiewicz

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:52:32 PDT

Oops...sorry about that last comment - I was thinking of a different issue. How about a feature on Innovation Engine to delete a comment we have previously made! :}

Comment by Karen Paskiewicz

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:35:52 PDT

Example for when "most recent payment date" is not sufficient: When trying to determine donor information within a calendar year, by a certain user code or other defined selection. If multiple payments are made against a pledge, or you have a multi-year campaign, you must look up each prospect individually to determine the amount paid during the year in question. This could also be accomplished by exporting a Contribution Statement report, but the only way to get a truly accurate picture is to export EVERYONE, and you don't get the same info in the report, such as a user code (which is useless in Excel anyway, since only five export). Bottom line is: sure, it can be done in a round-about way, but why should it need to be? I am hoping this is addressed in the custom reporting feature.

Comment by David Nolle

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:34:45 PDT

This is a duplicate posting. Innovation engine software appears to have changed to no longer allow notification of duplication?

Comment by David Nolle

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:32:12 PDT

Internet Charter Renewal? I don't think recharter is a word.

Comment by Karen Paskiewicz

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:22:55 PDT

Yes, I am aware of that feature and use it quite often. However, unless a change has been made very recently, that report cannot be refined in any way whatsoever prior to opening in Excel. If it could utilize at least some of the same selections as a single campaign report, such as user codes, structure, etc, it would be much more user-friendly, especially for user code selections, since only 5 show up in Excel, making this report useless in that situation. Perhaps it can move into this direction in the future? Also, this is practically useless for multi-year campaigns as you only get the most recent payment date and total amount paid, then you have to look up each one to see how much was paid during the calendar year in question, which actually ties to another of my posts....

Comment by loward

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:22:53 PDT

I agree that the benefits was one of the things(other than I believe in the program) that has kept me with the BSA for 22 years when I could have made more money elsewhere. I understand that people who are in better health use less in insurance expenses and do not think that it is fair to pay for those who use it more. How about the employee still out there that make under $20,000 or so and have to pay the same as the person who makes $200,000? Where is the BSA plan to make health care affordable to all? Perhaps a sliding scale for premiums and deductibles based on salary should be considered like other companies do.And I still think that the quality of service we are getting from UHC needs to be looked into. I still am grateful to have insurance but I too, will feel the pinch of the new rates and really feel compansion for those who are forced to jeopardize their families' health and stability for the sake of insurance premiums. No matter who you work for.

Comment by Lou Perseghin

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:55:24 PDT

I use a mac at home, and occasionally at the office. It's fine if you just need to look up something in mybsa, a name or an address, but other than that, it's useless.

I'd love to be able to sync my e-mail to the mail program (which I can do on my iphone but not my laptop), as well as my calendar. It would also be nice if I could use Safari or Firefox to get on all the national level sites I use near-daily.

Comment by Renee Fairrer

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:27:38 PDT

Soon after Venturing was introduced we looked at purchasing ad space in Seventeen Magazine, the most widely read magazine by young ladies 12-20 years old. Unfortunately, the cost (even with a liberal non-profit discount)was well over $100K for a single national placement and that was 10 years ago.

Comment by swilburn

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:16:32 PDT

Yes, the councils should (and probably do)maintain these lists. But, the licensing office has the most current, up-to-date information and could easily make this information available through myBSA. Wouldn't it be great if our DE's in the field could just log on to this information wherever they were and have immediate answers for our volunteers and parents without having to call someone at the council service center or having to update files on their laptops (that is, if the ocuncil remembers to send out updates each time a new supplier is added!)

Comment by Adam Cheadle

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:14:35 PDT

This is a FANTASTIC idea

Comment by rszymans

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:11:49 PDT

Because of inacurate data from scoutnet we no longer include training goals for our staff.

Comment by Adam Cheadle

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:08:21 PDT

I don't know about changing the number but I do think they should play "Help!" by The Beatles for Hold Music.

Comment by Marc Garduno

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:07:56 PDT

Karl,
I think it's a great idea! Whatever it takes to attract youth to participate in a Scouting program is the way to go and don't let folks who are stuck in the traditional ways of doing business tell you it's wrong or that it's not Scouting.

You're probably not going to find much, if anything, in the form of an already developed program. That's not to say that you're not the one who developes the pilot program which one day becomes an official BSA program. That's exactly the way the current Soccer and Scouting program came about. Just please keep in mind when developing this program that Boy Scouts, Varsity and Venturing is a youth led program, so a prepackaged program like the Cub Scouts S&S is not likely to work.

Look me up on facebook or send me an e-mail, I'd like to collaborate with you on this. I also think that Oscar Santoyo, Southern Region, could offer you a lot of advice

Marc Garduno
Del-Mar-Va Council

Comment by mark.moshier

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:01:06 PDT

MyBSA Fundraising is accessable through the internet. If you have acccess to MyBSA and the Campaing Management link under Funding, you can access the ScoutNET database anywhere you have internet access. E-mail in now a specific tab on the person profile view of MyBSA FR. Give me a call at the national office and I will be happy to walk you through the process.

Comment by Darla Hulse

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:59:30 PDT

I especially like the idea of a person's unit # added to the MB counselor listing

Comment by jebarnes

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:51:06 PDT

@ Mark - from mybsa, without entering Scoutnet, you can pull a person's profile with their email address?

@ Cyndi & Eric - you can't access the program feature of Scoutnet outside the office, simply the PAS find, which through that search of a person, unless I am missing something, the person profile does not show their email address...ideas?

I understand how to search for people through "funding" @ Mybsa, however, just like a search through PAS find, it only shows their address, phone number, unit registrations, awards and no email...am I missing a step?

Comment by mark.moshier

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:39:19 PDT

e-mail information on all person profiles, not just donors, is very easily accessed through MyBSA fundraising.

Comment by Eric Hearn

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:34:44 PDT

The email addresses are part of Scoutnet under the phone tab. Also, exporting a report to Excel will produce an email address.

Comment by Shannon Rodriguez

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:32:56 PDT

This is a wonderful program. What a smart idea, South Florida Council! :)

Comment by Eric Hearn

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:31:00 PDT

This ideas sounds too much like endorsement of a product or service.

Comment by Ryan Lemons

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:28:20 PDT

I had lunch with staff from the local Girl Scout Council last week. They have implemented STEM as an integral part of their program. I also noticed they have also almost eliminated the outdoor program from Girl Scouting on a regular basis. Let's not follow this trend - it is scope creep. Let STEM stay in schools and Scouting stay in the outdoors (for the most part.)

Comment by cyndi.mcanear

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:27:03 PDT

this information is already on the person profile, when you are in Scoutnet, then go to program, go to person, and on the addresses/phone tab the internet addresses are listed.

Comment by nlosekam

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:21:05 PDT

Along a similar line of thought, I was thinking it would be nice to have some sort of sign to recognize businesses that support us year after year in our FOS campaigns. I think it would be great for us to have a sign that could say how long they have been supporting scouting as part of our 100 year anniversary. It would also reach out to the community, if you see a supporter of scouting sign when you go to your favorite store.

Comment by Ryan Lemons

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:16:44 PDT

We also have to make custom reports to provide district and council training committee members because the MyBSA reports are not exactly what they want. This idea is what they want!

Comment by Ryan Lemons

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:14:26 PDT

Poor training records is perhaps the biggest customer complaint in our council. Anything that the National Council can do to help us improve our service is greatly appreciated.

Comment by Ryan Lemons

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:12:45 PDT

I agree. More girls = more retained boys. We also need to clarify the brand of Venturing. It is not Venture, it is Venturing. Most recruiting is to be done at the crew and district level, but after 10 years of Venturing the time is right for a national campaign of recruiting and brand definition.

Comment by Sara Lacobee

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:11:15 PDT

There is a CRM Tool in MyBSA and has been for over 2 years. It is located in Funding Category under Campaign Management. There are webinars monthly to teach new users how to effectively use this valuable FREE tool. Give it a try!

Comment by John Oneil

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:19:00 PDT

Back in the 1980s there were Cub Activity booklets very similar to what you are proposing. I found a few buried in my Council's Resource Room last fall. I found booklets for Bobcat and Wolf but I'm sure there were Webelos & Bear books too. It is a 15 page booklet (about 6"x10") that teaches rank specific requirements, word searchs, connect the dots, etc. The mini-Boy's Life magazine follow along the same lines but the booklets are much more designed by den age and activities. The booklets are titled: "A Cub Scout Action Book" and then whatever the rank is.

The publication info is: 1988 printing, copyright 1980 BSA, ISBN 0-8395-3901-0, # 3901.-

The booklets are a little aged (late 70s "goofy") but could still work. Hope this was helpful!

Comment by Steve Dunham

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:18:57 PDT

We've been doing this in the Mid-America Council since 2002. I absolutely agree.

Comment by Susan Meyer

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 07:54:00 PDT

I have always felt that the BSA was marketing the venturing program to the wrong group. For the most part the boys are already in a program that they want with the troop. By focusing on the girls we will hit a market that is craving the program and they will bring in other boys that are not currently in Scouting. I talked to a young girl once who could hardly wait to join Venturing. She said that if she had to make "one more Sit-a-pon" she would puke.

Comment by clawton

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:28:31 PDT

My family has not had medical insurance for 3 years now because it is to expensive. Now they want to force me to buy medical insurance for myself...now I won't have medical insurance. One of the reasons I started working for the BSA was because of the medical insurance...do I need to rethink the whole thing because they don't care about who works for them anymore?

Comment by Michael Montgomery

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:22:07 PDT

This just in.

Employees who have family members on the medical plan can expect to see an increase of about 13.6%!!!!!

That means that in my situation, I'm likely going to have more than 18% of my salary going to medical insurance premiums. For those who are thinking about having children, consider what the future will hold for you.

The increase last year was bad enough. I would expect that some people are going to now be forced to go without coverage because of these changes.

This is not the best answer to our problem. They need to go back to the drawing board.

Comment by bkenyon

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:42:10 PDT

This has been a request of many council support staff members who must provide this information to volunteers on a daily basis.

Comment by Bonnie Olson

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:51:12 PDT

I watched this work with a Brownie group utilizing two
teachers during lunch as volunteers once a week. It
failed when the girls aged up into a grade level the
teachers did not teach. The Service Unit was unable to
place the 100 girls in very many volunteer traditional
units, so the girls had no where to advance to. Lack of
constant leadership can leave a foul taste.

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Comment by Eric Magendantz

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:46:19 PDT

Be on the lookout for a for a memo from our HR Administration regarding benefit changes for 2010 in the next few weeks.

Comment by John Oneil

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:08:13 PDT

this would be great for FOS presentations or giving a talk at the local VFW or Rotary Club.

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Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by Judy Sizemore

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:17:33 PDT

Status Changed from Active to In Progress.

Comment by Counci 538

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 05:37:11 PDT

No, the problem is location, as stated. The implied solution offered is - anywhere else besides the current location.

Comment by John Coyle

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:56:17 PDT

Cub Scouts 2010 may be a fine name to let BSA membership know when the program begins, but what does it say about the time beyond 2010? Nothing. Adding "a clear vision for growth" doesn't clarify anything. WIsh I could offer a catchy name, but it's Cub Scouting with more support for our leaders.

Comment by jbeaureg

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:17:50 PDT

Rhonda,

The Polar Bear Award is not an official "Scouting" award. It is a tool that was developed probably by some great volunteer in some council somewhere to encourage winter camping. It worked and the idea spread. The requirements for the polar bear award vary greatly depending upon the part of the country you are in.

Your council can develop the same type award for camping over 100 degrees if that helps accomplish some goal or objective for you guys locally. However, here in South Texas, in parts of my council it is over 100 degreses nearly every day from April through October. During June - August tempatures of 120 degrees are not uncommon in the late afternoon.

Recognition is a strong motivator. If you need a patch to encourage summertime camping in your area then just do it.

Comment by Susan Meyer

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:50:34 PDT

I wish that all of the units used Internet advancement for several reasons but many of our unit leaders do not have internet access and making it mandatory would be difficult.

Comment by Dan Richard

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:35:40 PDT

As a veteran myself I appreciate the thought, but do not feel that there is anything to be gained by Scouting with a knot that identifies those who have served in the military. This will also open up the desire for the (inevitable) flood of other knots mentioned by Mr. Shelton, which again, add no value to Scouting itself.