What are your Scouts working on? (Boys & Girls)

[chiguirre]

T is going on her first regular GSA backpacking interest group trip this weekend. She did her training in February and then she was in a musical, so this is the first chance she's had to go. We're assembling her pile of stuff and I drop her off tomorrow morning.

 

Go Pumba Packrats!

[prairiewindmomma]

He does attend a youth Sunday school for an hour weekly as part of his Sunday worship services. Thanks for the tip!

[DawnM]

Son got the Eagle project approved by our troop while I was away!  Now on to Council this Thur night!  Almost there!

[prairiewindmomma]

Hurray, DawnM!

[DawnM]

Just a heads-up: there is yet another new Eagle workbook. If the boy has already started with the old one, that's fine. But if not, and he's downloaded the one from a month or two ago, he needs the new one. There are also some new fundraising guidelines AND there is new advancement stuff out--"Scout" rank is now a rank, not just joining. There are more outings required for 1st Class, etc. 

 

http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2015/04/23/2015-guide-to-advancement-out-now-here-are-13-of-the-biggest-changes/

 

 

Oh no!  Crud.  They didn't say anything about the one he had.  I will need to check.

 

I CANNOT get it to download.  It keeps saying to upgrade my Adobe, but I have now done that 3 times.  

 

ARGH!!!!!!!!!  

 

This is TOMORROW.

 

I have some choice words for my troop leaders if this is a problem.

[DawnM]

 

If he's already gotten started, he's fine. There really aren't a lot of changes--mostly just calling it a Project Plan rather than Final Plan:

 

Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook—2015 Version Now Online

The 2015 version of the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook is now online. There are no changes to the overall function or how the workbook is used. However, some wording has been revised to improve con-sistency and clarify expectations. In addition, modified data input fields allow additional text.

Any Scout who has not yet begun the service project process must use the new workbook, but a Scout cur-rently using the 2014 workbook has a choice:

Continued on page 8

May-June 2015 Advancement News 8

 He may continue to use the 2014 version until the project is finished—even if the project proposal is not yet approved. He is not required to transfer information to the new version.

ï‚· Alternatively, he may choose to use parts of the 2015 version. For example, a Scout who has prepared his proposal using the 2014 workbook may elect to use the 2015 plan and report sections.

Changes and clarifications to the 2015 version include:

 “Final plan†becomes “project plan.†This change is consistent with the terms “project proposal†and “project report†and eliminates any inference that an interim plan may have been required.

 “Completing†a plan, report, or form changes to “preparing†or similar wording. The Scout needs only to prepare what he and the project beneficiary decide is necessary to execute the project. While the use of the workbook is required, not every line or even every form must be completed. See Guide to Advancement, topic 9.0.2.8, for additional information.

ï‚· Fundraising Application, Page B. This form is required not just for monetary donations, but also for donations of material, tools, supplies, and other needs. In addition, the fundraising application is not required as part of the project proposal, since the Scout may not develop his funding plans until after the proposal is approved.

 

 

 

Ok, sounds like he can continue with this then.

 

WHEW.

[mamakelly]

Anyone care to share what their scout's patrol "yell" is? We have a new SPL, and he's trying to get all the patrols to make their own flag and have their own yell. I think it's a great idea. My son is the PL for Panther patrol and he's having a really hard time coming up with ideas for a yell. They already talked about it at their meeting, but no one had ideas. So we were doing some hunting on the internet to find ideas. 

[mamakelly]

Our current one is a little odd--the boys are the "State Patrol" and their patch has a red square on it, with a dot where our town is (only I didn't get it just the right place and we look like we live elsewhere). Anyway, the boys yell "You're wondering why I pulled you over?" and then throw candy. As I said, it's odd. They like it. 

 

:huh: Haha that is odd, but I guess if they like it, that's all that matters  :laugh:

[Granny_Weatherwax]

DS is working at camp again this summer.  It's his first summer as an adult scouter.  He says the only struggle is getting used to having to follow the two deep leadership rule from the adult viewpoint.  He is constantly looking for that second adult and making sure he is always within eyeshot.  It's a bit difficult since some of the other counselors are under 18 and don't count as the second adult.

 

I can only imagine the logistical staffing nightmare that accompanies such a large venture.

 

It's so strange knowing he is finished with advancement and awards and that whatever he does with scouts now is due to interest and dedication.

[ScoutTN]

My Dd is busy making SWAPS for the AHG convention! Hot glue, scissors, ribbon, beads, cardstock, stickers, safety pins etc. have taken over our school table for the next week and a half!

[6packofun]

I'm thankful for this thread because my ds14 just started Scouts this year!  (He was still 13 when he joined.)  But I realize that if he is serious about making Eagle Scout that *I* need to do a LOT of educating myself.  Where can I find the best information as a new Scout mom?  What should I read or research?  I just don't know how any of it works.  Unfortunately, while ds' troop is full of great kids, the leader (Scout Master? Is that what they're called? I need to know TERMS! lol) seems very unorganized and, I'm sorry to say, uneducated.  Can't use Facebook well or notify parents in plenty of time.  We're committed but already frustrated, although the leader is very nice.  So I want to be a good advocate for ds in the beginning so that he gets off to a good start and knows the steps needed!  Camp is in 2 weeks and he's so excited!  Any advice welcome! 

[felicity]

My Dd is busy making SWAPS for the AHG convention! Hot glue, scissors, ribbon, beads, cardstock, stickers, safety pins etc. have taken over our school table for the next week and a half!

 

SWAPS are the bane of my existence. I want to like them--they seem like fun. But somehow everytime my troops and I start making them, it descends into tears and drama!

 

So we don't do them anymore. There is a chance the girls will want to make them at some point, if that happens my co-leaders can take over. :-)

[SKL]

dp

[SKL]

I am bummed because the AHG campout this weekend was canceled due to thunderstorms.  They may or may not reschedule.

 

I talked big about getting my kids to do a bunch of badge work this summer.  Now let's make it happen.  :P  So far we've been slacking.

[DawnM]

Oldest son is 99% finished with his Eagle Scout Project!  We didn't have the tools for a snafu we ran in to (cutting thick metal post that was meant to be hammered all the way in but hit a rock).

 

Praying he can FINISH Eagle, including BoR by the end of Aug.

[DawnM]

You all can say a little prayer for us.

 

We have been with this troop for 8 years.  We now have to leave the troop and find a new one.

 

Oldest will be finished with Eagle.  Middle has everything BUT Eagle finished, so we are going to have an issue with finishing just the last bit.  Praying we find an understanding troop that doesn't mind us just doing the last bit.

 

Youngest has just begun so he should be fine.  He isn't as in to scouting so not sure he will continue.

 

Dawn

[GinaPagnato]

I'm thankful for this thread because my ds14 just started Scouts this year!  (He was still 13 when he joined.)  But I realize that if he is serious about making Eagle Scout that *I* need to do a LOT of educating myself.  Where can I find the best information as a new Scout mom?  What should I read or research?  I just don't know how any of it works.  Unfortunately, while ds' troop is full of great kids, the leader (Scout Master? Is that what they're called? I need to know TERMS! lol) seems very unorganized and, I'm sorry to say, uneducated.  Can't use Facebook well or notify parents in plenty of time.  We're committed but already frustrated, although the leader is very nice.  So I want to be a good advocate for ds in the beginning so that he gets off to a good start and knows the steps needed!  Camp is in 2 weeks and he's so excited!  Any advice welcome! 

 

We're new-ish to scouting this year, so I don't have much btdt advice. However, I would strongly suggest that YOU familiarize yourself as much as possible with the handbook and encourage your ds to work through the achievements he can do on his own. The ones that require the troop will have to be done under the guidance of the troop, but there are plenty that he can do outside of that. The moms who haven't a clue about what's in the handbook seem to be the ones whose kids are not making much progress, particularly if they're in a troop without a whole lot of direction from ASMs. That's what I've seen, at least, and that's for the younger and newer scouts.

 

[DawnM]

I'm thankful for this thread because my ds14 just started Scouts this year!  (He was still 13 when he joined.)  But I realize that if he is serious about making Eagle Scout that *I* need to do a LOT of educating myself.  Where can I find the best information as a new Scout mom?  What should I read or research?  I just don't know how any of it works.  Unfortunately, while ds' troop is full of great kids, the leader (Scout Master? Is that what they're called? I need to know TERMS! lol) seems very unorganized and, I'm sorry to say, uneducated.  Can't use Facebook well or notify parents in plenty of time.  We're committed but already frustrated, although the leader is very nice.  So I want to be a good advocate for ds in the beginning so that he gets off to a good start and knows the steps needed!  Camp is in 2 weeks and he's so excited!  Any advice welcome! 

 

 

There is SO much to learn.  For the first two years, I thought they were doing what needed to be done in the meetings.  I  had no idea they weren't.  So we basically wasted the first two years.

 

Each troop runs things differently.  Find out how your troop runs things......do they  work on merit badges and rank advancements DURING the meetings?  If so, you will be in better shape.

 

Our runs like this:  If the boy wants something, he has to email a scout master assistant and request a meeting with him that will take place AFTER the troop cleans up (typically around 10:00 or 10:30pm)  It is frustrating.

 

You can have his whiz through the first three ranks with the help of these videos:

 

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Applications/RankVideo.aspx

[blackjackoaktree]

I'm in the same boat of some of you with being new. I wasted the first few years of ds15 scouting experience because I did nothing. Their grandfather used to take them to meetings and do things with them and DH has little interest. Then we moved and the new troop was a lazy scout troop. I switched them to a new one and now have a 13ds involved as well, but they both don't even have the first rank yet!

 

I will have to watch those vids and read his book himself. The new troop is definately more active, but I don't know how to take advantage of what they offer. My boys are interested but not motivated, if that makes any sense.

 

I was trained as a cub scout tiger leader, but that was a long time ago!

[Granny_Weatherwax]

Here are some links that may help the families new to the BSA. 

 

 

Edited: Here's the list.

 

Important Websites

National

Boy Scouts of America - http://www.scouting.org/

National Scouting Museum - http://www.bsamuseum.org/

Scoutstuff (Online scouting store) - http://www.scoutstuff.org/

Scout Training - https://myscouting.scouting.org

 

Council/Local

You will want to locate the web & FB links for your home District and Council.

 

Magazines

Boyslife  (for scouts) - http://boyslife.org/

Scouting Magazine (for leaders) - http://scoutingmagazine.org/

 

Merit badges and Advancement Info.

Meritbadge.org -  http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

Cub Scout Leader portal - http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Cub_Scout_Leader_Portal

Boy Scout Leader portal - http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Boy_Scout_Portal

US Scouting Service Project - http://usscouts.org/

 

Other

National Eagle Scout Association - http://www.nesa.org/

Order of the Arrow - http://www.oa-bsa.org/

 

 

------

I have a powerpoint presentation with links to awards and badges outside of traditional rank advancement.  If anyone wants it, send me a pm with your email address and I would be happy to send it to you.

 

I would also like to suggest that you get with your scout and create a three ring binder that he can use to track everything he does. 

 

We used a cheap binder (at first) and used the tabbed separators to create the following sections:

 

1 - Tracking - camping, hiking, biking, swimming

 

-these need to be tracked fro advancement and possible merit badges and the National Outdoor Awards (if the scout chooses to pursue those)

 

There are some great spreadsheets available for this.

 

2- Blue cards and rank advancement cards.  Buy some of the baseball card card holders and use those to slip in completed cards.  We kept ours in chronological order and it worked wonderfully for knowing when badges were completed, which is necessary for later advancements and awards.

 

3- trainings and physicals, certificates, etc

 

We used the baseball card holders to hold all of his training cards.

We also included copies of his physical, CPR certs, lifeguard certs, Leave No Trace certs, etc.  Any training that he completed was recorded and kept in the binder.

 

We also kept a binder for worksheets, written work, reports, etc for merit badges that he completed outside of Scout Camp.  This included any work completed for Merit Badge Universities, Merit Badge Days, etc. 

 

Make sure your scout (not you, he has to learn to keep track himself) writes in his scout book or binder whenever he completes an outing, training, etc.  If he keeps up on it as he goes along, it makes record keeping, especially for Eagle, that much easier.

 

 

[mamakelly]

I'm thankful for this thread because my ds14 just started Scouts this year! (He was still 13 when he joined.) But I realize that if he is serious about making Eagle Scout that *I* need to do a LOT of educating myself.

My son started scouts at 14 1/2. It was a huge learning curve for the both of us. You've gotten a ton of great advise so far. I found a mom of an older scout in our troop, who seemed to be moving along quickly with rank advancements, and latched on to her. She taught me a ton, and was invaluable. If your older scout want to make eagle, he needs to get to first class, ASAP. Once you hit 1st class, they have to wait a certain amount of time to rank up again. So my son has to wait 4 months before he can go for star scout. Then I think he has to wait 6 months before he makes life. Before that, there isn't a time requirement. It took him a year to get to 1st class. He and I worked very hard getting him through the lower ranks. It helped that the leadership knew he was older, and was willing to work with him to help him work on rank requirements quicker than some of the younger scouts. Look at your councils website for advancement info. Ours often lists merit badge days. Blake went to a bunch of those, and loves working on the merit badges in a group.

[ScoutTN]

SWAPS are the bane of my existence. I want to like them--they seem like fun. But somehow everytime my troops and I start making them, it descends into tears and drama!

 

So we don't do them anymore. There is a chance the girls will want to make them at some point, if that happens my co-leaders can take over. :-)

 

I am Not crafty and detest SWAPS, but dd likes them so I am helping her find some to make. When she was a Tenderheart, they made them during meetings. Her Explorer leaders didn't do that this year, so Dd had none for Camporee. Her friends gave her some of theirs. :)

I got a couple of quick, easy ones from SWAPS4less and Dd can spend a week with our craft supplies to do the rest.

[Laurel-in-CA]

I am Not crafty and detest SWAPS, but dd likes them so I am helping her find some to make. When she was a Tenderheart, they made them during meetings. Her Explorer leaders didn't do that this year, so Dd had none for Camporee. Her friends gave her some of theirs. :)

I got a couple of quick, easy ones from SWAPS4less and Dd can spend a week with our craft supplies to do the rest.

 

Our troop has never done swaps....maybe because this is the first year we've really shared an event (spring Camporee) with another troop. Not that many troops in our area.

 

My dd just moved up to Pioneer and wow, those badges are a lot tougher to attain! She's working on My Style @ home this summer. And I'm putting her through final set of swimming classes, plus jr. lifeguard training, so that will go toward the Swimming badge.

 

That's MORE than enough!

 

I hear there are new badges coming out this summer?????

[umsami]

Just dropped my son off for his first week of Boy Scout camp.  I was as excited as he was. :)  I loved camp.  Hope he has a great time. :)

[scoutingmom]

My family just came back from an all-section Harry Potter themed scout camp. So that would be my 11yo son scout, 9yo daughter cub, 7 yo daughter beaver, 4 yo almost beaver. We had a great time.

 

My son has earned 7 challenge badges so far, from a variety of program areas.

 

Sent from my SM-T530NU using Tapatalk

[Alessandra]

I'm thankful for this thread because my ds14 just started Scouts this year!  (He was still 13 when he joined.)  But I realize that if he is serious about making Eagle Scout that *I* need to do a LOT of educating myself.  Where can I find the best information as a new Scout mom?  What should I read or research?  I just don't know how any of it works.  Unfortunately, while ds' troop is full of great kids, the leader (Scout Master? Is that what they're called? I need to know TERMS! lol) seems very unorganized and, I'm sorry to say, uneducated.  Can't use Facebook well or notify parents in plenty of time.  We're committed but already frustrated, although the leader is very nice.  So I want to be a good advocate for ds in the beginning so that he gets off to a good start and knows the steps needed!  Camp is in 2 weeks and he's so excited!  Any advice welcome! 

 

 

Here are some links that may help the families new to the BSA. 

 

 

Edited: Here's the list.

 

Important Websites

National

Boy Scouts of America - http://www.scouting.org/

National Scouting Museum - http://www.bsamuseum.org/

Scoutstuff (Online scouting store) - http://www.scoutstuff.org/

Scout Training - https://myscouting.scouting.org

 

Council/Local

You will want to locate the web & FB links for your home District and Council.

 

Magazines

Boyslife  (for scouts) - http://boyslife.org/

Scouting Magazine (for leaders) - http://scoutingmagazine.org/

 

Merit badges and Advancement Info.

Meritbadge.org -  http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

Cub Scout Leader portal - http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Cub_Scout_Leader_Portal

Boy Scout Leader portal - http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Boy_Scout_Portal

US Scouting Service Project - http://usscouts.org/

 

Other

National Eagle Scout Association - http://www.nesa.org/

Order of the Arrow - http://www.oa-bsa.org/

 

 

------

I have a powerpoint presentation with links to awards and badges outside of traditional rank advancement.  If anyone wants it, send me a pm with your email address and I would be happy to send it to you.

 

I would also like to suggest that you get with your scout and create a three ring binder that he can use to track everything he does. 

 

We used a cheap binder (at first) and used the tabbed separators to create the following sections:

 

1 - Tracking - camping, hiking, biking, swimming

 

-these need to be tracked fro advancement and possible merit badges and the National Outdoor Awards (if the scout chooses to pursue those)

 

There are some great spreadsheets available for this.

 

2- Blue cards and rank advancement cards.  Buy some of the baseball card card holders and use those to slip in completed cards.  We kept ours in chronological order and it worked wonderfully for knowing when badges were completed, which is necessary for later advancements and awards.

 

3- trainings and physicals, certificates, etc

 

We used the baseball card holders to hold all of his training cards.

We also included copies of his physical, CPR certs, lifeguard certs, Leave No Trace certs, etc.  Any training that he completed was recorded and kept in the binder.

 

We also kept a binder for worksheets, written work, reports, etc for merit badges that he completed outside of Scout Camp.  This included any work completed for Merit Badge Universities, Merit Badge Days, etc. 

 

Make sure your scout (not you, he has to learn to keep track himself) writes in his scout book or binder whenever he completes an outing, training, etc.  If he keeps up on it as he goes along, it makes record keeping, especially for Eagle, that much easier.

 

Not much to add to Scoutermom's excellent post. 

 

Did she list the blog, Bryan on Scouting? If you have a chance, read the comments as well as the posts.

 

http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org

 

Also, did anyone mention sorting out the Eagle required badges by how long they take? (Bryan had a post on this.) Some badges can be completed in a concentrated burst of activity, while others have requirements that stretch out over months. 

 

If you have time, try to get involved with the troop, even if it is only offering to drive when needed.

 

Try to encourage your ds to volunteer to help on other scouts' Eagle projects, if asked. Go to Eagle Court of Honor ceremonies.

 

I have found that parent input is needed when boys have to get things like sleeping bags, tents, whatever. WTM has given me some great advice!! I also like to google product, plus youtube, to get detailed reviews.

 

There are also forums at scouter.com. The forum is a bit strange at times, but there can be some useful info. However, I would not suggest joining, as there are some there who will come at you like a ton of bricks if you indicate that you are a parent and female. 

 

[Alessandra]

Dd joined a Council wide hiking backpacking program with amazing leaders who love the outdoors and have loads of experience. Dd did a number of all day hikes, followed by a two night car camping weekend. Then two backpacking trips, a one nighter and a two nighter.

 

This summer, dd will do three weeks at a DS camp, one week of horseback riding and two weeks of backpacking/canoeing.

 

Ds is getting ready for Philmont, very excited. Ds has also fallen way behind on merit badges. 

[jen3kids]

Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh - can you tell I'm a wee bit excited!!!

 

Older DS finished his last merit badge this evening and has his Scout Master's Conference scheduled for this Friday.

 

He turns 18 in 2 weeks  :eek:   

 

Younger ds (nearly 14) finished Personal Management and Music earlier this month.  He is currently a Star Scout.  

[DawnM]

Oldest has FINISHED his eagle project!  

 

I am really hoping he can finish eagle completely by Aug or Sept.

 

Here it is 95% complete.  I need some completed photos.

 

[Alessandra]

Our gang is off at camp. And I just chewed out our SPL for not being prepared for this evening's meeting. He now has to call the entire troop who are not at camp.

 

We've been struggling with a boy that just has not been fitting in and then they moved. The boy was supposed to join us for camp, and I guess he arrived (he didn't ride with the troop) but now has left camp. I think we're all heaving a sigh of relief. It's one of those situations that they boy NEEDS Scouts, but he has no parental support. I hope he hooks up with a new troop in his new town. I doubt he will though, as now the other new boys are going to come back with piles of mbs and lots of tales, and R is going to feel left out. I just want to smack parents sometimes... 

 

I know. Often, the kids who most need some support from at home don't get what they need. Sometimes, I have been able to help, but it takes a lot of extra work. By work, I mean calls to the parents to check that they read emails (they don't), asking if there is another relative who could step in. 

 

If I thought no one cared, I would not take the extra trouble. But sometimes, I have found both parents working jobs that require overtime, umpteen children, sick relatives, and so on. 

 

Margaret, you do so much, but is there anyone else who could step in for a moment and see if a bit of extra reminding gets things on a better path for the future? Or help him find a troop that is a better fit?

 

(Btw, I am being very general here, referring to some experience in Boy/Girl Scouts. I understand the patrol BSA method, but sometimes older adults can help. Overall, I find GS is better structured to help with special needs, imho. Not that that help you much here, lol.)

[Alessandra]

He has moved to a different district, many miles away. In rural CO, there is usually only one troop per town, if that. It's not unusual for a boy to travel over 50 miles for meetings. It's not a matter of a better fit--there simply is only one troop. His grandfather is very involved in this boy's life, which is a good thing. The parents are dysfunctional, well, the mom is--dad doesn't seem to be in the picture. When we accepted him into the troop, we did it with the understanding that he'd still make meetings (though it was a lot of travel for him). We wanted him to be a PART of our troop before camp--he needs to join in the group. However, all that didn't happen. So, I hope he will join in a new troop, in his new town, but I'm skeptical that it will happen. Which is too bad.

 

I'm getting emails from our SM and ASM as to the great things happening for the younger boys, at camp. Sounds like they're having a ball, and some of them even took showers! Tomorrow is their spelunking day, and they're all very excited about it. The older boys got together at the rec center last night and played foosball. They had great fun. We have a number of boys stalled out on Eagle projects right now. Can't get through to them that they're only going to get busier...

Oh, it sounds as though you did all you could. It is a shame when parents do not convey to their kids that what you get out of something is proportional to what you put into it. Especially if a kid is a bit awkward, it helps to join as much as possible before camp.

 

Btw, ds completed his Horsemanship mb along with his troop. NOT to the standard of boys on ranches, I am sure.... In any case, we will try to fit in some more Western riding before Philmont. The mb instructor was awesome, as were the stables. It is at least 1 1/2 hours away, without traffic, though. :-(

[ScoutTN]

Our troop has never done swaps....maybe because this is the first year we've really shared an event (spring Camporee) with another troop. Not that many troops in our area.

 

My dd just moved up to Pioneer and wow, those badges are a lot tougher to attain! She's working on My Style @ home this summer. And I'm putting her through final set of swimming classes, plus jr. lifeguard training, so that will go toward the Swimming badge.

 

That's MORE than enough!

 

I hear there are new badges coming out this summer?????

Yes, a bunch of new badges. My Dd will get to do Public Speaking and Systainable Living at camp later this summer. Our troop is hoping to do the Shooting Sports ones, since we have dads who can lead those. Not sure all the requirements are out yet. Maybe I will know more when I come back from the convention. Leaving tomorrow for it!

[ScoutTN]

Nm.

[LanaTron]

Our big day is tomorrow! Ds#2 and I set out with 8 other boys and 3 dads to Sea Base, Florida! We're doing the Out Island Adventure.

 

He is excited for all the fishing he will get to do.

 

I am excited to be entirely off the grid for 5 whole days... we can't even have a watch!

 

:hurray:  :hurray:

[Laurel-in-CA]

Yes, a bunch of new badges. My Dd will get to do Public Speaking and Systainable Living at camp later this summer. Our troop is hoping to do the Shooting Sports ones, since we have dads who can lead those. Not sure all the requirements are out yet. Maybe I will know more when I come back from the convention. Leaving tomorrow for it!

 

Going to the convention sounds like fun. It's awfully far and expensive for us, though. Just have to keep up on email/online. Love to see your updates here, though, so please post highlights of the convention if you can.

[Granny_Weatherwax]

Shamless scouting brag - DS received a NESA scholarship. :coolgleamA:

 

I am so excited for him.

 

 

---

Please encourage your boys (and girls) to stick with scouting (if they truly enjoy it).   It is a wonderful and worthwhile endeavor (even without the scholarship). 

 

[ScoutTN]

Dd and I are having a blast at the AHG 20th anniversary convention! She and I both love hearing about the Patriots' Stars and Stripes projects, meeting girls and leaders from all over the country and learning about the new badges. Dd loves SWAPS!

[ScoutTN]

Going to the convention sounds like fun. It's awfully far and expensive for us, though. Just have to keep up on email/online. Love to see your updates here, though, so please post highlights of the convention if you can.

Two inspiring young women spoke today:

Rifqa Bary, author of Hiding in the Light, spoke this monring and her story is powerful.

 

Linda and Jennifer Barrick were also fabulous. Jen's ministry is called Hope Out Loud.

[felicity]

My boys are leaving tomorrow and Monday for their respective camps. I love it but hate it. Love the experiences they get to have and the friendships they make, hate having them gone for a week. This is also the first time ds2 is going to be gone for more than and overnight. He's a little reticent and shy so it makes me doubly nervous. DS2 is going to Del Webb, leaving at 1am Monday, and DS1 to Emerald Bay on Catalina, leaving tomorrow at 6:30.

[LisaKinVA]

My boys returned from camping in Switzerland...in the Alps. Oldest ds is begging to staff next year (it's just 2 weeks). Oldest finished 3 merit badges, still has two Eagle badges to finish. Younger son now has completed 5, and will be working to complete more this summer. If he works at it, he could make Star by the fall. Eagle project is just doing fundraising right now.

 

The girls and I worked on various AHG badges, level up requirements, and oldest dd started planning her community event for January. My girls are finishing up Pathfinder, Tenderheart 3 and Pioneer 1. It is really hard being a Trailblazer with these very different levels, and next year will be more difficult.

[DawnM]

Two Eagle projects in the works: one is a rebuild of a trail near our National Recreation Area. Check with your local Forest Service. Their budgets have been cut so much that they are having trouble maintaining trails, including the needed rebuilds every 10 years or so. Another project that's in the proposal stage:  there's a campground south of her, near the trailhead of one of the 14ers. It's near an old mine, and the bunkhouse fell down over 10 years ago. The Scout is proposing a cleanup of the building, salvaging the metal and barnwood. The troop had been contacted by the USFS's archaeologist. Just wanted to throw those out there, for Life Scouts looking for projects. 

 

I think my son will be doing a trail.  This is my 2nd son.  Oldest finished his project last month.

 

We will be contacting people this week to ask about the trail.  I think it will be much cheaper than older son's project!  

[chiguirre]

I'm dropping Trinqueta off at Basic Sailing Camp today. It's two weeks on Galveston Bay learning to sail and earning the Red Cross Basic Sailing card. This girl scout camp has dorms instead of platform tents because it's on expensive water front real estate so T won't be roughing it.

 

She's also joined the Council's backpacking group. She did her training weekend in January and her first real trip with them in May and plans to do at least a couple more in the fall.

[scoutingmom]

I had been trying to figure out how my son was going to meet this requirement for the Scouts Canada Voyageur Level Award....

 

Participate in and show ability in an individual or team sport.

 

as we really don't do sports in this family.....

 

 

And I realized.....  he has signed up to do Archery at the BSA scout camp he is going to this summer.  Hey - wait - Archery is a Sport!  WOOHOO!

[blackjackoaktree]

I am sending one boy off to camp next week and one boy was supposed to go and do their fast track to first class program but cannot now because of an undiagnosed heart condition. I am going to reread that post  for new scout moms so I know how I can help him catch up a bit until next year.

[DawnM]

ARGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

We can't find an eagle project for son #2.  He has had 3 things fall through so far.

 

I know the local park needs benches, but I really wanted him to do something that meant something to him, not just any project.

 

We will be talking today about our option.  He just had another one fall through last night.

 

Dawn

[GinaPagnato]

I've actually been wondering about this, Dawn. How do your kids go about picking an Eagle project to work on? Do they get guidance from the troop leaders?

[DawnM]

I've actually been wondering about this, Dawn. How do your kids go about picking an Eagle project to work on? Do they get guidance from the troop leaders?

 

Well, they can, and a lot of boys want to do it at the church where we meet.  However, we moved churches about 2 years ago and this pastor doesn't seem to understand what an Eagle project is......the projects he has given are HUGE and overwhelming and we just can't do something like that.  The last job we were told needed to be done would have required mostly men (not boys) to do the job and 80% of it didn't count anyway as it was maintenance.

 

My oldest just finished his Eagle project at a medical center where a friend works.  He put in a paving stone patio that was needed.  We just happened to find out about it.

 

I am not bringing up the need to find a project with the leadership because they honestly think that a 500 hour project is not too large.  

 

We are going outside to find our own.

 

The latest thing he wanted to do was a trail at a mission's headquarters, but we got final word last night that they don't want anyone who isn't associated directly with their mission to work on the property unless they have insurance......it is a liability issue.

 

So, we are back to square one.

[DawnM]

 

Some ideas:  http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2015/07/06/extreme-makeovers-round-2-eagle-scout-project-photos/

 

http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2015/06/29/extreme-makeovers-round-1-eagle-scout-project-photos/

 

 

We have plenty of ideas, what we need is a place that will take us!

 

AND,

 

His heart was really into the other projects as they would have been meaningful to him.  Just any project at any place isn't going to hold the same significance, but we will most likely just need to do it.  He has about 3 months to get his eagle scout project approved, so he needs to get hopping.

[DawnM]

Any other churches? Disabled adult centers? Pregnancy centers? City gardens? Ski areas? Nature Trails? Forest Service? Park Service? Rec Centers? Animal shelters? Animal sanctuaries? We had a Gold Award girl do a series of pet adoptions through their city shelter. Observatories? Tot Finder stickers for the FD? 

 

 

Yes, of course there are no end of possibilities, He just really wanted to do one at a place that meant something to him, not just call up random churches or organizations.

 

A park needs some picnic benches, but we have never been to that park, nor do we have any interest in going there.

 

A church needs some planting and landscaping.  But we have never been to that church nor do we wish to ever go there.

 

And there are more.

 

we just wanted it to be meaningful to HIM.  My older son doesn't care about meaningful really and was fine with just picking a place.

 

It looks like one of the places that originally said no is allowing us to do something.  We had emailed them back asking if we did something like picnic benches off their property but only delivered them to them (no work on their property) would they be interested in that?    They have responded that it sounded like something we may be able to work out.  So, we may be ok.

[6packofun]

My ds14 is having his review right now to become a Tenderfoot!  We are very new to Boy Scouts so he is thrilled to be making a little progress!  LOL  He is really uber-dedicated to Scouts already; it is SUCH a great fit for his personality.  

 

Quick question...I know this probably varies from troop to troop, but how many times per year will the troop work together to earn merit badges?  I know he can do some on his own, but he's hoping it's more often than just very occasionally and at summer camp.  I have no clue what is typical.

 

He will love checking out these Eagle project ideas, thank you!