Comments for The Scoutmaster Minute

Comment on Electronics and Scouting by Michael Dotson

Michael Dotson — Mon, 21 May 2012 02:15:27 +0000

I do not think cell phones should be allowed on troop activities for any reason. I understand the desire to support the use of new tools and apps, but it takes time to plan and train on their proper use. That is, I agree with your caveat–training, skills, and appropriate time and place. But that’s the catch … those require a fair amount of work.

Basically, Scouting offers boys the unique opportunity to be outdoors away for electronics, to learn to rely on themselves.

Comment on New G2SS – NO PATROL CAMPING! by Scoutmaster Jerry

Scoutmaster Jerry — Sun, 13 May 2012 16:29:03 +0000

I do not think they leave because they can not camp without adults.. that is a unit thing. The G2SS prohibits a patrol from taking off on their own without adults, but like we said in the post… there are plenty of opportunities to work around hovering parents or Scouters.
We NEVER camp with the Scouts.. that is their time. We camp a safe distance away allowing for supervision when needed. I agree that commissioners and Scoutmasters should take back their turf.. but in the case of the Scoutmaster, that means training SPL’s to do their job and build confidence in those young men.
I do not suggest that you go against the G2SS. But there are ways that the Patrol method and Patrol camping can occur within the guidelines.
Thanks for the comment.

Comment on New G2SS – NO PATROL CAMPING! by Marcel C. Spokane Wa USA

Marcel C. Spokane Wa USA — Sat, 12 May 2012 20:57:39 +0000

….and we wonder why they leave
scoutmasters and commissioners take back your turf

Comment on Methods- Personal Growth by Cause We Never Stop Growing | mandibelle16

Cause We Never Stop Growing | mandibelle16 — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:10:52 +0000

[...] Methods- Personal Growth (thescoutmasterminute.net) [...]

Comment on Methods- Leadership Development by serving beaver

serving beaver — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:37:02 +0000

We have a saying in our troop, “Be a leader worth following and a follower worth leading”.

Comment on who’s it gonna be? by Scoutmaster Jerry

Scoutmaster Jerry — Thu, 10 May 2012 02:27:41 +0000

Yes, the District and the Council have many discussions about units that need assistants. As the District Chairman, I am constantly in this discussion. The question is, who is going to help. We are shooting for a 3 unit to 1 Commissioner ratio. We don’t have that. Most if not all the Commissioners have units they also serve. I am not pinning the rose on the commissioners.. but this is their wheel house. Units that need help are easy to find. When you look at their programs, training of leadership, community involvement, service.. and the list goes on, it is easy to see why some units struggle and others don’t.
I have made some unit visits recently and it is painfully obvious why they are struggling.
I agree that there is a need to “Reach out”.. but at the some time, the struggling units need to seek help also. The struggling units identify themselves every quarter when they do not have Scouts advance, they don’t sign up for summer camp, they do not have an active outdoor program… you get the picture.
Thanks for the comment.
Jerry

Comment on Backpack cooking – Follow up by Tim

Tim — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:55:09 +0000

And some (like me) don’t drink coffee. I carry loose-leaf green tea that has been ground fine — to the point it practically dissolves in the water — in a tupperware salt shaker sized container.

Comment on who’s it gonna be? by SMDave

SMDave — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:12:01 +0000

Jerry, Does the Council (I am in your district) talk only of “New” units? What is the annual rate of units lost/disbanded or merged into a neighboring unit? Was there any talk of identifying struggling units that need some assistance from neighboring healthy units? Retention is usually easier than brand new start ups. I don’t disagree with the need for new units, I just think that something should be done to reach out to struggling units and I would think that the district or council would have a way of identfying them.

Comment on who’s it gonna be? by The other Scoutmaster Jerry

The other Scoutmaster Jerry — Sat, 05 May 2012 04:42:10 +0000

Amen, brother Jerry! I was District Commissioner for three years and offended many greybeards because all we ever talked about was Cub Scouts. It amazes me how few get that it’s all about the little dudes in blue! (a vivacious, enthusiastic, dedicated Pack Trainer is the key to a Pack. these new parents haven’t drank the punch yet; they haven’t seen the difference in their own son! You can recruit adults all day, but if you don’t have someone to tell them what the heck to do and why, they will walk)

Comment on My Son, the Eagle Scout by Tom Pitts

Tom Pitts — Thu, 03 May 2012 15:39:22 +0000

Congratulations to John, as well as to you, your wife, and the rest of your family! Good job, but keep up the good work (& encourage his younger brother along the way).