Comments for Bryan on Scouting

Comment on Cooking, Sustainability merit badges to become Eagle-required by C. Pruitt

C. Pruitt — Mon, 20 May 2013 02:19:07 +0000

That is a good question. It reads like if they aren’t done by January 1, 2014 they have another merit badge to do.
Seems like some “grandfather” rule would apply, same as when they changed the Scout handbook a few years ago.

Comment on Ask the Expert: Can a troop prevent a Scout from earning a merit badge at a workshop or summer camp? by H. David Pendleton

H. David Pendleton — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:04:35 +0000

Technically the Scout should get the Blue Card before they start the MB along with the SM’s signature. Since your Troop’s policy is to just print off “blue cards” because they are “too costly,” you are surprised that someone with access to a computer might circumvent the system? Many camps and MB Forums/Fairs issue their own “Blue Cards” that are often not really blue cards, but a summary sheet.

In this case, I would have a Troop meeting to explain the MB procedures to the Scouts that the order is: request the blue card; get the SM’s signature on the Blue Card with a recommended counselor; find a MBC Counselor; complete the requirements; have the MBC sign the card; return the card to the Advancements Chair for the Troop Committee.

If the Scout got a “Blue Card,” from some other method, this could be addressed by asking the Scout if they are following the Scout Law (Obedient) and through the use of Scout Spirit.

The GTA is explicit that once the MBC signs the MB as being completed, it’s a done deal.

Comment on More museums should be like this Scout-friendly one in Oregon by Deaf Scouter

Deaf Scouter — Sat, 18 May 2013 13:30:12 +0000

Don’t know of others but DEAFinitely worth sending this to our local museums, zoo and etc. to get them thinking bigger and better…*grins

Comment on Ask the Expert: Can Scouts earn service hours outside of the troop setting? by Carrie Kathleen Setzkorn

Carrie Kathleen Setzkorn — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:22:59 +0000

In my humble opinion… whether in scouting, honor societies, school or church related, the whole point of “service hours” is to get young people to recognize that service to others is important, rewarding, fulfilling, and that it should be an on-going part of life. Placing too many rules and regulations, or placing too much emphasis on the concept of completion of a required amount of service, implies that it is “one and done”; something to be checked off the list and forgotten. Rather, if we use the requirements as a learning tool, as all requirements should be, we teach young people to try something and find a type of service that is rewarding, with the hope that they will continue that as a life skill. Now, they should as a natural part of participating in Troop activities have opportunities for service…

Comment on Ask the Expert: Can Scouts earn service hours outside of the troop setting? by M N

M N — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:02:36 +0000

Maybe your son needs to learn to prioritize. You can’t do everything.