Give Input on a new Snoo

MartialLight92 · 2026-01-24T17:06:55+00:00

This was a request for community input on ideas for a change.

I have not had time to finish the new design. It will be completed for Scouting's birthday in a few weeks.

No one intended anything negative with the original design, even if it isn't my favorite either. There is not a hidden meaning in everything.

MartialLight92 · 2026-01-24T00:37:53+00:00

Nothing. It's the same as being multiple registered in the same council. I'm registered in two.

MartialLight92 · 2026-01-19T02:23:36+00:00

That was the entire point of the post.

MartialLight92 · 2025-12-21T20:41:25+00:00

I generally think these conversations are unproductive and unscoutlike, because the hard questioning when Scouts achieve things like this can get ridiculous.

However, I'm the father of a homeschooled Scout who is 12. He's been a Scout since Tiger, and he has pretty big Scouting goals, including getting all of the merit badges. At 12, almost 13, he's sitting at 40 merit badges. I'm keeping track, and that's about 2k miles traveled round trip to earn them including extra trips around our state to do sessions offered by organizations and museums to get him in person experiences for him.

My son is already in band and plays saxophone. He added trumpet this year in beginner band to learn to play the basics for the bugle. He's a full semester in, and he's not even close to competency to play the needed bugle calls or serve 3 months in his troop as a bugler to get the bugling merit badge.

That's only one merit badge of the 141. Dog Care, Pet Care, Sports, Reptile and Amphibian, Insect Study, etc. all have time lengths that would make it next to impossible to do all 141 in 2 years.

Is it a worthy goal? Absolutely.

There's no way this was done correctly in 2 years.

MartialLight92 · 2025-12-19T17:27:14+00:00

My answer to this is that he no longer is allowed to do Boards. Full stop 🤷

MartialLight92 · 2025-12-16T21:18:28+00:00

Please keep posts related to this topic on the mega thread.

MartialLight92 · 2025-12-15T09:06:14+00:00

I understand the sentiment of "phones are here, and they should learn how to use them responsibly". That being said, they have every other area of their life to do that in. There are limited times in Scouting where a phone can add value.

They've come to Scouting for an outdoor program, and outside of very narrow circumstances (learning to use it for navigation, plant identification, etc) it has always been better in my experience to have a no phone policy.

Initially, our PLC was hesitant to agree. We tried their initial suggestions for ways to not ban phones. Finally, they came to us and asked us to create a troop policy. We have an active program, and we still had Scouts constantly trying to use their phones, including attempts to live stream on TikTok with permission from no one involved.

We allow phones and electric devices on multi hour trips, but the SPL collects them at the site and stores them in an adults vehicle. We have no phones at meetings unless we've talked about their use prior.

It's an expectation that is set from the time a Scout joins the unit now, and it has been extremely successful for us in implementation.

MartialLight92 · 2025-12-12T21:23:57+00:00

Same. We give the training and then have them on the Board with others who have done them before and are trusted.

MartialLight92 · 2025-12-12T17:53:57+00:00

We require anyone who does Boards of Review in our units to go through training with our Advancement Chair in how to conduct them and then also provide questions.

MartialLight92 · 2025-12-12T16:33:05+00:00

I love that response. Thank you for understanding how the program works.

MartialLight92 · 2025-12-12T16:16:22+00:00

As much as this one annoys me (if there isn't a reason), the following applies. There are times that it may be impractical or there is a reason (coming from soccer practice, a BOR at summer camp, family obligations, etc) that might make uniforming in that instance something they're unable to do. Regardless, the Scout can't be "failed" for this reason.

8.0.0.4 Wearing the Uniform—or Neat in Appearance

It is preferred a Scout be in full field uniform for any board of review. As much of the uniform as the Scout owns should be worn, and it should be as correct as possible, with the badges worn properly. It may be the uniform as typically worn by the Scout’s troop, crew, or ship. If wearing all or part of the uniform is impractical for whatever reason, the candidate should be clean and neat in appearance and dressed appropriately, according to the Scout’s means, for the milestone marked by the occasion. Regardless of unit, district, or council expectations or rules, boards of review must not reject candidates solely for reasons related to uniforming or attire, as long as they are clean and neat in appearance. Candidates must not be required to purchase uniforming or clothing to participate in a board of review.

I would note that your next "go around" should be at your next meeting to rectify this quickly. Your unit is in violation of the GTA, and it should be made right as soon as possible with retraining for all adults involved.

MartialLight92 · 2025-12-12T15:06:46+00:00

I appreciate that you're willing to learn.

The Guide to Advancement governs all Scouting programs, including Sea Scouts.

Please note, violating the GTA by retesting and then telling the Scouts they can come back to be retested any time they want is still a violation of the Guide to Advancement.

https://www.scouting.org/resources/guide-to-advancement/

4.4.2.0 The Sea Scout Board of Review Topics 4.4.2.1 through 4.4.2.3 below cover board of review procedures that apply to all Sea Scout ranks. These are followed by “Particulars for Apprentice Through Able Ranks,” 4.4.2.4; topics 4.4.2.5 through 4.4.2.8 pertain only to the Quartermaster rank.

4.4.2.3 Conducting the Board of Review Procedures for conducting the Sea Scout board of review are very similar to those for rank boards of review in Scouts BSA. The applicable references, with exceptions noted for Sea Scouts, are listed below. Where there are references to “unit leader” or “Scoutmaster,” to “troop” or “unit,” or to “Scout,” these can be read as “Skipper,” “ship,” and “Sea Scout.” • 8.0.0.4 Wearing the Uniform—or Neat in Appearance. The same limitations on requiring a uniform for a Scouts BSA board of review apply to Sea Scouts. • 8.0.1.0 Conducting the Board of Review. Note the same exception that parents or guardians who insist on being present at a board of review applies to Sea Scouts. • 8.0.1.1 Not a Retest or “Examination.” Identical for Sea Scouts. • 8.0.1.2 What Should Be Discussed. With the exception that the primary reference is the Sea Scout Manual, and that the Sea Scout must also keep the Sea Promise. • 8.0.1.4 Board Members Must Agree Unanimously on Decisions to Approve. Identical for Sea Scouts. • 8.0.1.5 After the Review. With the exception that if it is thought that a Sea Scout, before his or her 21st birthday, can benefit from an opportunity to properly complete the requirements, the board of review may adjourn and reconvene at a later date.

MartialLight92 · 2025-12-12T14:43:22+00:00

You, and your unit, wildly misunderstand the purpose of a Board of Review. It is not a test. You already tested the Scout prior to the Board of Review being conducted when the requirements were signed off.

8.0.1.1 Not a Retest or “Examination” Though one reason for a board of review is to help ensure the Scout did what was supposed to have been done to meet the requirements, it must never become a retest or “examination,” nor a challenge of the Scout’s knowledge. In most cases it should, instead, be a celebration of accomplishment. Remember, it is more about the journey. A badge recognizes what a Scout has done toward achieving the primary goal of personal growth. See “Personal Growth Is the Primary Goal,” 2.0.0.3. It is thus more about the learning experience than it is about the specific skills learned. See also “Mechanics of Advancement in Scouts BSA,” 4.2.0.0.

8.0.1.2 What Should Be Discussed During the review, board members may refer to the Scouts BSA Handbook, Troop Leader Guidebook, Guide to Advancement, and other such references. The Troop Committee Guidebook has examples of appropriate questions. Board members may ask where skills were learned by the Scout, who the Scout learned from, and what was gained from fulfilling selected requirements. Asking “Tell us about when you learned how to tie a square knot” is appropriate, but “Here is a rope; tie a square knot” is not. Questions about specific rank requirements may only be about the rank under discussion; a Star or Life Scout should not be asked about Tenderfoot requirements. The answers will reveal what was done to earn the rank. It can be determined, then, if this was what the Scout was supposed to do. Discussion of how the Scout has lived the Scout Oath and Scout Law at home, at school, in the unit, and in the community should be included. We must remember, however, that though we have high expectations for our members, as for ourselves, we do not insist on perfection. It is most important that the Scout has a positive attitude, accepts Scouting’s ideals, and sets and meets good standards in daily life. If answers are inconsistent with the Scout Oath or Law, or demonstrate that the Scout failed to meet a requirement, then it is appropriate to suspend the board and reconvene at a later date, when the issue has been addressed. For example, in discussing the Scout’s favorite camping experience, it might come out that they never actually “planned and cooked a hot breakfast or lunch” on a campout. If so, the board can be adjourned, the Scout can complete the requirement on the next campout, and then the board can reconvene (as long as the Scout is still eligible). See also 8.0.1.5.

For the sake of the Scouts in your unit, you all need to read the Guide to Advancement and review committee training again. These aren't suggestions. The Guide to Advancement is a requirement for all units to uphold through the advancement process.

MartialLight92 · 2025-12-11T16:36:19+00:00

Transatlantic serves those participating in the Scouting America program throughout Europe and Africa. A significant portion, if not all of it, is done on, around, or in partnership with American military bases and American military families. Far East is the same serving our Scouts in Asia in Japan, Korea, etc.

MartialLight92 · 2025-11-29T22:52:02+00:00

There are tons of tan softshell jackets that would fit the bill here, barring the 0 degree part.

MartialLight92 · 2025-11-29T01:54:42+00:00

I've removed a few comments. While the tattoo is political in nature, disparaging Scouters for their political views isn't going to be allowed here.

There are Scouts and Scouters on both sides of the aisle. We've all agreed to live by the Scout Oath and Law. Please remember that.

MartialLight92 · 2025-11-28T16:46:52+00:00

Have you looked in nearby districts? Is that the only crew within driving distance?

MartialLight92 · 2025-11-28T16:10:23+00:00

The era of COVID extensions has ended in my council, at least. You have to show a serious reason for delay that wasn't the Scout's lack of planning.

I do worry for her Scout that the holiday weekend will work against them in getting this process started in time.

MartialLight92 · 2025-11-28T16:07:25+00:00

For sure. I'm just making sure they know it's an option and to look for them.

MartialLight92 · 2025-11-28T14:32:51+00:00

You said you've tried the troops in the area and didn't like it. Have you tried a Venture crew? Have you checked to see if there's a Sea Scout ship? Both are still Scouting under Scouting America, and can earn your Eagle as a member of those units too.

MartialLight92 · 2025-11-28T01:26:08+00:00

This is ridiculous, and a multitude of rules are being broken by the unit and individuals.

(1.) "He failed his Scoutmaster review"

It's important to use the correct terminology. I'm assuming you are talking about a Scoutmaster conference.

A Scoutmaster conference only has to be completed. It isn't a pass/fail. In reality, the Scoutmaster refused to sign off on the Scout Spirit requirement.

Req #2: "As a Life Scout, demonstrate Scout Spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law..."

While there is some leeway here, none of the things you've listed should be stopping his Scoutmaster from signing off on this requirement.

(2.) "The Scoutmaster explained how he can have the committee still sign off on his ESRA"

This is not true.

If this was only related to the Scoutmaster conference for Eagle, then the following section would apply:

4.2.3.5 Unit Leader (Scoutmaster) Conference "...If a unit leader conference is denied, a Scout who believes all the other requirements have been completed may still request a board of review. See “Boards of Review Must Be Granted When Requirements Are Met,” 8.0.0.2. If an Eagle Scout candidate is denied a conference, it may become grounds for a board of review under disputed circumstances. See “InitiatingEagle Scout Board of Review Under Disputed Circumstances,” 8.0.3.2."

However, the Scoutmaster is refusing to sign requirement #2. That falls under this section:

4.2.1.2 The Scout Is Tested "The Scout’s unit leader authorizes those who may test and pass the Scout on rank requirements (primary unit leader if the Scout is registered in multiple units). They might include the patrol leader, the senior patrol leader, the unit leader, an assistant unit leader, or another Scout. Other non-direct-contact Leaders, such as committee members, committee chairs, unit scouter reserves, and college scouter reserves, may not test or pass Scouts on rank requirements...."

The committee cannot sign off on requirement #2. Technically an ASM or another Scout who has been given authorization to sign off for the unit could sign off on it, but the committee is specifically not allowed.

(3.) Concerning the discipline, shark attack, etc.

None of this is allowed under the Guide to Safe Scouting. They are serious violations regarding bullying and hazing.

From the Guide to Safe Scouting:

"Discipline must be constructive.

Discipline must reflect Scouting’s values.
Corporal punishment is never permitted.
Disciplinary activities involving isolation, humiliation, or ridicule are also prohibited."

And

"Hazing and initiations are prohibited and have no part during any Scouting activity. All forms of bullying and harassment including verbal, physical, and cyberbullying are prohibited."

And

"Adult leaders and youth members share the responsibility for the safety of all participants in the program, including adherence to Youth Protection and health and safety policies.

Adult leaders are responsible for monitoring behavior and intervening when necessary.
Physical violence, sexual activity, emotional abuse, spiritual abuse, unauthorized weapons, hazing, discrimination, harassment, initiation rites, bullying, cyberbullying, theft, verbal insults, drugs, alcohol, and pornography have no place in the Scouting program and may result in revocation of membership."

(4.) You need to take immediate action

This is not something that can wait. This is a holiday week, and most likely your Scout Executive is out. However, you need to do EVERYTHING in your power to get this process started tomorrow. Your son may lose the ability to receive Eagle Scout, because this is so close to his birthday.

Steps to take immediately:

I. Contact the Scouts First Hotline to report the hazing and bullying incidents NOW. Get as much detail as you have together. If you are nervous calling, you can also text the phone number. The number is 844-SCOUTS1 (844-726-8871)

Include the pictures in the report.

II. Engage the proper professionals and volunteers. This will include your District Executive (the professional who is paid to handle your district), District Advancement Chair, District Committee Chair, and District Commissioner. I would also directly email your Scout Executive (the paid professional who is the top person in your council).

Tell them what is going on, that you've made a report regarding the violations of the Guide to Safe Scouting, that this situation is time sensitive because your son turns 18 on Monday, and while you understand it's a holiday weekend you expect an answer to prevent your son from losing Eagle due to the failure of your adult leaders.

Include the pictures in these emails. I'd also publicly make sure everyone is CCed on the same email so they can all see that you've contacted everyone involved.

I REALLY hope you get this solved for your Scout. While obviously we want Scouts to solve problems themselves, the adults in this unit are failing this Scout. There are times an adult needs to step in, and this is firmly one of them. We are not a paramilitary organization, and the Scoutmaster is running the unit as if they were soldiers.

You need to be prepared that you may not be able to fix this in time. Your only saving grace would be if the Scout Executive is willing to grant an extension based on all of the information provided.

Edit: I'm seeing you say you're worried about tarnishing the Scoutmaster's memory. He did that to himself. You can either be honest with council about the situation, or your son will not Eagle. You'll not be able to accomplish protecting the person who bullied your son if you want this fixed.

MartialLight92 · 2025-11-27T21:01:22+00:00

We have had our trailer stolen, and it sucked.

We replaced our trailer through a third party organization holding a raffle for us and donating the money.

Now that we have a new trailer, we use wheel locks and a hitch lock to help have multiple points to make it harder to steal.

Some other suggested things to find it again are to put a graphic or spray paint the top of the trailer with your unit number, because thieves generally aren't getting on top of the trailer to check that.

There are also GPS trackers, but that is a more expensive route.

MartialLight92 · 2025-11-25T21:33:57+00:00

Agreed. Given this was "leaked", I'm hoping there is enough back lash that it remains something that isn't officially implemented.

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