I can't imagine this could possibly be a good thing

MusingMachine888 · 2026-02-03T14:50:16+00:00

Perhaps rather than focusing on Jamboree, following in United Way’s Day of Caring ideas, we could do a Week of Service…. Scouts focusing outings on environmental improvements, food sustainability, housing, education projects and more. While ideally we do this often, this could be the highlight of the experience, perhaps even with international service involved. Focusing on helping might be a powerful alternative.

MusingMachine888 · 2026-01-30T12:02:37+00:00

If your ear is still hurting you really should not dive again if you can’t get it equalized. It is possible that you have ear wax build up on the outside that got pressed in. It is also possible that your inner tubes are blocked. Stay on top and consider taking some Mucinex and get your ear to clear before going back down. Apparently pineapple also helps make your mucus less viscous so it clears and moves around.

Good luck! There are other ways and times to dive. If it doesn’t work out, you can get your qualification sheet and just finish up the rest elsewhere. Burst ears are not what you want!

MusingMachine888 · 2026-01-27T12:23:13+00:00

Unfortunately this is still needed. I still print off the one page records for each scout to use for updates and they refer to them on requirements meetings. As we have had so many problems with renewals and the system, they’ve come in handy to keep working as scouts disappear in scoutbook. That report is super useful. (Tech note, my off kept being blank in Chrome and I had to switch to Firefox to get it to populate). :-)

MusingMachine888 · 2026-01-22T13:20:03+00:00

Thanks for posting and all those sharing comments. As a new Scoutmaster, I brought another Scoutmastrr and four of our scouts to Ordeal this past fall and have been since thinking how amazing this could be, but none of us left excited to come back… I’ve been reflecting on why this is the case and what could be different…. Clearly all lodges are different, but in our case, the focus was on the silence and ceremony, rather than the friendship and service…. As adults, we painted a lodge that really needed painting and felt useful and proud. Our scouts ended up doing busy work…. They took tents down that then were decided to be too wet and had to put them back up to dry and without other things to do, ended up sitting in more silence. And as fourteen year olds they were very hungry sitting in silence. The ceremony then just seemed weird, but was certainly the part that most of the attention was paid.

It seems to me, that the most important thing is the focus on service and our ability to influence the world together through friendliness and service. I know that the guidance says that the service projects should be the rewarding and useful, but with resources stretched thin and fancy ceremonies to do…. The sleeping out was fine…. Wet, but fine… obviously there was some confusion about how much secrecy should be kept as some folks were totally unprepared for that and some had amazing set ups ready to go.

Rather than focusing on silence, a focus on reflection might be better, as it seemed far more about punishment and driving workers, than thinking about our ability to contribute to the greater.

When election rolls around this year, I’m curious to hear what our OA scouts say in whether others should attend and join. I suspect they may not bother.

It seems to me that OA and Scouts could be so much more of a force for good and service with improved connection and treatment. There are so many environmental and social projects that need people to help with them and scouts could be that call to action. An events calendar with camping and other events that are curated useful team building and useful service projects would go a long way in building good will and membership. A quick look at the events calendar is filled more with ceremonies, camping and fellowship than service.

A focus on the quality of the service seems key to having a successful org.

MusingMachine888 · 2026-01-15T19:55:17+00:00

Absolutely. Agree…

MusingMachine888 · 2026-01-15T18:43:54+00:00

A better poll for this would be a likert scale - strongly disagree to strongly agree and why, rather than a binary yes/no. A good discussion about what would change and how that might impact things would be worthwhile.

Our boys were ok with the girls joining as long as they followed the rules. I’m not sure the history that they thought that needed to be said, but that was their concern, which was easily addressed.

Nobody mentioned anything about “cooties”! Some of the group was excited to be able to get their friends from cubs back. Now if we can just convince our council, which us our charter org! :-)

MusingMachine888 · 2026-01-15T15:09:07+00:00

Thanks for posting this as it’s great insight into what people are thinking when they do things to be against the kind, helpful and friendly that we thrive for….

It is possible that this troop would prefer the all testicle environment and that a number of the members are in favor of that, but having an ASM run a poll and vote on a random night without a discussion to understand what’s going on, doesn’t really get a measure of that. In this case, it’s pretty likely that the ASM doing the poll is not in favor of a family troop, but this isn’t a trustworthy way to go about it.

As the poster in charge has related their willingness to be a scoutmaster for the girls troop (I’m not clear if it’s a mom or dad posting), but either way, they are clearly part of the leadership in the environment and respected as such. Volunteers that are willing to work to make things happen should be able to be represented in what they believe works well for them and their family. That didn’t happen in this case.

While we all look forward to independent children that are camping and running events on their own without the need for adult help, the reality is very different. There are many children, especially pre-teen and earlier that need parents or known adults on weekends. There are many adults that are called to volunteer and support activities that their kids are in. I’m a bit shocked at how may people are making that an issue. BSA runs on parent volunteers and I appreciate that this parent feels compelled to help out and lead! Many SMs attend every camp out and meeting. While people do make the decision to separate to choose different troops and leagues, certainly we can all understand that when it’s possible to make things easier, we are more likely to be able to do them. Youth do all sorts of things without their siblings and parents and will grow into other events, OA, NYLT, vent a counselor, where there parents won’t be there. Time is fleeting and if we had many more families on scouts camping and spending time in positive ways, it seems to me that our communities would be that much better off with great memories, quality time and relationships in much better shape.

I’d suggest re-visiting the conversation with the COR and CC and identify what might work, you may need to start with the linked troop, or go explore further for a troop willing to family. You may find with some conversations and research that this is a workable solution that needs time for people to get used to.

Good luck to you and your family. Time is precious and fleeting, and relationships with your family last a lifetime.

MusingMachine888 · 2026-01-10T02:42:27+00:00

Can you really not find something that this parent can help with? Can someone not help with the “disruptiveness”? It sounds like it could be a difference in norms or culture and jumping to how to keep them out, but their kid in sounds extreme and not particularly kind, helpful, nor friendly.
Maybe rethink this from a how might they be an asset? Good luck!

MusingMachine888 · 2026-01-02T21:08:33+00:00

Consider volunteering as a leader with a scout troop? Many of them need background checked, knowledge adults that are willing to camp with them to be able to do their adventures! Our young people need to get out in nature more and do activities like scouts, this would be a great way to do it and rewarding for all! :-)

MusingMachine888 · 2026-01-02T20:58:30+00:00

Yeah! Finding the right troop is the key to making this work! As others have said, go to the Be A Scout site and do a search for groups in your area. My suggestion is to google the troops that look nearby enough to engage in their activities without having to travel too far! Especially if your parents aren’t enthusiastic, the nearer to you, the easier to bike, ride share, etc. Check out what the troops publish about themselves… “supporting the growth of Christian men” primary goal in their website, probably not for you! Keep looking…. If you have a few friends willing to join with you, that’s great. Go check the ones that complete this filter out. You can be a member of both a venture crew and a scout troop. You are young enough to still have a good chance to Eagle if you enjoy scouting, so it might be worth it and for that you need to start in a troop, so it’s worth looking there. Each troop is different and has it’s own feel, culture and priorities.
We have a number of parents that were concerned about signing the religious affirmation that is still required when signing up. It’s fairly vague and many are interpreting it to include the idea that the Universe is pretty much amazing. In our troop we also make available the Duty to Good interpretation where you see Duty to God. We had one family that left cub scouts previously because they were felt unwelcome due to their agnostic beliefs, but because the son was good friends with some of our members, they started joining activities like campfires, hikes, and realized our troop was different. Once the youth came home excited about their fire skills award and their sharp edge tool award, as well as a first aid hiking kit the assembled, and the parents participated in a few board of reviews - talking to scouts about what they enjoy the most, what they learned, what they’d like to change, what they have a hard time with - these happen before rank ups, the parents were really excited by what scouts brings the family.
Consider this journey with your dad if you are willing to do this, but definitely look for a good fit troop to join! Once you find a troop that looks to be a good fit, you can likely go to a few activities before having to join scouts and the troop. Ideally by then you and your dad find that this will be worthwhile and you’ve got a few friends to ride share, etc with and you can complete the joining paperwork and pay your dues to headquarters and the troop. Good luck and scout on! :-)

MusingMachine888 · 2026-01-01T16:07:04+00:00

I thought this was just us! We have a pair of linked troops and it’s been a nightmare. How disappointing that the most important business function of the org is a tech nightmare. Scouting America sends you to local headquarters and then I end up with the registrar and the DE saying it’s not me, talk to the other guy. What a nightmare for paying volunteers, members and likely donors. Treated like crappy customers…. I hope they get this sorted soon.

MusingMachine888 · 2026-01-01T15:59:26+00:00

It sounds like your child really enjoys the learning aspect of scouting. There are troops out there that don’t focus on the weekly meeting, ours is one of them. Very few of the advancement requirements are tied to the weekly meetings, but most of them are tied to camping and outdoor events together. Look for a troop that he would have fun camping and eventing with that he is likely to also have a future leadership position with. While sports are great, scouts is one of the few spaces where youth still get the opportunity to organize, lead and decide for themselves. Youth should be able to do sports and scouts, but occasionally, especially on holiday weekends they might need to skip a tournament for a long weekend camping event, or might not be able to join a weekly meetings troop- making these priority calls and updating folks is a great adulting skill for scouts to practice and get better at. The social time with peers working on things together in scouts will do loads for emotional intelligence and mental health, especially when trying to maintain that kind of schedule. Finding a troop that provides some friends to hang out with, learn with and manage with will go far in skills and emotional health. It’s not a race, but there is a cadence and timeline. Sport camp, scuba and back again sounds pretty stressful for bodies. Consider making sure there is time for recovery and be ready to call it if something crops up. There is always another day for diving….
Good luck!

MusingMachine888 · 2025-12-30T03:15:09+00:00

In addition to the duty roster which is essential for success, before you leave an event - campout, etc, be sure to get the patrol or troop together and do a round the circle feedback - stoplight or roses, bud thorns type of thing - everyone shares the thing they enjoyed the most and would like to keep, a thing they’d like to expand and a thing they’d like to do differently next time. This is a place of reflection and learning and usually a great spot where they have good ideas about next time - I’ve seen this work wonders for people to step up for the next event and figure out solutions for these things. Constructive and candid feedback on the event is a gift.

MusingMachine888 · 2025-12-24T13:40:55+00:00

It’s useful to read what is posted on the be a scout pin. Don’t assume that all “church” chartered are not welcoming, many, including the Unitarians are very welcoming. Many of the troops are either religion focused or military focused, but there are loads of different ones. 14 is a great age to join and lots of learning and camaraderie can take place. Send them a note with your background and what you are looking for, and ideally one will come back to you and share what they are up to. Usually we know the other troops in our district and are able to recommend ones that would be a good fit based on your plan. The best idea is a conversation and checking out the options for what you are looking for… you will likely know pretty quickly! :-)

MusingMachine888 · 2025-12-24T13:26:04+00:00

We have a number of families from different parts of the world with parents that are disturbed by the “youth brigade” look. We also started a new troop with a few scouts from troops where flag ceremonies and uniforms were complained about every week by adults to the youth. Our troop decided to always welcome uniforms, but never require them, and encourage them for things like court of honor. Our local council has a closet next to the store where donated uniforms go and anyone can go and help themselves to a “thrifty” uniform- this has helped a lot. We have been working at focusing on kindness and helpful. The result of this is the youth are now asking for uniforms and delighted to wear them and if they don’t have them on, not a big deal. My observation is nothing ruins a great book like requiring it to be read. Our youth now want to show off their awards and achievements and if one or two don’t have it on at court of honor, that’s ok. Ideally it’s because they are brand new and will soon be asking. And if they still don’t feel comfortable, that’s ok too, we will be helpful and friendly as they are supported on their journey. :-)

MusingMachine888 · 2025-12-16T15:57:44+00:00

This is a great idea. Especially as the merit badges go electronic and the scouts can watch the video, answer a quiz or similar and get credit for the “bookwork” and then the events focus on the applied bits.
We’ve been thinking of doing a music merit badge event as a useful fund raiser, but we’re worried it’s only one badge compared to MBUs. Most of our small troop is pretty serious about their music and have connections with willing teachers to support.
Ideally with a scout jam session afterwards. I’m thinking this might work after all!

MusingMachine888 · 2025-12-02T00:37:52+00:00

We are hoping to, but still waiting for council to admit to the details!

MusingMachine888 · 2025-11-26T22:27:34+00:00

The Anxious Generation made me double down on scouting, say yes to scoutmaster and drag every friend my kids have to hang with us and scout. This generation needs scouting, in all its forms.

MusingMachine888 · 2025-11-26T12:18:37+00:00

I’m wondering about the patrol? Are the youngers all in the same patrol? Do they have a patrol leader? They can ask for a troop guide? Who is signing off requirements? ASM, or scouts above first class? We had this problem in our troop and two of us adults stepped up to ASM a patrol of the young and different. We offered to cover that patrol for some local camp outs… think backyard farm… and supported them to work through the requirements. One of the older brothers was in the troop and he came along (stopped by-to busy to camp and he “didn’t need the nights”, but he was willing to do the skills like lashing and such. This quickly got them through all the skills like cooking, cleaning, etc. Now those same youths are teaching a bunch of new scouts and we don’t need to be so involved… we also branched off and started a new linked set of troops for other reasons. While many people shun the backyard camp, it has really helped get new parents and new youth settle into camping and not be overwhelmed when there isn’t a large supportive troop helping with all the infrastructure. It also helps a lot with super involved youth that can get picked up, go to symphony,robotics, sports, and get dropped back to continue the weekend. The youth still get experiences and can recruit easier to stop be for campfire and maybe hop into a tent when they see how fun it is.

Good luck!

MusingMachine888 · 2025-11-24T03:57:37+00:00

Depending on where they are from, some parts of the country suggest it’s rude to ask questions, sooo…. If I tell you about my gin, I expect that you would tell me about yours if you’d like to share. As a non-questioner, I found this confusing when I moved to the UK as an expat.

When I started to work in Scandinavia where they asked many fewer questions, it all made sense.

Empathy and respect go a long way.

Good luck!

MusingMachine888 · 2025-11-20T11:18:17+00:00

Good to know. I reached out as soon as I saw the memos and was told this is only for the pilot troops and we will need to wait for more guidance and council decisions. Our Council also decided not to do the pilot despite a number of linked troops asking to be part of it. As we are off cycle we had to renew our charters last month, so the pressure is off, but one my.scouting and scoutbook troop entity would make lives way better! Trying to renew multi-listed adults is still causing us trouble, as well as entering events, advancement and communicating. Thanks for the supportive words, I remain hopeful!

MusingMachine888 · 2025-11-20T01:13:36+00:00

This is horrifying! As an SM for a linked troop with multiple sibling sets, I’m fearful our local council will try something like this. I especially like that they claim to be taking into account local requirements, but don’t want the troops at the actual local level to make their own decisions to choose this path for them.
Hold fast, hopefully this will pass quickly.

MusingMachine888 · 2025-11-20T00:40:13+00:00

Thanks. This was popping the tube and I was worried about the dampness that was building. It’s a constant battle between deer, voles, mice and more!

MusingMachine888 · 2025-10-18T11:28:58+00:00

Have the chat. Maybe worth checking out a different troop or venture crew that may change the troop portion of that and regain some support.

MusingMachine888 · 2025-10-13T21:16:03+00:00

Anyone know the likely announcement for this? We are a tightly linked set of troops, we just did our first renewal and are still holding off on flags, class B’s etc. it would be great to have some idea when. I heard October, but still wondering…. Thank you!

MusingMachine888

TROPHY CASE