The Scoutmaster http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com Discussion and conversations from a new Scoutmaster posterous.com Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:40:00 -0800 2012 The Year of the Eagle! #scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/2012-the-year-of-the-eagle-scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/2012-the-year-of-the-eagle-scoutnation

2012 is the 100th Anniversary of the Eagle Scout.  The Eagle Scout is an elusive creature.  His achievements are the stuff of legend.  He is roundly respected and ultimately expected to do the right thing.  He has been known to be a little tattered around the wings and weary at times.  He comes back strong and is very determined in everything he does.  He is a symbol and an inspiration and a goal for many a wide-eyed young Scout.

I am an Eagle Scout.  I have not always lived up to the ideal, but I have tried.  I have slipped but regained my footing and am continuing my Journey.  For the Eagle Scout is never done.  Eagle is not an end, it is a beginning and that journey is even harder than the one taken to reach Eagle.  Some will stop when they reach Eagle and that is a shame. The reason Eagle is awarded is because we want you to continue, we want you to push on.  No one Eagle got to where he is by himself, each and everyone of us had people behind us, pushing, encouraging, lending a helping hand.  An Eagle is expected to give back.  An Eagle is expected to be an example.  An Eagle is expected to move forward.  

We need to be reminded of that.  And by 'we' I mean Eagles, Scouts, Scouters, parents and the community.  We need to put the Eagle back were he belongs, put him in the spotlight, out front, in the lead and show us all what achieving the ulitmate rank of Scouting can do!  Showing the Eagle Scout what he should be doing.

2012 is the 100th Anniversary of the Eagle Scout. It couldn't have come at a better time!

 

YIS
Bryan 

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/324785/the_scoutmaster.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sINGBpyIQCZ Bryan Spellman Bryan Bryan Spellman Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:53:00 -0800 Campfire Minute #scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/campfire-minute-scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/campfire-minute-scoutnation

This weekend we built shelters and practiced wilderness survival.  Many of you came prepared and brought with you tarps and sheeting, twine and duct tape, even spars.  But all of you brought the one item you need in any situation.  Many will laugh at it, several ignore it and a few even abuse it.  But it's the one thing you always have that can help you survive any situation! (Tap at head) All you have to do it use it!

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/324785/the_scoutmaster.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sINGBpyIQCZ Bryan Spellman Bryan Bryan Spellman Mon, 07 Nov 2011 07:54:00 -0800 The Annual Calendar #scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/the-annual-calendar-scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/the-annual-calendar-scoutnation

This is a follow up to the Planning Conference.

The results are in and Troop 199 has an annual calendar for 2012.  I spoke earlier on how great it was to watch these guys plan and organize an entire year that would make all 124 Scouts happy.  Not an easy task but one they approached with knowledge of what their Patrol wanted and an eye to the history of the Troop on what worked and what did not.  Without further ado I give you 2012!

 

  • December: Annual Lock In:  a closer to the year.  We spend 12 hours (7pm - 7am) in a local High School.  We invite Webelos and outside Summer Camp it is our heaviest attended event.  We swim, watch movies, eat pizza, play Basketball, Dodgeball, Volleyball, play games (Board and Video) and just have a great time
  • January: Winter Camporee: A District Event for the 'Men' of the Troop.  Not only do we go up against the other Troops in the District.  Many of our Scouts challenge each other to go as it is usually our coldest campout (-4 one year)
  • February: Ski Trip: They took a vote and decided to change venues and when they found out that there were no nearby cabins to stay at they made it a Day Trip and cut the cost in half while increasing the ski time by several hours.  Usually a $120 event is now around $50, much more accessable to all!
  • March: Skills/Paraduct: Our first campout with our new scouts.  The Troop sets up Skills Stations to train the new Scouts and get some requirements signed off.  During their down time they love to work with Paracord, making all sorts of stuff.  They added Duct Tape as well this year.
  • April: Caving: taking a dive underground and doing some pitch black, muddy splunking! 
  • May: Mythbusters/COPE: this was a great one.  The older Scouts wanted a COPE Course, the younger ones wanted to try a Science type.  They combined it at the same place.  The older Scouts will attend a High Ropes COPE Course and the rest of the Troop will try and recreate their favorite Mythbusters experiments!
  • June: Canoing: what is it about the river that calls to us?
  • July: Summer Camp: for the first time in 15 years we are going back to the same place as last year.  The Troop loved it that much!
  • August: Shooting: We visit Camp Buffalo and shoot rifle, shotgun and archery.  
  • September: Rock Climbing: We go down to Red River Gorge in Kentucky and climb.
  • October: Hiking: Indiana has some pretty state parks and Clifty Falls is the prettiest.  It also has MILES of hiking trails.  
  • November: Pioneering: they wanted to build with lashings and visit a specific camp.  The Camp is already booked but the Towers will rise at a different location!

They also picked some High Adventure Campouts: White Water Rafting in West Virginia, Seasbase, Boundary Waters, Colorado Ski Trip and visiting Gettysburg.

They planned 4 different fundraisers (including Popcorn) and included 6 big Good Turns outside our monthly ones at campouts and anything for our Charter Organization.

A great year packed with something for everyone!

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/324785/the_scoutmaster.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sINGBpyIQCZ Bryan Spellman Bryan Bryan Spellman Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:40:05 -0700 New National Procedures #scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/new-national-procedures-scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/new-national-procedures-scoutnation So there was a lot of traffic this weekend on the new National Advancement and Eagle Project releases.  Google+ and Scout_L were all a Twitter (see what I did there) with the news.  The good, the bad and the downright ugly.

Some where gloom and doom, while others were all AHA we can attendance requirements, etc.  I started to comment then thought about while I do this, why do I believe in Scouting so much, what benefit will the Scouts in my Troop get out of these new rules/regulations.  And then I deleted most of my comments and posted a few things.

See I am not about forces all Troops to look alike or looking down on others that do it differently then we do.  We have an incredible program.  It is not 'advancement' based, the Scouts base it on all 8 methods of Scouting.  I am fortunate to be surrounded by like minded Scouters who would not look at Johnny and say NO you missed 4 meetings, you cannot have a Star BOR.  It does not work for us.  I just finished meeting with some Webelos 2 adults on why pick our Troop.  I told them bottom line is we do not PUSH advancement, it just happens: through planning by the PLC, interaction with older Scouts and plain old personal drive.  We have 91 Eagle Scouts in 15 years and we've NEVER done Merit Badge meetings or campouts.  We have a high percentage of 1st Class in 1st Year and 100% before they go to their 2nd Summer Camp.  That works for us, I would rather a Scout work at his pace and stay in Scouting then be forced to do requirements and leave because Scouting was 'no fun'.  There is more to Scouting than advancement and a happy Scout is an active Scout and an active Scout gets much more out of the program.

Bottom line is this: look at YOUR Troop, how are they doing? Is it a healthy Troop?  Do you have Scouts showing up and running the program?    Do they want to be there?  Is everyone advancing at their own pace?  Then you are doing great!

The old SM and I had a difference of opinion about the First Year Program.  To prove his point he went back 8 years to show that the last 2 years of Scouts has the 'worst percentage in Troop history' for 1st Class in 1st Year.  I looked at it and said yep, but look at the retention, look at the participation level.  THAT is what we look for!  And 18 months out, outside of a few semi-active Scouts all are 1st Class and several Star already.  Looking at my current 3rd year Scouts (the ones that crossed over when I became Scoutmaster and stopped the advancement push).  They are all Star AND outside of one move still at the same number of Scouts when they crossed over (actually +2 as they got friends to join).

Sorry for the ramble but the point I am trying to make is, instead of spending the next few months translating, arguing, flaming, etc each other about these new guidelines and trying to figure out if 45% or 47% is the magic participation number. Just do what you've been doing and and keep those Scouts in Scouting.  If your Troop is in trouble then advancement is only one of your many potential problems.  The more will adults keep our opinions and paperwork out of scouting, the better BOY Scouts will be :)


Yours In Scouting
Bryan

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/324785/the_scoutmaster.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sINGBpyIQCZ Bryan Spellman Bryan Bryan Spellman Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:12:32 -0700 Scoutmaster MInute 10/04 #scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/scoutmaster-minute-1004-scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/scoutmaster-minute-1004-scoutnation We had 30 Webelos visit us tonight.  The SPL took the young Scouts from Patrol to Patrol helping them earn their Arrow of Light.  When the Troop meeting was over we circled up as a Troop and included the Webelos.  Then I did my Scoutmaster Minute:

Here in Troop 199 we end every meeting by circling up.  We cross our arms, right over left like the start of the Joining Knot, we are joining together with the Troop.  We form a circle because all Scouts are included in the circle, no one is left out of the circle.  All are welcome.  There is no top of a circle or bottom, all are equal in the circle.  Certainly the SPL and his PLC have the added responsibility but they are in the same circle as us.  Finally there is no beginning and no end to a circle.  The older Scouts will someday leave us but at the same time new Scouts will join our circle and it will continue forever.  I love Scouting and I love Troop 199 and I know I speak for all of us when I say I would love for each one of you Webelos to join our circle when you crossover.  Because I know you will love it too!

Yours In Scouting
Bryan

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/324785/the_scoutmaster.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sINGBpyIQCZ Bryan Spellman Bryan Bryan Spellman Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:44:29 -0700 The Planning Conference #scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/the-planning-conference-scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/the-planning-conference-scoutnation Last weekend was our Troop Leader Training (TLT) and Planning Conference combined.  Usually we do them separately but due to the fires at our Scout Camp that destroyed some facilities they asked us (at the beginning of the year) to move some things.  So we did...

As we finished out the TLT we took a break and reset.  Time for the Planning Conference.  The week before the Patrol Leaders talked with their Patrols and got ideas on WHAT the Scouts wanted to do in 2012 or WHERE they wanted to go.  At the planning conference we talked about the importance of a good outdoor program.  We talked about Courts of Honor, Service Projects, monthly themes, etc.  They then brainstormed (using their Patrols input) and came up with 53 places to go or activities to do.  From there they looked at commonalities and merged places and activities.  Once that was done they voted on all the items.  You could vote for as many items as you liked.  Then they ranked them and tried to fit them into the calendar.  Both the Outdoor Chair and the Treasurer were there to help if needed.  Sometimes they had an activity but no place or wondered on the cost of certain things to make sure they stayed under budget.  It was fun to watch them talk and debate which worked where and why this on over that one.  And then moving some when an activity did not fit into the month left.  In the end they came up with a great year.  Doing some District events and bringing back some favorites while dumping an 'annual' event that did not fit into the year.  I was very proud of the work they did and cannot wait for them to present it to the Troop tomorrow.  So no spoilers...

The PLC is also responsible for planning High Adventure, Fund Raising and Good Turns.  They added to the fundraisers and then doubled (if not tripled) the Good Turns.  What an eye for service to others!

We left Camp Belzer trained in our positions, stronger as a PLC Team and with a great calendar for 2012 that any Troop would be proud of.

How does your unit plan your year?  Do the Scouts do it?  Adults? Scouts with Adult input?  Do you have a 6 month plan? 12 month? Further out?  Discuss.....

Yours In Scouting
Bryan

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/324785/the_scoutmaster.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sINGBpyIQCZ Bryan Spellman Bryan Bryan Spellman Sun, 11 Sep 2011 17:41:58 -0700 Remembering 9/11...sort of #SCOUTNATION http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/remembering-911sort-of-scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/remembering-911sort-of-scoutnation It's the 10th Anniversary of a day that changed the world and changed my life.

I've written much on this date over the past 10 years.  Today I spent it in the woods, with the PLC of Troop 199.  The rest of the Troop was at a local Ceremony honoring the victims and heroes of that day.  But I was teaching 20 young men how to be a better leader, how to run a Troop of 124 Scouts, how to take what we learn in Scouting and bring it home and use it in our everyday lives...how they, as the Scout leaders of today, will be the National Leaders of tomorrow.

After all the coverage, the hours of 9/11 documentaries I have watched over the past 2 weeks, the personal stories and connections, I had forgotten.  It was not until our Chaplain Aide asked for a moment of silence during a meal prayers that I remembered that today was 9/11.  I had not looked at a clock/computer/phone since Friday, so it caught me by surprise.  I will never forget that Tuesday 10 years ago, but I think the greatest tribute we can give to those who gave their all that day is to make the most of the time we have left.  We must pick up the slack left when we lost so many good men and women.  So a moment of silence was had and then we went back to the business at hand...making a difference in the lives of others.  And i think those heroes would appreciate that.

Yours In Scouting
Bryan

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/324785/the_scoutmaster.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sINGBpyIQCZ Bryan Spellman Bryan Bryan Spellman Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:11:04 -0700 Parent Vs Adult Leader #SCOUTNATION http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/parent-vs-adult-leader-scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/parent-vs-adult-leader-scoutnation Our Court of Honor was last Sunday and we honored many Scouts and Scouters and at one point we honored a 8+ volunteer who is leaving the Troop and I said some words about her...I got some feedback from many in the Troop about it...so here it is as best as I can remember it (it was off the cuff):

When I became the Scoutmaster, there was a program that wanted to put more Parents in the room, working with the Patrols.  I was not really for it.  You see a Parent is very selfish.  He/she has only one Scout in mind, their son.  There is nothing wrong with that, I am a parent and want nothing but the best for my son.  But Scouting does not need more parents involved, it needs more Adult Leaders.

See a parent comes on a campout and helps his son set up his tent so he is warm and dry.  An Adult Leader offers advice to young Scouts then finds an older Scouts and lets them know they are having trouble and might need some help.  A parent will get up early and help cook breakfast, sometimes taking over so that his son has a nice stack of perfect pancakes to eat.  An Adult Leader will watch them burn some pancakes, then show them how to make one or two, then step back and watch as they make their own semi-perfect stack of eatable pancakes.  The parent comes to the Scoutmaster, son in tow and says "MY son needs a Scoutmaster Conference", "My son needs a Leadership Position".  An Adult Leader will bring any Scout up to the Scoutmaster and say "I think this Scout was looking to talk to you about something." and then leave once I start talking to the Scout.

I am happy to say we have a bunch of Adult Leaders helping our Troop, our Scouts and our PLC and it is this bunch of Adult Leaders that help make our Troop so successful.

So what are you? A Parent or an Adult Leader?

Yours In Scouting
Bryan

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/324785/the_scoutmaster.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sINGBpyIQCZ Bryan Spellman Bryan Bryan Spellman Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:18:08 -0700 "What is Scouting?" #Scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/what-is-scouting-scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/what-is-scouting-scoutnation When doing a Scoutmaster Conference I always leave the last question for the Scout.  It is his opportunity to ask me ANYTHING.  I've been asked many things over the years: What's your favorite...is the common one of most young Scouts; What did you do as a Scout, How do you like being a Scoutmaster, What would you change in the Troop if you were SPL are some others from 1st Class/Star Scouts.  What do you do for work, what would be your next career path, how do you show reverence? Are questions heard during an Eagle Scoutmaster Conference.

This week I got a question which stumped me.  See I want to give honest, straightforward answers.  I don't want to give generic; it's had to pick a favorite, answers.  So when I Scout asked me "What is Scouting" I gave pause.  It is tons to me, it is everything:  I started to answer it's an adventure ( I love to camp and see the guys go to Philmont, Boundary Waters, climbing, caving) but it's more than that.  It's Advancement, I am an Eagle Scout, I help others achieve that, we promote advancement and give them chances to do so, but it's not the only thing.  It is gaining knowledge through the merit badge program, it is life lessons; leadership; FUN.  It is many things to a few and a few things to many.  There is no way to pin it down.  Or is there...

Finally I answered: Scouting is an Opportunity.  The Scout looked at me and asked "An opportunity for what?" and I said "Yes".  It is an opportunity for all those things I mention and a million more I did not.  Scouting is something to someone and not always the same thing...but it is always an opportunity to get the most out of whatever you want it to be.  And I like that.

As the Scout left, he turned to me and said he would buy a Bumper Sticker if it said "Scouting, it's an opportunity..."  I like that too :)

Yours In Scouting
Bryan

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/324785/the_scoutmaster.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sINGBpyIQCZ Bryan Spellman Bryan Bryan Spellman Mon, 25 Jul 2011 11:33:16 -0700 Join #SCOUTNATION Fit Club or why I need it #SNFC http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/join-scoutnation-fit-club-or-why-i-need-it-sn http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/join-scoutnation-fit-club-or-why-i-need-it-sn I have battled with my weight for a while now.  I put on the lbs in college and have been going up and down for years (mostly up).  I've tried many programs, fads, diets, etc.  Some worked, some failed but I always ended up back up where I started..needing to lose the weight.

As a Scout (and an Eagle Scout) I know what it means to be physically strong.  I've failed in that regard as a Scouter.  Now I stand in front of my Troop and talk about living the Scout Oath/Law and having to get bigger shirts/pants then I should.  I found the best weight loss for me occurred when I ate right, did moderate exercise and had people looking over my shoulder.  That is why I talked to Shawn about this program and we started her up a few weeks ago. 

It is nice to see so many others on board and it is my hope that we feed (no pun intended) off of each other as we continue our own Scouting Trail towards being physically strong.

Please sign up online and you might when some great prizes but more importantly POST ABOUT IT!  POST your successes and failures.  Post favorite eats, exercise tips, weight loss hints, etc.  We can all learn from each other, support one another and of course lose the weight.

Don't care for the prizes, or want to put down your current weight...that is OK...sign up anyway and follow #SNFC on Twitter and we can do this together!

Yours In Scouting
Bryan

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/324785/the_scoutmaster.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sINGBpyIQCZ Bryan Spellman Bryan Bryan Spellman Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:23:13 -0700 Scouts Vs Sports Part 2 #SCOUTNATION http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/scouts-vs-sports-part-2-scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/scouts-vs-sports-part-2-scoutnation Well we are back from summer camp and had our first PLC meeting last night.  Those that did not go are seeing that they missed a great time.  Those that did go are giving those that did not a hard time (jokingly) about it.  Thank you all for the conversation in the comments (I am hoping that is what Google+ will turn into...jump over there, join and follow me).  It is funny, I think most of us feel the same way in that today's kids are way over scheduled and pushed too hard.  I know that is why I am more laid back at summer camp.  Every one of my Scouts earned merit badges (as well as some partials) and all those who needed one got a Scoutmaster Conference and a Board of Review.  However for every merit badge they earn they can talk about the free time, the hammock cities they built, the raft race, the Root Beer contest, the nights of just sitting playing cards, etc. 

I am upset about the Scouts who picked Sports over Summer Camp because they did not get a chance to just be a kid this summer.  Scouting is an incredible program that teaches our young men (and women) to make good choices, to give back to the communities, to be of service to others, to lead, to follow and to grow.  But looking at Sports, Band, School, etc, I think the most important thing we give these Scouts is an opportunity to be themselves, have fun and lift the worries of their world off their shoulders, if even just for a day or two in the great outdoors!

Yours In Scouting
Bryan

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/324785/the_scoutmaster.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sINGBpyIQCZ Bryan Spellman Bryan Bryan Spellman Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:42:40 -0700 The Final PLC Meeting #SCOUTNATION http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/the-final-plc-meeting-scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/the-final-plc-meeting-scoutnation Last night was the last PLC Meeting for this group.  After a long, busy Summer Camp the SPL told them no class A uniforms, just wear your Summer Camp shirt.  The enjoyed the break from the heat (those uni's can get HOT) and got right down to work with planning 1 campout, 5 meetings, a Court of Honor, a Special Service Project, Summer Camp 2012 and helping each other with Patrol issues (if any).

Some think the 6 month term is too quick.  Sometimes I would agree but in a Troop my size 6 months is a LONG time and a lot of work for the Scouts.  This PLC really hit their stride early and got us through a terrific summer camp.  Everyone had fun, there were no major issues and they really ran the show.  I was impressed how they took the rains and did not wait for me or any other adult.  They knew what was needed and did it.  Since we were the only Troop in camp (outside a small provisional Troop) the SPL took various Scouts to the Camp Leaders meeting every day so they could see what they were doing. 

Fortunately there are several Scouts that this will not be their last appearance on a Patrol Leaders' Council.  They are smart, young and trained and will be providing leadership for years to come.  And that is what makes being a Scoutmaster for a Troop of 130 Scouts easy :)

Yours In Scouting
Bryan

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/324785/the_scoutmaster.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sINGBpyIQCZ Bryan Spellman Bryan Bryan Spellman Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:39:16 -0700 Summer Camp Withdrawl... #SCOUTNATION http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/summer-camp-withdrawl-scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/summer-camp-withdrawl-scoutnation So here I am at work today, for the first time in a week.  Vacations are hard to come back from but they are especially hard when that vacation is Summer Camp.

While I will be posting a Summer Camp Recap I figured it's been 2 days and I already miss several things:

- camp water
- being outdoors ALL DAY LONG
- talking with fellow Scouters about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
- talking with any one of the 94 Boy Scouts about anything and everything
- random acts of teaching
- the sounds of attempting fire by friction
- Mess Hall Grub
- the sounds of Mess Hall
- singing at meals (all meals)
- Captain Lucky Loops
- the chaos of Lights Out
- the sounds of night
- watching Raccoons find what Scouts missed in their clean up efforts
- a hammock
- seeing friendships develop
- playing Settlers of Catan with Scouts/Scouters
- watching young men step into leadership roles
- Cherry/Grape Slushies
- being at Summer Camp with my Scout Family (all 120 of them)
- being at Summer Camp with my actual family (yes the wife and son spent the week too)
- seeing a Scout battle Homesickness
- helping the above Scout
- watching other Scouts help me and homesick Scouts (this is incredible)
- having a Scoutmaster Moment (a post to come later)
- seeing the change in a 1st Year Scout from Sunday to Saturday and how much one can mature in a week in the woods
- sitting up until 2:30am talking with my son as he prepares to leave for college

I am sure there is more, but that is all that comes to mind as I prepare for the numbing experience of paid work...till next time

Yours In Scouting
Bryan

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/324785/the_scoutmaster.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sINGBpyIQCZ Bryan Spellman Bryan Bryan Spellman Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:20:34 -0700 Scouts Vs Sports or Bryan's Rant... #SCOUTNATION http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/scouts-vs-sports-or-bryans-rant-scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/scouts-vs-sports-or-bryans-rant-scoutnation So yesterday I asked the question (on Google+ and Twitter) Scouts Vs Sports...Summer Camp Vs Sport Camp.  I got some good feedback and a great discussion going on.  I've had about 4 Scouts in the last few days cancel on Summer Camp (we leave Sunday) tossing a wrench in the plans of myself, the Outdoor Chair, the SPL and his PLC (and the Camp) on numbers, tenting, merit badge classes, seat belts, meals, etc...so I was a little upset at both the Scouts and the Coaches.

My stand on the issues at hand:
- I believe in the well rounded Scout.  I push that from my first meeting with a Webelos 2 to the introduction at his Eagle Board.  A Scout who does nothing but Scouting, while dedicated to the program, is doing himself and others a disservice.  You need to get out there, you need to experience life and all she has for you.  My son was in Marching Band, Winter Percussion, Baseball, etc.  He got out there, he was busy but enjoyed himself, he is an Eagle Scout, a Band Leader and now going to school to be an educator.  The well rounded Scout takes Scouting to the outside world and applies what he has learned in the Troop and Patrol.  The well rounded Scout brings back life lessons and skills from various activities to his Patrol and Troop and makes them better.

- I believe the Scout should also have priorities.  But I think they can shift.  I think a big game or competition is more important than a campout.  I think a Service Project is more important than a practice and I think that allowing our Scouts to start making those decisions will help them out in real life.  Scouting allows for that...School sponsored activities do not.

- I believe most (not all) Coaches and Band Directors are narrow minded and inflexible.  I believe that most School Athletics/Organizations are based as much on politics as talent.  And while I believe that this is the training ground for our Youths' future I think we need to give them a chance to sample everything available, not lock them into one activity.

This is why I am so upset at the situation right now.  One of the Scouts is on a team and "must" attend these practices.  He knew several weeks ago, and just called.  So while I am mad at the coach for not letting him go, I think I am more disappointed with the Scout for waiting for so long.  Two of the Scouts are on the PLC.  Both want to get ONTO a team.  Neither are guaranteed a position and even if they go it is not a sure thing.  Both Scouts will miss Summer Camp (and their PLC duties) and might not even make the team they are trying out for.  And THAT is what makes me so mad.  These coaches can either be up front with them OR understand that it is the WEEK AFTER THE 4TH of JULY and people take vacation in the summer!  Why take that away from these young men (and their families).  Heck the marching band has been practicing every week since School ended, marched in a parade last weekend and will start with all day rehearsals next week...what the heck?

I know I am rambling a bit, sorry.  I just get so angry that these people try to take the best time of a young persons life and chain them to one activity and make it their entire School Career.  It's damaging, it's selfish and it's wrong.

Yours In Scouting
Bryan

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/324785/the_scoutmaster.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sINGBpyIQCZ Bryan Spellman Bryan Bryan Spellman Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:46:32 -0700 Rambling Posts... http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/rambling-posts http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/rambling-posts It is almost Summer Camp time for the Troop.  I have been busy working with the Camp Director, the Outdoor Chair, the Treasurer, the Advancement Chair and the SPL to make sure we are ready to go!

This will be our first year at this camp and it just so happens my Course Director when I went through Wood Badge is the Camp Director.  I traveled over to camp the other day, took some pics, asked some questions and got the nickle tout.  It is a gorgeous little camp with a nice staff and a willingness to do what it takes to make the Scouts happy!  It might be a little small/old but it makes up for it in charm.  And it is soon to get some make overs  in the next few years (shower house, Dining Hall, etc). 

We have 106 going to Summer Camp this year (plus about 20 Adults) so it is going to be awesome.  I cannot wait.  The best part is that we are not running this Camp (like last year) so I will finally have an opportunity to do a little resting and visiting.  Last year it was Troop Run and I was B U S Y!  The year before that was my 1st as Scoutmaster and I did a lot of things I didn't have to and was a little stressed.  This is my 3rd Summer Camp as Scoutmaster, I've great Adult Leaders taking care of Committee things and an excellent SPL and PLC who are ready for the challenge of Summer Camp.  The other thing that leaves me to do is find the right two tree for the hammock :)

Some Scout Nation Updates:
- sorry for the lack of shows in June.  We planned on 2 shows but life got in the way.  We got one good one out though so go listen to it.
- Scout Nation Fitness Club is up and running!  Follow me and @SM_Shawn on twitter for details.  We have prizes and bragging rights but bottom line it is about getting down in LBS!  I need it terribly and I know some other do as well.  Let's do this together and get fit for ourselves, our families and our Scouts!
- we are building a Site!!!  In addition to the PTC site we are making a Scout Nation site with tip and tools, SNFC information and other cool stuff coming down the pike...stay tuned.

Thanks for listening, thanks for reading and thanks for following.  I look forward to hearing about your Summer Camp experiences so send them along!

Yours In Scouting
Bryan

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/324785/the_scoutmaster.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sINGBpyIQCZ Bryan Spellman Bryan Bryan Spellman Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:40:18 -0700 Following The SPL #SCOUTNATION http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/following-the-spl-scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/following-the-spl-scoutnation So we had a great meeting last night.  Getting ready for Summer Camp.  I was doing Scoutmaster Conferences and Joining Conferences (yes, still...I've got 35 Crossovers).  I was in Scout Socks, Scout Shorts, Scout Belt and Troop Tshirt.  It was remarked by some that I did not have my Scout Uniform on.  This is the 2nd week in a row I heard about it.  My comment to those who said it was: Practice what you preach.  When they looked puzzled I reminded them that from TLT on down we tell the Scouts, FOLLOW THE SPL!  If the SPL has his Sign Up, put yours Up.  If the SPL has his Class A uniform on, they you should wear the Class A.  IF the SPL changes into the Class B or activity uniform then you should.  Then why was I coming to each meeting in Full Class A.  Why am I exempt from the rule we teach?  At the campouts, the new scouts come to me and ask if they can take of the uniform when we get to camp, I tell them to watch the SPL.  They ask if they need to tuck the Troop Tshirt in, I tell them to watch the SPL.   They ask if they need Class A for dinner, I tell them to watch the SPL.  So finally it sunk in that they were watching ME, as I always wore my uniform at all times.  Time to practiced what I preachers and WATCH THE SPL :)

As an adult leader in your Troop what do you do for uniforms?  All Adults All the time or watch the SPL? 

(Sidenote: we do ask Scouts to wear the uniform to Boards of Review and there are times I will wear the uniform even if the SPL is not: service projects, Webelos/Adult meetings during Troop Meetings in the summer, etc)

Yours In Scouting
Bryan

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/324785/the_scoutmaster.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sINGBpyIQCZ Bryan Spellman Bryan Bryan Spellman Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:04:53 -0700 What is Success? #SCOUTNATION http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/what-is-success-scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/what-is-success-scoutnation I started to write a post in response to a conversation I've been having on Twitter about JTE/QU and percentages and numbers and such...but I found myself turning into a GOS on the topic.  So I will just say I am hopeful that JTE will work well.

But it did get me thinking about how to measure success.  Those of us in Wood Badge remember our tools :) but I wanted to know how you do it.  It is number of Eagles?  Size of Troop?  Number of nights camping?  But does that mean that a Troop of 11 is not successful?  Or one that only has 2 Eagle a year?  What about a Scout who goes camping only 3 times a year?

They way I look at it is like this: is the Scout having fun?  If he is having fun then he is participating.  If he is participating he is attending meetings, Patrol Meetings, service projects and campouts.  If he is attending those, he is bonding with fellow Scouts, doing 'boy' things, completing tasks assigned to him, leading others assigned to tasks, learning new skills, being introduced to new experiences and activities.  If he is doing those things he is advancing.  If he is advancing he is being recognized in front of his Troop and parents, he is showing he is learning, retaining and teaching skills and giving back to the community.  This is success to me.  He might have 100 nights camping, he might have 30.  He might be 1st Class or an Eagle Scout when he ages out.  The point is that he does age out.  That he believes and enjoys the program so much that you wish him a happy 18th birthday and invite him to be an adult leader.  

I understand the need for numbers, percentages, district/council goals, etc.  But I do not need those to tell if the Troop is successful.  You just need to look in the faces of your Scouts!

Yours In Scouting
Bryan

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/324785/the_scoutmaster.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sINGBpyIQCZ Bryan Spellman Bryan Bryan Spellman Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:31:40 -0700 Punishment #SCOUTNATION http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/punishment-scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/punishment-scoutnation So if you listen to Scout Nation, you heard the story of the two Scouts and the fire in the hollow tree.  And the aftermath of the 'incident'.  Last night we had another incident in the Troop, no we did not burn a tree down again, but it involved two Scouts.  We will be having a talk next we meet but I did get to talking to one Scout's mother, explaining my philosophy.

I try not to be a yeller.  Sure I have a loud booming voice and I do use it, but not in anger.  Yelling does naught but strain the vocal cords and cow the Scout.  I might bellow a name to someone across camp or call another, but no yelling in the face of a boy.  Same goes for punishment.  I've seen Troops/Scoutmasters who have demerits and levels of punishment, etc.  I've seen Scouts suspended from meetings or campouts, told that if they were to rejoin the Troop they HAVE to earn Eagle Scout, and some that have been kicked out of the Troop.  What does that accomplish?  A Scout is NOT Friendly to another and makes him cry or feel hurt or bullied and so we take the Scout that doesn't get that part of the Scout Law and banish him from meetings or a campout?  How does that get the message across?  Isn't THAT the youth that needs Scouting the most?  The one that doesn't get it and could use some good examples around him?  See Scouting in action?  And be in a place where that type of behavior is frowned upon?

In our Troop that Scout gets talked to.  We have a sit down and talk about what happened.  Discuss the why of it, the reasons he though he should/could do it and most importantly the reasons why that don't fly in Scouting.  Then we talk of the remedy.  How do we make this right? (Notice the WE)  What can we do to correct what happened and how can we make sure this does not happen again? (oh Wood Badge memories). 

This also results in a comfort level between Scouts and the Scoutmaster.  Since they know I will not go off the handle and banish them from the land, the Scouts are more open to coming to me with an issue.  They do not see it as 'ratting' or being a tattle-tale, they see it as a way to solve a problem they are having.  And since there is no 'punishment' there is no retaliation.  Now of course this is not always the case but generally (and by that I mean like 99.9% of the time) this has worked for us over the past 3 years.  Now before we start the 'ya but' argument, this is for general behavior issues.  When the safety of a Scout is in question we are talking a whole other post...

End result, a Troop who can be themselves, sure there is some roughhousing and boys will be boys moments.  But they know the Scout Oath and Scout Law and as long as they follow those, they are OK in my book.

Oh and those Scouts and the Hollow Tree...no meeting ban or restricted campout.  They are doing a Fire Safety presentation to the Troop before Summer Camp.  With the full support of the PLC.  And no "they are doing this because they lit a fire", it is going to be "today's Skill Demo is Fire Safety".
 
Yours In Scouting
Bryan

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/324785/the_scoutmaster.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sINGBpyIQCZ Bryan Spellman Bryan Bryan Spellman Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:54:43 -0700 The Summer Program #SCOUTNATION http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/the-summer-program-scoutnation http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/the-summer-program-scoutnation Summer Time.  A time for relaxing, a time for summer camp, a time to recharge and get ready for the next school year.  Also a time for FAMILY VACATION...the bane of any year long Scout Program.  For the past 6 months our average attendance was up around 93 Scouts per meeting, last few weeks with was down to 74 and last week, 46.  Our campouts are the same: 101 Scouts for march, 80+ for the rest of the months till this weekend, 48 Scouts and Scouters total.

I hear of many programs that stop meeting once school is out.  They go to summer camp and that's it, maybe meet once a month.  Not so with us and I know that makes some parents angry.  But we are not here for the parents, we are here for the Scouts.  I think it is important to continue a year round program.  It gets the Scouts in the habit of making Tuesdays Scout Night, it gets them to be regular visitors to a Troop meeting, and for some it is the only time they can come several weeks in a row because of School functions, rehearsals and Sports practices.  Scouting doesn't take a break once the youth is out of uniform and it shouldn't take a break because school is done for the year.  It is something that needs to be learned and lived 365 and the year long program helps instill that.

What does your unit do in the summer?  What are your plans?  And let me know if you do differently, I'd like to hear from you.


Yours In Scouting
Bryan

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/324785/the_scoutmaster.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sINGBpyIQCZ Bryan Spellman Bryan Bryan Spellman Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:10:44 -0700 A Grateful Father and Scoutmaster http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/a-grateful-father-and-scoutmaster http://thescoutmaster.posterous.com/a-grateful-father-and-scoutmaster The following is the speech I gave at my son's Eagle Court of Honor this weekend.  As much as I can remember preparing it.  The delivered version many have differed slightly as I was suffering from 'allergies' and my eyes might have watered up....

A son follows in his father's footsteps.  I like the NY Yankees, so does my son.  I played baseball, so does my son.  I was in marching band, so was my son.  I was a Scout...so was my son.  However at some point  we got twisted up and I started following him.

I am an Eagle Scout, and like many who scouted in our youth, I fell away from the program until I had a son.  We went to Tiger meetings and Pack Meetings and the annual campout.  And when he crossed over I was one of those parents I now talk about, you know the ones, drive into the Meeting parking lot, slow down to 15mph and kick the Scout out of the car and drive away.  But then we went to his first Eagle Project.  A Life Scout placed a full sized American Flag for the men and women killed in the War on Terror at the time.  Over 1000 Flags with a tag with the name and place of death of each person.  When we were done we sat in the car and there was my son bawling his eyes out.  I asked him if he was OK and he said he was sad about all those people who died but was happy he was able to help out putting up a flag for them.  And that is when it happened, that is when I started following him.  He went to a Troop Meeting, I went to a Troop Meeting.  He went camping, I went camping.  He went to Summer Camp, I went to Summer Camp.  He attended a Service Project, I attended a Service Project.  Pretty soon that light was rekindled within me, I became a Committee Member, a ASM and finally I was asked to be a Scoutmaster. 

When I was approached to be Scoutmaster I talked to many people, the current Scoutmaster, my wife, my Dad (a former Scoutmaster) and several others.  But the only one I needed to really talk to was my son.  It was his Troop and he loved Scouting so much and I didn't want to intrude.  I would say Yes or No based on what he said to me.  So you have him to blame now as I start my 3rd year as Scoutmaster.  How lucky am I to see the same Scout Spirit in him as I had as a youth and then watch as his enthusiasm and dedication to the program inspired me to come back.

A son follows in his father's footprints but it is a truly blessed father who can follow in his son's.

Yours In Scouting
Bryan

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/324785/the_scoutmaster.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sINGBpyIQCZ Bryan Spellman Bryan Bryan Spellman