My thoughts on the Boy Scouts

[splitbamboo]

Originally Posted by BigFatMeanie

The benefits of a Stake-level troop:
- Cuts down on the need for scare leadership resources
- Cuts down on boys that aren't interested being in Scouts by default. Only those that really want to do the full implementation of Scouts need join the Stake troop.
- Allows wards to implement YM programs independent of Scouting where they can focus on whatever they want (PHood leadership, fatherhood, basketball, whatever).
- More cost effective. Each ward isn't spending the money to charter and staff a troop that just barely limps along.

-Gives stake leaders something to do.

[MikeWaters]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lebowski

I think the failure ratio would be much lower since it can be better adapted to local needs/interests and it requires much less overhead. It eliminates the excess baggage that comes with BSA.

I disagree that it would take less overhead. Plug and play is always less overhead than "re-invent new program".

[Jeff Lebowski]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

that's funny. church says program for YM is up to individual units. Yeah, right.

Have you ever done Varsity training? This is basically what we are supposed to be doing now for Varsity (and Venture) programs.

And don't forget that part of my master plan is to ditch Duty to God.

[Tex]

Originally Posted by SoonerCoug

Rumor has it that Packer hates scouting, but I don't know if that rumor is based on reality.

LOL. Rumor has it that Packer hates singles wards. Rumor has it that Packer advocates lying for the Lord.

Rumor has it that Packer eats babies.

[MikeWaters]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lebowski

Have you ever done Varsity training? This is basically what we are supposed to be doing now for Varsity (and Venture) programs.

And don't forget that part of my master plan is to ditch Duty to God.

Varsity and Venture only exist in theory. I've only met one LDS Scout that has a Varsity/Venture uniform.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

I disagree that it would take less overhead. Plug and play is always less overhead than "re-invent new program".

Nonsense. BSA is technically "plug and play" and it takes huge amounts of resources.

Key scouter meeting
Scout committees
BSA training
Friends of scouting fundraisers
Boards of review
Tour permits
Paperwork for advancements/merit badges
Courts of honor
Pow wows
Summer camps
....

Don't make me laugh, Mike.

[creekster]

Originally Posted by splitbamboo

-Gives stake leaders something to do.

If you are a stake leader this might be a disadvantage.

[BigFatMeanie]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

Does this mean that Jimmy goes to Scouts on Tues, and then YM baskeball/Halo on Wed? Is two nights a week too much? Or will the scouters just do scouting and not do the YM activity?

Jimmy would go to Scouts whenever Scouts is. How does a non-LDS troop currently function? Do they meet every single week? Do they meet on Saturdays? I really don't see a conflict but assuming that Scouts and YM each meet once a week and that two nights a week was too much for Jimmy, Jimmy could choose to only go to Scouts. Once he got his Eagle and Scouts no longer interested him, he could rejoin the YM activities at the ward level

It's the exact same scenario as your non-LDS chartered troop - the scheduling issues and choices Jimmy would have to make would be the same regardless of whether the church officially chartered the troop or there was an "unofficial" LDS troop chartered by some group of community minded people.

[MikeWaters]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lebowski

Nonsense. BSA is technically "plug and play" and it takes huge amounts of resources.

Key scouter meeting
Scout committees
BSA training
Friends of scouting fundraisers
Boards of review
Tour permits
Paperwork for advancements/merit badges
Courts of honor
Pow wows
Summer camps
....

Don't make me laugh, Mike.

I stand by what I said. Most of those above things are aids to YM leaders, not detriments. Like the Scout Committee and the training and fundraisers.

[creekster]

Originally Posted by Tex

Rumor has it that Packer eats babies.

Sort of amusing you would say this as last week someone spray painted "Eats Babies" on the side of our chapel.