Front Line Stuff

March-April 2008: Scouter B.W.M. is concerned that his Scouts are careless in the way they handle food. He asked how to teach safe food-handling and dishwashing procedures.; See the responses ...

January-February 2008: By necessity, BSA registration and medical forms contain significant personal information. Scouter M.W.B. is looking for ways to keep that information private within his unit.; See the responses ...

November-December 2007: Several boys in Scouter K.C.'s Cub Scout den have divorced parents. She is looking for effective ways to communicate with adults who may not communicate well with each other.; See the responses ...

October 2007: Scout E.K. is frustrated because too many Scout volunteers skip basic leader training. How, she asks can more adults be encouraged to attend training courses that will make them more effective Scout leaders?; See the responses ...

September 2007: Because most new Tiger Cubs can't read, Cub Scout leader H.R. is looking for creative ways to teach Bobcat requirements to these young boys.; See the responses ...

May-June 2007: Scouter B.P.'s troop has almost no contact with its chartered organization representative despite issuing regular invitations to events and committee meetings. He asked for fresh ways to improve chartered organization relations.; See the responses ...

March-April 2007: Scouter R.S. is the Advisor of a new Venturing crew in Memphis, Tenn. He is not aware of many high adventure opportunities in his area and asks for help in finding activities that will interest and challenge his Venturers.; See the responses ...

January-February 2007: Many troops work hard to recruit graduating Webelos Scouts, only to see them drop out because they don't think they fit in. Scouter W.E.B. is looking for ways to make new Boy Scouts feel at home.; See the responses ...

November-December 2006: Because den chiefs play such an important role in supporting den leaders and encouraging Cub Scouts to cross over into Boy Scouting, Scouter J.W. wants suggestions on how pack and troop leaders can recruit and retain quality Boy Scouts for this position.; See the responses ...

October 2006: Troop committee chairman M.B. says his area's population is changing. Many new residents are recent immigrants who come from different religious traditions than more-established residents. What are ways to reach out to immigrant adults and youths and to deliver the program to them?; See the responses ...

September 2006: Schools in Scouter C.S.'s area don't let Scout units do much promotion for 'School Night for Scouting.' Packs and troops are limited to sending home fliers two weeks before the event. C.S. asks about other effective, low-cost ways to advertise recruiting nights.; See the responses ...

May-June 2006: Scouter S.C.'s troop tries to keep older Scouts busy teaching skills to younger boys, but a few just want to hang out with their friends. He's looking for suggestions to keep these older Scouts engaged in the troop program.; See the responses ...

March-April 2006: Scouter C.K. asks how best to inform a Scout (and his parents) that the boy wasn't fully prepared for a rank advancement board of review while still encouraging the youth so the setback won't cause him to quit Scouting.; See the responses ...

January-February 2006: Scoutmaster P.T. says his Scouts spend so much time preparing and cleaning up after meals at district- and councilwide camping events, they miss some activities. How, he asks, can his troop streamline the routine so the boys have more time to participate?; See the responses ...

November-December 2005: How do you deal with a volunteer who doesn't follow through on his promises? Scouter E.K. noted that it's awkward to tell a volunteer, "No, I don't want you," out of fear the task won't get accomplished. Readers offered several suggestions.; See the responses ...

October 2005: Committee Chairman E.R. is concerned that many of his pack's Tiger Cubs and parents drop out of Cub Scouting. How, he asks, can leaders inspire the boys and parents to stay in Cub Scouting?; See the responses ...

September 2005: E.A. says his troop's Scoutmaster was reluctant to start a Venture patrol because he feared it would reduce the number of available boy leaders. How, he asks, do you convince Scoutmasters that Venture patrols keep older Scouts in Scouting?; See the responses ...

May-June 2005: J.R. of Atlanta, Ga., asks how he can encourage second-year Webelos Scouts to earn the Arrow of Light, Cub Scouting's highest award.; See the responses ...

March-April 2005: Webelos Den Leader H.S. noted that service projects are required for several Webelos activity badges and awards. He asked for examples of good projects.; See the responses ...

January-February 2005: Scouter T.H. wrote, in our October issue, that his troop was finding it hard to recruit parents as leaders. "How," he asked, "can we instill some sense of volunteerism and commitment to Scouting among these parents?"; See the responses ...

November-December 2004: Readers give new Cubmaster C.T.B. tips on how to encourage Cub Scouts to read Boys' Life and how to integrate the magazine into a pack program.; See the responses ...

October 2004: A Scouter asked how new Scouts—who were used to being led by adults as Cub Scouts and now complain about older Scouts' authoritarian leadership—can be helped to accept boy leadership in the troop.; See the responses ...

September 2004: A Scout is not welcomed in troop activities because the other boys say he is not friendly. Readers offer ideas, including reminding Scouts to use the Scout Oath and Law in their relationships with other troop members.; See the responses ...

May-June 2004: When committee member E.M.P. asked for ways to retain second-year Webelos Scouts, readers suggested more activities with Scout troops, unique service projects, and earning special awards.; See the responses ...

March-April 2004: When Scouter P.F. asked how to determine if he was shortchanging his family by being overinvolved in Scouting, readers suggested ways to gauge involvement and offered tips on balancing family life with a commitment to Scouting.; See the responses ...

January-February 2004: An assistant Scoutmaster says he feels unneeded in a troop with many adult leaders. Readers urge him to get plenty of training and use his skills and interests to find leadership opportunities.; See the responses ...

November-December 2003: In our September issue, G.P. said he wanted to start a Boy Scout troop and that he had taken the first phase of Scoutmaster training. "Besides continuing training, what else can I do to ready myself for becoming a Scoutmaster?" he asked.; See the responses ...

October 2003: When Den Leader B.R. asked how much den meeting time should be devoted to advancement requirements, readers ranked working on achievements high on their list for planning meetings.; See the responses ...

Setpember 2003: Readers respond to a unit committee member who asked how a troop of 100 boys might provide Scouts with opportunities to lead when adults find it easier to assume the leadership roles.; See the responses ...

May-June 2003: Readers argued strongly for both possibilities when Scouter B.T. asked whether Eagle Scout courts of honor should be staged separately or for more than one new Eagle at a time.; See the responses ...

March-April 2003: When pack treasurer J.S. asked for ways to stimulate participation in summertime pack and den activities, reader suggestions included focusing on family involvement and "thinking big" when planning special events.; See the responses ...

January-February 2003: A Webelos den leader asked what could be done when a boy lies, swears, and hits or chases other boys and his father will not intervene. Readers suggested better communication with and involvement of both parent and boy.; See the responses ...

November-December 2002: How, N.S. asked, can we keep rowdy Cub Scouts occupied when not involved in racing their pinewood derby cars? Readers suggested a variety of activities, competitions, and of course, plenty of good eats.; See the responses ...

October 2002: When boys repeatedly miss meetings, should leaders make a fuss or just ignore their absenteeism? Reader suggestions included improved communications and quality programs.; See the responses ...

Setpember 2002: After a three-year drought of new members, J.R.'s troop has had an influx of new Scouts. "How can we get our older boys to mingle with the new guys and show them what to do, instead of doing it for them because it's easier?" he asked.; See the responses ...

May-June 2002: D.B. said that once his Scouts get wound up at troop meetings, it's hard to calm them down. Readers suggested planning plenty of interesting activities to capture the boys' attention.; See the responses ...

March-April 2002: M.E. said that her pack loses event registration money it pays in advance when members cancel or don't show up. Readers suggested a basic solution: "refundable deposits."; See the responses ...

January-February 2002: When a 21-year-old assistant Scoutmaster said that Scouts and Scouters see him as "a kid," readers suggested steps—including more leadership training—to help improve his standing as an adult with both groups.; See the responses ...

November-December 2001: Scouter J.L.R. wondered how to react to outspoken parents who interfere with a leader's ability to run the program. Readers agreed on one tactic: Ask the critics to become involved as registered leaders.; See the responses ...

October 2001: Money raised for Scouting should be spent for Scouting, readers agreed in responding to assistant Cubmaster J.E., who asked if boys could use sales earning for things other than Scouting activities and equipment.; See the responses ...

Setpember 2001: When Scouter J.H. asked how to best use a troops 16- and 17-year-old leaders, readers cited many ways JASMs can contribute, while in the process gaining experience for a future role as an adult Scout leader.; See the responses ...

May-June 2001: When Scoutmaster C.R. asked for help in motivating his young Scouts, readers noted that unit pride starts with adult leaders setting the right example while providing a program full of " gee whiz" activities.; See the responses ...

March-April 2001: In asking where Webelos Scouts can find camping experiences required for the Arrow of Light Award, Cubmaster D.P. noted that a Boy Scout camporee is not an appropriate choice. Many readers argued otherwise.; See the responses ...

January-February 2001: In our October issue, Scoutmaster J.C.H. asked for ideas on saving money during a troop high adventure trip. Reader suggestions included staying at military bases, college campuses, or Scout council camps.; See the responses ...

November-December 2000: When Scout M.S. noted in our September issue that adults in his troop won't let junior leaders make decisions, readers responded with some strategies for realizing the important goal of boy-led troop leadership.; See the responses ...

October 2000: In our May-June issue, D.P. asked for innovative ideas for a Cub Scout pack's blue and gold banquet. Readers offered an assortment of ideas on location for the banquet, methods of serving, and ceremonies.; See the responses ...

September 2000: Scouter M.A. noted in our March-April issue that some Scouts almost never advance in rank. Should the troop committee's board of review find out why? M.A. asked. What else might motivate boys to advance?; See the responses ...

May-June 2000: Scoutmaster D.S.J. says his Scouts want to listen to Walkmans and play with Game Boys during their free time on camp-outs. He doesn't like the idea and asked for other opinions. With rare unanimity and varying degrees of vehemence, our readers agree with D.S.J.; See the responses ...

March-April 2000: D.S. reported in our November-December issue that his troop's Eagle Scout ceremonies are lacking innovation and excitement. What, D.S. asked, can be done to make Eagle courts of honor more memorable? Readers offered many ideas.; See the responses ...

January-February 2000: What should be the message given to unit leaders and parents during a Friends of Scouting fund-raising campaign? FOS speaker D.B., a pack and troop committee member, asked that question in our October issue. Scouters had several suggestions.; See the responses ...

November-December 1999: Most Webelos Scouts graduate into Boy Scout troops in February or March, L.T. pointed out in our September issue. How, L.T. asked, can they be prepared for the spring camporee a month or two later?; See the responses ...

October 1999: In our May-June issue, Scouter W.F. wrote that in all the troops he's been associated with, enthusiasm and attendance at patrol leaders' council meetings were poor. Realizing teen-agers lead busy lives, W.F. asked how we can ensure they participate in troop program planning.; See the responses ...

September 1999: See the responses ...

May-June 1999: Cubmaster G.A. wrote in our January-February issue that several boys in his pack have physical or learning disabilities. He asked readers for specific ways leaders can modify Cub Scout activities for these boys.; See the responses ...

March-April 1999: In our November-December issue, Assistant Den Leader D.K.B. reported that the Tiger Cub den in her pack meets only sporadically. Tiger Cubs and their partners rarely attend pack meetings. How, she asked, can the den be energized so that it will become an active Wolf den?; See the responses ...

January-February 1999: M.B., a female Scouter, reported that the Scoutmaster of her troop did not work well with women leaders and passed along his "male chauvinist" attitudes to the Scouts. M.B. asked, "What should I do?"; See the responses ...

November-December 1998: Webelos Scouter K.B. said his pack doesn't adhere to deadlines. When the deadline for blue and gold ticket sales arrived, 120 tickets had been sold and K.B.'s family made table ornaments. But more reservations came in, and the pack accepted them. What, K.B. asked, do other packs do about deadlines?; See the responses ...

October 1998: Troop Committee Member J.B. reported in our May-June issue that her son's troop has constant turnover among its adult leaders. Many activities have to be canceled when a Scoutmaster leaves, and the troop has no sense of unity. What can be done?; See the responses ...

September 1998: It's hard to make sure patches and other insignia are placed correctly, Scoutmaster J.S.D. wrote in our March-April issue. J.S.D.'s troop has tried uniform inspections, but parents are reluctant to resew wrongly placed badges. What can be done?; See the responses ...

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