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Browse: Home / 2015 / September / 13 / Climate Ambulance Chasers Without Borders! Every Location Now Designated The Climate "Ground Zero"
Climate Ambulance Chasers Without Borders! Every Location Now Designated The Climate "Ground Zero"
By P Gosselin on 13. September 2015
As the pause extends and many regions not cooperating with the earlier forecasts on a number of measures, climate alarmists and activists media have been left with chasing isolated weather events across the globe and designating them the "ground zero" of climate.
Reader Jimbo has complied a list of these so-called "climate ground zeros", scattered all over the world, in places as isolated as Antarctica, the Sahel, or even Utah. Each claiming the selected location is the "front-runner" (There can only be one frontrunner).
Climate Ambulance Chasing Across the Globe
By Jimbo
For years Warmists have confidently told us about the canary in the mine of global warming and the ground zero of global warming. The problem is trying to figure our which one is right. Where exactly is the 'ground zero' of 'global warming' and/or 'climate change'? It seems to be all over the place!
Huffington Post – 27 February, 2015
By Seth Borenstein and Luis Andres
"Glacial Melting In Antarctica Makes Continent The 'Ground Zero Of Global Climate Change'
…Parts of Antarctica are melting so rapidly it has become 'ground zero of global climate change without a doubt,' said Harvard geophysicist Jerry Mitrovica…"
Smithsonian Magazine – March 2010
"Barrow, Alaska: 'Ground Zero for Climate Change'"
media21geneva.org
"At climate change's 'Ground Zero'
COUTONOU, BENIN – Women are most vulnerable but also a resource for survival
(UPDATED) – Here at the fringes of climate change's 'Ground Zero', no mourning bell tolls for the women who are most vulnerable to climate change's impacts,…"
Negative Population Growth – August 1, 2012
"The Southwest: Ground Zero for Global Warming
Experts warn that the American Southwest will be the part of the nation hit first, worst and hardest by global warming…"
Miami Herald – August 1, 2015
"…Most sentient people in what we like to call the Sunshine State already knew that Florida was Ground Zero for climate change…"
CEJournal
"Ground zero for climate change
Former CEJ environmental journalism fellow Susan Moran reports from Palmer Station in Antarctica"
News Lincoln County – 13 September 2013
"Agate Beach: Ground zero for new research on Global Warming and resulting ocean behavior
There is some commotion going on at Agate Beach these days as ocean scientists set up equipment to measure wave 'run up'…"
Miami Herald – 04/27/2014
"With rising waters in South Beach, FDOT busy on Alton Road drainage
Alton Road may be Ground Zero for climate change as flooding woes have environmentalists and activists warning about the effects of sea-level rise."
Chesapeake Climate Action Network – July 9, 2014
"Safe Coast Virginia: Report Offers Bold Flooding and Climate Action Plan
…Coastal Hampton Roads is already ground zero for climate change impacts in Virginia. By the year 2100, sea levels are projected to rise by as much as seven feet or more, …"
IRIN News – 2 June 2008
"SAHEL: Region is 'ground zero' for climate change – Egeland
The Sahel region of West Africa is 'ground zero' for vulnerable communities struggling to adapt to climate change, the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on conflict, Jan Egeland, said…"
Time – April 22, 2014
"Spending Earth Day at Ground Zero for Climate Change In America
…..Dr. Sellers remembered catching a glimpse of the Florida peninsula between his boots during a spacewalk……
Now that climate is changing, and as Nelson said at the start of the South Florida hearing: 'This is Ground Zero.'…"
Ensia Magazine – January 28, 2014
"In a Global Warming World: Protect and Rebuild or Retreat?
Hurricane Sandy decimated coastal communities. Now what?
Consider, for instance, that a full-bore retreat would mean abandoning such historic sites as Ground Zero — a scenario that any New Yorker, let alone a mayor, would find hard to stomach…."
USA Today – 4/16/2007
"Canadian north offers 'ground zero' view of global warming
'This is really ground zero for global warming,' said Will Steger, a 62-year-old Minnesotan who has been traveling the region for 43 years and has witnessed the impact of warming…"
National Geographic – Oct 15, 2011
"Maldives, Ground Zero for Climate Change Impacts
If there is a ground zero for observing the impacts of a changing global climate the Maldives are definitely a front-runner…"
Huffington Post– 09/01/2012
"Heart Of The Arctic: A Dispatch From Ground Zero For Climate Change
…I'm standing at ground zero for climate change. Nowhere else on Earth is it warming as quickly as in Greenland, the world's largest island."
Ecos Magazine
"APR–MAY | 2009
…In our region, a rise of one metre would effectively put the small Pacific Island nations of Kiribati and Tuvalu at ground zero,…"
"A Journey Across the Ground Zero of Global Warming
…Bangladesh is a flat, low-lying land made of silt, squeezed in between the melting mountains of the Himalayas and the rising seas of the Bay of Bengal. As the world warms, the sea is swelling – and wiping Bangladesh off the map…"
Onearth.org – November 18, 2011
"India's Climate Change Ground Zero
…the annual monsoon, and this season's rains, which ended a few weeks ago, were a constant topic of conversation during the five days I've just spent traveling around the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh. U.P., as people call it here,…"
Discover Magazine– 8 September 2008
"The Ground Zero of Climate Change
Antarctica's Whillans Ice Stream helps researchers predict climate change—and the fate of coastal cities around the world.
…It's a typical summer afternoon on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. …"
Courier Mail – December 05, 2008
"Climate change 'ground zero' is far north Queensland
FORGET the melting ice caps – when it comes to climate change, Queensland's vulnerable reef and rainforest is Australia's 'canary in the coalmine'.
According to experts, north Queensland is 'ground zero' for global warming…"
Daily Kos – Feb 17, 2013
The U.S. is ground zero for climate change
"…As climate change heats up the north Atlantic, the U.S. will heat up and dry out. Last summer was just the beginning of the catastrophic warming that will cause droughts that make the dust bowl look like the salad days…"
WildEarth Guardians ~2014
"The Powder River Basin — Ground Zero in Confronting the Climate Crisis
Post and Courier – Mar 24 2013
"Charleston 'ground zero' for climate change
…Future generations may look back on 2012 as the year the majority of our country took climate destabilization seriously,…..
…Climate change brings an added urgency to the Holy City. We are at its 'ground zero' with the emissions of the industrial economy…"
The Montserrat Reporter – 15 August 2014
"Caribbean population need to be more informed on climate change
…'For countries that we claim, correctly, are at ground zero of climate change, our populations are alarmingly un-informed of the wide -ranging impacts of this global crisis.'…
"Oceans and Coasts
How We Work to Adapt to Climate Change
Oceans and coasts are ground zero for climate change, and we're helping people and marine life adapt."
Wired – 5 December 2014
"Cities in Climate Change Danger, Warns Captain Planet
[Cities: ground zero for climate change…]
But urban locations may also be ground zero for climate change, both as perpetrators of a warming atmosphere and as victims of its multi-tiered effects. So says Dr. Marshall Shepherd, a professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Georgia…"
MRZine (Monthly Review) – Feb 17, 2010
"In the Tropical Forests of Sumatra: Notes from Climate Change "Ground Zero"
…While Indonesia is often referred to as Ground Zero of climate change, Palembang should be considered one of its most telling monuments…"
Earth Institute, Columbia University – 8 November 2012
"Arctic Archipelago: Ground Zero For Climate Change
….Svalbard is an archipelago in the Arctic, constituting the northernmost part of Norway. The archipelago features an Arctic climate, …"
Foreign Policy – November 12, 2013
"Why the Philippines Is Ground Zero for Super Storms …And Why Recovery Is So Difficult
…Philippines negotiator Naderev Saño made an emotional plea to his peers, asking them to finally establish an international mechanism for addressing losses and damages linked to climate change…"
Grand Canyon Trust
"Beaver and Climate Change
They are the West's most savvy water engineers. Here on the Colorado Plateau, ground zero for climate change, we humans have a lot to learn from these furry creatures…Please spread the word to anyone who might enjoy and benefit from this opportunity to talk beaver!"
The Daily Green – 10.10.2007
"Utah is Ground Zero for Global Warming?"
Dr. Michael H. Glantz, University of Colorado – Boulder – May 2010
UNU-IC 2010
Every area on planet Earth is defined as the "Ground zero"…
…The Ground Zero of Climate Change: Antarctic…
…The Arctic is ground zero for climate change…
…West Africa is 'Ground Zero' for Climate Change…
…Climate Change Ground Zero: Drought and Fires Devastate Australia…
…Climate Change Ground Zero: New Orleans…
…Florida: 'Ground Zero' for climate change…
…Bhola (Bangladesh) has been referred to as ground zero of climate change…
…Tropics as ground zero for change…
…North Queensland is "ground zero" for global warming…
…Alaska has been described as "ground zero" for climate change…
…The Maldives and other low-lying coastal areas…
…Ground zero for the global-warming debate: the island country of Tuvalu…
…Is there a climate change ground zero coming to your neighborhood?
…Global Warming Hotspots…
Posted in Activism | 15 Responses
15 responses to "Climate Ambulance Chasers Without Borders! Every Location Now Designated The Climate "Ground Zero""
DirkH 13. September 2015 at 12:36 PM | Permalink
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SYc_flMnMQ
The lunatics at the Anti-German SPD-CDU government throw some more irrelevant goodies at electric vehicle purchasers:
-An "E" in the license plate! For the bragging.
-Free bus lane usage. That'll show those stupid bus drivers!
-More slow recharging stations. Excuse me, "fast recharging stations". Well I guess it's fast to a garden snail.
http://www.stern.de/auto/news/fahrern-von-elektroautos-blueht-sonderbehandlung-6448740.html
Because, there are no real problems.
Ed Caryl 13. September 2015 at 3:27 PM | Permalink
When you are chasing a chimera, it is anywhere and everywhere.
sod 13. September 2015 at 3:39 PM | Permalink
Germany is earning a lot of money, by selling cars. It would be plain out stupid to miss the new way that cars are run.
Both of us will likely see a time, when all cars run on e-power.
ClimateOtter 13. September 2015 at 8:25 PM | Permalink
And what will be the Source of that e-power?
Sure as Hell won't be solar + wind. Not unless you carpet the continent from Lisbon to Moscow.
sod 15. September 2015 at 11:01 AM | Permalink
Latest analysis has shown, that in most paces the electric power is "greener" than a car run on petrol.
In Germany, the first 6 month of 2015 saw renewables providing 34% (over one third!!!) of electricity demand.
http://www.iwr.de/news.php?id=29268
And we broke a new record recently with over 80% renewables on a day, for several hours.
http://cleantechnica.com/2015/09/14/renewables-capable-of-covering-80-of-german-demand/
In the US, with Aspen we see the thrird town going for 100% renewables:
http://www.aspentimes.com/news/17972193-113/aspen-is-third-us-city-to-reach-100
The battery car is, as I never tire to explain, the result of a wrong requirement analysis. Electricity is mobile. Carrying around tons of batteries is idiotic. You give away the key advantage of electricity.
As long as this is not recognized, the hydrocarbon car is the next best solution: It has a high energy density storage, can be refilled instantly, is safe and produces plant food. Fuel is abundant and more and more of it is discovered. Just recently the gas field off the shores of Egypt.
"As long as this is not recognized, the hydrocarbon car is the next best solution:"
Tell that those idiots running Porsche (they do not know anything about cars obviously, while you know everything about it!)
The Porsche Mission-E will reach 500 km range and will reload to 80% in 15 Minutes (That is the time of your average stop on the highway anyway).
http://www.stuttgarter-zeitung.de/inhalt.vw-abend-auf-der-iaa-porsche-ueberrascht-mit-e-flitzer.e7b3d24e-41eb-4989-8f69-3bb2573597f0.html
But again, what does Porsche know about cars?
John F. Hultquist 13. September 2015 at 4:49 PM | Permalink
Except for the following, this is an amazing collection of nutty** media statements.
The one from Ensia Magazine (never heard of it) of Jan. 28, 2014 is a reference to the World Trade Center site and the destruction of the twin towers. The writer mentions it is an "historic" site and was called "Ground Zero" as regards the terrorist attack. Thus, it should not be in this list.
**nutty
"By the year 2100, sea levels are projected to rise by as much as seven feet or more, …"
The "more" is a nice touch. If the "feet" is changed to inches or cm. it would be possible to read without laughing. Of course, then, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network [July 9, 2014] would have nothing to spur action.
From the Utah one (I just had to look):
"But, on the bright side, the panel came up with 200 options for reducing the state's contribution to global warming …"
The result of Utahans jumping all over these 200 options will have zero impact on global warming. But, please, do whatever!
Mark Stoval 13. September 2015 at 5:08 PM | Permalink
Great list! Thanks.
~ Mark
R2Dtoo 13. September 2015 at 5:52 PM | Permalink
Some time ago I saw a list of "canaries in the coal mine". Does anyone have the site for this?
Jimbo 13. September 2015 at 10:36 PM | Permalink
The canaries in coalmines galore!
Pierre, a small correction. John F. Hultquist is correct, the Ensia Magazine quote should not be on the list. My apologies.
Graeme No.3 14. September 2015 at 12:32 AM | Permalink
The sites are called Ground Zero because there is zero ground for panic and hysteria.
David Johnson 14. September 2015 at 10:43 AM | Permalink
Excellent list
J Calvert N(UK) 21. September 2015 at 12:19 AM | Permalink
Dr Mickey Glantz's list* of manmade factors affecting climate listed just about everything EXCEPT growth of Urban Heat Islands. Those guys at Boulder CO seem to be absolutely steadfast in their denial of UHI effects.
* The 'PDF' link towards the end of the article links to a list of 'Ground Zeros' made by Dr Mickey Glantz of Boulder Colorado


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Alan Turing: Life and Legacy of a Great Thinker
Alan Turing: Life and Legacy of a Great Thinker pp 241-269 | Cite as
Implementation of a Self-replicating Universal Turing Machine
Hector Fabio Restrepo
Gianluca Tempesti
Daniel Mange
The goal of this contribution is to describe how a universal Turing machine was embedded into a hardware system in order to verify the computational universality of a novel architecture. This implementation was realized with a multicellular automaton inspired by the embryonic development of living organisms. In such an architecture, every artificial "cell" contains a complete copy of the description of the machine, a redundancy that allows the introduction of the properties of self-repair and self-replication. These properties were coupled with a modified version of the W-machine to realize a robust, self-replicating universal computer in actual hardware.
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1.Logic Systems LaboratorySwiss Federal Institute of Technology, LausanneSwitzerland
2.Grupo de Percepción y Sistemas Inteligentes, Escuela de Ing. Eléctrica y ElectrónicaUniversidad del ValleCaliColombia
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Restrepo H.F., Tempesti G., Mange D. (2004) Implementation of a Self-replicating Universal Turing Machine. In: Teuscher C. (eds) Alan Turing: Life and Legacy of a Great Thinker. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
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The Benedictine Health Foundation announced today that Bernadette Rexford has been named the new Executive Director of the Ulster County based organization. She brings with her 5 years' of experience as the Foundation's Development Manager, providing her with extensive experience and knowledge in to the organizations well-established mission. Additionally, Bernadette's daily interaction with patients diagnosed with cancer are an asset to the success of the Rosemary D. Gruner Memorial Cancer Fund and the Benedictine Health Foundation's Emergency Assistance program.
Bernadette holds a Master's degree in Healthcare Administration from the New School for Social Research in Manhattan and a Bachelor's degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
Bernadette resides in Kingston with her husband.


text:
Mi'kmaq Holdings Resource Guide
Using this Resource
Peace and Friendship Treaties
Library Holdings
Spelling and use of the word "Mi'kmaq" Mi'kmaq Orthographies Use of quotation marks and square brackets Preserving the language of archival records Corrections and additions Assigned themes
Mi'kmaq Orthographies
An orthography is the representation of the sounds of a language by written or printed symbols, according to a standard usage. The Mi'kmaq language has several different orthographies:
The Rand Orthography was developed by the Reverend Silas Tertius Rand in 1875. This orthography appears in several 19th century publications written in the Mi'kmaq language, but it is no longer used. Some of these books are among the Nova Scotia Archives Library holdings.
The Pacifique Orthography developed by Father Pacifique (Henri Buisson d'Valigny) in 1894 appears in books compiled by Father Pacifique, some of which are now in the Nova Scotia Archives Library. It is used by people in New Brunswick.
The Francis-Smith Orthography was developed by Bernard Francis and Douglas Smith in 1980. It is used by people in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island and parts of New Brunswick. It is also the official orthography of the Mi'kmaq Sante' Mawio'mi (Grand Council).
The Lexicon Orthography was developed by Albert D. DeBlois and Alphonse Metallic in 1984.
The Listuguj Orthography is used by people in Quebec. Listuguj is located on the southwestern shore of the Gaspe' peninsula.
The Mi'kmaq Resource Guide uses the Francis-Smith Orthography, the orthography most widely recognized by Nova Scotian Mi'kmaq and by the Grand Council.
For historical accuracy, the orthographies and original spellings used in the archival records and library holdings have been preserved in the Mi'kmaq Resource Guide; we cannot change the original spellings in these early historical documents and printed materials to correspond with an orthography developed in the late 20th century.


When and where and how often does the Troop meet?
Do parents come to the Boy Scout meetings like we did for Cub Scouts? How can parents help with Troop 320?
How can I find out what events and dates that the Troop is planning?
How often do they have events and is the event schedule posted in advance or will we know a few weeks ahead of each event?
My son is involved in other activities like travel soccer, baseball, etc. Is it ok if he misses some meetings or campouts ?
What is "Youth Protection Training" and do I need to take it?
What medical forms are required?
How much are the annual dues, and what do they cover? What are the other costs?
What are the major fund-raising opportunities?
What is this mysterious "Popcorn Account"?
What equipment does my son need to start out?
Who provides my son with his rank and merit badge patches?
Who keeps track of advancements and activities that my son participates in?
If my son has an issue with another Scout, how should I handle it?
What's a class "A" uniform and when should I wear it?
What's a class "B" uniform and when should I wear it?
Where do I get class "B" tshirts?
What is the youth leadership structure of the Troop and where do I fit in?
Who signs off on my rank advancements?
Who signs off on my merit badge requirements?
Can siblings come along on Troop campouts?
Is it required that a parent accompany him on all campouts?
What do adults do on Scout campouts?
What equipment does my son need to camp?
How do tenting and meals get arranged? How can I help my son to work these arrangements out for himself?
What if a camper has never slept out alone before? How do you handle it if they get scared?
What if the camper misbehaves? Do you have a standard consequence or do you have them do a physical activity like push ups or jumping jacks?
If they are swimming in a lake is someone watching them?
Do you have a buddy system?
If your son has to miss a campout or other activity are there ever "makeup" activities?
What is High Adventure? Does the Troop participate?
How does rank advancement work in Boy Scouts?
Who keeps track of a Scout's rank advancement?
What can parents do to help with their son's advancement?
Is it the Scouts responsibility to know which badges he needs to work on?
What are rank requirements and why do they matter?
What are merit badges and what is the merit badge process?
Can a Scout work on merit badges by himself or with his family?
How many merit badges do I need?
How can he best take advantage of advancement opportunities early on? What merit badges does he need to start working on first?
How does my child get rank requirements signed?
What is the process for completing the Eagle rank?
Who can I talk to if I have any advancement-related questions?
How can I help my son stay on track in scouting if he does not have a parent involved in the Troop and/or to encourage him to take responsibility?
If my son can't go to the new scout campout what happens?
Is my child already behind if he misses the new scout campout and had to do the eagle bound program at Camp Comer?
What is Camp Comer and where is it?
Does my son need to go to Camp Comer?
If my son can't go that week can he go another week with another troop?
Troop 320 meets every Monday night at 7:00 at the Scout Hut, which is located behind Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church. Meetings typically last until 8:15 PM.
Although parents are not required to attend Boy Scout meetings, parental involvement in the Troop is certainly welcomed. There are always opportunities for a parent to get involved with the Troop activities and planning. There are always positions open for Assistant Scoutmasters (ASM) and Committee Members. There are a number of different committee and ASM positions, such as Equipment coordinator, Trips coordinator, Training coordinator, Communications coordinator, Popcorn coordinator, Treasurer (to name a few) that require volunteers from the parents. In addition, we need parents to help with Boards of Review, Courts of Honor, and Merit Badge Counselors. All parents are welcome to register through our Troop with Boy Scouts of America. Parents can also help by remembering that we are a "Boy Led Troop" and letting their son fulfill his requirements on his own as an important part of the growing experience.
Please take the time to read this important document. It hits the nail right on the head with regards to what we are trying to do with the Scouting program at Troop 320.
Check the online Troop calendar (at www.troop320.org) for the latest updates. We also communicate mainly through email. Check your email frequently for emails from Troop leadership, and please make sure we have your current email address. We encourage Scouts to have a personal email account when parents feel they are ready for one. Parents are also encouraged to attend the monthly Troop Committee meetings as well as the semi-annual Troop planning meetings.
The Troop typically plans events or activities on a monthly basis, with at least one activity planned for each month of the calendar year. These trips and activities are posted online to the Troop calendar, and are discussed in emails that are sent out to the Troop 320 email distribution list.
The Troop makes every effort to accommodate Scouts that have conflicts due to other activities. This may include making separate travel arrangements to and from campouts. Please remember that being active in the troop is Requirement 1 for the higher ranks of Star, Life, and Eagle. Attendance at meetings and campouts are the major elements of being active. A Scout who has conflicts which make it difficult to be active should meet with the Scoutmaster to discuss ways he can meet this requirement.
Youth Protection Training is required for *all* registered adults that interact with the Scouts. It instructs adults in the steps BSA requires to keep our youth safe. It covers a variety of subjects including rules of contact, recognizing and preventing abuse, safe travel, camping, equipment, privacy, and many other subjects. You will learn the rules which all adults in the Scouting program are required to obey. All adult leaders who have contact with youth are required to take Youth Protection Training and remain current by retaking it every two years. This includes any adult who camps with the troop, drives Scouts to and from campouts or events, or works with Scouts in any capacity (including Merit Badge Counselors). Anyone can take Youth Protection Training - you do not have to be a registered leader. Begin your training by visiting the BSA Online Learning Center. Turn in your certificate of completion to the troop Committee.
Beginning in 2011, BSA and Troop 320 requires the NEW Annual Health and Medical Record form Parts A, B, and C. The same form is used by both adults and youth.
Part C is the physical exam that is required for participants in any event that exceeds 72 consecutive hours, for all high-adventure base participants, or when the nature of the activity is strenuous and demanding. Service projects or work weekends may fit this description. Part C is to be completed and signed by a certified and licensed heath-care provider—physician (MD or DO), nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. It is important to note that the height/weight limits must be strictly adhered to when the event will take the unit more than 30 minutes away from an emergency vehicle–accessible roadway, or when the program requires it, such as backpacking trips, high-adventure activities, and conservation projects in remote areas.
The form is online and is in the Portable Document Format. The fields are fillable on your computer and the completed form can be saved. We advise that you keep the originals and provide two copies to the troop. BSA has prepared an informative frequently-asked questions page about the new form.
Currently, Troop 320's annual dues are $100 per Scout. Dues cover all rank advancement, merit badge, and special insignias or special event patches. It also helps pay for costs such as youth training, program materials, supplies, equipment, gear, camping, trip expenses, and activity fees. Occasionally the Troop will schedule a campout or activity where an additional nominal fee may be charged. Adequate notification will be provided for any such activities.
Additional fees are required for summer camp and these will be publicized during the summer camp registration process (they typically are in the $250 range).
Each year Troop 320 participates in a Christmas Tree sale at the Over the Mountain Scout Lot on Highway 31 in Vestavia. Each Scout, as well as parents, are expected to participate in the tree sale. This is the single most significant fundraiser for the Troop and proceeds from this event help to fund the operations Troop for the entire year. Additionally, Scouts are encouraged to participate in the fundraising event for the Vulcan District (selling popcorn). All proceeds that the Troop receives from this District fundraising event goes directly into a "Popcorn Account" for the Scout and can be used to help offset the cost of any camping-related expense (campouts, summer camp, high-adventure trips, etc).
Another duty that Troop 320 participates in, and that is tied in with the Christmas Tree sale, is the duty to put up and take down flags along Highway 31 in Vestavia. The Troop is assigned a weekend to either put up or take down the flags and this is done usually on a Saturday morning.
Each year the Troop participates in the Popcorn fundraising drive for the Vulcan District. Each Scout is asked to sell (delicious) popcorn to help raise money for the district. The district allows the Troop to keep a portion of the proceeds raised through this fundraising event. Instead of keeping the money, the Troop allocates these funds to the Scouts that participated in the event in the form of a "popcorn" account that they can use to pay for camping activities such as summer camp, high adventure trips, campouts, etc.
For instance, imagine that Little Johnny participates in the popcorn sales and he sells $100 worth of popcorn. The Troop gets to keep, let's say, 50% of that money (that's not the actual percentage, but we'll use that in this example). The Troop then allocates $50 to Little Johnny's "popcorn account." Little Johnny can now use that $50 to help pay for a camping activity with the Troop.
Of course your son will need a proper Scout uniform (pants, shirt, socks) and a Scout Handbook. These can be obtained at the Birmingham Scout Shop located at Liberty Park. The next most important items are a sleeping bag and ground pad, and a mess kit (plate, silverware, and mug). These can be purchased at Mountain High Outfitters or any other camping or outdoor center. High-quality rain gear (not Wal-Mart brand), a water bottle, flashlight, and camp chair are also necessary. Other camping items (tent, backpack, stove, etc) may be rented at first and be purchased later on down the road.
The Troop provides all rank and merit badge patches as part of his dues payment. When a boy advances in rank, or completes all the requirements for a merit badge, he receives his new rank and/or merit badge patch at a subsequent Troop meeting.
The Scout should record his service hours, camping nights and hikes in his Boy Scout Handbook. While all of this data will be recorded into the Troop database, the Scout Handbook is considered to be the primary source for this data. In case of a catastrophic crash of the Troop database, the only record we will have to go by is the Boy Scout Handbook.
When a scout is finished with the requirements for his next rank, a Scoutmaster conference is required. Along with a Board of Review, these are Scouting's method of checks and balances. In a Scoutmaster Conference, the scout meets one-on-one with either the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster. It is the scout's responsibility to request a Scoutmaster conference. The Scoutmaster will go through and review to be sure that the scout's handbook is signed off properly and will review with the scout many of the requirements he has gone through. The Scoutmaster (or Assistant) will also talk about the requirement which speaks to living the Scout Oath and Law in his everyday life. If the Scoutmaster feels that the scout is ready for this advancement, he will sign the scout's handbook. If the Scoutmaster feels that there are any deficiencies, they will be clearly outlined with what needs to be done to correct them, and a follow-up conference date will be set.
The Scoutmaster Conference should be carefully prepared for, and the scout must be wearing his complete Class A Uniform, his scout handbook, and a pen or he will be turned away.
After a successful Scoutmaster Conference, the next step is for the Scoutmaster to ask the Advancement Chair to schedule a Board of Review.
The Board of Review is a conference with two uniformed Assistant Scoutmasters of the Troop. It usually takes place during the fourth Troop meeting of the month. A Board of Review typically follows a Scoutmaster Conference for rank advancement, but may also be requested by the Troop Committee for other reasons, such as to find out why a boy is not advancing.
Requests for a Board of Review should be directed to the Troop Advancement Chair at least one week before the requested board date. The Board of Review is requested by the scout, not by the parent.
The board will spend a few minutes with the Scout discussing the things he had to do to earn this advancement, as well as the Scout's general feelings about the Troop, the program, his goals, etc. This check and balance system allows for the Scouts to be able to openly discuss issues with people they can trust, as well as to be sure that the boys are truly deserving of advancement and not watering down the program. It is fair game for the Committee to ask the Scout about not only this current advancement, but ALL ranks earned previously. He will not be re-tested on any requirements, but may be asked how he completed them. For example, for the cooking requirement, he could be asked what foods he prepared and how he did it.
As with the Scoutmaster Conference, the scout must be in his complete Class A Uniform and have his handbook and a pen.
The Order of the Arrow is the BSA's National Scouting Honor Society. OA members exemplify brotherhood, cheerfulness and service, and assist Scouting through camp improvement projects, service to units, and assistance with council and district events. Scouts are elected to the OA by fellow youth members of their troop, and must have met certain requirements including achieving First Class rank and experiencing a minimum number of nights camping.
Your son's first and most important leader is his Patrol Leader. If there is no satisfaction at the Patrol Leader level, then Senior Patrol Leader should be involved. If no satisfaction is found within the youth leadership, the issue should be escalated to either the Scoutmaster or one of his assistants. The final escalation point within the Troop is the Troop Committee. This same escalation process also is in play when disciplinary action needs to be involved. We always try to have the youth leaders police their own issues, if possible. If the Troop is unable to resolve the issue, assistance is available through the Unit Commissioner, who is a district-level volunteer and who can call upon district and council resources.
If any issue ever involves conduct that endangers personal safety, the process skips directly to the adult leaders.
Troop 320 recognizes two kinds of uniform: Class A and Class B.
At formal events such as a Court of Honor, the Merit Badge Sash may be worn over the right shoulder. If a scout is a member of the Order of the Arrow, the OA sash may be worn instead of the Merit Badge Sash. Both sashes may not be worn at the same time, nor may the Merit Badge Sash be worn draped from the waist or belt.
The Class B Uniform substitutes the troop T-shirt for the official BSA scout shirt. Khaki or green pants or shorts are still part of the Class B, and footwear appropriate for the activity. Occasionally, scouts may be asked to wear "work jeans" instead of their green pants. The Class B uniform can be while at a campout, except as noted above.
Class B tshirts are available at the Scout Hut. Just ask the Scoutmaster or a uniformed Assistant Scoutmaster.
Unlike Cub Scouts, which is run by the adults, Boy Scouts is a boy-led organization. The troop consists of several smaller groups called Patrols. These may seem to be similar to dens in Cub Scouts, but with one important distinction: Boys in a patrol elect their own leader from among themselves. The Patrol Leader's job is to help the boys in the patrol succeed by helping them advance, defining and supporting their roles in the patrol, and to represent the patrol on the Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC). The Patrol Leader appoints an Assistant Patrol Leader and also designates other members to ongoing or per-event functions, such as a patrol quartermaster The Patrol Leader also assigns duties for each member at campouts such as cooking and cleaning. Patrol Leaders are elected by patrol members at twice-yearly troop elections.
The top youth leader of a troop is called the Senior Patrol Leader. The SPL is elected by all the boys in the troop at the twice-yearly troop elections. His job is to chair the PLC, appoint other troop officers not appointed by the Scoutmaster, and to support the Patrol Leaders in their duties. He also chairs the annual troop program planning conference and conducts Troop Leadership Training with the support and participation of the Scoutmaster.
Other troop officers include the Scribe, who records the happenings of the PLC and at troop meetings, and takes attendance; the Librarian, who maintains the troop's library of handbooks and merit badge pamphlets; the Chaplain Aide, who plans and conducts religious services at campouts; Historian, who keeps a written and photo record of troop activities; the Quartermaster, who helps keep track of the troop's equipment; Webmaster, who helps maintain the Troop website; Troop Guides, who help new-scout patrols get settled in the troop and with their advancement; Instructors, who teach Scout skills; and Den Chiefs, who assist Cub Scout den leaders.
Every scout in the troop (except for the SPL, ASPLs and Troop Guides) is a member of a patrol. Patrol members can choose their patrol name, have a patrol flag and cheer, and camp as a patrol on troop campouts. As a new scout, your patrol leader and members of your patrol will do everything they can to make you feel at home in the troop and help you learn what you need to know to succeed.
In general, when a Scout learns and masters the task in a requirement, he demonstrates it for the Scoutmaster or ASM, who will initial and date his Boy Scout Handbook on the page (in the back) for that requirement.
Each rank has a requirement to show scout spirit, which is normally approved by the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster at the Scoutmaster Conference. The Board of Review space will be initialed by the committee Chair.
In general, the Merit Badge Counselor that teaches the merit badge should be the only one who signs off on those specific requirements. However, exceptions may be made so that the Scoutmaster or a uniformed Assistant Scoutmaster may sign off on the merit badge requirements. Other exceptions may be made if the Scout is completing requirements with a qualified adult at a summer camp or other organized event. This is at the discretion of the Scoutmaster. Parents should not sign off on any merit badge requirements.
May siblings come along on Troop campouts?
The Troop will be working on merit badge or requirement activities which may not be age-appropriate for other family members, and whose presence may create a distraction. Siblings outside of Troop members may not attend campouts.
Unlike Cub Scouts, dads are not required to accompany a Scout on all campouts (unless special circumstances exist which would require that he be present). Dads are certainly welcome to join us and help with delivering the Scouting program. Dads do not sleep with their sons. Any dad who comes to camp, whether he spends the night or not, must complete Youth Protection Training. This may be taken online through the BSA Online Learning Center. All participants must also submit a current health form - both Scouts and adults.
Baden-Powell taught the lessons of leadership to boys in a giant laboratory called The Outdoors. It's no surprise, then, that camping is the heart of Boy Scouting, so please take a few minutes to understand Boy Scout camping. Boy Scouting is absolutely different from Cub Scouting or Webelos! And while dads often accompany the Scouts on campouts, the Scouts camp with their patrols and not with their parents!
A key difference between Boy Scouting and Cub Scouting/Webelos is leadership. Look for the word "leader" in a job title, and you will begin to appreciate the difference. The responsible person for a Cub/Webelos den is the adult Den Leader. The responsible person for a Boy Scout patrol is the boy Patrol Leader.
This isn't token leadership (like a denner). A Patrol Leader has real authority and genuine responsibilities. Much of the success, safety, and happiness of his Patrol Scouts depends directly on him.
The underlying principle is: Never do anything for a boy that he can do himself. We allow boys to grow by practicing leadership and by learning from their mistakes. And while Scout skills are an important part of the program, what ultimately matters when our Scouts become adults is not whether they can use a map and compass, but whether they can offer leadership to others in tough situations, and can live by a code that centers on honest, honorable, and ethical behavior.
Being an adult advisor is a difficult role, especially when we are advising the boys (even worse, our own sons). Frequently (usually two to three times a year), the Boy Scouts of America offers special training on how to do this.
Adult ASMs are members of our Big Dog (adult) Patrol. This patrol has several purposes - good food and camaraderie (of course), but more important is providing an example the boy patrols can follow without our telling them what to do (we teach by example). Since a patrol should camp as a group, we expect the Big Dog Patrol to do so also; that way, adults don't tent in or right next to a boy patrol where your mere presence could disrupt the learning process. We practice the same camp etiquette we expect of the boys; for example, we don't just wander in to a patrol campsite but ask for permission to enter, just as the boys are expected to do when entering other patrols' (or the adults') sites.
Troop 320 adults tent separately from the Scouts (even dads and sons). We also either cook and eat separately, or are invited by the patrols to join them for meals. We are safely nearby, but not smotheringly close. Sure, go ahead and visit the patrol sites (not just your son's), talk to your son (and the other Scouts), ask what's going on or how things are going. But give the guys room to grow while you enjoy the view. Show a Scout how to do something, but don't do it for him. Avoid the temptation to give advice, and don't jump in just to prevent a mistake from happening (unless it's serious). We all learn best from our mistakes. And let the boys lead. If you see something that needs doing, like dirty dishes on a table or a fallen clothesline, don't do it yourself, and don't just tell the boys to do it either. Mention it to the Scoutmaster, and if it's important enough, he'll bring it up with the Senior Patrol Leader, who will decide how to handle it.
The most important items are a sleeping bag and ground pad, and a mess kit (plate, silverware, and mug). These can be purchased at Mountain High Outfitters or any other camping or outdoor center. High-quality rain gear (not Wal-Mart brand), a water bottle, flashlight, and camp chair are also necessary. Other camping items (tent, backpack, stove, etc) may be rented at first as needed and be purchased later on down the road.
All tenting and meal arrangements for any campout are to take place within the patrol with the guidance of the Patrol Leader. These arrangements may be made during a patrol meeting at the Scout Hut or via email between the members of a patrol. Before a campout it's OK to ask your son who he's going to tent with and who's going to cook the meals. If he does not know or does not have a satisfactory answer, encourage him to seek guidance from his Patrol Leader. If that does not work, encourage him to speak with the Senior Patrol Leader or Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. If the issue still does not get resolved, tell him to speak with the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster.
Resist the temptation to make these arrangements for him. One of the primary goals of Scouting is to teach the boys self-reliance, confidence and to learn from their mistakes. No one has ever gone hungry on a Troop 320 campout although many forgot to plan meals.
Scouts are not truly "alone" on any campout. They will tent with their patrol mates and other Scouts in the Troop, and the adult leadership team is never far away. Scouts that may become homesick or scared are encouraged to interact with the other Scouts and to try to have fun in the activity, so as to steer their thoughts in a different direction and not focus on their being scared or lonely.
Troop 320 does not encourage nor condone any use of corporal punishment in any Scouting activity, so push-ups or jumping jacks are out of the question. If a Scout misbehaves at a campout or other Scouting activity, the behavior will be addressed in correlation to the seriousness of the action. The first line of authority comes from the Scout's Patrol Leader, then the Senior Patrol Leader. If the situation warrants, an adult Assistant Scoutmaster will get involved and, if necessary, address the issue with the Scoutmaster and Troop Committee Chair.
Any disciplinary action for any Scout will be handled by the Troop Committee Chair.
BSA groups shall use Safe Swim Defense for all swimming activities. Adult leaders supervising a swimming activity must have completed Safe Swim Defense training within the previous two years. Safe Swim Defense standards apply at backyard, hotel, apartment, and public pools; at established waterfront swim areas such as beaches at state parks and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes; and at all temporary swimming areas such as a lake, river, or ocean. Safe Swim Defense does not apply to boating or water activities such as waterskiing or swamped boat drills that are covered by Safety Afloat guidelines. Safe Swim Defense applies to other nonswimming activities whenever participants enter water over knee deep or when submersion is likely, for example, when fording a stream, seining for bait, or constructing a bridge as a pioneering project. Snorkeling in open water requires each participant to have demonstrated knowledge and skills equivalent to those for Snorkeling BSA in addition to following Safe Swim Defense. Scuba activities must be conducted in accordance with the BSA Scuba policy found in the Guide to Safe Scouting. Because of concerns with hyperventilation, competitive underwater swimming events are not permitted in Scouting.
Troop 320 will follow BSA's Buddy System whenever appropriate. Examples include water activities, whenever a Scout is to go beyond visual range of a campsite, instances where Scouts are interacting with large groups of people not known by the troop, and whenever the Scoutmaster declares the Buddy System is in effect.
Meetings and campouts are not required attendance. Of course your son would miss out on any activities that took place during that meeting or campout that he missed. While the Troop typically does not arrange for any make-up sessions or activities, arrangements can certainly be made to bring Scouts up to speed on a case-by-case basis.
High Adventure is a personally challenging outdoor experience, usually involving hiking or boating (canoeing or sailing) for several days to a week. The Troop strives to provide a long-term high adventure opportunity each year, along with two or three short-term (weekend) high adventures. Some examples of long-term high adventure include BSA's high adventure bases at Philmont Scout Ranch, Northern Tier Canoe Base, and Florida Sea Base.
Advancement is one of the methods that is used to deliver the aims and purposes of Scouting. All boys are encouraged to advance, because it gives them recognition for accomplishment, teaches them useful skills, and gives them a benchmark by which to measure their progress.
Unlike Cub Scouts, where all boys advance in rank by age or grade, Boy Scout advancement is not tied to a specific timetable. There are boys who advance to Eagle by the age of fourteen, and there have been some who reach age 18 without advancing higher than Tenderfoot. For a boy to get the most out of the Scouting program, however, we encourage him to complete First Class rank within a year or so of joining.
A boy advances through the first few ranks (Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class) by mastering scout and life skills of increasing complexity. As he completes requirements, he'll have his Scout Handbook signed by the Scoutmaster or ASM (see a separate FAQ entry on this), complete his Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review, and be recognized for his achievement. Boys may work on all three ranks simultaneously, but they must be awarded in order.
The next ranks, Star and Life, require completion of varying numbers of merit badges, including some that are required for the rank of Eagle, along with service hours and fulfilling a leadership role in the Troop.
The highest rank, Eagle, requires completion of 21 merit badges, of which 12 are required and the rest electives, development and execution of a service project involving supervision and leadership of others, and holding a position of leadership in the troop. The process is more complicated, and the rank is awarded by the national organization rather than the local council.
More information and links to videos for each rank can be found on the Advancements & Awards page on the BSA website.
He does! Although the Troop keeps advancement records once advancements are completed, a large part of the Scouting experience is for the boys to learn responsibility for their own advancement. The Scout Handbook should be taken on almost all Scouting events, and the Scout should be aware of what requirements are outstanding. Generally, nobody is going to tell him he needs requirement such-and-such until it is noticed that he's not been advancing for a long period of time and he's called into a conference with the Scoutmaster.
Ask him how things are going, ask to see his Scout Handbook and inquire if he is getting sign-offs on the requirements that he completes. Encourage him to talk to the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmasters when he has met a requirement. Parents are involved at home encouraging, mentoring, and supporting, but they do not sign for rank advancement requirements.
Absolutely! Advancement responsibilities, to include merit badges, are up to the Scout to keep up with. A large part of the Scouting effort is to teach the Scout that it is his responsibility to dig into the badges and know what he needs to do next. Remember, this is a chance for a boy to learn how real life works.
The rank advancement program teaches boys to set goals and work toward them. We try to follow a "First Class -First Year" program for new scouts, helping them to advance through the ranks to First Class in their first year in our troop. New scouts start advancing by going through the rank requirements in their Boy Scout Handbook. The book defines the rank requirements and what needs to be done for each one.
Remember, it is the Scout's responsibility to complete rank requirements and get their paperwork signed. Rank advancement, although encouraged, is not a requirement in Boy Scouts; the adult leaders will not approach the scout to sign off on requirements. If they're not advancing at all, they may have a conference with the scout to find out if there is anything wrong, but in general, the scout must be the one to take the initiative.
Experienced scouts learn skills on specific topics by working on merit badges and develop leadership skills by holding positions of responsibility. Helpful Hint: You can work on rank requirements in any rank at any time; scouts often have some First Class requirements complete before they are a Tenderfoot.
The Merit Badge program helps the scouts learn career skills, develop physical fitness, and provide hobbies that give a lifetime of healthful recreation. Merit badges must be earned with the assistance of a Council-approved registered Merit Badge Counselor. A scout who would like to earn a merit badge talks to the Scoutmaster (or one of the assistant Scoutmasters), who will assign a counselor and issue an Application for Merit Badge, commonly called a "Blue Card".
* The Scout fills out the first part of the blue card and has the Scoutmaster sign it.
* The scout contacts the Merit Badge Counselor and sets up a schedule for earning his merit badge.
* The Merit Badge Counselor will sign off individual requirements until the merit badge is completed.
* The Merit Badge Counselor holds his part of the card as a record for at least one year.
* The Scout keeps the middle third (the "Applicant's Record") at home in a safe place such as a special merit badge binder.
* The last section goes to the Scoutmaster to be signed, after which the scout gives it to the Advancement Chair to be recorded in the troop and Council records, and to obtain the Merit Badge itself, which is awarded at the next Court of Honor.
Keep your rank cards and merit badge cards in a safe place! There have been incidents where cards are lost accidentally by Troops. If there is any question as to whether a scout has earned a merit badge, the scout's signed portion of the Blue Card is positive proof. We recommend getting plastic trading card sleeves and a three ring binder to hold the cards. This can be a place to record camping nights, merit badge write ups, etc. It's also a good idea to photocopy your cards and keep them in a safe place.
A scout has to follow the procedure above for earning a merit badge, or work on merit badges at summer camp, merit badge clinics or classes conducted within the troop. In all cases, he must have Scoutmaster approval and a Blue Card before beginning. A parent cannot counsel his son unless he is also a registered Merit Badge Counselor for that particular merit badge. It is not recommended that a parent be his son's counselor unless the parent is teaching a class or clinic for the troop, camp or outside organization, or if there is no other counselor for that merit badge in the District. It is up to the discretion of the Scoutmaster as to whether to allow a particular counselor to counsel a scout.
There are many reasons why a boy's parent may not be a suitable Merit Badge Counselor for his son. Chief among these is that the merit badge process is intended to give the scout experience in dealing with people outside his circle of acquaintances. It can be a challenge to pick up the phone, call a trustworthy adult whom the scout has never met before, and ask him or her to be his counselor, but within that challenge is a character-building experience that will prepare him for the associations he will have later in life.
To attain Scouting's highest rank, Eagle, requires the completion of 21 merit badges, of which 12 are required and the rest electives.
Of the 21 merit badges that a Scout must earn before achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, 13 are required. That means only 8 of the 21 merit badges are elective. If you are a Scout that intends to earn Eagle Rank, then it is a good idea to concentrate on the thirteen Eagle-Required merit badges starting early in your Scouting career. The electives will fall into place as you attend summer camp or perhaps other events. So, keep focused on these important 13 Eagle-required merit badges and not the electives.
Let's talk about those 13 merit badges, and perhaps the best time and place to earn them.
Swimming, Environmental Science, Communications, First Aid, Cooking, Lifesaving: No better place than summer camp. If you are a swimmer, you will be passing a swimming test your first day at camp. Might as well keep going and get the Swimming merit badge! (If you are not a swimmer, this is absolutely the best place to learn. I taught swimming to non-swimmers as a lifeguard at a Scout camp many years ago. I had every boy swimming within a week.) Many camps have an age limit for Lifesaving, so this might be delayed until your third or fourth season at summer camp. There are alternatives for Swimming and Lifesaving, but I personally recommend these two merit badges. I believe that every person should know how to swim, and also how to rescue someone in the water. Environmental Science, First Aid, Cooking and Communications are also a natural for camp, and all three should be earned early on your advancement trail. Not a bad idea to use four of these merit badges for your Star advancement.
Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, and Citizenship in the World: Citizenship in the Community is a complex merit badge, requiring an interview of a public official, attendance at school or town board meeting, and eight hours of community service to an organization that you have identified and interviewed. Citizenship in the Nation is easier, requiring only one trip, but requires a reasonable knowledge of our government and how it works. Citizenship in the World is what I call a "homework" merit badge. You can earn the entire merit badge by reading the merit badge pamphlet and answering the questions. (I had one Scout earn this merit badge in one 35-minute session with me. He was a history buff and really knew his material.) All three citizenship merit badges can be earned at any age, but they are probably easier for a Scout of 13 years or older.
Camping: You will earn this over the course of several years camping with your troop. A total of 20 nights of camping are required, only 7 of which may be summer camp. Keep good track of all your camping trips in your Scout handbook!
Personal Fitness and Personal Management: These two merit badges are the most important ones for launching yourself into adulthood, and should be the last Eagle-required merit badges earned. They are "real world" and require a lot of work. And they are also the two other "90-day" merit badges, requiring a log of personal fitness activities and a journal of income and expenses for 3 months.
Rank requirements may be signed off by the Scoutmaster or by any uniformed Assistant Scoutmaster at a Troop meeting or other Scouting event (such as a campout). Scouts are encouraged to bring their handbooks to campouts so that they can have requirements signed as they complete the requirement. The Troop also periodically schedules advancement nights where rank advancements are reviewed and approved as appropriate. Additionally, encourage your son to approach a uniformed Assistant Scoutmaster when he has completed any rank advancement and wishes to get the requirement signed. This strengthens his self-confidence and helps him get accustomed to interacting with adults and other leaders.
The fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not only in Scouting but also as he enters higher education, business or industry, and community service. The award is a performance-based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained over the years. Not every boy who joins a Boy Scout troop earns the Eagle Scout rank; only about 5 percent of all Boy Scouts do so. This represents more than 2 million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since 1912. Nevertheless, the goals of Scouting—citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness—remain important for all Scouts, whether or not they attain the Eagle Scout rank.
To earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement rank in Scouting, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills. Although many options are available to demonstrate proficiency in these areas, a number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks—Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. To advance, a Boy Scout must pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges.
Take a look at this resource for great information on the path to Eagle.
The Scout should address any advancement-related questions with his Patrol leader first, then an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, then the Senior Patrol Leader. Parents should speak with the Advancement Chair, Scoutmaster, or Troop Committee Chair if you have any advancement-related questions.
Make sure he has the handbooks and badge books needed, and talk with him to develop an action plan. For example, the plan might include things like: 1-Tell Citizenship in the World Badge Counselor Smith about attending the Cherry Blossum Festival at the Botanical Garderns so he can sign off requirement X; 2-Ask Assistant Scoutmaster Doe about XYZ. Suggest a written list kept in the handbook, so that if your son doesn't have the opportunity to accomplish something at one meeting, he will remember to keep trying in the next few weeks.
The "new Scout campout" is designed to give your son an opportunity to interact with his peers and other Troop leadership (older Scouts and adult leaders) in a camping environment. A number of rank requirements will be addressed at the campout as well to give your son a head start on rank advancement. If your son cannot attend the new Scout campout it's OK. The same rank advancements and peer interaction will take place at Summer Camp through the Eagle Bound program. The new Scout campout mirrors what is typically done through the Eagle Bound curriculum. So either way, your son is still getting the essential rank advancements taken care of.
Certainly not. Scouting is not a race, especially when it comes to new Scouts that have just joined the Troop. There will be plenty of time and opportunity to fulfill rank requirements and pursue merit badges. Please do not feel as if you are behind this early in the game.
Each year Troop 320 spends a week at a Boy Scout Summer Camp. Traditionally, Troop 320 has done this at Camp Comer located in Mentone, Alabama. The Scouts spend the week working on merit badges and fulfilling rank advancements. It's a fun and safe environment for them to learn and interact with one another (as well as with boys from other Troops).
While it is not required, the value of going to Camp Comer cannot be understated. Camp Comer offers Scouts a unique opportunity to work on a number of merit badges (up to 7) in a short amount of time. It also affords them the opportunity to interact with one another and to simply enjoy the great outdoors.
Absolutely! There are a number of times when we host a young man from another Troop or a member of Troop 320 attends Summer Camp with another Troop. These arrangements just need to be made through the Scoutmaster so that proper credit is given to the Scout.