Right before I left for Chile, and almost immediately upon my return, I heard from a few Scouts and Scouters venting about their discontent with the troop since we resumed in-person Scouting after the Covid-19 lockdowns. Some of it was about personality conflicts. Those are not actionable. If Scouts do not like each other, that is not a troop problem: it is an opportunity for growth. They will have to deal with people they do not like all through their academic, work, and personal lives.  Be helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, and cheerful and talk it through – but do not be mean to each other. Life is too short.  Adults, if you see yourself in this, it is not too late for you. Some of the venting, though, is both justified and actionable. Let us address those.

First, the Covid-19 lockdowns are over. There were things that we were permitted during the pandemic that are no longer permitted or no longer helpful, e.g., parents (once again) are not permitted to share tents with their children, the 2-year age difference rule is back, and boys & girls still can’t tent together.

Uniforms

See https://troopleader.scouting.org/scoutings-aims-and-methods/:

“The uniform makes the Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Scout’s commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Scout activities and provides a way for Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished.”

I have often said that I would rather have a Scout without a uniform than a uniform without a Scout.  It was especially true during the Covid-19 lockdowns: since we were all at home & not visible in the community, it was not a driving factor. This is still applicable to certain extenuating circumstances that sometimes arise: for example, when a Scout comes to a meeting straight from another extracurricular activity that left them sweaty enough to trash a uniform. Otherwise, there is no excuse not to properly wear the uniform of the day. If you need one, get one. They are available at the Scout Shop, they can be found in thrift stores, and we have a uniform bank (please donate $5 for any field uniform items you take from the bank.)  And, while we are at it, if you have a uniform that no longer fits, please consider transferring the patches to your new uniform and donating the old one to the bank! Within the troop, we even accept non-BSA pants if they are reasonably close to the BSA pants’ color. Adult leaders should also be wearing their uniforms properly. We expect everyone to keep their uniforms neat, clean, up-to-date with insignia and awards, and worn properly (tuck in your shirt!) While not an official BSA website, https://scoutsmarts.com/bsa-scout-uniform-inspection/ has some solid information on the uniform.

Behavior

Several adult leaders have felt very disrespected by some of the Scouts and parents – beyond simple personality differences. So, let us be clear: everyone is expected to be courteous to each other.

• We do not run this unit as a precursor to military service, so I do not expect to hear anyone barking and yelling at anyone else. (Exception: flag ceremonies – the caller should be loud and crisp in their commands; on the shooting range – “cease fire!” should always be loud; and as a warning when someone’s in danger – “Don’t run into that treeeee!”)
  
• Burping in anyone’s face (yes that happened), foul language, name-calling, lying, talking over others, and distracting others from participation are not acceptable.
  
• If help is requested do not sit on your hands and look around to see if anyone else jumps up to do it. On camp outs, especially, everyone is expected to carry their own weight and to contribute effort towards the greater good so that everyone learns, stays safe, and has an enjoyable outing. A Scout is helpful.Parents: Please model this. If the Committee or a Scoutmaster/Asst Scoutmaster (SM/ASM) asks for help, please volunteer.  There are lots of ways you can help that do not require hours of training, a registration, and a uniform.
  
• When a communication comes from the committee, read it. Thoroughly.  Never assume that nothing in it applies to you. Special note: Show Ray that you read this by quietly saying to him. "I read the article about embarrassing ear odor."
  
• While Scouts are at different levels of maturity, good attitude and good effort are always required. No whining! All Scouts and Scouters are expected to demonstrate Scout Spirit. We do not measure Scout Spirit by counting meetings & outings attended. It is indicated, instead, by the way the Scout lives daily life. Scout Spirit is a part of Advancement; but none of us are perfect, and a mistake today doesn’t derail your next Board of Review if you try to improve.
  

https://troopleader.scouting.org/scoutings-aims-and-methods/:

“Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. The Scout plans their advancement and progresses at their own pace as they meet each challenge. The Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.”

Personal growth is the primary goal of advancement. Some parents are tempted to intervene on behalf of their Scout, and in some cases, it has been unclear that the Scout has completed a requirement on their own. Don’t do that. It deprives Scouts of the opportunity to grow. Let them make mistakes and learn from them. Their SMs, ASMs, Advancement Chair, and senior Scouts will mentor them. 

All merit badges require a blue card (or equivalent) and assignment of a counselor before work starts, and require interaction with the counselor, as requirements that include the words "explain", "discuss", or “demonstrate” must be explained to/discussed with/demonstrated to the counselor. Scouts can use worksheets as notes for those requirements, but each counselor can determine whether to accept those in lieu of a verbal discussion based on circumstances.

Leadership

Scouts who have a leadership position are expected to fulfill that position’s requirements. We conduct Youth Leadership Training at our meetings at least yearly. Scouts who participate in that training will know what their responsibilities are & will have some training to be successful. We also encourage sufficiently mature Scouts to attend NYLT instead of Summer Camp once they reach First Class rank. What they learn in that week changes their lives.

If a Scout fails to fulfill the requirements of their leadership position during their elected term, that term cannot be counted towards advancement. When a Scout assumes a position, something related to the desired results must happen. It is a disservice to the Scout and to the unit to reward work that has not been done. Holding a position and doing nothing, producing no results, is unacceptable. Some degree of responsibility must be practiced, taken, or accepted.

Let's have a great 2023.