Questions and Answers from Scouters

Every situation is different. Whether you are new to Scouting or you have been involved for a while, sometimes it is helpful to get input from other Scouters. We are here to help each other.

A number of readers have asked questions about a variety of situations in their units. You might find the answers helpful.

If you have a question you would like posted, feel free to contact me with the details.

Remember that your local council and the Scouters in your district are usually the best people to ask. But if you want to do a little research first, then check out this list below.

Should Duty To God Requirements Be Completed at Home or at a Meeting?

A reader asks " We have kids of different faiths and some atheists in our pack. Do you have a good list of non-religious questions for the duty to God requirements?"

New Leader Orientation

A reader asks " I am putting together a Leader Orientation for next year and was wondering what you would include, especially with the upcoming program changes."

Recognizing Eagle Palms

A reader recently wrote to me with this question about recognizing Eagle palms: "My son is about to get his 17th Palm before he turns 18. Is there some type of ceremony to recognized this similar to the Eagle COH?"

Mom to Mom Cub Scout Recruiting

Mike wrote to me with this question about Cub Scout recruiting. Could a local mom-to-mom Cub Scout recruiting program get more families into Cub Scouting?

Issues While Rechartering

A reader asks "Does the BSA ever deny a charter during recharter, and for what reasons would they deny a recharter?"

Who Plans Pack Activities?

A reader asks "Isn't it the responsibility of the committee to plan the year, and the Cubmaster to execute?" Ideally, the committee chair would work cooperatively with the Cubmaster, the activity chairs, and other committee members.

Scheduling Cub Scout Adventures

A reader asks some questions about scheduling Cub Scout adventures. What order works best? Should they finish one adventure before starting another?

Retiring a Pack Flag

Raquel sent in this question: "My Pack has moved to a new sponsor and we would like to retire the old pack flag that represents our old sponsor. Are there any ceremonies for retiring a sponsor pack flag?"

Activity Patches

A reader asks "I have quite a number of different little patches that I would like to give out to my scouts. Is there a list with pictures of what these different patches would be awarded for? "

Scouting Resources and Scout Support Groups

A reader is looking for resources and support groups for parents of Scouts and spouses of Scouters.

Instant Recognition for Cub Scouts

A reader asks if it is OK to hand out the instant recognition beads for Cub Scouts at a pack meeting.

Conflicts with Unit Fundraising

The best way to handle possible conflicts between unit fundraisers is to talk it out.

Getting Parents to Sign Boys Up for Cub Scouting

A reader writes in looking for advice about convincing parents to sign their children up for the Cub Scouts. What ideas can you share with her?

How Many Count as a Patrol?

Karen asked this question: "How many boys from a Patrol does there need to be to qualify as doing "anything" as a Patrol?"

Faith Requirements for Cub Scouts and Agnostics

Two Cub Scout leaders ask about how to complete the faith related requirements with Cub Scouts who are raised in agnostic homes.

Problem – Scouters Too Involved in Meetings

The adults involved are very enthusiastic, which is great, but they tend to talk over the kids and take over the meetings. Some of the adults are keeping the kids form running the meetings successfully.

Who Should Present the Award?

A reader asks for some suggestions about who might present a James M. Stewart Citizenship Award to her son.

Inactive Scouts in Patrols

A reader is involved in a large troop, but due to low participation from scouts it is difficult to have patrol leader elections and a youth led program.

How Many Meetings Does It Take to Complete the First Responder Achievement?

A reader asks a question about how many meetings are required to cover First Responder: " I have a parent who’s trying to tell me it can be done in a 1 hr trip to our local fire station. I’m thinking it should take about 5 meetings or a good the better part of a Saturday. " I think the answer might be somewhere in between.

Reverse Tracking Tool for Webelos Advancement

A reader is looking for a tool to determine if an activity in the community corresponds/matches-up with a requirement toward an Activity Badge for Webelos.

How to Locate a Cub Scout Pack to Join

Needra sent in this question: "My grandson who is 6 would like to join a tiger cub program. How do I find one in my area??" This one is easy to answer!

Helping an Auditory Learner with Webelos Requirements

A reader asks about helping an auditory learner with the Webelos requirements. Songs can be a big help to auditory learners.

Age Requirements for Merit Badges

A reader asks about how old a Scout should be to work on a merit badge. The Guide to Advancement provides some answers.

How to Reboot a Venturing Crew

Karah asks "Is there anything I can do to bring new life to the Crew? " Readers, what are your ideas for breathing new life into a Crew?

Tiger Cub Electives – Group or Individual?

All Tiger Cub activities are to be done with an adult partner. The adult partner can be a parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent, etc. I've even had a college aged sibling do activities with Tiger Cubs.

Eagle Palms and Merit Badges

Steve sent in this question about Eagle palms: In terms of earning Palms. Do MB's earned before getting Eagle count towards Palms?

Script or Ceremony for Venturing Ranger Award

A reader asks " We are planning my son's Eagle COH and he also recently earned his Venturing Ranger Award. The Crew Leader has agreed to award this during his COH but I can not find any type of "script" for the Ranger Award for the Crew Leader to use. Any suggestions? " First of all, congratulations to your son. Eagle and Ranger! That's a special accomplishment.

Winter Camp Games and Activities

Nancy sent in this question: "I would like ideas for a winter camp that we either play inside or outside in the snow at a cub camp with 3rd year Beavers."

Interpreting Requirements

For requirements, the Scout must do the requirement as written. The Advisor, consultant, merit badge counselor, etc interprets those requirements to the best of their ability to ensure that the Scout fulfills them. They may not add to or subtract from the requirement.

Crossover and Webelos Who Did Not Complete Requirements

A reader asks "What should we do if we know some of the boys won't be continuing on to Scouts BSA? What about boys not completing AOL requirements? "

Service Projects While Social Distancing

A reader asks about service projects which can be done with social distancing. I can think of lots of possibilities, but two of my favorites are freezer meal outreach and yard work for the elderly.

Board of Review Questions

Reader Shelley asked "I'm a new Troop Committee Chair and was wondering if anyone has some great questions that they ask their Scouts during their Board of Reviews?" Sometimes committee members struggle to come up with good Board of Review questions.

Blue and Gold, Webelos Crossover, and Arrow of Light Ceremony Ideas

A reader asks about how to involve younger Cub Scouts in the Blue and Gold activities to make it more engaging for them.

Can Women Be Assistant Scoutmasters?

A reader asks "Are single moms allowed to be assistant scoutmasters and go along on outings and campouts with Scouts BSA Troops?"

Ideas for Gift Exchange

A reader asks for ideas for the troop gift exchange. I've listed a few of my own. Readers, add your ideas also.

Nova Wild! and the World Conservation Award

A reader asks "My cubs earned the Cub Scout World Conservation Award as Bears. In June we will be Webelos and part of our den program this year is to offer the Nova Wild program. Do they need to earn the CS World Conservation Award again or can the award they have earned be applied to this Nova program? We have not applied the Conservation Award to any other Nova Programs." Add your comments.

Genealogy Requirements and Non Traditional Families

How do you do Cub Scout genealogy requirements when you have children from non-traditional families who may not know who their grandparents or even parents are?

Cub Scout Song Book

Amy wrote me and asked me if I would post a Cub Scout song book she made to fill a ticket for her Woodbadge course. My answer was yes!

Adjusting a Trek and Backpacking Merit Badge

A reader asks about the Backpacking merit badge "I understand that the purpose of the backpacking merit badge is to learn backpacking skills, but where does it say that they had to backpack every single day of those 5 days? They were already in Philmont, backpacking and staying in tents. I think the counselor is missing the point of the requirement and adding more to it. "

What If the Committee Is Acting as Scoutmaster?

A reader sent in this question: "What if the troop committee board is planning everything and the Scoutmaster is out of the loop?"

Help! My Son Doesn’t Want to Be a Scout

A reader's son doesn't want to continue in Scouts BSA: "I have tried to make it sounds really cool, he's got friends moving up and friends in a troop now but it doesn't seem to make a difference. I can't force him so am I doomed to this disappointment?"

Does the Cub Scout Year End with the Blue and Gold Banquet?

A reader asks if the Cub Scout program is supposed to end at the Blue and Gold banquet. She is uncertain about what she should do during the spring.

Combining Boys and Girls Dens in Cub Scouting

A reader is being pressured. With the changes to the BSA membership policies, how will we handle challenges like this? Read the article to see my answer.

Service Hours Form

What should be on a service hours form for Scouts or units wanting to record their participation in service projects?

Visiting a Scouts BSA Troop

A reader asks if he can do the den visit to a Scouts BSA Troop without the rest of the den.

The Germ Song for Germs Alive!

Where do I find the "Germ Song", the Mucus demonstration and the Sneeze demonstration? - Find them here!

Age Limits for Merit Badge Classes

A reader asks about age limits for merit badge classes. Are these allowed or is this an "additional requirement"?

Disbanding a Very Small Scouts BSA Troop

A reader reports My son has been in a very small Scouts BSA Troop for 2 years now. Our scoutmaster had a meeting to discuss the fact that the boys scouting experience is very limited because of the troops size and suggested that the scouts transfer to another troop.

Building a Working Pack Committee

How can a Pack transition from a model where the Cubmaster does all of the work to one where the Pack Committee shares the load?

Scouts BSA and Uniforms

Beth asked, "I realized once again that, as proud as he is to wear the uniform at a Scout function, he still feels uncomfortable wearing it in public. I have seen this with many other boys as well. Has anyone else noticed this trend, and what can be done? These guys are the future of our country and doing great things everyday, and yet the cool factor is just not there."

Hands On Activities at Den Meetings

A reader asks "Our den leader does 90% paperwork and talking at den meetings on the items in the handbook. Is this they way it is or are there other packs and dens that do hands on activities to accomplish same goals? "

Crossover Bridge Design

Chip sent in this question: "Hi, We are looking to build a crossover bridge and was wondering if you know where we could find some plans Thanks, Chip"

How Can You Have a Youth Led Troop When the Scouts Are All New?

A reader asks about being youth-led when all of the Scouts have no previous experience. "The girls have tried, but without experienced scouts in leadership positions to model how to plan a scouting year, run troop meetings or plan a trip, and troop trainers to instruct new scouts in camping skills, like established troops have, things have come to a stand still. "

Mother’s Ribbons at Court of Honor

A reader's troop is handing out mothers ribbons to some of the moms at a Court of Honor. How should this be handled since not every mom paid for a ribbon.

Yellow Shirt or Tan Shirt for Female Den Leaders?

What type of shirt do female den leaders wear? (yellow or tan)I want to get a shirt to wear so my Webelo Scouts understand and take pride in the uniform.

Cub Scouts without Awards at Blue and Gold Banquet

In many pack traditions, the Blue and Gold banquet is not just a celebration of Cub Scouting, but also a sort of awards banquet. But this can be a problem since it falls in February while there are still several months left in the program year. I

Managing Cub Scout Behavior

A reader asks for help managing unruly behavior at Cub Scout den meetings.

Den Leader Neckerchiefs

A reader asks a question about den leader neckerchiefs. Which neckerchief should a Cub Scout den leader or a Webelos den leader wear?

Welcoming Webelos to Scouts BSA Troop

Aaron sent in this question "I am looking for ways to welcome Webelos into Scouts BSA at Pack Meetings, any ideas? Like a cross over, but not as formal."

What Do You Do If You Can’t Find a New Scoutmaster?

A reader asks about what to do if the current leadership is burned out but nobody is willing to step up to take their place.

Youth Religious Emblem Knot

A reader asks if a Scout may wear the religious emblem knot if he earned a religious emblem as a Cub Scout. Yes, he may.

Gifts for Scout Christmas Celebration

A Cub Scout leader asks "We plan to have a party before the winter break and wanted to get each boy a little gift. Do you have any suggestions?"

Scouts Who Don’t Enjoy the Outdoors

Reader question: There is a cub in our pack that has no interest in the outdoors. He and I were talking about our upcoming family camp and he is dreading it. How can I help get him interested in being outdoors?

Carnival Ideas for Grin and Bear It

A reader asks "Curious as to what others had done for the putting on a carnival (Bear Requirement for Grin & Bear It). Any ideas would be appreciated!"

Prayer for Blue and Gold Banquet

Rev. Jim sent in this question: "I was asked for do prayers for two cub scout packs for their Blue and Gold ceremony o the Crossover. where would I find appropriate Prayers. Thank you." Thanks for the question, Rev. Jim. Since Cub Scouts should be familiar with the Scout Law, I suggest you use a prayer based on it.

Scoutmaster Conference – Adding Requirements

During a Scoutmaster conference for the rank of Life, a Scoutmaster is requiring a Scout to answer questions from earlier ranks and merit badges, erect a tent, fold a tarp without wrinkles, keep track of paperwork and badges, plus other things. But a Scoutmaster may not add or take away requirements for advancement.

Spending a Night in the Woods Alone

A reader asks about a Scout spending the night in the woods alone. He was wondering if this was done as part of the Wilderness Survival merit badge.

Broken Arrow Ceremony for Scouts Joining in Webelos

Reader Beth asked "Should I do a Broken Arrow Ceremony for boys who have just come into Scouting in Webelos 1? I did one when the other boys earned the Bear in the Spring, but now I have 3 new boys."

Making Up Missed Cub Scout Requirements

A reader asks about how Cub Scouts can make up requirements which the den already completed.

The Fleur de Lis and Scouting

What does the fleur de lis symbolize in Scouting? A reader asks if it is appropriate to give a fleur de lis plaque to a Cub Scout who has earned his Arrow of Light but is not continuing in Scouts BSA.

What’s In Your Budget?

A reader asks about what is typically included in a pack budget. She is the new committee chair and most of the committee is also new.

BSA Substance Abuse Prevention Program

Scott sent in this question: My son is home schooled and has to do the requirement for second class 9a. The drug awareness part. do you have any suggestions on what he can do to meet this requirement?

Waiting for a Board of Review

A reader's son has been asked to wait two months for his board of review. This does seem like a long delay for rank advancement.

Is Cold Weather Camping Appropriate for Cub Scouts?

Debbie asks if winter camping is appropriate for Cub Scouts. The age-appropriate guidelines provide some insight. But how cold is too cold for Cub Scouts?

Parent Interviews at Eagle Board of Review?

An unusal question: "Hi, my son is up for an eagle BOR very soon, and I was wondering what type of questions they ask parents. I was informed the scout steps out of meeting while the reviewers ask parents questions. "

Tell It Like It Isn’t Game (Telephone)

Tell It Like It Isn't is the game most of us know as Telephone. Yes, it really is that simple.

Where Do Scouts BSA Learn Skills?

A reader asks if Scout skills can only be learned at Scout events. While this is typical, if a Scout learned the skill elsewhere and can fulfill the requirement then it should be signed off.

Character Connection Activities

A reader asks about making discussion and character activities fun for Cub Scouts.

What Can Be Done to Ensure That Unit Finances Are Handled Correctly?

A reader asks about unit finances: "My boys just joined or local pack in our area last August. This pack has like 60 kids. The 1st thing I noticed was that everything was very very unorganized, but I didn't want to be one of those parents that gripes and does nothing. So I took a seat on the committee as the Fundraiser chair. Since doing that I have witnessed some things that are disturbing to me and I know cant be right...."

Gifts for a Someone Who Loves Star Wars

A reader is looking for a gift for someone in the Scouting unit who loves Star Wars. I was asked for suggestions, so here are some in a wide range of prices.

Is Webelos Badge Required for Arrow of Light?

Kathy asks if a fifth grader who did not earn the Webelos badge can earn the Arrow of Light. Yes he can. The Webelos badge is not required for the Arrow of Light.

Encouraging a New Scout

What steps can a parent take in encouraging a new Boy Scout who has just joined a troop with little or no previous Scouting experience?

Arrow of Light Requirements – Camping

I received this question from a reader: Hello, Is camping over night with a scout troop, a "must" for Webelos for the Arrow of Light badge? If they just participate in scout led activities during the day, is that enough? Thanks !

Information from New Scout Moms (or Dads)

Reader Robin sent in this request: I am working on a project to help get our new moms more involved. I would like to hear from new moms or even those who have been in scouting for a while.

Did You Ever Do a Den Meeting on Bullying?

This question was sent to me by reader Barbara:It has come to my knowledge that one of my boys (Webelos) is being bullied in school. Now, one of my new recruits is one of the bulliers. I would like to do a den meeting on bullying awareness. Maybe you can be of some help. Thanks.

Cub Scout Program Updates

Information about the Cub Scout program updates which take effect on June 1, 2015.

Losing Interest in Scouts BSA

A reader asks "The fun is gone. I know Scouts BSA is different than Cubs, but is it supposed to be no fun? Is there a suggestion I can take to the Scoutmaster that might help him keep these boys interested?"

Award Check List

A reader asks: Do you happen to have an award check list like your Merit Badges? I love your format and would love to either have or put together a template.

Earning All of the Merit Badges

Heather's son wants to earn all of the merit badges. She is looking for a list of similar badges to help him along. I know it is difficult, but I recommend that you as a parent try to stay out of this process as much as possible.

Eagle Palms and Merit Badges Question

Cindy asked if merit badges her son earned before attaining the rank of Eagle can be used toward Eagle palms.

Blue and Gold Banquet in August

A reader asks "Our cubmaster refuses to do Blue and Gold before Aug. Technically the new year starts June 1st...shouldnt these kids earn their advancements prior to then?" Cub Scouts should be presented their ranks as soon as they earn them. There is no need to wait for the Blue and Gold banquet.

Visiting a Religious Monument – Try a Faith Hike

A Wolf den leader asked a question about how to fulfill the Footsteps of Faith requirement. She wanted to take her Wolves to a Buddhist temple in the neighborhood so they could learn about a different faith, but the Cubmaster objected. What do you do when the Cubmaster is opposed to the location you want to visit?

Adult Leadership or Adult Hangout?

A reader asks about adults on campouts: "Is this allowed? 9 adults for 19 Scouts? ... I feel uncomfortable that this might turn into an adult hangout." Thanks for the question. I think the answer is ... "it depends".

Is It OK to Plan Events for Cub Scouts Than They Won’t Get Awards for but Will Still Enjoy?

My short answer is YES! Go ahead and plan fun activities even if they don't get to check off a requirement for it.

Who Should Wear a Scout Uniform?

A reader asks if she should wear a Scout uniform. She is a committee member and religious emblems counselor.

Playing Games with Varying Skill Levels

A reader asks how to approach games when the smallest kids are always "out" first and the stronger kids get to play longer.

Compilation of Scout Songs

A reader is looking for a compilation of Scout songs on a CD or iTunes. Or maybe a playlist like Spotify would work.

Ideas for Troop Birthday Party

A reader is asking for ideas for the troop's 85th birthday party. I suggest classic birthday party games with a Scouting twist. Get the youth leadership involved and you will have more ideas than you have time for.

Flag Retirement and Grommets

A reader asks about what to do with the grommets after a flag retirement ceremony. What are your opinions?

Scheduling a Scout Board of Review

Can a troop place requirements on how a Board of Review must be requested? For example, can a troop require that the Scout request the BOR by phone rather than in person?

Fitting Everything in a Cub Scout Meeting

A reader asks about how many requirements must be done at the first Tiger meeting. If you feel like you have too much material for one meeting, split it into two.

What Is a Pack Meeting?

A reader asks "What is a pack meeting?" Can additional pack activities be considered the pack meeting for the month?

Can an Adult Serve as a Den Leader for Multiple Dens?

John sent in this question: "Can a den leader serve as den leader for more than one den?" My understanding is that it is really not recommended.

Gifts for Crossover for Tiger Cubs to Make for Scouts BSA

A reader asks "Our Webelos are crossing over to Scouts BSA and I was trying to think of a project for the tiger cubs to make or do for the boys crossing over? Just so that the TC can be a part of the excitement. Any ideas?"

Using the Same Event to Fulfill Two Different Requirements

A reader asks "For Scouts BSA, can the same meeting fulfill both requirements for the communication merit badge and the citizenship in the community? Or do they have to be separate meetings? " The answer can be found in the Guide to Advancement.

Scouts without Awards at Blue and Gold Banquet

A reader asks how to avoid alienating families of Cub Scouts who won't be receiving awards at the Blue and Gold Banquet.

Summer Camp Recommendations

I often get emails recommending one summer camp or another. While I cannot personally visit each of these camps to review them, I'd like to give readers the opportunity to recommend camps to other Scouts and Scouters. So here is your opportunity. Just post your recommendation in the comments below.

Chaplain Aide Training

A reader asks "Can someone please share with me how you run training for Chaplain's Aide?"

What to Do when the Cub Scout Pack Won’t Pay for Awards

A reader asks what to do when a pack is folding and awards are not being paid for.

Missing Popcorn Sale Money

A reader asks what to do when the money for the unit popcorn sale doesn't add up.

What Can Scouts Use as Service Hours?

Reader asks what types of service projects can be used to fulfill service hour requirements.

Assistant Patrol Leader and Rank Advancement

If you look at the list of positions which can be used to meet the position of responsibility requirement for Star and Life, you will see that assistant patrol leader is not listed there.

Completing Elective Adventures

A mother asks " I understand that I cant do his next advancements until after May graduation BUT can I keep doing electives and getting credit for them?"

Den Leader Asked to Lead a Different Den

A Wolf den leader is seeking feedback about being asked to stay with the Wolf den next year instead of continuing with her son's den when they move to Bears.

Scout Family Threatening Leaders

A reader asks a question about a Scout parent threatening a leader. "The father of a scout show up at our door and threaten my husbands safety. "

Where to Find Examples for Bobcat Requirements

A parent is looking for information about the requirements for Bobcat for his new Cub Scout, especially examples of the Scout sign, the handshake, and the "How to Protect Your Children" pamphlet..

Whittling Chip Card Corners

A reader asks about cutting the corners from a Whittling Chip card when the owner commits a safety infraction.

Combining Bears and Wolves

Tracy asked this question: Has anyone had experience combining the wolf and bear dens (due to low numbers)? Is it possible and what is the best way to do this?

What Is the Role of the Pack Committee Chair?

A reader has been told that the role of the pack committee chair is only to handle the recharter. Normally a pack committee chair would do much more than just fill out some paperwork each year.

Catching Up Cub Scouts

A reader asks "This past week I was lucky enough to have two more boys join our Den. How would you go about getting the new boys up to where they need to be without repeating/boring the original four?"

Leadership Succession in a Scouts BSA Troop

Jen asks a question about adult leader succession. What do you do when it is not clear? What if issues such as "its always been done that way" and hesitance of new leaders arise?

Scout Camp Care Package Ideas

Are you sending your son or daughter to Scout camp? If so, you can send a little care package to help remind your youngster that you are thinking of him or her. Here are some Scout camp care package ideas.

What Should a New Den Leader Know?

A reader asks "What should a new den leader know?" Here is my top ten list for new den leaders.