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mbarbern

mbarbern
Member since : Oct-20-2008 (Verified)
4 Ideas, 43 Comments, 100 Votes

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Ideas Posted

Remember in Nashville how Bob reminded us the public thinks of us like the old Buick? While I love Norman Rockwell artwork, it's time we respectfully put it in the closet for safe keeping, along with the photo's of selling war bonds in 1942. We need to update all our marketing to move FORWARD and to be relavant. Let use pictures of Good turn for America projects, lets show OUR Scouts in action, not my Grandfather's generation. Each council should strive to move to use modern pictures and marketing. Respect the past, but we've been stuck in the 1940's for a heck of a long time!
Moderator Comments
12/5/08
From: Michael Ramsey, Brand Management Director, Marketing Group

We have proud heritage in the Boy Scouts of America. Our collection of Rockwell paintings is a proud and important part of that heritage and there is a huge number of parents, volunteers and alumni who see themselves in those works of art. However, as we market to our target audiences, it’s important to remember that, as beautiful as those images are, they do not resonate with everyone.

It’s no secret that our society has changed and will continue to change. We want to be sure that our marketing messages reflect those ongoing changes. We want youth and adults to see themselves in Scouting. We want them to know that Scouting is in step with the needs of youth and families. Perhaps most importantly, that Scouting is a place for them. We should show images that reflect the demographics of our communities.

The organization has taken huge strides in this area. We have staff focused on Hispanic and multicultural audiences. There is a concerted effort to ensure that the face we show mirrors the communities we serve.

All of this work is important and there is much left to do. We should celebrate our proud heritage. Those photos and paintings are part of the fabric of our nation. We should use them where appropriate. But to remain part the American tapestry in the next 100 years, we must never lose sight of who we serve today.
Most of us go to other council websites and "borrow" ideas, but most items are protected of course with Adobe. What if we could all upload unprotected documents that could easily be modified for your own use? I just shared our Campmaster book with another council and get a lot of my camp guidebook ideas from other sources. Each council should not have to recreate the wheel for every document! Just seems like it would save a LOT of time on everyone's part and help share new ideas and new approaches.
Moderator Comments
This idea has been assigned to the Innovation Team. A meeting and discussion will take place regarding this and the action taken will be updated soon.
I know I am not the only genious out there with this idea, but I'll post it! Each year we get tons of calls from Kindergarten parents wanting to sign their boys up. Lets make the adjustment and accept them. Maybe they could do a twice a month program like Tigers started out to be? We have boys wanted to join and the sooner we get them and their parents in the better.
WEBELOS, the 2nd year program does not work, the kids are bored and we lose a ton of them at recharter. Make boys BOY SCOUTS as soon as they enter grade 5. Yes some Scoutmasters will rumble, but we lose far too many 2nd year Webelos.
Moderator Comments
11/3/08
Thank you for your idea! We currently have a pilot program going on in a Georgia council in which this very idea is being tested. We will check back with you at a later date to let you know the results of this pilot program.
How about templates we could simply drop our camp/council name and specific camp information into. We have to re-create new flyers, handouts on different camping events like day camp, resident camp etc each year. We are not the experts to put together the greatest brouchures! We all agree we want the best promotional materials out there, a little help would be appreciated!
Moderator Comments
1/9/09
From: Brandi Mantz, Digital Marketing, Brand Management Dept.

We are in the process of developing an online marketing asset management system that would allow for easily customizing and downloading templates for all your marketing needs – fliers, direct mail, posters, print ads, television, billboards, etc. Stay tuned for a national roll-out of this system.
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Comments Posted

mbarbern 8 months ago
It would be great to have every youth participate, but the decision needs to be by choice. A "forced" participation certainly would be lackluster and youth would only sell the absolute minimum product they had to.
mbarbern 9 months ago
There are plenty of PDL refersher courses run by CPD: PDL2, PDL3, PM1 PM2 etc etc. Hopefully, every professional has an oppurtunity to attend either a course provided by CPD or a local training course in a subject that will be benificial to their current or future position in Scouting.
mbarbern 9 months ago
We have used the mini mags with a sticker on how to join Scouts on it and placed them around the community in venues like Dentist offices, doctors offices etc.
mbarbern 9 months ago
Self confidence is a good thing, but as Clint Eastwood says in Dirty Harry, " A man's got to know his limitations"
mbarbern 10 months ago
I'm all for more kids in scouting, but we tend to give more "stuff" away to get them to turn in an application at the end of the year. Is this "quality" membership? Is it fair to the other youth attending camp to basically subsidize kids who sign up on December 38th? I think we need to focus on doing the best job we can to recruit Cub Scouts in September so they get a full year of Cub Scouting. With many packs, they shut down in May or sooner for Baseball (which of course it should be year round!)a youth that joins in December/January is only getting a 4 or 5 month program.
mbarbern 10 months ago
...on a more positive note...my last council had pretty good success with Soccer and Scouting in the Hispanic market. We were able to recruit youth for a summer soccer program and we included the Cub Scout part of the program. Part of our summer program included Day Camp. We only ran a summer soccer program instead of a four season program and then assimilated them into an after school Cub Scout packs. It is a long term project and takes a while to build trust in the Hispanic community but certainly is effective into bringing Scouting to youth who may need it the most. We were able to serve many youth in inner city schools that were not served by traditonal Cub Scout Packs. And no, we did not ask who was here legally or why their Mom or Dad does not speak English. I'd be glad to go into more detail with anyone intersted.
mbarbern 11 months ago
I think even the $250.00 is low, a $1000.00 donation should considered if this idea were to continue to be developed.
mbarbern 11 months ago
A “round up” to help the Boy Scouts is fairly vague and nebulous; after all, our FOS presentations need to explain what goes to program and what those programs are etc. I think the only way this could work would be to use the income for camperships to send underprivileged boys to camp. That is a quick, easy to understand ask that everyone would understand.
mbarbern 11 months ago
This reminds me of the old “Mayberry RFD” episode where the townspeople were so excited about having a big time Hollywood production crew film in Mayberry, that they were about to cut down the most prized historic tree since the film crew thought it should not be in the shot. Having the NFL mention the BSA is nice, but boys are not going to line up at our doors on the Monday after the Super Bowl if the BSA is mentioned. Quality, exciting and meaningful programs will build membership, and that is up to us.
mbarbern 11 months ago
I am all for showing our appreciation of the volunteers, however, Scouting happens locally. A preprinted note from the National Office would have much less meaning than a hand written note from the local council contact. Emails are quick but a “happy birthday” email translates into “I care about you, but only if I can express it in 10 seconds or less”. A hand written note builds relationships. Take the time and send out one relationship building note each day and you will continue to strengthen your volunteer relationships.
mbarbern 11 months ago
I think it's a great idea!
mbarbern 11 months ago
I have mixed feelings on this idea. Isn't football a major competitor of Scouting, with coaches demanding attendance at practice? Are we promoting something that will build a football, not a Scouting interest?
I also feel we are selling out; I would like NFL stadiums to sell our popcorn in their concession stands, but that is not about to happpen. Why should we carry their products in our stores?
I am all for collaboration, but this seems like we are selling our soul for some air time. Thank you very much, but no thanks.
mbarbern 11 months ago
Paintball,while fun, is an aggresive game that can be quite painful, raising welts from being hit if less than ideal protection is worn. Smaller Scouts would be "over run" by older boys and it truly is a combat simulation. Laser tag on the other hand, while it may simulate combat also, is pretty close to flashlight tag in my book. Yes they hold a pretend gun, but most boys have will point a stick or their finger and say bang at some point in their life. They know the difference between real and pretend.
mbarbern 11 months ago
What a great idea! How did you handle the cost of the "engines"?
No offense to tradition, but it sure beats getting a block of wood, 4 nails and plastic wheels to make a car out of! (I do like the parent-child working together on building the car, but a rocket will excite a first grader more than a block of pine)
mbarbern 1 year ago
There is a post for a "Best practices" website that I think would do the same thing, but I am all for it. DE's sharing what works with each other is great way to learn new ideas.
mbarbern 1 year ago
It would be a huge file, but what if you just made it available on a CD? I know control and copyright issue would probably be an ongoing concern, but the disclaimer could be printed on the disk.
mbarbern 1 year ago
I think their certainly could be enough there for a separate merit badge. It's a skill that can lead to many good paying jobs. I don't see any reason why not since the Scout would have close supervision of the MB counselor.
mbarbern 1 year ago
We rent our camp and facilities out to outside groups who share our values. It's a great source of revenue for the council to help offset the expense of operating a camp. We have church camps and girl scouts in our camps all the time. In addition, we have rented camp out for car shows, weddings (no alcohol), search and rescue groups and even EMT training courses. Our stakeholders come first of course but if we are always looking for additional sources of revenue to support our camping operation.
mbarbern 1 year ago
I think it depends on what you are thinking on a time frame of this exchange. If you are talking about a long term exchange, you would have to start with a lot of training to get everyone up to speed. They do things differently in Scouting in different countries. I would think a two week exchange would be a great idea, but longer than that, the learning curve would be so great that it would have a negative impact on local Scouting and only benefit the two Professionals who traded places.
mbarbern 1 year ago
The second page to attach on the newest adult applications is an incredible pain since very few are being returned. This is causing a LOT of wasted time getting the forms back out for signatures. Also, the light blue print on the applications is very difficult to read, it's easy to miss areas that simply are not noticed.
mbarbern 1 year ago
If you have never been a DE, can you really understand what the work is like in the field? This idea has been tried numerous times with fund raising positions and it almost never works.
mbarbern 1 year ago
Scouts and leaders vote with their feet. If a local council is not able to provide a quality long term camping experience no amount of "shaming them into attending" their council camp will work. Leaders have a responsiblity to make sure their Scouts get a good program, no matter if it's in council or out of council. As far as a drain on resources, that certainly is a local council decsion to be good stewards of the financial resources. A mandate from National that you can't operate a camp with less then 100 seems to throw the baby out with the bath water, I am sure there are some very good camps out there that are under your minnimum.
mbarbern 1 year ago
There are now 181 topics posted...it is getting hard to go through to look for good ideas. I'd also like to see people leave more comments on why they are voting the way they do.
mbarbern 1 year ago
11 year old Eagle Scouts? Not sure how my idea of allowing a new fifth grader be a Boy Scout would create 11 year old Eagle Scouts! We already have 5 years of Cub scouting: Tigers, Wolfs,(or...woofs depending on where you live!) Bear, Webelos 1 and 2. I am just suggesting we move the 2nd year webelos to Boy Scouts and create a new fun program for kindergarten boys. The 5th grade Boy Scouts could be a "patrol" and transition into a troop with the existing adult leadership, keeping boys and leaders in Scouting longer.
mbarbern 1 year ago
I think it would be great to invite him, but I would not want a show of him cleaning out latrines!
mbarbern 1 year ago
Your regional HR person should be able to fill you in on this change.
mbarbern 1 year ago
That change has already been made. "Life experiences" can now help qualify a person to be a professional Scouter.
mbarbern 1 year ago
Good idea, it might even encourage volunteers to take that next training
mbarbern 1 year ago
um...okay..
mbarbern 1 year ago
While other MB may touch on the subject, certainly there is plenty in web development that could easily fill a new merit badge!
mbarbern 1 year ago
I'm for bringing Scouting to every boy. This seems like a unique situation though, I don't know how many youth are in long term hospital situations, but if there is a need, why not go ahead and make them Lone Scouts. They would have their book to work on etc and it can occupy their time. Once released though transition them into a traditional unit would make sense.
mbarbern 1 year ago
As mentioned, no insurance, no activity!
mbarbern 1 year ago
So you are saying there is nothing you can do with a den of 6 year olds? Can't they explore the outdoors? Learn about the flag? Learn team work in games? Do crafts? Yes, they would take away from a Webelos den meeting, but my suggestion was they are their own den. I also suggested we do away with the 2nd year Webelos program and move 5th grade right into Boy Scouts. The drop rate of 2nd year Webelos is crimminal and we need to fix that program.
mbarbern 1 year ago
Sorry, but if you are counting your work hours and want to clock out at a certain time each day, maybe you want to consider if Scouting is really the right career for you.

Each professional must be able to balance their home life and work life for themselves. Part of the Scout Executive's code reads:
..." Meet my community, religious and home obligations squarely, participating in worthly community projects, respecting our declaration of religious principle, and building a sound spiritual foundation for myself and my family through active participating in my church or synagogue; maintaining a considerate, satisfying, and happy home life"
mbarbern 1 year ago
I like it, one more way to get our "brand' out there. Would we need to limit it just to Eagle Scouts though?
mbarbern 1 year ago
Rank Badges are for youth, we have the knot for adults. The adult leaders should focus be on helping the Scouts, not directing attention to thier own accomplishments. Also if adults would continue to wear the badge, it would make the Socuts feel like they were in competition.
mbarbern 1 year ago
While I don't like video games, thay are exciting to youth. Our council used the "on target" dvd that included video games, when we did our Cub Scout boy talks. The kids reacted to the phrase that "video games" were on the DVD as they do for "BB guns", if not more so.
mbarbern 1 year ago
Making a presentation to a group, such as a Rotary club is great, but it still takes a one on one "rifle" ask, not the "shotgun blast" approach to recruit the right person for the right job. You are much better off finding the top quality person, rather then 20 people who are willing to fill out a form and not do what is needed. One top CEO on your team can bring in many great volunteers through his or her associations. A room full of do nothings will keep the good people away also!
mbarbern 1 year ago
Have to agree, I don't like mischief as part of what we do. ADVENTURE, EXCITEMENT, FUN, but mischief is not something I would like to sell to a new Tiger cub Mom.
mbarbern 1 year ago
We certainly do scare a lot of people away. We always have to look at who our audience is. At a round up with new parents we ahve to be very careful not to use acronyms. We have to put ourselves in the shoes of that brand new Cub Scout parent with no Scouting history. Not trying to be negative, but this will be difficult to implement since Scouters have gotten very used to the accronyms.
mbarbern 1 year ago
That really is a local council option issue as we are all paid by our local councils. Your council either contracts out payroll or does it internally.
mbarbern 1 year ago
Nope....we need him in Dallas!
mbarbern 1 year ago
Good idea....how about 100 "Scouts Honor" awards, like the 1000 points of light program? Each council could identify 100 top people in the community who were Scouts or are involved in Scouts and recognize them as leaders.