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Ed Grune

Ed Grune
Member since : Oct-27-2008 (Verified)
9 Ideas, 27 Comments, 105 Votes

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Ideas Posted

PLEASE input the following into the database when a new Merit Badge Counselor turns in his application:

1) What MB does each teach?
2) Unit #
3) Will they work with other units?

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!
27
I like to make posts on Online Community Bulletin Boards about Join Scouting Night, or that it's never too late to Join Scouting, etc... I usually put it in the "parents" section, or the "school info" section with our office phone number. I get a couple hundred people that see these posts every time I make one. I also have appointed a member of my Marketing Committee to monitor these posts and respond accordingly.
Moderator Comments
Great idea - thanks for sharing it!
Have a new knot award for folks that have served on summer camp staff...maybe make it 3 tiered like the commissioner service knots: A Bachelor, masters, and Doctorate of summer camp science. I think it will be a good way to retain quality staff members for longer, and maybe recruit some new ones. Some of the requirements could be: prepare lesson plans, serve for 10 weeks, 30 weeks, 50 weeks. Successfully complete a National Camping School Course. Be an area director, etc..
Moderator Comments
5/5/09
From: Frank Reigelman, Outdoor Programs Manager

This idea will be routed to the Camping Task Force at an upcoming meeting for consideration.
While we are changing our scout uniforms to changing tastes and styles, why don't we think about changing our professional dress uniform to something more hip as well? Also, it would be an inexpensive change for National, since we buy our own jackets, slacks, etc..
Whenever I pull a DTR I have to go through the whole process to customize what I want (report date, effective date, stop level, etc...) When in reality 99% of the time I want the same thing: My district, today's report, Period. I would like there to be a setting where I could set my standard DTR report request up on MyBSA, and all I have to do is press the button and it prints out automatically when it finishes running. I would still like the regular way of getting the DTR to be available for those odd times where I change up my request, but give me a faster way to pull this report on the fly!
-14
In several other organizations where fundraising is done they give titles to different levels of giving that would appeal to the potential donors. For example: Oklahoma Shakespere in the Park uses titles like 'patron' for $125 donors, 'director' for $250 donors, and 'producer' for the $365. A local rennaissance fair similarly uses 'merchant', 'knight', and 'king' or 'queen' titles. Councils could come up with their own similar titles that would appeal to their donors to make the campaign more fun for all...E.G. "I'm an Eagle Scout supporter of the Circle 10 Council"
Moderator Comments
5/3/09

From: Gary Butler, National Director, Council Solutions Group

Actually the BSA has a number of suggested levels for donor giving, both in Friends of Scouting and in Major Gifts. Many councils select their own levels that are appropriate for their councils. If you would like help in this area contact the Council Funding Team.
80
For the 100th Anniversary It would be neat to see the Boy Scout Handbook BACK on the Best Seller lists like it was back in the day...back in the Baden Powell days 'Scouting for Boys' was a best seller, and the book was a major way to recruit new boys, where as now the handbook is something that a boy generally gets AFTER he registers. A sleek copy that would sell at Borders or Barnes & Noble would do alot to recruit, and raise public awareness.
Moderator Comments
1/27/09
From: David Harkins, Supply Group

BSA's Licensing Team has been working on this opportunity for several months. While we have licensees interest in producing this product, we do face the challenge of lack-of-interest by trade (Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, etc.) buyers. Unfortunately, these buyers currently believe that this book to have narrow market appeal.

We work these challenges daily and will share information about new products as it becomes available. If you are interested in learning more about licensed products and licensees, please consider subscribing to the BSA Licensing Insider here: http://www.bsalicensing.org/email_subscribe.htm
Early on when I got in my district I made a google map of my district that Included all of my Packs, Troops, Teams, and Crews meeting places, as well as Elementary Schools, School Admin Buildings, roundtable meeting places, etc...With troops getting one symbol, packs getting another, etc...For all of the units I included in the description their charter orgs, CC's and CM/SM's...since I also made this public, I did not include phone numbers or other personal info. This Online map has made referring new youth SUPER EASY and fast! Also, I use this map to quickly plan my most efficient route around the district, and may other uses! It is easy to update, and when I move on to another position, I'll be able to just give the admin password over to the next DE. I have 110 units in my district and it took me a good 7 or 8 hours to put it together, but it was totally worth it.
43
I love the new uniform, however the new pants/shorts need a few extra belt loops in the back. The pants are a little awkward and definitely need the extra support, especially for "action wear".
Moderator Comments
1/12/09
From: Erin Feola, Production Manager for Apparel

I am following up on the below innovation engine callout.
For our smaller sizes, we have 5 belt loops total.
We previously added 2 additional belt loops, for a total of 7, on sizes 40 and up for additional support.
I researched similar industry action, outdoor wear pants and we are in line.
Thank you for the callout but there will be no further action at this time.
Thank you.

12/17/08
From: Erin Feola, Production Manager for Apparel

We would like to gather more feedback and based on the response, discuss options in regards to adding more belt loops for smaller sizes.
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Comments Posted

Ed Grune 29 days ago
I kind of like your Idea Michael...a little worried that a khaki BSA uniform with a tie might look to much like a German SS officers uniform :o
Ed Grune 6 months ago
Rob,
Are you talking about something like an authorized chat room moderator? I like it.
-Ed
Ed Grune 6 months ago
I'd like to hear a reason from a naysayer for not supporting this idea? If it's a bad idea, then please let me know of your objections.
Ed Grune 6 months ago
why knot?
Ed Grune 6 months ago
At Camp Constantin in Possum Kingdom Texas our nature area director started a can recycling program with can recepticles by the trading posts and staff area. The program was so successful that the budget for our entire nature area and scoutcraft areas is completely covered by this.
Ed Grune 6 months ago
When it came to food waste at Philmont I especially enjoyed the game of cramming every bit of refuse into one tiny container (e.g. allsorts of wrappers, boxes, & cellophane into a single chicken salad can until it was bulging) I think this is a practice that should be done at council camps all over the nation. Heck I even still do it at home.
Ed Grune 6 months ago
Is there not enough for our adult volunteers to do already? If you have some that are bored send them to my district...I'll put them to work!
Ed Grune 6 months ago
BSA Rules & Regulations, Article 10, Section 4, clause 4 "Prohibition of Alteration or Imitation"
Part B) Imitation of United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Air Force uniforms is prohibited in accordance with the provisions of Act of Congress, approved June 3, 1916.

Why try to skate around a rule on a technicality by throwing in a FDL?

Besides I think it would look silly.
Ed Grune 7 months ago
How about Earth-Toned suits? They could look more "scouty" than grey slacks and the blue blazer...whatever is decided I would like to see the gold buttons on the blazer go away.
Ed Grune 7 months ago
However, to add on to what I previously posted....would I personally buy a scouting video game, regardless of production value? DEFINITELY!
Ed Grune 7 months ago
Would we have the ability to produce a game that is good enough to catch the eye of a youth that Isn't already WAY into scouting? I Fear that something like that would come across as clunky, not very sleek video game.
Ed Grune 7 months ago
Wow Tim, what a great Idea you have here! You must have an excellent support staff to have the time to come up with great ideas like this!
Ed Grune 8 months ago
As someone who used a skateboard as a primary means of transportation all through college I could appreciate a skateboarding merit badge. There is a lot of good that can come from this sport. I never made jumps on a half pipe, "grind" on curbs, or ollied over the grand canyon (or anything really). All I used it for was cruising around the University of North Texas campus, instead of driving. I got a lot of good exercise from it, It really built up my leg muscles and coordination and balance. There was always groups of kids from the local schools touring the science building or whatever and they thought just cruising was really cool without me pulling any Tony Hawk stuff. Some of the requirements could be:
-first aid for scrapes, cuts , bruises, etc...(obviously)
-explain the different types of, and importance for using safety gear
-Explain different types of boards and what they are best suited for.
-Properly dissasemble/reassemble a board, trucks, wheels, and explain to your counselor the importance of keeping equipment in good repair.
-explain to your counselor the reasons why skating is banned in many public areas (public property damage from 'grinding' etc...)and what can be done to change public opinion
-detemine best stance for yourself: regular or goofy foot
-using a board of your choice skate for 10 seconds, and stop your board safely
-using a board of your choice skate 1/2 a mile with only foot pushing
-using a board of your choice complete a 1/4 mile slalom course with only foot pushing
-using a long board skate 1 mile with only foot pushing
I think this could be an excellent badge, that would be safe and exciting for youth...all this talking about skating, i'm going to get my board out of my car and go for a lap in our parking lot right now!
Ed Grune 8 months ago
My district commissioner does that for me...I just like to brag, that I have the best DC out there...no constructive comments really
Ed Grune 8 months ago
One letter/number combo password, as confusing as it may be, is easier to remember, when you don't have change it every month. When you constantly change it, you constantly have to write it down somewhere, leaving the chance that somebody may find the written down password. I like the system the way it is.
Ed Grune 9 months ago
I really like the idea essentially...but worry if this would put the antequated image of the BSA in peoples minds with these old cartoons, when we are trying to re-vamp our image as applicable to today's youth. Don't get me wrong though, as a scouter I would probably buy a coffee table collection of scouting cartoons myself.
Ed Grune 9 months ago
I agree with John Oneil's comment completely. There are lots of very popular books/media out there that are very similar with the content of the handbook. "The Dangerous Book for Boys" and the "The Daring Book for Girls" immediately come to mind...only ours is better :)
Ed Grune 9 months ago
YES!!
Ed Grune 9 months ago
I think that since adult females can join, youths should be able to as well.
Ed Grune 9 months ago
I think you have the most popular idea Tim. Hope all is well in Austin! Your Dad is the best District Commissioner Ever!
Ed Grune 9 months ago
Almost every professional I talk to about this site has no idea what I'm talking about. And it's such a great tool!
Ed Grune 9 months ago
best idea I've seen today!
Ed Grune 9 months ago
Personally, I don't like the 'Belt tunnel' but that's just me
Ed Grune 9 months ago
Love it!
Ed Grune 10 months ago
Extra Belt loops are not just needed for smaller sizes, but larger sizes as well. I think those of us that are big ol boys need the extra support.
Ed Grune 11 months ago
Instead why don't we emphasize where we have already been green for almost 100 years? Also, so often the term "going green" is used so loosely it has become a buzzword with very little substance.
Ed Grune 1 year ago
I don't think that 5th graders mesh as well with the older boys, I do think the denner idea of the other poster is good stuff though.