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bruce.drake

bruce.drake
Member since : Oct-29-2008 (Verified)
4 Ideas, 18 Comments, 61 Votes

User Activity Stream

Ideas Posted

It would be nice if all of the BSA sites that require user names and passwords would allow us to use the same combination we use to access MyBSA.
23
I believe it would be helpful if one were able to navigate directly to PAS Find from MyBSA rather than having to log onto Scoutnet.
Moderator Comments
1/2/09
From: Mary Ferguson, ISD

We can navigate directly to PAS Find from a number of MyBSA pages without going to ScoutNET.   The confusion probably is that elsewhere in MyBSA it is not labeled as PAS Find (because it is not in PAS) but it is the same search engine.  For example, Person Searches and Roster Searches, etc., are found in pages for MS Analysis, Events, and Campaign Information.   Also, of course, only one logon is required but there is internal navigation to pages including ScoutNET.
-16
I just walked into our storeroom and saw a several boxes of shirts delivered for a Scouting Event; the items were manufactured in China. I then went to our Scout Shop and found several items made in China.

Shouldn't the Boy Scouts of America use American companies? Even if the items were more expensive, I think it would project a better image.
Moderator Comments
3/11/09
From: Allison MacDowell, Merchandising Team Leader

Thank You for taking the time to post your concerns and questions about products Made in the USA. We do try our hardest to find sources that can make our products in the USA. A good majority of the products we offer are still made here, or made of US components and assembled elsewhere. Take our Flag products, we only buy US flags from vendors that are certified with US products only. That means that everything from the tread to the grommets are all made right here in the USA. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of skilled labor in the US that threatens manufacturer’s ability to meet current demand of product, let alone allow companies to expand their businesses with the ever changing demands of technology. Sometimes, this shortage also forces business owner’s hands into closing their doors because they are no longer able to cover expenses and make a living. As well as, many manufacturers that have been forced to close their businesses due to the economic hardships everyone is faced with in today’s economy. We will continue to work with our domestic sources to make available products that are proudly made in the USA.
Thank You for voicing your concerns. We hear and support what you are saying, but we also must offer products that our Customers demand, and many times those products are just simply not available within the confines of our Borders.
When the rechartering paperwork for an Explorer Post is printed, on the first page in the fee calculation area there is no place to indicate "Paid Adults." This creates confusion, I'm sure it would be possible to correct this problem.
Moderator Comments
3/2/09
From: Sam Thompson, Membership Impact Department Manager

Under consideration pending resources available.


11/13/08
From: John Anthony, Learning For Life Director

Thanks, we will resolve the situation.
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Comments Posted

bruce.drake 3 days ago
Years ago (early 80's) there was an Explorer Magazine - it was very well done and popular with that age group. I agree that a magazine or e-zine for Venturers would be a great marketing tool for that program.
bruce.drake 3 days ago
On a slightly different topic - it is also very difficult to calculate youth retention for the unit centennial form. It seems to me that these to calculations could be printed on the final on-line recharter report.

I will be happy when we go back to the old quality unit form and program - much less confusing.
bruce.drake 2 months ago
That would be a GREAT improvement.
bruce.drake 3 months ago
I believe that you have correctly assesed the situation in most councils and districts. Membership is percieved by volunteers as the "professional's" problem. (Read that as District Executive's problem.) I believe that this perception came about during the 70's and the 'Boy Power' campaign. Today that volunteer perception is still present and even Council Professional Management frequently percieves membership tp be the District Executive's problem. DE's can't win in this situation.

To correct the situation? I think objectives should be worded differently than "2% Growth in Units" or "plus 1 youth". This kind of communication suggests that ALL we as pros are interested in is numbers. I believe we would be more successful with volunteer accountability if we concentrated on the benefitsa of membership for youth and to commit volunteers to making the program possible for all youth in the community.
bruce.drake 4 months ago
It's interesting to see how things change. I posted a similar comment several months ago and the idea of "Made in America" was voted down by a large margin. I agree that it is very wrong to have "Official BSA" stuff made in a foreign country especially a communist country. As to uniform quality standards, I believe that all United States Military Uniforms are made in the USA. If they can have standards met, so also could we. Is the real issue one of 'cost and profit' or 'ideals'?
bruce.drake 4 months ago
Similarly, for youth members on advancement reports, etc. Frequently a 'nickname' will be used which does not match up with registration.
bruce.drake 4 months ago
One of the main purposes of the merit badge program is to provide a Scout with the opportunity and responsibility to make ap[pointments and meet with adults to pursue the badge. We should not take away that positive experience.
bruce.drake 5 months ago
In out Law Enforcement Exploring, Airsoft weapons are used in training exercises. I have been asked about the policy on this activity and have been unable to find any reference in the 'Safety First Guidelines.' Our Law Enforcement Explorers frequently participate in activities that simulate a Police Cadet's academy experiences. Airsoft pistols are again used in this context.

I agree with Jeff; a specific policy on this topic is needed.
bruce.drake 8 months ago
I agree with the volunteer, as a professional, I can not sign on to the Scouting Community with the same password as I do MyBsa. To remember all of the different passwords and user ID's to navigate through Scouting websites is a little frustrating.
bruce.drake 9 months ago
The forms have been available since November, we have ordered them and have them available in the council office for all of our posts. Now that the fees have gone into effect we are mailing both youth and adult applications to all advisors.
bruce.drake 11 months ago
The on-line advancement report feature does that - it alerts the unit (as they are filling out the on-line advancement report) when a youth is not registered.
bruce.drake 11 months ago
I agree with both statements with the on-line application printed for signatures as a great first step in the process. Of course if units stayed current with their registration much of the on-line recharter headaches would be eliminated.
bruce.drake 11 months ago
I also like the idea. I think it could be expanded to include other "special intrest" Scout Troops. Traditional Scouting has always stressed the outdoor program as its primary focus; however I think that the values of Scouting could be conveyed in other intrest areas. Football may be a great way to start and a partnership with the NFL would be a huge assist.
bruce.drake 0 years ago
This is a great idea! I would think that it would work very well with the older age groups as well. Many churches have very active teen youth gtoups which might be able to be organized as Crews with this concept.
bruce.drake 0 years ago
I agree with the previous comment. The New Course curriculum is outstanding and several of the requirements for staff participation were designed to de-emphasize the fraternal aspects of the older course. I have heard several corporate types who have taken the new course praise the curriculum as better than many training sessions they had recieved in their work place.
bruce.drake 1 year ago
I agree with changing the membership evaluation date. My thought would be to make the "Winner's Circle" date, June 30th the official year-end membership date for professional evaluation. The end of the year date could be the "Winner's Circle" type of program - important benchmark but not as critical as year end number. The Holiday issue is an important one and really affects the morale of Professional as well as Volunteers.
bruce.drake 1 year ago
On the BSA photos and logos site, I've noticed that many of the logos are not of a print quality. They are jpg, gif. They need to be tif or eps files for printing.
bruce.drake 1 year ago
VHS Cassette - Obsolete already. BSA needs to update all training material to be compatable with computers. Local councils also need to equip the field with digital projectors. Other audio-visuals need updating also. I recently saw at a PDL presentation a video refering to SME!