WB2013 ASPL –

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1)Expanding the role of the ASPL. Giving me the role as Chaplain’s Aide and throwing in a bit of the song-mistering helped fill my time and give me a creative outlet. I also scratched up some extra work helping the QM’s and Scribes. I assume that one chooses an ASPL in part because that person has the ability to step in for the SPL (or maybe even other posts) if an emergency arises. That would mean that the ASPL is usually a high energy/can do kind of person, but there is nothing to do after the first day (excepting that they would always have some presentation). The ASPL is sort of a dangler. I realized this during the bottle launching. The staff grouping formed up – senior staff judged, guides, QM’s, and Scribes all made rockets. I didn’t have a group (so I went on a walk with Stuart Dunn). Not every ASPL would be comfortable as a Chaplain’s aide, but if the ASPL were always assigned some active hands on stuff like that, it would help keep that person engaged. Some natural fits would include: Heading the service project, leading the Venture patrol, being called on by SPL for cheers, run-ons, or words of wisdom. Maybe the ASPL should be tasked with helping a second presentation.I guess what I am saying is that I believe the role of ASPL needs to be better defined. Please give it some thought.

2)A scholarship fund. Maybe this can be launched through the WB reunions the Alumni Committee is promoting. We can use this scholarship fund to reach into developing communities of our council and promote diversity. Maybe we could even have a WB scholarship fund dinner with Dutch oven food around a campfire.

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1)Scheduling WB during all the Richmond “beverage of choice” events. It made me very sad.

2)Using the same cook crew for every course. This is a suggestion from my experience as a district key three. If you have one group that has a monopoly on a critical function, they tend to grow from helper to beast. I would suggest two or even three cook crews that rotate service. That may become a way to engage some quality former staff who might not make future staff slots because of quota and diversity needs. Just a thought on strategy and not an observation about our fine cook crew.

3) There was, at times, too much info from too many people. It was sometimes conflicting or confusing. Streamline pre-course communications. Those of us who have a high volume of daily e-mails had trouble keeping up. I liked the drop-box concept, but space is limited. Between WB, Jambo, and my scout duties, I filled up fast and could not draw down info I needed. They wanted $10 a month for more space – not from this cheap wad! I ended up getting my son to sign up, which gave me more space. Maybe there is a better way.

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1)The lower key gifting. I believe that gifting can really get out of hand. It builds and people feel obligated. Those of us with means can handle this without issue, but it can cause a hardship on some of our fellow staffers. This will lead to talented staff refusing to serve because the financial obligation is stressful. I have been told of one staff at which one member gave everyone a WB jacket – yikes. This course brought the heat down on gifting and I think that was wise.

2)The flexible attitude with participants. I know that there were several who had personal issues and would have just dropped out if accommodations could not have been made. That would have been a loss to Scouting.

3)The photo focus. When I first noticed that the course had a photo scribe I thought it was a bit much to have someone recording our every move. Then I saw the photos and realized what a great A) recruiting tool for WB and B) recruiting/promotions tool for Scouting we had. Later, as I pulled out the troop and patrol flags of “yester years” I thought how much I would enjoy going back and looking at photos of old courses and elder Scouters who are no longer with us.

4)The flexible attitude with staff and presentations. I was encouraged to think creatively in my assignments and supported (within reason) when staid from the path – hmmm, I guess that is meant both figuratively and literally for me. I am sure other staffers were extended the same courtesy and makes for a richer experience.

5)I loved all the involvement from the past course directors. I’m an “old tunes” kind of guy and I felt a sense of continuity and a richness of timber from their involvement. Maybe we should consider a heated tent with chairs while they wait for the beading ceremony. It was very cold that night and I suspect it was a strain on some of our heirloom Scouters.

6)Singing Amazing Grace just because it gets Al’s goat.