Scoutmaster Podcast 208

Opening joke about Peek-a-Boo Street, three-time Olympic skier, naming the ICU she helped establish the 'Peek-a-Boo ICU'.

Listener mail from James (Chaplain/Venture Crew 1833, shoes analogy), Frank N (Troop 86 Scoutmaster journey), Bob Taylor (iPhone app), Randy Green (fire starter tip — evergreen sap). Responses to podcast 207 on difficult behavior, including anonymous listener and Dan Nudeswig's comment on channeling chaotic energy. Bill Stoll on retention and stale programs. Announcements about ScoutMasterCG forum, February Scout Circle with Enoch Hysie, and new backers Ty Schwerferger, Michael Smith, and Patricia Koch.

Part two of Scouts and Difficult Behavior: causes of risky decision-making in adolescents, using the Scout Oath and Law as a positive standard, proportionate consequences vs. corrective punishment, step-by-step counseling technique, a three-tiered escalation approach involving parents, and the power of positive reinforcement.

Anonymous Scoutmaster asks how to manage conflicting adult opinions in the troop; Clarke advises asserting Scoutmaster leadership decisively. Richard Billion (Troop 298, Minneapolis) asks how to best utilize older Eagle Scouts and former SPLs; Clarke suggests asking the Scouts themselves and letting them define their involvement.