Bonnie Murdock (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
is_the_motion) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
ways_back_room2014-12-31 09:24 pm
is_the_motion) wrote in ways_back_room2014-12-31 09:24 pm
MilliScouts
Happy December/New Year, folks :)
Following some requests in chat, mod approval, and generally dwindling attendance at the 'sit in a circle' format over the years, Life Support is going to be branching out to start a youth group from some time early 2015 (probably next Thursday).
After consulting with the chat focus group, we've gone for a spoof of Scouts* (which currently we're dubbing Milliscouts, if you have a better name suggest below!).
We will be going for activities aimed at 13-19 year old pups (if older/younger see FAQ), invent-your-own-badges, and generally fun stuff to give some of Milliways' more vulnerable teenagers a break from the horrifying chaos that is their home life.
Participation will be generally on a 'turn up' basis, unless we need to know numbers for team games, so if you are interested, don't worry, you are free to leave at any time...
More details below.
What will the Scouts do?
Either we will put an activity up to start you off, or Scouts can organise an activity, or you can invent a badge and do your own thing (See more on badges below).
The leaders will not be micromanaging; they are around if your pups need help, supervision, or someone to talk to about their Issues.
You said this was a Life Support thing. Do they have to talk about their issues...
There will be absolutely no sitting in a circle talking about your issues in Milliscouts. If your pup wants to talk about stuff, the leaders are there. Regular Life Support will continue as before approximately once a month.
Who's leading this thing?
IC:
Bonnie Murdockis_the_motion - Leader of Not Doing Nothing Stupid
Remy Hadley numbered_doctor - Leader of Not Doing Anything Stupid
Guppy Sandhuguppy_sandhu - First Aid Leader
Connor leadinghome - Closest to Actually Being a Teenager Leader
Tejaostro_goth - Scout Hut Leader
Jason Toddrunningred
OOC:
Charlotte (guppymun), Maru (sootymun), and Munnin (munnin.odin [at] gmail).
Who can join?
Your pup does not have to be a Scout to take part in activities, but if they aren't a member they don't get the badge.
To take part or become a Scout your pup needs to be:
1. Kid-friendly i.e. Non-predatory - This is a safe group for young people, some of whom are vulnerable.
If you are in doubt, the Free Dictionary defines predatory as:
a. Living or characterized by preying on other animals: a predatory insect; predatory instincts.
b. Living or characterized by the exploitation of others for personal gain: predatory business practices.
c. Living or characterized by plundering, pillaging, or marauding.
(If your pup fits these criteria but doesn't do anything predatory here, we may be able to work with that. Basically, they need to be practiced in not being a jerk.)
2. Either age 13 to 19 or:
- The equivalent age of a human 13-19 year old
- 11-13 and capable of doing the activity and or supervised by an adult
- Under 11 and capable of doing the activity and supervised by an adult
- Over 19 and suitably entertained by activities aimed at teenagers
- Over 19 and you want to set a badge rather than take part as a Scout
3. To become a Scout they have to accept the code:
'I will do my best
To have fun
To not get hurt
And to not be an asshole'
(Jerk rather than asshole if they're under 11 or of sensitive disposition)
And then they get a free hoodie (dark blue or black) to sew their badges on.
Does my pup have to wear the hoodie?
No. But it's free!
Does my pup have to be a Scout to take part?
If they don't join up, they can still take part in activities providing you are non-predatory (see previous), but don't get the badge.
My pup is interested in the activities but has a morbid fear of badges/doesn't want to wear badges. Are they compulsory?
No, they are not compulsory even if you are a Scout, and if you do them you don't have to accept or wear them; but your pup is going to be seeing a lot of them.
How often is this happening?
Leader-led posts will go up when we have time and inspiration.
Scout-led posts can go up whenever you want :). And indeed we would encourage you to self-perpetuate this thing by coming up with badges etc.
We'll aim to get started early in the new year.
How do I set up a merit badge?
Any pup who fits in the 'Joining in' criteria further up can set a badge as follows:
1. Decide what the badge is for:
- Badges must comply with the rules of the bar, the rules of the Scouts (have fun, don't get hurt, don't be an asshole), and be something the badge setter is capable of doing themselves.
- They absolutely can be a pisstake/taken advantage of within the above guidelines but should not target a specific individual. For example the 'Making Autor Blush' badge was suggested in chat, but for the sake of Autor's sanity, a 'Making People Blush' badge might be more fair!
- Badges should be able to be completed without being put in physical danger (e.g. the Saving Christmas Badge can also be awarded for healers, investigators, etc). Scouts are expected to risk assess all activities (see below).
2. Check in Bonnie's Badge Book if it's been done (similar is fine, just name it differently)
3. Each badge must have at least one clause/task to complete. You can make multiple levels of the badge if you desire. (e.g. Saving Christmas once, Saving Christmas twice).
4. Make a picture of your badge. IC the badges are fabric (sew-on patches) about an inch wide and are a coloured circle with a small picture inside.
I've done mine with a blue circle on the outside, using powerpoint circles (denim texture outside, canvas inside) but do them different/more technical/less technical if you like. If you want to do levels (usually done in roman numerals), or other text, I've used Berlin Sans FB as the font if you want to match. Try and make them icon size if possible.
5. Put your badge and instructions in Bonnie's Badge Book.
6. To complete a badge IC you must present what you did to a leader. You can then collect your badge from Bar. You can not cheat IC, unless you are working for the Badge Forgery Badge. If you are not able to find one of us to present to IC, let one of us know and we can handwave.
IC you sew your badges on the arm/front of your hoodie.
What was that thing about risk assessment?
Scouts are expected to think about the safety of any activity you do, i.e. if they come up with an abseiling badge, they are expected to do it with a helmet/correct ropes/a friend/a leader etc.
If they're under 13 you must do any dangerous activities with an adult.
If they injure themselves because they did something stupid/didn't bother using protective equipment they will have to do badges supervised by a leader until they have shown they know what risk assessment is.
Are we in set teams?
In Scouts and Guides, kids are divided into groups of approximately 6 called Patrols, but I don't think we'll be able to do that consistently here. If we do something that requires team competition, we'll try and divide you up into groups of approximately matched age/ability.
This is a lot of text, is this going to be hard work?
Nah. It's as much or as little time as you want to do it for.
Is Life Support still a thing?
Yes, this is a spin-off.
Are you recruiting more leaders?
Not at present, but any non-predatory pups can set a badge/teach a skill without being a member.
Where is the scout hut?
At the moment it's in the Forge. If this takes off we may apply for planning permission to build one.
Any questions I haven't covered?
[*I.e. a non-religious, non-military spoof of groups such as Scouting, Guiding, Boy/girl scouts of America etc]
Following some requests in chat, mod approval, and generally dwindling attendance at the 'sit in a circle' format over the years, Life Support is going to be branching out to start a youth group from some time early 2015 (probably next Thursday).
After consulting with the chat focus group, we've gone for a spoof of Scouts* (which currently we're dubbing Milliscouts, if you have a better name suggest below!).
We will be going for activities aimed at 13-19 year old pups (if older/younger see FAQ), invent-your-own-badges, and generally fun stuff to give some of Milliways' more vulnerable teenagers a break from the horrifying chaos that is their home life.
Participation will be generally on a 'turn up' basis, unless we need to know numbers for team games, so if you are interested, don't worry, you are free to leave at any time...
More details below.
What will the Scouts do?
Either we will put an activity up to start you off, or Scouts can organise an activity, or you can invent a badge and do your own thing (See more on badges below).
The leaders will not be micromanaging; they are around if your pups need help, supervision, or someone to talk to about their Issues.
You said this was a Life Support thing. Do they have to talk about their issues...
There will be absolutely no sitting in a circle talking about your issues in Milliscouts. If your pup wants to talk about stuff, the leaders are there. Regular Life Support will continue as before approximately once a month.
Who's leading this thing?
IC:
Bonnie Murdock
is_the_motion - Leader of Not Doing Nothing Stupidnumbered_doctor - Leader of Not Doing Anything StupidGuppy Sandhu
guppy_sandhu - First Aid Leaderleadinghome - Closest to Actually Being a Teenager LeaderTeja
ostro_goth - Scout Hut LeaderJason Todd
runningredOOC:
Charlotte (guppymun), Maru (sootymun), and Munnin (munnin.odin [at] gmail).
Who can join?
Your pup does not have to be a Scout to take part in activities, but if they aren't a member they don't get the badge.
To take part or become a Scout your pup needs to be:
1. Kid-friendly i.e. Non-predatory - This is a safe group for young people, some of whom are vulnerable.
If you are in doubt, the Free Dictionary defines predatory as:
a. Living or characterized by preying on other animals: a predatory insect; predatory instincts.
b. Living or characterized by the exploitation of others for personal gain: predatory business practices.
c. Living or characterized by plundering, pillaging, or marauding.
(If your pup fits these criteria but doesn't do anything predatory here, we may be able to work with that. Basically, they need to be practiced in not being a jerk.)
2. Either age 13 to 19 or:
- The equivalent age of a human 13-19 year old
- 11-13 and capable of doing the activity and or supervised by an adult
- Under 11 and capable of doing the activity and supervised by an adult
- Over 19 and suitably entertained by activities aimed at teenagers
- Over 19 and you want to set a badge rather than take part as a Scout
3. To become a Scout they have to accept the code:
'I will do my best
To have fun
To not get hurt
And to not be an asshole'
(Jerk rather than asshole if they're under 11 or of sensitive disposition)
And then they get a free hoodie (dark blue or black) to sew their badges on.
Does my pup have to wear the hoodie?
No. But it's free!
Does my pup have to be a Scout to take part?
If they don't join up, they can still take part in activities providing you are non-predatory (see previous), but don't get the badge.
My pup is interested in the activities but has a morbid fear of badges/doesn't want to wear badges. Are they compulsory?
No, they are not compulsory even if you are a Scout, and if you do them you don't have to accept or wear them; but your pup is going to be seeing a lot of them.
How often is this happening?
Leader-led posts will go up when we have time and inspiration.
Scout-led posts can go up whenever you want :). And indeed we would encourage you to self-perpetuate this thing by coming up with badges etc.
We'll aim to get started early in the new year.
How do I set up a merit badge?
Any pup who fits in the 'Joining in' criteria further up can set a badge as follows:
1. Decide what the badge is for:
- Badges must comply with the rules of the bar, the rules of the Scouts (have fun, don't get hurt, don't be an asshole), and be something the badge setter is capable of doing themselves.
- They absolutely can be a pisstake/taken advantage of within the above guidelines but should not target a specific individual. For example the 'Making Autor Blush' badge was suggested in chat, but for the sake of Autor's sanity, a 'Making People Blush' badge might be more fair!
- Badges should be able to be completed without being put in physical danger (e.g. the Saving Christmas Badge can also be awarded for healers, investigators, etc). Scouts are expected to risk assess all activities (see below).
2. Check in Bonnie's Badge Book if it's been done (similar is fine, just name it differently)
3. Each badge must have at least one clause/task to complete. You can make multiple levels of the badge if you desire. (e.g. Saving Christmas once, Saving Christmas twice).
4. Make a picture of your badge. IC the badges are fabric (sew-on patches) about an inch wide and are a coloured circle with a small picture inside.
I've done mine with a blue circle on the outside, using powerpoint circles (denim texture outside, canvas inside) but do them different/more technical/less technical if you like. If you want to do levels (usually done in roman numerals), or other text, I've used Berlin Sans FB as the font if you want to match. Try and make them icon size if possible.
5. Put your badge and instructions in Bonnie's Badge Book.
6. To complete a badge IC you must present what you did to a leader. You can then collect your badge from Bar. You can not cheat IC, unless you are working for the Badge Forgery Badge. If you are not able to find one of us to present to IC, let one of us know and we can handwave.
IC you sew your badges on the arm/front of your hoodie.
What was that thing about risk assessment?
Scouts are expected to think about the safety of any activity you do, i.e. if they come up with an abseiling badge, they are expected to do it with a helmet/correct ropes/a friend/a leader etc.
If they're under 13 you must do any dangerous activities with an adult.
If they injure themselves because they did something stupid/didn't bother using protective equipment they will have to do badges supervised by a leader until they have shown they know what risk assessment is.
Are we in set teams?
In Scouts and Guides, kids are divided into groups of approximately 6 called Patrols, but I don't think we'll be able to do that consistently here. If we do something that requires team competition, we'll try and divide you up into groups of approximately matched age/ability.
This is a lot of text, is this going to be hard work?
Nah. It's as much or as little time as you want to do it for.
Is Life Support still a thing?
Yes, this is a spin-off.
Are you recruiting more leaders?
Not at present, but any non-predatory pups can set a badge/teach a skill without being a member.
Where is the scout hut?
At the moment it's in the Forge. If this takes off we may apply for planning permission to build one.
Any questions I haven't covered?
[*I.e. a non-religious, non-military spoof of groups such as Scouting, Guiding, Boy/girl scouts of America etc]
herr-bookman
Re: herr-bookman
How is 'proficiency' tested for Virtuoso and Armed and Dangerous? Are we talking 'I can pick it up and make it work' or 'I am grade 8/Zorro'?
no subject
The instrument badge should probably be something simple like, "I can play three songs well." As for the weapons, I have no idea. "I can swing this around without hurting myself," seems a little too simple!
no subject
If you're looking for ideas, this is the music badge used in the Scouts, but that's probably a bit complicated!
herr-bookman
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
herr-bookman
no subject
I can pop a first aid badge up relatively easily later tonight.
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
- Pardon My French badge -
Know x swear words in y languages
I think it's hilarious, but I didn't know if we wanted to make it an official badge. *grins*
no subject
I think that might count as being a jerk, BUT, there's nothing to stop you learning rude phrases for Polylinguist.
no subject
no subject
re: Armed and Dangerous badge
But, a while back
Might double as a good not-totally-primative camping spot, too :)
Re: Armed and Dangerous badge
I'll point Cass in your direction and see if you can come up with some measurable criteria other than 'Don't chop anything off'.
Re: Armed and Dangerous badge
=D!
Re: =D!