I took a hike #100daysofscouting

Today, I drove from Eureka to Sacramento.  On the way down I went through the National Redwood Forest.  I stopped and took a 1 mile walk.  I would have gone more, but I was in my work clothes and needed to keep going.  It was a great stop and break.

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#TroopMaster App #100daysofscouting

Our Pack using Packmaster that is put out by TroopMaster.  It’s a good program and there are a lot of things that I like and do not like about it.

There are two main things that I do not like, and wish the company would address.
Create a Macintosh OS based client. (Yes, I am a Macintosh Nerd!)
Create an App for the iPhone/iPad and for Android, Blackberry & other tablet OEMs.

I am not a software writer, so I just cannot whip one out.  However, if there isn’t an App for that, there is a Website for that.
With so many people getting an iPad or another Tablet based unit, it would be a whole lot easier for Scoutmaster Conferences, Advancement Chairs and the like to access data, update and sync as needed.

The Packmaster UI was introduced this year.  Which is a great thing to have since Troopmaster has it.  However, it is not really for use on a small screen such as an iPhone.  The company says that you can access it.  True, but it’s not ideal.

As referenced in the review of Packbadges.  While this App itself needs more work, such as connecting to a database such as Packmaster, it helps to track requirements completed while in the field.
If Troopmaster could create an App that allows this type of UI and access to a Database it would greatly help.

I understand that a Macintosh OS Client most likely will never happen, the best solution is the APP.

There are other solutions via websites that are even free that will do what Pack/Troopmaster will do.  However, there is at this time, no solution that I am aware of that will do this.
If there is a company that will make this happen, and it works, I would switch to it.

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PackBadges:iPhone Cubscout Tracking App

I am not in the habit of doing reviews of concerts, employees or movies.  However, finding and playing with Pack Badges, seems pretty interesting. It is created by HandyApp.

Pack Badges is created by the same person who created the Guide to Safe Scouting App. Which, apparently has been removed at the request of the Boy Scouts of America. I have the Good Turn, Scout Handbook, Knot Guide, GSS and a Map App.

I have been after a Cubscout Tracking program for the iPhone.  Our Pack currently uses Packmaster and I would love to sync info between the two.  It is possible on non-iPhone phones.  The Apps that I have seen and played with only allowed for one scout to be tracked and was very limited.

Looking at the UI and what if offers as for what it tracks from the screenshots and discription within iTunes, I figured that it was more robust than others.  Since I had a gift card, I downloaded it.  The program is $2.99.  Which, to me is high for buying an App.

What I like is that you can track several Scouts at once.

I  also like the fact that you can send data via email to others.  Apparently you can export it into excel format.  I have not done this as of yet.  I am not sure how you could import data into the App directly.

The software does appear to cover all awards, ranks, pins, beltloops and other awards within the Cubscout Program.

Entering data is pretty simple.  You can click the whole event completed or just the sections.  At the same time you can add your own comments and email it to someone.

What I find interesting is all the data seems to be taken from the Boy Scouts of America’s Cubscout Program, but refreneces the USSP website.  I suspect that is due to licensing based issues.

For me, this iPhone App is wonderful.  I will use it as I do the Scout Handbook and Guide to Safe Scouting…a Guide.  I can reference information while hiking, at Pow-wow, Roundtable or at a Pack/Den meeting when asked a question.

I would love to see the Author of this App become BSA Licensed and get a great UI built into it.  I would also like to have an interface between Packmaster (other Databases too) that will allow me to update over the Internet.

I doubt that Troopmaster, INC will support the Mac OS or iPhone/iPad OS anytime soon.  That is a different set of discussions to have.  I suspect that either my Son, who is a Bear will get his Eagle first or Rush will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Either way, this App is a great start.

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