Leaderboard

The look and feel of merit badges has evolved quite a bit since scouting first began in the early 20th century. In the beginning, merit badges were embroidered on a square piece of cloth. Later, the edges around the embroidery began an inexorible process of shrinking, and being rolled up along the edge. It wasn't until the 1960s that merit badges which looked like the kind we give scouts today started to emerge, with no cloth background apparent and a neat twilled border all the way round. The different stages of merit badge evolution are identified as "Type A" through "Type K".

While that's totally true, they get paid to do their job and their job is to deal with National and deal with all the crap that should not be happening at our level. However crap rolls down hill and the volunteers at the bottom are the ones that take the brunt of it. Way back, 12 years ago I had fond memories of my time in scouts as a kid and I knew I wanted to be a leader and thought that even when my kid was done with scouts, I'd keep on as a volunteer. Well over the last 12 years, that attitude has severely changed. I don't have faith in the program or leadership of it anymore. I'm just gla

A Boy Scout bottle drop donation box has been cleaned out (by thieves) twice in as many weeks. “I think a whole box full generally gives us about $100, and it really helps us do a lot of stuff,” said SM Yeung. But here is their interesting solution along with more frequent pickups: Troop leaders said for those who have always graciously donated, but no longer trust the bottle drop, you can bring the bottles directly to the redemption center and tell them you would like the money donated to Hoosick Falls Troop 6063. I wonder if other redemption centers provide this service?

Maybe the key S'mores ingredient will soon be required from a jar and not a campfire. Goodbye Campfire Marshmallows hello Fluff.

If there is an increase in the amount or number of National fee(s), I hope it is placated by a reduction in paperwork and "guidelines"... some good with the bad. My $0.02, and Alex I'll take Water Pistols for $10, no make that Power Tools for $20.

Grubmaster is a developing skills job. Budget, quality, taste, and so on. The position shouldn't be shoved from one scout to the next. A couple of helpers makes the responsibility more fun. If the GM gets the money up front, then mom doesn't need to worry about it and can relax in the car while the scouts purchase their food. If the local supermarket is close, she doesn't even need to drive. There is a typical cost per scout that usually works out most of the time. It was $10 fifteen years ago, probably closer to $13 or $14 now. Scouts get good at it. If the adults start dreading pa

Right. But they do give us guidance. With next year being an election year, you're starting to see debates happening in various places. These can be excellent forums to hear about diverse opinions, but they're not the only places. I would definitely approve of a scout who wanted to attend an event labelled as a "forum", even though it might not follow a traditional debate structure. The "forum" tends to differ from a "debate" in that it focuses on a narrower subset of issues than a general "debate" might. For example, there are "forum" events focused on women's issues, LGBT, climate is

Sept 28-29: Wings Over Wine Country Air Show (CA) Parking is available in designated parking lots near the Air Show for a donation of $10 per vehicle (donations benefit the Boy Scouts, who help with the parking). http://www.sonomawest.com/cloverdale_reveille/news/aerial-performers-take-wing-in-annual-air-show/article_2b0b9b8a-dfe7-11e9-9578-efd58d2fc82a.html P.S. And you also get to see and hear a Hawker Seafury fly.

Skeptic, I remember when you were just a youngster. I joined in Nov 2002. Barry

While the requirements may not state "debate" at the meeting, a public meeting following Roberts Rules any discussion of a motion is considered "debate". Only during this time can any viewpoints be given. Thus the requirement to attend (not view online IMO) a meeting with differeling viewpoints presented can only occur during "debate". Yes, it is semantic. I think the focus on the "public" is missing the point of the requirement. Public means you can attend, private is closed to "the public".

What are the Military Explorers? The Military Explorers is a Boy Scouts of America sponsored program for young men and women ages 14 (and have completed the 8th grade) through 20 years old. There is also an Expoloring Club for youth in 6th to 8th grade. The purpose of the Military Explorers program is to provide real world career experiences and develop critical skills necessary for success in any branch of the United States Armed Forces and in life. Our purpose is to help our youth grow both mentally and physically through the United States Military training practies. Military Ex

How to learn to escape. It makes sense.

Your friends next move should be to hold the event for free. Announce that donations will be accepted for threads and sewing needles. I'm sure a few tens and twenties will also find their way into the donation box.

Alas, as much as I agree with you, @RememberSchiff, I foresee more poorly written, unnecessary publications and bundles of red tape promulgating from Irving in the coming months....

This is what I received from my council: It was $24? So they just about doubled it? Or does "to minimize additional asks for money at recharter" mean it will be more?

I am like @Eagle1993, I am hearing rumors from the west, and I do not want to believe what I heard. Between lack of sleep and sticker shock, I may have posted too fast. Price I am hearing is $75+ per member. That does not include any insurance or council fees. If this happens, I see a significant drop in membership in my area. I am in a rural county with a median income of $42K. I will probably quit, or register solely as a MB counselor.