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That is what might happen if you overcorrect to solve problems. Add to it the misunderstanding of many regarding OA and Native American cultures, and you end up with the proverbial milk-toast. I have posted before that the main issue I see is, as you put it, the gimme and no limit elections. But, it is mostly the lack of true mystique due to the fear of "secret societies"and the flack regarding regalia that seems most damaging. Pure lack of pride also often seems present to me. When we old guys were inducted, ceremonies not only had the regalia, but all of the players knew their parts wit

Eagle94-A1, I dropped out several years ago as our chapter ceremony advisor. We still were expected to perform the national OA's approved call out ceremony at one of the Friday night closing campfires for summer camp. Six weeks of summer camp, six ceremonies. Each performed by a different chapter team. I'll admit that I still have possession of all of the regalia, but I can't seem to give it away. I'm still waiting for a new advisor to take over. Anyway, yes, when the AOLs and Crossovers were removed, it took the last wind out of our sails. So, although we keep promoting the need for a ce

As some may know, I have been in the OA for a long time. I have served as an executive board member as a youth, and as an adviser in multiple lodges. Even when I stepped down as chapter adviser to focus on Cub Scouts, and working with a troop, whenever I was asked for assistance, I provided it. Especially when it concerned ceremonies. I know how powerful ceremonies can be, and want them to be the most meaningful and special for those in them, and watching them. So last night I was very discouraged at the Call Out Ceremony I attended last night. An adult in uniform, stepped forward, read n

The fire may indeed be dying down, but it won't be my hand that puts it out. We are still fighting to keep it going here. Last weekend we did a full blown tapout ceremony for one ( yes just one) scout who's crew had their election too late for the spring callout and ordeal. It was about 4 hours of work for 6 arrowmen to make it all happen. But they did it cheerfully. i suspect National wouldn't approve of our little ceremony, but we are way beyond caring or asking for permission at this juncture. The scouts have this deep seated conviction that the order belongs to THEM. (especially the

Hiking through the religions of Rochester (MN) On Saturday, around 100 people... took part in the eighth Ten Commandments Hike hosted by Gamehaven Council and the Boy Scouts of America. The daylong, three-mile hike through Rochester’s faith communities aims to help the scouts and their adults develop an appreciation for diversity, said Pam Legried, a registrar with Boy Scouts of America Gamehaven Council. As part of the day, faith leaders or representatives from each congregation gave short presentations about one of the commandments at each of the faith locations. The 10 stops on th

Fall is in the air, and nothing says "Fall" to me quite like fresh apples. My grandma made tray after tray of apple bars for us to snack on, and my brothers and I would argue endlessley over whether apple pies should have a top crust on them, or should have cinnamon-laced crumbles on top of them. Fortunately, one of the tastiest fall apple treats is also very easy to make in a Dutch oven: Brown Betty. INGREDIENTS 6 cups of cored and peeled, tart apple slices 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup rolled oats 3/4 cup flour 1/2 cup softened butter (1

Yes true. But just about everything they wrote in the article had been said here 100 times. What this also shows is that we're ceding the floor on this conversation to whatever article comes up. What I really wish is that at a national level we'd really engage in this conversation. See the quotes To which someone ought to immediately reply that this happened 20-30 years ago and that none of those people (whether the abusers or those who didn't stop it) are here anymore. Then talk about how the BSA has the strongest anti-abuse program today - bar none. Some

The NY Post is not really journalism. It's a tabloid. The point of it is to publish the most outrageous and salacious interpretation of the news as possible while still falling on the right side of slander and libel laws.

@skeptic, here is an older article that mentions Mr. Greinsky. It may be one or both articles misquoted his title: https://www.silive.com/news/2013/01/staten_islanders_support_move.html From the article: "It's long overdue," said Eagle Scout Charles Greinsky, an Island Council of Boy Scouts vice president and an officer in the Staten Island Jewish Committee on Scouting. "The principles of leadership and citizenship should be taught to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation."

Negative feedback on fees increase continues from members on Bryan on Scouting and the New York Post The once-storied organization sent out a notice to leaders that the registration fee will nearly double from $33 to $60 on Jan. 1, blaming the increase on the rising “cost of insurance.” “Everybody knows what this is really all about,” fumed Charles Greinsky, vice president of the Staten Island Council Boy Scouts of America, who has been involved in scouting since 1963. “This is about the pedophiles and the insurance we have to pay because of these pedophiles and the fact that the Sco

The true spirit of the OA, which sustained our great organization for decades, has indeed departed. It's time to put out the campfire.