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Do you really think we even need this? I think this should be dropped. The real cyber issues kids face are far beyond what is in the BSA program and are often emergent. The BSA's program, from what I've seen, is largely static. Most school districts are doing this kind of programming and are a much better source of this kind of information or training in my opinion. Handle it the same way they do with drugs/alcohol in Second Class -- get a sign off showing you've participated in a school or community digital safety program, talk, whatever. More and more schools are pushing technology down to

It's only silly if you haven't bothered to educate yourself about what companies like Facebook and Google are actually doing and if you do not care at all about your own personal privacy. Speak for yourself. There are many of us who do *NOT* use Facebook precisely because we do not agree with their socially irresponsible terms and conditions. Instead, we advocate for government to step up and enact RESPONSIBLE privacy laws and date security laws. In the EU, baby steps in the right direction have taken place, and companies and software professionals talk about how they will respect ne

If I thought the post was disingenuous I would have. The OP is in a unfamiliar environment and in need of skills to succeed or reconsideration of his involvement. IMO. the instructive, scoutlike discussion by multiple members which followed was a better solution to the insensitivity and prejudice expressed by OP. This does not always work but we try to help first. @desertrat77 , @MattR

The posts by @RememberSchiff, @Sentinel947, & @Eagle1993 are very well taken. I'm pretty sure we're seeing high level BSA politics play out online. Not knowing any of the players directly it is hard to ascertain motives. However, looking at this as objectively as possible I sense that Mr. Stinnett has simply had enough. It's not that he's trying to destroy the BSA, but he's fighting for it. At that level fights can be nasty and so you get quotes like Ms. Blanchards. My feelings mirror those of the other posters. I have been a defender of national on this forum a great m

I keep hearing the "selling data" issue come up. I think this concern is kinda silly being most of us provide data to facebook and google willingly on a daily basis. Being self employed for most of my life, I was amazed how much paperwork I had to sign when I became an employee three years ago. Point being, many employers require the same checks, if not more. I suspect some may want IP addresses soon.

A grandmother driving her two Cub grandsons to a state conservation area, a railroad crossing without gates or flashing lights or stop sign... https://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/20191124/amtrak-crash-boy-scout-trip-ends-in-tragedy-at-gate-less-rail-crossing Scout salute and farewell,

I'd upvote this three times if I could.

There are lots of challenges for BSA. Financial challenges during a time of decreased membership is a big one. Society changes and what people enjoyed decades ago sometimes goes out of favor. Look at bowling alleys as one example in this country. It was very popular when I was a kid and it could be tough to get a lane to practice sometimes. Now many of them have closed. Scouting has always competed against other activities. Will it offer something that draws in enough youth? We also have the stain of the child abuse scandals. That doesn't help. I'm doing what I can to hel

Can I verify it for him? I looked her up as well, and I would considered myself a pretty good researcher. As Evie O'Connell said, "I am a librarian. "

I'm a rural DE. Supporting scout units is what I do (or at least try to do). Anything specific you neeed help with?

Censorship for political correctness does no good. Depending on the mod, your indignance might be muzzled -- such requests most always end badly. The OP is a scouter who boldly states his biases. You think he's wrong, but he doesn't seem to think so. If this is some flight of fancy of some DE, he may be be spot on. If some members of the target community have been asking for such a program, he may indeed be allowing his worst-case perceptions to get the better of him. Either his perception of the situation or the situation itself is the obstacle. (We've seen both on this forum.) We've more to

One of my former Explorer Scouts (And Queen's Scout Award holder) is one of the team on this. Not that I'm taking any credit mind you. Looks like an amazing trip.

I am sure its not what everyone in the district "wants" me to do, BUT... so I don't miss out on training opportunities coming up I went ahead and signed up for our University of Scouting that happens Jan 4. There is also an IOLS course Jan 11. I took BALOO/IOLS last March together, but I feel like I could do a repeat and it would be worth my time.

That is super cool. Here is the info on the Barque Eagle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USCGC_Eagle_(WIX-327)

@ParkMan, well said. However, I'm doubtful that even a former governor or any highly accomplished leader could help the professional scouter corps in its present state. Individually, there are many great pros. Collectively, because the pro staff has become so insular and bureaucratic, they'll figure out a way to appear to be on board with the new direction, all the while keeping the status quo. I think a bigger broom is going to be needed to enact the changes you've recommended.

No doubt yall all know more about the Scouting world than I do, but this was on FB this evening...

This morning I picked up a newspaper and this story made the front page. The BSA cannot seem to help getting itself more and more bad publicity. I'm generally pretty supportive of national as I know they have a tough job right now. But the way this was handled was awful. Risking the crown jewel of the BSA, not even discussing this with the oversight board, and all this news now of these arrogant statements to the board. You put all of that on top of the poor marketing and commimications national does anyways. I really do think that it's time for a serious influx of outside leadership in

We are not at bankruptcy yet, there is no court involvement, no Chapter 11 trustee overseeing and reorganizing us, the debtor. Seven months ago, National secretly extended their credit line by $446 million to spend as they wish, though presumably for liability insurance. Not legally necessary? to discuss this action before or after with the Philmont Ranch Committee or the Waite Phillips family and maybe not the Executive Board, and certainly not the members. I doubt former BSA President Rex Tillerson was informed. As Philmont Scout Ranch Committee Member and attorney Mr. Stinnett wrote.

This is what frustrates me the most. It's not the higher fees, I can deal with that. It's what appears to be blatant disregard for volunteer input, something that the BSA supposedly prides itself on. Obviously that's not true. No more than right now is it more important to focus on the unit.

After taking a hard and professional look at everything going on and all the problems we are facing. I think we're going to need more popcorn.

I am quitting because of poor self esteem and depression. I am going to use the free time to sit at home and not burden others with my incompetence. Honestly!!

As I recall, back in the 70's BSA was hard on the ropes due to an unpopular war, declining numbers, a negative image and program changes that the rank and file were unprepared for. But, overtime National was able to save it's self. The waters may be rough, but the ship is still afloat. I've a feeling it's still too early for the eulogy, and that the storm can be endured...

Nor should you even worry about doing so. That would be missing the point (rely on the "authority of the resource"). LNT practitioners generally regard snow as a "durable surface". Build those snow shelters! Stomp down a tent platform for the night! It's all good because the next snowfall is going to cover up your traces and when things thaw out, not a trace remains. The only reason to worry about knocking down snow structures is to minimize the aesthetic changes, purely as a courtesy to anyone else who might be passing through.

Instead of viewing it as reducing bureaucracy at the Council and National levels, view it as restoring TRUST in unit volunteers. Train'em, trust 'em and maybe even treat them as adults. Some thoughts... Units can easily tract advancement themselves either with the old paper scout advancement record or whatever software they are using. No need for a National database. No need to send Eagle workbooks to National either (what do they do with them?) Actually the whole Eagle workbook should be replaced with just a signoff sheet and one page project description. Units can als

As I discussed above, I agree that there has to be a certain limited professional infrastructure to provide particular resources that are beyond the capabilities of individual units or area or regional collections of units and unit volunteers. But when you are talking about organizing multi-unit programs, or promoting Scouting in communities, or assisting units and leaders via training and commissioner service, volunteers are doing all of that already. They don't need a council or district structure, or council or district professionals, to make it happen. I've dealt with some fine dis

This is a list I compiled in another thread of functions requiring professional staff at the Council or National level. Liability insurance protecting Scout leaders when claims are made against them Medical insurance protecting Scouts and other participants injured in Scouting activities Uniform youth protection and conduct policies Adult applicant background checks, screening, reporting, and enforcement of conduct policies Uniform health and safety policies, incident reporting, and research Relationships with local, state, and national agencies and o

I would start with recruiting at least a small cadre of adults before recruiting scouts. You need engaged adults to help shoulder the burden or you will burn out quickly. Get your leadership together and then start reaching out. As someone who lives in a rural(ish) area with, as kids say, "nothing to do", offer a vibrant program that dovetails into the rural culture. Be willing to bend your vision to meet the community at least half way. Oh, and get your program out there --- newspaper articles, Facebook page, IG, etc. <--- Kids are very social these days.

A fool's errand? Of course it is. So when has that ever stopped us? I've been a part of such an attempt twice, once in a poor part of Maryland (tobacco fields and 20 year old pickups), once in a urban setting where ankle monitors on the scouts were not uncommon. From my very limited experience 1- you can NOT help someone who does not want to be helped. All you can do is make sure they know the offer is there. 2- parents have more influence than a scout leader. 3- there are some who are looking for a way out, something better. Even if they try to hide it in order to

I was looking over the 20 questions tonight. HA HA HA. Nevermind. Woodbadge is obviously designed for individuals who have high self worth and are optimists. I'd just like some additional training.. not a way to further beat myself up.