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Pressures of modern life and the pandemic have made the UK Scout organization stronger than ever with a 100,000-strong waiting list. ... "Then there’s the thorny issue of neurodiversity: where mainstream schools are struggling to cope with rising numbers of children diagnosed with autism and ADHD. The Scouts, however – which pitches itself as the opposite of a classroom environment – is not suffering. “We don’t teach in classrooms,” Carter adds. “We teach by doing in real life. Put up a tent in the rain, and they will learn it’s quicker if you work as a team. We also give lots of tra

I was asked to pass the message below on to Survivors. It doesn't constitute an endorsement on my part. It's for information. That said, I do find it intriguing that an attorney, with no shortage of experience in the US Bankruptcy system, is calling BS on the way attorneys take 40% for essentially filling out a form. I Know, in a lot of cases they do more than that but how great would it be to see a change where those who need more pay more and those who need less pay less. You know....like any other service we purchase! It doesn't apply to my personal situation but given that a number o

Yep, it is the acclimating that is important. And that always included my telling the members, adult and kids, that the swim check was NOT a race, and they could wait a day if need. We went from sea level, literally, to a mile hight or more most years. Between the hot, dry atmosphere and unheated pool, or other water, it could zap you. As I got older, I always did my check the following day, both because of the change, but also my trying to keep up with the routines.

Throwing a log on fire with a relevant story All-girl Scout troop from Brunswick takes to the high seas for adventure camp Great story about why these girls chose to join Boy Scouts and their Sea Base trek. It was 1. Program, name was not an issue, these girls wanted to Scout, 2. parents stepping up to deliver Program - character building, service, ADVENTURE, skills. IMHO this success story is repeated daily in units across the country, Gender is irrelevant as are High Adventure Bases. Get kids who want to Scout and adults who will deliver the Program ...membership gr

The Scout requirement is "become familiar with" and "Explain how these items create patrol spirit." Unfortunately, you have discovered your patrol flag is missing and nobody can find it. Perhaps you could explain how having a patrol flag would create more patrol spirit.

The requirement is: "Become familiar with your patrol name, emblem, flag, and yell. Explain how these items create patrol spirit." If no one knows where it is, I would discuss with my Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader. Your patrol should create one if one does not exist. Good Luck and Happy Scouting!

As a retired Occupational Safety and Health professional, I think the biggest factor is not global warming, but the lack of acclimatization of people, especially the youth. People who routinely work and play outdoors develop a physiological tolerance to heat, and not much of that happens anymore. Most of us arrive at Camp having just emerged from cool environments of home, office, cars, etc. Back in the 1900s when my kids were young scouts, we had a house rule that the AC didn't get turned on in the house, until we returned from Summer Camp. Up until camp, usually the week after 4th of Jul

How does a council drop commissioner service? The commissioner corps is a fundamental part of the mission of the districts and councils to serve the units.

Only my opinion, but I doubt that the Third Circuit will stay the plan now. It has been in effect for some 14 months at this point. I won't be surprised if the Lujan & D&V claimants seek a stay, but I expect it will be denied. Recall that several requests for a stay have been made and denied already, including by the Third Circuit and SCOTUS. Instead, the Third Circuit will move forward to decide the appeal. Recall that the case was already fully briefed and scheduled for oral argument in April at the Third Circuit. However, they decided it made sense to wait a mere couple mo

Update July 24,2024: "About 80 people are involved in the trial at MaineHealth’s Pen Bay Medical Center, which is part of a national study of a Lyme vaccine called VLA15 developed by the companies Pfizer and Valneva, according to Dr. Robert Smith, who’s working on the trial team. In total, the study is testing the safety and effectiveness of the shot on nearly 9,500 people across the country. ... The goal is for the vaccine to show a statistically significant decline in cases of Lyme disease. Smith said the trials are expected to conclude by the end of 2025, which is when Pfizer

Like the term "awkward scouts". I would agree that is a great description. Also feel that the labeling that is common today is part of the problem. The youth's peers too often pick up on that and it becomes far more difficult than it might otherwise. Always a balance, and helping both the "differentand his Scouting peers deal with things is part of the challenge. Yet I have seen many of them come into their own when encourage by scout peers to get involved. Learning for them all, and for many adults I think too.

Our troop had many awkward scouts, and they truly flourished in the program. I say awkward because not all youth with nontypical behavior for their age are autistic, ADHD, or mentally handicapped. Many, are just awkward. I'm curious about the UK Scout training. The challenge for adult leaders is that the behavior pattern of each awkward scout is as different as their personalities and requires a slightly different approach for their special needs. Generally, the parent's involvement improves the odds of their child having a good scouting experience because they can help guide the adults

Somewhere, in somebody's attic or basement crawlspace, is piece of Redwood that the Eagle Patrol of Troop 759 carved for a Patrol Campsite gateway. 13, 14 year old kids using chisels and hammers. We didn't have a Patrol flag, but for this weeklong Troop sponsored summer camp, it was us. Somebody's dad had this scrap of Redwood from a project , and we used it. We might have had a flag, someone's mom helped make, hem, paint on the cloth, but I don't remember that. The carving I remember. Patrol cooking. For that summer weeklong the Troop parents decided, since somebody had this prop

If the patrol flag is lost, get together with your friends and create a new one. It can be very fancy and professional ... or a simple craft project ... or a hand made cloth hung on a tree branch. It really depends on what you want as a patrol flag.

This seems like an untapped idea. We can all think of orgs who could share camps: Y, school outdoor ed, Campfire, churches, even the Girl Scouts. It is crazy that all of these orgs struggle to have, maintain, and use their camps. If we shared it could just work. I don’t know.

Some of my favorite memories are watching from a distance as my sons split wood with an ax. I'd be far away and nervous as heck, but it was very maturing for them. And confidence building.

Curious what the actual membership numbers are. BSA (Sorry SA) has not been overly transparent of late with that data

... and this outstanding piece published last Friday in The Dispatch "Scouting Hasn't Lost Itself" (subtitled "Girls now have more opportunities for Scouting’s formative experiences."): https://thedispatch.com/article/scouting-hasnt-lost-itself/

Related story: Fourteen year old scout Lily Johnson earned the National Medal for Outdoor Achievement completing 127 nights of camping, over 500 miles of hiking, 85 hours of conservation work, a wilderness first aid course, became a Leave No Trace level one instructor, earned four 50-miler awards and planned two outings for the scout troop – including one 50-mile backpacking trip. “Once I get Eagle I want to just be a model for other scouts,” said Lily, who hopes to inspire other scouts to “do cool things.” Lily isn’t going to let the outdoor adventures end when their scouting c

The Trust is aware of the recent decision of the United States Supreme Court in Harrington v. Purdue Pharma. The impact of that decision, if any, on the Boy Scouts’ plan of reorganization will be decided by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in the pending appeal from confirmation of that plan in due course. In the meantime, it is business as usual for the Scouting Settlement Trust. My team continues its work evaluating and determining the claims that have been submitted to it. Respectfully, Hon. Barbara J. Houser (Ret.) Trustee Source Link: https://www.scoutingsettle

Actual results... Uphold Plan... Kavanaugh, Roberts, Sotomayor and Kagan Reject ... Thomas, Gorsuch, Barrett, Jackson and Alito Interesting as the results have the most conservative members rejecting the plan joined by liberal Jackson and the moderates/liberals upholding the plan. Waiting to read more insights into the ripple effects. Hoping BSA plan is safe.

BSA plan is already consummated and is not stayed. Certain insurers have already filed notice with the 3rd circuit court of appeals regarding SCOTUS opinion on Trucker Insurance Exchange. Insurance companies with a financial interest in a bankruptcy plan are a party of interest. They filed on 6/18/24. Still very contentious and BSA plan may wind up in front of SCOTUS. Whether they would agree to hear this case or not, I don't know.

Ah, fudge. Supreme Court undoes the Sackler settlement and third party bankruptcy releases. Still reading the opinion, but I was hoping to put the BSA case to bed this week. https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-124_8nk0.pdf

I found a link (via MSN) to this article that doesn't require registration: https://www.msn.com/en-nz/entertainment/music/how-the-scouts-became-this-year-s-most-in-demand-children-s-club/ar-BB1qmlGM?ocid=BingNewsVerp . @RememberSchiff is right. It is a good read.

https://nationaltoday.com/world-scout-scarf-day/ World Scout Scarf Day, celebrated on August 1, honors scouts across the world by encouraging them to step out of the house with their scouts scarf on! But why wear a scarf, you ask? Because a scout’s scarf brings the spirit of scouting into the limelight and also sheds light on the basic everyday life hacks that scouts are taught. For instance, the scarf around the neck is used to protect the body from sunburn and can also be used as a band-aid in situations where a first aid kit is unavailable. Hence, over time, the scouts’ scarf has beco

I like it. Very much about community.

I agree we need something like this. But, from my experiences of scouts reporting these things to unit adults they trust, I wonder if the system will encourage victims to bypass unit authorities. Also, I have experience with observing youth making false accusations at adults and youth, which has its own complexities. Accusations of harm can be complicated and I wonder what kind of training the folks handling the reports are getting. Barry

Central Georgia Council's Camp Benjamin Hawkins is under contract to be sold. The camp began in 1927 and comprises 500 acres. The Central Georgia Council office is also for sale. Source: https://www.13wmaz.com/article/news/local/camp-benjamin-hawkins-contract-sold-nearing-100-year-legacy/93-e49907a0-d0a6-4c52-8f81-644cb5a5bf5f

Found this today on Globe Newswire "IRVING, TX, July 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scouts and leaders from Scouting America joined Senate and Congressional leaders in Washington last week to highlight the importance of programs for the nation’s youth and discuss the positive impact these youth programs have on our communities. ... Washington officials were joined by Scouting America youth in the Cub Scout and Scouts BSA programs, as well as members of the Venturing, Exploring and Sea Scout programs. Bringing real excitement and competition to the meeting, Cub Scouts from Pack 98

If the only patrol activity is eating then that raises a question. What is going on the rest of the time? Is it fun, challenging or in some way memorable? If so, then do them by patrol. If not, then it certainly explains why few scouts are going. Another challenge is whether or not there are scout leaders. I'm not talking about someone with a position of responsibility patch. I'm talking about the scout everyone wants to hang out with because they create fun. Those people need the patrol leader patch and support from the adults to put on a good program. Here's an idea for you to try

Sorry to hear that. Perhaps you could be the change agent the troop needs to start having them.

Back in the day, I earned Red Cross Swimmer, Junior Lifeguard, and Senior Lifeguard certification. These courses were taught mornings at my town pool by volunteer Red Cross Aquatic Instructors. As I recall, the total cost was $10 or $20 to cover book and card. The courses filled quickly and were physically demanding in endurance and stroke execution. My Red Cross instructor was also a Swimming and Lifeguard MBC - so WINNING. The following two summers, I would work as a lifeguard at the same town pool and help teach those courses. I never registered for BSA Lifeguard at our local camp, pe

I’m not following your point. In your council activities are not done due to fear of legal repercussions? Probably the biggest legal hardship for our camps is the requirement of a sprinkler system for buildings housing more than 4 unrelated people (or something like that). Due to that new cabins will be tough in the future.

Seems very low key vs the photo shoots of the past few years.

And now I do not go to camp as my body does not like it much. I miss it though, but need to be smart. They do not need me having another major health issue while there. Right now, we do not even have a local camp anyway, though the younger leaders are taking them to a unit week not too far away. As one local leader says regularly after posting photos; "get 'em out there".

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-12907335/sydney-ireland-fought-nine-years-boy-scouts-movie.html

ABC News: Children who fled Russian invasion find community in Ukrainian scouting organization in Canada https://abcnews.go.com/International/children-fled-russian-invasion-find-community-ukrainian-scouting/story?id=111568550

The group calls themselves ‘BOOTS’, which they say stands for Brotherhood of Old Tired Scouts, and they have been hiking and biking through the trails at Cameron Park for nearly 30 years, training for camping trips and helping maintain the park. “We have an adventure group,” Scott Littrell, known as ‘Mad Dog’ to his friends, said. “We go out twice a year on adventures, but we hang around a lot together. We mountain bike, we hike, we maintain trails, we fish, you name it, outdoorsy stuff.” He said the group formed out of their sons’ boy scout troop around 27 years ago. “It starte

I'm not sure if your answer is in the link below or not but Grand Canyon Council did something similar a while back. I never got into the Commissioner side of things. GCC 3.0

Scouting taught me to be observant while hiking. Walking with my buddy on a jeep road on a hot sunny Philmont day, a rattlesnake slithered between my legs. I was yakking with my buddy and oblivious to my surroundings . Our SM watched, too stunned to shout out. Maybe that was a good thing but he gave me an earful afterwards in front of my patrol. Adult leaders could do that back then as a way to curb stupidity. Lesson learned. Eyes on trail and my feet. I am wary of warm surfaces, crevices, and vegetation. Last year I visited a CA poppy field with Mrs. Schiff who attempted a close-up phot

The average outdoors person has probably passed near, over, or around them multiple times without incident. Most snake species, especially venomous, camouflage extremely well, want to remain hidden and avoid you, and are not aggressive. From a snake's perspective, however, many things that humans do can seem threatening so they will sometimes react. The best prevention is to be aware of how well they camouflage, where they like to be, and what conditions will cause them to be in places they usually don't like. You do not need to kill the snake and bring it to the ER with you, which is how many

I have read that most bites occur as a result of trying to capture, kill or relocate a snake. Just give them their space and they will be on their way.

The National Snakebite Support facebook page is a good resource for anyone who spends time outdoors. ER expertise regarding bite management can vary.

Oh, here it is in G2SS.

Update. Local Scout awarded. No medal. Just certificate and knot. Embarrassing.

Beyond moving the current CC to USR and the new CC into the CC slot. Yes, they will sit as Unit Scouter reserve until recharter or their membership expires if they aren’t going to re-up in general.

As COR you should be able to move them around in the Position Manager screen. Drag the name tiles to where they need to be, then "Save Changes" on the bottom right. Be sure you're in the "Registered Positions" side and not the "Functional Roles" side. It probably won't let you save if you don't have a "legal" roster (ie, a SM, CC, two more committee members). As @skeptic said I'd just move the retiring CC to MC or Unit Scouter Reserve then let them drop off at recharter. They've already paid for the year, and you're not getting a refund.

1) National doesn't care 2) Yes, but I would love to wrong about this. 3) No, but I would love to wrong about this.

I just don't see girls as being all that pivotal either way. They are a great and no brainer addition to a youth organization but in the scheme of things, at least here in the US, I'm not sure it has had much bearing other than providing a helpful blip through a couple of very dark years. Where the UK is concerned, I think some of its success has more to do with the fact that it has had consistent, identifiable, high profile advocates from the late Queen to Bear Grylls to more lately Catherine Middleton. They are so high profile, we are aware of their involvement even in the US. I also think t

Educate. Every tick goes to the health lodge to be removed and logged in. A PhD Entomologist I work with said that the tick must be attached for 48 hrs in order to transmit disease (but I wouldn't bet on it), so daily showers and tick checks while at camp and timely removal is imperative. Another problem is that the young deer tick (the only species which transmits the Lyme spirochete) is almost invisible to the naked eye (about the size of a spider mite) and is often mistaken for a speck of sand or dirt. Of course, if you have a young female paramedic at the health lodge, the guys will go