eagle90

I have a zero degree bag, a +30 degree bag, and a very light fleece sleeping bag used when High Adventure trips take us down south!

Our scouts have earned merit badges while on High Adventure trips throughout the country. As long as the counselor is approved by the local council he can counsel any scout.

The first car I bought after college was a 1973 AMC Javelin, Green with gold racing stripes. A great little car, but not really practical for camping and Scouting, as the trunk was the size of the proverbial breadbox. Moved on to Oldsmobile Cutlasses and now Chevy Suburbans!

That would be the last invitation that DE would ever receive and the last FOS presentation he would make to our troop if he did that.

Our council has a separate persona assigned to approve Eagle projects. It could be difficult to have the same people approve the project and then serve on the EBOR. Theoretically, a scout could start his Eagle project when he is 12-13 years old, and then not attain Eagle till he is 18. Chances are great the same people will NOT be available 5-6 years later!

We have the Webelos join us every year on a fall campout. We insist on a parent/guardian be with each scout. No parent/guardian, they don't go. This hasn't been a problem, as we have always had probably 90% participation.

YAY!!! More paperwork!!!

I agree with Seattle With 62 scouts we would take up too much time collecting weekly dues, not to mention the accounting fiasco. We collect once a year.

What's the Rush? How many ten year olds are really ready for Boy Scouts? Not too many that I've seen. I've seen too many Webelos campouts where daddy is cutting up junior's meals and tying his shoes. It's hard enough for our older scouts (16 and 17 yrs old) to relate to eleven and twelve year olds. Now we want them to do the same with a ten year old? Let them enjoy Cubs!

You can't go wrong with Eureka equipment. We use the Timberline Outfitters, some of which are over 20 years old. If you treat them right, they will last and last. Dale

By all means, wear it. An Eagle COH is about the only time I wear my medal. At one of our Eagle COH's, the Eagle's dad not only wore his Eagle medal, but wore his original scout uniform. It was very impressive. The disgusting thing is, it still fit after 30+ years!! I know mine sure wouldn't Dale

As i look out at our 20+ inches of snow and 20 foot piles of snow in parking lots, I envy you guys spending a weekend like that! Count your blessings!! Dale

Amen to Frank Scout. New Crossover parents who don't understand in spite of all the orientations we give them about the differences between Cubs and Scouts.

Some of the more popular merit badges at our camp are Metalwork, Golf, and Archaeology. They actually take the scouts to a dig in northern Wisconsin.

"Same applies to bee stings and allergic reactions..." How true - I have seen only one bee sting in the 12 years we have been going to our summer camp. Of course it was the kid who was allergic! Had to use the epi-pen and transport to the local hospital for antibiotics.

The outfitter you pick can be a big help in planning your trip. Use him and ask questions! Also many of the outfitters have MB counselors on staff and will work with the scouts on the Whitewater MB.

Anyone have any suggestions for a kayaking trip of multiple days in the Midwest (Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, etc) I know there are trips up north in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, etc., but am looking for something down south where the weather and water is a little warmer. Any help would be appreciated. Dale

A silent salute to our founder.....

Wow! We sure undercharge compared to most. We charge $45 for dues and registration (Boy's Life is optional). New scouts receive a troop neckerchief and T-shirt. For most campouts the fee is in the $20-$30 range depending on the venue and what the activities for the weekend are. Dale

As someone who has been down the New River three times, I would be very hesitant to go down river with a 16-18 year old Scout with limited experience as my guide. The commercial guides are professionals with years of experience, skill, and physical stamina. And the situation there can be life threatening. While I appreciate what scouts can accomplish, in myh mind, I'm going to leave it to the professionals.

I wonder how much money was spent on this Strategic Plan, with its Pillars, Objectives, Strategies, Goals, etc., and whether that money could have been used to further the program itself and make a bigger influence on BOYS.

Christmas Greetings from Illinois. A very Merry Christmas to all my Scouter.com friends Dale

I try to have the SMC one week and BOR the next week, but, as you know, the best laid plans... Many times the SMC and BOR occur on the same night. At Summer Camp toward the end of the week, I have done 20+ conferences in one day and the BOR's were held the same day. I'll do them any time the scout and I can get together. The only exception is Eagle SMC's that take quite a bit longer. I will do those on a separate day, usually at my home.

As I watch the snow flying in the 40 mph winds... We outdoor camp April thru November, take December off. In January we do a ski trip, and do cabin camping in February and March.

Not wanting to get into a discussion about wearing knots, but.... I recently received the new Unit Leader Award which comes with a new SM patch and gold on black square knot. However, the knot is a different size than all the other knots I have. The old knots were about 1-5/8" by 3/4". The new knot is 1-7/8" x 1". I know a quarter of an inch in each direction doesn't sound like much, but when it is sewn on the uniform, it really stands out. Who at National in their infinite wisdom made this brilliant decision? Dale