frankpalazzi

Deaf Scouter: Well done! You've been through the Eagle process or have really done your homework!

Base: He'll be an Eagle all right: A "Backyard Eagle In His Own Mind," but not an Eagle Scout according to BSA. Any SM/CC/Advancement Chair who tries to pencil-whip this kid through because of daddy's threats shouldn't be an SM,CC,or any adult leader for that matter. Fraudulent. I'd like to be a fly on the wall when the DAC says to daddy, "ummm.....no." If it were I being "lawyered at," I'd say, "OK, see you in court!"

I think we all know who would prevail here.

(Edited for glaring grammatical error...sorry I'm anal that way.)(This message has been edited by FrankScout)

True! But only a FEW are necessary! That's why our troop only has a FEW!

So...defiant parents? You need to make a rule (NOT a "policy"). The difference is: Policies can be molded and adapted to individual situations. Rules must be followed as written. I'm not an advocate of having many "rules," (Our troop has very few!) but I think this is one you need your CO to back you on. Have the CO institute the "no slingshot/wristrocket" rule, put it in writing, signed by the IH/COR, and make sure everyone in the pack gets a copy. Be sure to include the rule in future events where you list all your rules. At that point, you have done everything in your power to run your pack event as safely as possible. Make sure everyone knows that rule violations may result in being sent home! If someone wants to challenge you on G2SS--well no, it's not in there, but the CO has the right to go above and beyond BSAs safety rules if they so choose. Don't like it? Go home.

These may seem like harsh measures to some, but the way I look at it: I'd rather lose a family over this issue than my house; given the choice. A CO rule, strictly enforced, protects everyone, Scouts and adults alike.

Maybe it's time for an addition to the Guide to Safe Scouting. I think we all agree that slingshots are far more dangerous than paintball and laser tag.

I would imagine that this council has had problems in the past, therefore the "embargo".

G2SS aside, if YOU think it's unsafe, and YOU want to prohibit it, then that's YOUR prerogative! Make sure everyone knows it next time! Personally, I think slingshots should be treated the same as Bow & Arrow, and BB, and should be used only as an organized event.

This whole matter will fall apart at the Council level if the dad persists. The Eagle application must be signed by the SM, I believe the CC, and the information (Ranks, Merit Badges, PORs) must be verified by Council before the EBOR can proceed. (At least this is the procedure in my council.) And this guy is a former Cubmaster? He's in for quite a surprise that no amount of "Lawyering" will work in his favor. The rules are pretty clear.

Twocubdad and Eagle92 have excellent ideas for dealing with this in front of your boys. Consider using their methods!(This message has been edited by FrankScout)(This message has been edited by FrankScout)

K1986,

Seems to me you made an honest mistake. You apologized and felt terrible about it, yet this SM acted in what I feel is a totally obnoxious and repugnant manner--in front of your Cubs no less--concerning a matter that's NONE OF HIS DAMN BUSINESS!!!!

A call to his Troop's Chartered Organization Representative and/or Institutional Head is definitely in order here. PLEASE don't let this "slide". I hope things went well for you yesterday, please take a moment to update!

Charging a fee for merit badge instruction beyond the cost of materials? Is this "kosher"? Does Council/National approve of this?

I wouldn't know where to begin on this one. From what I read, this dad is a mental case and needs professional help. I hope he gets it. As long as I have BSA Rules and Regs, Policies And Procedures on my side, I wouldn't be intimidated, lawyer or not.

Kudos to Lowe's!! We have a current Eagle candidate who took advantage of the program! On top of the gift card, the store manager gave him a 30 percent discount on the other items he purchased exceeding the $100!

SSScout, I second that! (as a bus driver.)

Besides, I always thought Flavor-Aid was an inferior product.

"But "Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day" was just a one-day event, not a long-term commitment. The withdrawal of corporate support that is occuring is a loss that will be felt for years to come."

Indeed it was a one-day event, but look at the results! Our local store had lines out the door, with only 6 protesters out front. Could a similar event with Scouting produce similar results? A Scouting Appreciation Day, perhaps? Or, would that be considered "bigoted"? Food for thought, isn't it?

In the meantime, those affected by the Intel decision will just have to sell more popcorn!

The movement will survive, one way or the other.(This message has been edited by FrankScout)

Through the years, I've been to good RTs as well as bad ones. It all depends on the District RT staff I guess. A few years ago, I started going again, only to sit through a monthly slide/lecture series by the RT commissioner on topics like poisonous plants, how to set up a campsite, first aid, etc. Websites with long, complex URLs were cited. (Am I REALLY supposed to copy these down?) Dry at best. Followed by Q&A and the "Reading Of The Flyers". Some months we'd be "treated" to an "expert" whose real agenda was to hawk his store and expensive gear within.

I'm NOT trying to be cynical or sarcastic here; Perception Is Reality.

Calling the monthly RT a snoozefest would have been too kind a thing to say. I remember hearing hootin' and hollerin' across the hall...the Cub RT! Always wondered what was going on over there? One month I wandered in to find out! Engaging, fun, and hands-on! Why couldn't the Scout side be like that? At 9pm the Scout folks would be running to their cars, the Cub folks would be lingering until the building custodian had to subtly hint with a key-jingle.

Of course my giving any kind of constructive "feedback" would have been met with "Why don't you join our District Staff and share your ideas, etc, etc....?" So I just bit my tongue for the most part I'm a COR with active committee positions in pack and troop--that pretty much fills up my "hour a week," thanks.

Is there any "rule" in anyone's council against attending Roundtables in a neighboring district? I often send leaders seeking training opportunities to neighboring districts if they have a scheduling conflict with the training our district offers.

"When major donors stop donating to BSA because of its policies do the supporters of those policies step up to the plate and make up for the shortfall? I wonder how many of those who support the policies are just cheerleading from the sidelines without putting their money where their mouths are."

Yes, the "Chick-Fil-A Effect"!!

So, you want us to give you an SMC and BOR, and we don't even KNOW you yet?

Sounds like "troop shopping" to me..am I wrong?

I'd advise the youth to wait 60 days. I don't think that's unreasonable.

Cell phones for adults boil down to a question of necessity, I suppose. There were years I would leave it turned off, and in my vehicle, checking late in the day for messages, if any. One year, with an ill relative at home, it really was a necessity. (Everything worked out fine, though.) I'd treat my cell phone the same way I treat my evil cigarettes: Use out of sight and away from Scouts!

I assume you are the CC. Just because she gave you an application does not mean you have to approve or accept it. I can only respond to what you have given us, but this is what I'd do.

1. Do NOTHING with that application until she has completed training! Yes, you can "raise the bar" too. This Is Scouting, Fast starts and position specific for committee AND cubmaster. (As well as the required YPT of course.) Do you have a specific job in mind for her? If your jobs are filled, it really makes no sense to have an idle, warm body as an MC. A bigger committee is not necessarily a better committee.

2. Once you have ALL those certs,(assuming she hasn't had a change of heart by now) and turn in the app, then and only then is she welcome at the leaders' meeting. Keep the meeting focused, and "gavel down" anything that isn't pertinent business. (Little Johnny's belt loop or activity pin is discussed with the Den Leader, not the pack committee, for example.) After a few of these interruptions, hopefully she'll get the idea. She can roll her eyes all she wants...you roll back, with a smile, of course. Under-the-breath snarky comments can be addressed with "I'm sorry, did you have something else, Mrs. Jones?" That will put a stop to the snarkiness in short order. Try it, it works for me!

3. Get the full support of your COR. That's is whom she'll go running to when she doesn't win her silly battles with you. If you are the COR, well--looks like the old Buckaroo stops here!

Keep your chin up! She won't be with you for long anyway! Don't get yourself rattled, always smile! You're a volunteer, and remember why you're doing this!

I'm not sure what to make of it; it's kind of a "grey" area the way I see it. One has to make a "donation" to take advantage of the course. If the BSA objects and sends their "special forces," we'll just see this whole thing disappear. Not sure at this point if this is really a couple of guys with a well-intentioned effort, or a cleverly designed money-making operation. It's worth keeping an eye on, anyway!

My old SM is still around, and I register him on the Troop Committee every year whether he likes it or not!

He is a wealth of wisdom, and always takes time to help when I call for advice.

It's Friday, and I must eat me pasta. ARRRRR

World without end, R'Amen.

Funniest thing I ever heard from a new Scout:

"So, when do I get to play with fire and knives?"

I feel your pain. We gave our fliers to the school administration a week in advance---they handed them out the DAY OF THE ROUNDUP!

On the positive side, we picked up 2 new Cubs.

Why not make recruiting a year-round effort? Many people are under the assumption that if they miss round-up night, they are shut out for the rest of the year--not true!!(This message has been edited by FrankScout)

National Talk Like a Pirate Day is the equivalent to Christmas for the Pastafarians. (The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster).

Fun stuff!

http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Pastafarian_Rituals

Yes, Thomas, PLEASE let us know how you make out. Thanks Beavah for the kind words!

Off to the first Troop meeting of the season!!

ROCK ON!