Fuzzy Bear

If you start with the rule: Violence in any form is not permitted; then think about what a person should do to maintain that kind of order. It should reasonably lead you to do similar things that most do to prevent such behavior or to act on it when it occurs. Be reasonable, stay alert and calm. Check the damage and find if anything beyond First Aid is needed. Connect the principles of Scouting to the act. Involve the parent. Involve the CM. Any further acts will need more restrictions and more assistance. Good Will is the goal. FB

Sing, Is there a Cubmaster? It is a requirement. Is there a Committee? 3 members are required. Does the Committee meet? They should meet monthly and you should be invited. The Cub Scout helps the Pack go by integrating some of their (*Den) meeting plans into what the Pack is doing for the monthly meeting. Dues is taken up and given to the Committee person in charge of finances. Advancements are communicated to the Committee person heading that up. There is a District level beyond the Pack that can help with training, quality control, answer questions, etc. Find out more from your District Executive. You are on the right path and you are not alone. FB

On a historical note: At the turn of the century, before and after, it was thought by many that a person that did not have a religious affiliation, was not worthy to serve the King or be in public office. The reasoning was that a person that did not believe in God could not be trusted because of a lack or morals. Einstein was turned down for not having a religion (*thus, no morals) by Franz Joseph. He later ascribed to Judaism to obtain a teaching position. BP lived during this time period and most likely believed that religion and morals were connected. So, the Boy Scout program used this principle, it's the same one today. One might accuse Einstein of lacking morals and therefore falsely testifying of his faith. Einstein saw it as an expedient to obtain his goal and believed it had very little to do with morals and he was correct. He was a scientist first and foremost and other issues were considered secondary. Part of his genius was his ability to know what was important. He lead his life that way, which did not always align with what others believed to be right or moral. In the process, he changed the world dramatically. One could also ask if religion should be a requirement for Scouting today. Can a person serve his country without serving his god-God? Can a person that does not ascribe to a god-God have morals? I believe that after two World Wars and several other conflicts, that we can say that both believers and non- believers fought and died for their country, so we can say, yes that it is possible to serve one's country without serving any god whatsoever. We can also say, yes that a person that serves no god can have morals, as with Einstein. Then what is the reason that keeps that kind of person from being in the Boy Scouts? It has to do with the Oath and the Law. To do otherwise, would be to change a fundamental, foundational principle and a tradition. It would take away the core of the program. If you correctly understand tradition, you would move very slowly before you ever liberated anyone from it. But aren't you being divisive? Yes, it could be seen as such but Scouting is much less divisive than any other organization that exists today. There is an open invitation from Scouting that allows most of the world's population and most their enemies to enter into this Brotherhood. That is a large club that covers lots of beliefs. But isn't a little division still wrong? Yes, but fixing the problem could make it worse. How so? I believe it would become a totally different organization because of the things lost. I would humbly request that you consider making your own club before overhauling this one. I don't think you would like the end product, nor would I and millions of others. What about Einstein? I still believe he would have changed the world without lying to get his job. His abilities were known by many and he was well on his way, not to be stopped. When things finally did get bad for him with the Nazis, he left the country that did not want him and went to America. It is the land of the free; freedom of religion or no religion. FB

Calm, I am sure you are searching for an answer from a current Scout's perspective. Since I am older, I can only share what I remember. I was elected into the O.A. at age 13 by my brother Scouts and completed my Ordeal that Fall. Then I completed the Brotherhood the following year. I attended a few Chapter meetings but nothing exceptional happened other than the ceremonies. I remember wanting to learn about Indians, their traditions and their dances. I was setting on the front row at a Chapter meeting during the month of November and I stood up and told everyone what I wanted to do. I told them I was going to do it by myself or with a group but I was starting. The next week we had a small place to dance, two adults, five Scouts, a copy of Ben Hunt's book and a drum. The week after that, we had feathers, a few kits for other costume parts and a few more moves. We continually put together more costume and learned more dances. We danced at a B&G and later went to a Council Pow-Wow. We came back with more ideas on costume upgrades and knew more about how to dance properly. In between we attended a couple of Ordeals and completed several service projects and attended a couple of O.A. banquets. I met allot of Scouts throughout the region that had similar interests and we exchanged ideas. I then began hoop dancing at home and later at our meetings that had grown to five adults and twenty Scouts. Each of the other Scouts chose their dances and we practiced regularly. We were asked to perform at many events. We also planned our Chapter's Tap-out where danced and did the ceremonial part. I was elected Chapter Chief (*it used to be called Clan Chief). We later danced against other Scouts with experience and varying ability. We continued to progress until we competed at the Council Pow-Wow and a few of us won in our areas. We traveled to a couple of adjacent states and performed. I can testify that we all enjoyed it The Fall of my Senior year I was called out for the Vigil by my Brother Arrowmen. It was held at a now closed Scout camp. I loved the dancing and the ceremony and the words. I recall it all as if it was just a short time ago but it has been 38 years. FB

I have been a member of four Scout Councils in two states and served with numerous DE's. I have seen the best of some of these professionals and the worst. I have seen inflated numbers, multiple registrations, and the stretching of budgets just to meet goals set by those in positions of power. I have heard the, "Numbers is all there is" rational used for many good reasons. I am not surprised that the FBI is investigating a Scout council for doing something that appeared to me as a standard practice. I don't agree with these kinds of underhanded methods and find it repulsive for several reasons. The best reason is not that it violates the Scout Law but that surely is second on the list. The first reason is the message it sends to those outside the organization throughout America. It tells kids all across the land that the BSA program is not a worthy attraction, nor a good place to spend their time. It is read that way because it looks like they have to pad the numbers for propaganda purposes. The professionals need to know how it is read when they are found out. Program is the foundation of any organization and if it is a good program, then the numbers will be there. The goal needs to be quality program only. FB

Ask Al and John. They didn't like it either. FB

This may help. Moses lived from 1571 until 1451 or 120 years, according to the records. Until this time, the Hebrews were more of a tribe of families, instead of a nation. Several well established societies existed and had civil codes and or rules to live by before Mosess time. The Egyptian culture had been highly developed both intellectually and physically from their inception. Moses knew well their laws. At the time of Moses, Egypts expansion included most of the known world under Thothmess III. Greece had developed its system of gods and sacrifices by this time. Assyria and Babylonia were nations with rules. The Code of Hammurabi had long been developed and had been written on a black stone monument eight feet high for all to see and follow. The code begins and ends by addressing the gods. Anyone that neglected or destroyed the law was cursed. Testifying falsely resulted in death. False judges were fined and expelled. The Hebrew idea of an eye for an eye was taken from this code. The known world was fairly small and they were intelligent beings. They communicated within and outside their borders and were clearly influenced by those interactions. They had a history, gods, and tried to live in peace, as we still attempt even to this day. FB

Just a few short years ago... As a Unit Commissioner, I called before I showed up at the Unit meeting for my first visit. I wanted to meet the leaders and find out if I could help. It was interesting to see what else I observed. The Scouts were working on MB's. I thought to myself that was the program that they had chosen and it was of little consequence but kind of unusual. I met the leaders and they asked me to find out about some unnecessary assignment. I left and wrote down my observations. I returned about two weeks later and told them what I had found out about their request. I noticed that two leaders were working at their computer registering the requirements the boys had completed and that two more MB classes were going on. I casually asked about the boy leadership in the Troop and was told that since the SM change there had not been enough time to hold an election for the last six months. Two adults were instructing the boys on the MB assignments and a couple of the older boys were taking others aside to complete the requirements. I thought about what I had seen my second visit and figured that I had come in at the wrong time. I also wondered about the reason that it took six months to hold an election. I knew that this wasn't Iran and that such things as elections should not be that difficult to hold but then there could be some other reason. I tried to call the COR to introduce myself and I left a message. I tried again later that week and still nothing. I waited another two weeks and since it was time for Recharter and I knew they must be having other problems because of the election delay, I would just volunteer to help out. I also wondered about the COR, so I showed up again for a brief visit. They said that they were getting their Recharter packet completed and I offered to do a Charter Review or come to the Committee meeting. They said that they were having trouble getting a committee together and that the person that was the COR was also the CC. He had been sick for a while and probably I had just missed him. I gave everybody my UC card (*for the second time) and offered any assistance for a third time. I noticed again that there was a flurry of activity on MB work. It also occurred to me that the SM always had his briefcase open and he had been running the meeting out of that case each time I had come in to the meeting. A week later, I got word from the DE that the COR had told her that she had promised him a visit from their UC and that he had not showed. I let the DE know about my visits and assured her that I had attempted phone contacts and had made unit visits. I called the COR again and left two more messages the next two weeks but without a return call. I worried about the lack of communication and tried another visit with the SM. I wanted to ask if there was a problem and that I was willing to visit with any of the Committee or leaders any time to discuss any difficulties or just to talk about Scouting. Again, the SM was dutifully running the meeting from his briefcase when I showed and the usual MB classes were being held along with a few others doing their homework. I tried to find out about committee meetings but they said that had not met and most likely they would not need one for some time. I reflected on my first visit and another idea hit me. They had been planning a unit fund raiser and they had casually asked me about how to do it and I told them to check with the DE. I knew they needed to fill out the proper forms and that they needed to get it approved but nothing registered until later. The holidays came around and went. I got word by the grapevine that the SM had made off with the Troop's money and he had also tried to accuse one of the Scouts. Apparently, he had been carrying the proceeds of their fund raiser, their registration money and bank book around in his briefcase in his truck for several months. It had been too much of a temptation. The DE had been notified and it had all been taken care of by the time I had a clue. I had been left out of the loop and was not notified by the DE or the DC, I suppose nobody needed any help. Looking back at the events, I should have pieced it all together. The SM running the Troop out of his briefcase, no boy leadership, no committee support, the flurry of the MB mill. The SM was not doing his job. The ASM's not doing their job. The committee was not doing their job. The boys were focused on one part of the Scouting program only. I could have easily predicted who would do what and how, only if. It was a game of CLUE and I had lost miserably. The problem is that there were many other losers in this little game. The impact was felt for a long time in that unit and that district. I would continue making my visits and writing down my observations. I would be better prepared at doing my job in the future. I feel terrible that I could not have done my job better when that unit really needed me. (This message has been edited by Fuzzy Bear)

Judging will always remain a part of us. Forgiving and Befriending are the skills we strive to learn. FB

I will try to keep up with our progress. So out with the old... The all new and improved Scout Law: (*We are now up to 24 points) A Scout is Responsible, Dependable, Careful, Introspectful, Self-Aware, Thinks before he acts (Thoughtful), Forgiving, Persistent (Does his Best), Perseveres, Self-sufficient, has a good Attitude, Good, Smart, not foolish, Poor, Hungry, Active, Listens, Punctual, Selfless, Handsome when fully uniformed, strives to be a better Scout, Stacks his chairs, and extrapolates from all the rest. FB

My one son is three and has a temper sometimes and is loving. He knows how to say please and thank you and I am sorry or "Sorry". I give him a 9.8 for wanting to be read to and when he takes me by the hand to sit with him to watch Blues Clues; it is the best. He has a little kitchen area where he cooks several delicious dishes and he has a Builder Bob play set with several tools. He gets out his saw when we are cutting boards. He has a doctor's kit which he uses to fix our wounds. He has an independent streak that tends to get him into a corner but then he wants to sit on my lap and give me a hug. He generally says, "Picka me up". My second son is almost one and he has a little temper and he likes to be hugged and held. He is beginning to walk and he calls me, "da da" and the dog, "da da" or something like it. He enjoys going outside and will most likely excel at running around in the yard. He loves dogs and he received a soft little play dog for Christmas that he carries with him. I just put him back into his crib after holding him for the past hour. It is getting light outside and the sky has a reddish hue to it behind the trees in our "hundred acres woods". I suppose pride is the wrong word to use because I am filled and overflowing with love for those two little boys. That love is a gift from life that I never expected. FB

"First I do want to try and clear my name!! " I was responding to your own comment. FB

Eamonn, You are always a First Class Scouter in my book. (*and I don't mean the Progress Award) Please do not let the process of written clarification make you think otherwise. It may be that we should always begin with something like, "I may be missing something or misunderstanding... because I know full well that we agree on this point but let me make it anyway". FB

VA, I am impressed by your reviews. Scout feedback is invaluable to Camp Directors. Many times it is overlooked or not requested which is unfortunate. Evaluating a program from different perspectives gives insight into what occurred and teaches a great deal about what to do the next year. Of course, listening implies that something will be done or attempted which is not always the case. I believe that evaluations increase program effectiveness if reviewed carefully and implemented when it is possible. If the evaluations have a source, then a follow-up reply can be sent that might include an apology, a word of appreciation, or a note on future changes. Sometimes, it is just a misunderstanding but even that needs to be addressed. Those of us that plan carefully expect to decrease problems but not eliminate them. That is what a good camp commissioner can do. Keep up the good work! FB

Several years ago, Bill and I were accidentally put in charge of a Scout JLT for our district. To designate different patrols, we made shoulder loops of many colors, none were official. Our intent was not to be rogues but to do something that didn't need to be sewn on but just slipped on temporarily for the training. Did you get the guy's name wearing the purple loops? Was it Bill? If so, he may have forgotten. FB

Eamonn, Please explain tea time to those of us that have heard about it most of our lives but never had the pleasure of the experience. You are welcome to start another thread. Thanks, (from the land of the great unwashed) FB

SP, Your story was so well written that I accuse you of being a writer. FB

The question is about the Uniform and BOR's. Let me phrase it another way, is the Scout uniform important? Answer: If a young man has plan to obtain the Uniform and can objectify it with such things as a budget plan, bank account, working a job, etc., then he has shown me Scout Spirit. That is the kind of Scout Spirit that is not as easily seen as the Uniform. I still expect to see progress toward the goal of purchasing the Uniform in the future. If a young man doesn't have a plan or data to support it, then I am left to my own thoughts on the subject, which is, he must not have Scout Spirit. I think that thought because that is what a non Scout would think, "He must not be a Scout". The next question should be asked if Scout Spirit and the Uniform are the same. The answer is NO they are not the same. Instead, they are interrelated. HOW? Well there are 8 methods that lead to the 3 Aims to being a Scout. One of the 8 Methods is the Uniform. That is the direction that I look for Scouts to be traveling when I question them about being a Scout at a BOR. FB

Eamonn, The 8 Methods lead to the 3 aims. I have always thought that was easier and remarkable thinking. FB

Being respectful of another country's flag or anthem has a historical perspective to it. During the great wars, Britain, Canada, Scotland, Ireland, France and many others fought and died side by side with the U.S. for the cause of freedom. Since that time, some of the countries that were our enemies have sent troops to fight along with us for the same cause. So, if we are to be respectful of countries that befriended us during certain time periods, then we may be leaving out those that have changed over the years. The Nazi flag is out. I hope forever. Some countries today have horrible leadership in their governments. I do not respect their acts but I have sympathy for their citizens. I will stand down when their flag passes but my heart goes out to those being repressed. I will continue to salute those that seek freedom anywhere. FB

http://www.bsacamps.org/ImageMaps/Tennessee.html On paper, it looks impressive. FB

(This message has been edited by Fuzzy Bear)

The PWD is strange because most other things done in the Den are not compared, judged, sized, weighed, and allot of time and effort spent on them.

Sometimes, I think Scouts see how their leaders overextend themselves in training opportunities and then they hear all about the fun they had. They simply want to follow the example set for them. Our Troop had a yearly SM lead JLT where we would take all of the leaders out to a camp and have high adventure activities, leader training, and then plan for the year. The remainder of the Troop would go and the Committee and the Dad's would help run the other activities. We had a yearly District JLT. It was run by the Scouts from several troops. The Council would also run a JLT. With all of the opportunities for Leader training and staffing the training, there wasn't much of the year left. I am including staff development time, which is important to meet the training goals. There are also things for the Venture and the Varsity groups. I realize the O.A. has its place in Scouting and it has training opportunities and things that are fun and exciting. I was active when I was a Scout, especially with the Indian Dance Team. There is a temptation to make it full time. I like the idea of "working your (a) ticket", which means that you agree to take on several activities at some level of leadership and use your skills of leadership to accomplish the goals you set for yourself. This is applied leadership or using what you have learned in a structured way (* meaning you write it down on paper). This allows you to continue learning as you go along in Scouting. It is also fun. I think that we miss out on using the older Scouts in the District as mentors to the younger leaders in a type of Coach Counselor role. I think that would be fun. There needs to be a balance or you will lose contact with your unit. People rely on your presence/leadership and they miss you when you are gone. They also understand when you do move on. There are really too many things out there. FB

A Boy Scout will Listen. The new and improved 20 point Scout Law: A scout is Trustworthy, Responsible, Persistent, Smart, Loyal, Perseveres, Helpful, Hungry, Friendly, Listens, Courteous, Punctual, Selfless, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. (This message has been edited by Fuzzy Bear)