Fuzzy Bear

These new ideas were brought to my attention by accident in the early 80's. It did not appear that these ideas were "outside the box" but were standard issue with the D.E. training. I qualify this based upon the viewing the same practices from several D.E.s that I worked with over those years. Now, I do not have a corner on the market of being the only person having witnessed these practices. I believe that if you will listen to other Scouter's from around the country that you will hear some of these same tales. As far as Quality District and Quality Units being requested to increase numbers, I view these as goals that are voluntary and may be achieved by the individual units or the districts. I do not believe that fewer numbers indicate the "death" of a Unit or a District. I would point you in the direction of a unit or a District that has lack of participation or lack of program or a lack of involvement as symptoms closer to the death knoll. When I speak of numbers as being a symptom of an ailment, I am referring to the enforced rule of increasing numbers. This enforced rule dictates, increase or be fired. I want to point out that you spoke earlier about some of these problems being part of your present experience, yet you replied that your district is part of the privileged elite and that these practices should be found only in the bad areas of the country. I came from the part of the country where the National Headquarters is stationed and we had several well-off families, yet I found these problems there. My concern is about the validity of the problem and if it valid, what or who is driving it? Put simply, numbers alone do not indicate quality program. For those that make this mistake, I believe they will find that there will be deficits in key areas of the program that will actually decrease involvement and ultimately will decrease real numbers. FB FB

I know this is not what you requested and not what you are wanting but nonetheless. There are always disclaimers about, "don't try this at home" but that is just what kids will do. Please consider any of the other hundreds of ceremonies that are inspirational and exciting but much less tempting to imitate and much less dangerous. FB

Would Al Gore have been the worst President? I am not sure. He did invent the Internet, no lie. I can't seem to bring myself to picture him in the White House. He appeared to me to always make choices that looked correct but turned out wrong for some reason. I voted for him not because I thought he was the best person but because GWB was so much less. I respect Al Gore because I know that his heart is in the right place. I have to give GWB credit for trying. I am not in agreement with some of his lies and some of his corporate policies and policy reversals. I am still glad that he is there. These are difficult times and there are few easy answers. I suppose I would be guilty of some of the same behaviors if given the opportunity. After viewing several Presidents during my lifetime, the job and expectations are bigger than the person. The shoes are too big to fill. FB

I have read your past misgivings about the Paper Tigers. I think that you have had a peek backstage and what you saw disagreed with the performance out front. It is not unkind to point out that watching the making of sausage defiles the taste. The BSA would never set a policy of numbers, yet it pushes so hard with ever fiber of its' organization that it is hard to miss the message. One standard quote goes like this, "if the DE cannot make the goal(s?), then they can go sell insurance". Most of us have witnessed the yearly paper units with adults signed multiple times to units and in positions without their knowledge or consent. This practice allows the D.E. to keep units going "strong" until next year, in hopes that they will be noticed and will be carried out of the mess and on to a higher level. There is no question about it being wrong. The question makes one wonder about where Scouting would be without those practices. Would the BSA survive? Would people be able to make the payroll without their numbers? Does honesty really work in a world full of corruption? Obverse side: Is the BSA really responsible for pushing the numbers? Are the leaders of the movement content to allow people to do their jobs? The problems might be coming from a few greedy D.E.'s simply padding their numbers to be recognized and to be moved up in the company. Maybe the problem is with the lower levels and the upper levels are simply trusting souls hoping that everyone plays by the rules. Edge of the coin: It might be that the volunteers are driving the program beyond its' limits. It may be that the Professionals are trying to keep all of the many projects and camps and all of the maintenance and all of the manpower needed to meet demands set by people that are really outside the structure. It may be that getting money is a very difficult process and every means necessary is being utilized to fulfill a mission that is never enough. The numbers crunch seems to me to be a visible sign of a deep wound. I am sure somebody is responsible because it is being heard and talked about all around the country. It is sad to know that Scouting cannot be the symbol that so many want it to be. Of all the possible companies, Scouting is one that we need to reflect the ethics that we entrust to our Scouts and to our leaders. Somebody has done this awful deed and it needs to stop. If we are doing it to ourselves, then we need to identify the cause, analyze the problem and stop it. I am not so naive to believe that words will make it go away but words will shine a light on it and such things tend to crawl away when exposed. FB

Congratulations to your son on receiving Eagle! I am happy that everything worked out. He sounds like a committed Scout, one that does a job well. FB

Clinton was sexually involved with a White House aide and his critics hollered about his lie on a daily basis year end and year out. There was constant ranting and raving from every Rush LimRepublican about every word that he breathed and every move he made. There was White Water this and that until none of us could even listen to the news. He was not impeached, indicted, or recalled. His wife didn't even divorce him. He served out his term and went on to build a library to his own works. Let's hope that the peace and prosperity of his eight years will not be covered totally by a stained blue dress. Is GWB a better President? We sincerely hope that he is and that his Secret Weapon for peace in the Middle East isn't a blank sheet of paper stuck in his coat pocket.

Bush is not the worst President. He is, at his very best, mediocre or slightly below and will be remembered as not much more than a picture on the wall. Iraq was not a good move but one that begged us in. Now that we are there, we will not get out without a huge payout with few goals attained. When we leave, it will remain as it was but with more rubble. Changing a person's heart takes much more, if that was ever a goal. FB

I want to mention that some of what has been said is from books. The good thing about Scouting books is that most of it is based on years of experience and was found to be true by many leaders. Their advice is based on what works. Let us know how it turns out for you. FB

Your concern and careful eye are to be commended. I am not sure what you are asking. It appears that there was an inadequate checking system and the Scout may have found a loophole. But, neither may be true and if neither is true, you may only have unfounded doubts. If the SMs record keeping was sloppy, then the Scout is not at fault. It is also possible that the Merit Badge Counselor was sloppy and did not do a good job with the records or with the teaching, so the Scout would still not be at fault. If one or both are true, you still do not have evidence to prove your point. But let's say you can prove your case or the Scout decides that his conscience needs clearing. You most likely would not want to ask for the Progress Award back. If the Scout did confess, the most that you might be able to do is to get the Scout to review the requirements of the Merit Badge in question and to submit himself for an exam, if required. I am not sure that would be satisfactory. Basic honesty would need to be addressed if he did cheat. How do you live life and what reason for truth? What is a Scout and does honesty really work? Who are we and what is in a name? Where does truth reside and what are the effects of an erosive style of life? .02, FB

You don't get off that easy. I didn't mean that he should be given a position. I meant something similar but more difficult. Become his friend. More than likely, he is not the person that you would like to spend time with talking about Scouting. Consider him for an "assistant" type job for special projects. If he is working with you, some of your knowledge will rub off. It is obvious he is not ready, so by giving him a real position he will only fail, as you found out, not once but two or three times and you probably knew before you did it. Include him with a couple of others that you work with and trust. To become part of the group, he will need to reconsider his role as a leader. FB

I would invite him for coffee and a round of great ideas. He is not vested and may be struggling with his lack of expression. I have found that Adult Scouting has always been a place for sharing and friendship. His talents may be used in a variety of ways. Pushing him away should be near the bottom of the list. FB

Tell us about her. FB

A good Unit Commissioner can untie the Gordian Knot in the night without a flashlight. A bad UC will give it an extra twist or two. FB

Wearing patrol patches is wrong, wrong, wrong. Either you are on the boat or you are off the boat. If any of us see your patrol patch, off it comes using a sheath knife. (just a little humor) FB

As Camp Director, I enjoyed using the resources of the Staff in putting on the best of all possible camp fires. I am not sure that quality ever counted or that we could actually tell a good one from a bad one. I am not really sure we could tell one from the other. Now that I think about it, nobody ever judged. I don't think anybody wanted to judge, mainly because of the laughter. I am sure that we could come up with a skit about judging a campfire. Let's see, we would have five judges. Of course one judge would be crooked and try to overstate the case or understate the case for a bad or a good skit, depending if it was their group. The bad group would win by one point, so the audience could show their displeasure for such bad sport. This judgment scene would be the basis to build on. Scouts have an uncanny enthusiasm and ability to bring to life just about any idea. Their humor, use of scenery, song, or costume almost always brought life and joy to any fire. As far as favorites, I think the last skit at the last fire I attended was the best. FB

Earthman, Don't worry too much about agreement, if in fact that is what you seek. If a FAQ file existed for this site, it would look like a two sided coin. Both sides would be beat up pretty bad from overexposure to insights and wisdom of which there is no fathoming the depths. As far as the sheath knife is concerned, it is not the qualities or the lack of qualities, since you want a data based assessment, that is in question. It is what it represents. The sheath knife has a history of defense or attack. It has not usually thought of as an instrument for little camp chores. Most of us want our Scouts to look wholesome. Looking the part of the "dwead piwate Woberts" is not what we are shooting for in Scouting. FB

Additional comment for above: When visiting the prospect, it is best to take at least two other persons with you. Pick carefully. Try to take along one or two persons that the individual would respect or be working under in the C.O. Examples to take along would be the pastor or the Chair of the board of the CO. Other people to consider taking would be the D.E. or the District Chairman or the District Commissioner. You want to get the right person for SM, so the extra effort is necessary. Remember to ask for the visit to be in the home of the prospect. It puts them on an even playing field with it tilted in their direction just a little.

Here is one method to use in the search. During the initial process, make a list of prospects. Don't make the mistake in believing that there is just one or none available. The C. Organization, the Scout Troop's parents, the D.E., and other Scouter's may know of people that have shown an interest or suspected of an interest. After the list is made, then review the list with the Troop Committee and all parties that will need final approval. This may take some time to find out about those on the list. Work the approved list from the top down. Make an appointment with each person in their home to consult with them about making their decision. Their wife needs to be present. This is a time and work commitment and everyone needs to know what is expected. You may need to let each person think about their decision, so work each prospect as if they are the one. As each one declines, then go to the next one on the list. This is a critical job and each person needs to feel special. Needless to say, the list is confidential, so do not tell anyone that does not need to know who is on the list and who declined, who was not approved, who is at the bottom or top, etc. Since the list is pre-approved, when a person accepts, those that need to give final approval will already know something about the person. It will also decrease the time needed to give final approval. If the person is not a Scouter, that will also delay the approval time. i The other specifics on the official process should fit nicely into this method. If not, I am sure someone here will fill in the blanks. FB (This message has been edited by Fuzzy Bear)

I put it on my resume along with a couple of other items from Scouting past. This allows me to speak about my experiences as a leader from my youth and as an adult who uses the skills learned in Woodbadge. There is value in the knowing and the use of those skills in my profession. It gives balance and insight into untangling difficult problems. It also allows the employer knowledge into how I conduct my life and business. Fuzzy Bear

I respect the chain of command and the right to free elections but I have this question(s) buzzing in the back of my head. I can't help but wonder about the present SPL being "burned out". I suggest a visit with the Scout and his parents and find out more about what is happening. If Scouting is overwhelming him, then it may be that he has not learned to delegate. It may be that other activities are squeezing out Scouting for him. Or, he may be missing something in Scouting that could be fulfilling and is missing other opportunities. At his age, being burned out does not come easily, so my concern has some worth. The next question has to do with the senior leadership. Are there any other Scouts with experience that could "fill in". I am not sure that bringing someone on board for the summer is a good idea. I would opt for a senior leader with experience. One other question has to do with the actual duties for Summer Camp. Most of our Scouts have a schedule and the SPL has minimal duties. I would not want the "burned out" SPL to feel that he is being undercut in any way or that he is not needed. Kids are vulnerable and should be given an extra chance or two to recover when necessary. My two cents worth, FB

So, I asked my Unit Commissioner where he had been for the past five years. He said that he had been training this group of monkeys to be Scout Leaders but had little success. He had sold them to a pet store for fifty dollars because he had gotten tired of their antics and lack of cooperation. I gave him a cup of coffee and a donut and he was happy.

We simply invited all parents to participate in some way. Generally the rule was, at least, one event (or project) per year. If they had special time restraints, then we could always work to get the job done. The response was overwhelming and we never knew how well some parents with so little time or money could take on one project and do so much. If anybody needed assistance with their project, they could ask for and get it. The help would come from parents that took more than one job. At our Annual Dinner, we would line people up across the auditorium and hand out certificates and tell about their job(s) that year. I was always amazed. I will always be appreciative of their work. FB (This message has been edited by Fuzzy Bear)

I have now read Pain 1 and Little Pain 2 (the continuing saga). I would like to comment about Method number 8 of the Scouting program that professes to assist us in achieving the Aims set out by Scouting through the use of the Scout uniform. Although the uniform is not required, the question still remains; can a Scout achieve the Aims of Scouting without a uniform? One group does not distinguish between the methods and the requirements. If a method is a means of attaining a goal and the method is not used, how can the aims be acquired? The Aims are met only after the Methods have been used and the badge requirements have been met. The other group says that the Aims are not necessarily built upon items that are not required. Badges have requirements and since the uniform has not found its' way into the requirements, then the Aims must be achievable by Methods and requirements achieved and instituted by the Scout and unit in some arbitrary way. I want to propose a third alternative. The badge requirements are an item that lead the Scout through one Method of Scouting and that is advancement. Some requirements refer to another Method of the program and that is Leadership. (This goes on) Just because the requirements do not specify that a Scout accomplish one of the Methods does not necessarily mean that the Scout will not engage the Aims. Isn't an Aim a direction rather than a goal? Let me digress, physical fitness is an Aim. After spending the first part of my life being active and the second part being inactive, I have found that physical fitness is best left as an (active) Aim, as far as my health and life is concerned. If I were to achieve my Aim, I would now be called Fat Old Guy, instead of Fuzzy Bear (i.e., one who is pudgy and must walk every day and eat reasonably). The other Aims are similar in nature and most likely point us in the direction of another answer/question. When does a Scout become a Scout or when does a Scout reach the Aims of Scouting? I want to propose that a Scout becomes a Scout not because he has met a requirement or engaged in a specific method but has made a decision to be a Scout. The next step comes when the individual engages in some of the requirements and some of the methods. Steps beyond this leads a person into their adult life to make decisions based on the Scout Oath and Law, and hopefully the uniform. It may well be the aim of Scouting to help us change for the best throughout life. Does this solve the problem of the uniform? No, the answer cannot be found because we do not agree on one dad-gum thing.

The ten rules of sin 1. Why are my sins not as bad as your sins? 2. If I sin against thee but thou doesn't know about it, then is it really a sin? 3. Sinning is really only a sin if it be thou decreed a sin. 4. If I confess my sin on the wideband, then it must be the lesser sin. Only large sins are kept hidden for fear of the greater punishment. 5. It is truly only a man that can sin out loud in public and be considered absolved because of his gender. 6. Sins of omission are nothing really. 7. If we must sin, choose carefully. Points are awarded for care. 8. Sins come in many colors but the big ones are white. 9. There can really only be one sin when it is all added up. All of the others are not that critical. 10. God hates the sin but the sinner has a special place. FB

One camper had a candy bar in his hip pocket while curled up. The next thing he knew, the bear was eating the candy bar and part of his butt. He could no longer run and he didn't have a sheath knife or a high powered rifle, because he wasn't in Canada and he was a Scout. The Bear left supposedly because he had enough dessert for one night and, of course, to a chorus of screams. I think the moral has something to do with a low carb diet. Sometimes there is just no winning or finishing or just sitting safely in the bleachers. Sorry, I return you back to the main topic. FB