Fuzzy Bear

Let's say for a minute that I represent the "Ass" that flunked Johnny because Johnny was not mature enough. I told him no because he wasn't old enough or because I hated his pushy Mom. Let's say that maybe my son is the same age and he couldn't do what Johnny did because he wasn't as fast, strong, or lacked the motivation. If this were the case, then I should apologize on every count. I should be brought to task on making Johnny measure down to all of the things of my world that Johnny does not represent. Let's say that Johnny passed every requirement and met all deadlines and leadership requirements. He "actively" served in his position and was voted as the best Scout in the Troop. Let's say that his Mom was really a concerned Mother, not Pushy that simply supported Johnny in his desire to be the best Scout ever. As a responsible human being, then I should bring myself to task and review my own credits first. It is highly probable that I am failing in "Life" and I should be the one held up. But if a group of caring individuals saw a young man driven beyond his means coming before them, yet they saw a need, an opportunity to teach him something that has great merit and did not want it to slip from him by simply "signing off" his BOR, then there could be a good reason to defy the principle of the rubber stamp method of Scouting. I knew a Scouter a few years ago that slowed down a young man because the Scout, although good in nature, was wanting for a better way to learn. The Scouter failed him repeatedly until the Scout learned the requirements until they became second nature. It took me six months to obtain the First Aid merit badge and I have been thankful for all of these many years to have known such a man as Mr.P. He died a few years ago but the lessons I learned from him were truly badges for the heart. I dont know claim to know the answers and the more I read here, I am not sure the answers can be found. I try to believe that people are basically good and want to provide the kind of experiences that any Scout will always remember for the best. FB

For protecting oneself from the "wilds", such as Bears, consider running shoes over a sheath knife for self-defense. You may stand a chance of surriving. Fuzzy Bear (*no direct relation to the real thing)

This thread was run through the mill a couple of months ago. It is like an echo of Christmas past. I fear that it is boredom reaching out to give us a helping hand in life. I feel myself wishing for a new feature as I cast my eye upon the Wishing Star. This one would connect the data base to key words which would automatically read out at the bottom of the box as a person writes. Key words could be highlighted, such as, Sheath Knife. Page numbers would appear at the bottom of the box. All a person would need to do is double click any page selection and the old thread would pop up. For Scouters that like to write a book by the cut and paste method, all of the information would be right there to be printed out after carefully editing the excess vital juices from it. For Scouters that are looking for a fight, the old thread would bring it all back like a flood of pent up emotions. Scouter's from the past could be drug back into old issues and the issues could be expanded as new thoughts arise in the mind of the present opponent. Fights could be won and lost without the offending party even knowing what the other had done. An occasional message could be sent to the losing party to inform them of their action just to keep things lively. How about a data base where nobody even has to enter into the fray at all? A person just highlights the key words and the whole thread is put back into action as if it had been done just that day. It would quicken the whole process and we could read and reread at our leisure without writing anymore than the initial key words. A person could spend time writing for past columns and never enter into a current thread. We could also input all of the Scouting literature and use the database to retrieve answers without any input from anybody. Problems would be solved much quicker and it would take the weight of personal conflict from the equation. Possibly the Scout Office in Irving could be convinced to connect to the database through a help desk and all of the extra chatter could be eliminated entirely by getting the Word from the Mountain top. Just a few thoughts before bedtime, FB

'A knife should not be any longer than one that will reach the bottom of my peanut butter jar.' A few years ago as the SPL, I admonished another Scout in our camp for being unsafe with his hand axe. I asked for his Tot'en Chip and tore it up right in front of him to show my contempt for his behavior which I found both unacceptable and unsafe. I then turned on my heal and walked away feeling that i had taught him a lesson he would not forget. I heard some scuffling behind me but I was too full of righteous indignation to pay heed. What I didn't know was that an observant ASM had watched the whole story unfold from behind a tree not more than 10 feet away. What I later found out was that the incensed young man had picked up his hand axe and began running at me from behind with full intention of bringing it to rest in the bottom of my peanut jar head. The ASM acted quickly by grabbing the lad and taking the axe away from him as an added measure of safety. I was later told the rest of the story. The moral here is that dangerous things need to be tempered by patience and kindness from all involved. Proper supervision, safety lessons, guided experiences and yes, independent use of these items can lead a person into making good decisions about the correct choice and use of the needed camp tools. Throwing out baby and bath water means that we have failed to take into account some important lessons of life. Since this is open ended, I fully expect someone to interpret this to mean that I support wearing machetes on the belt hooks of all Scouts. That is not what I mean so forget it! I was just trying to tell a story. I don't pretend to know the answers. FB

Neat and clean is good. A complete uniform is also good. The correct patches sewn on neatly and in the correct places are good. The uniform is one method leading to the aims of Scouting. Our Troop used points for correct and complete uniforming which lead to earning a bead for the Scout's totem. If the Scout did not have the complete uniform but was saving money for each piece with a time-line, then he got the same points. It was pointed out to one Scout that wearing the uniform shirt and pants in the shower at camp could prove to be a unique way to clean the uniform first by using bar soap. The body could be cleaned secondly after taking off the above two items. The uniform could then be hung up to dry for use the next day. Note: Point out to the Scouts using the above method to take all items out of the pockets and do not wear the belt, neckerchief or tabs into the shower. I should also mention to not wear shoes or boots into the shower. I would caution that underwear can be washed but it needs to be turned inside out for a more careful cleaning. Now, what is the use of all of this uniforming stuff? This can lead to a good discussion. My two cents consist of one main idea. Uniforming means that we have decided together that Scouting is something that we all agree is fun and is something that changes our lives for the better. We want to show others that Scouting is where we put our time and effort for good results. I worked with a leader a few years ago that wore his uniform but brought along a trench coat to wear for the ride to and from the events. My thoughts about his action made me think that the program is weak and has little value for him. I am not sure what his real intentions were but that was the only conclusion I could come up with and still believe, although I could have wrongly judged him and I hope I have. Proper patches on a correct uniform that is neat and clean can tell a story. It is a story that has changed me and has allowed me to travel to places and have experiences that have made me a better person. I have had fun. The uniform speaks it. FB

A few years ago, one of our experienced adults lead the district camporee but did not have the proper oversight during the planning process. I think the leaders believed that everyone understood what was to be included in camporee planning for no other reason than shear repetition over the years. The night of the campfire, he walked out into the fire ring. Actually, there wasn't any fire and there werent any songs, skits, walk-ons, gags, stunts, or stories. He just stood there for ten minutes. While he was standing, people began to scratch there heads and began to talk to each other and some began to laugh. He just stood without saying a word. I thought that maybe he had a seizure or had been possessed by some kind of a who-do spirit. I asked a couple of people if they knew who was in charge or if somebody had a list of the participants but none were forth coming. Since I knew the leader, I walked out to him and gently asked if he was alright. He was sweating and a little frightened. I asked him what we were supposed to do but he didn't have anything to say. I asked him if there were any awards to be given out and he pointed to another leader. I asked the leader to come out and give out the awards. I asked who was in charge of communications with the OA Tapout group because it was to be held in a location up the hill from the campfire. I told him to find out what time we were supposed to be at that area. He told me they needed forty-five minutes. The presentations took about 5 minutes. I asked the crowd for volunteers for songs and we had a couple of songs that took another ten minutes. I noted the restlessness of the crowd and the many parents that had come for a fun campfire and OA ceremony. I knew that I can "wing it" when necessary and this was one time that I wanted to but thought better of it. I detected that everyone knew that we had been pulled into a void and truth was better than fiction. By the way, while all of this was going on the leader of the camp stood motionless in front of what I suspected was to be the campfire. Since there was nothing more to do, I directed the crowd to follow in a long line in the opposite direction of where the OA ceremony was to be held. I figured that we could march the whole lot for ten minutes in the wrong direction and then fifteen back in the right direction. By the time we arrived at the OA ceremony they were just about ready. I remember that particular leader getting an award at the District Dinner for his work at the Camporee. I felt like it should have been something like a small replica of a campfire. Nothing was ever really said about what I termed the "Black Hole" campfire. I guess there was more than one person that was struck with a lapse of time or maybe it was me. I thought of this story when the question was asked about if the campfire was out. I have actually experienced such an event and it was not pretty. My warning is to not let this happen to you. My challenge, as I see it, is to keep the same stories, etc. going. The real meat and potatoes for the same punch "old" lines are in how they are expressed. Use costumes, hats, props, and all types of extras to make for a novel presentation. I think you will then find the real fun of the campfire. (and for Pete's sake, don't pay someone to do entertain such talented young people.) Fuzzy Bear

I read your question and went directly to the message box. I now realize by listening (reading) to twenty other posts, it intereferes with the indivdual's answer significantly. My answer is similiar to the reason I came straight here. Mom is not a Scout and she doesn't get a vote on this particular issue. Since she interested in the Troop, train her, get her into a support role like the rest of the adult leaders. The Scouts always need another willing hand to help with THEIR program. F. Bear

This site has lost it's fun. Web site not responding, Web site not responding, can't get into to a site, can't open a page, can't respond, web site not responding, web site not respoding, web site not responding, web site not responding, web site not responding, sign of Web site not responding slow response time, slower response time, wait, wait wait, wait, wait, wait(This message has been edited by Fuzzy Bear)

There is enough to do at a Troop meeting without the merit badge assembly line being part of it. ...and then we go to Summer Camp where the individual is in a group assembly line for a week. ...and then we go to the Merit Badge Midway where the individual is in a group assembly line for a day. Mostly, people that are untrained begin to get a little confused by some of the programs and I can understand it. It looks hypocritical. Busy people tend to cut to the core of the BSA program and direct their efforts to advancement, since it appears that is what Scouting is all about. Others, that have religious observances during the weekends, find it difficult to attend the Merit Badge assembly lines. Some may be trying to make up for the lose by using the troop meeting. No matter what the resolution is between the supplemental advancement programs and the intent of the merit badge involvement, it is only one of eight parts of a great adventure. We just don't want you to miss the other parts. FB

So, he took the bait without direct questioning. It was just the use of his name in the form of an investigative approach that drew him in to the thread. The whole time he was saying that he would not be the subject of it nor engage in it, yet he did. How interesting. Questioning is a form of an indirect statement, not conversation. FB

Greg O. was Mentally Retarded and a member of our Webelos group. He was slower than the others but everyone let him blend in wherever and whenever they could. I guess after a while none of us paid much attention. Greg did not always understand all of the rules of the game but the others just coached him until he got it. I had to spend extra time teaching him some the ideals of Scouting but that was only until his brother found out we needed a little extra work. Greg finished the last requirements a week before bridging. His family showed up at the ceremony in full force. Greg had done it and there was real pride of accomplishment. He and all of the Scouts were as good a group as any leader could ask for anytime, anywhere. We took pictures of ourselves at our last meeting. We placed the camera on a tripod, put it on timer and there we were for years of memories. I wouldn't take anything for the experience with Greg O. and that bunch. We had the best time and all of us learned a great deal, me more than all of the rest. Greg completed every requirement without modification but with plenty of assistance. PS. Greg went on into Scouting with his older brother where he continued as before. He didn't complete his Eagle but then most Scouts never reach that goal either. FB

If National has decided to overrule the local BOR, then it is settled and everyone can go home and choke down their pride. But if it is not, then further action should take place. I would recommend a District Advancement person come in and review the proceedings. If the young man is 18 then he should be speaking for himself. His Mother may want to back him up but he is now considered an adult. Since reminders were not put into writing, the committee and everyone involved should be interviewed. It may be obvious the young man knew of the requirements in advance and did nothing. It may appear that people were trying to deny the young man his rightful awards by inaction or stealth. Try to set the record straight by taking notes on the related actions. Stay away from accusations and making people feel responsible for doing or not doing. This is not a court to rule on the action but a hearing of the actions only. Simply track the record and get it on paper. There may be some actions that were not known causing confusion or delay. The record is never one sided and not always as simple as it seems. I personally believe that if there is any question, then the judgment should go in favor of the Scout but that is just me. FB

You are right about the responses. We should not get upset with Wheeler and his ramblings. I think sometimes people try to read them so as to make sense of them. He is really quite harmless with all of his pseudo-philoso-babble. Correction is in order for all of us and the frustration we allow him to engender. FB

OGE (I answered you in the other thread) Great Expectatoiins is the kind of a word that goes boeeinng! I would have greater expectations if the spelling were better and if you had not hit the spin-off thread twice. All in all, the mistakes are pretty funny. FB

Socrates baited or questioned a person for the very reason that NJC does. He wanted to expose a false idea or to define a belief system based on the merits. Questioning can have worth if used well and for a purpose. It can also be misused in a hurtful manner to expose a person's ignorance in public. It can be used to mislead a person into exposing sensitive areas in their life or simply to set one up for ridicule. Since this is a Scout forum, I want to believe that we would observe the ideals of Scouting instead of attempting to hammer an individual into submission with trickery. I accept the fact that people sit behind their computer screens and act as if the ideals and individuals are at a distance and it is unnecessary to feel compelled to use any restraint or decorum. Since that is the case, it is best to carefully consider where one sits around this campfire. Consider the facts and share as one feels lead. Hopefully, everyone will benefit from being here in spite of our transgressions. FB

I hope you get a Scouter or another adult that your Scouts do not know to periodically come in and read over your list and make a few comments about them to the Scouts. It would take just a few minutes and it would renew the depth and the strength of those words to them. Those are skills that are useful throughout life no matter what one does. FB

I guess I should add that I too work with people with disabilities/abilities and have for a long time. A few years ago, I was Camp Director and one segment was held for people with disabilities. Fear was our main obstacle and we all dreaded it. There was nothing but horror stories before. After it was over, I was not to be the same. I experienced the deepest appreciation ever from individuals that enjoyed the simplest experiences in the out of doors. These kids were not even Scouts but their responses were of genuine gratitude. Without exaggeration, I will forever treasure that one corner of my life. The following year our Council deleted the program. It was thought of as too expensive. I don't really know their real reasons for the cancellation but had they experienced what I had, no price would have been too high. I just wished I had the right words to convey the feelings that I still have after all this time. I want the Council to know they made a terrible mistake. I hope your son finds his answer. I know he will appreciate your efforts. FB

A few years ago there was this leader, Dalton G. He was lean, tall, and kind of funny looking. He was so good with the Scouts and adults. I sat in several of his training sessions. He was remarkable. He loved Scouting and was allot like a big brother. He moved one day and his real brother held a garage sale. I happened on it by accident. I bought several of his Scouting things, including some picture/slides. I still have this one slide of a parade that Dalton lead. He was in the front carrying the American flag. The Scouts were flanking him and everyone simply blended together. The Scout uniforms, the smiles, the "march", out of step and spread in a Vee formation. If you didn't know Dalton, you would not recognize him from the Scouts but that was the way he was with all of us. He was a big brother that we loved to be with on so many occasions. I guess when someone talks about Scouting and big brothers and older brothers; I see that picture in my mind like a Rockwell painting. If BP was wrong in some way, then there was so much he was right about that I forgive him. I deeply honor him for the gift he gave us. FB

My suggestion is to join an existing troop in your area. If you fear rejection, speak with the SM about the problems as you see them. Involve your son in the discussion. Allow your son the right to speak for himself and for his goals in life. Will he be rejected by the Scouts in the troop? Your son may need to learn to advocate for himself to be included. He needs to be included. The Scouts in the troop will grow measurably by learning inclusion. Will your son be a burden on the troop? It works best when any parent is available to assist in the activities of the troop. If there are special needs, then these can be addressed in a timely and efficient manner. Your son may need accommodations or modifications, depending on the disability to be able to participate to the extent allowed by his abilities. Will he be able to do every activity? Check with your doctor or psychologist for any limitations. Use reason and caution when planning for an event. Planning is a leadership skill and your son can participate by learning it. A person with a visible disability can increase awareness about disabilities in general, a necessary service your son can provide. Don't hide your son under a bushel of disabled Scouts. He is valuable in his own right. FB

KA6BSA and Rooster 7, These are the times that we live in or haven't you heard? Denial of the times doesn't change the message. If the guy had put on a clown suit and a funny hat and had been riding a unicycle while juggling multi-colored rubber balls and delivered that message, I would have confronted him. You probably dont have children, so you may believe that others can pay any price while you give lessons in speech and communication but it is not so for parents in today's world. The "witch hunt" is vigilance and a request for people to be decent to each other, especially their children. Since you believe in quiet objectivity, you would fit nicely in the pews of the decent God fearing Catholic Priests that sexually abused an estimated 11,000 young boys. Their costumes were not funny their communication was somber but their words belied their actions. Knowing full well what acts these people had committed and knowing the full extent of their psychological perversion, responsible trained individuals, allowed these degenerates to continue unabated for years. Their timidity in resolution simply moved the problems around to prey on other unsuspecting children and families. These are resolutions of denial in the extreme. Once again, the times have changed and when a message is heard, respond. If you are wrong, then apologize. The guy may be attempting humor that lacks content. FB

Adrainvs, The unit is important and Scouts need to take their unit responsibility seriously. Your frustration is noted. I take issue with your belittling those who "hang out with other sash wearers every weekend". Since most clans meet once per month and try to stay away from other meeting times, it doesn't qualify for your high estimate of interference. You may be confusing some older Scouts that get involved in Lodge and Section activities. They meet and plan large events for other Arrowmen. Some plan and carry out camp clean-up weekends or assist with other projects for the local council. Some may decide to get involved in the ceremony teams and memorize some of the best poetry ever. Others may get involved in Indian Dancing and Ceremony and learn to build costumes and other artifacts. These activities are wholesome and build strong character and leadership qualities. We are gathered here together In the midst of this great forest Underneath the stars above us: Gathered now to help and serve, Cheerfully in all our actions, Lovingly in our reflections. As the smoke curls, winding upward May our thoughts and actions rising, Fill us all with acts of goodness and direct and rule guide us In our work and thought this evening. Meteu The Scout program is large and allows for growth of the individual. I submit that the OA program can be one of the best extensions of the Scout program. It adds depth and dimension to the ideals of Scouting by allowing Scouts opportunities for service done in an enjoyable way. It allows a Scout to remain firm in a Scout unit long after many other Scouts have exited for lack of interest. So, I take exception of your use of a term that obviously doesn't fit. FB

This same item of notice (i.e., Flap Wearing) has been on-going for as long as I can remember. Once upon a time, it was told to a group of concerned individuals that the OA is a boy run organization and that the problems would be dealt with by those in charge. 'Not to worry' The answer was given in the form of a statement. 'If a person has not paid their dues, then they should not wear the patch.' In my opinion, and even as an adult, I have the right to an opinion. When I look at the general flow and outcome(s) of the OA, I am saddened by what I see. Now keep in mind that many things have the OA stamp on it but it generally is because of a small number of individuals as compared to the huge number inducted. The numbers are only part of the problem. It must be compared to the meaning that is shared. "I will always regard the bonds of brotherhood in this Order as sacred and binding, and will seek to preserve a cheerful spirit even in the midst of irksome tasks, and will endeavor, so far as my power lies, to be unselfish in service and devotion to the welfare of others." (part of the Obligation, 1927) As we consider such weighty words standing next to the fire, we should consider bringing our choices in life into sharp focus before going forward. FB

I could write a book about knives. I personally have stuck with my 12 use multi-task Swiss Army knife over the years. Even the toothpick has been productive and useful. Scouts need to start off small with a two blader. Learn to keep a good edge on the knife first without ruining the finish on the steel. Later, as you mature add the necessary but much maligned bottle openers and cork screws. As far as hanging your prized possession on that do-dad on your belt forget it! Go for the leather pouch that looks good and holds it for when ya need it. At Cub Day camp. I taught knife safety for several years. The first couple of years, we suggested the boys bring a knife from home to practice with during our session. The Den leaders were to keep track of the pocketknives during the day. What I found out quickly enough was that young guys have a certain fascination with knives that is similar in nature to their fascination with fire. They couldnt keep their Dads favorite knife in a safe place for any length of time but found ways to tote them around without permission and invariably lost them. Later we were kind of forced to purchase a set of knives for the session. It seems several Dads were not too happy with their sons interest and inability to hang on to them. This brings me to another point. The young man writing the original question gave me a scare with his deep abiding interest in knowing more about the rules and the length and so forth. It may be that he has difficulty expressing himself but somehow it reminded me of something I saw the other day. I was in the neighborhood where a knife store Outlet was attached to a manufacturing facility. It had hundreds of different kinds of cutting weapons. Now dont get me wrong, I like my SAK dearly but many of those things on the shelf in that store gave me the willies. I am careful with my knife and I respect it and I want others to do the same. It is a tool. I realize that people in moving pictures use knife weapons for the express purpose of hurting other people or defending themselves. In Scouting, that is not what we are about. Like I said I am probably wrong in thinking in that direction but I just wanted to clear the air. I certainly hope you find your answer. The knife is as much of an enigma as life itself. FB

One year the Scouts decided to build a signal tower. It was about 20 feet high. We cut the poles and later sized them to length at the Scout hut. We organized them for transport on a 16 foot trailer. We hauled them and built the tower inside the great hall the night before. The activity was climbing the tower, looking around and climbing down. The older Scouts monitored for safe numbers on the tower and for loose lashings. We had parents angry at us because we had to take it down at the end of the show. They demanded that their child be allowed one last climb. They felt cheated out of their one dollar ticket or so they said. It was a popular event but tiring from the extra work. We had a tradition of going to an all you can eat Mexican restaurant afterwards. We made good on their promise. The Scouts enjoyed the day as did I. FB (This message has been edited by Fuzzy Bear)

Freedom of speech is fine in an open forum. There, others get to object to a subject when they disagree and all sides of an issue may be voiced and many perspectives shared. Words of killing in a Boy Scout Court of Honor where the presentation is one directional and totally inappropriate should bring an immediate rebuttal from any responsible individual in the audience and an abrupt end should be brought to such an irresponsible presentation. The authorities could sort out the particulars later. FB