Fuzzy Bear

Your question is insightful and will be respected. Request your answer in writing. The BSA loves to write and has a long paper trail. They are as careful as you are and they want to avoid the same consequences you infer in your thread. FB

If the book states it, then it sounds authoritative. The CC is a member of the Committee but not necessarily a Committee Member, the deduction still appears to be in order. We have done it in the past and it has been acceptable Getting a BOR together has not always been a simple matter, so reason and practicality generally prevailed. You question makes me believe you have a different perspective. FB

Accordingly, the terrorists are able to use the Boy Scout Handbook. From Al Jazera, the top 10 ways. 1. Know how to live in the out of doors, especially in small holes in the ground. 2. Know how to sharpen you knife and axe. 3. Light a very small three match fire using camel dung only. 4. Cook a meal without utensils. Do this hurriedly and in the dark. 5. Cook a meal using only things found in the desert. 6. No trace camping. 7. Take a fifty mile bee-line hike to the Pakistan border with everything you own. 8. Know the proper placement of patches on the Boy Scout Uniform and how one can wear said uniform in such a way as to get by the border guards. 9. Track or trail a little animal or any kind of animal over or around a sand dune without making a sound. 10. Recite the Oath and Law while running at full speed. I think I am beginning to understand. FB

Terry, I think using the word relevant is confusing to one feline in particular. FB

The Council hired the brother of a local politician. He had not been a Scout or an adult volunteer. He was neat clean and wore a coat. He spoke well and had good manners. He didn't carry a date planner and didn't show up at several important meetings. We found out later he was working a second job on the side at a 7-11 in another city. They didn't fire him for one full year. We simply endured the agony and ignorance. He met the qualifications and most likely earned a few political points. People that usually were not concerned got angry. He was not well spoken of or to by anyone. Council saw the numbers slipping and how the volunteers were in a constant snit. So, a light slowly appeared to someone down at HQ and they finally asked this joke to go. We discovered too late that he was really a pretty good clerk. On the other hand, Council hired this shy young man that had neither boy nor adult experience. He was more of a quiet manager than anything else. Council trained him and we trained him. Things happened slowly. He did not always understand the program but he relied on the volunteers and the people over him to guide him as he went along. He made several bad decisions but they were chalked up as OJT. He stayed with us for three years before moving on to another position. Those of us that were there to contrast the two saw several important differences. The first one is attitude. The second one is willingness. The third one is perseverance. It simply does not make up for experience in the program but it is a distant second. FB

One consideration for a practical neckerchief is to cut squares instead of triangles. I suggest making the adult neckerchief larger than the Scouts'. You may have the material cut to size, stitched or hemmed and have a color design sewn on. You may consider having a troop contest for the choice of logo. You can use a stencil technique or silk screen with permanent ink for finishing the design yourself. At one time, the neckerchief could be used for a head bandage, arm sling, or ankle support. The smaller triangle neckerchiefs can only be used for decoration and custom. The smaller neckerchiefs look good at ceremonies and inspection time and are generally cooler in warm weather but lack sufficient size for function. FB

This mouse came into a bar and asked for a round of Jack Daniels for everyone. The crowd was excited to know that the mouse could speak and they were amazed that the mouse had enough intelligence to know what to order and frankly they were even more amazed that he had the money to pay for it. The moral of the story is that if you feel that you have something important to say, make sure it is worthwhile or people will just think you are just a poor little mouse. FB

I hope you realize that none of us can agree on the tiniest question, so don't expect a landslide of the same opinions. Outside of Scouting I work daily with kids that are ADD, ADHD, LD and that have host of problems. I have had kids that rejected everything that I have said and tried. One thing that I now fully understand and accept is that I cannot fix everything. I have found my own set of limits. I let each person know that when we partner for the program it is voluntary. It is a cooperative agreement and it is response driven. Not one person is forced to participate. Each person has goals that they have chosen and that are compatible with their abilities. If a person fails in their goals, they are asked to come in and we try another set of goals that are more closely aligned with their new understanding of themselves. They also realize that if they stop working towards their goals, support stops. As long as they work on their goals and communicate then we continue. We write a contract with each person for their goals. We keep it simple. They are allowed to bring in their parents or whomever they want to help them develop their goals. We have periodic progress checks. To remain is to succeed or to change goals, then succeed. I submit this to you for your consideration to use in a similar fashion with some of your more difficult Scouts. FB (This message has been edited by Fuzzy Bear)

The stars are located in the skies above one, at night while camping in the out of doors, representing one of the most important methods of the Boy Scouting movement. It is important because that is what most boys enjoy about the program, being outside. The star of Truth is the intangible but ever present direction of one's search in life. The star of Knowledge is one's present educational and emotional location in relation to their search for Truth. The two are not the same and a Scout should be carefully instructed in the differences between the two. Another way to understand it is that both stars are directional in educational attainment and attitude and not something that we can grasp by simply landing on them in a space ship, at least we cannot presently do that and even if we could the idea of direction in life is very important. Wheeler presupposes that he knows the Truth and is confused on this very issue. It is the reason he writes volumes about things that seem to him to be the truth when in reality it is knowledge. Thinking you know the Truth allows one to believe that they are continuously correct and many times allows for an attitude of arrogance. If you correctly understand that it is knowledge that you possess, then your attitude can be one of openness to new information that will continually enlighten one to the Truth. To do otherwise, is to subjugate one's mind to preconceived ideas based on the belief that they have somehow captured Truth. This is the principle that if those like Wheeler correctly understood would change their direction in life to one of humility and thankfulness for the Truth and for the Knowledge that we presently have of the Truth. FB

I collect Scouting paper, especially training items. What is the best way to transfer them into a file? Fuzzy

This is one of those threads that I do not have to read to understand or to disagree with.

The Woodbadge twist is worn with pride by the Scouters in our Council and will continue in spite of those that differ with this correct method. FB

Wheeler, You are coloring outside the lines again. A good cleanser for the walls is in order. I am also sure the whole house has been done in.

If I understand correctly, what you might be considering is a mentoring program. People that have years of experience and knowledge of the program, assisting in the background and pointing out ways to be successful. The same people can subtly assist in recruitment and specific needs for agenda setting. When a program needs support, these same people or person can help a new individual by using step by step instruction on development procedures or give general information. Their job is to stay in the background, out of the way and not necessarily be at any of the meetings. They can assist from a distance using evaluation information or consultation as requested. As the program/individual becomes stronger, then the mentor backs out to other assignments. I have assisted in this process by way of new committee mentoring and assisting new program directors. There is not a patch for doing this but it is an exciting venture to help develop quality programs in a quiet way. It can really be one of those part-time jobs we always talk about in Scouting. FB (This message has been edited by Fuzzy Bear)

Please go look at the pictures of the "lodges" and vistas and the man with the gun and the Elk he studied before he bagged it. I am sure that rich business men from large cities would be highly impressed with this kind of sport. They probably shoot from the top of a westerly rise right after the supper feeding time. They are then whisked away by four wheelers back to the lodge where a cook has an elk roast prepared at the end of a long hard day's hunt. Later that night, the trophy can be mounted and Fed-Exed back home post paid by the crew. Oh, the memories! But then, I could be wrong. It's just pictures. FB

I think I get it. A vacation from Scouting. If leaders and their families need a vacation from Scouting then it can be scheduled on their yearly calendar. If the leaders and their families want a retreat, it could be easily scheduled. If the adults from the whole district or council want to go to the mountain to set around and watch the sunrise, so be it. Put it on the calendar. There are state parks with plenty of facilities. They can all get into their RV's, campers, pop-ups, and vans and caravan clear across the country. They can motorcade down Broadway. Schedule it and go. If it will help then do it. No permission from anybody is needed. We are talking Vacation here, no travel permit is necessary. FB

Fuzzys Quote Closet Enjoyment of quotes comes from small insights that penetrate ones soul. To read the encyclopedia of quotes is to quickly dull one's sharp interest in the same.

It looks like the Happy Hunting Grounds of New Mexico instead of a Scout Ranch. FB

The numerical order that I give is from the Merit Badge Sash. The latter badges were out of order and overlapped some of the time frames. The divisions roughly correspond to the seasons for summer camp but also I wanted to divide according to the people that helped me; many that I no longer remember with clarity, of course, the noted exceptions are my Dad and Mr. P, I will remember them a lot longer. Begin-The 50th Anniversary of Scouting- I thought they did this every year. 2nd Summer Camp- 1. Camping, 2. Swimming- I was afraid of the water and had to get mad at myself and be totally embarrassed to finish the badge. Camping was chosen because that was what I liked about Scouting, still do. Back at home and on to Star Scout- 3. Safety Merit Badge- Counselor, 4. First Aid- Extra Tough Merit Badge Counselor- good story but hard head (this is Mr. P., a man that corrected well for my laziness), 5. Firemanship- Merit Badge Counselor. 3rd Summer Camp- 6. Pioneering-fun projects that later multiplied, 7. Canoeing- Funny Story at Summer Camp that was caught on film, 8. Cooking. On to life Scout- 9. Citizenship in the Home-Merit Badge Counselor, 10. Athletics-Counselor/Coach, 11. Personal Fitness-Counselor/Coach. Fourth Year Camper- 12. Life Saving-I almost got into a fight but stood up for myself and got over my fear of swimming. 14. Nature, 17. Basketry. 13. Hiking-Scout Planned Summer camp- pre Philmont, same summer, on to the Tooth! 15. Soil and Water Conservation-Merit Badge Counselor, 18. Citizenship in the Community-Merit Badge Counselor, 19. Citizenship in the Nation-Merit Badge Counselor, 21. Art-Merit Badge Counselor/Teacher, 22. Wildlife Management-Merit Badge Counselor. 1964- 21 Merit Badges to Eagle 16.Plumbing-My Dad the Plumber/Counselor, 20. Home Repairs-My Dad the Engineer/Fix it Counselor, 23. Metalworking- My Dad the Sheet metal worker/Counselor. This wasnt all that he taught me. If there would have been merit badges in air conditioning, heating, lawn sprinkling, insulation, digging ditches, tools, and on and on I guess I would have had even more badges. Instead, he instilled the idea of work in me. I still have that one. My next goal was to get nine palms, three each for the red, white, and the blue. A goal that was somehow lost in the shuffle of youthful exuberance. My final objective reached was one extra merit badge each for good effort, good goal but bad follow-through, not as impressive but still a safe landing. FB

For several years, I lead the Roundtable for our district. I would make sure that we had cookies, coffee, soda, and punch for everybody during each meeting. We had an opening, closing, and all of the good stuff in-between. I would cook a stew or a gumbo or other new recipes occasionally. Selected leaders lead activities, announcements, songs, yells, and spotlight activities. There was always a parade of ideas, games, and things of interest. Afterwards, there was always the parking lot shuffle with the gripes, questions, and answers. This was done monthly for one and one half hours each time. I felt like it was good training and fellowship for all. I miss those guys. FB

My two cents worth about Wood Badge and the Scouting program: John Brizendine, President of Lockheed Aeronautical, John L. Clendenim, Chairman of BellSouth; Hollis L. Harris, President and CEO of Delta Airlines; William C. Howell, Chairman of J. C. Penny; Reuben R. Jensen, Retired V.P. of General Motors; Willard Marriott, Jr., Chairman of Marriott Corporation; Stanford McDonnell, Chairman emeritus of McDonnell Douglas, H. Ross Perot, Founder of Perot Systems, Inc.; Richard Trully, Administrator of NASA; Glen C. Cox, Chairman and COO of Phillips Petroleum; Reuben R. Jensen, Retired Executive and V.P. and Director of General Motors; Charles T. Clayton, Retired President of Liberty National Life Insurance Company; and Zenon C.R. Hansen, Chairman, Mack Trucks. What do these men have in common? They use the principles of the Scouting program as a way to develop leadership roles in their industry and they have used it successfully over the years. From, On My Honor, I Will; How one simple oath can lead you to success in business, by R. Pennington and M. Bockmon. Peter C. Browning, Chairman, CEO and President of National Gypsum Company, stated, The geographical, political, and economic structuresare undergoing rapid alteration throughout the world. Managing such changes will be the greatest challenge facing American businessThe ability to attract the right kind of leadership needed for this task will determine in large part whether we as a nation will be able to compete in this dynamic environment. The right kind of leadership is defined here as people who know and use the ideals of Scouting to manage their companies. I do not know if these men would recognize Wood Badge as the premier management course for training their managers. But, these men believe in something less complex but just as profound, the ideals of the Scouting program. They all recognize that if they are to remain successful, using the principles of Scouting is imperative. I am not a captain of industry and do not have a Ph.D. But, I have run a classroom, several Scout Units, several summer Scout Camps, a Commissioner Staff for a two county District for several years, many different District programs for weekends and week long events, Council events, a program for several hundred in my workplace. I have three degrees from two universities and several certificates. I was in the 20th Century Wood Badge, the one with the Outdoor program with the Scouting skills, the one with the patrols and the ticket items. I was in the one that is continually demeaned by many on this site. I have benefited from that experience immensely. It was taught to me over three weekends and it changed my life. I cannot say that for any of the equal amounts of the several hundred hours that I have spent in the classroom learning. I am able to lead because of what I learned from those few hours in the woods. I simply applied what I learned. I have a method to know what I need and a way to find my way when lost as a manager. I recommend Wood Badge, even without knowing the 21st Century changes. I trust that the detractors of the old course did not stray too far from something that was and is exceptional. F. Bear

Fuzzy's quote closet: When it is time to leave make sure you go. When others speak, listen until you have to vomit. If people were made of glass, it would be easier to figure them out. When reaching beyond your means make sure that nobody sees you. When I was 10 the world looked very big, now that I am 50 the world is no bigger than an onion. I think I need glasses. and The answers to the life's most perplexing questions can be found along side of the road rolled up in a small bundle and stuffed into a diet soda can. This actually happened to me once. I had just started reading the answers and a semi-tractor-trailer truck went whizing by and blew the paper right from my hands over the bridge and into a fast running river far below. I still remember a couple of the answers, they are, yes and only if you are kind. I thought I would pass this information along just in case you haven't figured it out yet. FB

Ask Bob White, he has a memory for that kind of information.

Dan, Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post. I am also glad to know that you like reading some of the other things that I write. As for disagreement, please don't think that I believe that I am always correct. I have been wrong on many occasions and can stand to be corrected on most. I'm not really sure that I have ever been right about anything that I have written here though. I would be astounded to find two response posts congratulating me on the way that I totally answered a question to the satisfaction of those asking and those yet to respond. I don't believe that I can expect that happening until Halley's Comet returns. You are right that I am saying to turn the other cheek and work with people. Change is slow some times and the relationships that we make, the people that we come to know and appreciate may change what we are asking for and may give us new insight. I am also saying that as we work for change ands don't quit. You are important and the things you are wanting may be the right answer in the future. I am asking this because I have already tried it the other way and I am now apologetic for my actions. I also spent allot of time griping and complaining about problems which did not work to fix things. When I stopped, I did so not out of wisdom but because things had changed drastically for me in my personal life, I saw a different way of doing things. I began doing things that excluded the baggage and I enjoyed the program better than ever. The program is multifaceted and our focus can be the agent that directs us to the specific needs where we have the immediate answer for making those changes and gaining respect for our work. Once again, others may have a better answer, it just happens to be the one I am stuck with for awhile. Respectfully, FB (This message has been edited by Fuzzy Bear)

Wheeler hasn't slowed one thing down on this site nor changed one opinion. He has spent countless hours doing something he believes makes a difference and only gets negative remarks. He may be misguided or unguided but he has spoken, as he has the right to do. Why analyze his messages, read them, or respond to them, should be the question we ask ourselves. FB