Fuzzy Bear

Thorns, Roses, and all in between We moved again. We still have things in boxes from several moves before. I am not always sure where things are located. Our house did sell for a nice price. We were able to find another house that was beyond our means but my wife put together a package and now it is all ours. We enjoyed a great early Christmas with our in-laws here. I painted our last house inside and out. It took a long time and there were some unexpected difficulties. I usually find painting enjoyable. It is an activity that I find relief in and little outside interference. I have uncovered many rocks, small and large, in our new backyard. I just completed my first rock stairway with porch. I am expecting to continue with several more projects because I have a great resource, but also, I can mow without incident. I have been unable to reconnect with Scouting since moving the first time. I am presently looking for a one hour a week Scouting job. This forum is as close as I can get right now. My wife and I are raising a two-year old that is into many different things and causes occasional irritation. The two-year old is also raising both of us. He remains a daily shining light. We consistently find new and better things to do. He handed me nails yesterday. Our discussion centered on shiny and rusty. We were installing molding. One of my positions on the floor afforded him the opportunity to climb on my back. He is still fairly light and I found hammering a little more difficult but we managed to complete the job. We will have another in January. My wife and our new son are healthy to this point. My real job is taking my extra time and the job has changed from assisting people to entering data about assisting people, which leaves little time for the former. I have put in for a transfer and sent out resumes. The resolution to this problem remains a mystery. It may mean that we pack up and move again, leaving for yet another adventure. Fuzzy Bear

I have been a Scoutmaster, a Camp Director, a teacher, and a counselor, all working with youth and adults. Many that I have worked with were troubled young people in different, difficult situations. Most knew how to use bad language and how to be disrespectful. I don't allow either for good reason. If a young person persists with bad behavior, then they will have me, their parents, the committee, etc., involved until they are willing to carry the bad behavior behind my back or back to the street. Likewise, if a person changes, then they have me and everyone I can find to be behind them in our activities. A Scout room, a school room, a church, a Scout camp, a place of business cannot build meaningful relationships or good program when disrespect is common. My directness lets them know what to expect. If we agree that the Scout Law is our standard, then we all abide by it. Likewise, if we say that the outdoor program is one of our methods, then we fully engage that along with input from the boy leaders and the other Scouts in choosing where we go and what we do. If they must put up with being made fun of because they change some of their ways, then they will be able to reply that our Scout program makes it worth it. Fuzzy B.

A few years ago at Philmont, a young Scout fell from the side of a cliff overlooking one of the lakes. I was standing across the lake gazing at the beauty. They didn't shut down the camp, the area or stop the hiking. To this day, I cannot get the agonized scream of the Scoutmaster out of my head that followed. I don't have an answer about safety. The BSA tries. FB

After a few years of complaints from Webelos Scouts, the CM decided to build his own bridge at a local camp. The Scouts usually laughed at the small one-step bridge the Pack had and wondered about what they had been told about bridging. We were given permission from the local professionals to build one. The area selected had a small stream/rut in the ground and our bridge was about 12 feet across. The bridge was arched and somewhat rustic. We didn't use any plans but it came out just fine. It was sturdy enough and has lasted several years. It took four adults about two days to build, using various power tools and equipment. We built it in the wrong place, so we asked the Ranger to pull it into place with his tractor. I am not proposing this project to anyone ever again. It was difficult and consumed what patience we had with each other and with our own personal sanity. Unless you have more time and help, this is too big to try in the privacy of your own den. The CMs idea was perfect but sometimes perfection needs to be tempered with practicality. The result was great because the stream/rut was near an opening where we had several wonderful campfires and ceremonies. The idea was what counted. An actual bridge that a Scout really crossed fit what the Scouts had originally had in mind. I suppose that is what I am proposing. Look for a small bridge that is already built and use it for the ceremony. Of course, get permission first and then fit in all of the other ceremonial elements. When I now work with a group, and we have a problem, we scrutinize all of the resources for any project. Somebody seems to have an answer and sometimes we even have more than one good answer to choose from to define it. Fuzzy B.

Lilly looked good in her unifrom as the others tore at the fabric of her trustworthiness. She almost won honestly or lost dishonestly, I'm not sure which. I knew a Scout leader that would either not wear his Scout uniform when he went to meetings or wear an overcoat with his uniform. He liked to stop off and belt down one or two on the way home. It makes it easier to answer questions when you look the part. It's hard living a thinnly disguised double life. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I guess Lilly would have won if she had taken her uniform off and tried coconuts and leaves instead. FB

When something like this could most likely have been avoided and appears so unnecessary, there is no explanation. For the family and those that loved him, there are no words. The hurt goes so deep that nothing will remove the agony that remains. FB

I agree that training is necessary. You can also share leadership through discovery. Start with a Scoutmaster's Minute, I realize you are not the SM. The SM's Minute is like a guiding star but even an ASM can give one, with permission. It might go something like this, "Guys, look at the Scout Badge. At the bottom are the words, Be Prepared. It also represents the founders initials, Baden Powell, BP. He did this on purpose as a little joke but he was also serious. The words are written on the scroll in the shape of a smile. When you are prepared for just who knows what; you will smile or laugh for any number of reasons. Being prepared is still serious and that is what I want to propose by having an action oriented campout." Since this is just a one time event, you are not trying to take over from the others but share with the group. You are simply trying your hand, as all of the others have done. Everyone appears a little lazy, so it might be that they will humor you. Help to plan an action oriented campout that is based on the Scout skills. Convince everyone that they must practice the skills (i.e., a minimum of map and compass but mostly Tenderfoot through First Skills) in advance at the meetings to be able to "survive" the experience and compete against the other patrols. Prepare the script and teach the basics to the SPL and the Patrol Leaders, so they can teach it to the Scouts. The SPL may need some encouragement to learn some of the skills to be able to teach and to make it a part of the troop meeting for the next few weeks. Get some of the adults to carefully choose a campsite that is small enough to not get lost but large enough to employ the practiced skills. Lay out some of the opportunities in advance on a weekend prior to the event. The other adults sound as if they like adventure and you can be catalyst to further their interests. The adults can then have a weekend retreat "setting up" the activities and learning some of the skills, just in case they need to teach them. This group may surprise you with their resources and knowledge. They may just be a little lost about the program. Since part of adventure is sometimes competition, then prize(s), such as a flag or ribbon to hang on the patrol flags is in order. If they don't have flags, you might have that as part of the activities. You can write the script better than I can since you know this group. Your one time adventure might generate a good evaluation. Some problems may have occurred during the event that they want to address. Who knows, maybe they would want to do another one sometime? FB

A wrong can be made right only if it prevents the individual or persons directly or indirectly involved from injury. This is a measure to be carefully considered, unless the situation is an emergency and calls for immediate action. Good behavior is sometimes not easily defined but we generally know it. FB

The first time I visited the Philmont Training Center, I was treated with the theme of a Scout is friendly. I guess it was a feeling that we are alike in many ways or that we share similar experiences or we attempt to be, or maybe, we are just friendly. One evening in camp, I went to take a shower and returned four hours later. I found myself going from one conversation to the next as I went down the lane. I was invited in to almost every conversation from any part of the country as if I had membership and tenure with each group. They never questioned my reason for being there and never formally invited me in. They just accepted me and we talked Scouting. We are not bound by any rule to like each other. I believe that those of us that are in the Scouting movement, voluntarily bind our tongues and our actions to the ideals of Scouting or try. The reason is simple, it is the best way for us to live together and it allows us to achieve things that we could not do on our own and do it with dignity. I have been called ugly names before by those that call themselves Scouters. I know what it is like to be on the short end of a confrontation that was going nowhere. Liking it is not an option for me. Forgiveness is my option of choice because I want to be a Scouter. The few friends that I have been able to make over the years after leaving high school has been, in part, because of Scouting. They have not always liked me, nor me them. In spite of our differences, we continued to work together. I want to thank those Scouters for doing so because I am not always easy to be around. I believe Scouting to be a Brotherhood based on the agreed on ideals. The times that it has worked, has been the best part of my life. I ask the individuals involved in the matter of this conversation, to consider forgiveness and forgetfulness. There is much to do and we need your help and resources to get it done. Sincerely, FB

I only know you through your messages. I wish you happiness on your birth and life and it sounds like your retirement into something else. Fuzzy Bear

I believe that the Cub Scout program is excellent and that boys will respond. A few years ago, I tried an experiment. There was a Cubmaster that lead all activities of the meetings. This meant that the boys were not very involved. I took pictures of the Scouts sitting on the tables and watching during three different meetings. The CM was a very nice person and did a pretty good job overall. I convinced him that we should use the Cub Scout Program Helps for the next few meetings to relieve him of the burden of doing it all, so, he let some of the dens do different parts of the program. Within a few meetings, we had costumes, games, songs, and involvement, all pretty exciting. I took pictures of our meetings after that and compared them. What we found were Scouts doing things instead of sitting. This lead to the Scouts telling their friends about what was happening and soon we had pack and den meetings that were very busy. The pack also grew in size. Now, I believe in recruiting and School Night and encouraging Scouts to tell their friends. I believe in visiting parents to tell them about the program and inviting them to bring their son(s) to the meetings. I believe in the advancement program and Day Camp. Overall though, I believe in program as being the one thing that brings Scouts in and then keeps them. I also want to say that I personally enjoyed many of the programs that we had in that pack over the three years that I assisted. I can tell you that dressing up as a Knight in cardboard armor and riding a cardboard horse is something that I still find kind of funny for an adult. Yes, I dressed the part. I was also an Indian and some kind of an invention/robot on a couple of occasions. The Scouts did a much better job than me because they had plenty of time to prepare in their den meetings with lots of help. The Scouts and their parents became interested because of the program(s). Many very talented people came out of that Pack. We also found resources that I still find remarkable. Some of the Scouts and their parents revealed abilities that went far beyond the basics of the program. I don't want to say that this is the only answer or that we didn't have any problems, including retention or recruitment. There are other programs that young people enjoy. When they go, encourage the Scouts to compare. If they will do that, and they will, they should be able to honestly say that the Cub Scout program is the best. FB

I am not sure about your question but let me review just in case I am missing what you are saying. The PL's Handbook is already scripted for you and your PL's in general. The Program Helps are scripted step by step for each meeting for every month specifically. BL usually has articles that go along with the theme. The BSHB has articles that will help with some, if not all of the information. The BSFB has other articles that lend more information, if needed. There are even merit badge books that have a wealth of information on all kinds of subjects for program. The district roundtable gives support and training for each month in advance. Other Scout leaders in the district may also have insights about specifics that you are looking for in program additions. Your Troop Commissioner is generally a good person with experience to ask for further assistance. If he/she can't, then they generally know who can help. Your PLC has additions to the script that will deepen and personalize the information, on-going. You and the PLC with your committee support has made it possible for it to all happen for those Scouts that voted for the great program all of you have put together for the year! I still might be missing the point completely. If I have, please forgive me. I have been known to look right at the answer and not see what in the tarnation that everybody else saw long ago. FB

One weekend, we had planned a camping trip about 5 miles from town on a large farm. It was an interesting area because there was a medium sized hill that had been reputed as being the hideout/lookout for a bandit during the cowboy days. The bandit and his gang had hidden the stolen gold somewhere on the hill, was captured and later died in prison. Of course, the money was never found. This left quite an adventure for our guys. Everyone climbed all over the area, looking for caves or other suspected places for the loot. The decision was made that each patrol would camp at a place of their choosing. There was to be allot of searching for the lost gold and nobody knew where the best place to look would be. Some of the older guys decided to camp on the far side of the hill away from the adults. We set up camp and later had our supper. We then had a general campfire with songs and skits. Everyone then returned to their camp areas. Afterwards, one Scout that was camping with a patrol nearby began acting strange. He was upset and angry about something but none of us could figure out the reason. He finally went into his tent and said he did not want to talk about it. "It" was the thing that we later found out was not so good. The next day we broke camp after lunch. One of the older Scouts came up to me and wanted to report something. He said that he did not want to tell me exactly what it was but he was feeling bad about it. After we arrived home and everyone was leaving the same Scout told me that the older guys had left the camp and hitchhiked into town and bought beer. To make it back, they rented a cab and returned. I inquired about the beer and who was involved and he told me most of it. Well, the phone calls started. Parents, leaders, and Scouts were contacted. The committee was informed and a meeting was called for the next week. The story was told and retold by each of the Scouts during their time "on the stand". It was discovered that two of the boys had drank part of one beer each and the others had buried the rest somewhere near their camp. I suppose making for another adventure for another time. There were actions taken by the committee in line with what they felt was proper punishment for each offending party. I never fully recovered from that incident, knowing that the trust that I had given was disregarded. I was shocked to think that the boy leaders would lead our Scouts, by example, to such a destination. There were several connected events that followed and problems created by me, kind of stumbling along dealing with the issue of trust. I wish I could rewrite my own failures in this incident and in the following days and months afterwards for sake of embarrassment but then my own personal learning would not have been as clear to me. We all survived that campout and our failures and went on to others. I grew closer to those Scouts and our program took a boost because of the assistance it generated. Most likely, the parents probably saw that I needed all the help I could get and joined in. Looking back from the hilltop of experience, it showed me that we really did uncover the lost treasure that weekend. It was not easily found and I still have the scars to prove it. I am sure the guys wont forget it either. FB

We were at Summer Camp with a load of new 11 year olds several years ago. I don't remember the patrol configurations or if we were ever very successful with anything when confronted with such a problem. I am sure that none of us confessed knowing the right way to put these new Scouts to the business of Scouting but we did our best. One evening, I came into camp and found a young man keeping one or our Scout leaders busy. The Scout was sick or throwing a fit but it appeared to me as a bad case of home sickness. I stepped in and tried my hand for a while with the cure and was successful only because he got sleepy and wound up going to bed. Somewhere in the evening another young Scout, Scott as I recall, asked if I would take him and a buddy fishing early the next morning like his Dad used to do. I told him I didn't know much about fishing, so he promptly got me a pole and had me ready to go in no time. I set my pole next to my tent and got to bed pretty late. Sure enough, Scott came to the tent early the next morning before first light for our expedition. So, I jumped up, put on my boots and grabbed my jacket and borrowed fishing pole. I went to the prearranged place and there was Scott and about ten other young Scouts all ready to go fishing. We wondered down to the lake and found a place among several large rocks to cast our lines. We had quite a conversation while some of the Scouts were giving me directions and most of our lines were being tangled with the rocks and with each other. Flashlights and tangled fishing line and not a bite for over an hour or two with some pretty funny stories, including the one we were in. We didn't catch any fish but nobody ever admitted to being unsuccessful. Actually, I now think that what we did was what Scott knew as "fishing". I got to know the new guys better and they taught me a new skill, one that I still think about years afterwards. Those same guys came to a Troop banquet after growing into older Scouts and I got to tell the story about our "fishing" trip. As I reflect on those times, I know they taught me allot and for that I am grateful. I am thankful for the Scouting program that brought us together. It was such a brief but important period of time for all of us but especially me. FB

Our Scout troop had a family campout each year, usually at a lake with boats, plenty of food, hiking, games, and a campfire with skits and songs. It was one of the most exciting trips that we went on, except the other 11. Since our rule was to engage, at least one family member in one event or one adult position, we had family in all phases of our program. Scout meetings were kept active and we relied on parents to assist in parts of those programs where needed. We had related family members involved which expanded the places we could camp and also in completing many projects the Scouts thought up. Our families were one of our best resources and we recognized them each year at our troop banquet. Since my main job became orienting new Scouts and families to our program, it was important that the Scouts evaluate each program. The discussion was always positive about the family outing. I recommend families be involved in the Scouting program. FB

I would like to try my hand at answering the question, "Why do people collect stuff?". I grew up in a household that was fairly simple and straight forward. Everything was clean and well arranged. I don't fault my parents in the least for the environment they created because my Dad was an engineer and my Mother was a professional homemaker with only one family as a customer. My Dad built his own heating and air conditioning and plumbing company over the years and to his eventual disappointment, he hired me to crawl around in attics to install duct work and to dig ditches for sewer lines. I was a perfectly capable young man during those long hot summers in Texas but I found that I lacked the interest to sustain longevity. I worked in the evenings, summers and many weekends where I accepted the fact that the heat and the insulation in attics were sufficient reasons for my eventual career move. I discovered many things from this early training that helped me over the years and in several other jobs, university training, and later in my present career. I want to credit my parents for those good lessons because they did the best with what they had, which was, of course, me and my brothers. My older brother still runs the family business and has been quite successful. Texas is a hot dry land and air conditioning and plumbing are required. One day, a few years after I had left my shovel and sweat stained clothes behind, I was driving down a road where they were tearing down an old rock house. I thought I would stop and look around. I went through the house looking at the construction from the perspective of a foreigner looking back on the past. I have always been intrigued with rock houses since I first read about them in the Three Pigs story. Rock houses have since represented good craftsmanship and something that could not be blown away. I looked in one of the closets and saw the attic opening. Since I have past experience in such spaces, I decided that I would have a look. So, up I went into the dark recesses to look at the attic structures. While I was there I stumbled on an old Boy Scout fiction book by Scoutmaster G. Harvey Ralphson, "Boy Scouts in the Philippines or The key to the Treaty Box". The house mouse had feasted on some of the cover but mostly it was intact. I was stumped by my find because I had also been a Boy Scout along with my other vocational training and had never heard of this type of book. Since the book was dated 1911, the start date of Scouting, it presented another mystery. Also, the Scout in the picture on the front cover was a Scout wearing an American First Class badge and cooking on a fire, supposedly in a foreign country and he had his dog with him. I wondered how somebody was able to enter Scouting at the inception, become a Scoutmaster, go to a foreign land, and complete a book before the end of the first year. I attributed this to the sturdy nature of people early in the 20th century and to the later invention of the TV. Knowing the nature of most Scouters, one that predisposes them to do as many jobs as possible, I knew that it was a high probability answer but I had to know more. Since Vice president Al Gore had not invented the Internet and the only computers around were something that was difficult for someone without a technical nature, I had to look in places where there might be answers. Somebody told me about a Scout Tradeoree in Dallas, so I found out about the next date and attended. I guess I could say that the rest is history and be telling you the truth. I completed collecting the Ralphson series several years ago. The series has wonderful pictures on the front covers that are representative of things that Scouting didn't want authors to write about. They later were able to get the publishers/authors to stop writing outlandish things, such as Boy Scouts on Motorcycles or Boy Scouts in the Verdun Attack. The founders of Scouting didn't want boys to believe that the Scout program held the kind of excitement that dangerous activities or World Wars bring to mankind. They wanted young people to learn about citizenship, character building, and physical fitness, as noted in the ideals of Scouting. Scouting instituted a series of books that were approved for youth reading. They hired a librarian, Franklin K. Mathiews to manage the program. They had books published with the Scouting logo and with the approval of the National Headquarters. This was instituted with the kind of leadership that James E. West had for the program during his tenure. My understanding of Scouting history has increased by continuing to collect selected series and titles both in Boy Scout fiction and non-fiction. The complete collection would take a larger house and more shelf space than I have and my interest and pocket book does have limits. My collection is now in glass covered shelving that is nice to look at and to remember what it was to find the items. I have driven many miles, met many Scouters, and have friendships with others of like mind. I have expanded my interest into the areas of program that has increased my knowledge in many areas. Scouting is large and has many questions that have lead me down many different paths. So, that is why I collect the things that I collect. I would rather tell you that while working on the Wolf Cub badge as a youth, one of the requirements was to make a collection of rocks and put them in an egg container or that I worked on a stamp collection as a Scout and later a coin collection because my Aunt let me look through a pile of pennies. I could say that Scouting lead me into collecting patches because of the large number I earned as a Scout; my minister said I looked like a Chinese general. I had started making neckerchief slides because I was taught to whittle at Scout Camp and that turned into a collection because of Whittlin' Jim, of Boys' Life magazine. I later collected some of his slides and a notebook by him to add to the collection(s). I was interested in Pee Wee Harris as a youth and it later lead me to collect the Fitzhugh series. Last year I attended the Dallas Tradeoree for the, number not remembered, time. It is not held in Dallas but in between Dallas and Ft. Worth near the airport for ease of access. One guy would not negotiate a deal because he could get a better price on the Internet. I was, rightly indignant because this is a people forum and not one for virtual traders. Why didn't the guy stay home on his 'puter? I had to remember that my collection has increased in volume, quality and worth because of the new communications. I should apologize for my thoughts to that guy, maybe he is reading this. I feel that I have lost friends because of the new market place but things change and probably friendships and new friendships are to be made in different ways. I will need to stay tuned. One fellow exhibited his Order of the Arrow patch collection that he had worked on for years. He ceremoniously added the last and probably the most expensive patch to the collection. He mentioned that his was most probably the only complete collection like it in the world, which also makes it the best in the galaxy and the universe, as far as we now know. My question to myself was still, "Why does someone collect?". FB (This message has been edited by Fuzzy Bear)

I know that this does not fit the question at hand but then we are talking and this may be a related subject, so. I was driving down an old country road a few years ago in North Central Texas. I noticed a few old buildings off the road. I drove back around to look a them again. It had the look of an old Scout camp or a deserted Army camp. I tried to see if there were any people near but I couldn't find anyone. I then made a decision to take a closer look. I parked off the road and walked back with my camera. I spent about an hour taking pictures. I took outside, inside and inside to outside pictures. It was a sunny day and I wanted to document as much as I could to find out more. I found myself transported back in time with each building and area. I could almost see the activities. I never found out what the camp was but I knew that people had left an indelible mark on the land and it wasn't simply abandoned run down buildings. To this day, that camp returns to me occasionally in my thoughts. I am no longer searching for an answer about the camp but somehow it affected me. A Council Executive once told me that a camp is a mud hole with a constant supply of money running into it. I suppose from a business perspective that description may fit. To the people that it affects, the mud hole is more of a lake, a camp, and a view and the flow of money is a great program that lasts a lifetime. FB

Registering for and doing more than one job is common in much of what I know about Scouting. I still have printouts of rosters that show such things. Sometimes it is an obsession to help beyond one's normal grasp. Some people have even been known to go beyond the proverbial three mile limit and not be heard from again. Sometimes a DE is simply trying to meet quota. It might be that the Grand Dame was attempting to teach such a lesson or caution those who may be prone to swim out too far. It might be that she only has one job and is paying too close attention to the details that a two or three banger might miss. Nonetheless, she is doing her job the best that she can, we hope. The thing that is irritating is that she may consider listening to those people that she serves, if she believes she is serving. Even people that are always right might be wrong on occasion or might want to reconsider a right opinion in light of the new evidence or may want to shine a kind act towards those that may have transgressed but are willing to promise to not do it again and again. One Council Executive told us that knots were of little importance and if they were not, then we were emphasizing the wrong things. I understood the point but I did not agree. Knots are important to those that serve. It is their pay, of sorts, for working and learning and leading and doing and enjoying. I love the knots that I have earned over the years but moreover, I hold my experiences with the Scouts and Scouters as the most important benefit that Scouting offers. I suppose that is a knot that is worn directly in the heart; I'll need to check the insignia guide. FB

I want to caution you away from making a determination of destination based on a close call on a rule. I have worked in both programs and I can recommend both of them to you. I agree with using the Summer Camp problem as a good rule to slow the pace. Moreover, the Webelos program is first rate and the boys will not be shorted at all by staying a little longer. It sounds like you are a good leader and have provided a good program. Boys respond well to what you have done, now and in the future. One more recommendation, that can't be helped. Find a camp or an area with a small bridge (i.e., a real bridge, not one you can jump across) and an area that you can build a fire when you decide it is time to leave the Webelos program behind. Hopefully, it will be in the fall with a chill in the air. Invite the bridging troops to put on the ceremony. Heck, you might even have some of the O.A. come out for a part of it. Have a roll call of the past achievements of the group. You may have even documented part of the experience with a camera, moving or still. Project the pictures on a large screen. Make sure that the guys put on a couple of skits. Remember, that even the oldest gag is great when there are a few props and everyone is dressed for their part. I also want to recommend some background music somewhere in the ceremony and, of course, a couple of their favorite songs. These guys have come a long way together and have memories for a lifetime. Sadly, some will not stay in Scouting no matter what, but you will have been an important part of their development as young men. You will have given them something to hold on to when times get tough. What an ending or a start! Good luck with your decision. FB (This message has been edited by Fuzzy Bear)

If you have a specific year or decade or an article, I might be able to cross index it. The role of honor for heroes, if it exists, most likely is out of the seventies. Give me some clues. I have collected Boys Life for several years. I buy, sell and trade as any normal patch collector does. Since my collection is varied (i.e.,within some rational limit) Scouting items, I cross trade. I try to specialize in Scouting books, especialy fiction (Scouting approved generally). If your interested, lets throw down the virtual trading blanket and look at some Scouting stuff. FB

I want to recommend three good things: Every individual Scout in your troop should know that you care that they are activly engaged in learning the Scout Law/Ideals. Every Scout should hear you speak during your Minute, that is, you at your best, doing your best, to reach out for the best. Visit the most difficult Scouts in their home to speak with them and their parents about the Scout program. This visit will reset your compass when trying to assist. We do not have all of the answers but we can let them know that there is a place of substance with people that care. FB

Follow Me Boys- best Scout movie ever. Have you ever seen the Last Boy Scout? I bet it is a blow 'em up and has little to do with Scouting as we know it. FB

OK, Since nobody is willing to offer an answer, I'll give it a try. Leather kits are expensive, yes. At one day camp a few years ago, we used leather left over from Scout camp. The reason nobody had used the leather was because it was thick enough to make people wonder about it's origin. The tools, which are also expensive were borrowed from the Scout camp. I had assisted with the camp that summer, so I had an inside track. I personally vouched for the safe return of the tools. The leather was simply given to me because it was close to being unfit for use but it was great for stamping logos and such. It was difficult to cut but we did it. Basically we made small items but the boys loved it, there were over 100 at that camp. I have also purchased left over leather from a saddle maker. I have a large box of it in my garage at this writing. It is made up of scraps and pieces. It is just right for small projects and for practice. Now, for the idea about book covers, I would say that you should reconsider it because of the expense and I am not sure how to get around that and because it is a big project. I would sugget that you consider a two step process with part of it in leather and the other part in some type of heavy fabric. The leather might be hot glued to the fabric for the front only. First cut the fabric to the size of the book. I am not sure if hot glue would work because I have not tried it. You would have to try it at home to make sure. If that doesn't work then you might have to try some type of hole punch to thresd the leather on to the fabric. Good Luck and happy hunting. I know that you are set on this project so yo will most likely find what you are looking for or something close Fuzzy B.

I realize that tradition allows boys to imagine all kinds of things about the past history of a troop/patrol and that is certainly a good idea. It is also neat to have ready made flags and patrol patches, so that boys can jump right in and not worry about those particular problems. When I was a Scout I was in the Lion patrol. We had the official patrol patch and the flag. We won the Honor Patrol flag on several occasions and were well respected. Other patrols followed our example and began to win the Honor Patrol flag. We had ribbons that we had won and had started a good history for the Lions. Our yell came right out of the Patrol Leaders Handbook, (this is probably only part of it) Tuti fruiti, Punch and Judy, The Lion patrol will do it's duty. Don't you worry and don't you fret, the Lion patrol will get you yet! As our patrol aged, we decided that we wanted to become the Flintstone patrol. Out yell was, yaba daba do! We made our own flag with a picture of Bedrock and several of the characters from the TV show on it. We even cut fringe around the edges of the flag. We tried to make patrol patches but that was a disaster but we learned a few things about sewing and making patches. We even went so far as to make our own neckerchiefs and tried our hand at a crude silk screen technique. I still have the flag. It has yellowed with age and has gotten pretty fragile over the years. Later, I became a Scoutmaster and the patrol name issue was discussed at a PLC. We reviewed the options and each patrol shared with their members the conversation. They understood about the idea of being Clean and about history and being respectful because we all had agreed to live by the Scout Law in our lives and we had discussed the history of the troop. I reviewed with them my history with the issue and brought out the old Flintstone Flag. I even shouted out the yell. They were quite amused about my past efforts. I know that they thought that they certainly could do much better. I told them it was up to them to make their own history with their friends and to write it well. They all made excellent choices and I was very pleased with their ability to do so. Yaba, daba, do! Fuzzy Bear

Salute, hand over the heart, full uniform, part uniform; these young boys will want to show respect for their country and for the brave people that have fought, voted, and died to give them the best place on earth to live. The red is for the blood and there has been plenty of it, the white is for their bravey and the blue is for the sky and the constellation of stars over us all that believe in democracy. I am not trying to say that there is not a proper way to show respect but when a young man knows the reason that he is showing respect then it may only be the hair on the back of his neck standing or a tear in the eye dropping but it will nonetheless be the deepest kind of respect. Fuzzy