Gold Winger

I would guess that the reason that there's so many experts with conflicting advice is that there are so many ways to do things. Look at the threads on wool vs. poly-plasticene clothing. As with many things, we start off copying our mentors and then, over time, we adopt new techniques that others have told us about or that we've developed on our own because "it just made sense." Look for a hiking club in your area. Join the club and go on a few outings. Listen to everyone's advice and put it through your common sense filter. Look for the middle ground between the extremes. In the Scouting world, if you're not yet 21, you could join a Venturing crew that does high adventure activities and learn there. Even if you are 21, you could sign up as an "advisor" and you would still be in a position to learn.

The mother might be the problem. I would have tried to have a talk with the boy that evening. He might be upset that he was missing a bowling party because he was off camping. Or he could have just learned that his mother had cancer. As the TV shrinks will say, quite often people act out in order to draw attention to themselves. If it is unusual behavior, it might be an flailing attempt to start a conversation. Most of us do similar things even if it isn't whacking things with sticks. If you had a bad day at work, you go home and slump in your Barcalounger in the hopes that your better half will say, "What's the matter dear? Did you have a rough day?" That gives you your opening to compliain.

" I can't even buy a bottle of wine in that brown shirt, much less actually drink anything. " Is this personal or some silly local rule?

How were they browbeat?

Graham crackers? Graham crackers are for peanut butter and bananas. Did you know that Graham crackers were originally sold as health food?

"As such, he wore BDUs the whole week, since, "technically", he was on duty." Interesting, I spent a summer camp with some Army officers who never wore their uniforms. They never said that they were TDY, it was some sort of community service activity. Probably the same thing just different name. "Why in the world would a young, single guy be interested in working with boys...hmmmmm? What a shame." Truly a shame but the funny thing is that if he offered to coach the local soccer team, no one would think twice.

" but it certainly isn't about cheese." It is now. :-) Coffee is like scotch. The enthusiasts can argue this vs. that all day long but none of that matters in the long run. You drink it for one reason. As long as coffee isn't unpalatable (Starbucks), I don't care where it was grown. If asked, I prefer a dark roast but, in reality, any is fine. Scotch is the same. It all tastes like old socks.

Probably a law suit because a couple Scouts duct taped obnoxious Johnny to his cot at summer camp.

Huh? I'm 6'2" and my switchbacks as shorts stop just above the knee.

"hey immediately got a hole that nearly resembled a burn in the fabric, just from falling down in a roller skating rink!" The friction may have melted the fabric. Score one for synthetics!

Did you do it all for the patch or was it done in an effort to have a better unit?

I wondered the same thing.

I find it strange the the politically correct call them "Native Americans" but the Indians refer to themselves either as Indians or by the name of their nation (Cherokee, Navajo, etc.). Why is that?

If he's there as a Scouter, I feel the same about that as I do about people who wear their work clothes to meetings. "I don't have time to go home and change!" is the frequent cry. So? Take your Scout suit to work and change before you leave UNLESS you are embarassed to be seen in it then that's a different issue. The exception that I'd make for that is if the work garb is part of a special thing like "What a stockbroker does" or "Intro to plumbing".

You didn't say "American cheeses" you said, "make cheese." Also, if you don't like American cheese (it is Cheese according to the FDA) on your burgers, go back to that strange land that you come from.(This message has been edited by Gold Winger)

It occurs to me that we need a heterosexual pride parade.

OD BDU pants are available and worn my many Scouters. There are also many organizations that wear dark green pants with cargo pockets that cost about the same as BSA pants but are better made.

Since, I've already done the "other cause the BSA has an interest in" thing, that's moot. Banning homosexual activities. BSA doesn't have an interest in that so it isn't likely. Being the color guard in a gay parade, don't have a problem with it but it isn't likely to be well received by the homosexual community.

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons Copland: Hoe-down, Fanfare for the Common Man Mancini: Pink Panther Theme, Peter Gunn Theme Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue Picking music is difficult.

It isn't campaigning for a given candidate. It's being part of the process in a process that affects Scouting. I've appeared at school board meetings in support of Scouting, in uniform with our district commissioner, district chair and DE, also all in uniform. Why? The school board was making decisions regarding Scouting and the schools. This is no different. The guidelines are very clear and this is okay. It is also okay if one of these reps asks Boy Scouts to do a flag ceremony and they do so.

You've never seen me point and frown :-)

Since BSA has no official uniform police and there are no penalties for not being correctly uniformed, you can really wear whatever you want. However, be warned that we will talk about you as well as point and frown.

Don't know about that Bob but then I haven't had the opportunity to chat with Roy Williams like I'm sure you have. "Scout Executives are to instruct unit leaders and volunteers that those articles of clothing along with equipment like pistol belts, suspenders and military field gear are not allowed to be worn with official Boy Scouts of America clothing or in the place of BSA uniforms and outdoor clothing." Sounds like carrying a cammo ALICE pack (field gear) at a Cub-o-ree is prohibited. (This message has been edited by Gold Winger)

Maybe the campout will encourage him to continue. Now, if the parents show up without food, tents or sleeping bags because they haven't been paying attention that could cause a problem. But that can be solved with a credit card and the nearest WalMart.

Camping essentials for Cub Scout Leaders Coffee maker Coffee mug Folding chair Campfire Marshmallows Clear skies at night Tiki Torches to mark tent Toilet paper and hand cleaner Immodium AD