Grumpy

I use the Marmot rain suit (top), and REI pants, and the OR Seattle Sombrero. I like the Marmot over the Red Ledge because I believe (a) the quality is better, and (b) the Marmot is cut better for us more eh... experienced Scouters. Now there are various levels of Marmot and Red Ledge and you get what you pay for, but these are just MHO. I do like the Lowes Triple Point though. Anybody use special gloves for the rain?

OGE, I absolutely LOVE that! I may be using it this coming weekend. BTW, where would I find more info about the Campfire ashes ceremony? That sounds good.

Um, thanks. I've been there, knew that. Just looking for a place to find the where and when of upcoming NCS in my area. It looks like the Region is the place that plans it out. I have yet to find any type of Region web site for the Western Region. I guess I'll start with the council, unless anyone has other ideas.

Can any of you help me find more information on the National Camping Schools, when and where they will be held in the coming spring? Last graduated in 1980 (Aquatics) and want to take it this coming spring (shooting sports). Thanks for the help.

What a GREAT story! Thanks for sharing.

Todat was our Scout-0-rama. For the first time I noticed a woman with an OA pocket flap patch and sash. I never thought about it before. 20 years ago when I was a Scoutmaster, there were not many women in Scouting above the Cub level. Now there are, I just never saw a woman in the OA or really thought about it. Of course, I am okay with it, just never saw it before.

No way, no how. Girls in Venturing and Exploring is wonderful, but not CS or BS. I would have to believe the DE was there because the CM knew this volatile issue was to be raised. -Grump-

bluegoose says: One of my personal favorites is: "The price of freedom is that we carry not a shield, only a sword." (note, this is not a reference to violence or military action.) I don't get it either. Am I dense, or what?

OGE, Which Chicago are you from? The Chicago I grew up never had he right man win. It was always the left man who won, which is why I left. I just voted in my third different polling place in three elections. And I had to drive past the last two to get to today's. The past places were close by, now I have to drive down the hill (5-6 miles) towards town. It just does not make sense. Oh well, it could be worse. I could still be in Chicago.....

I often wonder how the new folks who join feel about the posters they find on these threads, and if they stick around or come back. Why would they? I can't believe how adults act with each other, especially given the common interests. I love posting on a few different boards, but always refuse to get into a whizzing match. My time is too valuable, and life is too short.

Unc, You're my hero. Grump

BW was right on, in my book. Family camping with sibs is okay in Cubbing, but have no place in Boy Scouts or Sea Scouts. That takes away from the program.

Wow. Mich632. If a scout wants to recruit a buddy into Scouts, but the timing does not coincide with your "recruiting" event, he may not participate. That's harsh. I cannot imagine not allowing a kid who wants to see what it's all about to come along on a campout.

There are always stories like this in the news, and it makes you wonder why a unit wouldn't play it by the book. How can somebody take money from kids?

I am also new to a pack, and the CM told us new leaders that at campouts, after the boys are in their tents, they usually go to their coolers and bring out a few beers. I have decided to go to the first campout (in November) and when the beers come out, retire for the evening. I am not sure what to do after that. I'll deal with it if/when the time comes. I drink beer like the next guy, but I hold Scouting first and foremost, and do not believe that the BSA rules should be broken.

The last line in OGE's post says it all "Overall, I think the mystique enhances the organization" Why? I don't know. But it helps get members, because kids want to be in "secret" organizations, even if it isn't so secret. I remember reading in the beginning of the OA handbook about keeping the mystique by not talking about it too much to non members. I think it's great that any registered leader or any parent can see the ceremony if they so choose. This is important for an organization such as ours. But I also hope that the leaders and especially parents choose not to view

Let me know if Coppini Academy was able to help. My money is on them. Your aunt(?) studied there under Coppini, and was eventually adopted by him, I believe.

Welcome!

I brought our troop to Owasippe back in about 1979 as an ASM. Great camp. I worked at a camp that is no longer around. Kishwaukee Scout Reservation was located just north of Dekalb, IL. It was the summer camp for Calumet Council, located just south of Chicago. It wasn't the best camp, but it was ours. The council sold it off, and today they have no council camp to go to. I think it's a shame for a council to have no summer camp to offer the boys. I am now in Arizona, where there are 4 camps, 3 of which are used for summer camps (I believe).

Try these folks. If anyone knows where it lies, it would be them. Coppini Academy of Fine Arts 115 Melrose Place San Antonio, TX 210-824-8502 http://www.coppiniacademy.com

I've been in the automotive parts business for 24 years. Currently work in the Logistics area of a large west coast auto parts retailer. I also have my own company, training folks in the proper use of firearms, both for fun & safety, and for personal protection.

Great Story! Memories are but snapshots of the past, and it is wonderful when we can insert ourselves into that photo album, if but only for a moment. -Mike-

I am a past-president of a co-ed Explorer Post. We were a very strong Post, with an equal number of gals and guys. The trick is having an environment that is nonthreatening to girls, and once a few join, they will tug their frineds to it. Our Post was general interest, so there was no High Adventure stuff going on. Allot of community service, camping, fundraising, movies, bowling, picnics. Some dating going on, but not much. Mostly everyone were just a bunch of friends. I couldn't imagine having the fun we had with just a bunch of guys. Just my $.02

I used Badge Magic to hold the patches in place, then my wife sewed them on. Worked great! I still don't trust it long term, but was wonderful to hold everything were it should be.

My girlfriend and I used to go to Brookfield Zoo for dates a few times a year. It was our favorite zoo, much to the chagrin of my Mom, who used to love Lincoln Park Zoo when she was a kid. There are few things I miss about Chicago, but the zoos rank right up there with a good beef sandwich, good pizza, and the museums. Mike the Polar bear was our favorite. By the way, my girlfriend? I married her. Over 20 years ago.