Gunny2862

I would never have memorized the resistor color codes without a mnemonic device, however it's far to bawdy to reproduce here. I like the trevor saying though!! Personally I just typed the Scout Law out and hung it on the wall in my office until I had it down cold.

I agree with John, again. Although I would definitely prefer that the Scout had enough time left for a backup project. I probably would not approve this for a 17 year old with less than a year left. Unless he was willing to do another, less reliant on the approval of others, project at the same time. And yes, I think the Scout should approach the committee with the plan having done some homework. But that wouldn't prevent me from putting the idea out there in advance of his appearance that they should at the very least give consideration to his plan by "listening" to it. And then making a decision.

Hilariously, Smart web is being implemented here but not for MYP or AP students. I hope they decide to do it for all of us.

Food preparation areas are notorious for being nasty. It's why we do(or have done) health inspections on workers and the preparation areas themselves. I worked on scales for a while. You would simply not believe some of the disgusting things that were allowed to rot in/around/under a scale in kitchen food prep areas because the staff would not do their due diligence in cleaning around them. There is one restaurant(which shall remain nameless) at which I will still not drink anything that comes from under the counter - 8 years later. On the other hand, personal cleanliness is one thing - especially on an extended foray in to the wild. Cooking for others is another, especially in a Camp environment where the required implements to stay clean are available, is another.

Southern Missouri chiming in. Yes, I have the same experience. Including one prospective Eagle candidate who is certain that he can slide everything(each thing remaining to be done) in just behind the deadline and still be awarded his Eagle. Methinks he will be shocked when what he has been advised will happen happens. However, the kids I have run into who think they can get away without performing are amazing learners once they realize that I will hold the line and not pass a skill test until they can actually perform the skill. Or they get further and further behind when they don't "get" that I'm not going to give the store away. Which is a bit of a concern because there is an older and more recognized Troop around which produces a lot of Scouts who are awarded Eagles. So the question often becomes do we want real Eagles from those who achieve it or do our parents want an Eagle Academy - the market will decide. In the mean time we are communicating our vision and holding the line with the Scouts we have. And trying to make Scouting about Scouting and not an Eagle seminar. Now I am also pursuing my B.S. degree AND also work at a University. The students here are often not much better. The whole worlds activities are all about the student and if they inconvenience you; well that is just to be expected because you and the rest of the world are there to serve them. It used to be that you would see one or two of these students each semester - the number is growing and quickly. So I would say no, it's not just in your area. On the other hand, not every ADD or ADHD diagnosis is spurious. Our son was diagnosed at seven and treated and reared. We have always held the line on behavior - nervous energy, poor concentration are one thing, bad or mean or inconsiderate behavior are an entirely different thing. At thirteen he is off his meds. and doing typical A&B work. With the B's usually caused by what we are finding from other parents to be typical 13 year old "I did the work, it's in my locker, I'll turn it in tomorrow, I'm sorry, I just forgot it" when we see or inquire about a grade check.

What packsaddle expressed, as a rational search for truth in each persons experience is the way our UU's described it.

Our local UU is a hodgepodge (or conglomeration) of Atheists, Agnostics, Wiccans, and any of 10-15 or more other religions to include some Christians who all are invited to attend a Sunday am service together. They have focus or "family group" breakout sessions at various times during the week by religious (or non-religious)focus. Given the dynamic of this group I am not at all surprised that the UU church above has an Atheist minister. I have been there many times as part of several University Religion Classes.

One "Leader" Scout and two or more blindfolded Scouts. Troop tent or one that all are familiar with. (Variation: one that only the leader has ever seen and/or set up.)(Variation: the unknown tent) I like to do these in between the "academic" sessions. Only the leader can see and only the leader can speak - The leader cannot touch the tent - set up the tent. Q&A time - what worked how would it have been easier? Feedback from the Scouts comes up every time, Next most popular is listening skills by the Scouts. Try it with the leader blindfolded and the scouts able to speak. Q&A - Works better when the leader can visualize the problem Try it again with a previously unseen tent. Q&A - Leadership sometimes is completely reliant on the led for the info to solve the problem. Try it where all can see and all can work together. Q&A - Teamwork and Leader occasionally stepping back to assess progress. But almost always smoother than any method above. The applications seem obvious to me and transfer to any task the Leaders may run into - not just setting up tents.(This message has been edited by Gunny2862)

Hotdesk, thanks for the other perspective. I still think you guys need some special acknowledgment though...

The top rack of the shelf system holds our poles and tarp (approx 15x24 possibly larger,when assembled ((custom kit))) . We can and do get to it first, it is the first item of set-up when used as a dining fly for a car camp - which is obviously what we are doing when the trailer goes along. The false floor idea is a good one but in a trailer of our size would either deform under load or require a prohibitively costly and weighty flooring or bracing.

Enough so that the SM doesn't have to worry before every outing that requires transportation if he'll have to deny some Scouts the opportunity to go because there's not enough seatbelt's available from the adults who "committed" to go. Enough that the SM isn't the only "Trained" adult on an outing. Enough that the SM can spend an off weekend with his own son where Scouting isn't directly mentioned, or cut short to do something that HAS to be done and no one else will choose to do it. There really needs to be some kind of acknowledgment for the SM's children! They get some good things and some bad things from the experience that no other Scouts have to put up with. Enough that the SM can focus on working with the boys and not on the other functions necessary to have the Troop. And as previously alluded to; because there ARE predators out there who ruin it for those of us who are trying to do a good thing for our son's, their friends, and society as a whole.

I agree about no dryer for the Switchbacks. But we don't consider that special care. I do iron my shirts, can't get past wanting a creased sleeve. But haven't yet ironed the trousers.

I, IMHO, think that any skill can be asked about during a BOR. However the outcome of the proper performance of the skill shouldn't be what is evaluated about/for the Scout - he should pass or not pass without regard to the outcome of this portion of the BOR. The point is seeing him perform under (really very mild)stress and evaluating his character response. If you don't buy this answer then there is the other answer - That it is to evaluate the program as delivered by the SM and his ASM team by seeing successful they have been in imparting the skills to the Scouts. And then what feedback can be given to the SM to allow him to deliver a better program (which should include the skills and the character development), e.g. insanescouters post above.

One thing you need to consider for the future with the purchase of a trailer is how it will be pulled! If the current SM/ASM/CC has an appropriate vehicle then great. But how will your successors pull it. Our previous SM obtained a large trailer(5,000lb. GVWR), and it is great(It holds everything ((too much of everything))- really, with room left over). With a Suburban we can pull it and carry seven passengers +Driver to the "basecamp". But we are currently borrowing the CC's suburban anytime we pull the trailer. Which is fine now but what if it becomes a problem for him to loan the Suburban out? Especially if you are or become trailer dependent. I like what we are doing, but also enjoy our "backpack version" of camping also when the trailer stays home. Just because you have the trailer doesn't mean you need to use it for every outing. Current trailer is a twin axle, interior lighted by battery, twin rear doors and front side door. A previous CC welded a storage shelf system along the front and one entire side of the trailer opposite the side door. Shelves hold Tents, Stoves, Med kits, Wood tools box, Tarp and frame kit, Cook kits slide underneath along with fuels storage. Tables are strapped to the short wall across from rack leaving almost the entire floor space open for Coolers and packs, and footlockers if used for summer camp. Its a great set up but truly and easily could be seen as overkill. Cost? donated to the CO.

I'm, surprisingly, not having any problems with the switchbacks. Just wore them on a three day trail hike (stinky but serviceable) and no worse after the wash cycle than they were before we started the trip. Plus of course Troop meetings, Roundtables, Popcorn sales... they're getting a lot of wear and normally getting washed after every outing, no special care given and mine seem to be doing well.

Concur with all of the above. Additional point. Ensure that your insurance paper work, drivers licenses and Vehicle registrations for all vehicles entering the post/base/fort/installation is Complete, Current, and IN THE Vehicle. I know you have the insurance or you wouldn't be transporting the Scouts but if it isn't availible to show to the Security Police (contract or otherwise) you will NOT be allowed to go into the base. Also the trailer walk through - if you can arrange that any cookboxes, etc. can be opened without unloading this should help also. CLeanliness and NEAT/ORGANIZED packing of the trailer(i.e. stacking any backpacks instead of just throwing them in) might lessen the amount of time they spend in the trailer also. One more thing I haven't seen above - Prior coordination - Who What When Where - a week to 30 days in advance at a minimum. And a list of any Camping activities you might take for granted (cat holes) that might need to be provided for in a different way depending on where they place you for your stay.

Very nice indeed! Well Done to all of our Veterans! Semper Fi and a belated "Happy Birthday" to my fellow Gyrenes!

ditto...

TAZ is in this case, a shortening of being Tased by a Taser. An individual control device in the less lethal force continuum. Delivers a shock (usually 11,000 to 50,000 peak volts) by means of two contact wires that are generally fired from 6-15 feet away from the intended target - outside of the "immediate threat" area to the officer of a knife wielding subject.

More great points and I do agree. However I also need to be able to speak to my CC and committee members points of view who are the ones bringing up the "used" and "getting something out of it" things in light of their past experiences. Although I also stand by the idea that I don't want to place DC's in places where they would unnecessarily weaken traditional pack/troop associations. That seems more of a "using" thing to me. To have the agenda of letting a DC come in from elsewhere to get your partner to resume doing what they should. In that situation the pack/troop just need to communicate and not drag someone else into it. More great points! Anyone still out there lurking? Chime in!

Gold Winger, I'm still waiting to hear from you about your verboten ALICE gear...

Beavah and Lisabob, apparently still saying what I really mean better than I can! Great job!

Okay BrentAllen. Cooling off. It's okay, I wasn't really hot anyway. But would you please address para 2 and 3 of the post? I'd like to hear your thoughts. Gold Winger, what about that sweet ALICE Belt, Suspenders and Butt pack you mentioned in another post, in another thread. It is military, and thus verboten correct? I want to hear this thought also.

GS-CS leader, good point! One I am aware of and one my son knows I TRY to stay on the right side of.(I try so hard that by the end of some campouts he's smothering me trying to get some attention) But I would almost wonder(sometimes)if being the SM's son shouldn't be it's own POR. Because of the unavoidability of it being different for him sometimes.

GaHillBilly, I am also interested in such a list. Perhaps it could be set as a decision guide with a positive slant rather than just a rehash of problems we have most likely all found when we started. Collaborative effort? New thread? Finished product might even go in my new parent orientation packet!