AntelopeDud

The Montrail Torre is an excellent shoe. It doesn't fit every foot, but if it feels good int he store, it should work for you. The break-in period is almost nothing.

I have just been given the biggest honor in my Scouting career. I've been selected to be the Scoutmaster of one of our Council's National Jamboree Contingent Troops. Woo Hoo! For those of you who have been a contingent leader before, how did you determine who your senior leaders (SPL, ASPL, QM Scribe) were?

My Troop had a 15-year-old Scout tragically die this year. That and the impending Funeral was one of the toughest things I've ever had to do. The Scout was not in uniform, but he was presented in his casket holding onto his Scout handbook. The Troop was in full Class A, the youth did an opening flag ceremony and worked as ushers. We all sat together and several uniformed leaders were the pall bearers. This is an extremely brave thing for the young Scouts in a unit to attend, let alone participate in. We found that for many of them, this was the first funeral they've ever been

Our council has a program called "Climbing Tower Instructor" which is put on in conjuction with Climb On Safely. Together, it's a two-day course. The Climb-On Safely part is just, as mentioned here, a management course. The Tower Instructor course took alot of the technical aspects of the "Topping Out" book and put them into application. We had the class at the tower of our local Scout Camp, and received good hands on training. We were then encouraged to staff the tower with the accredited folks during a local Scout event. It was great experience. After so many hours, I felt very confid

I'm not sure I've ever heard of a "No Competence Board". Is this for an SPL not doing his job, or a member of the committee / Scoutmaster? -AD(This message has been edited by AntelopeDud)

I feel self-conscious at times when I walk into a public place in my uniform, but I'm really not sure why. I have never had someone say anything negative to me, or, for that matter, even snicker. What I have had (just about every time I put it on and am seen with the kids) are people walking up to me thanking me for what I am doing and the time that I am spending with youth. They don't even know me from Adam, yet they want to thank me. If they've been in Scouting before, I generally get a good 5 minute of "the good ol' days" from when they were Scouts. Adults that wear the uniform a

No, you are right. The B.S.A. has been trying to profit on gear over the past several years. Curiously enough, they went to the "switchback" scout pants which can be used as shorts or pants, and they are cheaper than the traditional pants and shorts.

I was recently told by my DE that a MBC was a "district" position and required separate application and registration from the unit. I thought that was curious, but I didn't pursue.

Unit Commissioner? What's that ...... I don't know if ours is overworked, but he's definitely MIA. -AD

Please visit our little home in cyberspace ..... http://www.troop168.net -AD(This message has been edited by AntelopeDud)

Hmmm, looks like I'll be waiting a long time.

SSScout Whoa! THAT'S cool! I may have to implement R&D (Rip off and duplicate). What a Great idea! -AD

Hale Scout Reservation Kiamichi Mountains, Southeast Oklahoma. Beautiful lake front and view of the Kiamichi Mtns. Great Staff. Indoor Air-conditioned Dining hall with indoor climbing wall. Private enclosed individual Restrooms and showers throughout the camp. High speed internet. Swimming Pool. Great place for an adult to go and enjoy Summer Camp. I was very impressed, so were our boys. Our troop has a history of going to a different Summer Camp property every year, but this is our fourth year. -AD

Who needs "Reverse" Woodbadge order. Save the best for last, I always say ... -AD ..... and a good ol' Antelope too.

Eamonn, I think that the way you handled these issues is just right. The most important thing here is that you have a very real bond and relationship with the youth that you serve. I think that every one of us can relate how you really can love these kids - because we all do. By talking to the kid who got drunk, letting him know you care and telling him what you were going to do about it shows to them that there is someone that really does care about them. So many kids have problems in their lives that just get blown up out of proportion in their own little worlds, that it can cause t