Apache Bob

I just read this entire thread. A unit can sell popcorn, Christmas trees, wreaths, etc with approval of the Council office. A unit cannot solicting donations of money from a business, orgainization, or person. Only a paid professional Scouter can ask for donations of money. Food for thought?

SMT224 - I understand how you feel. Yes, there is a 'but" in this. But Obama said the same thing yesterday. It is a family matter and that is private and should not be in discussion. Both sides are taking the same position. The only people who are no are in the media. 17 is too young for many reasons; however, until all of us start taking that position nothing is going to stop it. So some history, and I am talking about mine. I was a teenager in the 1950's (that was a long time ago) and if a girl got pregnant back then she was put down as being a bad girl. Everything was keep quiet

packsaddle - I think McCain will take NC but it will be closer that in the past for his party. It seems like once a person becomes President that they are placed in positions where they have no real choice on how they are going to handle a certain problem. There are X number of facts they have to face on a problem and are really very few ways they can handle the problem. They take the best solution they can which they think is the best for our country. And whatever solution or policy they decide on is going to be the wrong one for some people. Seems like we Americans like to be Monday

SMT224 - no it is not ok. What is your solution for the girl? What is your solution for all the teenagers across the country who find themselves in that situation? What are you doing to help stop all the young girls across the country who will get pregnant tonight? Its sad but it looks sometimes like this is normal behavior now days. You don't really think that the girls parents or the GOP wants this to happen, do you? This has nothing to do with politics. This is part of being young and beliving that nothing will happen to me. It will only happen to another person. Remember back

Don't forget your District/Council. They can put an adults name in also if you are qualified.

Lisabob - I don't get much in political go arounds but wanted to respond to your question. I did enjoy 'Dave" alot. Having heard for the last two years about the donkeys and elephants without a break I would say that I would rather have a straight talking governor in the office. A mayor / governor, for two years, has made decisions. A two year old senator who has never done anything in office and who only promises pie in the sky is not what I want to 'lead' me or my country.

I did find some information on the membership of the Heart of Virginia Council on their website. In 1998 they had 19,694 youth with 595 units. Their goal in 2007 was to have 19,806 youth with 610 units. So their PC change brought them in 112 youth and 15 units? Wow! Also on their website in the history section the never mention that the Council use to be called the Robert E. Lee Council. Isn't it great what some people go through to rewrite history.

So - 5 years later. What was the membership numbers in 2003 and what are they in 2008 in that council in the middle of Virginia?

From what I know about her Mr. Biden better be well prepared for the debate. If not, he could come out of it looking like a real old man who is very much a part of the the inter belt way crowd.

In my district we have set up about 10 units (both Packs and Troops) in our own program other than using Scoutreach. If you can try to get a solid, new run unit to sponser or montior the unit you set up. Then can help with the training. Take the new unit camping. Show them how meeting are run. In other words, the day to day operations of a unit.

Not to date myself but that was our theme in the late 1940s when I was a Cub Scout. Each boy made a suit of amour out of cardboard and laced together with string. The cardboard was then painted silver. I remember several den meetings back then but this is the only Pack meeting that I really remember in detail.

From the information I received from the National Supply center they are putting out all the merit badge books with color on the front and back covers. The contents of all the books are the same. As BW said, new revisions or changes are dated 2008.

I have not read what your advancement person thinks about the email he received. His reaction is what? If this was a joke, who is laughing at it? I think this one should be passed on to Council and law enforcement. The Troop Committee should know what is going on and then stay clear. When some time has passed and things calmed down then you as SM (along with some other ASMs and Committee members) should sit down with the youth and his Dad and determine whether the boy will be allowed to remain in the Troop. You have the other boys in the Troop to consider. If a boy is making threat

Old Grey Eagle - thanks for "Who is the Scoutmaster". I had never heard it before but am passing it along to my Scouting friends.

Well, if they are untucked then you don't have to get them to pull up their pants so the underwear (or something else) doesn't show. Good reason for the untucked votes?

Welcome. Pull up a log, settle down, enjoy the campfire and tell and hear some tall tales. Who knows in the process you might pick up a fact or two.

Scoutldr - I too have been going back into my family history. No famous people yet but it is neat to find out where some of the old family names first came into your family. I have been an adult in Scouts for over 30 years now and am backing off slowly now (I still wear 2 hats). Between my main hobby, the family history, and Scouts I don't have enough time to get everything done that I want to; however, since retiring I have found that this is the best job I have ever had. I should have retired forty or fifty years ago.

I agree with BW and Eagle92. This unit may have some program going but is it the Scouting program or one that a "unit leader" dreamed up. Is the unit reconized by BSA. Was the charter completed and turned in? This is your son's unit. Sign up as CC and start getting some things done correctly for the kids. I have heard for years about the leaders who do not think trained is needed. They are the ones who learn the most when they take the training. Go for it.

Kittle - sounds like you are getting advice from either district, council or some Scout leaders who wants to run things their way. The unit you have choosen and are happy with is the one you should stay with. Your boys are the main thing. Stick to your guns.

They have other patrols. I thought the Owl patrol was the only one.

For all the bad press the Boy Scouts get from some of the media it seems like the normal man and women in the country knows what Scouting is about and is proud of the organization. Not to quote Martha - but its a good thing.

Well, they do charge for Boy's Life. Does anyone know how many copies of it go out each month. What is its profit each month? How many copies of Scouting are printed each month?

Is there anyone in the District or Council who has hiked at Philmont, on the AT, or other long hikes who could come in and show some slides and tell some tall tales? Is there a hiking club in your area?

It would be nice if National put all the merit badge in a loose leaf binder. Then a unit could get all the badges at one time. If the requirements for a badge changes then the unit could just purchase the pages that changed. Or they could be online for the taking.

Arrow of Light Explorer Silver Award Scoutmaster Award District Award of Merit Distinguished Commissioner Award Silver Beaver