johndaigler

CMPack58, I like that you're attempting a new approach, but here are a few questions to think about as you try it out. What is the SPL going to add that the PL didn't already say? The ASM that the SPL didn't? Is it possible that your system undermines the PL and the SPL, because the message you're sending is - "This gets serious after you've spoken to the PL and the SPL"? What happens on the fourth offense? Does your plan send the message that a Scout who doesn't wear his uniform must be doing so out of misunderstanding and they need to receive the uniform messa

LOL jd BTW, seeing "appalling" in quotes looks much more dramatic than I intended it

Have you checked your local Scout Store? Or Scoutstuff? Other than that I'd check out discountish camping and sports stores - Dicks, Bass Outlet, etc. jd

Cajuncody, Fred's right about the Webelos Leader Book. Your Program Helps suggests which activity pins to work on each month and the CS Leader Book suggests that the Webelos do a demonstration (~5 minutes) relating to their chosen activity pin at the Pack Meeting. IMHO, this separates the Webelos (especially the 4th graders) just a bit too much from the rest of the Pack, so next year when my Bears go all Webelosy on me I'm gonna try to keep tossing in the Pack's monthly theme when possible. Obviously, the activity pin work will have to take precedence. jd

jkhny - It's easy to see your angst, and it will be easy for many to discount your passion. But your words ring true and ask questions that deserve answers. Speaking of questions and answers . . . " . . ., . . ., The problem is not that the BSA isn't doing their job, the problem is some scouters never bother to ask what their job is. The problem isn't that the BSA is a secret...its not, some people just never bother to ask for answers. You don't need a secret password to learn about scouting beyond the unit level. Why is lack of knowledge the other guys fa

Fred, You hit it hard, but it went foul. No big. You're giving this piece too much power, and people who disagree with you, too little respect. They (We) are not all a bunch of crazed lunatics who would gleefully disrespect God, grieving families or the President. Well, OK, I can be fairly gleeful mouthing off about GWB, but I don't want to minimize my point. A "cheap-shot" article of this type represents no one but the author. At first, I considered closing the thread; in fact, I briefly considered bringing out Molnir, the Sledgehammer of Thread Deletion. But I realized the

Since it's Merlyn's thread, it only makes sense to live with his definition of "Creationism". A definition that seems clearly based on Biblical fundamentalism. Let's not spend too many more brain cells on defining that definition. It doesn't seem to me that BSA promotes "Creationism", but it does seem to wish it could. Given the interests of boys, there seems to be an apalling lack of dinosaurs in the program . . . jd PS>> we were playing a bit rough earlier. It looks like we're past it, but let's remember to target each other's words, not each other.

I'm sorry that I've been missing out on all the fun!!!! Three threads at one time - quite impressive! Confusing to those of us with little tiny brains, but quite impressive!! Statistics show that over 80% of abortions are performed on girls under the age of 21, most of them having sex as early as 11 or 12 right under their parent(s) noses. If BadenP is to be believed (and I find no reason to doubt his numbers)then he's right that abortion is about what we're teaching our children moreso than religion, a woman's changing role in society, or heart-beats. We tell our kids that sex at

I think the "run it like a business" conversation is a bit off-target. Other than the masthead of Boy's Life or Scouting, where do you go to find inofrmation about the BSA's National Executive Board? Top level leadership comes pretty close to a prohibited "secret organization". Someone mentioned salaries - I can't find any of that info. This clearly isn't a "business model" that's acceptable in today's America. The latest culturally forced trend is independant boards to run companies. Surely, the BSA isn't even in the team picture of "run it like a business". IMHO, it seems to be run li

We print both sides of the pages from the A&S book - this gives parents the requirements, some support info and a form they cn initial and return to DLs for recognition. jd

Most practical standards already exist. There would need to be very few changes made to G2ss or any BSA policy in order to allow homosexual scouts and scouters. This isn't a policy about reality - this is about judgements. Like the judgement that the difference between homosexuality and pedophilia is age . . . of course, if true, that would be the same difference between heterosexuality and pedophilia . . . Or the judgement that there exists a homosexual recruiting team . . . anyway, What about Units sponsored by Episcopal Churches or about Episcopal Scouts and scouters?

Liz Taylor - Ivanhoe Ed, You're wrong. If it's a Faith based belief, then you should make this clear. Based on a preponderance of scientific research and data, your understanding of heredity and biological trait transferance is ~20 years outdated. Observe your kids - heredity isn't just about what they look like. Nobody understands Anne Heche! Just a question, but if gay parents had the ability to influence their children's sexual wiring and wanted to impact their kid's "choices" would they wish their kids to be gay in America in 2005? I think, we are all terribly underinfor

Moderators as book critics?? I'm definitely talking to Terry about that raise!!! Though I have thought about censoring a piece or two of writing I've seen recently! jd

sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! Hi, Jaime, WELCOME! jd

Don't understand, Ed. jd

Student, two points (I don't know if I'm quibbling semantics or keeping you from lazy thinking) ? First, we generally aren't wearing our uniforms when we do those things. Second, we aren't as selective as you think: The people that wear it climb mountains, save lives, travel effortlessly through trackless wilderness, help their neighbors, rescue children. It is only worn by those who have taken on substantial responsibilities having significant outcomes. A better description might be that those of us who wear the uniform are learning to become the person you describe ab

reid01, WELCOME! That's a pretty broad question. Since the causes of such are varied and often unknown, I doubt there is a simple clear answer in your future. To even suggest they are preventable, makes assumptions that are probably not true. I'm curious though, to see what others have to say. You might be better narrowing your question or atleast defining a few parameters. BTW, why did you pick this thread title? jd

WELCOME, Stam! I regret not finishing my Eagle as a Scout. It's difficult to know today what will be valuable to you tomorrow, but there is no doubt that I would go back and change this if I could. FB is right - it's less about good luck than clear thinking and good work. Somewhere around here is a conversation about taking ourselves too seriously. Unfortunately, for Scouts (as opposed to Scouters) the opposite is true. The choices you make now truly do impact who you are in the future. Finish your Eagle. Even if it seems that you're not quite sure why. The "why" will bec

ScoutwithNecker, WELCOME! How could the neckerchief be considered a danger? It has been a life-saving tool from the time that it was adopted. And far from being an "uncool nuisance", it is the most distinctive and useful part of the Scout uniform. Legions of Scouts have worn thier neckerchiefs proudly and I am proud to be among them. I think you've misunderstood me. I know the value of the neckerchief. I've worn them for many years and used them on occasion for something other than neck wear. However, I'm presently a Cub Scout Leader. Believe me, the neckerchief doesn

Matt, WELCOME! Pull up a seat, join in the chatter!! jd

What if we kept the dress uniform for "events" (see drockstur's thread), and developed an Official "work/activity uniform"? Most adults have a suit/tie, even if they don't have to wear it every day. Don't most kids have clothes for work/play/school and something nicer for church, family events, etc.? And for those that don't, I don't think the issue is too much of the latter. Doesn't it seem odd that we want to push the outdoors, but don't seem to have an offical outdoors outfit. Aren't there times when the neckerchief is not a "uncool nuisance", but a real danger? Cou

littlek, Welcome!!!! It's easy to be appreciated by elementary school kids when you act as if you have the same level of responsibility. He has to change! The trick of course is to make him see that being careful and appropriate doesn't have to truly damage the level of fun the boys have. You said he's an ADL, what's the DL doing? Would he be better suited as an Activities Chair for the whole Pack? Advancement Chair? Is training mandated by your CO? It sounds like he could be beneficial in the right role with the right controls -- but the greater good and the grea

Alas, no longer are the wild hotdogs hunted in Belgium!

drockstur, Great post - thanks! I see your point about the uni, but I think it's an obvious question to ask, "Why not use that reasoning ("to show the heritage and traditional customs of scouting. Its also a good way to proudly show off in a visual way the accomplishments weve made to our family and friends.") to have the uniform around earlier for the important steps on the path to Eagle? Eagle is a grand accomplishment, but the milestones of First Class, Star and Life would also be wonderful accomplishments to share with friends and family. jd

I loved the Wolf Book. The Bear book, I'm not so sure about . . . where's the singing? the drama? the dinosaurs? the dirt? the Progression? I guess you could argue that all that has been pushed to electives, but I think that's a mistake. It's like schools reducing music and art in their curricula. Bad thinking and bad science!!!!!! I agree it looks a bit too much like homework. But the two that really BUG me are Achievement#10-Family Fun (I think for a "family based program" family is getting shortshrifted!!) and Elective#21-Sales (gee, I wonder what's the route cause of tho