Kahuna

Yes, we did that and here in Florida. You need a lawyer or you'll never make it. It's not too difficult to operate once set up, but there is an issue of control. In other words, you have to control who the officers and directors are or you'll have internecine problems forever. You also have to register with the State in order to do fundraising. Doesn't cost very much, but requires a lot of monitoring. If you have a lawyer among your parents that would be a big help. Question is, do you need one? We did, because we were a unit that owned a bus, boats and some very expensive equipm

Merit Badge Midway. Stamp Collecting.

I don't think you need to worry about the uniforms from the Fifties forward. They were designed to be washed in washing machines. I would certainly follow the advice above about the 1920's uniform and the Sea Scout blues, which I assume are wool. I've cleaned a lot of old stuff with cold water detergent and a toothbrush. BSA Museum might help. They've certainly had the experience with Scout stuff. Give them a call.

"We've tried to go through the Public Affairs office at Jax but they don't return phone calls or emails" Sometimes you can get around that by asking the base operator (main base number, usually ends with 0000) for or direct dialing the station commander's office. His secretary usually knows who the Scouting liason is. Another office to try is Protocol.

Can't give you a definitive answer, but from all the photos I have of Scouts in those uniforms, they do not look shiny.

No, but at least one person posted on the Yahoo Jamboree listserv that he had been turned down with no appeal. I forget the reason, but it wasn't weight.

Have you considered baseball bats? Very effective. Strictly unofficial, of course.

" If we are going to ban open toed shoes let's ban shorts, too, for the same reason - because something might happen." I'm with Ed. All the stories above could happen in your back yard, and I'm certainly going to wear sandals or no shoes out there. Most boys would do the same. I have been bitten by one snake in my life and I was wearing shoes, albeit boat shoes. Luckily, it was nonpoisonous. My shoes would have passed muster at summer camp, but I still got bitten. Most snakebites are above the ankle. The difficulty in enforcing all these shoe regulations far outweighs th

I'm a little confused by the information given about the family. Obviously, Scouting welcomes Buddhists, and most Buddhists I know would have no trouble with the Scout Oath and Law. However, these folks are saying it is "forbidden." I don't know what lineage of Buddhism they are from, but I am not aware of any that would "forbid" taking an oath of duty to God as such. Having said that, I agree with what Beavah said. Everyone must follow his or her own beliefs and do what they think is right according to their own heart. As to how to explain his leaving, I think the truth is the t

Good idea. Visitors cause problems at jamborees: traffic, more porta-potties, use medical facilities, need directions and worst of all they try to participate in activities. I think a $10 admission donation is a good deal for all concerned.

I still haven't figured out what the appropriate G2SS and common sense response would have been some 20 years ago when we had young Scout who had found a tick firmly attached to his scrotum. Fortunately for us, his father was an ASM and was present. He attended to the problem. There was no screaming and the Scout is now the father of a young boy himself, so apparently all was well.

"That's not a money hole, that's an indefinant vacuum" Or maybe a black hole?

Just released from Nat'l Jambo people re visitors reads in part: At the gates to the visitor parking area, we will be collecting a $10 donation per person per day to recover the expense of visitor support, and to aid in the restoration of the site. This will help us perform grounds clean‐up, provide additional portable restrooms and sanitation stations, and enhance the many amenities and services provided for the visitors to the Jamboree. All visitors will receive the distinctive Visitors Patch. To help expedite arrival for vehicles carrying 8 or more people, we are encouraging

Seeing as how Ships can select their own uniforms, it shouldn't affect most units very much. Only at National events do you have to conform to their standards and it's unlikely you'd be wearing work uniforms. I don't, and never have had, any idea what the National Sea Scout Committee is likely to do.

Thanks for a wise commentary from an experienced Scouter, Eamonn!

"You want to see a "moneyhole"? I'll point you to my brother-in-law's sailboat!" How about congressional salaries, benefits and expenses? If they had to live on the same budgets as small businesses, we could afford to go to another galaxy. BTW, whoever said a boat is a hole in the water that you pour money into got it right.

I think da Beavah is spot on. We have no idea what resources are out there and we won't find out if we don't go. If we don't, somebody else will and they will reap the benefits. If you think a colony on the Moon or Mars is impractical, put a poll on some of your favorite forums and see how many people would sign up to go. How "practical" was it to go from the East up the Oregon Trail? How practical was it to follow the Santa Fe Trail? Lots and lots of people did it. A lot of them died and they all knew the dangers. To ignore the exploration of space is just as Beavah said: Th

Boys without shirts is an issue? Please tell me I'm not reading this. If this is a big deal in your unit, find another unit. Quickly. Should they wear closed toed shoes while sleeping, too?

I'm sure I will visit the APO tent. When I was in college, we had so many brothers in one dorm that it became known as the APhiO House! BTW, I met both Brother Horton and Brother Bartle at the APO convention in Kansas City in 1962. H. Roe Bartle was one of the most imposing figures I've ever met and heard speak.

Beavah Council Commissioner The Grey Council I knew there was something familiar about you.

This and everything I've ever heard about modern WB makes me SO glad I took it back in 1968.

That is just so neat. Those kids must have really had a ball. Thanks for posting that.

Yeah, I don't know about other places, but down here in Florida, our schools are full of kids who are looking for places to wash their feet. And they are from all religions. Sadly, we don't have very many foot baths here.

His book, Scouting On Two Continents, is a great read. I agree that he played no significant role in Boy Scouting.

Scoutfish: While I agree with your interpretation of the Constitution, the Supreme Court doesn't. Over the last half of the 20th Century, the Court increasingly expanded the Establishment Clause to include all the things you mentioned. Clearly, this wasn't the intent of the Founders, but that's what the Court has done.