ASM7

Nighthawks459

Check this one out too.

http://www.piedmontcouncil.com/cbs.htm

It's foothills of NC. It still gets warm in the middle of the day but could be real cool at night for the first couple of weeks. You want the campsites across the lake from the dining hall, up in the hardwoods. The sites on the dining hall side are mostly in the pines and a lot of them have been cut because of the dreaded pine beetle.

Have fun,

Doug

As I watch the news from the Holy city of Bethlehem, I'm reminded of the unrest and turmoil around the world. My hopes and prayers for you and everyone is for there to be Peace on Earth and in your hearts. Let the love of Jesus Christ surround you. Be thankful for the gifts you have and share them with others in the coming year.

In the words of Mary:

"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm. He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his decendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."

Magnificat

Merry Christmas

Doug

Not since December 9 have we heard from Bob White. Just hoping that nothing has gone wrong.

Doug

Heres an unbelievable story for you:

This girl around the age of 15 had promised herself to marry a much older man. She remained true to her fiance who was very influential in the community. One night she had a dream where a spirit came to her and said she would become pregnant with the Son of God. She was very confused and did not know how this would be possible because she had never slept with a man and did not plan on doing so. The pregnancy came true and her fiance was furious. He felt betrayed. According to the law, he could have her stoned in front of her house by the men of the community or he could just divorce himself from her. He chose to do the latter. Then he too was visited in a dream by a spirit. The spirit said not to worry, that his fiance was pregnant by God and not man. He should go ahead and marry her and help raise up the Son of God. This Son would be a savior to the world. He would be hated by his own people and would be killed by them and then rise again so all people could be saved from their evil doings. This baby was born, but not in the way you would think the Son of God would be. He was born in a nasty stinking barn with farm animals all around. His cradle was a feeding trough for the animals. The spirit prophecies did come true. There is a catch though, to be saved and have a place in Heaven, people had to believe that this man was the Son of God, that he did die and then was risen up from death to be with his Father, God.

This story may be hard to believe, but I do. This belief is called faith because I have nothing tangible to base it on.

We celebrate this birth with a holiday on Dec. 25 called Christmas. Its not the exact day of Jesus birth because no one knows when that was. The four weeks prior to this day is called Advent. A time to prepare for the coming of the Christ child. Please remember the real reason for this holiday and I hope that everyone has a Merry Christmas.

Doug

This is speculation, but people are probably buying from the Song of the South site and selling on Ebay with a 200% markup. Try to stay away from the gougers. By the way, even when kids don't appear to be interested in something, they can be undetectably paying attention. Kind of like Church. Show the movie anyway. To make it fun, prepare a list of questions that they can answer about the movie while they watch. The most correct answers gets a prize!

Doug

The SPL isn't absent. Therefore the ASPL doesn't fill in for him. The SPL ran for the position and was elected by his peers. If he is allowed to back down, what kind of responsibility are we teaching him and the other scouts. Let him try it for three months and if need be, have another election. With all that he will learn, those three months will fly by and who knows, he may be a better scout for the effort.

Doug

slontwovvy

When you say he resigned, did he resign the position or the troop? I hope it wasn't the latter. You said his friends put him up to it, then his friends should support him and take some leadership positions themselves. I don't think he should be allowed to resign. It may take more effort on your part and the other scouters, but he may find he can do a pretty good job. The best way to learn is to do. He won't know until he tries and the experience will be good for him. If it doesn't work out great, remember to give him a pat on the back for trying. He only fails if he doesn't try.

Doug

I'm happy to say that I know my who my God is and I am not confused. He is the way, the truth , and the life. If you really get confused when reading the Bible, pick up a copy of Eugene H Peterson's "The Message". It's the Bible written in contemporary language. See www.messagebible.com .

Denver

Thanks for the reference to Troop Committee Guidebook pg 33. This is the only place I have read about a reference to a vote. I always knew that the SM was not a member of the TC but the first sentence on that page states, "The committee meeting is attended by all committee members and the Scoutmaster" and under the suggested meeting agenda, the Scoutmaster is the first report given. So, although not a member of the committee, the Scoutmaster should be present and can not be banned from the meeting.

Doug

Welcome him back.

Rooster, What does it matter whether he is back for the minimum requirements. The minimum is the ultimate. We can't add or take away from that. Remember that requirement number two is "Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your everyday life." How can we add to that? If he does less than that, he doesn't earn it.

Doug

The POTUS happens to be the Honorary President of the BSA, much more honorary than the previous one. I'm real glad his name won't be on my son's Eagle Certificate.

abbeym

I found this paper written awhile back and it may help. Pardon the length.

Keeping Volunteers

Michael Lee Zwiers

The Leader, June/July 1991.

The definitive volunteer, like Mother Theresa, needs no thanks and will run many miles without support.

The rest of us will go the distance on the memory of a handshake of recognition or vote of confidence

from an adult and a hug or thank you from a child. But, when the going gets tough and we haven't been

given a boost recently, our thoughts may turn to getting out or taking a break.

With meetings and fund raisers, group committee members can easily log from 150 to 250 hours of

volunteer time in a year. A typical youth leader will put in 14 to 25 hours a month just for meetings and

planning. Add 54 hours for a weekend camp, multiply this by a season that runs for eight or 10 months,

and you're looking at 200 to 500 volunteer hours a year. And that's a typical volunteer year. Many

dedicated Scouters will log more than 1,000 hours annually.

Volunteers have always been a valuable commodity, and Scouting has always been able to attract them.

But changes in the structure of our society are putting increasing pressures on individuals and making it

more difficult for them to be regular volunteers. Society is increasingly mobile, and we lose volunteers

as families relocate. Many Canadian workers are forced to go on the road, leaving fewer volunteers at

home. Our demand for services at all times of day and night have placed increasing numbers of people

on rotating shifts, and again, there are fewer available bodies to volunteer.

Scouting is also in intense competition with other organizations, many of them going to great lengths to

entice and keep volunteers. Volunteer coordinators orchestrate the work of large teams of people.

Volunteers are wined and dined, presented awards, and generally treated with a great deal of respect.

How can Scouting deal with all of these factors to keep our volunteers?

1. Accept whatever time or services volunteers have to offer.

Most parents are willing to provide transportation to a special event, help with a fund raiser, or

attend an outing as an adult supervisor. But they may not want to commit themselves to any more

because they are concerned that work might take them away at the last minute (or they are afraid

they'll be saddled with the whole job!). Gratefully accept their tentative and short term

commitments, and thank them for what they can do.

2. Encourage volunteers to come up with creative solutions to the problems caused by changing

work schedules. In our troop, the leaders could no longer afford an extra night a month for the

Court of Honour, so we held it on the first troop meeting night of each month. In exchange, patrol

leaders and assistants met with their members on another night.

We also shortened every second camp by leaving on Saturday morning rather than Friday night.

Because one Scouter I know worked every Saturday afternoon, he held early morning hikes

(starting at 6 a.m.) instead of camps. Another Scouting friend often has to cancel meetings at a

moment's notice, but his Scouts know how to hold their own patrol meetings at a member's home.

3. Keep track of volunteers. When Scouters move to other parts of the country we need to take the

time to send a letter of introduction to the Scout council in their new locale. This way, we will be

less likely to lose them in the transfer.

4. Spread out the work. Many hands make light work. Volunteers abound; all we have to do is ask

them. Overworked Scouters who, in addition to holding exciting weekly programs, are expected to

coordinate field trips and camps, service projects, and fund raisers may soon tire and quit. By

involving a variety of people, you can free section leaders to do their important work with their

young members. We had three leaders in our troop last year. No one was able to attend all our

meetings but, between us, we usually fielded two adults for every troop night.

5. Recognize the contribution of our volunteers. So often, it takes little more than a card, note, phone

call, or handshake to keep a volunteer going. Recognition is the key word. Leaders can have youth

members make a thank you card or poster for members of the group committee. An awards night

or leader appreciation evening is a nice way to end the year.

You don't need to organize elaborate events or spend large sums of money to be effective. Annual

service pins and long service awards are available through your regional office. The Scout Shop

sells an amazing array of awards, rewards, and memorabilia. Use them to recognize the

contributions of your volunteers.

6. Finally, recognize the special contribution Scouting makes to its members. No matter what your

abilities or status in life, Scouting offers you the opportunity to grow as an individual. At all levels

- section, group, district, region, province, and national--there is room for an amazing variety of

contributions and growth experiences.

Scouting has a lot to offer. Believe it and then convince others of it. Your enthusiasm for the movement

will bring in more volunteers than any elaborate sales campaign or awards scheme. Scouting is an

important school of citizenship for young people and adults alike. Invite a friend to be a part of it.

Michael Lee Zwiers works as a Service Scouter and trainer in Edmonton Region, Alta.

Last edited: March 29, 1998

The NetWoods Virtual Campsite, Steve Tobin, Campmaster

Doug

sctmom

I'd like to be able to meet your sister on the other side of this life, but I'm afraid from what you have told everyone about her, that won't happen. I'm sure she is a nice person and I will pray for her and your family. I agree with you about many people in the Church. My key to understanding them is that there has only been one perfect person on this earth, and he died so all of us could have a chance at eternal life. These people slip and fall like everyone else, some more than others, but the forgiveness and grace is always there. It is not possible for me to be sinless, but to be forgiven for those sins can only come through Jesus and the only way to eternal life is through him. Is my world perfect? No.

The BSA is NOT a Christian organization and does not teach one religion over another. As a Christian Scouter, I accept others views and beliefs, but I don't have to agree with them. Just like they don't have to agree with me. To my Church, Scouting is a Ministry and promotes it that way. All scouts are welcome, but we don't particularly cater to individual religious beliefs. The ministries of our local church are offered so that people encounter God's redeeming love for the whole world and respond by participating in God's action in the world. We also don't shove it down their throats. Scouts are free to belong to another troop and also to use their own church for religious emblems studies. Our greatest skill teaching comes from our example. You can't tell kids one thing and do something else. And that's not just while your at the meeting or on the camping trip.

None of what I have said is in anyway is a personal attempt to judge you or your family. It's not my place. I feel compelled to state my religious beliefs, not to preach or to proselytize. Thanks for sharing with me. My prayer is that God will bless you and your family, not only this Thanksgiving holiday, but everyday.

YIS

Doug

Sctmom

My kids always loved going to Church and I never had to drag them. I don't think going to Church has anything to do with being a productive member of society or being able to provide for your family. I couldn't think of anything worse for my son than for him to be a lost soul. I guess that it all depends on your priorities.

I am really, really glad I made sure my kids went to Church with me every Sunday. Because without proper parental spiritual guidance they could have been a wiccan.

Doug

Ken

Is confirmation classes the reason for the limit on camping? I know sometimes it's a problem with the age goup your referring to. There may be a way to coordinate with the confirmation class teacher and teach these boys while on the campout if you have church members in your troop. Make it part of the campout Sunday service.

Doug

LauraT7

This is not meant to be judgemental, but you say that your standard has always been to wear uniforms. It seems that your scouts aren't wearing the uniform if they only wear the shirts. The whole point of wearing the uniform is for all to be the same and to be an outward sign of trust. According to the handbook, that includes shirt, pants, socks, belt and buckle. Neckerchief and cap are optional.

Some posters mentioned pet peeves. These is mine; untucked shirts, shirts only, and patches worn incorrectly.

Why go halfway?

We provide scouts with a hanger at the back of the scout room to keep their uniform. They get there early and put their uniform on. We also ask the boys to plan ahead if they have a prior engagement so they will have their uniform in the car. Our adult leaders are the example because most come right from work and all have complete uniforms. They have to learn responsibility at some point.

Oh, whats this about the Mom's not having washed the uniform? Make the scout responsible for cleaning the uniform. Mom's don't need to be used as excuses. If the Mom hasn't taught the boy to wash clothes, it may be a good field trip to go to the laundrymat and have a skills session.

Doug

It seems there is now evidence that the old scout stand by, duct tape, has medicinal values. Good news for those who are trying to add a duct tape merit badge. Check it out.

www.sptimes.com/2002/10/15/Worldandnation/ Duct_tape_cures_warts.shtml

This piece was written in 1992, but sheds some light on the grounding of religion in Scouting by Baden-Powell.

http://www.naums.org/reverant/HISTORICAL_PERSPECTIVE_REVERENCE.htm

twin wasp

If we go down the road of judging people by our perception of their beliefs, or the shorcomings of their beliefs, rather than their actions, we are making a big mistake.

I don't think anybody is judging here. BSA has set a standard and Lambert didn't measure up. It's not his beliefs, but his unbeliefs. There's another judge who will in the long run judge him worthy or not of entering the big club. And there will be a popular opinionated majority that will protest then also. I think the correct terms are wailing and gnashing of teeth. Of course those of us who are Christians know that the entry requirements are not our actions or how many good deeds we performed, but the fact that we believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

You can pull on the camel's leash all you want, but it will be real tough to get him through the eye of that needle.

Well said Jay Ambrose.

Doug

Hi Cody

Try looking at www.fla-playground.com . They have a pirate ship and can send you a catalog.

Good Luck

Doug

After contemplating the Scout Oath and Law, my main concerns about our troop and myself in particular were, are we and am I doing our duty to God? My personal answer was that I was falling short. Our troop has not promoted as we should the religious emblems program. We do have prayers before leaving on trips and also have short services on Sundays, but the religious emblems program recognized by the BSA and GSUSA is a great way for scouts and their families to learn and grow in their faith.

I found the website www.naums.org . What a great source of information for any program. We have since organized a chapter of NAUMS in our church district. It is proving to be a worthwhile effort. Please visit the site.

Doug

Amos 4:13

rex2796

According to the Scoutmaster Handbook, "Order of the Arrow ribbon pin. Available only from the OA lodge. Worn suspended from the button of the right pocket from beneath the pocket flap by OA members in good standing." Good standing usually means your dues are paid up.

Doug

acco40

Sorry. Sometimes I don't come through real clear. I think Bob stated what I meant about the difference in the Cub and Boy Scout Committees. The big difference is in program planning and who is responsible. Otherwise, both are the same. To provide support.

Pack330

The best answers for you will be provided in Fast Start, Essentials, and Pack Committee Training.

Doug

Pack330

I almost started to respond as if you were talking about a troop committee, then I read it again and realized you were talking about a pack committee. There is a big difference. I still don't think you really need to vote on anything. If you brainstorm and come up with ideas, then discuss them until everyone comes to an agreement, you may find the meetings are not so formal and ideas will flow. I guess when people hear the word committee, they assume its some kind of legislative body handing down laws.

Doug