Laurie

Oh boy, can I ever relate to this one. Since your son is unhappy with the troop, ask him what he would like to do. We've been there, not too long ago in fact, and the transition was not smooth. Visiting district events and taking part in district-wide training exposed our son to other troops, other Scouts, and other leaders. One man in particular got his attention because he was sincere and remembered his name and that he'd recently been injured--little things but important nevertheless. So our son asked if he could visit this man's troop, not even knowing that he was a SA, just that he w

OGE, Flag Football is still part of the Cub Scout Sports and Academics Program as of the 2002 revision (the book that I have). However, I think the book was revised again after I purchased it, so I don't know if the newer revision still has Flag Football. Good suggestion to call the DE. CM Bill, if this is still part of Cub Scouts Sports and Academics, then if you can get a copy of the Flag Football page from this book, it has the rules, the official's signals, and the field layout--all simple. It also provides a section on additional resources. By playing and learning the rules, a Cu

http://www.scouting.org/boyscouts/resources/18-260/chart.html I was taught to limit firebuilding to Webelos or adult leaders during BALOO. I just looked up the chart we were given (link above), and cooking outdoors & firebuilding are limited to Webelos and older according to the guidelines. The chart starts out with this: Age- and rank-appropriate guidelines have been developed based on the mental, physical, emotional, and social maturity of Boy Scouts of America youth members. These guidelines apply to Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, and Venturing crews

Having worked as treasurer for a non-profit that had received designated funds from United Way only, here is a suggestion. We had people call us who had donated to UW and designated the charity to confirm the money was received. I could confirm that because I would receive a sheet of paper listing names and amounts. So, if you do designate funds, unless things have changed, you can call the charity or organization that you donated to and ask if they can confirm that your donation was received. The one thing that upset quite a few people who called is how much less money we received than th

Barry, I double-checked our council's camping policies. JLTC is held at one of the council camps, so this is a campground policy, not necessarily designed for any one particular activity. FYI, since you're looking into this, here is what this council states: Council camping policy: B. Intermediate Exit and Return - Should your unit (or any individual) need to leave camp either temporarily or permanently, you must notify the Camp Ranger (or Campmaster) if available, or record your exit (and return) in the camp log book. I also looked up the driving portion of the G2SS because I

No. As in I have not kept score. I am sorry that Bob and Eamonn have left, but I understand that. It got downright nasty in places on the forums, and I will miss both of them because they both have a lot to offer. My hope is that Bob, Eamonn, Dave, and many others who have not posted in awhile come back. The campfire is much nicer when more join in, for there is so much more to learn, at least IMO Zahnada, good to "see" you--you've been missed!

Our council camps send us permission forms specifically for this purpose with a statement to the effect that no one may leave camp property without signed permission and without signing out. They may need to be accompanied by an adult as well--I'd have to check that. Since I work mostly with Cubs, we only have to worry about those families who leave just prior to cleanup. The Scouts have the same policy though from all that I have read in paperwork sent home.

I've spent little time with Scouts so far, but in that time, I have felt privileged so far to see boys (my own son included) make choices that were hard to make but that were good for them. Even in Scouting that can happen. Now, when it comes to Cubs, the way the boys' faces light up when I (I'm the CM) grab my red bag (known to all now as the awards bag) and put up the Scout sign for attention. They know something fun is coming. The silly skits, the laughter, the loud and often off-key songs--what fun! Who says singing isn't cool?! Seeing a boy go from shy and nervous and ke

That does sound like an overall good week. I'm glad for you and the troop that it was!

Kenk, I can see how the more subtle difficulties could be challenging. Good for you for talking to the den to explain what's up. One thing I've noticed in children is that when they don't understand someone who is in some way different, they can be frightened or intimidated by that. That often leads to the cruel or simply careless but hurtful remarks. When children do understand, they can show an amazing amount of compassion and understanding to others. I've seen this happen many times, yet I'm still surprised--pleasantly so--when it does happen. Having worked with youth over the past 23

I guess I should clarify: I'm not referring to this part of the forums alone. I mean all of them--debates/disagreements take place in Uniforms, Working With Kids, and others, not just in Issues and Politics. As for Issues and Politics, I just re-read the Disclaimer, for that's a good point that the youth can too. Interestingly enough, it seems my post is now rather redundant to those reading the disclaimer. Part of the disclaimer is the the "rules of decorum". The rules of decorum are spelled out in http://www.scouter.com/forums/viewThread.asp?threadID=5358 and are to keep the debate

From time to time on the forums, it seems that things can get heated. Some topics generate more heat than others, but it's not the controversies or disagreements that concern me nearly so much as the assumptions and judgements made of other people and how things are said. One thing I try to keep in mind is that these forums are for Scouts too, not just the Scouters. So one way to measure the worth of my words is this: If a Scout were to imitate my reactions to issues and the way I treat others on the forums, would I be confident that I set a good example or would I cringe that I'd set

I don't want anything from you except what I would want and expect from any other Scouter: to get along by both following the Scout Oath and Law. You, Jason, have shown contempt for me and several others, and in that you not only give cause for me and others to question what you profess to be truth, but you also fail to demonstrate Scout Spirit.(This message has been edited by Laurie)

I'm with the others Kenk, hang in there. I'm so sorry for the troubles your son is having now with the other kids. Somehow in Scouts that's just so sad to me. I'm with OGE on this in respect to the adult leadership. Get to know some leaders in the troops, and find out how they deal with different issues. I have a nephew who has had cancer for the past 4 1/2 years now, and he has remained in Cubs while losing his hearing and then his ability to walk but never his spirit. He lost his hair, got real thin, then got a full face, and has continued to change in appearance. Because he can't hea

I don't remember how I got into Scouting, but I do remember wearing by Brownie uniform and being very proud of it. Those earliest memories are of flag ceremonies and songs and of something special I got to do with my mom. She was one of our leaders, and that was pretty cool to me As the years progressed, I was excited at all the new things to try, especially the first aid and camping, which was all pretty challenging. I went for it all, and my favorites were the first aid and camping badges/activities. One exception: learning to decorate a cake was fun. Sadly our troop folded due to

Maybe NJ was trying to say that those who are Jewish are offended when they are criticized for having an incomplete religion? He has as much right to say that he is offended by how he is viewed for his beliefs as anyone else does. Many of us, regardless of our faith or even without a faith, have stated that what we believe matters deeply to us and is inseparable from who we are. NJ--and most people who have been here for some time--know exactly what I believe, for I have shared it in the past. However, if my saying what I personally believe offends someone, then that's a shame because it's

Good question Hops. So far the only objections I get at the Cub level are that it takes too much time (kids only meet once a week for an hour and field trips are optional), that sports is more important, that homework comes first (and we seem to have a few kids who struggle with getting homework done). The Cubs don't seem to mind the rules they've been exposed to and they love to do flag ceremonies and volunteer. I don't have enough experience to know much about troops yet, but I've seen the same boys go to a troop lacking in patrols, program, and rules then to a troop that was opposite. G

Thank you Roster. In answer to: "In regard to having a passion for faith and the BSA, we diverge slightly. I have PASSION for my faith and God. I like the BSA. Theyre not on the same level to me, not even close. Perhaps I misinterpreted your words here. What I said is: "When it comes to the BSA, I can indeed be passionate about my faith and convictions, just as others can be passionate about their faith and convictions which might be very different, but we all should keep the main focus on the program -- and the program is the one thing all of us in Scouting have in common." Just

Funny that Gettysburg should come up now as a topic--my husband was just saying that we should go this summer. I'd love to. The biggest problem is the little one. Since we still need to provide naptime and since those little legs walk a mile at a time and then need a break, how "stroller friendly" is Gettsyburg? Today I took my kids, ages 2-12, to Valley Forge National Historic Park. We had a blast! We didn't do all that much walking today, at least not as much as I'd hoped, but the kids all earned the Junior Park Ranger certificate and badge. I highly recommend this to anyone going

"I would certainly hope we don't sit around the campfire and bad mouth or promote Republicans, Democrats, conservatives, liberals, the ACLU, various religions, etc. to the boys." I agree with this too and have been thinking that in reading this thread. This is like a gaper delay on the forums: I keep looking because I can't seem to stop myself from looking at the wreck even though the damages and injuries are something I'd rather not see. In trying to think of how this could relate to Scouting, this conversation seems to be a good example of how not to treat fellow Scouters and Sco

Achilleez, that is the dilemna, isn't it? Perhaps the very issue that Hunt was addressing when he first posted? I have a strong faith that is not shared by many of my family members and friends. I respect the person who has a different faith and the right of each person to choose his/her faith. My religious teaching is that all people are valuable and precious as well as that all people have the capability to do evil things. In other words, we are equally valuable, precious, wonderful beings who are equally capable of evil. I've shared my faith here before, so I won't repeat myself. But

First I need to talk to Her That Must Be Obeyed. She would end up being home alone for a week. Which she doesn't like. Eamonn, though you are concerned about your son's interest, your wife matters too. This is a huge commitment, and though you have the vacation time, is it worth it to your family as a whole? Second I think that trying to get the youth staff up to snuff at such a late date is going to be next to impossible. So, if the youth staff are there, ready to do the job, but not up to snuff, will they end up having learned something or will they come away frustrated?

Trail Pounder, no by blunt I mean very direct--and it was a poor way to say it for it ended up offending you. I am sorry for that. And touche--I write too much for I find it hard to say anything direct without offending others, but apparently length of posts is offensive in itself. BadenP, that's too bad because the advice you gave is advice you apparently haven't taken -- at least not in the post publicly naming and criticizing other Scouters.

"On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God..." I wonder if it matters whether worshipping Baal is a modern practice or not, or even if it considered a true religion. When it comes to the BSA, isn't the bottom line that each Scout and Scouter be able to say for him/herself: I am doing my duty to God? This whole discussion seems to be more of a debate of which way of doing duty to God is best versus whether or not a person is simply doing his/her duty to God. My faith defines who I am, so I can't remove it or put it aside. However, I will not using Scout events or meetings

BadenP, this will most likely sound like an insincere welcome, but nevertheless, welcome to the forums. I re-read the "True Religion" and "A Scout Is Reverent" threads, wondering how the people you named were so rude. One didn't even post in those threads, and that's the one I have found to be blunt to the point of being rude. Those who did post weren't -- IMO anyway -- harsh. But I could be reading the wrong threads. I have the opportunity to be helped in some significant ways from Bob, OGE, and Eamonn as a new Scouter, and the advice they have provided has proven solid. It in