Laurie

One thing I should add: this unit had written rules. Eamonn, I'd say it's a pleasure to share this post, but it is one of the things that frustrated to me to no end. The reason this particular conversation stuck with me from so long ago is that it really did seem easy to help this boy.

I'll second Unc; what a shame things have worked out this way. Let us know how the PWD goes, ok?

Any recommendations for a sturdy leather boot with a sole that wears well? Most of my hiking is done on rocky trails and/or by creeks. I tend to slip in sneakers on these same trails, and I've also worn the tread off sneakers with only a few miles, so the boots are important. Due to a back injury, I need ankle support, as hiking aggravates my back, but I refuse to quit. Also, funds are really tight, so my hope is to get a decent price. The pair I'm replacing cost $50 on sale (they are no longer made), which is a lot for us, but I'm willing to spend that amount again. I'm not asking for m

I see it too, and it is sad that those extra expectations are placed on boys. Not to mention wrong. That is why sharing that BSA literature is so important, but even still, some will ignore it. The number of excuses and justifications for changing the program is amazing to me! Here is part of a conversation, one of the easier ones by the way, that I had in trying to understand how a unit used BSA resources to meet a youth need: After a committee meeting where the struggle the new SPL was having was discussed, I had a discussion on the way to our cars with the SM: Me: "I was wond

Hunt, while I was CM, I gave copies of policy pages (specific to upcoming events: outdoor guidelines for camping, for instance) to the DLs and incorporated them into the permission slip/information sheets. When I became aware of some confused thinking on advancement, I worked something relating to advancement right into the pack meeting. However, another unit does its best to keep that info from parents so that it can do as it sees fit. Therefore, I've kind of come to the conclusion that those units that want to be by the book and follow the program as BSA intended for it to go will keep th

Great tune! Slightly off topic, but OGE, thanks for this link--it's been added to our scouting favorites.

What happened here is, not one of your remembered your training. In situations of this magnitude and sensitivity we, as leaders cannot advise or analyze the situation with the professionalism required. Unless you are a paid professional with extensive training, and I do not know if any of you are, you are not qualified to pass judgment on the boy, the situation, or me. So why did you pose the question here? You don't say that you're qualified, and you don't appear to be. You have pointed out that others are not qualified to judge, yet you have passed judgement on the Eagle board of revi

Oh Eamonn, isn't it wonderful, even with yucky Rory-coated dead things?! Speaking of spring smells, my son came in the house smelling of manure--yuck. He said it was from gardening, and I suspect he may, like Rory, have rolled in it! I find the birds move too fast or perch too far off to have a chance to identify most, but it is sure fun to try. Until you get yourself a field guide, you can look up birds and other wildlife on-line at enature.com. It sounds like you have witnessed new colors and sounds as well--enjoy!

Thank you. It was published the very next day, and the DE was forwarding it to others at council, happy to see good news. I felt privileged to be given the opportunity to share my views on Scouting in a paper that is known for being very selective in what it prints.

Yes, I believe you can do that. The following is from the Cub Scout Leader Handbook, 2001 edition, page 18-3, under the heading "How Fast Should A Boy Advance?": Generally speaking, a boy should advance one rank per year. The important thing is to see that earns the rank for his grade (or age). If necessary, allow the boy an extra month or two to earn the badge. Is the family involved? I know that many boys would not advance without den leaders' help, but right above the pace of advancement two things are noted: Advancement always emphasizes doing, not getting. The experience th

I'm really impressed with the understanding of the boys shown in these responses. I'm learning a lot in this thread. I'd also be happy if either of our sons chose to be part of your units--if that were possible The thought that came to my mind immediately: is there something in the troop or in a relationship in the troop that isn't quite right? When our son asked to visit a different troop, we supported that because we were simply glad he wanted to be in Scouts. We knew he was not happy, but we also knew we weren't getting the full story. After he transferred, we learned a lot, and

Oops, forgot one! This site is great for SO many Webelos activity pins: http://www.creighton.edu/~bsteph/pack114/funpages/index.html#webelos When our first son went through Webelos, he had joined late, and the den leader asked me to work with him. I was clueless on many items, and this site was my favorite, making many things so much easier to understand and fun as well. Geologist is included--the scavenger hunt was great fun and enlightening to me as well as our son

I put together a list of links to help our den leaders, and here are those relating to geology. The boys loved the sandwich, which I did with them, but that was before I discovered the fudge Have fun! BBC Education Links on Geology/Rocks The Rock Cycle Experiments is a set of 10 kid-friendly fun experiments. http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/rocks/rockcycle.shtml Making A Sedimentary Sandwich is a fun way to create rocks that can be eaten! Hands-on, kid- friendly, simple to do. http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/rocks/sandwich.shtml Chocs Like Rocks is a set of chocolate e

I second the marbles and tops, definitely the right time frame, but hard to do with 50. Yo-yos were introduced either a little earlier or later, but close to 1930, so maybe something to do with that. Miniature golf was a big hit in 1930; maybe a game of that indoors would work -- improvised of course, but depending upon space, doable with some creativity.

(This message has been edited by Laurie)

Over 150,000 of our local paper (one county) is sold daily, and that's just the county. The city papers have a higher circulation. Therefore, it's not easy to get something printed. The key is often a brief item, better still a photo with one or two lines. Check with your council to see if they have info on how to get in the paper. Our council distributes info on press releases and how to draft them along with providing addresses of all local and city papers. Perhaps yours will have something similar.

The sad thing is that Scouters aren't always nice to one another and don't always live out the Scout Oath and Law. We sure don't have to agree on everything, but name calling and rude behavior is just not befitting of a Scout or Scouter. I'd like to pull up a log to that fire if I may. As for parents coming here. Before I was a leader, I asked questions of the leaders. They didn't have answers *or* the answers were conflicting. Great people, but not able to give me the info I wanted. So I did a search on-line. I ended up here, though I think I lurked until I became a leader. T

Unc, I hope it was a good week, and enjoy your new hat I was never much of a hat person, but I had a bandana that I loved. I wore it to day camp, to overnighters, pretty much any place I went to hike or spend time outdoors. Interesting you should bring this up now, as I'm the market for a good hat. I just took a hike and brought home wonderful photos of a butterfly, a chickadee (I think--have to check that out), and many wildflowers. As I was putting the photos on the computer, I learned I brought home a black legged female deer tick--ugh!! Time for a hat...or maybe a new bandan

Here's what I'd possibly do. Very soon you'll be at the end of the year. Have a fun year-end blow-out. A pizza party or a picnic would be great. Ask everyone to come, including both parents. While the kids are having fun, say a few words to the parents. Make it very positive, thank them for participating with scouts this year and talk about some of the fun things ahead for them as Wolves, Bears and even Webelos. Then, and this is the good part, tell them that you are planning on continuing to lead, but are always looking for ideas and help, and that you are willing to share the leadershi

That had to hurt. I'm sorry you're in this situation, especially since you're not even sure what the situation is. The CM said some a couple of parents said you're not running the program like last year. Did he say who the parents were? Are they parents of boys in the den? How would they know what last year was like? Don't write a letter to the parents, though perhaps one to the CM asking for specifics of the complaints with a copy to the CC might be helpful. There is so little time left, and this sounds like it came out of the blue. I think the BEST thing to do is to find out

Neither one, Bob.

I posted this awhile back in response to a heated thread in issues. I had submitted it to the local paper, but hadn't heard back (twice). I spoke with our District Commissioner recently, and he asked me to try again. Yesterday the paper called; the following is getting printed sometime within the next two weeks: Today my husband and I saw our sons off to school just as we do every day. We pray for their safety throughout the day after seeing that they have eaten well, and then we great them at the end of the day, glad to see them (until the homework battles begin, but life would be

You know that you don't have to understand the beliefs a boy holds, right? It sounds that way, and though this started out with a parent not allowing a son to talk about his religion/duty to God, the end result is that the parents agreed and the boy was able to tell how he does his duty to God. If this were me, I'd let it go now. The family now understands that this is part of Scouting, and they are supporting their son. Enjoy the ceremony when all of your boys earn their Webelos badge! Congrats to you and to them

I agree, though I'm not sure I'm neutral on much of anything A thank you from me to the moderators for doing what can be a thankless job.(This message has been edited by Laurie)

My ultimate goal was to try and get the scout to an interview so I had a reason to advance him. After a discussion with mom and dad last night, my interview with the boy is this Sunday. Excellent news.