LeCastor

Hi SS, Yeah, I kind of think it's a done deal. There were many camporees and other Scouting events there but, as I said before, it is farther away that most people want to drive for a wilderness experience. It's upsetting and sad to me but, alas, it's out of my hands at this point.

Seattle, I never said it was a bad idea. Just that it makes me sad that my Troop won't be able to experience that particular spot anymore.

Great story, Desertrat! Thank God for those Scouters who carried the torch through the tough times, and thank God for the 9th edition, too!

So, qwase, in your experience do most Venturers join for the action and leave advancement behind them, then? I have the Ranger handbook that looks really good. Will that award be going away, to your knowledge? I do think a big part of training is getting to know your fellow volunteers. It's great for "networking", as they say.

Nice! Thanks.

Woodman Center near Richland Center, WI. My Troop has had a tradition of going there every fall for the past several years. We were going to go last weekend but the new patrol of young Scouts opted not to go. They'll be sorry--or maybe they don't care--if this camp is sold and they don't get the chance to use it again. The council hosts a backpacking-themed camporee there every spring and I reckon that's the bulk of the usage the camp got over the years. I just makes me sad.

I am very interested in the history of conservation, as encouraged by the BSA, and I keep seeing Project SOAR in my research. However, I can't seem to find anything out there that truly describes what it was or how Scouts took part in it. Does anyone have any documentation or first-hand knowledge of it?

I am saddened that a beautiful camp will likely be sold in WI. Apparently, the cost to maintain it exceeds the revenue coming in from Scouts, or lack thereof, who use the property throughout the year. It's far from the bulk of the council's units but provides a rugged feel, like you are in the middle of nowhere. There are beaver lodges, eagle aeries, and countless natural features that you don't find in a developed camp. I guess the downside is that people just don't commit to driving an extra 30 minutes to get there... We read about camps being sold off but it really doesn't hit you until it's one you call home.

As long as they don't get paid for doing a Good Turn. And since it's not political in the sense of supporting one side or the other, they can wear their uniforms and show that upstanding youth are taking part in their civic duty. Sounds good!

Ok, thanks.

I'm merely curious what ya'll mean by PCism. In all seriousness, what specific examples of PC could you give? How has PCism hurt Scouting? Again, I'm serious here and not looking for snarky comments.

He's getting there, Stosh. At the close of this week's meeting I used my SM minute about helping others advance: "Next time when you think about what YOU need to do to advance, maybe you ought to think how can I help my Patrol mates advance."

A few weeks ago I sat with a young Scout and conducted a Scoutmaster conference with him. It was for his First Class rank and he was incredibly excited about it. After asking him open-ended questions about his experiences and his life, I asked him what the best thing was in our Troop. His response was excellent and heart-warming: "Everyone is always willing to help you no matter what." With all the discussion we've been having lately concerning "servant leadership" I couldn't help but think of this new First Class Scout. He really nails what we're trying to do in Scouting.

Yeah, like one written by Green Bar Bill. I guess I'm not totally against the images and graphics so much as I am against the introductory feel you mentioned. We need a handbook for outdoorsmen that ends up dog-eared and held together with duct-tape from so much use. (I have a lost 12th edition in my truck that's falling apart but I'm sure it's not from use as much as it is from throwing it around like a frisbee.)

Yes, Torchwood, you nailed it!

I certainly remember wearing my uniform to school before a den meeting and all of my friends did. That was in the late 1980s. My collection of Scouting handbooks spans the entire catalog. But you can really tell a decline, or watering-down, of the Boy Scout Handbook after Bill's 9th edition. I'll argue, though, that there was still some very valuable information in the 10th edition; however, in this book there was plenty of photos of Scouts in red polo shirts and khaki shorts. This seems to be the first time the BSA was veering away from the field uniform for camping/hiking/outing. I absolutely can't stand the 11th edition of the Handbook and I find the 12th edition--the current one--to be a little too "flashy" and without enough meat in it. It's like magazines today that are more "blingy thingy" than substance. But I think I read somewhere that a new version is not far off...Hope springs eternal. Let's not even get started on the 8th edition... "Improved Scouting"...yeah, about that...

When I was a youth a friend of the family gave me a USMC campaign hat from Cherry Point, NC. I suggest you befriend a Marine. Or you could do as Ken suggests and go with a Rothco version. Try Vermont's Barre military surplus. OR...put some money away little by little and purchase the Stetson from BSA. It's a nice hat and will serve you well.

Well, Stosh and Desert, it doesn't HAVE to be "blingy thingy". Don't put all that junk on your outing uniform... I think there is a contradiction there in the 12th edition between "[d]ressed as a Scout ,you will want to act as a Scout" and "[w]hen you head outdoors you can pull on an t-shirt with the Scout shorts..." So here's another spin my original question: if we're watering down the uniform are we also watering down the Handbook?

Laughs? :-(

Not sure why we started talking about uniforms but please allow me to bring it back to the Handbook. In Green Bar Bill's 7th edition of the Boy Scout Handbook, you find this on uniforming: "Your uniform is part of the thrill of being a Scout. The moment you put it on you feel ready for hike or camp or other vigorous Scout activity. The Scout uniform stands for the Brotherhood of Scouting, for the Scout ideals, and for outdoor life. The color blends with the hues of the forest and field. The design is made for comfort, for freedom of action, and for health. Every Scout wears the same uniform--it is a badge of democracy, and emblem of service. To the public, the uniform proclaims aloud, "Here is boy who is a Scout"--for people know that only a boy who is a full-fledged member of the [bSA] has the right to wear the Boy Scout uniform." (p. 20) Now, let's have a look at the new, 12th edition on uniforming: "The Scout uniform is a symbol of the BSA. It tells others that you are a Scout and represents Scouting's history of service to the nation and the world. Wearing uniforms allows Scouts to show that they are equals and that they share values and beliefs. Your uniform is also a sign that you are a person who can be trusted and that you will lend a hand whenever help is needed. Dressed as a Scout, you will want to act as a Scout." (p.32) Then it goes on to say what the "official uniform" is...But here's the part that interesting when you compare it to the older Handbook: "Proudly wear your uniform to troop meetings, ceremonies such as courts of honor, and most other indoor troop functions. When you're headed outdoors, you can pull on a t-shirt with Scout pants or shorts, or wear other clothing that is right for the events of the day." (p.33)

Barry, I'm thinking you don't see the tongue-in-cheek-ness in my posts. Thanks for the note, though.

Barry, I don't know if you're trying to teach me something here... I'm all in favor of the handbook and don't think it should go anywhere. My Troop isn't making policy. I'm confused and a little on the defensive right now.

We NOLA boys don't like the cold do we? Having been in WI for 11 years now I'm no longer afraid of winter. In fact, I embrace it. But the toque definitely comes in handy on those cold-weather outings.