maccars

I've been lurking here for months, and just registered a few days ago. I became interested in this Forum after being asked by my best friend to help with his 13 year old son's new Troop. Sam (the son) has just registered, and has joined a newly chartered Troop sponsored by his Church - to which most of the boys belong. All of the adults involved are dads, and none have any previous Scouting experience. I grew up in a Scouting family which was surrounded by other Scouting families. My dad served on the Troop Committee for years, even after I went to college. I started in Scouting as

There are so, so many memories that come back to me - but the one that stands out is my first summer camp which was at Lost Lake Scout Camp south of Fairbanks, Alaska. The memory that stands out is waiting for the sun to drop (in July, that far North it never really "set"), and watching the OA members in Native American dress cross the lake in a canoe with lit torches. They came ashore and Tapped three campers for their Ordeal. I didn't understand all of what was going on, but I knew it was not only impressive, but important. I resolved right there in the middle of the wilderness to on

I know I'm new here, but the following comment struck a chord with me: " . . . We just moved (Coast-to-coast) in 2007. He's had to reinvent himself already! I'm an old man. I can roll with the punches. But for my kids, with no grandparents and nothing but new friends, it's really tough. Grades 2-5 he was in a new school EVERY year! I said earlier that cub scouts was one of his few constants - he loved it; it really helped. However, the transition to a troop from a pack is an extreme change." I grew up in a military family, where we permanently changed stations every 2 to 3 year

I never cease to be amazed at how the discussions on the US Civil War can still raise the blood of the participants. Without question, it was an event in our history that still captures the hearts of modern peoples for its scope and breadth, and mostly for the incredible loss sustained by our countrymen, both North and South. By all means, the respectful thing to do in retiring the Confederate colors is to engage the always willing services of the local Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. They are especially appropriate participants to properly and respectfully handle those flags.

For those of you who were Scouts, go back to the time when you first noticed the adults intruding on your experience. My troop had a very active committee, which often joined us for at least one night on a weekend campout. Those adults usually slept in a troop provided 10 man tent with a separate dining fly (usually with a table for eating). That venue tended to become quite loud at times. I know for a fact that one night our SM made it very clear that Taps was the signal for the Scouts to be in their tents and quiet, and that Tattoo was the signal for the adults to have lights-out and