baden

In 16 yrs. as a SM & ASM my favorite Scout (Other than my son) was a boy who joined when he was 11 having not been a Cub and stayed until he was 18, Rarely missed a Troop mtg. and never missed a camp-out, high adventure trip, or service project. He made 1st Class mostly so he would be eligible for OA. After that he lost interest in advancement, but not in Scouting, He became an ASM at 18 and was a great help until he took a job that required him to relocate at 22. In 16 yrs. we have had many boys earn the Eagle rank, but we have not had a better Scout. Advancement is a method, not an aim. YIS Baden

I can heartily recommend Scout's Honor by Peter Applebome. It is a balanced view of one Father's introduction to and experiences with Boy Scouting. The author tells the good and the bad, but is not a hatchet job. On balance it is a positive report. Baden

Baden will be at the Jamboree Post Office when I am not cruising the Jambo in my new, air conditioned, QBSA blasting, GM van, hauling the mail and cookies to all my Scout buddies. Going Postal in "05 Baden

YES. YES. YES. Take the time. Make the time. The best time is when the Scout is showing interest. This is what some would call the "teachable moment".

As has been suggested, be prepared to walk a lot and be aware of the heat. I would suggest that you check out the National exhibits which are near the visior center. Other than that I recommend getting around and observe the boys at the MB Midway, the Action Centers, and maybe the Army Action Area. I would suggest that you observe and not attempt to participate as this event is actually for the boys. I also get rather put out with Scout Leaders that bring their entire Troop as visitors and attempt to have the Jambo experience for a day. Visitors should be welcomed but remember they are visitors and not participants

I too have wondered about the aging out of our boomers. I'm also 55 and have probably done my last Philmont Trek. Next summer I'm taking the Troop to the Boundary Waters and am working to get in some sort of shape for it. A backpacking trip to Wyoming about did me in last year even though I passed my physical with flying colors. I have been trying to get an ASM to take over (He's 38) but no luck so far. I will say that there was a Scoutmaster before me and will be one when I am gone. I pnly hope it is true. Baden

16. I blew the cold weather camping question. Baden

The call-out ceremony is optional. Every Council has their own ceremony. Participating in a call-out is in no way a requirement for induction into the Order. Having said that, I recommend that every candidate be called out if at all possible. It is usually a very impressive ceremony and a good recognition of the Scout in front of his peers in the Troop. Another benefit of the call-out is that if it is done well it stirs interest in the Order in the younger members of the Troop. Your Lodge should notify the candidate of the time and place of the Ordeal and congratulate him on his election. My source is p. 28 of the OA Guide for Officers and Advisers, 1999 revision.

The Boys Scouts and especially Jamboree Scouts lost a good friend yesterday. Don Constantineau from MA. died Monday of complications following surgery. Don was to serve as Postmaster for the 2005 National Jamboree, a position he ably filled in 1993, 1997 and 2001. All of the Jamboree Postal Staff will miss "Old Shag" very much.

Yes, there was a ceramic coffee mug for the 97 Jamboree. It had the Washington Monument surrounded by a compass.

When I heard the news of this yesterday I was very depressed. I grow tired of the attempts at humor some of my acquaintances make comparing Scout Leaders with pedophiles. This just adds to it. When I got on the forum I read through several posts on this topic, but many more from men and women who really deliver the program for the boys. These people have been my role models since I became involved as a Scout Leader. Other than the pain inflicted on the children, the thing that most infuriates me is the black eye this man has put on so many thousands of committed and caring people. Baden

Mike- Woods Wisdom has been replaced by a a 3 part publication called Troop Program Features.Each volume contains 12 program features such as Aquatics going all the way to Winter Camping. Each Program Feature is broken up into 4 monthly meeting plans. Each volume is sold seperately so you may acquire them at your own pace. This set is essentially the same as Woods Wisdom. The set is enhanced by another volume entitled Troop Program Resources. This set makes program planning fairly simple. Our PLC uses ours monthly. A well kept secret in the Boy Scout Program is that there are monthly themes and if you can find out what they are, you can plan a program that mirrors what is in this months Boy's Life. It is fun to see a lightbulb come on sometimes and hear a Scout say, "I read about that in Boy's Life this month. Some Troop in TX. did that and it looks like fun. I think the monthly themes are usually unveiled at our District Program Preview. I think there is a place on the National web-site that gives it by month and year. YIS Baden

Thought I would introduce myself to the forum. I am SM of a Troop in a small town in Iowa. Been a volunteer for 18 yrs. Had most of the jobs, CM, WL, ASM, Dist. Comm. Wood badge trained. I used to be a Fox and a Good Old Staffer too. Heading back to the Hill this summer for my 3rd Jambo. Any other Jambo Post Office types out there? I forgot my most important Scout job, Eagle Dad, although my Scout is grown and out in the world. YIS Baden

Camp Cedars - Mid America Council Scouts In council $143.00 if pd. by April 15. Discounted $7.00 if Unit sells $250.00 of popcorn. Further discounted $7.00 if Unit meets FOS goal. So, potentially $129.00. Includes Camp t-shirt and patch. Second week is $79.00. Any Jamboree Scout or BSA High Adventure Base participant also $79.00. Scouts out of Council $143.00 if pd. by April 15. Leaders $71.00 same discounts apply as Scouts. Scoutmaster free if registered and deposit paid bt Dec. 31, 2004 and all paperwork in on time.