Michael DeMar

Lisabob, I have heard of this and, in fact, just a few weeks ago my Unit Commissioner gave me the portion of the disappearing packet appropriate for my rank (Cubmaster). My portion of the packet seems to be comprised of fairly up-to-date materials. I don't have a lot of experience with the packet yet (since I just got it), but having read the materials I am looking forward to using it to make sure that our Webelos do cross over into Boy Scouts and not "disappear" from Scouting themselves. Michael

oldsm wrote: "Does anyone recall a plain dark green necktie as part of the scouter's uniform?" AND "So the green tie did exist. The question no one has answered: Can it still be worn? (Without running afoul of the UP?)" I'm afraid that there is no black or white answer to this question, only shades of grey . . . well, green, actually . . . and khaki. As SWScouter points out, the current Male Leader Uniform Inspection Sheet permits male Scout leaders to wear an "olive leader's tie." So, I guess if by dark green you mean olive drab, then that is OK. Fortunately for m

I read somewhere about bringing an empty coffee can on campouts and putting a couple of rocks the size of a fist that have been heated in a campfire in the can as a safe way to heat a tent. Does anyone have any experience with this? Safe or not safe? Effective or ineffective?

scoutldr, I totally agree with your conclusion that you shouldn't be allowed to have it both ways. Very good point. You are correct, of course, that LFL and Exploring are alternative options for children who do not meet the discriminatory membership requirements of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, but the fact remains that access to the "signature" Boy Scouts of America programs (Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts) is completely denied to those who do not meet the BSA's discriminatory membership requirements and there is no way around that. That is not the case with the City of Berkeley's Ordinan

Hunt wrote: "This may be a matter of semantics, but if Berkeley is treating all non-profits equally, then BSA's membership process treats all boys equally. . . In Berkeley, some non-profits meet the requirements, and some don't. Some boys meet the membership requirements for BSA, and some don't. All treated equally, right?" Wrong (in my opinion). In the case of the boy who does not meet the Boy Scouts of America's membership criteria, they are completely denied access from being a member of the Boy Scouts of America. They can't gain access simply by paying a little extra to

Our Pack uses Program Helps as a guide for Den and Pack Meetings, although we often substitute more challenging (and consequently more fun) activities than those suggested in Program Helps in order to keep the boys interested. While we might introduce or start work on an achievement in a Den or Pack Meeting, we would never make it the main focus of the meeting. When we include work on acheivements in a Den or Pack Meeting, we try to make sure that they fit with the monthly theme and also lend themselves well to being worked on this type of setting (e.g., a simple craft project).

Good topic. For what it's worth, here's my list of what I'd like to see as requirements for Quality Unit for a Cub Scout Pack: 1. Dedicated, enthusiastic, and inspiring leaders; 2. Family support/involvement; 3. Pack membership reflects diversity of community; 4. Year-round, planned program; 5. Fun and challenging yet age-appropriate/safe activities; 6. Activities develop good character and good citizenship; 7. Regular (yet meaningful) recognition and advancement; 8. Outdoor Activities; 9. Service Projects; and 10. Strong relationship with one or more area

Anarchist wrote: "BSA probably doesn't give a darn about paintball except it is an activity that 'projects' violence at living things thus no paintball, fencing, boxing (and other martial arts) targets are fine (shotgunning etc) live targets are not..." Apparently the BSA doesn't have a problem with projecting violence against live targets if you are in Venturing. The Guide to Safe Scouting states "this policy [designating hunting as an unauthorized activity] does not restrict Venturing crews from conducting hunting trips or special adult hunting expeditions provided that adequate

On behalf of lawyers everywhere, I offer this one: To create publicity for their soon-to-be-announced merger, the CEOs of two Fortune 500 Companies, George and Lenny, decided to cross North America in a hot air balloon. Of course, neither man was a particularly experienced balloonist, and, predictably, within a few hours after taking off, they realized that they were hopelessly lost. George declared, "Lenny -- we are going to have to lose some altitude so that we can figure out where we are." Lenny let some hot air out of the balloon, which slowly descended below the clouds, but the

GS-CS Leader, Thank you so much for your posts. I agree with you that vending machine candy and caffeinated soda at 9:30 p.m. during an Overnighter is a bad idea. We will bring lots of alternative (i.e., healthier) snacks for our group. We still have plenty of Trail's End popcorn. I didn't know that Home Depot had Cub Scout workshops. We will definitely take advantage of that in the future. Thanks again, Michael

Welcome to the forum, Daddio!

Captainron14 wrote "When was there a tan tie? With what uniform?" Captainron14, According to the National Council's website, the tan tie is a neckwear option for the current Male Cub Scout Leader's Uniform. It states: Neckwear is also optional for leaders, but there are a handful of options: Necktie - An olive or tan dress tie may be worn. Necktie - A Cub Scout leader bolo tie is also available. Leader Neckerchiefs - A Cub Scout leader neckerchief with navy blue with gold edging and gold Cub Scout emblem may be worn by all Cub Scout leaders. Specialized neckerchiefs

My Tiger Cub Scout's stocking had in it 5 council strip patches from the Virgin Islands Council (his grandparents' home council), 2 from Nashua Valley (MA) Council (my home Council back when I was a Cub Scout), and 2 more from Gulf Stream (FL) Council (his great Aunt's council in Florida). I also gave him a 2005 Mt. Diablo Silverado Council World Friendship Fund patch. Let the patch trading begin! He used the the BSA Hot Spark flint that I had given him for his birthday to light our ceremonial Yule log on Christmas morning. Got it started on the very first try!

"Running about with only a neckerchief could land you in jail, not to mention have you removed as a Scouter." True enough, but what a lasting impression you would make on your way out.

Hence your User Name, right ScoutWithNecker?