Mommascout

I've been away from the forum for quite awhile because of the negative bantering that I came upon time and again (even though the majority of posters were helpful and enjoyable.) I don't know guys... this new system of squelching and rating may just become another weapon for the occasional disgruntled, oppositionl user??? I guess it remains to be seen! I hope it helps because this is a wonderful forum when you need real serious answers and advice and I miss visiting you all and learning from your experience. I'm still scouting - my son finally made Life but has stalled again and I hop

"Fail to plan and you plan to fail." A thought for those scouts who are always in a hurry and usually forget an important item on a campout or just another way of saying "Be Prepared!"

I'm getting the impression from SPLT15's posts that the troop is very small and very undertrained. Training is crucial to the success of any troop. The youth leaders don't seem to understand the adult registered leaders roles and vice-versa. Until I read that the woman in question was on the committee, I was going to say that she should be invited to the next training available for adult leaders as she obviously wants to be involved (her current methods of involving herself are unacceptable as we all agree). But now that you say she is on the committee that raises another question. Was she

I have this inspirational piece on a plaque in my home and thought that it would make a great Scoutmaster Minute. It looks long but truly takes under 1 minute even when read slowly and meaningfully. It is food for thought... TAKE TIME.... Take time to think... it is the source of power. Take time to play... it is the secret of perpetuel youth. Take time to read... it is the fountain of wisdom. Take time to pray... it is the greatest power on earth. Take time to love and be loved... it is a God-given privilege.

Yeah, it definitely was a turn-off for me and that is why I left the forums many months ago. I thought I'd surf on by again tonight and maybe be inspired by some wonderful posts (as can sometimes happen) but I see that nothing has really changed in the tone of some of the posters. On the one hand it is interesting to watch grown men bicker back and forth - at times very eloquently - at times entertaining - but on the other hand it seems very petty and immature. But as you said, when you need an official ruling, important info or just good advice this is definitely a great site to visit.

I was just telling my 15 year old son how much I actually like that song. It is a rap prayer to God. Who would have thought it possible? Now, if the rap artists out there would create more lyrics like that more people would listen. (Who am I kidding - that will never happen - wishful thinking!)

sctmom: I would try to encourage the other families to consider scouting as your son has a history with those boys in the neighborhood. When they do join the program your son will feel that all the Scouting activities are more fun just because his friends are with him. They will also have a bigger voice together to help plan some of the activities that interest them. As your son's friends get closer to joining age invite them (one at a time) to participate in a troop outing (with the SM's approval) to try to recruit them. This will give your son a few opportunities to entice his f

Thanks SctMom - I will look into the various types of Martial Arts for my 17 year old. My gut instinct says it will be good for him and give him another physical outlet for his anger/pain. My 12 year old is in an ager management counseling program after school. Since, enrolling him there, things at home have been much better and he is learning different techniques to reign in his anger as you mentioned. Scouting does provide him with the male interactions and role models he needs to see in order to learn that there is a better way. As for my husband and me, we attend in-serv

OGE I was immediately drawn to the article and it was the first one I read. I am a foster parent in a therapeutic program for troubled teens. I have seen some angry boys! I must agree with the writer on several points. First, it does take a tremendous amount of energy and patience to deal POSITIVELY with these boys and not interpret their anger on a personal level. These boys come to my home angrier than a trapped bee. And it is a shield they use to protect themselves from those vulnerable feelings of loss, shame, helplessness, hopelessness and fear - as the writer said. I curre

Morey's Piers in Wildwood, NJ hosts the Scouting event known as Beach Jam where thousands of Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts pitch their tents on the beach. They offer a very reasonable package deal that includes 2 days of unlimited amusement rides, meal vouchers (served buffet style), a bonfire (weather permitting), a beach dance party with DJ and ecology class as well as a patch. Beach Jam T-shirts are available all over the boardwalk. In the event of windy weather - anchor your tents securely with sand filled jugs and soda bottles as they request no staking. There may also be other schedule

Hey Bob - I've been away from the site for a few months but thought I'd check it out again and what a surprise - E.M. is still being objectionable to you and everything scouting represents. You are such a trooper to still be patiently interacting with him. I admire your perseverence and tolerance. I was hoping, as I know you were, that you would have succeeded in persuading him to give the "real" scouting method a try. He just might find that it works beautifully. I actually felt bad after my very first post (I showed my annoyance) in response to him months ago but now see that my instinc

Congratulations to you and your son! It is quite a journey down the trail to Eagle. I am anticipating the day my son (Star) achieves that very goal. I've been jotting down ideas for his ceremony for some time now and I think the bagpipes would be perfect and definitely add some pomp to the circumstance! I am very happy for you and your son. It is a great accomplishment and a wonderful testimony to you as a parent, and to your son for being so perseverent in his pursuit of the dream. I hope he flies strong and high!

I'm not certain, we had our troop complete that prior to the rafting trip (we did canoeing MB at camp). But their programs are so safety oriented I would think they do. To be sure, I would double ckeck with them.

Yes, here is the web address: www.wcrafting.com , all the info you need about camping, merit badges, and council/district sponsored events is located there or give them a call @ (570) 443-RAFT. It is a great, well organized weekend with very knowledgeable staff and instructors. The first year we went we did the white water rafting program and the following year we did the mountain biking program. The kids had a great time and they provide an adult leader-only area where you can find a quiet place to have a cup of coffee and chill out!

I think both programs should remain separate. Why mess with a good thing? I like the idea of both groups socializing at special events. For example, the Beach Jam in Wildwood, NJ each year is a wonderful mixup of boys and girls complete with planned activities, a dance and bon-fire on the beach. Thousands of scouts and tents all co-mingled on the beach exemplifies great scout spirit. Also, the White Water Challengers in PA has an annual Scouting weekend for boys and girls with a dance and bon-fire and a full roster of activities. I think events like that are great for the kid