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

All the issues that Bob listed have existed in the past, exist today and will continue to exist. Better trained leadership and better prepared leadership is a major solution. BUT what is wrong with a super ad campaign? It can't hurt. Enthusiasm is contagious! Let's show everyone what we do, what our boys do. The ads would need to target the adults in a positive way as well as the scouts. The positive feedback alone may motivate those leaders who need that push. We've all seen the Pepsi and beer commercials that just grab your undivided attention. Sometimes its the humor and somet

Be careful of what you say to others because once the words are spoken they may never be taken back. (even a sincere apology can't erase the memory.)

Old Grey Eagle (I admire that name!) thank you for your empathy. I too have trouble understanding why there is so much discrepancy among Scoutmasters methods when we are all reading the same script. Even if the trainings are handled differently in different areas the Scouting method is supposed to be universal and one would assume interpreted in a very similar way. I've met many great SM's at campouts and trainings and council events and it's because of them that I realized how Scouting is supposed to be and how our SM was falling far short of the ideal. I believe that the type of S

I have been on both sides of this coin. My son did reach First Class First Year and was elected Patrol Leader at age 12. I was concerned about his leadership abilities and wondered if he could do it but I did not let him know of my doubts. Yes, he fumbled and stumbled in the beginning but he quickly got the hang of it and was a very good leader for only being 12. As Bob said it is on-the-job training and there is no better way to learn than hands-on and through making mistakes. My son is very active so I did not feel that he was rushed - he was very enthusiastic during that first yea

BWCAfan - if you've been reading these posts for a few weeks then you know my family went through a very similar situation in regards to our SM who rules with an iron hand. Take my advice - and don't wait a year like I did - and find a new troop. We went to visit several troops before making our decision. There were 3 troops within a 10 minute drive but we chose one that is about 20-25 minutes away because it was the one that felt the best to us. My husband and I went alone to scope out the meetings then we brought our son along and all finally agreed on this troop. He is so

Getting back to you with my son's answer ... He said most definitely it's the uniform. "If only they were red or blue or, anything other than tan - it's so dull!" We were at our troop meeting tonight (COH) and he just told me that another scout said to him, "If I was caught in this uniform I would get beat up by some kids that I go to school with." I find that sad to hear. As I said in another thread my son is going through an embarrassment phase when it comes to being seen in his uniform by certain peers. I'm hoping that it will pass as he matures. I personally like the uniform and th

I'm going to have a chat with my son about this topic and I'll get back to you guys with his answer... He is usually concerned about what is "cool" and what is not so I'll get his input. I do know for a fact that he thought the National Jamboree was the ultimate in "cool" scouting. I think the variety of activities and people and the unity of spirit was what gave him that impression. I'll let you know what he thinks.

Yes, he is 14 years old and has had his ear pierced ( only one hole) since age 10 or 11. It has not effected his character in any negative way. It's a simple fashion statement, nothing more. There are many days when he does not even wear the earring as it is not a priority in his life. As you said many boys and men today enjoy wearing an earring or two or three...

Thank you both for the ideas - I will make sure I've covered all those angles!

sctmom - I also take every opportunity to photograph my son when he is in uniform and hope that someday when he outgrows being embarrassed about being seen in it around his male school peers - that he will remember what that uniform represented for him while he was growing up. He is at an awkward age (14) with his peers and as they don't see Scouting as being "cool" he feels he must not let them know he is a Scout. I am working on this with him and I see improvement. If his peers only knew what awesome things my son did in that uniform I'm sure they'd want to become scouts. When he g