Narraticong

So our troop is having our first Eagle Court of Honor in a few weeks. We are a small (but growing) troop with under 20 boys. In addition to the Eagle Award, I would like to have a few other awards as in a normal COH. Since we are a small troop, the other awards would not be time consuming. Others have told me that other awards are NEVER given at an Eagle COH! It is the time for the light to shine only on the Eagle. I did not have the heart to show them the program from my own Eagle COH at which I (as SPL) presented the 2nd Class Rank awards). I can see it both ways, but I think

BadenP- I'm not looking through rose colored glasses whatsoever. I believe the Oath and Law must be at the foundation of everything we do. Our Council Executives are the most important decision makers we employ. As I mentioned, I agree that being an outstanding business manager is a top priority. Maybe you don't see it the same as I do, but i look at Scouts as being a little different from your ordinary business. While most businesses have a mission statement, very few have a moral code by which they operate. Perhaps America would be in better shape if they did. BSA has a moral

Some really vital ideas so far as to the business end of BSA. But my first interest would be whether he can recite the Oath and Law. I would like his resume and recommendations to show how he has lived the Oath and Law in his daily life, especially outside of his career. How does he live up to his Duty to God? I believe to really be a success the BSA needs SE's who can do the above. Ken

My son and I did indeed listen to the broadcast. He had been eagerly waiting for it since reading the email we received regardng the broadcast. I forgot about it totally and was all set to watch "Bones" on TV when he called out to tell me it was almost time. I agree it could have been more interesting. But it is a start. My son is 13 and he and the other boys are very techno oriented. Webcasts intrigue them. We both found the video to be terrific and he will somehow download to show at our meeting next week. Ideas like this and having the handbook on Ipod will be ways in which

For those who believe the SE is omnipotent, I say it is only so if you let it be that way. Although I am only one lowly Scoutmaster, the professionals in my council are well familiar with me. If I see something I think needs to be changed at summer camp, I personally discuss with the Director. If appropriate action is taken, his boss finds out with a nice "thank you" email. If my ideas are ignored, or I am given what I believe is a "wrong" answer- we head up the food chain. Remember that each professional in your council has a boss, and an annual review. I guarantee that none of the

Regardless the reason behind it, this is news which deeply saddens me. Kittatinny Mountain Scout Reservation was my boyhood camp. I served on Summer Camp Staff there as a young man while in college. It was never a very fancy camp, but it was mine. I take my screen name from the OA Lodge which had KMSR as its home. The thought of our very special cermonial ground becoming part of just another suburban backyard breaks my heart. Having lived in Michigan now for thirty three years, I have not made it back to that camp since the mid-80's. Looks like I'll have to make a trip soon and take one

If Boy Scouts went coed, I'm afraid I would have to look elsewhere for an organization to support. There are other grass roots "traditional" Scouting organizations out there. While I come down firmly on the side of absolute equality between men and women, I also acknowledge the simple fact that the sexes are both physically and mentally different. I believe it is perfectly healthy that single sex organizations exist for boys and girls. There are already plenty of organizations available for those who desire a coed experience for their child. If you believe in that, then volunteer

Yes, I am very grateful for the women who serve in various leadership capacities in our troop, and for the Moms who step up and help out as needed. Just as I am grateful for the Dads. No more, no less. The unit could not function without everyone playing a role. Some of us do believe the optimum situation is to have men as the primary leaders. Not everyone believes that men and women are wired the same. Many boys are sorely lacking of male role models in their lives. Many of us who believe in traditional, coservative values believe it is best for a boy to learn to be a man from men

"Situational Awareness" is a great term to use when we choose to avoid admitting our weaknesses. If something is inappropriate around the boys, why is it really any more appropriate at other times? If we tell the boys it is not appropriate to swear, why then, is it OK for to do it amongst adults? Is that what is meant by situational awareness? When does swearing go from inappropriate to being OK? If it is wrong, then it is wrong. Self rightous? By no means do I claim to always live up to the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law. They are targets for me to strive toward. No human yet h

I think ChaiAdventure has put it quite well. As a Christian, and particularly as a Lutheran, I have some very deeply held beliefs in regard to my Faith in God. I would assume those who practice other religions or denominations do also. My God has made it very clear to me that he is a jealous God, and demands that I worship only Him. For me to participate in a worship service which recognizes or worships other gods is just unacceptable. In agreement with my friend John, I am very much in favor of conversation. It is a good thing to understand what others believe. As a member of our cou

See Scout Oath- morally straight. See Scout Law- Point #11- Clean You either believe this and do your best to live this way, or you shouldn't raise your hand and repeat them. Simple. Ken

As is often the case, I agree with John. If the SM can not have a good one to one relationaship with each and every boy, the troop may just be too big. Those boys are expecting to have that relationship. They NEED that relationship. My Scoutmaster "Mac" was the most important male role model in my life. John fondly remembers the Scoutmasters who mentored him, as do I. While I believe an ASM can have an important relationship, it is key for the Scoutmaster to have one with each boy. How quaint and old fashioned that the Scoutmasters John and I remember were all men. Ken

Today in my mail I received all of the documentation for the first Eagle Scout from our troop. We started a brand new troop about 2 1/2 years ago with six boys who moved up from Webelos. Along the way we have had a few boys transfer in and we now stand at 19 active Scouts. Our new Eagle had been in several troops previously and was close to dropping out when his parents convinced him to try one more. With his effort and a little mentoring, he finally made it. His BOR was three days before he left for college out of state. That took a lot of doing! But this boy has meant so much

The life of what Boy Scout? Sorry, it's very creative, but I'd never let it see the light of day near my boys. Just wrong on lots of levels. Surely does not represent very many of the boys I know in the Detroit Area Council. Maybe take some of your obvious talent and put it to better use... Ken

I might have a slight bit more respect for Mr. Obama if he had the guts to donate the money to ACORN as has been suggested. But just as he has made a practice of denying his other comrades such as the Reverend Wright, I'm sure he will deny ACORN the much needed funds! Ken

Shortridge- I agree that one does not need to be an Eagle, or even a Scout, to possess the same qualities that we traditionally expect to see in an Eagle Scout. And there obviously are no special BSA regulations on how an Eagle should act. But back to "tradition". Within and outside of Scouting, people have a higher expectation of Eagle Scouts. Across the past 100 years, Eagles have shown themselves, as a group, to be leaders and model citizens. In other words, they are an example of the ideals of Scouting. They are looked up to by other Scouts and by the community as a whole.

New neckerchief is really nice! I'm a "bigger fella" and usually stick to bolos because the neckers just don't fit well. I also like the ribbon edge. Overall pretty sharp. Also got one for First Class son and he has been wearing it regularly. I do agree with previous mention that the rubber slide does not work well. Not sure if it is due to size or the material of the slide. Just doesn't go on easily. But overall, this is a nice combination. Kudos to Supply Division on this one. Ken

John- We are not really disagreeing. If we are using the Patrol method, the Scoutmaster is functioning as a "Patrol Leader" for his PLC. The SM and PLC should be going on outings as a group. On those outings the SM teaches leadership by his example. He teaches the PLC skills as he would expect a PL or other Junior Leader to do so. I have no problem with the theory behind EDGE. As others have stated, it is really just a common sense method which good leaders have used forever. My concern is that we are sitting our boys in a classroom with PowerPoint and video presentations. I

EXACTLY! Boys do not join Scouting because they want to learn to be leaders or become good citizens. They join becaue we promise to take them camping and show them adventure. They join because of canoeing, archery, rock climbing, knives and axes. If we use the Patrol Method, they will learn more than we ever imagined. Sometimes I think parents today are looking for Scouting to be another step of college prep. Ken

No offense to anyone, but try an experiment with me. Go back and read all the posts on this thread. But put yourself in the mindset of a Scout age boy. All this terminolgy would have them running for the exits and headed to soccer practice. I'm afraid we get so caught up in the teaching methods that we make Scouting more and more like school. Scouting is meant to be a game where the boys learn to be good citizens by default. The most important EDGE they need is the one they put on their knife! Ken

What God gave us was free will (choice), not a RIGHT to blaspheme. Indeed, we Christians believe that free will comes with consequences (wages of sin). I am not condoning execution for blasphemy, but some societies have done that. I believe judgement will come at another place and time. Of course, their definition of blasphemy may not coincide with mine, either.

Why is blasphemy such a big deal for many of you? God gave each of us free will from the day we were born. You have always had the choice to blaspheme. Nobody can ever take away what God has given. Just as the things I consider sacred are so because I choose to believe in them. Nobody forces my choice. I do so through my own free will. It's really not such a big deal. Maybe the rub lies in that there have always been societal consequences, and as some of believe, eternal consequences, for our blasphemous acts and words. But hey, in the end it's all about free will...

President Obama recently said America should consider a longer school year. The concept is that more classroom time will equate to better educated children. I can't argue much with that. But a couple of questions to be considered. First, is it just healthy to give the kids some kind of break during the summer? A time to relax and be children. Which leads to the second question. If year around school is implemented, what will happen to BSA summer camps and high adventure bases such as Philmont? Seems they would pretty much have close down. Thoughts? Ken

My best advice is to listen to your spouse. My wife knows how much Scouting means to me. She sees the smile that comes to my face when I am with "my boys". She has listened to me. In turn, I do my best to listen to her. I know right now she would not be happy if I took on another job in Scouting. I was recently asked to be Family FOS Chairman for my District. I politely, but firmly, turned it down. Not because it would make my wife mad, but because I promised her I wouldn't. It would have been putting a strain on my family if I were to be gone more than I already am. I always

I kind of like the idea that we are not able to pinpoint the first Scout. Scouting is meant to be for all boys in America. It is good that no troop, city, or state can clearly claim to be "the first". Just as the boy who helped Mr. Boyce that foggy night shall remain nameless, I think it is appropriate that the first American Scout is the same. Ken