Narraticong

I know we do our best to follow the "rules", just as we should. There are reasons for the various membership requirements for our Order. The number of days and nights camping and need for a "resident camp" would seem to stem from the concept of "Honored Campers" and the goal of supporting our Council camps. In other words, we are looking for Scouts who by what they have already done might be expected to be an asset to the Order. So, I question whether the exact number of days and nights is really the important measurement. Much is left to the discretion of the Scoutmaster. And of course, the final measurement is left to the boys. I guess, if extenuating circumstances might be the cause of a worthy Scout being eligible or not, as a Scoutmaster I might make a judgment call in favor of the Scout.

Another good Scouting film. I ordered it several months ago over the internet. I really enjoyed watching how these young men interact. And the bottom line is, boys are pretty much the same, no matter where they come from!

Ken

I can throw a rock from my house the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. I can guarantee they have invested billions of dollars in that center in the 20 years I have lived here. Dodge manufactures pickups two miles away.

I have watched many good Scouters lose their jobs in the economy over the past several years. Many of them have been unable to find work after several years.

Few, if any vehicles are totally made in America. Agreed. But My family will continue to support our neighbors by buying vehicles made by corporations which have local roots.

Ken

Mr. Obama was scheduled to speak Wednesday. In fact he was scheduled to speak at exactly the time he taped "The View"

Ken

I agree 100% with all who remind us we should respect the office of the President regardless of our feelings toward the actual person in the office. As Americans, we need to support our form of government and Mr. Obama currently stands as the most visible representative of our society.

In turn, it should be expected that the person holding the office of President of the United States should treat his position with the proper dignity. Many presidents have portrayed themselves as being "one of the people". But I think "the people" traditionally have held the President in great respect and expect him to be somewhat above the rest of us. I believe when President Nixon appeared on "Laugh In", we started to lose some of that presidential dignity.

Frankly, I was somewhat embarassed to see my president appear on a "gossip" show such as "The View". I expect him to be much too busy for such appearances. I want to know he is focused on the economic crisis, not "Jersey Shore" characters.

Foreign nations no longer consider the President of the United States to be the most powerful person in the world. I believe that is do in large part to how the American people and our own presidents have treated the presidency. It is time for all to bring respect back to the office.

Ken

Gern- Let's remember where and when public show of disrespect for authority became prevalent in our society. Most would agree it started in the 60's and 70's with the young people on the far left. President Obama has accepted some of those folks as his mentors. While I wholeheartedly agree such disrespect is wrong, the left must accept responsibility for the fruit of the seeds they sowed during that time.

Ken

The "Limited Edition" patch of the day at the Jamboree Trading post today has President Obabma giving the "thumbs up" sign. My son found the last one they had. It will surely hold a special place in our patch collection- maybe upside down?

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates was a wonderful speaker this morning. Sure, it probably didn't sink in with the boys, but this man has a true heart for Scouting. Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor Brother- he actually quoted Uncas, Went to Philmont twice, attended the 1957 Jamboree, and has served as an adult Volunteer. He noted that what he learned in Scouting helped make him the man he is today.

I can't imagine anything Mr. Obama might have said that could have been so moving for us older guys. Robert Gates truly "gets" what BSA is all about.

No surprise. I can see where it would be more important to attend a fundraiser and an ultraliberal gabfest. Why spend an hour with thousands of young men who will be the leaders of tomorrow?

Ken

A knife is a tool. And the user should be able to explain the particular need for any tool he is using. That being said, I would ask what use in normal Scouting activities would there be for a butterfly knife?

Packing car and leaving this morning from beautiful Detroit. Figures, it seems like the severe heat has finally broken here. I'm sure it will be lovely at Jambo.

Will try to post on my adventure. I'll be on-site Wednesday and Thursday. Looking forward to a short visit with my son who is with the Great Lakes Council contingent.

See you at the Hill!

Ken

You should know there will be no flamers at a Scout parade!

Ken

Agreed. My sonis planning on buying most of his souvenirs when he gets there. I know they had the opportunity to buy from the catalog, but I think it means more to him if he gets stuff on-site.

I will be very upset if the trading post is essentially empty when he gets there. I will be even more upset when I see everything on Ebay for triple price. I know some is already there!

Ken

"Regardless of his policies, our Scouts have been trained to think for the most part that, "Our Country is Great, and Our President is Good."

Good point! Texted with my son as he was on a tour of Washington DC before arriving at Jambo. As souvenirs for himself he purchased a copy of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

What more could we ask for from our kids? These young men truly are the leaders of the future.

Ken

It looks like Kittatiny Mountain Scout Reservation in northern New Jersey may meet a similar end. I hope to visit soon to take one last hike around the camp I enjoyed as a Scout.

Ken

I have a feeling Gern also goes to house fires with a can of gasoline rather than a fire extinguisher. Odd sense of humor...

Since the can of worms has been opened, let's let them all out. Mr. Obama does have his name on our Eagle Certificates. He has accepted the invitation to be Honorary President of BSA. But where does his support lie in relation to the organization I love so dearly? Does he support the Law and Oath and what we stand for?

I would like to hear if he has ever expressed his feeling toward Boy Scouts of America. I have never really heard anything from him. But I have to assume he fully supports us. Otherwise, being a man of integrity, why would he agree to sign the certificates. By doing so, doesn't he publicly state that he stands in line with us?

If not, why would we WANT him to serve as our Honorary President?

Ken

Being an "older" guy, I have a collection of slides, neckerchiefs, patches, etc. going back to the 60's and 70's. I like to wear some of the old stuff now and then as a conversation starter with the boys. Although it was before my time as a Scout, I like to wear items from the 50th Anniversary of Scouting. It helps remind us of our history.

Wear what you like. Scouting is for the boys, but it's nice if it's fun for us adults, too!

Ken

The contingent from the old Detroit Area Council (recently merged with Clinton Valley Council into the new Great Lakes Council) arrived in Washington DC this morning for a visit on the way to Jambo.

Everyone met in a parking lot at Ford Motor Company Headquarters last night and we were promptly greeted by a tornado warning. We spent an hour in the Ford headquarters waiting out the warning, but the buses left more or less on time. I am sure the boys spent a quiet night sleeping on the bus (we all know better than that, don't we?).

I am leaving Monday morning for a quick trip down there for a two day visit Wednesday and Thursday. Can't wait for the extreme heat and maybe some rain. Have to dig through my collection of patches for some traders.

Ken

Welcome!

The boys need young mentors with credentials like yours. You have an obvious passion for Scouting. Please don't be like some of us and stay away for too long. Dive in now!

Ken

BP-

Sorry, but John has earlier laid out the basics of Christian belief, and well within context. As others have mentioned, perhaps you might want to study Scripture more in depth. Whether some folks like it or not, God is very clear that there is only one way to Him and that is through Jesus. To accept other gods as even existing is to go against the Word of the one, true, God. It is not a matter of bigotry at all. Unfortunately, in an effort to make everyone feel good about themselves, we have developed an "it's all the same" attitude toward faith. You are welcome to believe whatever you like. But those of us who call ourselves Christians are bound to believe the Bible is the Word of God. And the Bible is very clear on the way to God. Jesus himself made it clear. He died so we might all have Grace. Pretty simple.

Ken

Just back from a week in the woods with the boys at Scout camp. Wish I had gotten in on this thread earlier. I am in line with my friend John on this one. At best, I consider Scouts own get togethers to be a time of brotherhood or fellowship, but for me they do not replace my regular corporate worship. At worst, they are disrespectful of the one, true God.

Our local Scouts Own tend to run more toward common morality and how Scouting relates to it. We tend to sing God Bless America, pass a plate for the World Friendhip Fund, talk about the Religious Emblems program, and then head back to camp. Really very little of what a believer of any faith would consider worship.

I guess those who are not deeply committed to their faith might consider a Scouts Own to be worship. And I if it encourages a boy to explore his faith deeper, then perhaps it has a value. But from my viewpoint I am concerned if boys begin to believe all "gods" are equal. John has shown Christian Scripture is very clear on this matter.

This week my 13 year old son used the camp outdoor chapel as a place for his own quiet contemplation. I did not ask whether he was praying or not. He tends to be personal about his relationship with the Lord. But out of 1,800 acres, that little spot was where he went to have his time to think and relax. To me that is a good sign and perhaps the best use of a camp chapel.

Ken

I don't think NESA provides such a temporary patch.

Also, I am considering giving up my membership to NESA. In my opinion it is no more than a resource for National to tap potentially successful ($$$) folks for more money.

Ken

Good point LisaBob. If the boys are not interested, they will vote by not partcipating. I have been wondering what kind of kickbacks some of the BSA marketing folks are getting. Has anyone seen the Centennial Gnomes? What on earh is up with that? I went to my National Supply shop last week and bought a pair of Centennial canvas zip off pants for my son. Also needed a couple of pairs of Centennial low-cut socks. No size large socks in stock,,,huh? But they had Centennial Gnomes in several sizes. Went back this week to check on socks and pick up another pair of pants. This week they had the socks, but no pants. Still had all the Centennial Gnomes you could ever use. Unbelievable.

I don't have a clue how to twitter and can barely text!

Ken

Good point LisaBob. If the boys are not interested, they will vote by not partcipating. I have been wondering what kind of kickbacks some of the BSA marketing folks are getting. Has anyone seen the Centennial Gnomes? What on earh is up with that? I went to my National Supply shop last week and bought a pair of Centennial canvas zip off pants for my son. Also needed a couple of pairs of Centennial low-cut socks. No size large socks in stock,,,huh? But they had Centennial Gnomes in several sizes. Went back this wee to check on socks and pick up another pair of pants. This week they had the socks, but no pants. Still had all the Centennial Gnomes you could ever use. Unbelievable.

I don't have a clue how to twitter and can barely text!

Ken

We arrive at D-Bar-A Scout Ranch Sunday at noon. Having my work schedule changed to nights recently, I had to step down as SM. So I have gone from being immersed in Scouting to minimal participation.

I can't wait to get to camp and spend the week with my boys! My favorite week of vacation every year.

Then back to work for a week, after which I will drive to Virginia to visit the Jamboree for a couple of days.

Gotta love it!

Ken

The "game" belongs to the boys. Is this something that might be of interest to them? Particularly the older boys who seem to lose interest in Scouts?

I have no idea about "tweeting", nor do I care to learn. But if my boys were into it, I might be wise to at least take an interest...

Ken