Nike

A boy who likes small kids and can hold their own with parents. For instance, my son would be a terrible Den Chief for Tigers because he has no patience with the sillyness of 1st graders but would be pretty good with Web I/II because he likes to teach more complex skills. I think you'd need an older teen who is already a strong leader, mature enough to reassure adults that he is responsible and even tempered, and isn't afraid to get goofy.

You have to have the right Scout for a Tiger Den Chief.

That's why we need a SCUBA merit badge.

DL Amy, If you really want to stick to your guns on this, I really hope you are also going to be more than happy to help out the new WEB 1 DL anyway you can. I wonder what's going on in your pack. Why are you willing to die on this hill?

If you want to draw a line in the sand, be prepared to personally say to the other boys and thier parents, "No," and to personally hear from your CM, "Well, perhaps I need to find a DL who can handle the numbers we'll be having." If you are going to be giving the boys more responsiblility, then what's the big deal about adding two more? Make the boys figure out what they want to do and then help them price it. Assess dues accordingly and have the boys collect and disburse. And, let's be honest, at round up you are rarely going to come up with a Web 1. I have frequently encountered your position in Girl SCouting, and that's why there are literally a hundred girls on the waiting list in this county. Parents won't step up and leaders are adamant that they won't bend either. And lastly, you may see your den as a great team, BP's ideal of the boys' own little gang. Me? I'm seeing something more cliquey.

Too funny! In all seriousness, though, a family with "policies" needs a week or two in the woods without any electronic leash to the world at all.

I don't think it will be harder once the new weight limits kick in nation wide. The heavy set generally know their limitations. I think the problem will be with the guys who are perfectly fit and all muscle and bone, and neither they nor the BMI isn't prepared to take that into account.

I too would advise our OP to gracefully let things go. Go talk to the pastor, not as an angry ex-ASM, but an upset soul. He may have insight for you on many things. Enjoy your crew and OA time. Reach out to the district committees who always need help with camporees, PWD, day camp, etc. They would love to have an enthusiastic young man to help. And, get on with your personal life. Go to school, find a job, travel, have some non-Scout outdoor fun. Just don't let this gnaw at you.

I personally think the Jamboree should rotate: East, Mid-west, Southwest, and Idaho/Montana. But, I do understand BSA's economic desire to get their own permanent home where they can tailor the infrastructure and have year round use.

These guys were from Hampton!! Let's hope they don't decide to go sailing in the Bay.

Oh well. I knew there was another name, but it completely escaped me. If it isn't supposed to be used on ducting, why is it duct tape?

When I lived in Augusta, GA, I always took off during Master's Week. Jamboree is eight days every four years. Get a life.

Fixes HVAC tubes and saves thousands. We had water in our HVAC conduits (the shiny, floppy sheathed ones about 12" in diameter) in the crawlspace. First HVAC guy wants to pull it all out and replace for more than $2000. Second opinion says, "Just stick a sharp thing in at the lowest point where the water's pooling...here, I have my truck key...let it dry a few days and slap some duct tape on it."

Five camporees? Our troop would mutiny, including the adults. I've suggested a similar program for our GS Council to introduce GS leaders to more than just platform tent camping. Haven't heard back. I would love to go on adventurous weekends with no kids, husband, pets, etc where I could learn about something way out of my comfort range with lots of expert instructors.

Most places my son's troops have gone you can't even get cell service. And what's going to happen when you call your son and he doesn't answer or respond to your voice mail? Are you going to race down to camp? Call the leaders? Call the Council, ranger, sheriff, state patrol, national guard? How embarassing will that be for your boy? And, how disappointing for him to have public proof you don't trust him or his leaders. Your son is going camping in order to get away from the distractions of isolating technology. If you don't like this rule, or worse yet, don't trust your son's SM/ASMs, then you need a different troop.

Wow. You need to part ways with this guy. But, I bet he's one of those really "sticky" types. Have you ever flat out asked him why he's always stealing your ideas, second guessing your judgement, and undermining your authourity and position? And, I mean flat out ask and not over the proverbial cup of coffee.

As an old lifeguard, please put your boys' safety above anything else. And bring lots of fast drying, thin beach towels if you're going in and out of the water a lot. You may also want to have two or three bathing suits as well as watches. (My son loses a watch every year at camp.)

And for the ladies...?

The English Civil War was fought between 1641 and 1651 between the those loayal to King Charles I and II (after C I's beheading) and the parliamentarians (Roundheads), won by Oliver Cromwell, the source of the Commonwealth and then the Protectorate. The Restoration of the legitimate monarch, King Charles II, occured in 1661 after a Scot governor general marched south and organized a new parliament. Trivia: Virginia gained the nickname "The Old(est) Dominion" from its recognition of King Charles II way back in the 1640's. Curiously, I have never read what the British call the American Revolution.

So this young Scout will be too far behind in the MB count but maybe better taught in Scout skills and ready to rank up sooner?

Make sure once all your i's are dotted and t's are crossed to send an e-mail to the pack thanking your former CC and her husband the former CM for all the hard work and help they've given to the pack and introducing the new CC and CM. I've known of troops/packs that have had to make sure a parent who was local law enforcement attended events after several really bad breakups like this. I hope this lady gets some psychiatric help.

Yeah, I wouldn't have a troop participate in retiring a Confederate flag of any type. Let the Scouts take down the US flag and some re-enactors deal with the Condederate flag, whether it's the CSA flag or a battle flag, the day before.

I agree with you. An SM should counsel a Scout about the MBs, especially if he's a young Scout, but the decision about what a Scout does should be left to the boy and the whims of scheduling (unless the SM knows a boy simply won't achieve any success in a complex MB). Doesn't sound like the boy is going to be offered many growth oppurtunities in that other troop. SM probably has them tracked all the way to Eagle in lock step, so one kid doing his own thing will really throw a spanner into the works. I would encourage Mom to sign her boy up for the New Scout Program. He will have more fun being with the boys he knows, and most NSPs do accomplish First Aide and/or Swimming; plus there may be open times for the easier badges, like leather work.

I'm going to Geocaching in Scouting, which is supposed to be mildly exerting. I have the official list, but we are moving this summer and most of my stuff may already be crated up on a slow boat to China. I have to figure out the logistics on gear, clothing in baggage for 6-8 weeks that I'll need once we get where we're going, etc. Not to mention my kids' stuff.

I'm going to Philmont for an outdoorsy conference. What should I take? What kind of hiking boots are better for the terrain, over the ankle or under? Do I really need to wear my uni every day? Daypack? Should I pack my snake stick? Can I take my black trunk on the plane? Maybe I'll just drive. God, what have I gotten myself into.