ntrog8r

There is a fraternal organization the "United Ancient of Druids" (UAOD) that sponsors at least Scout troop, Boy Scout Troop 924 in Livermore, CA. This organization IS associated with druidism according to their website. From their website:

Blessings from our Ancient Order. We are a part of the spritual fraternal family, known on this planet as the United Ancient Order Druids, U.A.O.D. (pronounced yew-odd). Our truths come directly from the Bible, and the HIDDEN KNOWLEDGE of our ancient ancestors. Many of these sacred teachings were kept symbolically in the legends of Saint Merlin of England, so that the hidden, true meaning of Christ could be concealed from the profane masses, yet revealed to the deserving few through our mediation. Our rituals reflect our Ancient Brethern's efforts to bring true Christianity to heathen Europe, and the persection they suffered as a result of the SACRED MISSION. Though our origins remain shrouded in the dim mists of antiquity, our written history began in the 17th century as part of a movement to recreate the fraternal family of the "wise ones", practice VIRTUE, and unite to assist others. Our Ancient Bretheren were quite worldly and crafty, posessing many diffrent types of hidden knowledge and true revelations of scripture, making them "wise as serpents, yet innocent as doves" (Mt 10:16). They were to serve as "instructors of the youth and consultants to kings" (Mer 5:13). They were, and many still are, teachersand councilors of the highest caliber and VIRTUE. As Sir Knights, They fought for the oppressed, and taught morality to the barbarians. They began missions to spread knowledge and light to the masses, through the teachings of St. Merlin and our "Red Fez" prophets. By teaching THE SEVEN PRECEPTS OF MERLIN and THE SEVEN STAR POINTS, they were able to redeem those who put into practice these sacred commandments, making them free from all sin. We are proud to carry on the tradition of SERVICE, PURITY, and VIRTUE, following the teachings of the Magi, Magus-Jesus, Merlin, and the Angel of Light and Knowledge.

The link provided above, for the "Black Shamrocks, does seem odd. Maybe they've just started bilding it?

Another difference is that OA and all its levels are an official part of Boy Scout program. They are open about their existence, purpose, and methods. If there is "no connection" to druidism, why the name? Sounds pretty fishy to me.

Talk to the unit leaders and ask them how you can help.

Know the "knot" requirements and see that deserving leaders get recognized - at their unit and at Roundtables.

Answer phone calls and e-mails from your units.

Get them to training (you first).

Be a sounding board for the stressed out leader before telling them "how to fix" it.

Follow-up - especially in areas they've asked for help with.

Make a friend so you can vent; you'll need to.

The prices do seem awfully high - especially for the genyu-wine, faux-pax, imitation leather covers. Of course, if tehre are people willing to pay the price, then it is priced right. I hope it works to bring funds into the organization, just wish I could afford to think that it's a reasonable price.

Right on - and Be Prepared. Know what you need done, what you want done, and then ask! I have seen groups where parents were excited to get involved but no on easked them to do anything for awhile so they just drifted away.

>"In the new March-April 2009 edition of Scouting Magazine on page 20 there is a picture of a scouter with a different world crest emblem patch. The patch can be purchased from quartermasterstore.com under woodbadge patches. Anyways, my questions is, is this patch official and can be worn after completing your woodbadge ticket, or is this guy just in the wrong?"<

I have seen many unofficial (i.e. unauthorized) patches over the years; this is just one more example. Can they be fun - yes. Are they to be placed on the uniform - no. Does my desire to wear my uniform correctly make the uniform police, or obedient in following the BSA's rules? Just like WBers who give the impression of elitism, uniform police are identified by their attitude and motivation.

If I see an unofficial patch on a uniform and privately ask the person about it and let them know its wrong in way that is not offensive and there is usually no problem and the other person leaves having learned something new. I'll admit there are a lot of rules and not everyone is going to buy the insignia guide and read through it to find every right answer; in fact, they'll probably do what they saw someone else do. As a former Drill SGT, I know I put more into the uniform than most - that doesn't make me better, just a little OCD about uniforms.

There are folks I just won't approach about their uniform - or anything else - because of their attitude. I learn from these people what I can and try to ensure I am not projecting the same attitude to others that I see in them.

Now, if there is an unofficial patch out there that people think is the greatest, why not round up some support and submit the idea to National? The program, and its accoutrements, is always evolving. Does anyone out there know the procedure for recommending a change in uniform/patches?

Troops in the past - YES.

Current Troop - NO.

My son doesn't like the Troops uniforming and pointed out in our first visit after moving they didn't look like Scouts. When he showed up, in complete uniform (no merit badge or OA sash), the other Scouts took notice. Young and old alike nearly swamped him with questions and some were just amazed he wore a complete a uniform. Two patrols asked if he would be their Troop Guide, didn't know anything about him other than he wore a uniform. Last week the SPL was, almost, in full uniform...

If it has that much impact on the Scouts, how much impact does it have on others while traveling?

I prefer E6000 craft adhesive. This also works to glue cloth to rock, rock to metal, etc. Best lasting stuff I've ever used - recommended to me a jewelry maker.

I think you're right on the money with this. I got tired of no parent involvement way back as a CM. At the next Pack meeting I annonced which events, already on the schedule, would not happen since we did not have anyone to head them up. That evening, during the snack/fellowship fter the meeting, I approached specific parents with a direct personal request for their help. Only one said no, and a new recruiting method was born. I've used it ever since.

Eamonn,

Thanks for the welcome! I definitely agree the right time and place to get adults trained is early. The examples provided show that some either did not attend required training or did not receive adequate training.

Many have posted concerns about the need for additional training. Maybe what is needed is better basic training. One thing for sure, with the number of threads about the need for advanced training, there must be something that is missing. Maybe we can clearly identify what that is and find a solution...

Sorry about your loss; I thought my patch had disappeared after one our many moves as well but it showed up at last. WHEW!

This link, http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m38.l1313&_nkw=Philmont+50th+Anniversary+&_sacat=See-All-Categories , will take you to an eBay search for 50th anniversary items from Philmont. No arrowhead patches but there are some jacket patches. I believe you can also contact Philmont directly to replace a lost patch (special border might be hard).

Address: Philmont Scout Ranch

Attn: CHQ

17 Deer Run Road

Cimarron, NM 87714

Phone: (575) 376-2281

Fax: (575) 376-2602

Good luck!

As a professional trainer, I always support providing more training to folks; training that is focused, useful, and that people WANT to come to.

Semantics carry a lot of weight - why are we discussing an "advanced" outdoor skills course while using examples of Scouters without BASIC skills? A SM provided lighter fluid and instruction to "throw a lit match"? Really? That doesn't require ADVANCED outdoor skills this is a lack of BASIC outdoor skills.

Different levels of first aid experience and standards of care? This is true in every town across America. If there were a "realistic first aid experience" as part of the training syllabus, I would HOPE there was first aid training included in the training OR that the described scenario was being used to demonstrate why the soon-to-be-presented training was needed. That training would be the standard of care for the group.

I feel very confident in my outdoor skills, except fishing and technical rock climbing. As a Scouter in various units in various parts of the country, I have had the skills necessary for the Scouting program. However, the skills are pretty basic. What advanced skills are needed to comply with the Guide to Safe Scouting and the Handbook while camping? After all, I'm there to keep the Scouts safe while they're having fun. I am not there to train them in advanced skills. (Training the PLC has been needed in many cases to ENABLE the BOY LEADERS to train their Scouts.)

Also, what are we really talking about? To design a training program, the first question that has to be asked is:

>What is the purpose of (why) the training? "Advanced outdoor skills" is WHAT IS TAUGHT but does not answer the PURPOSE of teaching it.

Do we need training to make sure we're more competent than the Scouts are? To respond to emergencies in a field environment? To enable adult leaders to get over their anxiety about going out in the woods? To recognize our continued commitment to the program among (over) other Scouters? Each of these tasks requires a different program.

If the PURPOSE for the training is defined and requires "advanced" outdoor skills, what skills are they? What does advanced mean? Which outdoor skills would be covered? Is there a set that would be the same across all Scout Councils and Districts?

>Where (at what level) should the training take place? Is this a council or district level event?

>What is right method for presenting it? Roundtable? Weekend camping? Weeklong expedition? PowerPoint;)? Volunteer "Mentors" to bring the training to the unit leaders? UofS?

>Who is the targeted group to receive this training?

>When should receive it?

>What will they be able to do, at what measured level of performance, when training is complete?

And, most importantly,

>How does this training enhance the Scouting program for the SCOUTS?

On a personal note, I'd not provide any recognition to the "graduates" of the training that were worn on the uniform or otherwise displayed to others. Issue the BSA training card, a certificate, and a small token of the experience (if it warrants it) and send them out to bring their new skills to their Scout unit.

It is my hope to see specific ideas and answers to the proposed questions that may lead to training programs developed that meet the needs of those interested in improving the Scouting program. Who knows, if those of us "in the trenches" identify and articulate what we are looking for, National may even put something together.