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Registration for the 2013 National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Scout Reserve is now OPEN. https://summit.scouting.org/en/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/ItemDetail.aspx?cat=01RTL&ctgy=PRODUCTS&c2=UNIFORMS&C3=USHIRTS&C4=&LV=3&item=695BSSSS&prodid=695BSSSS^8^01RTL& Wasn't this out BEFORE the 2010 Jambo? This is one of the options we looked at while getting ready (aka buying more stuff) to staff. We both thought it looked dressier but were turned off by the flat pockets, shorter length, and wool (it's awfully humid at AP Hill). As far as uniform requirements go, my son and I are in two different Councils and they both had the same requirements for staff - two complete uniforms. There was no specificity for "model" of shirt for either of us.

Good brands - and you pay for what you get - include Osprey and Arc'Teryx. An external frame may work better for you at those weights than an internal frame but there are models that will work depending on your preference. You'll need to be concious of the height of external frame so it does not get in the way when you need to portage. Since durability is a concern at these weights, stay away from the new ultralight materials they are less durable than heavier fabrics. Echoing others, YOUR fit and comfort are the primary consideration for selection but it sounds like you already know that. As far as mil surplus goes, I'd stay away from the "Alice" pack. I've used them for years, I have two that use for various things I'd consider abusive to my other bags (they ARE durable) but the straps are guaranteed to get in your way when trekking, they are heavy, offer little weather protection for your gear, the frame is TERRIBLE, the original straps - also terrible, the torso length is too short, etc, etc. If you want to go with a surplus mil bag the newer Molle II (Large) Rucksack is light years ahead in design and function. A pretty exhaustive discussion on selecting a backpack can be found on REI at: http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/backpack.html Good luck in your gear hunt and have a great trip.

Some projects were done at the Patrol meetings - others turned into Saturday or after school projects. The Patrols decide when and where. We (the troop) did not provide any supplies; the Patrols decide what their finished project will like and what supplies they need. So for the stools - on the challenge sheet I included pictures of types of stools and one set of plans (plywood that fits together for a stool and pulls apart for flat storage). One patrol decided to make folding stools with canvas seats, one Patrol used the plans provided, and another Patrol found their own plans. I often end up meeting Scouts at the hardware store to help them with buying lumber and hardware. They've never really needed me except to make sure they're not getting blown off by an employee though. Most folks are pretty happy to help them once they realize what's going on. I forgot to mention in my previous post, for the traditional games competitions we include the SPL and ASPL in the "New Scout Patrol" (when we've had one). This provides 3 experienced Scouts in their ranks - we use a Patrol Guide - during Scout Skills competitions.

In addition to the games competitions, we've also implemented a "Patrol Challenge". The last meeting night of each month the challenge is issued. Each month is a different challenge. The Patrols then have all of the following month to work on it. Challenges have included build collapsible camp stools for each member of the Patrol (must include Patrol logo), build a "window" display of the role Scouting has played in our community, stencil all Patrol gear with Patrol logo, select and build a "major" pioneering project at camp, find and make plaster casts of five different mammals' tracks, demonstrate Patrol Spirit at (Camporee, Scout Show, etc) by carrying Patrol flag, use of Patrol yell, etc. Some are quite challenging and others are more simple. It enables the Scoutmaster to hone what needs the most work or to prepare them for an upcoming event. Each Patrol that completes the challenge in the month receives something appropriate to hang from the Patrol flag. The Patrol that completes the challenge first, gets a fancier flag doodle and a piece of camping equipment or other gear (once we did free ice cream coupons donated by Dairy Queen). We have given a cooler, camp stove, cook set, a frisbee, etc as prizes. Some challenges are issued with idea resources - plans for stools were included, multiple pioneering projects were on the challenge sheet with web addresses, mostly enough to get their ideas going and to see that it could be done. This has worked in a few troops now and is pretty popular with the Scouts. The PLs like it because it gives them a chance to organize and lead projects, Scouts and adults like it because they can see the direct benefits to the Patrols.

We've completed this award with different Troops (and one Pack) in different states and have always had a positive experience.

They make plastic clips to slide over boot/shoe strings or drawstrings that you can use. You can find them in camping departments of some stores or outdoor specialty stores. These slide along the string when press in a button. So you tie a knot at the bottom end of the string to hold the beads and run the other end through the hole in the star. Place the string clip on the end at the top - it will keep the string attached to the star. Time to add beads just side the string off, add your beads, put string back through hole in star and reattach clip.

My wife and I both have Kindles - and love them. As far as Scouting applications for the Kindle I'd say it's limited, as limited as any book. The great value of the Kindle to me as a Scouter would be that I can "carry" a couple thousand books in my back pocket. What books you carry are up to you. The official Scout books are not available for Kindle - or any other e-reader - yet. But tons of other books are. Books with quality black and white line drawings are best if you're looking for illustrations. I have several books on knots, lashings, splicing (old and FREE), books on "old style" (pre-1920) camping skills and techniques (also FREE), nature guides, project books, etc on kindle. I also keep project ideas and plans (pdf format) on the kindle and a converter for measurements. But then I also read a lot and don't like to get of books, especially books with interesting things in them so the ability to store/transport a lot of material is pretty useful for me. Library books and some FREE e-books do need to be converted to allow reading on the Kindle; there is nothing difficult about this. There are "apps" for reading Kindle books on the iPhone, Droid, and your PC so if you wanted to access Amazon's extensive library but not buy the Kindle, you can. Battery lasts up to two weeks with a LOT of time spent reading - IF THE WIRELESS IS TURNED OFF. Of course, out in the wilderness you're probably not trying to get wifi anyway... With wifi on we've gotten anywhere from 5 to 9 days before felt it was time to charge ours. For books without "linked Table of Contents, note how the chapter starts (like Chapter, Chapter 2 or whatever) and search for the word (in this case "chapter"). Voila, you have a "jumpable" TofC on your Kindle. For something like the G2SS, search for a keyword you're looking for - boat, youth protection, etc. Bottom line is the Kindle allows you to have LOTS of books at your fingertips, it does not enable you to do anything a book doesn't. It just puts a lot more books at your disposal.

A great article covering this topic can be found at REI: http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/backpacking+stove.html

NJCubScouter asks: Oh? What exactly did he say? I believe these are the types of statements Eagle92 is referencing: I am a believer in knowing what youre doing when you apply for a job. And I think that if I were to seriously consider running on a national ticket I would essentially have to start now, before having served a day in the Senate. Now, there are some people who might be comfortable doing that, but Im not one of those people." On "Meet the Press" Jan. 22, 2006, Tim Russert and Sen. Obama had the following exchange: -Russert: "When we talked back in November of '04 after your election, I said, 'There's been enormous speculation about your political future. Will you serve your six-year term as United States senator from Illinois?' -Obama: "I will serve out my full six-year term. You know, Tim, if you get asked enough, sooner or later you get weary and you start looking for new ways of saying things. But my thinking has not changed." http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10909406/ Russert: "So you will not run for president or vice president in 2008?" Obama: "I will not." NBC News and news services updated 10/22/2006 8:26:33 PM ET 2006-10-23T00:26:33 -WASHINGTON Sen. Barack Obama acknowledged Sunday he was considering a run for president in 2008, backing off previous statements that he would not do so. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15026621/ Washington Post Staff Writer Monday, October 23, 2006 Until yesterday, Obama, one of the brightest stars in the party since he electrified the 2004 Democratic National Convention with his keynote address, had said he planned to serve out the full six years of his Senate term, which would have ruled out a presidential or vice presidential campaign in 2008. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/22/AR2006102200220.html So before anyone goes crazy on me, I'm only answering the question. Can folks change their minds? We all do, so yes. Did the President state he would not run '08? Yes, he did. Is there deeper meaning or insight into his character because of this? Well, that's what makes theses forums get so many more responses than the Scouting questions, isn't it...

Military Chaplains have a variety of resources along these lines. There are small books with readings, meditations, common hymns, etc they have available for leading services in the field. If you have access to a military base or National Guard unit, you should contact them to see if they can give you any of these or at least take a look at them for ideas.

Sasha, At the Blue and Gold, we do a silent auction for the cakes. Prizes (certificates/ribbons) are given out for lots of categories: best-themed, best Scout theme, most colorful, tallest, best looking, coolest (selected by the Cubs), etc. We donate the money raised to the World Scout Foundation. The "Grand Prize" has always been a golden bundt pan, but I like tdk's golden whisk idea, too.

Ranbow, You might try the Brunton 9020G Beginner Compass. The degrees are larger than many models and are white on black for high contrast. Cost is $12 - $15. Interesting question I hadn't considered before - good luck in finding what you need.

They COULD wear the patch as a temp insignia, but the "more appropriate" place is the patch blanket or other display. Of course, some units give out/wear many non-BSA patches as temp insignia. Take a trip to a Nat Park (cap/hike/service project), receive the patch as a memory, etc. As far as the company goes, we've ordered from them and received them with no problems. The first I heard of this award was from a local Homeschool group who was using the program - they also had no problems. This was 2009 timeframe so either their service is hit and miss or they've gotten their act together.

Bart, I'm not sure about where the "Rules and Regulations" states Laser Tag is not allowed but, From the Guide to Safe Scouting: Pointing any type of firearm or simulated firearm at any individual is unauthorized. Scout units may plan or participate in paintball, laser tag or similar events where participants shoot at targets that are neither living nor human representations. The link for this is: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/GSS/gss09.aspx Kind of takes the fun out of Laser Tag, right? But this is not new or hidden in any way. This information is listed in the "Unauthorized and Restricted Activities" section of the Guide to Safe Scouting.

Job performance varies from person to person. It is National policy to release the Rules and Regulations, not a Councils. If "you" or anyone else has an issue where the Council office is NOT following National policy, by all means give National a call. Having Execs at any level that seem to stand in the way of the Scouting experience is extremely frustrating - I know all too well. Fortunately, the BSA enables "you" and everyone else the means to bypass them and call the National office. So, outside of disagreeing with National's policies, which most of us here disagree with at least some of them, it isn't too difficult to get a personal copy of the Rules and Regulations. As far as various Council policies such as reading BSA rules but not taking notes - I suppose anything is possible. My experience is limited to only six Councils in the Lower 48 and one in Alaska. With the sheer number of Councils there are bound to be employees that screw this up. I do think the BSA is behind the times when it comes to using the interet for things like this. It does seem these kinds of things would be posted and EASY TO FIND on National's website. Unfortunately, I find it difficult to find much of real use there. Fortunately Scouting is filled with volunteers who, mostly, have their hearts in the right place and want to deliver a quality Scouting experience to the young men entrusted to them. And fortunately those volunteers have people like you, Kudu, to remind them of what CAN be if they stick to the basics. And yes I mean that sincerely; it really is unbelievable the difference 300 feet can make.

Regardless of your point of view, there is not much of a conspiracy in my experience to keep the BSA policies out of the hands of volunteers. You can order your own copy through your local council. They will forward your payment and request to national. Its hard enough to get most folks to read and comply with the G2SS; uniform? forget it! So its no wonder that MOST (but not all) involved never care to see the documents. So if you want to read them, just ask. If you want a copy, order it through your council office - not the local scout shop. I received my first copy from my DE - without even asking for them specifically. He just thought they would answer my questions.

To reach 100% subscription: We approached our charter and asked them to pay for all recharter costs; they agreed. We also asked if they would pay for CONTINUING subscriptions to BL; they agreed. So, any time a family joined the Troop, we encouraged them to subscribe to BL. Those that did, their renewal was covered as long they stayed with the Troop. The first year we recruited we had less than 50% (of new Scout families) subscribe. The next year (and all following years) we had 100% subscribe. What changed? We had a slew of new (one year) Scouts who talked up BL at the following recruitment drives. Barriers: 1. Cost, especially to new families who are paying to register, buying books, buying uniforms, hearing about dues, etc. The perpetual subscription solved this isue. 2. Content. This program was very successful for us mainly because we started with a Troop of almost all new Scouts crossing over from Webelos. The articles and format appealed to them. As the Scouts grow older, their interest in BL fades as the articles/projests all seem geared to younger boys. Inspirations: - In a Troop that was completely adult run, I was asked to come help them "get the boys involved". The adults said the "boys" just weren't interested in doing anything. At the next PLC it became apparent why - which is another topic - but by providing BL articles on things other Troops were doing they started talking about things they wished they could do. Several months later they were on their way to a pro ball game hundreds of miles away, next year's summer camp was in another state, the parents got behind the idea of a bus, Scouts have now attended Philmont and the National Jamboree, and made Eagle. Though saying BL was responsible for this would be a stretch (after all the Scouts were), BL was the catalyst for the Scouts and the parents that youcan do more than camp at the same place three times a year. - Scouts in Action is sometimes useful for 1st Aid training. - We had our own write-in contest to see who could get a Hobby How or joke printed first. - Another Troop in our Council donated their used BL to a local shelter. Good luck with your article.

"So how 'bout it? Is there really any merit to da modern practice of da psych professions for kids?" Yes. Ok so we probably want more of an answer than that. First off I agree with the basic issue that many kids are over diagnosed and over medicated. Of course the evidence that we didn't have all this happening when we were kids is hardly scientific. After all people used to die of cancer, heart disease, etc and were simply undiagnosed. As medical science advances, so do diagnoses and treatments. A 17yo young man told me he was thinking of harming himself. Three trips to a counselor was enough and he was "cured". No more issues of self harm, still feeling the emotional pain of course, but able to deal with it. That was more than a year ago now and he is a college student now. Another Scout, 13yo at the time, acting out violently to his parents, teachers, etc. Parents refuse to put him on recommended meds because they believe its just "made up - he's just being a boy". After one incident too many and nearly losing custody of their son, they put him on the meds - complete turnaround. Successful in school, polite, normal kid (without the glazed look I've seen on others taking meds). One more, started back in Cubs as kid diagnosed with ADD. Seemed slow, drugged if you will. A lot of issues growing and moving ahead with the other Scouts. Working directly with the Scout we had some major breakthroughs and he really came along and was able to stay with his peers all the way into Scouting. Eventually the parents went to see a different Doc and determined their son was taking too high a dose of meds. Dose was changed, brighter, more active, more interested son. I would say in all these cases the "psych professions for kids" worked. Now I could also provide examples of things that did not work - bad counselors, weird (IMO) instructions to parents from doctors. The Scout who was dosed up and didn't need anything except the opportunity to live. But these are examples of bad PEOPLE in the profession. Just like every profession, there are some who should really look for the chance to excel at something else.

I use a 3-prong hand-held hoe from the garden section. Middle prong is slightly longer so the lid handle is caught between it and the other two prongs when I lift it. Stays flat, no peppering, and makes turning the lid for baking easy. Since the handle is thick wood, it is comfortable to hold and never transfers heat.

We did themes back in our Cub days. Following are examples and the MAIN event of the theme. Fossil Camp - Hike to Mastodon kill site Space Camp - Fired rockets and studied the constellations Trail to Eagle - Camped by lake with nesting eagles and Webelos crossover Sports Camp - included an NBA game Cave camp - hike to local cave inhabited by a (real) dragon, no really, I swear! Honest... Swim Camp - I bet you can guess this one These themes were all supported by activities at the Den Meetings prior and things we could do in our local area.

Great site with instructions to build your own fire piston: http://www.wildwoodsurvival.com/survival/fire/firepiston/rbmodelt/index.html Too big to backpack with, a little clumsy when first starting, but certainly a valid lesson in alternative fire making, scientific principles, thrift/frugality, and creativity. I like them cause they're fun. But no, I do not carry backpacking or in my emergency kit. The little ones for $$$ would be more conveniently sized for that, but they are expensive. Amazon carries the "Scout" model for $35.http://www.amazon.com/Wilderness-Solutions-Scout-Fire-Piston/dp/B002WVC0FI for those interested.

While it is disappointing that every person in every place at every time is not treated exactly the same in every way, it is still the policy of the BSA (which was the original question) to limit the sale of centennial rank patches to those earning their rank this year. Our previous Scout Shop did sell centennial badges to a couple of folks for display boards. These were people they knew - that way the patches did not end up on eBay... The Scout Shop here, however, is very strict in limiting the sales. Perhaps that is because it a MUCH larger area and they just can't be sure who they're selling to. Or maybe its the fact the Scout Shop staff is so much larger (at least 15 compared to 3) they don't develop the relationships with the Scouters. Or maybe they're just sticking to the rules no matter what. Both Shops have sold multiple patches to Scouts who needed them (or at least said they needed them, for the cynics out there) for multiple uniforms, especially leading up to the Jamboree. Though I do not know and can not judge the motivations of the "kiddos" at the St Louis Scout Shop, I prefer to presume they are doing their job rather than making money on eBay. In my experience, Scout Shop employees are generally helpful and, like others in the world, want to be successful. A little courtesy, especially consistent courtesy, goes a long way in building rapport and mutual respect with employees who deal with unsatisfied folks daily. If you have concerns about the policy or want to ask for an exception, talk to the shop manager or the local Scout Executive. They will probably be able and willing to help you out. Good luck assembling your display.

Scoutfish, I agree with AnaMaria. The policy is that the DL signs the book - not witnesses/organizes every item. Have your son talk to the DL about the requirements completed over the Summer. The two of them will probably work it out without your involvment at all. BTW - sounds like you had a great summer!

That is incorrect. The former Council sends an e-file to the registrar to transfer the records. You can also call the previous Council and have the registrar send this file directly to you. That is all that is needed to transfer the records from one council to another. We have done this many, many times. The most recent was last week.