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Old_OX_Eagle83

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Everything posted by Old_OX_Eagle83

  1. Thank you Pack, finally someone who is looking at what's important here. I bleed Red and Green, like the rest of you, but a reality check is needed here. This young man needs help, and not with a merit badge.
  2. Well said Barry I think this issue stems from a culture grown overly competitive, that has produced a full generation, or maybe two now, that are trained to "look for the win", and see Eagle Scout as that win. We need to change the thinking of our leaders, from Tiger up, on the Aims of scouting, and the correct way to use all methods of scouting, in a balanced way, to achieve the Aims. This change would have to start with the DE pitching scouting in the school guy, include every training course, and flow through the youth and adults who put this program on.
  3. This thread is a perfect example of the problem attitude that has developed with Eagle Scout. Eagle Scout is a possible attainment for our best and brightest, those who should be on a pedestal, a shining example, and a spokesperson for BSA. Not every scout should get Eagle, not every scout has what it takes. Eagle is not a completion of Scouting, it isn't a graduation, it isn't resume filler. This award is cheapened when we begin to think "everyone should win" and "they all deserve it"; sorry it just isn't so. This kid screwed up major, and we should be concerned about how to g
  4. How long will it be before that wave of intolerance reaches the BSA and it's OA references to such culture? ... About 30 years ago. The OA and "The First People" have had rocky relations at times. Although not an OA group, the Koshare story is a very good example of how things have been. By and large we do, and have had issues, but by showing respect for, and demonstrating a desire to learn and preserve, the customs and traditions of the various aboriginal groups we've gained respect and trust. It's important we remain mindful of our relations with all Nations, Tribes, and Bands. Th
  5. Fred - he hasn't done everything, he missed the whole point in scouting ... character development, becoming a good citizen ... values, ethics ... This young man has when through the motions, but nothing more. When sitting on District Eagle Boards I've often said "we're not here to make Eagle Scouts, but to recognize the Eagle Scouts that come in this room. Your young man is no Eagle Scout, in fact he's no scout at all.
  6. It's all about the journey, and a constant reminder that Eagle isn't a destination. Eagle Scout should never be a young man's goal in scouting, it should be a possible byproduct of his journey through scouting. Scouting isn't about pretty patches, and cool titles, they are mechanisms designed to support achieving the "aims of Scouting" ... something we must never loose sight of. "Aims of Scouting." They are character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness.
  7. Thank you SR540 Beaver, good answer. Also remember the OA was originally known as BSA's Honor Camper Society, and was born at Treasure Island Scout Camp, as a summer camp program. There are those who have forgotten that " ... the Order of the Arrow is a thing of the Outdoors and camping". The OA isn't a thing of dormitories and fun games; one of the crisis we face is loosing sight of our purpose. "The Order of the Arrow is a thing of the spirit rather than of mechanics. Organization, operational procedure, and paraphernalia are necessary in any large and growing movement, but th
  8. What's tough, this young man committed multiple criminal acts, and did so at a BSA event, on BSA property. To add the icing to the cake, the scout was acting as the worst possible role model. Your young man no longer meets rank requirement #2: Demonstrate that you live by the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your daily life. List on your Eagle Scout Rank Application the names of individuals who know you personally and would be willing to provide a recommendation on your behalf, including parents/guardians, religious, educational, and employer references. I'd be shoc
  9. Boy's Life should do a feature on Wayne Hessemer, scout's need this type of role model.
  10. Young scout patrols are as good as you make them. A good NSP will facilitate a transition from Cub to Boy Scouts, and acclimate the new scouts to your troops customs and methods, while developing future leadership and facilitating the scouts acquiring the skills needed to advance to First Class. What we've found works best is a starting structure of an ASM working with a Troop Guide (that should be at least 13). The Guide ideally is someone who has leadership potential, and for whatever reason never receives appointments from the SPL. The Guide and ASM of young scouts should start a few m
  11. TAHAWK, If your post was in response to mine they don't like up well. All of your definitions of the Divine, God if you will, include "creator", whereas I never mentioned creator. This is a very important distinction with comparing western and eastern belief systems, and the Jewish, Islamic, Christian family of beliefs to most anything else. Buddhism is a tough nut because it's not so much what most would call a religion, as a system and philosophy on how you view, and interact with everything, including your faith, which could be anything. To break out of the western mind set
  12. Maybe I'm wrong on how this would play out, it's happened before My fear is some young ladies will not want separate but equal, and will decide to challenge things legally. Qwazse, I'm interesting in learning more about these matriarchal groups, rather then side track the thread can you message me information?
  13. This is always a big can of worms. My opinion is age is not important, but the maturity, and experience to grasp the lessons along the scout trail is. If scouts are truly mastering the skills along the way; truly filling office requirements, not just the holding office for a period of time; and truly owning the project from vision, to plan, to communication, to leadership, to evaluation, they are old enough. Where the process fails is where requirements are signed off without performance and understanding. No, I'm not suggesting testing on BOR, I'm suggesting testing before requirements a
  14. As much as I'd live to see this Chapter get it's act together, and this unit step up to help make the program better, those are things I can't change. I understand the OP very much wants to change these two things, and believe me I'm cheering him on. However, with that being said ... There's a few very key things that need remembered as we discuss this: 1. The OA's original, and continuing purpose, is to recognize scouts who are model campers and scouts, and by honoring them, inspire other scouts to master the same skills, and exhibit the same behaviors. - This program is Troop Based
  15. It sounds like you have a good SM. I'm very glad the email is from the SM, and not a scout
  16. The simple answer is, "Yes, the SM can ban the election". I don't agree with him, but that wasn't the question.
  17. jpstodwftexas, where are you seeing adults in regalia' this is an express violation of National OA policy. Only youth may wear regalia as part of the OA program ... period. If adults are appearing in regalia, this needs reported to the Council Executive immediately, and stopped (See Below). You're correct that there are male and female dance styles, based on Nation and Band. However, to honor native tradition, we would have to have "separate but equal" programs, segregated by gender ... I don't see that flying. And further discussion in GTI: Members' Uniforms All members at
  18. I didn't say one that I should have. I respect that heck out of the OP for exploring this topic with an open mind, and all of those who have posted, and done the same. SSScout gave us a historic reminder of how volatile this topic is, and just how far we have came as nation, and an organization. Dale, in the end your committee can't add "Duty to God" as part of the definition of "Scout Spirit", as it's already there, being part of the scout oath. Your SM can't judge a scout's performance of his "Duty to God", as his role is neither religious leader, nor God. BSA has not better defined Dut
  19. The concept of the divine is not a simple thing for everyone. Perhaps the high and low knowledge of the Hindu best explains it. The Hindu worship many deities, but the Priest Cast know there is only one God, but each person perceives the divine in their own way. You mentioned Buddhists not believing in God, which is not exactly accurate (that would be a long discussion). Jains believe the divine manifests as life, and all life is divine (Sorta: Life = God). Another correction: Wiccan’s can form BSA units, but the Crescent and Hart Religious Emblem, offered by that faith, isn’t cu
  20. Good post, although I fear it will be used by some as a soap box from which to promote personal beliefs. First let me say the SM does not decide what Scout Spirit is; he decides if the scout is showing Scout Spirit. The definition of Scout Spirit is: A scout doing his or her best live to the codes of scouting, namely (for Boy Scouts): Scout Oath, Scout Law, Motto, Slogan, Outdoor Code, and Obligation(s) of OA (if an Arrowman). Another very important point: A Scout Leader does not promote is own religious beliefs or faith to a scout, this is a violation of the parent’s trust. A
  21. This topic is a mire of what was, what is, and what's intended. I'm take things in reverse order, what's intended: Youth OA offices do not count as a POR for advancement, and as such do not have office patches. If you obtain one of the old officer patches, or a custom one, they are worn as a temp patch. A youth's primary registration is to a unit, and his loops should indicate his primary registration. Region patches (correction of above) are work by professionals, those with region responsibilities, and/or at not only Jambo, but also NOAC. Regions have been asked to discontinue
  22. You can use the 15 passenger van, so long as you have 12 or less passengers.
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