Papadaddy

I am all about personal responsibility...a trait we are supposed to be teaching the scouts. It's not "us" who are punishing the scout...it's the parents, through their inattention to the details. Too bad, so sad? Absolutely. I would let the parents AND scouts know in no uncertain terms...no medical, they don't even leave the parking lot. As others have said...it's not our rules and we can't make exceptions. I agree that the refund policy would depend on the camp refund policy...I always told the parents that they would have to call Council to arrange a refund. Once I turn in the money, it's not up to me. If it was a legitimate excuse (illness, death in the family) they would usually get their refund.

Please send up prayers for the family and Scouts of our friend and brother Arrowman, Bobby Bracy, tragically drowned on a troop camping trip at age 70. Bobby was a fixture for decades in the Tidewater Council and at Pipsico Scout Reservation.

http://hamptonroads.com/2012/06/portsmouth-scout-leader-drowns-camping-trip

Well said, John. We think a lot alike.

Check with your scout shop. I think they used to be in the catalog...maybe a special order item.

Richard, as safety and health professionals, we both know that "zero risk" is an unattainable goal.

Meeting with a MBC will no longer be required. All requirements can be completed via texting. Scouts will be issued a poster with QR codes for each MB which he can scan and download the pamphlet to his iPhone...for a $10 fee billed to mom's account.

I thought parents and scouts just texted each other every 10 minutes.

That's like allowing any unit scouter to show up at a District Committee meeting and vote on matters. No. Only members of the District Committee, which includes all CORs (ex officio) and duly elected members of the committee, are allowed to vote. That's why we have committee members...to decide matters for the whole pack. It's the boys who are members of the unit...not their parents (unless they are registered Scouters).

P.S.-what does being on a military installation have to do with it?(This message has been edited by papadaddy)

Typical BSA language. "Regularly" could mean once a year.

Does anyone know what the changes will be?

The HEalth and Safety guy is never the most popular in an organization...I speak from first hand experience. From the rank and file, you get ridicule "because we've always done it this way and I ain't dead yet" and from management, you get "I need to spend money for WHAT??? and it's going to save me money in the long run???" There are external forces, not the least of which are federal and state regulations, to which are added the demands of insurance carriers who must be apoplectic at the prospect of taking kids on high adventure trips by middle-aged volunteers. Now, that said, I am not aware of a legal regulation that prohibits anyone from using a wheelbarrow...but I don't believe that RichardB made it up to make our lives miserable. Personally, i would focus on the more egregious risks I have witnessed, like allowing Cubs to feed a wood chipper, and having a DE climb a tree with a running chainsaw tied to his belt (that required a trip to the ER).(This message has been edited by papadaddy)

There are different "levels" of professional within a Council...I think it's mainly a way to reward and retain the good ones, although the duties don't change much. An entry level DE right out of college makes about what Eamonn said. But the hours are horrendous, so they don't stay long once they figure out that they are working for less than minimum wage. Then there are Senior DEs, District Directors, Director of Field Services, Asst Scout Executives and SE. If you check your Council's IRS Form 990, it will list all employees making more than $50k per year. Last time I checked ours, it listed 2 people, and we are a 500 level council. One thing the pros are NOT, is overpaid, IMHO. And people need to remember that they are primarily "outside salesmen"...their primary mission in life is to increase donations, members, and units, not necessarily in that order. Program is what they do in their "spare time" if they can't get a capable volunteer to step up to the plate. I have always had a good relationship with my DEs...mutual respect and teamwork once we understand the ground rules.

People are too ignorant these days to know what RSVP means...or they just don't care. My son got married in November, and in the weeks before, we were calling invitees who hadn't bothered to respond one way or the other. Most said, "well, of course we're coming". Out of a guest list of 200, 50 people replied they were coming...and didn't, resulting in a tremendous waste of money for meals paid for, but unused. Some replied "yes" and attended the wedding at the church, but didn't show up for the reception. The reception is why we need the RSVP, DUH. People are morons...and the epidemic is growing worse.

BSA just posted on Facebook, words to the effect of: "just because a resolution was submitted, doesn't mean we're reviewing or changing anything." SOunds like damage control to assuage the large supporting religious organizations.

It would be hoot if that coach would get a note from one of those NFL Eagle scout stars, explaining what Scouting did for them. Just a thought...

THe Denner position is usually rotated among all the boys...been a while since I've been in Cubs, but I think it can be elected or appointed by the Den Leader. I was not happy when they went to the gold cord...they seem to get ripped off a lot, since cubs are so active. I guess better than sewing and removing patches.

THat would be a "Denner" patch, worn on the left sleeve under the Pack number. Asst Denner had one gold bar. The Denner was the Cub Scout equivalent to a Patrol Leader.

Do NOT ever, repeat NEVER, find yourself alone with this kid.

Receiving the BSA's highest rank award should be its own reward. I can see it if mom or dad or Aunt Martha want to get him something, but the adult leaders have given the most precious gift of all...the gift of time and mentorship (not to mention personal funds). In my opinion, the Scout should be giving them a gift, although I'm sure none is expected.

THose are spelled "Bodie"...but probably variations of the same surname.

Myself, I would say "bah-dee". Since there is a double consonant, that usually renders the preceding vowel short. As in, "potty" and "hottie". Of course, family names sometimes don't follow the rules.

Boddie-Noell Enterprises is a family owned company that owns chains of restaurants out of Rocky-Mount NC. Around here, the most common are Hardee's (hamburgers), Moe's Southwest Grill, and Texas Roadhouse.

http://www.bneinc.com/index.php

I pronounce it "Hardee's"

Why don't we just hand everyone their Eagle medal now and save everyone a lot of time.

mrface, you didn't say how large your Pack is, but size does matter. When I was CM back in the 80's (for 5 years), our Pack grew to be almost 150 boys. 15 Dens, 4 of which were Webelos. Pack meetings were 2.5 hr marathons, and all we had time to do was hand out badges and arrow points. We made the decision to split the Pack...which is how our Pack was formed in the first place. The DE loves this. Pack meetings became almost pleasurable again...had time for skits and songs and cheers...and refreshments. I guess a rule of thumb is to strive for a one hour meeting. If you are running longer than that, you have a problem.

Parent.