Papadaddy

I would consider it rude to confront a fellow Scouter who was wearing the uniform incorrectly. But that's just me... I might, instead, suggest an information session (or flyer) about the POR for the next Roundtable to educate folks.

A few misconceptions: Unit leaders do not "allow" their scouts to participate. OA is an individual activity, not a unit activity. Except for allowing a chapter election team to conduct unit elections, the only way units need to be involved is to approve the candidates to appear on the ballot. As an adult, neing chosen for OA is not something you choose to do. Adults are nominated by their units (usually the troop committee), and then approved by the Lodge, based on what they can offer to enhance the scouts' experience. At that point, you can decline to become a member if you so choose. Your point about transporting your sons is a point well taken. The point about carpooling is also valid. Regardless of what you were told by a misguided Arrowman, parents are absolutely allowed to OBSERVE any activity of the BSA, including OA. You may not actively participate or interact with your sons, but you can observe. If you are barred from doing this, you need to have a frank discussion with your Scout Executive, who is also in charge of the OA Lodge. Of course, as a parent, you have the right to withdraw your sons from any activity you don't approve of, but hopefully, as a future SM, you're not that "helicopterish". Good luck and I wish you well.

Welcome to the forums, bdtscouter. Please post an introduction, so we can properly welcome you!

I agree with the Judge...the unit should not be put in the position of monitoring dad's compliance. I would tell mom that...if she wants to ensure the order is complied with, then she needs to monitor that. If she pulls the kids from the unit, then so be it. Let he rknow that this is a family matter and you're not getting in the middle of it. The kids will suffer, but they've already made that decision.

If he is doing this with scouts present, as you stated, it is creating a hostile environment, which, in my opinion, is a youth protection issue. Anyone with this bad of behavior, I wouldn't assume anything. Let the SE sort it out, and it will remain confidential. In our council, we are trained to call the SE directly...and in my experience, most DE and UC are useless, except when they want money.

This is just too bizarre for words. I think we've been led down this path before. Call your Scout council office and request a private meeting with the SE for a "youth protection" matter (even though it is adults he is sexually harassing). Those are code words and the secretary should patch you right through. Then tell him everything you've told us. This man and this unit are way out of bounds and you and your family need to find another unit with "normal" scouters. Good luck.

From the "Manual for Chaplains and Chaplain's Aides" at Scouting.org: The troop chaplain is an adult who may be a troop committee member, the executive officer of a religious chartered organization, or serves in another leadership capacity. It is customary that the religious leader, or an appointee of the chartered organization, will serve as chaplain if the troop is operated by a religious organization. A troop not operated by a religious organization may select a chaplain from local members of the clergy. The chaplain should 1.Provide a spiritual element for campouts and troop meetings 2.Provide spiritual counseling when needed or requested 3.Provide opportunities for all boys to grow in their relationship with God and their fellow Scouts 4.Encourage Scouts to participate in the religious emblems program of their respective faith 5.Be familiar with the chaplain aide section of this manual 6.Work with the troop chaplain aide to plan and conduct an annual Scout-oriented religious observance, preferably during Scout Week in February

It doesn't hurt my feelings...I've been bullied about my weight for 52 years, so I'm used to it.

I'm with ya, Rick. I always noticed that the more "fit" parents were too busy watching football or NASCAR on TV while I was out in the woods in the rain with THEIR kids.

No one. My family roots are in OGE's neighborhood and I've been in the church where his troop meets. But we've never met, regrettably.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is the second largest mainline protestant denomination with approx 5 million members. I'd hardly call that "fringe". They changed their policy in 2009 and now allow homosexual clergy as long as they are in a "monogamous committed relationship". The previous policy was they had to be celibate if gay. I haven't figured out yet how they reconcile that with scripture, which in my mind is pretty clear. It's kind of an awkward thing to bring up, since my Pastor's son has recently graduated from seminary and is "married" to his partner. Hence my question a few months back about the "IH" being a registered member of the BSA, should a church with a gay Pastor choose to become a Chartered Organization. A sticky wicket indeed. I'm not coming down on either side of the issue...just trying to sort out the mixed messages from the two institutions that had the most influence on who I am.

Make a functional camp gadget out of duct tape and use it for 6 days and 4 nights. Safety rules: Ends of duct tape should be cut straight across with scissors and not torn by hand, which could lead to broken fingernails. Sheath knives may not be used for this purpose. If duct tape is to be used on a wheeled cart, it may only be applied by an adult over the age of 18. Duct tape may not be used in lieu of closed-toe shoes. Canoes made of duct tape may not be used on running water and occupants MUST be swimmers.

I have seen it at Home Depot or Lowes.

POliticians don't say anything unless it is carefully vetted by staff to assess the political capital it will gain. Except for Joe Biden and Ron Paul, of course. The NC referendum didn't change anything...there was already a ban on gay marriage on the books. Since my church has come out allowing gay clergy who are "in a committed relationship", I am frankly conflicted. Some of my best friends are gay and I have no question about their morality or integrity and would trust them implicitly with my life and the life of my kids. Then there's the Bible...

You may have missed previous discussions, but National has defined "active = registered" (for advancement purposes) While many of us disagree with that interpretation, we may not add to the requirements.

"DE fired the training chair" ??? Basement, your council is out of control. The DE does not have that power, nor does the SE for that matter. But I'm sure you know that. Why in the world would any volunteer put up with that crap?

Let's see...no atheists...no homosexuals...no fat guys...who can we go after next? Tampa, congratulations-seriously. I admire someone who can do that. My experience, after a year on Weight Watchers, has been more like allangr's. That first 20 lbs came off easy, then I've been stuck, in spite of sticking to the program and leaving half my "points" on the table (so to speak) every day. I estimate I'm under 2000 calories a day and am not losing weight. I did get my A1C back down to where the doc is no longer threatening me with meds and daily finger sticks, but I would like to lose another 50 lbs or so. As long as I'm chained to a desk all day, it probably ain't gonna happen. Oh, and I've been the "fat kid" since first grade and at age 58 am still amazed at the people who think it's ok to comment on my size. My parents were overweight and my mom was diabetic, and both died before age 70, so I have no delusions of living to be a ripe old age. Sometimes genetics IS a factor.

Is the BSA published Roundtable guide with monthly themes no longer used?

My brother in law was one of the most physically fit guys I knew. 6 foot 3, not a bit of fat, strong as an ox, worked a physical job 12 hrs a day as a diesel truck mechanic. Died in his sleep last Sept at age 50, leaving us his 17 year old son to care for. I think the 2 pack a day habit had something to do with his massive heart attack. If we go down this path, where does it end? Or is it all about "apperances"???

Well, as long as it's not unsightly...

Don't make me drive across town and spend an hour listening to announcements that could be covered by an email.

Not forwarding popcorn money that has been collected has nothing to do with being poor or "punishing" a child. THey had the money, they just chose to steal it and use it for something else. It never was "their" money. There is no excuse for that. As for rechartering, I don't know many people who can't afford the annual recharter fee...they just need to re-examine their priorities. I used to have a neighbor whose kid was on the free lunch program at school because they claimed they were low-income. BUt every day, I observed their $35,000 truck with custom paint job in the driveway of their house that was larger and more expensive than mine, and I observed how they all piled in the car and went out to eat every night (I know because we ate out too and would frequently run into them ... and it wasn't Mickey D's). Mom was a registered nurse, and dad drove a cab. So, no, in this neighborhood, I don't have much sympathy for people who claim they can't "afford" scouting. More than a few times, I personally paid for summer camp for one of my scouts (in addition to my own sons and myself), because I knew the family was going through a tough time. It was between me and the SM, and they never knew who the benefactor was, but I was not about to see a good SCout stay home because mom was dying of cancer or dad had lost his job. I do agree with the fundraising comment...give them an opportunity to earn their way, but if they don't want to participate, drop them. THat's not "punishment"...that's the predictable consequence of THEIR decision. Try going to Busch Gardens and explaining that if they don't let you in for free, it would unfairly punish your child. Good luck with that.

Agree with Eamonn. No pay, no play. Not turning in popcorn money that they have collected, or not returning unsold product, is called theft. Of course, if you cut the kid off, you will never see them, or the money, again. Cut your losses and move on.

Where's a moderator when we need one? If you ask for opinions here, you're going to get them...even the ones you don't like.

Tread lightly. If I were a USCG licensed Master licensed to carry commercial passengers and someone asked me to take BSA online training, I would escort them off my boat...head first!