BDPT00

When you say 'opening campfire,' to what are you referring?

BDPT00

If you sang the announcement song, then your staff didn't get it. I'd write 'em off.

What part of "A Scout is Courteous" don't they get? They're sending Cub leaders back to their units with that kind of crap? And to think they "learned it at Wood Badge."

I can assure you it didn't come out of the syllabus, and I'm sorry you had to endure it.

BDPT00

I'm very happy to see reflection back in the syllabus. Not many Scout leaders these days know how to lead a reflection, even though it's explained pretty well in the SM Handbook. It's explained well in this new material, too. I hope Scoutmasters read it and try it. It absolutely works.

I'm glad the authors saw fit to bring back what they'd so gingerly thrown out before.

BDPT00

"BPT, why don't you think Summit and patrol cooking go together?"

*** I'm not the one making the plans. Just stating what I think will happen.

And by the way, what "style" of cooking do you think Venturers will use? I think they detest the word "patrol."

BDPT00

Kudu has twice mentioned the Summit and patrol cooking. I'm not so sure those two go together.

BDPT00

"They should have recognized Spielberg. Hope they'll recognize Rowe."

** For making movies and selling cars?

It's interesting to see "voting rights" and "official" in here. How would one define an "official vote" by a committee? I would be willing to submit that the committee has no voting "authority" at all. Who gave it to them?

BDPT00

"My understanding (based on what I have read in the Committee Guidebook and on the scouting.org) is that the COR is not a part of the committee, unless he also registers as the Committee Chair."

** False. The sited resource doesn't say that.

"He does represent the unit (or units) and may be a part of the District Committee and the Counil Exectutive Committee."

** False. Not "may be." "Is."

BDPT00

Now we're talkin'!

That's very cool. I like it when people personalize ECOHs. You can do whatever you like, and this sounds like a great idea.

Nice,

BDPT00

I don't mind some interfaith services. I understand your feeling regarding "worship," and I agree. I don't mind teachings or thoughts on peace and generosity, etc. What I like least of all is someone thinking it's OK to call upon the spirit of the west wind, then the east, and so forth. That's a crock. In interfaith services, it seems that any resource is available except for the New Testament. That's somehow off limits, because it might offend somebody.

I don't want this to get carried away, as it often does. I just wanted to know what you meant by anathema. It's what I thought, and I hear you. We all have our own opinions, and yours is very clear. I appreciate that.

For me, I'm not against interfaith services, but they can very easily cross a line, and people generally don't notice (until sometimes it's too late). They need to be vetted by someone who knows what they're doing, and who knows the audience.

BDPT00

I agree with shortridge (except the 18 year old part... ASM only)

I do think though that an adult (that 18 year old) stating that he's gay is significant. That should become known to your DE. A Scout? Unless he makes some sort of issue about it, one should try to ignore it. His telling you, however, doesn't make that easy. He needs to air it out. If he is wondering, or if the leader is wondering, that's one thing. If he's "out there," that's another, and he has several decisions to make. Being in Scouts (and why) is one of them.

BDPT00

John,

I appreciate your vocabulary, especially that word you slipped in on me one time when I referred to Hitler somehow.

Anaethma isn't in my vocabulary, and I'm not really sure how you mean it here. I'm assuming that you mean it's totally wrong and inappropriate, and that you're not going to participate. Am I right? Is there more to it?

BDPT00

I like both Gunny's and Beavah's posts. Makes one think.

My perspective is much simpler, though broad brush...

Do we have more government this year than we had last year? Will we have even more next year? When do we stop growing the government?

(What percentage of our population works for the government? What was the percentage 10, 20, and 30 years ago? What will it be in ten years from now? Do we happen to notice a trend?)

And the follow-up questions are: Are we better off? Who controls our lives? Is a better life for our kids still the American dream?

BDPT00

If we'd get rid of about 50% of our govenment, we'd be a lot better off. Cut the budget in half, and get rid of all of the people and agencies that control our lives. They're not doing a very good job of it.

I'm sure glad we don't get all of the government we pay for though.

BDPT00

That would be Mr Dude, thank you.

Gold beads?

Critter beads?

Class B beads?

Metal beads?

Can't we just relax and wear the beads the way they're supposed to be worn?

They were at the 2005 Jamboree. So???

BDPT00

Sounds like a perfect opportunity to look into American Heritage Girls. Many are home-schooled, and they could share a chartered partner with BSA. They would tend to cooperate with BSA; not fight against them.

BDPT00

Yes, it's very few, but I recall that many years ago (at least a dozen), there was an article reagarding the 1000th awarded.

BDPT00

At this point, for me, the misinformation stated is, "My comment was more directed at the AHG folks who think they're entitled to use BSA resources."

Where did that statement come from?

BDPT00

AHG's doors are open to all girls, but they need to understand that the organization is Christian, and they won't disguise that fact.

BDPT00

The previous post's question was in regard to the DRP comment.

And how is CampFire doing these days?

Best of luck. I'd say they need some good leadership and an improved program (that, however, is with no actual hands-on knowledge of their program).

From how I see it, AHG is the wave of the future. They know what they're doing, and they know what they stand for. I support them and their growing association with BSA.

BDPT00

Great. Thanks. I found it, but this is even better.

In speaking with people from several councils, I haven't found any that have actually embraced this yet. Some districts already had something going (mine does), but my council hasn't heard of this yet.

They will now.

Thanks, BDPT00

I've misplaced my brochure regarding the new council and district religious emblems coordinator positions. Does someone happen to have the resource electronically?

Thanks, BDPT00

Made me smile. No problem with the kids emerging from the woods.

BDPT00