P_Swigs

The Webelos crossover is an important time of a Scout's life. Where the Arrow of Light presentation marks the end of being a Cub Scout, the crossover ceremony represents the next big step on the Trail of Scouting. The boys crossing over into a Boy Scout Troop are the only ones who should be participating in the ceremony. Having the others cross the bridge, be presented a Scout Handbook, etc. provides nothing but a feel good moment for boys who aren't doing anything more in Scouting. They know it, the parents know it, the Scoutmaster knows it - why have them crossover? If the boys

Anyone besides me uncomfortable with your event being called "Red Indian Weekend"? I try not to be TOO politically correct, but given options, I might go a different direction in regard to the name.

lol... Mr. Ed...

One thing I've noticed with our Troop as we've worked toward completing Hiking Merit Badge is the shyness of some hikers to acknowledge hikers going in the other direction, almost to the point of looking down or away as they approach. I've always been taught to be polite and greet others on the trail and I try to encourage that with our Scouts. Obviously, the total conversation is likely nothing but a simple "hi" or "good morning" as you pass, but if it's done with a smile while looking at the other person, it offers a warm greeting, respect and courtesy to others that is, and always sho

Mike, Thank you so much for what you bring to this forum. It's information and past experiences like yours that drew me to this message board in the first place. Your willingness to share has always been well thought out and constructive. As one leading a contingent on a 50 mile backpacking trip on Isle Royale next summer, I've found your posts to be very helpful and insightful. They will be put to good use. Thanks! As a sidenote, you and I seem to see Scouting in much the same fashion. It's a pleasure replying to your posts.

Mike, I am very grateful for your words on backpacking and thoughts on the lack of backpacking experiences in some Troops and/or councils. I couldn't agree more. It is for this reason that our young Troop is starting a High Adventure program. Challenging, fun, great for Scout retention and all the things you mentioned in your post. Thanks!

In regard to uniform inspections, I would always accentuate the positive. There is seldom, if ever, anything constructive accomplished by pointing out someone's shortcomings in a public forum like a Troop meeting. I agree that uniform inspections be done in the patrol setting. The PLC, with direction from the Scoutmaster and Troop committee, can set the standards by which the Patrol leaders are to dress and to lead the inspections. This can be a very positive, reinforcing event. I don't understand why any adult leader would want to make an example of a Scout in front of the Troop.

Nowhere in any of my postings did I even have a twinkle of a thought that any of the putrid examples made by DD were acceptable anywhere. I am tired of arguing, so I am going to do as Rooster is doing - opt for silence in this forum and spend my time on our Troop's program and high adventure treks. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

You know what, Dedicated Dad? Your last posting is exactly what I was talking about in one of my posts way back near the beginning of this thread. Commentary like that seems so un-Scout like that I find it hard to believe you would make it in a public forum with other Scouters. The simple fact you would suggest such a thing is enough to make one pause and wonder about your intentions. I don't believe there is anything in my postings that should lead anyone to say such putrid things here.

DD, Regarding your comment, "UmmThat would be the Supreme Court."... what? The Supreme Court ruled that the BSA could set it's own membership standards and, in the case of Dale, ban avowed homosexual Scout leaders (or Scouts) from membership. While that ruling may very well be a result of the definition, "morally straight" certainly wasn't inserted into the Scout Oath to mean "not gay". Way back when it was written, everyone was encouraged to be a gay Scout leader. It simply meant you were happy and cheerful. Now days, gay Scout leaders are everywhere. My guess is most of us

No! Please not the camo pants issue again! I'm back to apologize for stepping a little over the line in response to a few of earlier posts in this thread. While I still believe some of the commentary to be ridiculous in nature, there's better ways for me to respond to it. Actually, I've read with interest the issue at hand of the multitudes of meanings of "morally straight". I truly believe that we're all within the same "ballpark" as far as our own meaning. Yes, morality is defined by us as individuals and by our religious beliefs and upbringing, but we all have certain respon

It's a Wolf elective. A Cub Scout may work toward earning an arrow point by completing the requirements below. Hope this is what you were looking for. http://www.geocities.com/~pack215/wolf-electives.html 6. BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS A. Visit a bookstore, or go to a public library with a grown-up. Find out how to get your own library card. Name four kinds of books that interest you (for example, history, science fiction, how-to-books). B. Choose a book on a subject you like and read it. With an adult, discuss what you read and what you think about. C. Books are important. Sh

No reading belt loop. I thought perhaps there was a Webelos reading activity pin but it was not to be. Only reading badge that I know of is a Boy Scout Reading Merit badge.

Dedicated Dad, Either add something useful to the thread or kindly refrain from typing anything. What you're asking is about as stupid a comment as anything I've seen in this forum. Because of commentary from you and other people like you, I believe this entire forum is on the verge of being cast aside and forgotten by the majority of Scouters who come here for it's original intent - to exchange creative ideas for our Boy Scout Troops and Cub Scout Packs and to have constructive conversation, not to put up with ludicrous statements like yours. Either grow up and become a respons

Come on, people - lets not go off the deep end here. Pretty soon this discussion of morally straight is going to turn into another "off the charts" conversation similar to the ridiculous camouflage pants issue. OGE, I think you're trying to stir the pot a bit too much by asking inflammatory questions like "Can you be a Scout leader if you're divorced?" and "Can you be a Scout leader if you're not a virgin on your wedding night?" and all the other such nonsense. Questions like that deserve zero response. Unfortunately, you're going to get some. The original question is a great ques