RememberSchiff

My first train ride came as a Boy Scout in a Philmont contingent travelling by bus. Enroute, we stopped at snow-topped Pikes Peak in Colorado. We wore our summer uniforms - shorts and short sleeve shirt with a light red jacket and a straw cowboy hat. More costumed than uniformed. Excited to ascend, we loaded onboard the Cog Railway passenger car. My adult advisor tapped my shoulder and quietly advised "Your fly is down." Oh, I attempted to remedy, but my zipper was BROKE! Worse, my other pair of shorts was on the contingent bus at some faraway parking lot. Too faraway. Leadership in crisis. My solution was to wrap my jacket around my waist. Mostly, I froze. More sensibly attired tourists remarked that I should put my jacket on. At the Peak, standing in the back row against a snow bank, I temporarily wore my rumbled jacket for the requisite group photo. Every scout knew my situation. Some older scouts kindly reassured me not to worry. We will get this fixed so I would not have the same problem at the Mt. Battie Cog Railway. Patrol Method at work. Somewhere between there and Cimarron, the zipper was repaired. Surprisingly, there was no cog railway at Philmont or at least then. With my patrol, and my fly closed, I hiked up Mt. Battie filled with unaware confidence. All was right, well except where we could see those spinning tornadoes out on the distant plains. I was prepared but payment would come due. Battie would claim my pocket knife. Later back home, for some reason my face appeared blurred on the Pikes Peak group photo. My parents assumed fidgeting, a common scout malady. RS

"... 3. If you are not comfortable conducting the session, consider contacting a local community expert to help, like a child psychologist, your local health department, a school social worker, or another mental health professional. " Our local schools here host multiple sessions through the school year - during school, after school, large groups, small groups, with parents, without parents. Attendance at two sessions is mandatory for students. Usually there are 3 to 5 seasoned professionals from various fields guiding the very interactive session discussion. On the surface, these sessions appear to be just informative but they are more trust building - there are people in the community who care and we here are are just some of them. Our troop committee is comfortable , nah gratefully enthusiastic, with those outside professionals conducting these sessions and teaching our kids and us laypersons how to recognize warning signs, successfully intervene, and find help. My $0.02,

September 24, 2024 From: Glen Pounder, SVP & Chief Safeguarding Officer Facilitating a Suicide Prevention Session A Guide for Scoutmasters and Others Suicide looms as a growing problem for youth and their families. Depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide can be sensitive and difficult topics to speak about openly, but studies show acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal ideation. Help is available in many forms for those struggling with mental health. This guide has been prepared to help leaders facilitate a suicide prevention session at a troop meeting. Please read the entire document before taking any further action. In addition to this guide, please download the ten-minute video found at this link. VIEW HERE Before conducting the session, we recommend the following. Discuss with the troop committee the plan to facilitate this session at a troop meeting. Decide with the troop committee if parents will be encouraged to attend the troop meeting with their Scout. Attendance by any Scout is optional and is not tied in any way to advancement. Alert all parents or guardians when the session will occur so they may decide whether their Scout will participate. The content has been professionally assessed as appropriate for Scouts thirteen years of age and older; however, for Scouts BSA youth younger than thirteen, parents or guardians should review the materials in advance to decide if their Scout should participate. If you are not comfortable conducting the session, consider contacting a local community expert to help, like a child psychologist, your local health department, a school social worker, or another mental health professional. Regardless of whether you or someone else conducts the session, let all Scouts know in advance that the troop will be talking about depression, suicidal thoughts and suicide and it’s their choice whether they want to attend. Let them know ahead of time they don’t have to share anything they’re not comfortable with sharing. Whoever is delivering the session should watch the video and read this guide thoroughly beforehand to become comfortable with the material. Seek additional guidance from a professional if you have questions. Deliver the session. Encourage questions and open discussion. If Scouts have questions but you’re unsure how to answer them, tell them you don’t know, but will find out! In the event a Scout shares suicidal thoughts, be prepared to act. When unsure what to do next, make sure the Scout is safely being supervised by adults and contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for guidance. Remember to also contact your local Scout executive as soon as safe to do so. Additional Resources: https://988lifeline.org/ The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. Their website also contains educational materials. https://www.nami.org/ National Alliance on Mental Illness is an organization that raises awareness, provides support and education on mental illness. https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based, early intervention course that teaches participants about mental health and substance use challenges. They provide courses for youth and adults. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KmVZwfhbcA Troop Talk Live episode on facilitating a suicide prevention session. Yours in Scouting, Glen Pounder SVP & Chief Safeguarding Officer source: https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/training/Suicide Prevention Discussion Guide FINAL.pdf

Saturday, Jan. 29, 1955, a train ride in western Massachusetts. On that date 57 Cub Scouts from Pack 96 participated in a train excursion from Pittsfield, MA to Great Barrington, MA and back. A first train ride for most of them but more Scout adventures were ahead. Source: More reminiscing of author's train ride and other Cub Scout experience in the 50's. https://www.berkshireeagle.com/history/cub-scout-packs-dens-berkshire/article_7e10f4d2-7c69-11ef-836e-db34f4c1778a.html Something special about a journey together on same train, bus, plane. Years ago, we planned a train trip to a camp site at a state park. A first train ride for many. Many pennies placed on rails for the locomotive to press on departure.

"From May 20 to May 21, 2023, members of Troop 18 hiked and camped a twelve-mile section of the Appalachian Trail, starting at its entrance into Connecticut at Sherman, and finishing in Kent. ... On September 21, 2024 scouts from Killingworth Boy Scout Troop 18 continued their goal to hike all fifty miles of the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut and hiked the last fourteen mile stretch. The scouts completed the first thirty-six miles in Connecticut over the previous two years. They started this most recent climb in Falls Village and hiked twelve miles to the Brassie Brook campsite in Salisbury where they camped overnight. The following morning the scouts hiked to the summit of Bear Mountain, which is the highest peak in Connecticut at 2,316 feet. The scouts then hiked to the Connecticut-Massachusetts border, completing all fifty miles in Connecticut. The scouts plan to continue hiking the Appalachian Trail next spring." New York: 88.4 miles of AT trail Massachusetts: 90 miles of AT trail New Hampshire: 169.0 miles of AT trail Note trail sections are subject to change. Scouting adventures. Scout Salute More at sources: https://hk-now.com/a-busy-spring-for-killingworth-boy-scout-troop-18/ https://hk-now.com/killingworth-scout-troop-completes-connecticut-appalachian-trail-trek/

The Mountain Area Council (WV) has entered into a partnership with West Virginia University (WVU) Rifle Team. “Thanks to the help of the Hayhurst family, Jim Davis, and Christy Hayhurst, we were able to modify our range set up to meet the specifications needed by the WVU Rifle Team and add in the electronic components they need for their electronic targeting,” Scout Executive Scott Hanson said. More at sources: https://www.wboy.com/video/camp-mountaineer-rifle-range-dedicated-as-wvu-rifle-teams-practice-facility/10072296/ https://wajr.com/2024/09/24/wvu-rifle-scouting-america-begin-shooting-sport-partnership-at-camp-mountaineer/ Scout Salute,

I am not as hopeful. I am hearing another what is right vs what is legal argument, seemingly: Scout families, neighbors : Stop this sale. It is not necessary (endowment) nor right. Act Trustworthy. Council: What sale? What we are doing now or may do later is legal and whatever we do, it is for scouts. Trust us. my $0.02,

Here's mine. Wonder if there is an Eagle Scout out there with film documentary experience?

H Not yet but I found this which has his complete essay The Life of a Serendipitist Here is an excerpt which I found interesting ...A week after my accident I hobbled into the national office on my crutches to pick up my mail. I was walking to the elevator when an astonishing coincidence changed my life completely. Someone else was on his way to the same elevator: James E. West, the dynamic Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. He knew of my accident. He stopped to greet me, then said, “Well, my young man, what do you think of American Scouting?” The elevator came. We went down together, chatting. His words may have been just a casual remark. But I took them seriously. I wrote an 18-page report and sent it to him. It was complimentary in spots, critical in others. But for each criticism I offered a suggestion for remedying the situation. Within a week, he had me in his office. “While I don’t agree with everything in your report, I am interested in what you say about the Boy Scouts of America not using the patrol method effectively. You suggest that we should have a Handbook for Patrol Leaders. What should it contain?”... http://www.mendhamtroop1.org/green-bar-bill-hillcourt.html Hmm, I wonder if there are elevators down in Irving?

"...Beyond the entrance, Boy Scout officials set up two pickup trucks to guard the road, and rejected all attempts to interact with them, advising citizens and the news media who approached to stay away from the private property and refusing to be interviewed. In addition to TV and print media, local internet and TikTok presenters were on hand. There was no response to an email request to Scout Executive Mike Butler for comment. (however see Youtube video below. Comments are not turned off, so there is posted feedback. ) Among the dignitaries in the crowd were County Commissioner-elect Ryan Amsler and County Commission candidate Luciano Vignali. Both men said they were there to show support for those opposed to the sale of any of the land..." Source: https://www.suncoastnews.com/news/crowd-sends-message-to-scout-hierarchy-don-t-sell-the-land/article_25ade6f8-7758-11ef-90c4-37b47db6ca78.html Council Update: "...In June 2024, the Council was approached by the Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative regarding a potential sale of an approximate 50-acre parcel located at the northwest corner of the camp, fronting Cortez Boulevard. While discussions are ongoing, no purchase agreement has been executed, and there is no set timeline for finalizing any agreement. If a sale proceeds, it will be followed by a thorough six-month due diligence period. Withlacoochee River Electric has been a steadfast supporter of Scouting, and we believe this could be a mutually beneficial collaboration. Additionally, the Council Executive Board is exploring the potential to market approximately 450 acres on the northeast and eastern side of the camp. This evaluation is in the early stages, and no decisions have been made. We have engaged land planning consultants to assist with this process to ensure any actions align with our mission and benefit our Scouting programs..." Source: https://tampabayscouting.org/2024/council-update-on-sand-hill/94974 Sandy Hill Property Sale FAQ: https://tampabayscouting.org/2024/sand-hill-qa/95070#1726487843819-c9d1e741-dd3869a7-2b4d

Maybe these guys can help. OATikTok.mp4

IMHO, you will likely end up with a sore arm and just find someone too slow to duck who may only change the name. "Following a decade of membership decline in the 1990s, Scouts saw exceptional growth when Bear became Chief Scout. It was a brilliant pick (and as a volunteer, he's never been paid a penny for the time he's given). Young people and volunteers, hungry for adventure, decided to join the movement in their droves. Bear transformed Scouts' image, attracted new volunteers* and motivated us all with his ‘never give up’ attitude." IMHO, we could use some Bear Gryll's attitude here and less closed room discussions with questionable growth projection graphs. Source: https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2024/july/saying-thank-you-and-goodbye-to-bear-grylls/ *Dwayne is working to recruit more volunteers. My $0.02

I believe this is the ANG helicopter arriving to pickup scoutmaster for medical transport.

Yes compare, the second slide projected data for April 2024 and the first slide actual April, 2024 data. Ugh.

2024 National Annual Meeting Presentations: Strengthen Our Financial Position Revitalize Our Brand and Broaden Our Appeal Change the Way We Work Together Be a National Leader in Safeguarding Our Youth Opening General Session https://nam.scouting.org/presentations/

FYI, found this from NAM 2024 presentation Change the Way We Work Together. (26 pages) by Jeff Hunt, Assistant Chief Scout Executive. EVP, and Chief Operating Officer. Gary Crum, Chair National Operations Leadership Committee Freddy Norton Chair Membership and Relationships Committee had several slides. Source: https://nam.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/05/Change-the-Way-We-Work-Together.pdf

Meanwhile on a lighter note ... two days later, same general area as previous post "NH PAW RESCUE - Incident Report “Crosby” - September 16, 2024 Just after 3:30 pm on Monday, September 16, 2024, NH PAW RESCUE was notified by the AMC about a dog (Crosby, 110 lbs, 7.5 yo) with owner (and 2nd dog) in need of assistance at approximately 3250’ on the Old Bridle Path on the west side of Franconia Ridge, NH. While on a strenuous hike of the Franconia Ridge Loop, Crosby’s owner noticed him slowing down and taking longer breaks approximately 5 miles into the almost 9 mile hike. The group made it to the AMC’s Greenleaf Hut and rested. After resting, Crosby made it almost 1 mile down the Old Bridle Path to 3250’, but then stopped hiking due to exhaustion and soft tissue damage on his paw pads. The weather was stable, but Crosby’s owner lacked lighting, enough gear to stay comfortable, and did not have canine evacuation supplies. NH Paw Rescue team members and other volunteers hiked up the Old Bridle Path to assist, with the first responder starting up just after 5:00 pm. During this time, passing hikers helped immensely by carrying Crosby down to an elevation of 2060’. The full NH Paw Rescue team arrived at Crosby’s location at 6:30 pm, loaded him in a rigid litter, and carried him down to the trailhead, arriving just after 7:15 pm. Crosby’s paws were bandaged, covered by booties, and he jumped into his owner’s vehicle to rest and head home. Crosby’s owner was planning to seek veterinary care. ANALYSIS: The Franconia Ridge Loop is a difficult almost 9 mile hike, climbs from 1800’ to over 5200’, is exposed to the elements for long stretches, and has very rocky footing. These factors, combined with warmer than average September temperatures, proved to be too much for a large Golden Retriever like Crosby. There are many takeaways to be learned from Crosby’s experience: -When hiking in the White Mountains, make sure to take appropriate equipment and supplies (learn more at hikesafe.com/). In particular, make sure you have warm/protective clothing, a headlamp, a map, extra food/water, and a 1st aid kit. -Be conservative with your dog’s hiking ability, especially with larger and older dogs. Stay on easy/moderate terrain until you and your dog have more experience. -Pack a dog rescue harness and dog 1st aid supplies including bandaging, vet wrap, and paw booties. Most dogs will not like having paw booties on, but they can enable a dog to walk out with minor paw pad damage. Do not attempt a hike with your dog on the Franconia Ridge (or any other mountain terrain) without this critical gear and the ability to use it. -Carefully check paw pads frequently, and address any paw pad damage before it gets worse. Keep in mind that dogs don’t often show early signs of paw distress (as many owners expect) and may only exhibit symptoms when it is severe. -Be cautious in warm weather. While this is very dog dependent, use care above 70 °F and consider avoiding any strenuous activities above 80 °F. -Keep in mind that dog rescue help in the White Mountains is not available through NH Fish & Game and official SAR teams. If volunteers are available to assist your dog, it may take many hours (or overnight) for help to reach you. NH PAW RESCUE is an informal group of volunteers available to assist with dog rescue incidents in the mountains of NH. NH PAW RESCUE is not affiliated with human SAR teams in NH or with NH Fish & Game." Source: https://www.facebook.com/nhpawrescue/?_rdr Scout Salute to volunteers of NH Paw Rescue and other hikers who assisted.

No update on hiker's condition. Prayers for a complete recovery.

The actions reported at this Scout activity deeply trouble me, while I continue to process (cool down?), here is a map for reference. Source with more details on Mt. Liberty and Mt. Flume (two popular 4000-footers in NH): http://4000footers.com/hike_flume+liberty.shtml Above map: http://4000footers.com/MAP liberty flume.pdf

A 56yr old male hiker was having difficulty hiking near the summit of Mount Flume, So, he told his group of Boy Scouts to continue hiking without him, while he stayed behind with his partner. the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department statement. Hiker with a Medical Emergency on Franconia Ridge Trail CONTACT: Lt. James Kneeland 603-744-5470 603-271-3361 September 16, 2024 Franconia, NH – On Saturday September 14, 2024, at approximately 3:00 p.m., NH Fish and Game was notified of a hiker having a medical emergency on the Franconia Ridge Trail between Mt. Flume and Mt. Liberty. Conservation Officers responded to the Liberty Spring trailhead along with members of the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team to assist the hiker. Due to the seriousness and remoteness of the situation, a call was placed to the Army National Guard Aviation Unit to attempt a helicopter rescue. While awaiting the helicopter, rescuers continued to hike up to the patient and his hiking partner. The hiker was identified as 56-year-old Chris Siano of Bolton, MA. The Blackhawk reached Siano’s location near the summit of Mount Liberty around 4:50 p.m. and was able to hoist him up and transport him to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for medical treatment. Siano’s hiking partner was identified as Lisa Costanzo of Bolton, MA, who was unable to board the helicopter and was unfamiliar with how to descend from Mount Liberty. She was met near the summit of Mount Liberty by the AMC Liberty Springs tent sites caretaker. A small team of rescuers from Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team and a Conservation Officer met Costanzo at the tent sites at 6:10 p.m. to help her on her way down. She explained they had left that morning as chaperones to a Boy Scout Troop going up the Flume Slide Trail at 6:30 a.m. Siano began to have a difficulty hiking near the summit of Mt. Flume. He later told the group to go ahead without him while Costanzo stayed with him. They summited at around 2:45 p.m. Upon decent, he began having a medical emergency and called for help. Rescuers reached the trailhead safely along with Costanzo at 9:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to help support search and rescue activities in the state by purchasing a Hike Safe Card. New Hampshire Fish and Game also reminds hikers to prepare themselves before venturing out into the wilderness, including packing the ten essential items: map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, and a knife. For additional information, please visit www.hikeSafe.com. Sources: https://nhfishgame.com/2024/09/16/hiker-with-a-medical-emergency-on-franconia-ridge-trail/ https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/09/boy-scout-chaperone-rescued-by-helicopter-from-nh-trail.html IMO, the SPL should have refused "No sir, we are NOT leaving you behind. Let's take a look at you and assess." But I dunno, maybe the SPL did and was overruled by adults. Or am I Monday morning quarterbacking here? My $0.02,

The Diocese of Youngstown (OH) parishes will no longer charter BSA units. Bishop David Bonnar mentioned insurance coverage, potential liability , and “changes in Scouting itself.” as reasons. "This policy decision will not affect religious activities and awards available to Scouts through the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, he said." https://www.wytv.com/news/local-news/youngstown-diocese-no-more-scouting-activities-on-church-school-grounds/

Michael Johnson, our previous YP exec, noted that frequency of overnights were a key difference. But if youth organizations utilized a central, standardized YP reporting and training, more objective comparisons could be made. There would also be a central, open database of disqualified volunteers. Though they are undergoing staffing and funding growing pains, I am impressed with SafeSport's transparency, for example, here is their 2022 and 2023 Annual Reports, note incident reports rose 30% from 2022 to 2023 : https://uscenterforsafesport.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/AnnualReport_DataPage_062624.pdf https://uscenterforsafesport.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2023-AnnualReport_071124_v3.5.pdf I am also impressed with their fully-engaged CEO Ju’Riese Colón, who was previously National Vice President of Child & Club Safety for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Executive Director of Prevention & Outreach for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). “As a result of our work, a culture shift in sport is taking root,” Ju’Riese Colón, CEO, U.S. Center for SafeSport said. “Athletes are rejecting the notion that sexual harassment is inevitable, coaches aren’t turning a blind eye to inappropriate behavior, and parents aren’t tolerating abusive practices. Together, we are establishing a culture where people are compelled to throw open the curtains on abuse rather than sweep it under the rug.” https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240627870384/en/U.S.-Center-for-SafeSport-Releases-2023-Annual-Report

Found answer. Add some historical background from https://www.praesidiuminc.com/everything-need-know-safe-sport-act/ "The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 was created in reaction to the abuse found various youth sports organizations, including USA Gymnastics. This act will create new a standard of care that will affect youth-serving organizations across the country. The purpose of the law is to expand existing mandated reporting laws to all youth sport organizations that participate in international or interstate sporting events. This has the potential to affect not only national governing bodies like USA Gymnastics, USA Swimming, and other Olympic sports, but the law will also impact camps, public and private schools, collegiate sports, country clubs, community organizations, and sport facilities."

Interesting indeed, what was the cost? I looked at their course catalog. Imagine one YPT course good for Little League, Soccer, high school sports, and ...scouts. https://uscenterforsafesport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/FSS-CourseCatalog_083122_vFinal3.6.pdf Here is the page describing their core course:

The Whittier Trust has donated $100K which will be used to replace five Pop Hutton cabins at Camp Maluhia on Maui. "We are excited to support Maui Scouting and are deeply impressed by the ‘Be Prepared’ mentality of the Maui Scouts,” said David Dahl, President and CEO of Whittier Trust Company. “Their quick response during the recent wildfires, including hosting displaced families and over 100 Red Cross workers, along with organizing supply drives and other emergency operations, truly exemplifies the spirit of Scouting.” https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/100k-donation-made-to-maui-camp-following-wildfire-efforts/ar-BB1qbByu?ocid=BingNewsVerp Thank you to Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez , and Whittier Trust for their donations.