On 7/29/2023 at 4:03 PM, InquisitiveScouter said:

After four hours of instruction and practice, a Scout (who happens to have cerebral palsy) who simply would not give up, ties a square knot on his own for the first time.

He grew 10 feet tall 😜, or at least, that's what it looked like through my tears.

Zack Gridley was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when he was just one year old after suffering from a double brain bleed shortly after birth.

After years of developmental therapy Zack Gridley decided to join cub scouts in 2016. He's earned over 40 badges with Boy Scout Troop 55.

Zack's parents said though he received some accommodations on his journey, he mostly took on scout challenges on his own.

"He biked on a recumbent bike 15 miles at one of his outings, so you know for someone like him.... It's a big deal for any kid that age but for him especially to be that dedicated to go out and do that ride," Zack's Father, Brad Gridley

"It's very exciting to me because he's worked very hard, and he's embraced it all. I just feel like it's been a terrific thing for him to do. He's learned a lot of valuable life skills," Tammy Gridley said.

"Work hard and if you want to achieve something. You can do it. But it may take a little hard work to get there,' Zack said.

More at Source:

https://www.katv.com/news/local/defying-odds-boy-with-cerebral-palsy-paves-unique-path-to-becoming-an-eagle-scout-zack-gridley-tammy-troop-rank-bradley

Scout Salute.

Texas Skyscrapers are going dark to keep billions of birds safe - Lights Out Texas

"For birds, Texas is a major flyover state: approximately two billion birds, or one in three birds migrating through the US, fly through the Lone Star State in the spring. It is snugly situated at the convergence of two major migratory flyways – the broad north-south routes that many different bird species all use to migrate. Both the Central Americas Flyway, which stretches from the Canadian Arctic to the southern tip of Argentina, and the waterway-rich Mississippi Flyway, beloved by migratory waterbirds, pass through Texas.

Along the route, hazards abound – including bright city lights. Though the Galveston collision (May 4, 2017, 395 migratory birds died) was a particularly dramatic example, birds hitting buildings is a common phenomenon. Every year, between 365 million and one billion birds are thought to be killed in building collisions in the US. The risk increases when they migrate and pass through cities in large numbers."

...

"Around the same time as the Galveston bird crash, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology developed a way to forecast bird migration during specific times and locations, using radar. The resulting BirdCast migration forecast maps are freely accessible. Their live migration map allows anyone to check how many birds are migrating now, and where, as well as how many are predicted to pass in the near future. For one night in October, they recorded a "billion bird night", with that number or more birds passing in a single night.

In 2020, Cornell, Houston Audubon and a range of other organisations joined forces to start the "Lights Out, Texas!" campaign, which encourages building owners, developers and businesses to switch off non-essential lighting from 11pm to 6am each night during spring and autumn migration. Timed for around March-June (spring migration) and August-November (autumn migration), the campaign aims to help create a safe passage for nocturnally migrating birds. Since then, Lights Out Texas has taken hold in every major city in Texas. The state is considered an especially important place for the campaign given its position as a mass bird migration hotspot."

Much more at BBC source:

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240410-how-switching-off-lights-stops-migrating-birds-collisions-with-buildings

On 5/11/2015 at 9:54 AM, SlowDerbyRacer said:

A good overview of the differences between STEM in scouting and STEM Scouts.

http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2015/05/11/understanding-the-difference-between-stem-in-scouting-and-stem-scouts/

Is Stem Scouts as a separate scouting group officially gone?

I just noticed their website stemscouts.org certificate expired on 5/23/2023.

I am unclear who violated which BSA policy if at all. Many here have voiced different opinions regarding various BSA policies and not just membership. I believe BSA policy still allows CO's/units some say in their unit membership.

IMHO, part of leadership, character-building, and citizenship is teaching our scouts how to respond thoughtfully and positively (Scout Oath and Law) to what they perceive as an injustice, incorrect, or plain stupid.

At a monthly School Board meeting should I pull scouts when cuts are discussed to their favorite programs? Let them hear, think, and then speak in their own defense.

Here is an interesting read, actually as I understand BSA policy, from https://scoutingwire.org/social-media-guidelines/

I will quote a short extract. Note "social media" here includes forums not hosted by BSA or units. 

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR SOCIAL MEDIA USE

For practical considerations, the BSA expects adults intending to use social media on behalf of Scouting to follow the following:

• Social media must be monitored. A qualified staff member or volunteer should have the responsibility of monitoring social media channels daily, and backup administrators/monitors should be designated so there is no gap in the monitoring.
• Integrate your communications. Create a strategy to surround your intended audience with your key message(s) through print, the Web, email, radio, TV, word of mouth, and social media.
• Talk to your audiences and let them talk to and about you. By posting content on a consistent schedule, you can tell your story and encourage conversations in the community.
• Social media takes a thick skin. Negative conversations are happening already, but now you have a voice in the conversation.
• Don’t delete negative comments unless they violate the terms laid out in the BSA Social Media Digital Contract. 
• Be prepared to respond to negative or inaccurate posts if response is warranted. Some negative comments do not require a response, while others should be taken seriously and addressed. Factors such as the number of followers and the severity of the conversations should temper if and how you respond.
• Direct media inquiries to the appropriate person. Media inquiries coming through social media should be referred to the Scout executive or a designee for an official response.
• Be Scout-like. When disagreeing with others’ opinions, remain appropriate and polite. If you find yourself in a situation online that looks as if it’s becoming antagonistic, do not get overly defensive and do not disengage from the conversation abruptly. Ask your Scout executive or the designee for advice on how to disengage from the dialogue in a polite manner that reflects well on the BSA. (Here in our scout-like way, we agree to disagree and move-on. Humor helps too.)
• Build trust by being open and transparent. Share information and what the challenges and opportunities are for Scouting in your community.

So Scouts and Scouters how are we doing here? In another section of this link, it discourages PM's as akin to private rooms. Good thought or an infringement of free speech?

15 minutes ago, AwakeEnergyScouter said:

Hopefully he's heard of MBWA or gemba walks.

I believe Mr. Krone had been a PL and Philmont alumni before MBA book writers/professors observed and coined management names for leadership styles he had learned while a scout.

My post was meant as a friendly reminder.

While visiting Councils, I hope Mr. Krone converses with volunteers beyond photo-ops. We have a lot to talk about. IMHO, seize this opportunity.

Then BSA CSE Bob Mazzuca did a similar traveling community fundraiser for councils, it was dinners though. He brushed off volunteer questions in favor of photo-ops. My scouts were more interested in photo-ops with another attendee - Miss New Hampshire* who btw would take our questions. Mr. Mazzuca soon departed for his next Council dinner.

My $0.02,

Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council "Community Leadership Breakfast on Thursday May 23rd, 2024 at the Santa Clara Marriott. Our keynote speaker is the current President and the CEO of the Boy Scouts of America, Roger Krone, and he has some NEWS to share. We would like YOU to be among the first ones to hear about the exciting changes coming to the iconic youth development program! Please use the QR code to RSVP or go to:   "

Anyone planning to attend? I think Mr. Krone similarly visited a Virginia council.

On 3/28/2024 at 12:35 PM, RememberSchiff said:

 

I hope Glen Pounder will also attend and speak of problems and progress with YP since he came on board a year ago.

Glen Pounder submitted a short article to ScoutingWire this week reminding adults to be constantly aware of the actions of other adults. I hope he expounds on this and our other YP concerns and feedback at NAM next month.

Link:

https://scoutingwire.org/beyond-criminal-background-checks-making-sure-that-great-guy-really-is/

also on

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/boy-scouts-of-america_beyond-criminal-background-checks-making-activity-7183813959005749248-0pvL

Apparently in March,  Mr. Krone named Neisha Joseph as his Chief of Staff. She previously worked at the Greater New York Councils.

Is Chief of Staff a new National office position?

I prefer this version of Norman Rockwell's Freedom of Speech.  Others may disagree, let them.

Moderator awareness... IMMO*, some informative, robust yet scoutlike discussion here.

Thank you.

RS

* In My Moderator Opinion

04/09/2024:

NOAC 2024 Program Registration Guide released. "This guide provides all NOAC attendees with a comprehensive list of program offerings at NOAC 2024.

Activity preferences will become available on April 22 and extend to May 17..."

More at source:

https://oa-bsa.org/article/noac-program-registration-guide-here

A Sea Scout on his way home from a doctor, stepped into action when he noticed his school bus broken down on the side of the road.

Great story , there is some train 'em and trust 'em in story. Read the rest at sources:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/boston/news/student-school-bus-repair-danvers-essex-tech-gavin-natti/

https://www.facebook.com/seascoutshipno.5/

Boy Scout Troop 47's Mighty Duck Patrol all earn LIfe rank.  Scout Salute!

More at source:

https://www.times-herald.com/arts_and_community/mighty-duck-patrol-simultaneously-reaches-rank-of-life-scout/image_1c3ab2d8-f2b8-11ee-893f-8f204c1509a5.html

Horseshoe Curve,  Altoona, PA

"Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 9 of Clearfield recently rode Amtrak’s The Pennsylvanian from Altoona to Johnstown.  Scouts also studied the history of the Horseshoe Curve and the South Fork Dam in Johnstown.  The rail trip was part of a requirement for the Railroading merit badge."

Sources:

https://www.railroadcity.org/horseshoecurve

https://gantnews.com/2024/04/07/scouts-complete-railroading-merit-badge-requirement/

4/5/2024 Related:  ...creating a safer environment for kids

5 hours ago, skeptic said:

...and no manner of "rules" or "dictates" will solve every possible issue. 

IMHO every issue should be reviewed to confirm that. I do not think we should take comfort by saying, to paraphrase, "We have the best YP...".

I would rather hear We are constantly reviewing our YP procedures policies and procedures by examining incident reports with YP experts. Here is a link to our YP Committee reports on actions for those incidents, including legal actions, and legislation lobbying.

My $0.02,

National Executive Board - photo page

https://www.scouting.org/about/governance/national-executive-board/

I have not found a National Executive Council photo page. Some members serve on both.

‘Scouting is back,’ going strong teaching life skills to youths in Archdiocese of Baltimore

...Archdiocesan Scouting officials hope to glimpse the future of the programs at an April 19-21 retreat at Walkersville Watershed in Frederick. It’s the first since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Father Jim Bors, appointed last year as chaplain of the Archdiocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting Leadership, hopes it will show “that Scouting is back.”

In addition to camping and outdoor activities, there will be talks on the rosary as well as eucharistic adoration and the sacrament of reconciliation.

To draw as many Scouts as possible, there’s a Saturday-only option, and it’s also open to all Catholic youths in Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, Exploring, Cub Scouts, Troops of St. George, Trail Life, American Heritage Girls, Girl Scouts and Camp Fire.

For Father Bors, a Naval Academy graduate who is associate pastor of Our Lady of the Chesapeake in Lake Shore and St. Jane Frances de Chantal in Riviera Beach, the retreat will be an opportunity to assess Scouting as an extension of youth ministry....

More at source:

https://catholicreview.org/scouting-is-back-going-strong-teaching-life-skills-to-youths-in-archdiocese-of-baltimore/

On 3/9/2024 at 9:36 AM, RememberSchiff said:

"The conference registration fee for the 2024 National Annual Meeting is $825 and includes a box lunch in the exhibit hall on Tuesday and Wednesday this year.  Registration on site will be very limited due to cutoff dates with the hotel.  Onsite registration fee will be $900 and will be limited."

*The cutoff date to register for the National Annual Meeting is Friday, March 29th.

https://nam.scouting.org/

No word if any meetings or sessions will be streamed via youtube.

04/03/2024 Online registration still appears to be active.

On 8/12/2022 at 5:58 PM, RememberSchiff said:

Update to Update: 08/12/22

Deal near to preserve Deer Lake in Killingworth as open space

The Boy Scouts’ Connecticut Yankee Council, which owns the land, is in the final stage of negotiations to sell the land for $4.75 million to Pathfinders, Inc., a local nonprofit that has run camping programs at Deer Lake for many years under a lease agreement with the Scouts.

“We think we are very close,” said Ted Langevin, president of Pathfinders. The Scouts did not comment, but in a July 25 filing in a lawsuit involving the property, the Scouts’ lawyers asserted that the “contract for the sale of the Deer Lake property to Pathfinders is near completion.”...

To preserve the open space, Pathfinders had to top an offer that looked for a time like it would carry the day. In the spring, the Scouts’ Connecticut Yankee Council announced it was selling the land for $4.62 million to a major real estate developer, Margaret Streicker, who is also a board member of the council.  

https://ctmirror.org/2022/08/12/deer-lake-killingworth-ct-open-space-pathfinders-boy-scouts/

Following articles give an historical summary of council's sale process, at least what is known. IMHO, article raises questions about Executive Board transparency and ethics, My $0.02,

https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-news-deer-lake-conservation-connecticut-20220813-htjpjl3i5vepvj6sai6yxz6tji-story.html

Streicker adds her side of the story.

https://www.registercitizen.com/shoreline/article/Deal-near-to-preserve-Deer-Lake-in-Killingworth-17372949.php

4/2/2024 Update and more:

"Killingworth Deer Lake is now free of debt and protected from development pressure thanks to a nonprofit and leagues of donors focused on its preservation."

"In 2022, the Pathfinders bought the property for $4.75 million from the Connecticut Yankee Council, which is the local chapter of the Boy Scouts. 

Pathfinder's purchase was largely due to Connecticut Attorney General Tong conferring with the CYC to extend their March 31 deadline set for the property’s sale to May 1. AG Tong intervened immediately after the CYC rejected a Pathfinders’ offer of $4.3 million on March 30, thus allowing Pathfinders another month to raise $475,000.

Ted Langevin, the president of Pathfinders, said it took more than $3 million in donations (from over 1,300 people spanning 87 Connecticut towns and 34 states, as well as donors from foreign countries) and $1.8 million in loans. Now, those loans are paid off thanks to an Eagle Scout who would later fight to make the Scouts more inclusive.

“At the age of 67 he was kicked out because he was gay,” Senator Blumenthal said.

In his will, David Knapp left the Pathfinders $750,000, which is what they needed to pay off the last of the loans.

“This is just a great way for him to be an activist once more,” Langevin said."

“We welcome the public, to come and use our hiking trails, walk on the property,” Pathfinders President and Chairman Ted Langevin said.

He added the space will be inclusive and welcoming to all. It will also offer rentable space for weddings, corporate events and ceremonies. There are plans for future programing and camps to ensure the property has a long life protected from development, and close to nature.

“To welcome people onto our land and get them interested in coming more often, enjoy nature and all the things we have to offer,” Langevin said of goals for the site.

Sources:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/killingworths-deer-lake-is-debt-free-as-leaders-look-toward-its-future/ar-BB1kXYbJ

https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/middlesex/killingworths-deer-lake-saved-from-developers/

https://hk-now.com/a-day-of-thank-yous-at-deer-lake/

P.S.  Real estate developer Margaret Streicker is still listed on the Executive Board of Connecticut Yankee Council

Being a Girl in Boys scouts | Mable Bradshaw | TEDx

BSA President & CEO Roger Krone Shares a Message About Child Abuse Prevention Month | April 2024

Grand Rapids, MI:

"What started as a group of less than 10 girls is, today, the second largest all-girls troop in the state with 43 in total.", Scoutmaster Kim Mast.

Source:

https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/local/grand-rapids-north/scoutmaster-leads-second-largest-all-girls-boy-scout-troop-in-state/69-997dd2c6-906a-4b6b-bf31-7a81665691e1

The effect of off-shore wind turbines on bird and bat flight paths

"Dominion Energy agreed to install a wildlife-tracking system called Motus on both turbines at the end of the required monitoring period. Motus uses antennas to detect signals from birds and bats tagged with tiny radio transmitters.  

Since the Motus network launched in 2015, more than 30,000 birds, bats and butterflies(?) have been tagged, but the majority of the 1,500 antennas are on land. Meanwhile, many species migrate over the ocean.

Extending the Motus network offshore can help managers identify migration paths as well as stopover habitat on land, where birds fuel up before long flights over open water. Conserving those areas is critical, as migration is the most perilous time in a bird’s life cycle, due to the physical demands. "

And some results with photos (including flight paths) are at sources:

https://www.fws.gov/story/2024-03/where-do-birds-go-offshore-answers-may-be-blowing-wind

https://www.fws.gov/story/wind-farm-beneath-their-wings

19 hours ago, curious_scouter said:

I live nearby.  Toyed with the idea of going, until I saw the registration fee.  Is the content really worth that much?  I could send 3 adults to Wood Badge for that.

Content? Hard to know. I have not attended one. From outside the closed doors, I sense it is more like a Blue and Gold - announcements , awards, food - more social than business. From my experience when a company annual meeting is more social than business, it means business continues as usual.

I keep hoping for more transparency and open, thoughtful discussions - that online fireside chat with Mr. Krone with questions sent in from the field would be a good start.  And we have questions.

My $0.02,