RememberSchiff

From my 50's/60's suburban public school experience, I fully agree. Rant warning. We had - FULL SCHOOL DAYS (8am to 3pm, and over 180 of them), usually 5 days a week and NO HALF days until last week in June.. In March with standardize tests, teacher professional days, and teacher/parent days, my younger son had just 9 full days of school. Why was there a week spring break in April, oh because there was a winter break week in Feb despite all the snow days. No month has a full month of school! Sorry kids, you should be in school on Columbus Day, Veterans Day, especially Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Patriots Day, and Memorial Day to learn the meaning of these days - not sleeping late, playing Xbox, or going to the mall. - dedicated, even some expert teachers who were available every day after school to help students. Don't know, you don't teach. - no need for standarize tests as your weekly tests/quizzes naturally followed the curriculum. - not everyone wanted or needed college. In secondary schools, we had General, Vocational, College Prep, and Special Ed core curriculums. - smaller classes. - substitute teachers with teacher's black assignment book, not study halls. - lower education costs. We had the teacher, a text, and maybe mimeograph hand out. No pc's with curriculkm software licenses (for algebra give me a break) etc draining education funds. School buildings were sufficient not 100million dollar showcases. There is a growing mindset around here that school buildings only last 30 or 40 years, let's put our tax money in building instead of educating or even building maintenance. - we had homework, we carried our books home. - we ate breakfast at home, dressed according to school dress code, supplied our own slide rules (Pickett for me, K&E for rich kids), and brought our brown bag lunch. Schools were expected to focus on education and sports. Parents were expected to be parents. - schools were run by town school boards not unaccountable regional, state, or federal groups, and certainly not teacher unions. Not perfect, but I will take local controi and only use local money anyday. Granted civil rights and criminal issues would still require external agencies. - discipline. Rules applied to all, even this Eagle Scout got detention for not following a simple rule. Ferris Buehler would have repeated his senior year at my high school. No social promotions or graduations. Oh YEAH. End of Rant.

As the US continues to move to a cashless soceity where most have smartphones, it will be interesting to see how the role of unit treasurer changes or even goes away if some units. Say Apple, Paypal or similar ilk creates an app to handle all unit/charitable org transactions with supporters, suppliers, venues, transportation,...Apple or Paypal gets their cut off every transaction. National has no say nor financial gain in this, well unless they reconsider. It is interesting how there are National controls on units regarding badges but not money. So if a unit uses this app with bank account and with data stored in cloud - a scout family registers for a unit and pays (CC, DC, Paypal,...) and money goes directly to wherever. - a customer wants to buy scout popcorn, customers does it thru a scout leader smartphone app there and money goes directly to council and unit. - a unit wants to go to Camp Runamuck. App sets up an interim reservation which also states discounts and camperships which may apply. If minimum number signup is reached by deadline, smartphone rings and reservation is reviewed requiring 2 or 3 leader signoff, and their payments are sent to Camp Runamuck, if not funds returned to respective scout families. - a unit wants to buy something. The app requires two or three approvals, so smartphones ring for confirmation. With approval confirmation, transaction proceeds like a debit card either FTF or online. - app can report full transaction history to anyone allowed read access (transparency what a concept) - random cash donations handled by Treasurer as before except deposit transaction is known to app. No other cash transactions. Heh, Cureently I can't pay cash for camp reservations, I have to go online with MY CC. Parents, welcome to my world. - reimbursements: the app would again require two or three approval confirmation. Bank to bank fund transfer. - Scout accounts go away completely. All unit funds are in a single account. My $0.01 cash

http://www.theintermountain.com/page/content.detail/id/834717/Girl-Scouts-to-hold-Jamboree-at-boys-site-in-southern-W-Va-.html?isap=1&nav=5023 The Charleston-based Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council will host a Girl Scout Jamboree July 22 to 26 at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in Fayette County. The event is open to Girl Scouts who were in grades 4 through 12 this school year. The Black Diamond Council is inviting its own members but said it's open to Girl Scouts nationwide. ... The Boy Scouts implemented stricter health requirements for the 2013 Jamboree because of the hilly Summit terrain and dozens of venues that tested participants' physical skills and fitness. Morbidly obese Scouts were banned from participating. The Girl Scouts Jamboree won't have such restrictions, Storage said. It will be held mostly in flatter terrain, although the girls will have an average walk of three miles per day, she said. The cost is $275 per person before Friday and $300 after that. The registration deadline is June 19. So the Thrifty way for a week at Summit is to go as a Girl Scout?

Maybe, First Aid MB is a prereq for Emergency Prep MB but often around here First Aid is taken concurrently. Is it me or is there a growing Eagle-Before-High-School movement by scout families, i.e., push hard to earn Eagle before 9th grade, otherwise drop out. Summer camp Trail-to-Eagle programs are overfilled with rising 8th graders. Coincidence?

Well that's looking on the bright side of life. I forget what else I was going to say.

My perspective from the past T-FC is where basic scoutcraft skills are taught and signed-off by scouts. A FC scout should be "self-reliant, resouceful - able to take care of" himself. These skills were practiced at troop meetings and further tested in patrol competitions withing troop, Klondike, camporees,... What if, T-FC had a patrol competition point requirement - a scout would have to participate in patrol scoutcraft competitions in the past year and have earned x points? Eagle required scoutcraft MB's is where more advanced scoutscraft skill are taught and signed off by knowledgeable adults. These skills are practiced teaching younger scouts. What if a scout had to keep a log of the skills and scouts he taught and this log is a Star-Eagle requirement. I like skeptic's reminder of the merit badge groups of old. Fewer (8) but more comprehensive required merit badges. First Aid with added wilderness first aid skills. One Citizenship MB focused on your rights and responsibilities not civics, no Communications leave that for schools, Select one from Fitness Group: Swimming, Personal Fitness, Athletics, Cycling,... Eagle projects were once a scout's own labor using skills developed in scouting. Managing others on a project was not the point, afterall the scout had already lead his patrol on hikes and campouts often without adults. Personally I would prefer Eagle candidates plan and lead a solo trek as I have seen too many Eagle projects by adults. College admission paperwork is easier! So for Eagle, give the scout an Adventure Trek option or the Project Management Option. My $0.02 ,

Rather stunned that this still occurs. Try this singing punishment or tying to a tree or .... on a scout with learning disabilities and then shake your head wondering why the boy left scouts crying and his Mom hit you with a 2x4.

Looking ahead when mud season is over, I asked scouts to wear their sneaks (they usually do but I like to think that are doing as I ask ) and bring their boots to meeting. Every scout was currently wearing sneaks at least a size and half larger than his not-so-old boots. In 6 months, three scouts went from a size 9.5 to 11.5. In same period, another scout went from a size 10 to 13, another 9 to 12. I mean old Schiff needed his arches to fall to reach size 12, these scouts haven't reach age 14 yet!

6. Unit merit badge counselor lists shouldn’t be available to Scouts online Section: 7.0.2.3 What’s new: Units can (and maybe even should) establish a list of registered merit badge counselors. But Scouts should get those names and contact info from a Scoutmaster, not from a list made available online. Hah what a joke! Other than summer camp, nearly 99% of our scouts coming for their blue card already know and have decided their MBC; the SM cannot change that, just verify that MBC is still registered. A scout can use any registered MBC from anywhere. Back in the old days, my SM dutifully brought the semi-annual council MBC directory to each meeting. It was similar to a small phone book. Scouts who already had a MBC in mind just looked up the phone number. Other scouts would usually get the names and numbers for two or more MBC for a desired merit badge. My point, try to have a hard copy MBC list* freely available at SM signoff. *In many councils, such lists don't exist online or otherwise and THAT IS WHY TROOPS HAVE THEIR OWN MBC's.

Maybe these have already been mentioned. Click on Recent Posts and yesterday's post (albeit the most recent) are listed as "Today". So I login say 8am EST, select recent post and see a Recent Post of Today at 11pm which actually occurred yesterday. There's a Beatles song about this penomenom I think. Is there a time limit (hours?) for editting my previous posts? Thanks

Never understood the colors and sounds argument from LNT, but to each their own. I wear blaze (safety) orange and blue year round due to hunters. No white! I like higher visibility tents for safety reasons as well, particulalry in bad weather. I don't bring a boom box but I have clanged a bell along in bear territory. Not like back in the day when scouts practiced "stalking" for a SC requirement and wore a green uniform during hunting season.

Do-over, reboot, accountability? Maybe some (most?) of our MBC's should appear before Fulton County Superior Court Judge Jerry Baxter who is currently sentencing Atlanta school teachers.

Hmmm, I cannot edit my previous post. Here's the correct link http://www.acacamps.org/sites/default/files/images/keystone/PA_Background_Checks_Act_of_2014.pdf For BSA volunteers, the following groups will separately process their own background checks: FBI Pennsylvania State Police Pennsylvania Dept of Human Services BSA Council/National possibly CO, e.g., Catholic Diocese will do a separate background check For scout volunteers, who keeps the records is an interesting question. PA Councils apparently believe the responsibility is on the unit/CO and volunteer. The state of PA may view that since Council "register" the volunteer, Council would be responsible for the background check record keeping.

Laurel Highland Council http://lhc-bsa.org/About%20Us/Risk%20Management From FAQ cited above, non-registered volunteerism appears to be discouraged so that all required background checks are documented. According to http://www.acacamps.org/sites/default/files/images/keystone/PA_Background_Checks_Act_of_2014.pdf Out-of-state volunteer adult leaders spending less than 30 days, say to visit Gettysburg, appear to have an exemption if they provide background check information from their home state? Who they provide this information to is another unanswered question.

Money talks. If the Blue Ridge Council or the VA National Guard could get funding from DOD Innovative Readiness Program, etc,, but even then, it would be too late for this summer camp.

Now that you mention it I recall using that at Philmont in the 60's. I will revisit thanks.

Council is responsible for maintaining their camps and insuring safety not only for campers but for neighbors and the environment. Maybe a trip to the Johnstown Flood Memorial? http://www.nps.gov/jofl/index.htm An update, they seem to be making progress towards opening for summer camp. http://www.southwesttimes.com/2015/04/repairs-at-boy-scout-campground-coming-along/

Apparently I cannot go back and Edit old posts! Anyway this is an update of Camp Hinds shooting program. Gentech is donating suppressors and ammo for Camp Hinds. Great article with photos http://soldiersystems.net/2015/04/15/gemtech-donating-suppressors-ammo-bsa-camp-hinds/ Some excerpts In a partnership with Gemtech, a manufacturer of firearm suppressors and ammunition, the 10 counties in central and southern Maine served by Pine Tree Council at Camp Hinds will have the opportunity to use state of the art equipment while learning gun safety. The Scouts use the National Rifle Association (NRA) teaching program First Steps for pistol, rifle and shotgun merit badges, as well as National Shooting Sports Foundation’s teachings. “Training new Scouts the safe, responsible enjoyment of shooting sports is greatly enhanced by reducing the decibels of gunshots,†said Joe Debergalis, Chairman of the NRA’s Education and Training Committee. “This is a superb initiative that will enable Scouts to improve their skills while teaching them respect for their environment.†Gemtech donated eight .22 caliber suppressors and 25,000 rounds of sub-sonic ammunition. Josh Waldron the CEO of Silencer Co. offered to join the initiative donating two Salvo suppressors for shotguns at Camp Hinds. This initiative will be a first in the Boys Scouts of America, and follows the recent completion of a new range complex at Camp Hinds. The ranges exceed NRA safety recommendations and use ballistic sand built into berms to stop the bullets, a high standard in range safety. Wicked Cool

Agreed. Around here at the unit level, this is viewed as "none of our business". I think our Council is on the same wavelength.

http://patch.com/rhode-island/eastgreenwich/famous-tall-ship-arrives-its-new-home-east-greenwich Famous Tall Ship Arrives at its New Home in East Greenwich Tall Ship Starbound has a storied history, has twice sailed around the globe and was once owned by Burl Ives. By Mark Schieldrop (Patch Staff) March 30, 2015 Starbound, a famous Tall Ship known for twice circumnavigating the globe, has recently completed a 225-mile journey from Maine to its new home here in Rhode Island waters. Starbound, originally built in 1950, is undergoing inspection right now at Wickford Shipyard along with preparation for Coast Guard passenger vessel certification. “As soon as weather permits, she will be sanded down to bare wood and refinished; taking on new sails and spars prior to arrival at her home port,†said David Sylvestre of S.A.L.T.Y Foundation, a nonprofit that focus on youth education and adventure that currently holds a long-term charter of the 72-foot ketch. That home port is Nortons in East Greenwich, where Starbound will serve as the primary vessel for Sea Scouts Ship 1909, part of the Boy Scouts of America. Other local youth groups have shown an interest in the vessel, including the Girls Scouts, Boys and Girls Club, Ronald McDonald House and Gold Star Kids, an organization that offers experiences for teens who have lost a parent in military conflict. Starbound also joins the Sea Scouts local fleet of four other sailing and powerboats, including Golden Goose, a 40-foot Stadel schooner built in 1975 and donated by a Rhode Island family in February. S.A.L.T.Y. now manages the largest youth-oriented fleet in New England and perhaps on the East Coast, save a similar fleet operated by the Boy Scouts of America in Florida. ( ?? So S.A.L.T.Y. is the CO for the Sea Scout Ship??) Before Starbound is fully ready for her future adventures, some work is necessary. Recent inspections to the vessel show that the original wooden mast and bowsprit have suffered age-related damage. It’s “an unexpected discovery that will call for a substantial fundraising effort,†Sylvestre said. A campaign is now in the planning stages and the target will be $80,000 to replace the masts, which will be designed to maintain historical accuracy and the vessel’s beauty. Details on the fundraising effort will be released in “the coming weeks.†Eventually, Starbound will be a common sight in area waters, including Narragansett Bay, Block Island and as far as Martha’s Vineyard and Cutthunk. Though it might not set sail for a global adventure around the world in the near future, the vessel still has plenty of adventures in store. It’s befitting for a ship once owned by famed singer Burl Ives. She was built in 1950 and based on Joshua Slocum’s 36-foot Spray, which was made famous for completing the world’s first solo circumnavigation in 1898. In the 1990s, Starbound’s prior owners funded a $650,000 renovation to the hull, deck and marine systems. According to a release, S.A.L.T.Y.’s mission is to provide Seamanship and Leadership Training for Youths, through hands-on sailing experiences in some of America’s most historical and beautiful sailing locations. A sailor and retired RI business CEO, Capt. David Pickering, envisioned the S.A.L.T.Y. program while serving as committee chairman of Sea Scouts Ship 1909. Founded in 2014, S.A.L.T.Y. is led by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of RI business people, sailing and scouting enthusiasts. Contact S.A.L.T.Y. at P.O. box 1557, East Greenwich, RI 02818. added: S.A.L.T.Y. has booked June 27 to July 3 for the first annual Sea Scouts Ship 1909 cruise aboard Starbound. Her little sister, the schooner Golden Goose, may participate as well. Possible destinations include Block Island, Cuttyhunk, and a stop at Martha's Vinyard. Stay tuned for further details. https://www.facebook.com/events/873647516027356/

Tick infestation is a consideration in our planning. Wide trails and roads where hikers are less likely to contact brush, rocky upclimb trails where deer are less likely, and mature forest areas with little undergrowth are preferred. Still we do tick checks and for any tick bites (removed ticks), we urge parents to contact doctor. A 10% disease case fatality, puts Powassan virus in some unpleasant company http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_human_disease_case_fatality_rates

http://www.roanoke.com/news/dam-repairs-at-blue-ridge-scout-reservation-could-put-summer/article_ea1ff901-6ecd-5b4a-9420-5db18505f465.html “The Boy Scouts were very badly behind on their inspections,†Tom Roberts, a dam safety engineer with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation said. “They haven’t been maintaining their dam and it badly needs this work.†Dams have to be inspected yearly and regulations put in place in 2008 better take into account people and properties located downstream and how they would be affected if dams were to fail. The Powhatan dam is classified as a high-hazard dam because if it were to fail, it’s likely at least one life would be lost. About $250,000 and at least four to six weeks of work stand between the camp and having a lake that is usable for summer aquatics like swimming, canoeing and kayaking, Dan Johnson, a Scout executive with the Blue Ridge Council said. We risk not being able to fill the lake,†Johnson said. “That’s what has put us in a hurry-up situation. Obviously, the lake is important for our camp to start by the first week of June.†This announcement comes shortly after the April 1 due date for a portion of nonrefundable deposits to attend camp this summer. About 8,000 campers visit the several camps at the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation each summer, with about half of those attending Camp Powhatan. Scout troops usually spend about a week at the summer camp. The council is counting on donations to cover supplies and labor.... I see a loooong OA weekend. More information at link above.

I'm curious are these features that we had with the previous software not available? - survey poll - inserting youtube video

Update: April 3, 2015 Three arrested!! http://www.kait8.com/story/28713008/guns-valued-at-14k-stolen-from-mcdowell-co-boy-scout-camp The McDowell County Sheriff's Office said three men are facing charges after 21 firearms were stolen from a Boy Scout camp in December. Detective Andy Manis said Richard Eugene McKinney, 22, Joel Alan Smith, 42, and Sonny Isaiah Smith, 19, have been charged with felony breaking and entering and larceny after an incident that took place during the weekend of Dec. 15. Manis said the three are accused of breaking into the Boy Scout reservation on Vein Mountain Road in Nebo and stealing the guns, valued at a total of $14,400. Firearms stolen during the break-in include 13 Marlin .22-caliber single-shot, bolt-action competition rifles, four Weatherby 12-gauge shotguns, a Remington 12-gauge shotgun and three Remington 20-gauge shotguns. Twelve of the stolen guns have been recovered. According to deputies, additional arrests related to the case are pending. Scout salute to McDowell County Sheriff's Office