Jump to content

RememberSchiff

Moderators
  • Content Count

    7398
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    214

Posts posted by RememberSchiff

  1. http://kgmi.com/To-always-be-prepared-Boy-Scouts-start-welding/12989761?newsId=145838

    good article, excerpts below. Scouting should offer strong hands-on vocational merit badges, I remember when schools had "shop" classes to allow students a chance to try carpentry, metalwork, electrical work, plumbing,..good stuff.

     

    "More than 140,000 new welders will be needed by 2019 to replace retirees and meet rising demand from natural gas drillers, steel producers, automakers and more, according to the American Welding Society (AWS).

     

    The group helped the Boy Scouts of America award its first welding merit badge in March, hoping to offset waning interest in welding due to a cultural focus on four-year liberal arts degrees at the expense of community colleges and trade schools, industry experts say.

     

    "The Scouts start realizing that welding could lead to a viable career," said Sam Gentry of the AWS. "It's not just something to fix a fence."

     

    Among the roughly 450,000 U.S. welders, the average age is 55, and fewer than 20 percent are under the age of 35, according to AWS data.

     

    In addition to the Boy Scouts partnership, the AWS has boosted the amount in scholarships it doles out each year.

     

    It also built a $500,000 trailer equipped with "virtual" welding machines with the help of Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc. Last weekend, the machine made a pit stop at the Indianapolis 500 car race to tout the welding profession to young auto fans..."

     

    The Boy Scouts have already run out of their first printing of 11,000 welding training manuals, which cost about $5 each.

     

    Using the book, which outlines safety procedures, welding techniques and career potential, and through hands-on training in welding, Scouts can earn the badge in as little as 12 hours, the group says.

     

    "Boys like discovering things, exploring things with their hands," said Boy Scouts spokeswoman Renee Fairrer. "Something like welding is of interest to boys because it's not necessarily something they see as part of their everyday existence."

     

    A representative for the Girl Scouts of the USA wasn't available to comment on a potential welding merit badge for the group's members :)..."

    (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

  2. He succeeds Robert Mazzuca, who is retiring at age 65 per the charitys bylaws.

     

    At age 63, Mr. Brock, who will take over in September, is approaching the age limit for chief executives. But Wayne Perry, a businessman who has been named the organizations national president and who served on the hiring committee that selected Mr. Brock, said trustees would vote to make an exception to the bylaws so Mr. Brock could serve until he is 67.

     

    In an interview with The Chronicle, Mr. Brock said he would focus on increasing the groups membership in the short time he has.

     

    What that does is put pressure on me to do it faster and not waste any time, he said.

     

    http://philanthropy.com/article/New-Boy-Scouts-CEO-Makes/131942/

     

    I hope so, here's some advice for your two year term; no extension if membership does not increase.

    1. local CO option on "eligibility" for membership and uniform.

    2. bring back the scout adventure - we educate them and trust them. Managed risk, no adult patrol outings, and wheelbarrows allowed. Add Eagle project option - solo patrol trek.

     

    My $0.02

  3. Everything is just fine.

    Here is Wayne talking about "National Council Effectiveness"

     

    For more 2 minute Wayne video blogs on youtube videos search WBtv Wayne Brock

     

    If anyone needs me, I will be outside hitting my head against an oak tree.

     

    My $0.02(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

  4. I hear ya.

     

    We have some Webs shooting 12 gauge semi's on a local ATA trap team. A few hunt turkey with their dads. We have Cubs who own and shoot their own 22 rifles (Cricket, Mini Bolt 14, CZ). BB at camp is a yawner, they would rather be back swimming at the waterfront.

     

  5. My cubs would be doing 1 and 2 safely and having FUN.

     

    As a pack, we safely do shooting sports outside of scouting. Ditto with the troop which attended a CMP class. Never had a safety issue as none of the NRA or USA Archery instructors or our unit leaders would stand for any nonsense on the range.

     

    When other kids are safely doing activities which parents and adult leaders approve but National prohibits, we lose the whole scout family and worsen our chances of attracting more boys to scouting.

     

    My $0.02,(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

  6. The American Hiking Society (AHS) and the BSA have put together this Volunteer Vacation to work on trail stewardship projects the week of Sept 22-29, 2012.

     

    Size: 24 participants

    Cost: $245 (AHS member) $275 (non AHS member, so if BSA you pay more???) - food included.

     

    No mention of BSA medical which seemed odd, but maybe outside groups attending Philmont set their own rules (hmmm...). Less fuss?

     

    Registration form:

    http://www.americanhiking.org/uploadedFiles/2012%20Registration%20Form%20Philmont.pdf?n=9415

     

    Thought I would past this along.

  7. I read Feuer's measure, Assembly Concurrent Resolution 128 that Merlyn mentioned.

     

    http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_0101-0150/acr_128_bill_20120313_introduced.html

     

    I like it.

     

    My $0.02

     

    Might as well cut and paste it

     

    BILL NUMBER: ACR 128 INTRODUCED

    BILL TEXT

     

     

    INTRODUCED BY Assembly Members Feuer, Atkins, Dickinson, Monning,

    and Wieckowski

     

    MARCH 13, 2012

     

    Relative to Boy Scouts of America.

     

     

    LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

     

     

    ACR 128, as introduced, Feuer. Boy Scouts of America.

    This measure would recognize, congratulate, and commend the Boy

    Scouts of America on its 102nd anniversary, and encourage the Boy

    Scouts of America to accept for membership and leadership positions

    qualified boys and men without discrimination on the basis of sexual

    orientation or religious belief.

    Fiscal committee: no.

     

     

     

    WHEREAS, Since the founding of the Boy Scouts of America, millions

    of Boy Scouts have taken the experience of scouting and gone on to

    contribute great things to society; and

    WHEREAS, A Boy Scout can be followed, as he is a leader in his

    troop and community, regardless of the scout's race, color, religion,

    ancestry, national origin, political affiliation, sexual

    orientation, or disability; and

    WHEREAS, The list of former Boy Scouts includes diverse role

    models and leaders; and

    WHEREAS, A Boy Scout lives honorably, not only because honor is

    important to him, but because of the significant example he sets for

    other scouts; and

    WHEREAS, Loyalty to his troop and brother scouts makes him

    "pitch-in" and carry his share of the load, recognizing the devotion

    to his family and the community in which he lives; and

    WHEREAS, A Boy Scout's courage means standing up for what he

    believes in without compromising his own beliefs; and

    WHEREAS, A Boy Scout looks forward to each day, seeking his share

    of the world's work to do; and

    WHEREAS, Honor, loyalty, and courage are hallmarks of scouts who

    admirably represent the community, council, and troop in their daily

    lives; and

    WHEREAS, A Boy Scout is helpful in service and will always "be

    prepared" to put forth his best; and

    WHEREAS, The character traits represented by Boy Scouts are

    symbols present in the Boy Scout badge, worn proudly on the uniform,

    by youth in this state and across the country; and

    WHEREAS, It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve

    others by helping to instill values in young people, and in other

    ways to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in

    achieving their full potential; and

    WHEREAS, The values that the Boy Scouts of America strives to

    instill are found in the Boy Scout Oath and Law; and

    WHEREAS, Boy Scouts are required to abide by the Scout Law and

    Scout Oath, which proudly uses such terms as "honor," "trustworthy,"

    and "loyal"; and

    WHEREAS, Many Boy Scouts have been forced to hide their identity

    in contradiction to the Scout Mission, Law, and Oath, and Boy Scouts

    and scout leaders who were open about their sexual orientation have

    been expelled from scouting; and

    WHEREAS, The policy of the Boy Scouts of America to bar from

    membership or leadership positions otherwise qualified individuals

    solely on the basis of their sexual orientation or religious belief

    causes harm to the innumerable boys and men such as James Dale who,

    regardless of their hard work and merits, are denied the opportunity

    to participate in any way in the Boy Scouts of America; and

    WHEREAS, Many former Boy Scouts have left scouting and formed

    their own advocacy organization, Scouting for All, in an effort to

    bring the values of scouting to youth without discrimination; and

    WHEREAS, The discriminatory policy of the Boy Scouts of America is

    contrary to the policy of the State of California; and

    WHEREAS, Other similar organizations such as the Girl Scouts, Camp

    Fire USA, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America serve as role

    models for the Boy Scouts of America because they do not discriminate

    against youth and adults; now, therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate

    thereof concurring, That the Legislature does hereby recognize,

    congratulate, and commend the Boy Scouts of America on its 102nd

    anniversary; and be it further

    Resolved, That the Legislature encourages the Boy Scouts of

    America to accept for membership and leadership positions all

    qualified boys and men, without discriminating on the basis of sexual

    orientation or religious belief; and be it further

    Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of

    this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

     

    (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

  8. For us it has varied depending on scout interest in their destination troop program, anywhere from Jan to Feb Blue & Gold. The Jan group were eager to prepare for a spring vacation troop trek.

     

    If the troop program (spring and summer activities) is so uninteresting that scouts want to stay Webelos longer, then look at another troop.

     

    My $0.02,

  9. My guess the Bear Titan Youth Recurve

    simple, fairly rugged, cheap starter bow $35-50 (usually green color limbs)

    wraparound arrow shelf so lefties can use the same bow too (usually shelf wears down)

    one bow with bow length, draw length and weight are in the right average range for age group

    look like Cub Scout bows to older scouts

     

    Jump up to the $80-100 range - takedown recurves - Polarisl, Mohegan, maybe PSE Junior

    - cooler looking

    - becomes an inventory issue. Need separate RH and LH bows, different limb lengths, different draw weights

     

    But as mentioned finding the deal is key. You should google "archery kits school program" as there was/is a group NASP or USArchery that gave a good deal on a kit of bows, arrows, targets...

     

    Qwazse - I like your ideas!

     

    My $0.02,

     

     

  10. Back to the OP, imagine if Ms. Tyrell resided in West Virginia instead of nearby Ohio and was removed as den leader and booted from the BSA.

     

    Would there have been a public outcry by the citizens of WV to the Governor and State House to intervene, perhaps curb state support services for the Summit? Would any council board members resign there ( as I understand one did resign in Ohio)? Would economic forces have prevailed over any other considerations? Or something else?

     

    I wonder.

  11. While a few adults are making excuses not to act, it was a refreshing to read of scouts jumping into action. Yes this was dangerous, but they used their heads. and likely saved lives - what scouts do.

     

    Boy Scouts help at collapsed house

     

    ... saw the building collapse on a man in a white shirt...the group started using two-by-fours and cinder blocks to pry up sections of the collapsed building and help those inside to escape.

    ...positioned cinder blocks so that another man could move his head.

     

    It was hard. There was a lot of frustration. It was really heavy too, said Libordi. Ive never seen a building collapse like that before. It was crazy.

     

    Mitch Cornish said the men trapped under the rubble were having a difficult time breathing.

     

    They (3 victims) were in pretty bad shape, said Cornish, assistant superintendent of Public Works in Hornell. We couldnt move them. I think their injuries were pretty bad.

     

    Property owner Harold Hill (no not the Music Man) was demolishing a section of the single-story, multi-family apartment complex with a backhoe and was on the west side of the building when it collapsed toward the east side.

     

    I saw it starting to come down, but I didnt notice the people inside until I turned around and got there. I heard Noah say there were guys inside, and I started getting my adrenaline going up, said Argentieri, 12.

     

    The scouts estimated they were at the scene 10-20 minutes before emergency personnel arrived at the scene. (No they did not just call 911 and sit safely off-scene and wait for adults to come!)

     

     

    http://www.eveningtribune.com/features/x272274779/Local-Boy-Scouts-help-at-collapsed-house-in-Mt-Morris

     

    My $0.02, Good job Scouts!(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

  12. Perhaps old news but good news

     

    From KVAL news

     

    ALBANY, Ore. - When Troop 99 needed a new bugler to wake Scouts with "Reveille" and end the day with "Taps," Eriq Thompson volunteered.

     

    "We needed a new bugler," he told KVAL News. "I said I can do that. I know the trumpet and know music really easily."

     

    His fellow Scout, Corey Clemetsen, caught the bugling bug, too.

     

    "I'd listen to Eric or I'd listen to who the bugler was and then I'd start printing out sheets and learning the music," he said.

     

    Now the two First Class Scouts - Thompson, 15, is also the troop's senior patrol leader; Clemetsen, 14, is the assistant senior patrol leader and trooper scribe - will represent Oregon at Arlington National Cemetary in May for a celebration of the 150th anniversary of "Taps."

     

    "It's a great honor. My grandparents know people that are buried there," Clemetsen said, "and not very many people get to play there. We're going to be, as we know of, the youngest people."

     

    "And we're not military, so that's even bigger," Thompson said, "because usually only the top high quality military people get to play there.

     

    "We're just regular Boy Scouts going there bugling, so that's going to be pretty cool."

     

    Some great photos of both scouts with bugles, trumpets, and sash with Bugling MB

     

    http://www.kval.com/news/local/Were-just-regular-Boy-Scouts-going-there-bugling-144443325.html?tab=gallery&c=y&img=9

  13. A uniformed scout attends a town meeting to fulfill a requirement for Citizenship in Community. The discussion turns to whether the town should spend money on a new jail or education. The council favors the jail.

     

    The scout comes forward and asks to speak.

     

    "If it takes a 12-year-old kid to come up here and tell you we don't need a new jail and we need better education, then that's pretty sad. Here I am, an A, B student in my school, and I have to come up to," he said, pausing to count aloud, "nine people just to say we don't need this new jail. Bye."

     

    And then the Scout Executive got involved

     

    http://www.nvdaily.com/news/2012/04/public-hearing-entreaty-gets-boy-scout-in-hot-water.php

     

    I am very puzzled by the SE's statement

    "It's never the BSA's policy for a scout to show up in uniform and take a stance at a meeting, Williams said. He said it's a direct violation to use the uniform to try to wield influence, he said."

     

    I have had quite a few uniformed scouts appear before many town boards to present their Eagle projects. Their presentations were more respectful than this young 12 year old scout but the passion and persuasion were similar. Some of those board members can be hard to win over.

     

    Good learning experience for young Jacob, something he would not get at summer camp.

     

    My $0.02

  14. Wrong turn.

     

    Observe what tools boys are safely using around the home, farm, school, FIRST robotics and some of the cool things they are doing. When we tell a scout the BSA will not permit him to use the tools that he can demonstrate safe and proficient mastery, we become less than we were and likely LOSE that scout!

     

    At 14, my son has safely already used all those tools banned (except wood chipper). He even worked up a 20' ladder to help old RS install gutters and paint. Shocking? All stuff I did back at 15, except with less safe gear. Oops, he has already used a lathe which I did not until later. Yeah had to think SAFETY - am I safe, is the tool safe, what happens if I slip, are the blades sharp,...

     

    My Cubs use my drill press to polish PWD axles and my band and scroll saw to safely cut car outlines and I was right there with them. Cool stuff.

     

    I saw that a pocketknife was listed as okay but there is no mention of an ax. Maybe the Committee is still deliberating that one. BP must be spinning.

     

    Our job as adult leaders is to teach kids how to safely use tools not shelter them from tools.

     

    My $0.02

  15. This goal was stated in the 2006-2010 and again in the current 2011-2015 National Strategic Plan, but it has not been reached yet despite selling camps and merging councils.

    Where does the money go and is spending money the only approach to reverse membership decline? If so, I don't think it is working.

     

    Getting real numbers (budget, fundraising, donations, salaries, membership) is rare. This article "Des Moines Boy Scouts battle debt after years of borrowing" is an exception, still I am baffled by some of the numbers, decisions made and who did not know what.

     

    http://dmjuice.desmoinesregister.com/article/20120423/NEWS/304230019/1001/NEWS

     

    Wonder how much Philmont and Summit treks will cost through this council?

     

  16. "...St. George is typical of what a Scout should be. He epitomized the qualities of selflessness and both moral and physical courage which Baden-Powell saw as being among the aims of Scouting. Lord Robert Baden-Powell had made Saint George the patron Saint of the Scouting Movement. Baden-Powell had a favorite rhyme about our patron Saint:

     

    My warmest good wishes I am sending to you

    And hoping that the winter is through

    You will start out afresh to follow the lead

    Of our Patron Saint George and his spirited steed;

    Not only to tackle what ever my befall,

    But also successfully to win through it all

    And then may you have an enjoyable spell

    Of hiking, and jolly good camping as well. "

     

    more at link:

    http://oblatesosbbelmont.org/2012/04/23/8693/

  17. Has anyone started it? How is it being received? Too difficult?

     

    Yes!

     

    "It was a lot of fun, Boy Scout Patrick McKeon said. MIG welding is a type of welding with a welding gun and wire, and you move the wire in close proximity to the gun, and it starts an electrical arc that heats the wire, which allows you to weld.

     

    Here's a photo and newspaper article of nine scouts (including one female Venture Crew member) who recently earned Welding merit badge.

     

    http://www.telegram.com/article/20120414/TOWNNEWS/120419747&TEMPLATE=TOWNPORTAL

     

     

  18. IMO, the survey questions are not sufficient in scope or consideration to answer the study question/purpose.

    There are really no questions about family, though there is one question about how close you are with family, neighbors, co-workers and the last question "If you had a son would you want them to be a member of the Boy Scouts" is as weak as its grammar (professors?). There are many goal questions but none family specific.

    No question about continuing education or involvement in your child's education.

    No questions about military service...

    No questions about current involvement with Scouting (very odd) also if you were not a scout do you wish you had been.

    No questions about driving record, criminal record, drug use or other risky behavior other than alcohol.

    And on it goes...

     

    Seemed weak to me.

     

    My $0.02

×
×
  • Create New...