RememberSchiff

Yeah "Cupcake Scouts". Are scouts allowed to even climb trees these days?

Back in the day, I remember a tree climbing requirement for Wolf. Our trees were climbable but not tall enough for the requirement which I think was 20 feet maybe higher. I had to search the neighborhood. Mrs. Rice had a tall willow tree with many limbs. Perfect, now if only she said no. Mrs. Rice did not cooperate and up the tree (slowly) I went while Mom watched and said if I fell and broke my neck, she would kill me. Words of encouragement were different then.

Why mention this? Well I was scared of heights. If I climbed a tree it was just to the first limb within my arm reach. This requirement challenged me to go higher. Later as a Boy Scout, building three story signal towers for flag signaling were common. That was Scouting. We did things that other kids did not or could not do and we took pride in our accomplishments. Awards and the uniform were just reminders.

I see less challenge and adventure today. Sad indeed.

My $0.01,

P.S.

In appreciation of Steve Jobs an old joke "What's the difference between Apple and the Boy Scouts?

The Boy Scouts have adult supervision."

Would that we were more like Apple.(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

"Wearing uniforms has been a method of the Scouting movement from the beginning."

No as I recall, the "Uniform method" began in 1982, before that there were just 7 methods of Scouting.

The uniform remains optional, as a scout is and should be a scout whether he is wearing the uniform or not. And that's the hard part in teaching Scouting values, that you are a scout 365x24x7 no matter what you wear, scout activity or not.

My $0.02,

Good video example.

Some related points I make when I teach leadership

1. Be aware of surroundings (dangers, resources,...)

2. Alert to situation (both current and potential)

3. Quick to act

4. Safety of others

5. Brave

My $0.02

Good idea. This application paperwork could use some serious streamlining.

Look a gift horse in the mouth.

Casually talk to the transferring families to determine if the other pack's "problems" are among the transfers. Maybe mention, we need to form new dens what are your ideas of assigning boys.

Some years ago, we had a similar influx and among the transfers were the two root problem families. Initially, they seemed pleasant on the surface but they quickly got back into their "agendas". Took more than a year to get rid of those bad apples. Too late as we lost some good Scout families in the process. The other pack closed shop the next year.

My $0.02

Yes according to the article,

1. BSA spokesperson says "units determine their own membership" (the new local option? Can we get that in writing?)

2. The CO pastor Phil Holliday (BTW,he's an Eagle Scout) says they are simply following the rules (and as shortridge asks where are these "rules" stated?)

3. The SM had no problem with Ms. Steele's past and continued service as an adult scout leader.

4. The local National Capital Area Council missing in action.

Doesn't add up.

My audited $0.02,

Is he the SPL or not?

Sure discuss your troop concerns and his new leadership team. What are the meeting by meeting or month by month goals and expectations, how will you guide them in their new leadership positions, how will you utilize (keep) the older scouts (should they be challenged to form a venture patrol with separate activities?), how will you handle your leaders who fail. There are many leadership learning experience ahead as he and his appointed team leads the troop - responsibilities, successes and failures, choices and consequences,...

I would only intervene if my SPL has promised a leadership position to a scout and failed to keep that promise and, of course, if I had safety concerns.

We teach them to make their own decisions and then step back (the hard part).

My 2 aspirin,

I think its disappointing its a sad day for Boy Scouting. I think the actions are really out of sync of what scouting stands for, Eric Ianson, a friend of Steeles and an Eagle Scout said.

...

I mean, when the leaders of the troop hear that (the Scout Law), how does it feel? Were they loyal to Denise? It certainly wasnt kind what theyve done to her, Ianson continued. It absolutely isnt brave. The brave thing to do would be to take a stand here and say this isnt right, this person has been great to our kids and its time to stand up for her and be great for her.

Even other assistant scout masters from Steeles troop felt it was vindictive, like Joe Leonard.

I saw that he was vindictive and on a witch hunt because he asked her personal friends what her sexuality was. Theres no business in that. Its a shame that a good leader for the boys has been removed because of one person whos eccentric when it comes to his religious belief, Leonard said. Its also a sad not that [boy Scouts of America] has not or is not willing to entertain what other private organizations have done and their beliefs.

Good points.

IMO, an organization that builds character would teach "do the right thing" and an organization that builds leaders would lead by example and show how to right the wrongs. Yes, even private organizations can change, we once did not allow females as scout leaders.

Now if those troop adult leaders and parents who thought this was wrong took action, formed a new troop with a fairer charter organization, and asked Ms. Steele to be COR ...could be a win-win.

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

Agreed, but I think SCOUTing needs more SCOUTs.

I would not be surprised that on any given day, there are more boys logged into X-box Live than the total BSA membership. Add PS3, Facebook games,...and I'm certain of it.

Attract them with common interests - chess, Halo, robotics, paintball, laser-tag,... and then introduce them to the outdoor adventures and other fun. One example, some "distinguished" X-box game snipers thought Rifle Shooting would be lame ...okay look at your sight picture. Is everything in focus - front sight and target? No, ain't that something. Oh, other things, here in the real world, we need breathing control and trigger squeeze, we can run out of ammo, have misfires, windage,... better your game and get real.

Need to fish where the fish are and then use the right bait...say I learned that in Fishing merit badge

My $0.02

(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Overdue. Back in the day, a young Bobby Fischer wrote a chess column for Boys Life.

Maybe this will be the first of a series of gaming merit badges - Civilization, Call of Duty,..., Parcheesi

My $0.01

The Passing Of An American Hero, Aug 12,2011 by Waring Hills

"Today I was saddened to learn of the death of Colonel Charles Murray, United States Army (Retired). Here is a reposting of a story I did about him and scouting drawn from his World War II experiences a few years ago. Its a two-part story and I hope you enjoy itit illustrates the character and strength of our armed forcesa free people led by free men with outstanding training and educationbut most of allgood men. Charles Murray was an Eagle Scout and the purpose of scouting is not to make boys into presidents, governors, CEOs or successful menits purpose is just to make good Men. Charles Chuck Murray who grew up in Wilmington, NC, was not only a successful Army officer and Medal of Honor recipienthe was a good man..."

http://cv10navalaviator.wordpress.com/2011/08/12/the-passing-of-an-american-hero/

(Wiki)For his WW2 service, he also received three Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars with Valor device, a Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He also served in the Korean and Vietnam wars.

"...the purpose of scouting is not to make boys into presidents, governors, CEOs or successful menits purpose is just to make good Men."

Scout salute.

Here's a hybrid community strip, council patch, unit number in retro red.

http://www.troop111.org/patch.html

I found this an interesting approach - using a merit badge to draw non-scouting families into scouting -Disabilities Awareness merit badge and families with autistic boys

http://www.phxautism.org/802/

Well said SMT224.

Double dipping is bad.

Review is good. A scout who passed a merit badge CPR requirement 4 or more years ago, may be surprised that the procedure has changed (more than one?).

Being current is better.

Learning to "continue to learn" throughout life is best.

My $0.02

NJ, Thanks much! This is a very pleasant surprise. I was impressed to read that an Explorer Post staffs the science center during camp. Maybe Camp Ockanickon's science "program" should be adopted at other camps?

Need to learn more about this. Thanks for the pointers.

In an earlier thread, I characterized this "program" as vaporware. I see little vision and just another cluster award, i.e., get a bunch of these merit badges, talk it up, and get yet another award...What was accomplished?

I think we can bring science into our scout camps, after all are not outdoor sciences about fieldwork? I cannot recall seeing a microscope or telescope at a scout summer camp, yet Nature, Environmental Science, and Astronomy merit badges are offered. I have seen microscopes and telescopes at 4-H camps.

As mentioned, there are many volunteers and companies who genuinely want to interest youth in sciences and recognize youth work without phony publicity programs. Personally, I would rather a scout join a Environmental, Chemistry, Computer, Robotics ... club and then earn the respective BSA merit badge. The problem is few science merit badges are challenging and rewarding. Environmental Science, Computer, Electronics are too watered down. Robotics and Chemistry merit badges are better challenges.

I read today "3-D mapping...Philmont Scout Ranch" by Northrop Grumman. Interesting read. Science is cool stuff as Bill Nye says.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705376159/3-D-mapping-provides-cool-view-of-Boy-Scouts-Philmont-Ranch.html

My $0.01 for rambling

Wow, is your CO a major oil company? I bet your troop does not widely disclose that information to parents who would quickly give the Troop Committee a reality check about budgets and fundraising. Do you disclose the annual budget to parents?

My experience, our troop piggy bank for 30-40 scouts had between $1K to $4K - usually enough to make advance payment for trips and routine equipment maintenance.

My $0.02

Disgusting. What next National, are you going to edit down William Hillcourt wiki?

Over the weekend, I kept thinking that if real leaders came in the BSA, that this insult would be quickly corrected with a heart-felt, formal apology.

Maybe we can recruit Robert Gates (soon to be former Secretary of Defense) to become Chief Scout Executive and Mike Rowe as Chief Scout? Bring back leadership, respect, adventure, and enthusiasm to the BSA!

My $0.02,

Even F-Troop had Bugler Dobbs.

That's a great photo from back in the day. Thanks.

I like this photo of the rare scout bugler at a recent Memorial Day ceremony

http://www.pamelasteadjones.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_6691-e1306763288226-577x1024.jpg

The rest of the story (scroll to end to see above scout photo)

http://www.pamelasteadjones.com/2011/05/30/memorial-day/

Save Our Buglers.

Well be careful what you wish for... this change in the UK Scouting Association did not come without ...ahem...campaign "Promoting good sexual health in scouting", documentation "My Body, My Choice" and leader training.

http://scouts.org.uk/shis

http://scouts.org.uk/documents/EcommsDocs/MyBodyMyChoice.pdf

I'm "not prepared" to bring sex ed into scouting. Not comfortable with religion either. I consider both personal matters and prefer they be handled outside of scouting. IMHO, I think we should open the BSA to all youngsters and drop any religion and sex requirements/discussion other than "youth protection" from our program.

My $0.01,

Glad to see that the way-too-complicated-for-Wolf-Scouts Food Pyramid is being retired and replaced with a simple MyPlate graphic.

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

So look for changes in Wolf Scout requirement 8 "Cooking and Eating", hopefully sooner rather than later.

my $0.02

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA JOINS WITH THE

NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING & EXPLOITED CHILDREN

TO TEACH SCOUTS INTERNET SAFETY

Free Online Educational Resource, NetSmartz, Made Available to Scout Leaders

ALEXANDRIA, VAJune 1, 2011. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) today announced it is making available its Internet safety program, NetSmartz,to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to teach Scouts and their families how to make responsible decisions both online and in real life. The BSA is asking all Scout leaders to incorporate the NetSmartz materials into their programs and to distribute information directly to parents.

While the Internet provides vast educational and informational resources, it has also given predators a new opportunity to prey on childreneven in their own homes. Talking to children so they understand the dangers is vital to their safety. Prevention is key. NCMEC offers a free Internet safety program called NetSmartz at www.netsmartz.org. It uses interactive resources such as animated characters, games, and videos to empower children of all ages to make responsible decisions both online and in real life.

Today children have more access to the Internet than ever before in history, said Ernie Allen, president and CEO of NCMEC. The majority of all households today have at least one computer, and we know that most teens access the Internet from multiple locations. Kids already know that the Internet is a wonderful resource. They also need to understand the potential risks and the simple things that they can do that will help them stay safe. We applaud the BSA for making this resource available to members and its focus on adapting to the evolving dangers facing children today.

With a click of the mouse, parents can also get answers to their questions at www.netsmartz411.org about the Internet, computers, and emerging technology. Among the most frequently asked: What is a mash-up? How do I find my childs MySpace URL? What do online abbreviations mean? Not only can they review answers already provided, but they can call 1-888-NETS411 and talk to an expert.

Kudu will love this part.

Continuing to educate Scouts and their parents about Internet safety is an important component of Scoutings long-standing commitment to the continuous enhancement of our youth protection program, said Bob Mazucca, Chief Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of America. Todays youth are spending more time than ever onlinegaming and communicating with social networks. We believe NetSmartz is an important program to make available to Scouts and their parents to help them use the Internet in a safe, responsible manner.

The NetSmartz Workshop is a free online educational resource. It is a program that is widely used and enjoyed by children and teens, parents, educators, and law enforcement. Using age-appropriate activities, NetSmartz provides children with the information they need to make smarter and safer online choices. The animated spokesperson, Clicky, has been enormously popular in teaching Internet safety to youth participants. The program uses videos, games, and activity cards to educate children on how to recognize potential Internet risks and to empower children to help prevent them from being exploited. NetSmartz has been implemented in schools and school districts in all 50 states in the U.S.

link:

http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/NewsEventServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=4514

"Why can't my daughter join the pack/troop, too?"

I wonder if the BSA is heading past the coed unit and onward to Family Scouting of America with "Big Box" units. Have the whole family at the same meeting and pack-up everyone for a car camping "scout" outing at one our fine BSA-approved council camps but leave the dog home.

I would be long gone.

My $0.02