RememberSchiff

Scout salute and farewell....

"Marblehead (Mass) Pack 79 has created its own policy in response to the Boy Scouts of Americas announcement that it will continue to not allow openly gay people to participate." From their website http://pack79mhd.scoutlander.com/publicsite/unitcustom.aspx?UID=5990&CUSTOMID=55066 "Pack 79 recognizes the benefits of scouting for all boys and their families. We openly reject the national policy put forth by Boy Scouts of America barring gay boys from membership and gay or lesbian adults from serving as leaders. We believe that Scouting builds character and enforces important values including citizenship, compassion, cooperation, courage, faith, health and fitness, honesty, perseverance, positive attitude, resourcefulness, respect, responsibility, tolerance and acceptance. As an organization, Pack 79 will provide membership to all boys and parents in the Marblehead community without regard to sexual orientation. Were realistic in that the actions were taking may not have any real impact on the national BSA policy, said Jack Schecter, Pack 79 cub master. But whats important to us is that our community knows we dont stand behind that (BSA) policy and that we wont implement it. news link http://www.wickedlocal.com/marblehead/topstories/x1789229316/Separating-from-the-pack-Marblehead-Scouts-take-stand-against-discrimination#axzz24WPh7ZIp(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

January 1, 2010. New form No. 34605, which replaced the Class 1,2,3 forms, required a yearly physical for everyone. Yep used to be 3 years.

No, we take responsibility here. This is our screw-up complete with the diminished BSA brand. Where this new merit badge did not interest my scouts in SAR, this recent gripping story of a volunteer search and rescue did. "A group of Colorado mountain climbers rescued a German Shepard named Missy from 13,000 feet, where the dog's owner abandoned her. Missy was stranded for eight days before two hikers found her close to death and bloodied. In a strange twist of fate, the owner wants custody of Missy again - a privilege the animal-loving hikers think the man lost when he left the canine to die." ... "Official search and rescue teams couldn't assist since they only respond to calls to help humans." Tell the story in parts and discuss what went wrong, how was the internet used, when is too late, what would you need for a rescue, how would you plan a rescue..., what of Missy and her owner or new owners? Scout salute to 8 rescuers, links: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdDTMHZdU8Y http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/german-shepard-custody-battle-colorado-couple-rallies-fellow-climbers-save-abandoned-dog-top-a-mountain-owner-left-dog-dead-back-rescued-dog-subject-custody-battle-article-1.1138690?localLinksEnabled=false (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/Home/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/MeritBadges/snr.aspx

http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2012/08/20/at-last-search-and-rescue-merit-badge-requirements-released/

http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2012/08/20/at-last-search-and-rescue-merit-badge-requirements-released/ What a disappointment, another dumbed-down, classroom merit badge. Explain, discuss, hypothetical scenario, talk to some people... Left hand salute

I will erase the Espanol sections and use that space to insert a copy of both sides of my insurance card.

Fixed link - sorry about that.

As always, careful planning went into the development of the updated version, with input coming from councils, volunteers, and the Health and Safety Team." Gee I don't remember being asked. Have NO use for bilingual on the same form - now even smaller fonts. A preview copy of the record can be found at: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/680-001_preview.pdf (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Probably this was BSA's mistake too, i.e., assuming laws and statutes in West Virginia would be like other places. Apparently this goes back to a 1944 West Virginia Supreme Court case. From Findlaw real estate is not exempt where owned by a [charitable] organization and is leased for private purposes, notwithstanding the application of the income from rentals to charitable and benevolent purposes and upkeep of the premises.  Central Realty Co. v. Martin, 126 W.Va. 915, 923, 30 S.E.2d 720, 725 (1944).   See also State v. McDowell Lodge, No. 112, 96 W.Va. 611, 123 S.E. 561 (1924) (holding that property of a charitable and benevolent organization, leased for profit, is not exempt even though rents are used to retire debt, for maintenance of property, and for charitable and benevolent purposes). IRS not the issue here, but everything to do with West Virginia real estate taxes. And as we know, all towns are hurting for money with non profits looking like the next frontier but that's another topic. My understanding, a favorable vote in both W.V. houses is required to bring a state constitutional amendment to the necessary public vote in Nov, 2014??? Another $0.02(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

"Minneapolis (August 15, 2012) - Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII), the leading manufacturer of off-road vehicles, today announced the company has donated a total of 28 Polaris all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and safety gear to the Boy Scouts of America's Northern Star Council's Tomahawk Scout Reservation, the second largest Boy Scout camp in the nation, and the Northwoods Camp, run by The Salvation Army, the world-wide leader of social, youth and rehabilitative services. The donation, valued at $100,000, is part of Polaris' long-term partnerships with the two organizations, focused on youth ATV safety practices and outdoor sports. "Our partnerships with Boy Scouts of America and The Salvation Army offer outstanding opportunities to demonstrate how ATVs can be a positive educational tool for youth," said Scott Wine, Polaris CEO. "By introducing young people to the sport in a manner that emphasizes the importance of safety and responsible ATV ownership, Polaris can entice a new generation into the powersports community while providing a great experience for thousands of young people." The Boy Scouts of America's Northern Star Council's Tomahawk Scout Reservation, located in Birchwood, Wis., is the destination for approximately 6,500 Boy Scouts, Webelos and adult leaders every summer. The new ATV program at the camp encompasses all aspects of safe ATV operation and ATV maintenance. Boy Scouts enrolled in the program also have the opportunity to earn merit badges for their participation. " http://www.4-traders.com/POLARIS-INDUSTRIES-INC-14008/news/Polaris-Industries-Inc-POLARIS-INDUSTRIES-DONATES-0-000-IN-ALL-TERRAIN-VEHICLES-TO-LOCAL-YOUTH-14463520/ I still have my doubts but have not seen this program in action.

Following from http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/W-Va-Boy-Scout-reserve-seeking-property-measure-3790767.php "The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve cannot lease its facilities to anyone but charities without jeopardizing its tax-exempt status." "The proposed amendment would open the Summit to some of its corporate sponsors, McGowan (BSA lawyer) said. AT&T, for instance, has pledged $50 million and will put its name on a grass amphitheater that will accommodate up to 80,000 people, he said. That company wishes to host events there, McGowan told lawmakers." "McGowan said these facilities can draw both from the area community and beyond the state's borders, for anything from a music concert or a board of directors' meeting to a wedding." "We have the dilemma of not being able to allow other organizations to use it," McGowan said. Maybe change the name as well - The Resort at Summit. Who would they book for music concerts - John Tesch? A fine kettle of fish. My $0.02,

From Charleston Gazette "There's already talk that Bridge Day festival organizers might be interested in leasing the Boy Scouts' new stadium for concerts. But the Scouts can't lease out the amphitheater and other facilities to outside groups without jeopardizing its tax-exempt status. McGowan said the Summit would host only a small number of public events -- mostly concerts -- each year. The Scouts also may temporarily lease out other Summit facilities, including camping sites, a "Leadership Excellence Center," "Better Body Health Center," and technology center, McGowan said." More info http://sundaygazettemail.com/News/201208140245

Ha you got me , pre-coffee posts are offten subjeck to tpyos... I heard some local group(s) had some interest in booking rock concerts at the Summit's 80,000 seat "amphitheater on grass. But some stupid with a flare gun, Burned the place to the ground. Smoke on the water and fire in the sky. (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

To maintain tax-exempt status while renting Summit facilities, including an 80,000 seat stadium, to non-charitable groups, the BSA would need an amendment to the West Virginia Constitution "Current state law would only allow charitable institutions to use it for a charitable purpose. A bill calling for a vote on a proposed constitutional amendment passed the state Senate earlier this year but was not taken up in the House of Delegates." http://www.wvmetronews.com/index.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=54357&type= IMO, it is a stretch to get it both ways when it comes to taxes, particularly when you start competing with tax paying businesses, but maybe we'll see Monster Trunks Derbies at the Summit?

In general is it worthwhile to ask about camping on military bases? To whom should such an inquiry be directed? Definitely, particularly if there is an airshow or other public base event that weekend . Usually one contacts the base Public Affairs Office. (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Back when I was a kid, I often watched an early morning tv show called "The Big Picture". Here's a 28 minute episode "U.S. Army and the Boy Scouts" that I watched more than 50 years ago, about the time I joined Cub Scouts. Very cool back then having soldiers and West Point cadets teaching rifle shooting.

"A generous contribution from the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation has made it possible for local councils to present selected Eagle Scout candidates with a $100 prepaid gift card to be used toward their service projects." More details and link to application form here http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/trailtoeagle.aspx

I doubt anything happens but I do not know for sure so I used "former?". I would hope their medals and sashes are stored as the future always holds the promise of reconciliation. Ignoring these letters would be discourteous. God forbid, their returned medals and sashes are sold on Ebay ... now that would be a PR disaster. Another $0.02 (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

An online list of 100+ turn-ins and their letters. http://eaglebadges.tumblr.com/ I sincerely hope each former? Eagle receives a personal response letter from National. My $0.02

Agreed. Those interviewed were uncomfortable and their comments guarded. It is what it is, McCollin (SE) said. Every local council has to deal with it as best they can, based on the makeup of their constituents and customers. Were trying to do the best we can here. Like politics, scouting is local. My $0.02

from Barre Montpelier Times Argus http://www.timesargus.com/article/20120812/THISJUSTIN/708129867

No claim by Glenn. Because of his "Boy Scout" character, many just assumed John Glenn had been a boy scout. He wanted to join Boy Scouts but there were too few boys thereabouts so he and his buddies formed a club called the Ohio Rangers. They even used an old Scout Handbook. In the media, I have heard Congressman Ryan referred to as a Boy Scout though I have not found any mention of a scout background on his website or wiki bio. I hope he was scout. My $0.01 for rambling

Why? Do you think there is some sort of conspiracy? No, I just want to be more accurate about Congressman Ryan than I was about Senator John Glenn.