RememberSchiff

Oct 3 (Reuters) - U.S. District Judge Richard Andrews in Delaware declined to stop the Boy Scouts of America's $2.46 billion abuse settlement from moving forward, saying that stopping the settlement in its tracks would be both impractical and unfair to the many people and organizations relying on it to resolve abuse claims. Gilion Dumas, who represents some of the abuse claimants who have appealed, stated she would ask the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overrule Andrews. More at source: https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/boy-scouts-abuse-settlement-shouldnt-wait-us-supreme-courts-purdue-appeal-judge-2023-10-03/

@TroopSPL1 welcome to scouter.com.

Some questions: 1. Scouting does not tolerate bullying. Is he bullying scouts? 2. What is Mr. X current leadership position? I am blown away he is/was CC, COR, and UC. 3. Are any of the other great adults Troop Committee members? What are their thoughts? 4. Have you or Committee members spoken with IH ? Sadly adult conflict is too often the most transparent yet slowest, least remedied problem in Scouting. My $0.02,

The Trustee of BSA Settlement Trust, the Honorable Barbara J. Houser, grants motion of 60 day deadline extension for Direct Abuse Claimants to elect the Independent Review Option pursuant to the Trust Distribution Procedures (TDP) under the Third Modified Fifth Amended Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization (With Technical Modifications) for Boy Scouts of America and Delaware BSA, LLC, D.I. 10296 (the “Plan”). The new deadline is Dec 18, 2023. https://casedocs.omniagentsolutions.com/cmsvol2/pub_47373/a6af9ba9-0b96-4a09-bcce-2a40ab33c409_11514.pdf

@Cncguy76 welcome to scouter.com

In 2017 Giselle Burgess, a single mother of five who lost her home, created Troop 6000 for girls living in NYC shelters. In recent years, Troop 6000 has expanded to 20 shelter sites and 2500 girl scouts and adults members. And this year, Troop 6000 expanded to serve recent immigrant and asylum-seeking families. "Each week, Girl Scouts meet in shelters across the city to take part in activities that help them make new friends, earn badges, and learn to see themselves as leaders. All fees, uniforms, trips, and program materials are provided at no cost." Scout Salute, More at links and MSNBC video below: https://www.girlscoutsnyc.org/en/discover/girl-scouting-nyc/troop-6000.html https://www.girlscoutsnyc.org/content/dam/girlscoutsnyc-redesign/documents/misc/Troop 6000 Expansion_April 2023.pdf

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing Mental Health First Aid course https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/take-a-course/what-you-learn/ is being offered at the 2023 National Outdoor Conference (Philmont) this weekend. "Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. For details on this course, click here to visit the Mental Health First Aid training webpage. Any adult who support youth and other adults in Scouting should plan to attend. Note there is an additional $100 certification fee plus the preconference fee. "

From the Norwich & Winsford Guardian (UK) The 1st Davenham Scouts Group, founded in 1930, has never had its own facility before and was most recently based at St Wilfreds Parish Church Hall. However, in 2010 the group was unable to renew its lease and members have since been meeting outdoors at Peckmill Scout Wood. Members have had to use temporary facilities such as portable toilets and a shipping container for storage. The group then bought the 2.4-acre site in June 2019. and was granted permission to build a hut. Now, they have announced a beer festival and a Christmas tree sale to raise the necessary funds. A selection of 12 beers and ciders will be on offer, as well as hot food and a raffle. More at source: https://www.northwichguardian.co.uk/news/23819716.beer-festival-christmas-trees-help-fund-new-scout-hut/ Maybe unit-owned "scout huts" will make a comeback here in the states? Years ago, we had two scout land properties in town which were sold as CO's were assumed to provide meeting space into the future. Now we compete and pay for community center bookings without storage,

Been worried about our oaks here in northeast as there has been a bumper crop of fungus from the hot, wet (#4 wettest on record) summer. More wind damage than past summers. Haven't noticed a difference in acorns.

"The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) collects a variety of species of acorns and nuts that can be planted at its Augusta Nursery (Crimora, Va.) to grow into tree seedlings that will become the forests of tomorrow. These seeds will produce next year’s hardwood seedling crop, which will be sold to Virginia’s forestland owners. Seedlings grown from Virginia-grown seed generally produce trees that will best thrive in our state’s climates. Certain nuts can be difficult to find regionally, and availability can change year to year. At times, one species of tree in a region may produce minimal acorns, while others are abundant. This is why DOF puts out a call-to-action for landowners across the state. The more trees that can be identified for collection, the more nuts can be potentially planted in the nursery." Virginia’s Department of Forestry is asking the public to help the agency collect the acorns in support of their efforts to plant trees statewide. Joshua McLaughlin is the nursery manager at VDOF’s nursery in Augusta County. He says each year people donate acorns which are then planted at the nursery. Within a year, those seeds become seedlings - available for purchase for around $3.00. “So here in about a few weeks, we’ll start putting acorns in the ground, and then that will be next year’s crop,” McLaughlin explained. “And so like for this year, starting October 2, we actually have our online store starting our seedlings sale season, and we sell seedlings to the public. We’re not in it to make a lot of money. seedlings are very inexpensive. " DOF needs the following species this year. *Bold species are of particular interest: *Black Oak *Chestnut Oak *White Oak *Black Walnut Chinese Chestnut Northern Red Oak Pin Oak Shumard Oak Southern Red Oak Swamp Chestnut Oak Swamp White Oak Water Oak Willow Oak Keep these acorn collection tips in mind: Safety first. Stay away from roadways. Look for whole, uncracked acorns that are dark brown or green. Collected acorns do not need caps. Do not collect on private property without permission. Place in a paper bag. Please do NOT use plastic bags. Use a separate bag for each species. Label the bag with the collection date and species (if known). If you’re not sure, include a few leaves from the tree to help us with identification. Place in a cool area until you’re ready to drop them off (sooner the better!). Collection from yards, sidewalks, driveways, etc., is recommended, to ensure collection of a single species. (Forest collection makes it difficult to determine the tree of origin and often leads to mixing of acorn types.) Avoid sticks, leaves, gravel and debris. More at sources: https://www.wdbj7.com/2023/09/26/how-you-can-participate-virginias-annual-acorn-harvest/ https://dof.virginia.gov/forest-management-health/seedling-nurseries/acorn-and-nut-collection/

@Jenniwelcome to scouter.com

@derksmit welcome to scouter.com

Easy enough to check, let's see the EB and EC member list of local councils and National.

IMHO, Council executives and other professionals should NOT be members of the Executive Board which oversees them. My $0.02,

The Little Guy Hotel Eagle Project for Wildlife education Center More at source: https://www.newschannel10.com/video/2023/09/25/video-scouts-bsa-builds-bug-hotel-wild-west-wildlife-rehabilitation-education-center/

Buck Hill Scout Camp (formerly Cub World, Narragansett Council, RI) BURRILLVILLE, R.I. — The state Department of Environmental Management will acquire more than 900 acres of land in town from the local Boy Scouts of America chapter for $1.61 million, according to a purchase and sale agreement approved by the State Properties Committee. ... The Narragansett Council of the Boy Scouts of America had previously planned to sell about 200 acres to Getaway, a “glamping” rental company, which had proposed building 65 cabins on the property. However, those plans fell through earlier this year after the company withdrew its proposal, citing concerns about financial viability. This is not the first time the state has purchased land from the Boy Scouts. DEM, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, bought 189 acres of land in Burrillville, also near the Buck Hill and George Washington Management areas, from the Boy Scouts of America Narragansett Council in 2012. More at source: https://ecori.org/state-to-purchase-preserve-boy-scouts-land-in-burrillville/ Another source with more info: https://nrinow.news/2023/09/21/ri-dem-to-acquire-cub-world-as-part-of-930-acre-purchase-of-boy-scout-land-in-burrillville/

@qwazse I am glad you were there for them. 👍

"Sept 19 (Reuters) - The Boy Scouts of America’s $2.46 billion settlement trust has begun sending payments to men who were abused as children by troop leaders, under a bankruptcy settlement still facing appeals from a minority group of abuse survivors. The initial payments are being sent to 7,000 claimants who chose a "quick pay" option under the Boy Scouts of America's bankruptcy plan, with the first 70 (second source stated 60 - RS) claimants paid on Tuesday. Those claimants will receive $3,500 without going through the lengthier evaluation process that awaits 75,000 others who filed claims." More at sources: https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/boy-scouts-victims-begin-receiving-settlement-payouts-appeals-continue-2023-09-19/ https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scouting-settlement-trust-begins-payments-to-compensate-survivors-of-sexual-abuse-in-boy-scouts-of-america-301932494.html

Luckily no injuries.

Mason-Dixon Council will fold into the Shenandoah Area Council. “This decision comes after careful consideration and months of discussions at the board level. The challenging circumstances faced by Scouting in recent years, including the impact of COVID-19, financial constraints, and declining membership, have motivated both Councils to join forces,” an announcement sent to The Winchester Star states. “This merger aims to create a stronger organization that can provide enhanced opportunities for youth in our region.” Sinoquipe Scout Reservation (Mason-Dixon Council) and Camp Rock Enon Scout Reservation (Shenandoah Area Council) will both continue operation. More at sources: https://www.winchesterstar.com/winchester_star/area-boy-scout-councils-announce-merger/article_6ae8e137-6117-5057-a285-6722ac2645e9.html SAC Mason-Dixon website transition: https://www.sac-bsa.org/Members

Youngest scout ever to arrive at scout camp! The Olveras reside at the Lost Valley Boy Scout Camp near Warner Springs, CA where father and husband Andrew works as a ranger. The dirt road in and out of camp is 10 miles long. "I woke up with very strong contractions at 5:20 a.m., and they were just very strong right away and 3 minutes apart. We quickly got dressed, grabbed our things and our dogs to drop off at my mom's on our way to the hospital, and left." Jacquie told both her husband Andrew and mother that she didn't think she was going to make it to the hospital. "He was absolutely freaking out," said Jacquie of her husband of eight years. "But I needed him to pull himself together and help me because the baby was coming and he stepped right up to assist me. We couldn't call for help because there is no cell service on the dirt road. About 10 minutes later we were holding our baby boy in our arms. My dogs sat in the back seat and observed the whole birth since they were with us. They were so well behaved. So after the birth, we had to get back in the car and drive the rest of the way down the dirt road and the brief distance from there to my mom's house where we could get telephone service and call an ambulance." ... After a short visit to the hospital, both mother and child were given a clean bill of health and sent home. Wesley weighed in at 7 pounds, 4 ounces and 19 inches long, being born three days after his predicted due date. Scout Salute to Olveras, More at source including photo. https://www.villagenews.com/story/2023/09/07/regional/father-delivers-son-on-way-to-hospital/74102.html

Mr. Roland Ray, now living at Health Central Park in Winter Garden, was born in Winter Park and grew up in Orlando. He was one of many young Central Florida students who joined Boy Scout groups — Troop 90 for boys who were black — but he was one of just a few who stayed with the program and, ultimately, earned their Eagle rank, the highest award in scouting. Roland and two troop friends, Leo Belton and George Nixon, were among the first black Central Florida boys to reach the rank of Eagle in 1946. Roland still has the newspaper clipping recognizing their achievements at age 16. Roland recalled the thrill of earning his merit badges and rising through the scouting ranks. One of the badges he could earn was for surveying — a skill that would benefit him later in his career (U.S. Army Corp of Engineers during Korean War, contractor). One of his favorite memories is learning how to build a fire for a badge, he said. He also enjoyed the campouts and the camaraderie of scouting with his friends. Roland loved the outdoors and spent Florida’s hot months at Lake Mann in Orlando as one of the area’s first black lifeguards certified by Boy Scouts. He remembered attending a lifeguard program somewhere on the Florida-Georgia border to get his certification, he said. 1946: A new Eagle Scout 2023: Now 93 , his Scout Spirit still strong! Read the rest of his life story at source: https://www.orangeobserver.com/news/2023/sep/06/roland-ray-among-first-black-eagle-scouts/ Scout Salute and a card on the way.

Update Sept, 2023: Transformation of 14.9 acres of scrub brush and thistle into a wildlife habitat at Camp Wilderness (MN). Over a hundred Scout volunteers carefully planted hundreds of native seedlings and shrubs, "With good stewardship and tending, the plantings will grow into a lush forest that will serve as habitat and food sources for mammals of all sizes, from chipmunks to porcupines to bears. The conservation work will take place over four years at the Camp Wilderness Boy Scout Camp, located near Park Rapids, MN. The project was initiated by a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Northern Lights Council." More at Source: https://www.enbridge.com/stories/2023/september/boy-scouts-of-america-plant-seedlings-shrubs-park-rapids-minnesota-conservation-stewardship

Bird Photographer of the Year Awards: "Overall Winner is ‘Grab the Bull by the Horns’ by Jack Zhi. It features a female falcon attacking a brown pelican with great speed and agility." Young Bird Photographer of the Year is 17-year-old Anton Trexler with his image ‘Blue Hour and Red Moon’ More winning photos and videos at source: https://www.birdpoty.com/bpoty-2023-winners https://petapixel.com/2023/09/05/photographer-who-waited-4-years-for-thrilling-falcon-photo-wins-bpoty-23/ https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2023/09/winners-bird-photographer-year-2023/675227/

Update 9/1/23: Northern Tier celebrates 100 years "From August 24 -27, the Boy Scouts of America’s oldest National High Adventure Program, Northern Tier, located on Moose Lake, celebrated their 100th anniversary. The sold-out reunion hosted around 330 camp staff alumni, who partook in various events around Ely throughout the weekend. “Everybody here worked at this particular base or one of our satellite facilities in Bissett or Atikokan,” said Eric Peterson, a staff alumnus at Northern Tier and one of the organizers of the 100th anniversary event. Some of the weekend activities were paddling Moose Lake, tours off the base and its new features, hiking around Blackstone and Secret Lake, Listening Point tours, and a dinner Friday and Saturday night, one on base and one at the Ely Arts and Heritage Center at Pioneer Mine." more at source: http://www.elyecho.com/northern-tier-celebrates-100-years