rlculver415

Taking Bob's word on the wife. Suspect brother emu does, too.

I truly enjoy reading what Bob has to write, even whenever I might question it. That just makes me verify his statements. He's one of the reasons I joined this forum. Gotta sponge up the info somewhere, and he's a great source.

As for chili, I never met a chili I didn't like - though I found one I couldn't swallow. 5 Alarm Plus!

Our troop utilizes the ASMs similarly. The new scout patrols get assigned an ASM, and the Life Scouts have an ASM to help them work through the process for the Eagle project. The others have assignments as needed by the SM.

Our committee members handle the details for summer camp, popcorn sales, advancement, and other administrative items.

Greetings and Welcome!

Our troop has had an adult patrol for years. We call ourselves the Lighthouse Patrol. We operate pretty much as you describe whenever we camp or go on outings. The idea is that we lead by example, rather than by taking over. At regular troop meetings we line up as a patrol for the opening and closing (although some of us are shy about this), and then function in our usual assigned roles as adult leaders. It seems to work well here. We have a high rate of adult involvement in the troop, and very few difficulties.

For those helpful adults who tend to do for the scouts, perhaps your adult leaders can find useful roles for them to fill, and get them into training so they know what they should and shoultn't be doing. BTW, useful roles are not limited to the ones identified by BSA. We have a phone-caller, another that makes arrangements for refreshments for COH, etc.

Our troop's advancement coordinator has maintained a scheduled BOR night once a month. The SM does his reviews the week prior at the very least, or whenever a boy finishes rank requirements. This schedule seems to help the boys in planning their advancements. It also helps us to be sure to have all the necessary awards for the COH.

Similar to scouting: if you make them feel needed and useful, that they are providing a service that is beneficial to the troop, and there is fun in doing so - then they will want to be involved, will want the training, and are less likely to quit.

As Ed said, recruit parents from the troop and the upcoming Webelos. Also, recruit from the charter organization and the community at large, if you can. Be positive and enthusiastic. You and your troop are the best advertisements for recruiting.

If y'all had neckerchiefs as fine as ours, there'd be no need for this thread. We have a special embroidered patch sewn on ours with our name and a swimming manatee (our claim to fame) on it. New scouts get a plain teal neckerchief until they reach Boy Scout rank, whereupon they are presented with the unique one. It is a much-sought-after part of the uniform, for both boys and adults.

Choose one world event? There have been so many... I'll pick two:

1) The Cuban Missile Crisis - My family was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska when this happened and I was very young. I remember being told, through the children's gossip network, that we were the secondary target should the missiles go off. After all, the USSR was just a few miles away. I remember attack drills in school, and being kept close to home when not in school, and preparations for emergency evacuation. I remember my dad not being home for a long time, on duty. I remember an uncomfortable dangling sensation, waiting for what would happen next. I remember not-quite-fear; and relief that the President had taken care of it. For the first time, I truly understood danger in being an American.

2) Viet Nam - A defining era for me. My dad was assigned to the Long Binh-Saigon area, to maintain communications there. Back home, my brothers and I were harrassed for being Army brats, told that our father was a "warmonger", etc. But we stood proud. Jane Fonda buddies up to Hanoi, and is lauded. (They should have imprisoned her) Michelin wouldn't allow US troops on their rubber plantations, which is where the VC snipers hid out (duh!). We don't buy Michelins, any of us. I learned to stand up for what I believe in, even if it's not popular.

I have lived in Europe, as well as all over the USA. I am proud to be an American, even if there are those who hate me for being one. The events of the 80's and of 9/11, as well as our responses to other disasters at home and abroad, have served to strengthen my resolve and my belief that the US is the greatest nation on earth, past or present. Not perfect, but great.

Our troop requires that the boys keep a book like this. (No we don't enforce it per se.) We strongly suggest that among any other things, this book includes rank cards, blue card stubs, special awards, etc. The reasoning behind this is that if there is a screw-up with a Scout's records, troop advancement can verify using that boy's advancement book. We warn the boys that failure to keep a book may result in problems proving rank, worst of which is being denied Eagle - all because this area can't seem to keep good records elsewhere. (I guess fear in the enforcement, after all.) Better a little effort, plus the bonus of a great keepsake for later, than the aggravation of potential problems.

I like the web belts. I was raised in a household that used them all the time, so I am familiar with them and how they work. I often find it necessary to teach those "stupid parents" how to fit the belts to their kids, because they've never been exposed to this kind of belt. One lives and learns...

Maybe that fact that I had about 20 years experience working with youth prior to becoming a Scouter has something to do with this...but I never really felt that there were kids out there that didn't belong in Scouts, or were too difficult to work with. If I ever meet one that I feel I can't handle, I would hope to have the help of other Scouters or the parents or both. As OGE says, unless the boy is a danger to himself or others, I'm willing to give my best to anyone who wants to be a Scout.

It is not the parents that approve or disapprove removal of their boy from a troop roster, it is the COR. Even if one of them was, and I stress was, the SM. Just because the parents object should not prevent the troop committee recommending to the COR that this boy be removed. In my opinion, since finding out about his triple-registration, I would suggest he be removed from your roster.

Man! I have got to get some training - I'm missing all the fun!

All y'all's web-names are finally beginning to make sense. Here I thought a double-eagle was a $20 gold piece!

(Actually, I'm bound for training at the end of the month. Fingers crossed, and I pray they don't cancel out on me again, or I AM going to another council...)

Per advice from another thread, I double-submit:

"Don't wallow in the muck with a pig. You only end up covered in filth, and the pig likes it!"

Almost put this on my thread about nasty postings, but I think it may fit better here:

Last year, when a disagreement with a teacher turned to personal attacks against me my husband said a very wise thing ---

"Don't wallow in the muck with a pig. You only end up covered in filth, and the pig likes it!"

Words to live by.

AdvanceOn -

In our troop, we do double check the Council records after a scout passes the Life BOR - and for this very reason. Often our records are more accurate than theirs.

We stress to the boys the importance of keeping their blue cards in a safe but findable place, in case verification is ever necessary.

In my opinion, which counts for little, the boy should get his Eagle. It wasn't his fault the adults messed up the records, and he has completed everything required of him.

So I understand. They were all laughing so hard I don't think he got the point anyhow.

Which reminds me, I was laughing as I typed this so forgot to ask if anyone else has a funny Scout story to share. Please do.

Our troop was having a scout trivia game, when the questions was asked: "Who brought Scouting to the US?" My son was so excited - he was the only who recalled that it was Seaton. When he was called upon to give the answer, he shouted it out he was so excited. Unfortunately, what with having a Southern accent, everyone thought he yelled "SATAN!"

Maybe it's because he's not afraid to take a stand, can back it up with documentation, and is willing to remain standing while folks proverbially take a poke at him.

I am always interested in reading what he has to say, fact or opinion. It stetches me, educated me, causes me to look at our own program to find ways to improve or to correct problems.

I'm wondering what Bob is thinking now? I'd be surprised if he doesn't read this thread frequently. How nice to have so many compliments (mostly) written about you. If I were him, I'd be tempted to copy this to refer to whenever things got rough.

Congratulations!!! It's a sweet picture.

Now the adventure begins - and the sleep ends (for a time). Take care of the lovely lady, she'll feel sorer if she moves than she'll realize at first. (did I make sense?)

Good list!

Have the women who are telling the great stories also show pictures. Ever notice how when women camp the camping area looks nicer than when it's just guys?

Now if someone would just figure out how to keep the palmetto bugs (read giant roaches) out of the t.p. roll.

We just had our annual planning last weekend, too. It was the best turnout ever. The boys decided that instead of the usual campout, they'd "rough it" at a resort hotel at Daytona Beach. The beach, the pool, the mini-golf, a home-cooked dinner - what more could you ask? Yes, several mothers went for the first time. Wonder why... The price for everything was $20 per boy or adult.

While I really liked that part, and I thought it was inspired of the boys to think of it, what I most liked was that most of the troop went so more had a say in the planning than ever. More ownership of the program, etc.

My son decided this year to create an "Adventure Book" for the planning session. He looked in local hotels/attractions for flyers & downloaded adventure ideas off the internet, then put it all in a binder. The SPL was so impressed that he borrowed the notebook to peruse the week before planning. Perhaps your boys could do something like this for next year's planning. Like a troop project or something. I know my son was so psyched by the SPL's reaction to it that he plans to maintain the book and improve on it. While he didn't think of Everest, it was an anything goes kind of project.

O' co'se, Ah realize y'all really want input from othah Nawthun campahs. Howevah, down heah we like to keep cool and dry. A tarp over my head and some mosquito netting do me jus' fine, along with a ground cloth. Maybe a hammock. Light weight and real quick to dry out if you swamp,too.

I was raised to believe that while it is acceptable to disagree with another's statements, there were certain rules that should be observed:

1) Statements can be true or false - opinions do not have those values. They are just opinions.

2) Be careful what you say, the words can never be retracted nor can apologies mend a hurt.

3) If after debating an issue, there is still disagreement - then the parties must agree to disagree agreeably.

4) Speak the truth with kindness.

It seems to me that in several threads on this forum lately, there has been a lot of unkind and disagreeable postings. I find it offensive and unscoutlike. Sometimes an offense is taken about another's post, that I am not sure was intended to be offensive. Written words unlike spoken ones don't really give away inflection. Please ladies and gentlemen, let us try to avoid unpleasantness - even if the other party is unpleasant first.

FYI - the "wisdom" sayings from insanescouter are from the book of Proverbs in the Bible. (several different chapters) It is worth investigating for short SM minutes, and shouldn't offend many people's religious preferences - if any. The Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths would all accept these words.

re- realistic scenarios, courtesy of the drama department: I have a couple of suggestions for realistic gore. A good blood recipe is to use Karo syrup and red food coloring. Obviously, wear garments that you don't mind getting stained. The food coloring won't come out.

For scabs or burned flesh: crunchy peanut butter with appropriate food coloring works well (& the boys like to eat it afterwards - bleh!). Use red with some green to get a darker brown color for scabs, and any combination to make black. I actually have black food coloring I got from Wilton cake decorating supply store. Put it on and let it dry out before "treatment".

Using small zip bags, like jewelry comes from, and filling it with the Karo stuff will make a fine bleeding puncture wound. Tape it on the site, then cover with clothing. Be careful you don't really puncture yourself. (I would avoid realistic eye punctures, I'm not that brave around excitable scouts. )

I have found that "accident stations" that the boys visit, and have to deal with realistic looking scenarios help the boys deal better with first aid issues than just working on technique at a meeting or campout. It also makes it more interesting for the older scouts who tend to think "been there, done that".

Hope some of this is helpful for you.