Sarge

Also why feckware for leaders is optional. All leaders/asst. leaders in my pack opt not to wear one. The denleader that does, wears the BSA bola tie. He likes it. I smile and nod my head...

This issue was addressed a few months ago when I goined the forum. I know the new insignia guide will be the end all-be all for answers (yeah right), but this is the answer I got. I called directly to National Supply a couple months back when I got my shirt and was told that Cub Leaders and Webelos will still wear the red numbers and blue epaulet tabs on the Centennial Uniforms. No green numbers/tabs until Boy Scouts.(This message has been edited by sarge)

In my wolf den, 1/3 come with mom. The rest with dad. But looking around at the other ranks, it seems about a 50/50 split.

Basement, I too feel your pain. Not along the same means, but I, too, became unhappy with my sons pack and the CMs attitude. We looked around and found a new Pack to join, and my son and I couldn't be happier with the new digs. Even inspired me to join the adult leadership ranks. Sometimes, it's just for the best...

I agree. No splitting hairs over a couple of months. If they finish their W2 requirements in their 'Fifth Year' in scouts, they have completed 5 years of scouting. Give 'em the star.

I do not take BW's comments as a personal attack or find them to be malicious. His points are valid and are something to consider. I do have my own views on things, and have not denounced a 'SOURCE' concept completely. Perhaps I will just pick up the Bible again and start reading at Chapter 1. And follow some advice I was given "Off Forum" by another member. It's all sound and based in several more years experience than I have. Thank you.

My son will be going for his annual physical in February. This will be the form that I should have the doctors sign off on now, right? I can pitch the old forms? FOLLOW UP: Sorry. Couldn't get the first link to load. It IS for use now. Got it. I think it looks good and annually updated info is much better to have on hand. I do, however, have a point of contention with the statement that your SSN# available or some places may not render care. Do 'John Does' nnot get treatment in the ER because no one knows who they are? No. You will get treatment whether they have your SSN#

Thank you for all your replies. After reading the responses and re-reading my posting, I think I should have chosen my words more carefully. I should have said: 'I have seen a great many things to make me question the existence of a merciful Supreme Being.' I believe there is a higher power. I believe in intelligent design. I believe that the complexities and biodiversity on this planet did NOT happen by chance. My problem comes with attributing it to a single entity.

I have to be up front and honest with this topic. I have no real religious denomination to speak of. I was baptized Episcopalian, as were my parents and as have been my children. I even did the Acolyte (alter boy) thing as a youth. I do not attend church. It is difficult to go due to my work schedule (nights and weekends), and in the course of my job (Paramedic), I have seen a great many things to make me question the existence of a merciful higher power. Looking down the road at Bears and Webelos, I'm seeing learning about and practicing faith has a LOT more to do with the program advan

Clear as mud. With the 3 tier breakdown I've seen [Tigers separate from 'Cubs'(Wolf and Bear) separate from WEBELOS] in books and online, I figured the 'Cub Scouter' Award could only have time applied to from the Wolf/Bear years. But if time from all 5 years counts, then it's all good. So I think I've got it... One full year as Head Tiger leader for the Tiger Leader knot. One full year as Head Wolf and/or Bear leader for Den Leader knot. One full year as Head WEBELOS leader starting in W1 year for the WEBELOS Den Leader knot. 2 total years as DL or ADL, Tigers through W2, for th

Seems to be general consensus that it's for the top dog only. Fair enough. Was a thought that popped into my head when I was looking at the knots on some of the other Leaders uniforms at our Pack Christmas (oops. Have to be PC... make that 'Holiday') Party this past weekend. With the size of our group (14 Wolves) and the more complex requirements for Bear, we will be splitting next year, so I will definitely be registered as a Leader. Since I didn't get my training and register as an adult leader until November, will that preclude my from qualifying for the Cub Scouter award d

Welcome her back. There is no such thing as too many adult volunteers in Cub Scouts. But be leary that she may disappear from the Pack again. If I were the CM, I would appoint her as an ADL do minimize the effects should she cut bait this time too. I would think she should at least have the decency to apologize to you and offer an explanation as to why she dumped everything in your lap last year.

Does anyone know if Assistant Den Leaders are eligible for the Den Leader Award knot? Or is that something that is restricted to the actual Den Leader only?

I also agree with BW. My son's Wolf den currently holds 14 boys. Started with 9, then exploded to 14 before either Assistant had training. For us it works, and the Cub Master has chosen to leave it as is. But I know that for next year, we will have at least 2 Bear Dens. Guess I'll be trading the Asst. Den Leader patch in for a full fledged Den Leader one... Ooooh. My 50th post! A milestone.....(This message has been edited by Sarge)

I'm just impressed that someone that young came up with that. Sounds like one of those moments that if I were there, I wouldn't want to be drinking milk. I'm no Jack Spratt, but I don't think I would get that worked up over the words of a CHILD. As Bill Cosby Said: Kids say the darndest things...

When My son was in Tigers last year, I arranged his in the order listed on page 163 in the back of the book. Family (white), Den (orange), GO-SEE-IT (black), and Tiger Tracks (yellow). His totem has 4 holes in it, one for each color. I also put all 5 beads on 1 strand to hang straight down. Both for neatness in appearance and so that when he and his friends were running around, there was less noise. The more strands with beads, the more click-clacking there is... Also, page 18 in the Tiger Cub Handbook has a picture of how to do it. That's what I followed. But I don't think there

Never underestimate the stupidity of the general public. As a Paramedic, this is my montra. And it holds true every day.

Whats the cost of the custom numbers? I just sewed the numbers on my leaders shirt, and what a pain in the @$$. They're impossible to keep straight. All the boys in my Wolf den (and above) have the numbers on their shirts already, but I'm thinking long term. We have no Tigers this year (though hoping for an influx with our January recruitment), but next year we will be looking to back fill both Tigers AND Wolves. Thought that maybe having something like the custom numerals to hand out with the rank scarves would be a nice gesture for the recruits and future leaders.

'I was sort of surprised by the number of posters in the pack dues thread who said their pack dues are $80-$100/year.... I seem to remember a similar thread just a couple of years back where hardly anybody was above $50/year.' I remember just a couple years ago when a gallon of milk cost $1.75. Now it's $3.29. Costs go up. My Pack 'charges' $105-110 a year [includes $35 registration, $30-35 dues depending if they are new or returning, and $40 minimum in popcorn. May do $135 in sales or opt for a $40 'buy-out']. There is a sibling discount for multiple scouts. Contrast that with

Just voted. Scouts are actually in the lead, 28-27%.I think with what they went through, they deserve to win. Especially since I haven't heard of any of the other nominees, except Newman.

I think that is an excellent idea. And I know a few parents (and a couple leaders) that would get smoked in the first round...

Of the 5 dens in my cub pack, 2 of them are led by women. In general, those 2 dens are the best behaved and most productive. Even though I have only been involved with this pack for a few months, I have no doubt in these ladies leadership abilities or ability to command respect. It's more about presence than gender.

I would consult your Council's legal team about that. Jurisdictional violations can get messy and it would suck t see the scout stuck in the middle of something like that. I would agree with Bob and Dean that it's on the parents, but it's best to be sure.

This is not meant as a religious bias. I am all for individual beliefs and freedom of religion. But if a LDS youth joins a non-LDS Troop, I think it is absurd of anyone to expect you to alter your activities to fit *just* them. If you have your program set up already, it is what it is. If their religious beliefs don't allow participation of one or two persons, that cannot be your problem. The experiences of the group should not be compromised for the needs of a few.

'While a tour permit is required, by not filing one does not invalidate the activity! That makes no sense!' Quite the contrary... I am a Paramedic. One of the VERY FIRST THINGS I was taught 16 years ago was "If you don't document it, you didn't do it." Where's the tour permit? It wasn't filled out? Oh, I see. You don't document it, it didn't happen. No documented tour permit, the tour didn't happen. That's how it makes sense. With a real world example to back it up. Isn't part of scouting preparing boys for the real world and instilling in them proper moral beli