ScoutDadof5
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Posts posted by ScoutDadof5
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Being a resident of Iowa, All I have to say is that perhaps our phones and doorbells will stop ringing now for a while!!! It is amazing the number of call, mail, and people stopping by regarding the different candidates.
I was not aware that the R's and D's caucus and count votes differently either. I do now. The R's offer a true vote. The D's funnel things to delegates and the delegates vote...kinda like the electorial college.
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Food for though on documenting valuables...
I keep digital video of valuables. I have a copy in the safe, but I also have zipped, encrypted copies stored on an FTP site so that I can access then from anywhere (I travel a lot and often have info that I need to access when I am away). I do not like to store on a PC as I have had a pc die and had to have it forensically resurrected...not fun. Learned my lesson there.
Peace.
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Food for though on documenting valuables...
I keep digital video of valuables. I have a copy in the safe, but I also have zipped, encrypted copies stored on an FTP site so that I can access then from anywhere (I travel a lot and often have info that I need to access when I am away). I do not like to store on a PC as I have had a pc die and had to have it forensically resurrected...not fun. Learned my lesson there.
Peace.
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GW...I am with Vicki on this. No need for the personal attack. In the past 2 years + , I have seen some great info from Beavah.
Keep it scout like...
Peace.
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Joni,
With 5 kids 8 and under (2 of them are 15 month old twin boys), a single income, I can relate. The cost of the course is certainly a matter of perspective.
It was a challenge for me to come up with the $ for the course. I can think of a lot of things that $250 would do for my family. It was really a family decision with my wife and I to squeeze that out of our budget.
I did not know about the scholarships at the time. If they had any participants in my course that were using a scholarship...I will tell you that none of the participants were any the wiser that I knew of. I truly wish I had known about it.
On a side note...bless you for considering taking it. I know that it must be a challenge to contribute your time away from your family to take scout training courses and work with the scouts. I hope that the youth that you work with appreciate your efforts. I know that I really appreciate the efforts my wife puts in for our family. She may not leave the house to go to work, but she does so work.
I agree with the positive comments by Eagle-Pete. Sort through the comments and take what ya like. I totally love some of the stuff I find in the forums, but ...not all.
Peace.
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OGE,
I have to admit...when i read..."The red berets were cool, they looked sharp and I loved them, of course it took a real man with verve, panache and moxie to carry it off, but it can be done... " I did laugh out loud. Not at you, but with you.
I was in a corporate training class yesterday and one of the younger managers made an off hand remark at the Director sitting next to me and said..."It takes some kind of guy to wear a pink shirt".
I was thinking (as Rich replied the same...)..."It take a guy that has a lot of self confidence!"
Ya know what they said in return...? Nada. Zip. Dead silence.
Now I admit that they were phased out, but they certainly do make a statement ...
\\\\\//
-O-O-
\ ....verve, panache and moxie, no doubt!
\___/
Peace.
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Lee,
Welcome aboard as an adult scouter. The knots that are most important to me ...are the ones that I have been able to give away or nominate folks for. I have a few myself. The one I like the most personally is my Eagle. I kept goimg and got 5 palms and a year or two ago found out that I sould wear the palms on my knot.
Some folks will say that seeking after knots is not true scouting or something like that. Others will say that they are there to motivate folks in an effort to further scouting efforts. I remember a quote that Napoleon Bonaparte is credited with..."A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon". This holds true in scouting too with the knots. It's still about personal motivation.
In regards to the DAM...if you don't have goals and aim high, then one doesn't really know where they are going. Timing? It varies. It could be 10 years, it could be 3. It really matters as to what you do and the quality of what you do. I nominated someone this year and they received it and they have about 3 1/2 years in between unit and district, but she has done a lot in a short time and has made a noticable impact!
Keep the motivation. Take the training. Offer to help out where you can, remember what folks did to help you with your scouting experiences, and above all - have fun.
Peace.
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Ok, it looks like we have pretty much exhausted the "Official BSA Knot" listing.
How about a shot at the unofficial Scout Knots that are out there? I have seen bunches of these.
I would be interested in seeing what everyone comes up with here.
Let the games begin! Happy hunting!
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I think we have a final count...what do you all sat to...44?
#1 - Air Scouting/Air Exploring ACE Award Knot
#2 - Explorer Silver Award Knot, used for
* Explorer/Air Explorer Silver Award
* Explorer Achievement Award
* Explorer G.O.L.D. Award
* Explorer Scout Ranger Award (when its unique knot was
dropped early one)
* Air Scout/Air Explorer Ace Award (again, when its unique
knot was dropped early on)
#3 Arrow of Light Knot
#4 - Silver World Award Knot
#5 - Scoutmaster Award of Merit Knot (also used as or known as)
* Varsity Scout Coach Award of Merit
* Venturing Advisor Award of Merit
* NESA Outstanding Scoutmaster
#6 - Eagle Scout Knot
#7 - Cubmaster Award Knot
#8 - William D. Boyce New-Unit Organizer Award Knot
#9 - Tiger Cub Den Leader Knot
#10 - Pack Trainer Award Knot
#11 - Scouters Key Award Knot
#12 - Silver Beaver Award Knot (Also used for the Silver Fawn Award)
#13 Scouters Training Award Knot
#14 - International Scouter Award
#15 - "Youth" Religious Award Knot
#16 - Distinguished Commissioner Service Award
#17 - Cub Scouter Award Knot
#18 - Community Organization Award Knot
#19 - William T. Hornaday Award Knot
#20 - Heroism Award Knot
#21 - George Meaney AFL-CIO Award Knot
#22 - Professional Scouter Training Award Knot
(Also known as the Professional Circle or Fellowship Honor Knot)
#23 - Medal of Merit Knot
#24 - Honor Medal Knot
(also with Crossed Palms (Very Rare)).
#25 - District Award of Merit Knot
#26 - Den Leader Award Knot
#27 - Venturing Silver Award Knot
#28 - Silver Antelope Knot
#29 - Silver Buffalo Knot
#30 - Vale La Pena Award Knot
(or Premio por Servicio ScoutingVale la Pena! Service
Award Knot)
#31 - Asian American Spirit of Scouting Award Knot
#32 - William H. Spurgeon Award Knot
#33 - Adult religious award Knot
#34 - Sea Badge Award Knot
(Participant 1 trident, Staff 2 Tridents, Course Director 3
Tridents)
#35 - Quartermaster Award Knot
#36 - James West Award Knot
#37 - Webelos Den Leader Award Knot
#38 - OA Distinguished service Award Knot
#39 - Whitney Young Service Award Knot
#40 - Venturing Leadership Award Knot
#41 - Explorer Scout Ranger Award Knot
#42 Den Leader Coach Award Knot
#43 Skippers Key Award Knot
#44 Antarctica Award Knot (Not sure if that was ever official though)
I think that about completes the list!
Other than thatI have no idea what the "Happy Feet Award" is. Anyone?
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I am looking for ideas on what people have done to promote WB courses, recruiting efforts, and promotional efforts.
I really want to try and do my part for our upcoming course to try and recruit participants for the course.
I would warmly welcome comments and suggestions =)
Peace.
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I don't care one way about the cost, I just need to budget it. 6 days off and way from kids and wife at about $40 a day...that is a deal =)
Our WB is in the neighborhood of about $250 or so and I wanted to get a take on what the norm is there. Granted with 5 kids, I have to budget that out as far in advance as I can.
Now if is less, that is good too. Again, just trying to get a take on it is all.
Peace.
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#37 - Webelos Den Leader Knot
[Yes, Yes...I was wondering when someone would catch the WDL one =) ]
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In regards to "Inappropriate Adult Knots", I have seen a Wood Badge Knot, but never seen anyone wear them.
Has anyone seen that and what reactions have you seen on that. (I know that there is a "Sea Badge Knot" and have heard folks say that they thought there should be a "Wood Badge Knot". Personally, I don't share that, but am curious.
Peace.
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Do all WB participants including Staff pay the same amount? I guess I am asking if the Staff pays just as much to be on staff to help out with the course.
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The count...? looks like we are now up to 36 with at least 7 more out there.
#1 - Air Scouting/Air Exploring ACE Award Knot
#2 - Explorer Silver Award Knot, used for
* Explorer/Air Explorer Silver Award
* Explorer Achievement Award
* Explorer G.O.L.D. Award
* Explorer Scout Ranger Award (when its unique knot was
dropped early one)
* Air Scout/Air Explorer Ace Award (again, when its unique
knot was dropped early on)
#3 Arrow of Light Knot
#4 - Silver World Award Knot
#5 - Scoutmaster Award of Merit Knot (also used as or known as)
* Varsity Scout Coach Award of Merit
* Venturing Advisor Award of Merit
* NESA Outstanding Scoutmaster
#6 - Eagle Scout Knot
#7 - Cubmaster Award Knot
#8 - William D. Boyce New-Unit Organizer Award Knot
#9 - Tiger Cub Den Leader Knot
#10 - Pack Trainer Award Knot
#11 - Scouters Key Award Knot
#12 - Silver Beaver Award Knot (Also used for the Silver Fawn Award)
#13 Scouters Training Award Knot
#14 - International Scouter Award
#15 - "Youth" Religious Award Knot
#16 - Distinguished Commissioner Service Award
#17 - Cub Scouter Award Knot
#18 - Community Organization Award Knot
#19 - William T. Hornaday Award Knot
#20 - Heroism Award Knot
#21 - George Meaney AFL-CIO Award Knot
#22 - Professional Scouter Training Award Knot
(Also known as the Professional Circle or Fellowship Honor Knot)
#23 - Medal of Merit Knot
#24 - Medal of Honor Knot
(also with Crossed Palms (Very Rare)).
#25 - District Award of Merit Knot
#26 - Den Leader Award Knot
#27 - Venturing Silver Award Knot
#28 - Silver Antelope Knot
#29 - Silver Buffalo Knot
#30 - Vale La Pena Award Knot
(or Premio por Servicio ScoutingVale la Pena! Service
Award Knot)
#31 - Asian American Spirit of Scouting Award Knot
#32 - William H. Spurgeon Award Knot
#33 - Adult religious award Knot
#34 - Sea Badge Award Knot
(Participant 1 trident, Staff 2 Tridents, Course Director 3
Tridents)
#35 - Quartermaster Award Knot
#36 - James West Award Knot
So what's left...?
> one Venturing
> one OA
> and one obsolete exploring award. (Not sure which one this is.
Honest).
> A hint on the fourth one is WY.
> Plus some cub training awards are left. (One is obsolete, one very
common)
> There is another one that only deranged
Eagles who liked Okpik training and have
an affinity to the movie Happy Feet can
get. Just think "Damned penguins raided
my hot chocolate supply again". (Obsolete)
I can't remember the knot colors, but it
is/was on a lite purple background. (Description not sure on that
though ???)
> Any others...? I have to admit ...the "Penguin" one I hadn't even
considered.
Happy hunting!
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Hmmm...Interesting...not 100% sure really, but I'll give you my thought on it.
But I have to admit that when I recently moved, I stripped all the knots and asundry patches off my uniform shirt before starting to attend my sons Pack. I did sign up to be a leader, but I did not want to steal any thunder from the existing leaders.
At one meeting, the leaders started chatting afterwards about the knots and how they wanted to get this one and that one, etc. They asked me if I had any and I just replied "A few". Now my wife piped in and said..."Get outta here! Here has a bunch!" (actually 5 with assorted pins). There went any hopes of steering clear of the lime light. Focus was quickly turned towards..."Well, why aren't you wearing them?" I just responded that I would prefer the attention to be on the boys. That's all".
Now the responses that I got were along the lines of ...
"Well, with the parents, It does help to assure them that we have had training and are experienced with scouting (ok, true).
Also, the boys like to see the adults with thier awards just as much as they like to receive them. (I do have the AOL and Eagle w/ 5 palms). They said that by wareing those, it shows the boys we have been where they are trying to go with thier advancement (ok, I bye that).
On another one, I have had the leaders send parents to me to discuss the Religious awards program. (I recently was awarded the Adult Religious Award from my church).
I have 2 others and the leaders just said that it is motivating to see others with them as it is encouraging to see what they can earn. (ok, I suppose so).
I still was not enamored with the idea of sewing them back on and one of the leaders was so interested in my wearing them, they offered to sew them on my uniform. (Ok, to that I figured, if it motivates them, and they are doing an awesome job, so be it, I'll go with the flow and said yes).
Now don't get me wrong, i am not embarrassed by them, just cautious about drawing attention away from others with a chest full of awards. Granted I have seen others with many more. But I do not begrudge them either way on that. If they have been honored or earned thiers, that is thier choice as to wearing them.
I now have several uniforms. One that is decked out. One that is plain vanilla. On the decked out one, my district commissioner said that when he was a Jamboree Scoutmaster, the council staff said that for the initial parents meeting, that the Council Jambo staff should have EVERYTHING that they had earned/received on thier thier uniforms...because the council wanted the parents to know that thier sons would be looked after by "Experienced" scouters. Now I am on the District Commissioners staff under that gentleman, and partly for that reason, I did tool up the decked shirt for occasions as such, award ceremonies, and when it seemed appropriate.
Its a personal choice. If you have earned it, you can wear it ...if you want to. If it's your cup of tea - great. If not, no problem.
Some folks are totally stoked on that. I am ok with it, but it's not what makes me tick. I would much rather see how I can help others get thiers.
I will say that I have friends that have none and some that have a ton and I certainly hope that I treat them equally. The knots are nice, but that doesn't make me any more or less that the moms and dads that are chasing after screaming wolves and bears or that are helping out with popcorn sales and never wear a uniform. [They could care less on the knots]. But I will tell you that I do thank them often and am always looking for ways to recognize them in other ways =)
Ok, so I meandered into a variety of thoughts there. (Sorry so long. I just got typing away)
Peace.
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The count...? looks like we are now up to 31.
#1 - Air Scouting/Air Exploring ACE Award Knot
#2 - Explorer Silver Award Knot, used for
* Explorer/Air Explorer Silver Award
* Explorer Achievement Award
* Explorer G.O.L.D. Award
* Explorer Scout Ranger Award (when its unique knot was
dropped early one)
* Air Scout/Air Explorer Ace Award (again, when its unique
knot was dropped early on)
#3 Arrow of Light Knot
#4 - Silver World Award Knot
#5 - Scoutmaster Award of Merit Knot (also used as or known as)
* Varsity Scout Coach Award of Merit
* Venturing Advisor Award of Merit
* NESA Outstanding Scoutmaster
#6 - Eagle Scout Knot
#7 - Cubmaster Award Knot
#8 - William D. Boyce New-Unit Organizer Award Knot
#9 - Tiger Cub Den Leader Knot
#10 - Pack Trainer Award Knot
#11 - Scouters Key Award Knot
#12 - Silver Beaver Award Knot (Also used for the Silver Fawn Award)
#13 Scouters Training Award Knot
#14 - International Scouter Award
#15 - Adult Religious Award Knot
#16 - Distinguished Commissioner Service Award
#17 - Cub Scouter Award Knot
#18 - Community Organization Award Knot
#19 - William T. Hornaday Award Knot
#20 - Heroism Award Knot
#21 - George Meaney AFL-CIO Award Knot
#22 - Professional Scouter Training Award Knot
(Also known as the Professional Circle or Fellowship Honor Knot)
#23 - Medal of Merit Knot
#24 - Medal of Honor Knot
#25 - District Award of Merit Knot
#26 - Den Leader Award Knot
#27 - Venturing Silver Award Knot
#28 - Silver Antelope Knot
#29 - Silver Buffalo Knot
#30 - Vale La Pena Award Knot
(or Premio por Servicio ScoutingVale la Pena! Service
Award Knot)
#31 - Asian American Spirit of Scouting Award Knot
I know of at least 9 more that are currently issued and 1 that was discontinued that are still not in the list. 2 of those are pretty common and I would be surprised if many of the readers have not earned 1 of those 2.
So the hunt continues! Happy hunting!
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...If it looks like a duck,
Smells like a duck,
walks like a duck...
...its probably a duck.
Until I see anything that really substantiates this as a true and bonafide situation (nobody has so far), I don't think it is anything but ...bait.
I am not biting.
Peace.
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A few years back, I worked on staff at Philmont at the Base camp. On our off days, we could pretty much go whereever we wanted on the property. It was not unusualy to hitch a ride somewhere and hike in the last mile or two.
On one occassion, I was headed up to Baldy Town. The road is only a few miles away. I was headed up for dinner there with friends who were staffing that camp.
Seeing as that it had been scorching hot, we stopped in Cimmaron at the Grocery store first and picked up a few watermelons - the biggest I could find. I pu those into a backpack and carried those up along with some other junk.
Now is is often the occassion, the staff at many of the camps often eat with the crews coming through.
I was running late and hiked into camp at about the time that they had all started eating. Now some of the scouts you could tell had been hiking for days and looked it and smelled it too. (When you are a staffer in the back country, you can't really tell so much as a base camp staffer coming up on occassion).
I hiked up, took my pack off, set it down, and started taking out the watermelons.
You should have seen the scout faces! It was priceless! Now I also helped drop off staff members near other camps with the same. It was always the same reaction. AAlways a hoot!
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Is there a way to cook more than 1 type of food in a dutch oven at a time? I am new to this and purchasing several at a shot looks a bit expensive.
Just wondering if there is a way to cook a whole meal in one. I might buy a larger one instead if I can. Thanks!
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On the Meany award, no telling. I have no idea what the qualifications are there. That could totally be bonafide.
In regards to the Silver Buffalo, i am guessing he may have mistaken that for something else. If I saw it on an individuall I knew or were aquanted with, I might say ..."Is that the Silver Buffalo knot?" My guess is that he might think it is something else. If they were 25 and said yes, I would likely say, I haven't seen that in the council news. Can you give me some details so we can get it into the Council newsletter?
I am sure you can see where that might go on it own =)
Peace!
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How do you keep up with this info?
I recently had to come up with a lot of this info. I am in the American Legion as well, and they have a Community Organization Award and in working on that, there are a ton of requirements, but it put me to digging up the info.
Now I have lived in 6 different councils in the past 10 years and I find that many councils do not have records more than 3 years back and forget about 10 years back.
As such, i have compiled much of the info through digging, calls, and emails, but what is the best way to keep this stuff organized?
Any suggestions?
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I am assisting a Wolf Den leader with the weekly meetings. In looking at the program helps...honestly, they are a bit thin. In some instances the suggestions are just not appropriate. We have a number of boys that are ADHD and quite a handful and physical activities (involving contact between the scouts) almost always takes a turn for the worst, so we avoid that.
With the recent recall of the recognition totems, we tried doing "Dream Catchers" as interin totems as a den activity. It was a great idea and ties into the monthly theme nicely, but it was a bit of a fiasco.
Can you imagine 8 year olds trying to tie tiny knots and keep the strings from getting into a ball of knots? It put my patience level to a new high!
But seriously, the other Dad and I have been trying hard and are searching for solid activities for our den meetings other than simply working on just requirements and electives.
Many of the boys work hard at home on requirements and electives.
We are looking for some fresh ideas.
Help! Please =)
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I recently submitted a nomination for a local scouter for the District Award of Merit.
Last night I had the pleasure of seeing that individual recieve that award. It was quite a thrill to see that. They have worked hard with little thought to recognition and very deserving of the honor.
It made me quite happy to know that my nomination helped recognize thier efforts.
They were quite surprised too =)
backpacker gear guide
in Equipment Reviews & Discussions
Posted
In regards to the recommendation..."As far as boots go scouts might consider a high quality trail running shoe with a stiff sole."...I uesd those when I worked on staff at Philmont and they worked great.
I actually used them when I did the Ranger Marathon there (furthest Northern Camp to furthest souther in one day...14:12) and thought that (for me) they were better than a heavy pair of boots. So I wouldn't rule them out.