Scouter&mom

Thanks to everyone who provided input. After many hours of trying on boots and even climbing furniture in the stores, my daughter settled on THE pair of boots.

REI was really great for helping her find what she needed. They were the only ones that suggested inserts to keep her foot from slipping around and the only ones, who actually measured her feet (both feet even). The sales person even told my daughter not to worry about the manager that kept coming by and asking how they were doing, after closing time. Sales person said she would rather stay and try to find the right fit.

No other store had any sales people that had a clue about fit. Some even thought she was looney for climbing on bench and standing on edge to see if her foot slid (obviously they didnt' have a slant board or anywhere to test them). Yes, it did look a bit comical to see this petite female climbing up and down on benches, stomping around and trying to slide and twist her feet. But you all are the reason, that she was determined to really test them. She did listen to the advice.

She got inserts and "toungue depressors" from REI and used them with Timberland boots from Bass Pro. She tried the Vasque that many of you recommended, and although the low tops fit her feet, she couldn't find a pair of Vasque over the ankle boots that fit her feet and ankles.

My thoughts are be VERY careful before you remove them. Some may be like my dad was. He is on troop's charter as committee member, because he still cares about troop. He was SM of the troop many (50+) years ago, is a member of the chartering organization (a civic club) and occassionally shows up for things. For a number of years, he didn't participate much, for various reasons. Previous SM's didn't actively pursue "publicity" for the trip, so often my dad and other MC's or members of the CO didn't get asked to participate or assist. Current SM is actively pursuing "publicity" and participation for the Scouts and so makes a point of asking for involvement and assistance. He also feels like he can approach CO as a whole or individual CM's for assistance when he needs it. So who knows what knowledge, skills and real concern for the troop you may cut out if you just drop the "hanger on's". Where would the current SM of this troop be if the previous SM had just decided to cut all the "hanger on's"?

By the way, my dad is 83 and really wants to continue to promote Scouting and will probably continue to be involved in one way or another, the rest of his life.

We just had an AoL ceremony yesterday. It was part of our Scout Sunday service. One of the recipients requested it be done then, and the other two agreed. We had a couple of our Boy Scouts do a brief talk about following Akela (one spoke as Akela and the other boy had a short interpretive speech). No flaming arrows since we were in the sanctuary during AM service.

For presentation, I have been making arrows for the boys out of old actual arrows. I have several "grown" Scouts in the area that save me their old broken/bent arrows. I cut them off about 12-15" from the nock, so that the fletching is intact. Hot glue on a wooden arrowhead, use leather lacing to create a hanger, and decorate with pony beads and feathers. Takes longer to cut the arrows than anything, and the boys' faces are worth the little bit of time. Especially when they know they are "real" arrow that have been "really" used. If someone wants a picture, PM and I will email it.

Our troop has put together a book with various popular meals in it. For each meal, we have a detailed recipe written in "boy language". Pancake recipe states "pour "just add water mix" into bowl and stir in water until it is the consistency of a McD's milkshake". All of the recipes also have a list of ingredients needed and a list of equipment/utensils needed. Having several copies of this book allows the boys to create a menu, grocery list and equipment list in a very short amount of time. They are free to plan something not in the book, or change recipes but this does give them a great starting point. It is especially helpful to the younger ones as they learn campout planning.

We have also done as suggested and done preparation before a campout. We meet in a room with an attached kitchen, and have sliced vegetables ahead, browned meat and other things to make on-site cooking simpler. Right now, we are waiting on a schedule for our upcoming district camporee, so that we can plan meals around the scheduled times for events.

Obviously, I am the really "odd" one here. I am single and very involved in Scouting. Yes, I do have a son in the troop, but what makes me "odd" is I am FEMALE. Why did I become ASM? I love doing the outdoor things, and the troop needed adults. I have been to a number of council things (campouts/summer camp/etc) and not gotten raised eyebrows. I guess because I don't ask to be treated differently (except I must admit, I have not camped a time or two when facilities were real primitive). I don't think I have ever been asked about being single, but I have had a couple of people think I am married to a good griend of mine who is also in Scouting.

Just last night, our scouts cooked two different cakes/pies/cobblers in DO's. Both the fruit tended to settle to the bottom. By lining bottom and inch or two of sides with foil, we were able to turn them out onto a plate (like a cake) and then peel the foil off. No scraping required and clean up was fairly simple.

never tried parchment, but that will be our my next attempt, I use it here at home all the time.

I think the Insignia Guide is the only one of the "guides" I don't have. I don't mind investing in the literature that I need. I was trying to decide if I needed to buy extra knots to put on the different shirts, and don't have time to read the guide while I am in Scout shop. Their hours and my work hours and the two locations don't allow me to linger in the shop. I usually get their within minutes of closing, and I hate to make them stay late everytime I go.

No, I am not really afraid of the uniform police, but since I spend many hours a day with Marines, I tend to be aware of things like having a correct and appropriate uniform.

PS, thanks to whomever removed my duplicate post

I am one of those Scouters who doesn't know what position I filling on what night. Actually I have two Shirts to wear for the various jobs and events I attend. I have a shirt with red tabs and assistant scoutmaster position patch. I also have shirt with blue tabs and webelos den leader position patch. I have earned Scoutmaster training award and Webelos den leader award, and just this year was awarded District Award of Merit. So do I wear Scoutmaster training knot on AS shirt only, or den leader shirt too? Same in reverse on Den leader award? Does this change if I become den leader for a different level den? And does my District Award go on both shirts?

I know the uniform police won't come rip the knots off my shirts, but I really don't want to look like I am trying to just collect a lot of knots. I do want to wear the ones I have earned, since it I spend so much time in a Scout uniform and am continuing to get more and more involved in district and council level activities.

Ryan,

Our troop participates in Scout Sunday services at the UMC that is our CO. We do not do the entire service, but the Scouts in various troops/packs sponsored by the church do a significant amount of the service. Usually the choir and pastor have coordinated to have music and sermon relative to scouting. All the scouts regardless of their home church are invited to participate. This includes all the girls and boys of all levels of scouting. They do a variety of things from ushering, offering prayers, doing relevant readings. It varies slightly from year to year depending on what scout volunteers for what. We do start the service with the entrance of flags... US, Christian, State and all the troops' flags. Scouts lead the pledges to the US and Christian flags. Scouts that earned a religious award are recognized. Some years, we have had a scout leader who preached the lesson (sermon) in place of the pastor. This year, one young man who is a member of our sponsoring church, will receive his Arrow of Light during the service. He and his mom requested that it be done that morning, so all his friends at church would be there. We explain to all the scouts that this service is not required, but they and their families are completely welcome. We have often increased the attendance on that Sunday by 50 to 60%. It is a smaller church, and we don't have huge troops either.

For those who are concerned that we leave the scouts home church out, we do acknowledge that the "official" Scout Sunday is a week earlier than our church celebrates it. We suggest the kids wear thier uniforms to their home church if acceptable to their faith on the "official" Scout Sunday and will talk to their clergy or anyone at their place of worship about Scout Sunday and its meaning.

Yes, we have a combined Scout Sunday service between boys and girls. Yes, we change the date too. Our church is a fairly traditional UMC, and celebrates communion the first Sunday of each month during the morning service. So, we have moved to the second Sunday, to allow all those visiting from other faiths to feel more comfortable.

Not sure exactly how far off your path it may be, but consider the Lost Sea in TN. (www.thelostsea.com)It's halfway between Chattanooga and Knoxville. Along with the commercial tours (including a boat ride in the underground lake), they have an overnight caving trip for groups.. It doesn't require caving experience, but is loads of fun for the kids. Just be sure to pack something to put muddy clothes in, and plan for washing as soon as possible. You probably don't want to carry wet muddy clothes all the way back home in the summer heat.

If you have baseball fans, really try to make it to Turner Field. Turner Field is a baseball "dream" stadium. The Georgia Aquarium is also the largest in the world and an amazing place.

Oh by the way, I don't feel the GA coastal plain is depressing. It is different from other places in the US, but some of us love it..

My daughter has just been selected to "volunteer" for six weeks at the Girl Scouts World Center "Our Chalet" next summer. Our Chalet is located in the Swiss Alps and she will be leading various day and overnight hikes, as well as other "volunteer" duties. She needs to purchase hiking boots (as well as break them in and get in hiking shape). Any suggestions on boots-- brands, things to consider, etc would be appreciated. She is a college student on a limited budget, but knows the value of good shoes. She also will need to take weight into consideration, since she will have to contend her luggage on airlines, trains and buses before she gets where she is going.

Also if there is anyone familiar with the Atlanta or Augusta, Georgia areas or Tallahassee, FL area that can suggest places to go try boots on, we would really appreciate the guidance.

Gwd-Scouter,

I am not sure where your request for caving info in SE was, but a thought is the overnight program at the Lost Sea in TN. Don't know all the details, but my daughter's GS troop (a real outdoor troop) did an overnight caving and camp there. The adults were not experienced cavers but the leader said the program provided by the Lost Sea took them way back into generally non-public areas (non-electrified. They carried everything in to camp overnight way back in the caves. All had a great time.

And yes, take advantage of the professional outfitters in the SE, we have some outstanding ones around. Look for ads in magazines like Outdoor Life or Backpacker, you will find a wider geographic variety than in the Scout oriented magazines.

One of the things that I have noticed is that some GSUSA troops are much more outdoor oriented than others. My daughter was lucky because she had a leader who was a real outdoor person (in fact, she eventually became council outdoor trainer). When that leader moved up with an older group and I was leader, we didn't do as much adventurous outdoor activities. We cabin camped and did more organized, pre-planned activities. I found myself not confident enough to take 14 girls (4-6th graders) when only one or two had any experience, and my assistant leader was TERRIFIED of anything that moved outdoors. I tried to introduce the girls to the outdoors, but wasn't brave enough to take on too much responsibility. She was lucky enough to go back to her previous leader when she moved into Cadettes. Her last two years in Scouts as a Girl 10+ years), she moved into a troop that did crafts and a yearly beach trip in Condo. She and her best friend who had also moved into the troop, convinced them to take a different type trip and try some new things (cabin camping, white water rafting, and day hiking in mountains). She was like me, she wanted to do the cool things. Me, I didn't have access to an outdoor troop, so I just complained because I couldn't be a Boy Scout and was jealous of my brother and the things they did. A friend's daughter is currently looking for an outdoor GSUSA troop, at least until she is old enough to join Venturing.

With my son's BS troop (and even with the CS), I find that the expectations from parents are that we will be camping. As Webelo DL, the SM and I took 5 parent/boy pairs who had no camping experience and the parents went along with the attitude of "We will try it and make it through. Our boys want to do this and are excited about it."

I think it is a real issue of expectations. We live in a basically rural area and so we see more girls that do outdoor things than some areas. You just "gotta shop around." and not just at the mall.

Do the camps in your area require a boy do a summer as CIT before he can be paid staff? Common knowledge around here says a boy must work as CIT before he can be paid staff. I have yet to find anything in writing, but the council office is closed this week and I intend to investigate further.

Our council is very small and has only two weeks of camp. My son is interested in working camp staff somewhere. He will be 16 next summer and will need to raise some money for gas and car, so would rather work as paid staff. He attended summer camp this year for two weeks but did not go as CIT since he wanted to earn some of his Eagle Required Merit Badges and do a special program the second week. He went to Jambo last year, and went out of council to get NYLT. He is finishing his last requirement for Life and plans to be working on his Eagle project next summer.

So is he likely to be able to get a job working as paid staff, or will his lack of having CIT (in our council that only means you work for free) keep him from getting paid?

Glad you made it home safe Eamonn.

The Southern thunderstorms are something that can only be understood by experiencing them, but they do give you a whole new perspective of things when one catches you on the water.

So you know, as you explain your trip, it is a Low Country BOIL. You take a big pot of water, add sausage, shrimp boil (a seasoning blend you buy in grocery), and potatoes then boil a while, add corn on cob, boil some more then about 5-6 minutes before everything is done, add shrimp. When shrimp is done (don't overcook), drain then dump everything on a table covered in newspaper. Actually I guess you could dump anywhere, but I have always seen it dumped on newspaper.

And the term for the oyster "reefs" was oyster bed. I am not sure the real reason, but that is the only thing I have ever heard them called. When someone here refers to a reef, they are usually talking about a coral reef, or manmade object anchored to attract fish too (like a sunk ship).

Glad y'all liked Georgia. Many of us here, think we have the best of all worlds. I am less than 4 hours from two coasts, the Okefenokee Swamp, or the beginning of the Appalachian trail, so you can get almost any type of outdoor experience you want.

Judy

GOLD BOND POWDER

As our camp SPL said while giving camp tips to first year campers, "This will be your best friend." It will prevent ugly aggravating rashes due to heat and humidity. Or as our boys call it "The Camp Shuffle". Just last night I had an 11 year old give me way too much information on his rash and this was on the way to Vespers. I had a lot to pray about when I got there.

Remember it is HOT and Humid. Yesterday it was 102, an hour ago it was 101 and now it is storming. It will end within 30 min to an hour and be steamy again. Think of the early days of Jambo 05. Really do have that discussion on the color of urine.

Oh yeah, I am a flatland GA Girl, and I am also past 45. I will be a GA Girl even when I am 90.

I also agree that squid is fish-bait, and grits are for breakfast with butter or gravy. Add cheese when served for supper with fish.

As other's have said, be thankful you got an explanation and aren't continuing to make plans to have the boy there and him not show.

Also don't give up on him returning to Scouts. My son was in Cubs for two years, dropped out for several years, and then returned to Scouts when he was 12. Since he has gotten back into Scouts, he has gotten to going wide open. Two and a half years later, he is a star scout, been to NYLT, worked as cub day camp staff, went to Jamboree and is planning to be Eagle around his 16th birthday. Be sure to invite the boy to special events occassionally and you may see him reappear. My son went back because of a personal invite from Scoutmaster.

First let me start with the fact that I have little knowledge of OA. I am trying to find out how the election process should work, because I don't think it is working in our area. Our SM contacted Lodge election person about possibility of a having an election in our troop. The Lodge person said he would have to check with Lodge Advisior if it was too late for fall ordeal. When the answer came back to our SM, it was that the Lodge Advisor said there were to be NO more elections this year and that the spring ordeal would be only for boys that were elected earlier and couldn't make the fall weekend. As troop leaders, we have seen nothing from Lodge with dates or time frames for elections. We have a very small struggling troop. Last spring we were down to about 5-6 boys and the boys and adults are working hard to bring it back. We did not attend summer camp for the last two years, because we didn't have the boys to attend. Our only boy who is Eligible for OA, has attended NYLT (out of council, since ours didn't get enough boys registered) and Jambo. He has worked at CS Day Camp and is really interested in getting involved with OA as well as his troop. So is our Lodge Advisor just being arbitrary about elections or is there some guidelines/precedent we don't know about? Our Lodge Advisor is also our Council Camping Chair and we wonder if he is using our not attending camp as a reason to ignore us. I sure hate to tell the young man who is really interested in working hard that he can't get elected to OA until he goes to summer camp (he will be 15 next summer and will not be happy at a camp that has a program oriented to young scouts). So do I push this issue with council/OA or just let it go?

Lynda,

The boys who are working on Eagle that are close to their 18th birthday can get an extension for something like that. At a recent training session on the Eagle process, our district advancement chairman stated that extensions for "exceptional" situations could be granted. He said back several years ago when we had a huge flood here and nearly all the counties in our council were flooded, he was able to get extensions for all the boys working on Eagle that needed it. Our council office wasn't flooded but many people were including our advancement chair. I am sure that where-ever these boys are, if they let someone know, a concerned Scouter will help thim with this process.

By the way, our troop and pack are inviting evacuees to join/transfer to our troop and pack. We will probably be visiting the shelters over the weekend.

CF,

Make them sing Grey Squirrel, but don't forget the actions.

I think I need to visit some other councils, I have never heard any of our boys sing around the campfire. I always wondered why the Boys didn't sing, but the Girl Scouts did.

In our council, the kids get a "driver's license" when they register including payment. They then get to take their license to council shop, to get their box with the pinewood derby car. It makes it easier for the DE than carrying hundreds and easier than CM trying to deliver. It gets the kids to the scout shop and hopefully encourages them to go ahead and get uniform and handbook, etc, etc. It also cuts out the parents who spend the money to sign the kid up to temporarily appease the kid, but don't intend to spend the time to get their kids involved. Anyhow it seems to work for us.

Another July 1 Change..

Southwest Georgia Council has changed back to Chehaw Council. We were Chehaw until sometime in early to mid 80's and our Council has changed back to that name. I had finally learned the "new" name and now I have to unlearn it. NO new patches yet, we have a council wide contest/promotion to come up with a new one.

thanks Lynda,

Are the pants made where I can take up 5-6 inches in waist? Or will I be re-making them? My shirt is a little big in shoulders, but I did tailor it down some, so I don't look like I have on a tent (especially around waist). Tailored it like a lady's blouse from the 50's-60's. I guess I just am shaped for the wrong era.

I would love to be able to buy green Boy Scout fabric. I might could actually get pants to fit. Our local fabric store still sells GS fabric (even all the new uniform colors).

Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum, but have been around scouting for a while. I grew up wanting to be a Boy Scout, cause they did cool stuff. My dad started a troop and was SM 50 years ago. My brother was active in the same troop years later. Even more years passed, and my daughter joined Girl Scouts. 10 years as a Girl and 2 as an adult for her. I had 2 years as leader and 6-7 as assistant. My son was in Cub Scouts for a couple of years with me as ADL, then lost interest at Webelos for a while. We ran into our SM at the mall and he invited my son back two years ago. Well as my daughter says "I have crossed to the dark side" and am now ASM. I think the real truth is the SM knew I always wanted to be a Boy Scout, so I am now in it for the duration. Have always camped and done things outside, so I really enjoy going along. I must be a glutton for punishment, cause I just agreed to take the Webelos, and help them move along towards Scouts. Oh, yeah, I also signed back up as AL for Brownies. Anyhow, I guess Scouting is in my blood and I guess I will do it as long as I can.

A suggestion is to recruit the older boys who are into outdoor stuff then don't forget the girls. My daughter's last two years in GS, her previous leader who had always encouraged the girls to do things, took a couple of years off as a leader, and my daughter ended up in a "girley-girl" GS troop. She would have loved to be in a Crew. White water rafting, camping, hiking, etc were things she had done previously in GS, and would have loved to continue. Since GS tends to separate ages more, there are usually less troops for older girls to choose from (only 1 in town when my daugher was high school junior and senior). She only found out about Venturing when she was almost 20 and ready to go off to an out of town college. Here in South Ga, we have lots of girls that love to shoot, fish, and be outside. (In fact I am one too... just a little older)