Scoutfish

Can anybody explain to me why recharter is in January, yet the fiscal year starts June 1st? I mean, each year in September, we ( as I suppose some of you do) have roundup night at school where the parents fork over a pro-rated amount of money to sign their kids up for Cub Scouts. THis money they pay is only good until the end of the calandar year when the packs must recharter. BUT, the kids are signing on , and are put into their respective ranks as it is the beginning of the scout fiscal year. Now, my son gets a membership card, and it only lists his name and ID # (if I remember correctly) , not rabk. Mine on the other hand, lists my specific position. Now, I haven't yet been in aposition where I had to show that ID card as a source of true identity, but in principle alone, it kinda irks me that I may spend about half the scout year not being what my card says. If I drop out as a ADL in June, my card will still say ADL until recharter. And you could spend half the year with a different number of cubs than the charter lists due to drop outs and late joiners. When I start as Webelos DL on June 1st, it will stil say ADL.Not that I have to prove anything, but if I was that kind of person, I could go to local buisnesses and try to solicit donations or goods as a leader in some sort of position even if I no longer held a leadership position anymore. Well, I could for 6 months anyways. So why the long time frame? If you pay/turn in all $$$ to your local council and they are the ones who (where it is practical) actually keep up with your membership and $$ , why not have recharter in July? And I say practical because my council is the one who cointacts me, keeps me on a mailing list and is my source for issue or problems concerning my membership, training info and records , etc.. I wouldn't call National for everytime I needed something.. So why not recharter in July? Or rather, why not recharter in October, after having all the roundups and membership drives in September . I get why June 1st is the calendar year as far as coinciding with the school year , but January? January just doesn't really fit into things. Your thoughts?

In my BALOO training, the subject of bleach was brought up in this way: While not exactly household bleach, it was fairly close. 1 teaspoon per gallon. IF you were camping for more than 1 day. If it was just a 1 time thing, just wash as best you can and then straight to the dishwasher when you get home. The average rate of evaporation or decompositions depends on the amount put in or used, but basically it comes down to this: bleach isn't bleach after 24 hours. This does not mean straight up still in the bottle bleach, but bleach that has been dilutted into the water you are using for sterilization. Wait until the next day to dump the bleach solution out. Another thing that was mentioned to us: Instead of just wash, rinse, sanitize...you could do it in groups. Srape out ( and into the trash) 7 or 8 plates at a time, then wash, rinse, and then drop them into the sanitizer. Then scrape the next set of dishes and wash, rinse..remove the first ones from the sanitizer and dump the second set in. Start scrapping the 3rd set of dishes. Basically, use less bleach, but let the dishes sit a little bit longer. Same effect, less bleach used.

Funny how 1 single letter totally changes the entire conversation, isn't it? LOL! Yeah, I was trying to type the chart that way,and it sure looked good, but it formats differently once you click on "submit".

Ooops! My Bad! I meant CM. My point ( as I intended) , was to say maybe they had SM and troop mixed up with CM and pack....who work under the committee.

by "Very Active" I mean ...well, very active. I'll be honest and say i wasn't too keen on the whole "take my son EVERY meeting night" idea. But i did, and as a former vol fire fighter and community person, I have always helped out and assited when needed even if I wasn't thrilled abouit it. So as an active parent, I assisted ( as I was told) more than some Dl's or ADLs. I hepled teach, I taught when the DL couldn't show up, I even taught (cough , cough)what turned out to be a non sanctioned event ( BB guns at pack campout) , but did not know it wasn't okay. Personally, I didn't know it at the time , but I was leading woithout being a leader. I helped lead, teach and coach flag raising ceremonies. I did alot! That is why I was aksed to be an ADL this year and asked to lead a Webelos den next year. By two years,I mean cumulative, not just "official" leadership postion. But I'm in no rush at all. I plan on waiting.

That's a great idea! I have the black plastic omne with the Fleur de Lis on it. Last name only. Justr used to it that way. There used to be 3 different Marks at work, so I switched to Fisher and it's just always stuck with me ( go figure, it is my last name! LOL!) But you know, with all the parents in our pack, all the different dens and such, not to mention rounfdtables and trainings.. not everybody will ever see me to the point of knowing my name. Tag comes in handy for that! But I sure do hate the way the metal keepers rub against my skin! OUCH!!!

Well. it didn't work/ CO is on top, then COR under that. then Pack Committee, then Cm and ACM Basically, Sm is supposed to do the duties as the Committee lays out, but still isn't directly responcible to only the CC.

Could be a little bit of confusing with Cub Scouts too. Lets see if I can make this chart work: Charter Organazation \/ \/ Charter Organazatiom Representative \/ \/ Pack Committee \/ Pack Trainer>>>>>>>>>> \/ Cubmaster \/ \/ Assistant Cubmaster>> \/ \/ ......................................................... \/ \/ \/ Tiger Den Cub Scout Webelos Den Leaders Leaders Leaders \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ Parents ADL AWDL \/ \/ \/ \/ Den Chief Den Chief

Let them sit in on a leaders meeting or possibly a troop committee meeting with one of the Boy Scout trops. Let them see how the paxck works( kinda like it's own mimi government) . Let the Webelos see that the den leaders don't just make stuff up 5 minutes before it happens. Show them stuff is brought up, discussed and voted on at meetings and committee meetings that afect the entire year.

Yeah evmori, I agree. There are certain times when a kid nees some pushing and needs a little bit oof being bossed around. But if it's done constantly, then something isn't right!

Basement: I get what you are saying, but wanted to point out, that as of now... I'm probably gonna stick with cub Scouts. I have no plans for Boy Scouts other than Webelos interaction with the boy scouts and Webelos / SM meets. Leader specific: is in 27 days Leader essentials: been there/ done that YPT : Been there/ done that Weather : BT/DT Trek Safety: BT/ DT My 1st year in leadership position is just about up. Been VERY ACTIVE for two years. But yeah, having time to think about it and digest it, I do want to wait a year if not 2 just to have a better idea of what WB is supposed to make better. Because I can't spell woth a flip.....(This message has been edited by scoutfish)

Thanks for te update and results. I'll tell you what I am most impressed with, and I do not mean to insult anybody at all: I tend to see people who usually have issues with other people - who have issues with their children as over protective " But my baby is never wrong because he's an angel!" parents. It's refreshing to see that you are not one of those parenst. You have no doubt to your son's...... for lack of a better word, being dumb. We all do dumb stuff at that age . Some of us do it a lot ( cough , cough, not me LOL! ) more than others. But like I said before.... It doesn't mean your son purposely and intentionally intended to hurt somebody's feeling or insult them. It was just a case of "not thinking things through". I'm just glad you are on the "Sometimes my kids behavior is beyond me" team instead of the "My baby can never do wrong and the rest of the world is jealous" team!

Oh man, is that ever so true!

I might have mentioned that I took a BALOO class that was taught in part, by 4 Wood Badge'rs : 2 - Beavers, 1 Owl, and 1 - did not say that I'm aware of. At some point during our BALOO class, the discussion got side tracked and became about Wood Badge From what I saw, heard and had dispalyed to me.... I want to take Wood Badge. I was toild it is the PhD of Scouting, that if I took it as a corpoarte class, I'd pay around $2,000.00 instead of the $190 that my council is offerening it for. It is my understanding that I will - in truth - learn more about myself than anything else. So what is it? What does it curtail? What is the time, length and intensity of the training? The recent mailer I got only listed the 4 specific objectives of the course, that it took (2) 3 day weekends, that the fees covered all food for the first weekend and shelter ( tents etc...) would be provided for at least the first weekend, but is not entirely clear about the second weekend. Now, after listening to some different forum members talking about various program objectives and activities, I realize there is way more that I do not know/ realize about Wood Badge than I think I do "know". And when I left that BALOO class I was all ready to sign up for Wood Badge, but since then, I have thought about it at least once every single day, and have come to the conclusion that having a certain amouunt of experience under my belt would in fact, enhance what I learn at wood Badge. Actually, I might be saying that backwards: Wood Badge may not be a training, but an enhancement to all the training I have and will have as a leader. That make sense? Kinda like salt and pepper: They enhance and change the tast of food, but by themselves, do not offer much substanance. Maybe Wood Badge is the same way: Without having experience( the food) in the areas that wood badge hopes to expand and enlighten... the purpose of Wood Badge( the salt and pepper) might be totally missed? But back to my original post: Without giving specific details that could compromise the goal of the program, explain the general expectations of Wood Badge For example, there are no mentions of the course being an 18 month thing, that there are ticket items or agendas, or that you in turn might be expected to teach other classes as part of your Wood Badge. Basically, going solely and strictly by the mailer I got, I'd assume that the class was 6 days ( broken into 2 segments ) and that is all. So , as if you were the person who had to write a course over view...what would you write?

And how many of those teenagers finally figure out that their parents weren't so stupid afterall ....once they have been on their own a year or two?

Somebody tell BSA that the links are trash! So in carpentry... Does mitre saw mean a regular saw with a mitre box as a guide or can you bring out the DeWalt 12" compound miter saw? Do you have to use your grandad's old hand planer or does an electric table planer work? There was a picture of a corded (AKA: antique LOL!) drill in the carpentry section. Personally, as a historic badge, I'd suggests the older hand tools, but would you require it?

LOL I just posted it in uniforms and program. Why I didn't think of here is beyond me!

They are officialy out now! http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/Home/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/historical_mb_program.aspx

The requirements are finally out: http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/Home/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/historical_mb_program.aspx

Use it to your advantage. While the younger guys aren't listening, in the same normal tone of voice, announce that the next meeting will take place on a different night, and you will be having pizza, burgers or whatever. Then tell each interested person to raise their hand and you will right down their name. Then continue with whatever you are talking about before trhe announcement. See if the offenders show up on the regular night because they didn't pay attention. To further stress the point, while adding a laugh to it, show up a bit early on the normal night, leave a note that says; "If you showed up and are reading this note, you obviously didn't pay attention to the the announcement that was that we are at the movies and then will enjoy a nice steak dinner afterwards!" See you next time next week!"

And to continue with(I hope) your line of logic, DYB-Mike... I think there will never be an exact diffinative answer for another of many, many reasons, not the least of which is economic circumstances. I do not just mean a scout who cannot afford a uniform, but also those who are in the middle of the road as far as not being able to afford the ENTIRE uniform at once. It may be that the parents cannot afford the hats, neckers, patches, belt,belt buckle, socks, shirt, hat and sliders all at one time. They might have to buy two or three things each payday. Add in a book, equipment ( depending on what your troop/pack does) registration fees to BSA and pack/troop fees....well, it can add up. I purposely didn't mention camps or jambos, etc... Then you have someparents who say :"Sure, you can join, but you earn and pay for everything." So while BSA wants a scout to wear it completely and correctly, that too is not :"exactly and difinatively required but encouraged. WHY? Well, I can only give my guess as to why but it sure would be sad to know leaders are chastizing a scout for not wearing the whole thing correctly when he cannot afford too. Not saying they do not want a scout to wear it correctly, but will not bust a scouts chops because the reason he isn't wearing it completely is due to financila reasons. Then remember, BSA encourages a scout to earn his own money to pay for it itself. Again, not gonna happen over night. That is just my opinion of why BSA prpbably doesn't have a plainly written direct statement about uniforms being either required or not. Edited because I can't spell worth a flip! (This message has been edited by scoutfish)

Yeah, and as far as I can tell, it was specifically directed at BOR only. As I was saying, it was the only reference I could find where it was specifically stated that a uniform was not required. And as I can tell, it was specifically directed at BOR only. Thing is, There is not always a written directive about something. I am willing to be that getting Cub Scout tattoos while at camp is NOT allowed, but you won't find a policy in any book about it. So I can imagine that there is no definant written policy stating a requirement for or against uniforms.

Why do I see red flags and hear alarm bells ringing? Isn't this the very TYPE of thing that started all of this: One person and only one person's idea of what disrespect is? As we all have agreed,your son said something that wasn't tactful, but I really don't think your son TRUELY MEANT it as disrespect, I don't think he really thought about it one way or another to be honest with you. But one person...ONLY ONE!!!!... ( whoever overheard your son...CC?) acted as the sole arbiter of what disrespect was. AND had zero tolerance for it. Sole arbitor. So meaning his own personal opinion of what is disrespectful? Now, I'm only in the Cub Scouts,and not a BOY scouter, but isn't this stuff what the boys themselves are supposed to be handling? Isn't there a system of peer review or a scout honor court that handles this stuff? Was it disrespect ...or in this case percieved disrespect? Well, it won't matter if one individual becomes the dictator of..... I mean sole arbitor of "intended" meanings behind peoples comments! See, having more time to think about your post, and having more time remembering my own youth..especially the emotional and developmental divide between teen and adult.....thinking of different wavelenghts and such.... I am thinking your son is only guilty of just not thinking. Disrespectful?.. well not really, Yeah, he needs to learn some tact and how to be humble. We all agree on that, but there is also a responcibility by the adult leadership to determine if the comments were MEANT to be disrespectful. And as a parent, I can tell my son: "Because I said so!", but as an ADL, I cannot, I must teach by example, by giving reasons and explanations. Whoever overheard your son should be aware that while the comments were tactless and probably just stupid, whoever overheard may not have heard the entire conversation and may also have misunderstood the meaning behind it. As a person in a lesadership position, the "overhearee" should also show maturity by acting mature. He should have found out exactly what was said and meant before storming off in a hissy fit.He also has a responcibility to menter and teach good behavior, not just flip out over what was deemed bad. What happened to teaching? What happened to leading by example? I think they may just be showing future leaders that if you don't like what somebody says, you put them on ultra probation and toss them out as soon as you can! The more I think about it, it sounds like your son is being bullied by some who have a personal grudge or bad taste at the very least against him. It may very well be your son's fault from previous actions, but at the leadership level, it should be handled differently. As much as you hate it, it may be time to leave lest the "Sole Arbitor of direspect" get offended if your son doesn't salute quick enough or iron his shirt well enough for the next BOR.Or maybe he has abused the spine of his scout book by folding it and shoving it in his pocket!

Nothing to do with the original post , but.... WOW! That is scary!I mean scary because I cannot imagine they felt the need to have to add that. Scary because it must have happened at some point in the past!

acco40, Not sure if this is feasable or not, but how about this: In a pack, a Webelos den can use a patrol name,patch and flag. Instead of a den # patch on their sleeve, they wear a patrol patch. BUT... on paper, they are still listed as den # 6 ( or whatever their number was. Could you actually ( on paper) list the patrols as Patrol #1, #2, and #3 on paper and equipment. meaning Patrol # 1 is the Screaming Banshees. Next month, patrol #1 might be the Rowdy Rhinos, then 3 months later - Patrol #1 might be the Economic Energizers as they sure are specding alot of money on patches and flags! LOL! But the equipment still belongs to Patrol #1 Is that a feasable idea?