scoutldr

Back in the day, we had Wolf, Bear and Lion badges, all with arrow points! The over-achievers had them all the way down the shirt-tail below the belt...you couldn't even see them with the shirt tucked in.

Welcome, lc...sounds like things are "cart before the horse" here. Normally, a Chartering Organization (CO) will decide to form a unit then they come looking for leaders. Your District Executive's job is to find willing COs and get them to sign on the dotted line. That's how they get paid and promoted. That's the textbook version, anyway. If you don't have a CO, you don't really have a Pack...yet. Good luck!

My troop went to Bayport for Week 5. Overall impression was positive, due mostly to brand new facilities. Foodservice is contracted and was the best I've seen for quality and quantity. Private showers and toilets in campsites was a bonus! There is a Leader's lounge with Sat TV and WiFi, but the one time I stuck my head in there, it was full of youth staff members soaking up the A/C after lunch. The only glitches we noticed were at the rifle range (scouts only got 3 shots per one hour session...no opportunity to practice), but hopefully that will be ironed out. Mine came back with all partials for Rifle MB. Good emphasis on safety, however. Tents were old leftovers from Camp Chickahominy, and most in our site were mildewed and in poor condition...bring extra tarps in case of rain. Also, bring mosquito nets, although this summer was dry and they weren't too bad. Be prepared! Tents are on platforms with standard cots. The waterfront is a good hike from the main camp (uphill both ways)...our SM registered 50 miles on his pedometer by the end of the week, but that's with extra walks to meet his goal. Not for the faint of heart or out of shape! In July/August, expect 90+ high temps with high humidity and evening lows of around 75. It's in the same region as FT AP Hill. Hydrate! Location is an easy day trip to Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown, so you might want to plan an extra day or two. If your SPL wants my SPL's opinions, shoot me a PM and I'll hook them up.

Larry LaPrise (Roland Lawrence LaPrise, born: 11 November 1912 in Detroit, Michigan, died: 4 April 1996 in Gooding, Idaho) holds the U.S. copyright for the song Hokey Pokey. LaPrise reportedly wrote the song in the late 1940s for the aprs-ski crowd at a club in Sun Valley, Idaho. The song was first recorded by his group the Ram Trio (with Charles Macak and Tafit Baker) in 1949. They were awarded U.S. copyright in 1950. After the group broke up in the 1960s, LaPrise worked for the Post Office in Ketchum, Idaho. The authorship of the Hokey Pokey is disputed, with British/Irish songwriter Jimmy Kennedy claiming to have written the original (entitled Cokey-Cokey) during WWII. Robert Degan sued LaPrise for copyright infringement of his 1946 The Hokey-Pokey Dance. They settled out of court. See article Hokey Pokey for a more comprehensive account of the various competing theories attending the origin of the song and dance both in the United States and the United Kingdom. Source: Wikipedia (so it MUST be true!)

Now if we could just convince all the animals to use WAG bags, everything would be just perfect!

Generations are among the most powerful forces in history. Tracking their march through time lends orderand even a measure of predictabilityto long-term trends. Generations follow observable historical patterns and thus offer a very powerful tool for predicting future trends. --Neil Howe and William Strauss, generational scholars Millennials are considered those age 25 and younger (born after 1982). Approximately 100,000 Millennials are serving in todays Navy. We will recruit Millennials for the next 20 years. According to the Pew Research Center and authors Strauss and Howe, the Millennial generation is more diverse, and accepting of diversity, than previous generations. Education focuses on cooperative learning and record numbers are gravitating toward large institutions and government agencies for jobs, seeking teamwork, protection against risk, and a solid work/life balance. Their culture is becoming less edgy, with a new focus on upbeat messages and big brands. Their close relationship with their parents and extended families is carrying over into their young adult lives. When asked about the most important problem they face, Millennials were more concerned about financial matters than previous generations at this age. Notably, the Millennial generation is less cynical about the government and military leaders than previous generations of young people. Fully 48% believe the best way to ensure peace is through military strength. They are overall very positive about their lives and the way things are going in our country. They can be described as institutionally driven, with a profound trust in authority. They grew up as increasingly protected children, coming of age as team-working youth of a crisis (9/11). Howe and Strauss believe the G.I. generation of WWII and the Millennial generation have similar characteristics. Communicating with Millennials Evidence shows that young Americans are estranged from daily newspapers and rely more heavily on television and personal contact than on the Internet or newspapers for their news. Today, unlike most older Americans, many young people find a bit of news here and there and do not make it a routine part of their day. Tips for Navy Leaders: Use more face to face communication and fewer emails and newspaper articles. o Whereas 35% of the population over age 30 claimed to read the news every day, only 16% of those ages 18-30 said they read the news daily. Research also shows that face-to-face communication is the #1 source of information across all age groups. Take time to first explain issues, then repeat the message. o Studies indicate that people can hear something over and over yet not recognize its existence if they have little prior knowledge or awareness of it. Their mind fails to recognize it amidst the noise of the hundreds of other messages that bombard us every day. Repeat messages in a variety of media (face to face, email, web site, etc.) o The ordinary top story reaches many fewer people today. Young adults are substantially less likely (43% vs. 62%) than older respondents to claim exposure to a leading story run in one medium only. For more information, read: A Portrait of "Generation Next:" How Young People View Their Lives, Futures and Politics http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?ReportID=300

Again, I'm not a lawyer, however... In order to win a tort liability claim, I believe the plaintiff would have to prove injury or harm. Missing a meal won't qualify, unless there is some underlying medical condition (e.g. diabetes) which would be exacerbated. Hurt feelings don't count. I agree with the others who advised dropping her and her little darling from the charter. It aint' worth it and there's no reason you should have to put up with raving maniacs. Next time just report the arson and illegal firearms to the Camp Director and let him deal with it. That's why he gets the big bucks ;-)... Packsaddle is right on...my experience with State Farm was the same. Just a tad over $400 for a $2M umbrella policy, and I had to increase the limits on my auto coverage. That goes for any licensed driver in your house...my 24 year old son, who has his own car and insurance also had to increase his limits. He was not happy.

Me too! I had chores to do today anyway.

Perhaps he'd be willing to join the forums? We could start a special category..."Ask The Chief"...

Ahhh, grasshopper. Your lenses are rosy indeed. What I took from the article is that he's been a BSA Pro for 36 years, rising through the ranks from DE. Ya don't stay with one company 36 years by going against the tide, eh? I think it said he came through Eammon's neighborhood (SE in Pittsburgh) ...perhaps he can share some insight.

Problem is, they are faced with too many more comfortable alternatives, courtesy of Mommy and Daddy. Why break a sweat when they don't have to? An unlimited supply of video games, MySpace and Pepsi will beat sweat, bugs and tiredness (aka, WORK) every time. IN my day (60's), I wasn't asked which I preferred to do...my Dad kicked my butt out of the house and said I wasnt' going to sit around wasting my life in front of the boob tube. Then I joined scouting and this fat little bookworm did three 50 milers and earned Eagle, which I still remember as my best times. Maybe it's time to explain to the PLC that "Scouting" = "Outing", and NOT camping and hiking is not an option. It's kinda like joining a bowling team and then staying home because you'd rather watch TV. If no one wants to bowl, why have a team? I'm sure the adults have other things to do rather than try to provide something that the kids don't want. It has to start with the parents, and if they let their kids decide everything, they will choose the easy way out every time.

Nor sure what else to call this thread, except that sometimes when I read these posts or read my latest issue of BL or Scouting magazine, I feel like a mushroom...kept in the dark. Eammon's post about "leader podcasts" got me thinking...am I the only one in the nation who didn't get the memo (or e-mail?) announcing this new resource? From the latest Scouting magazine...things like Race to Cub Scouting recruiting program Trail's End Support our Troops program New Cub Scout Den Leader Kit to be provided by COuncils to all new Cub Leaders Den Meeting in a Box ScoutParents.org program ScoutParents Quick Start Backpack Before reading this forum, I'd never heard of the "Tribe of Micosay", even though I'd been in the movement over 30 years. And in other areas of the country, Scouters have little or no knowledge of the OA, even though it's THE official BSA honor camper program. Now I admit, I've been out of the CS program for a while, but I would think that I would have heard at least a mention of these initiatives at District meetings, Roundtables, Council e-newsletters, Council website, or from my Unit Commish. Maybe local council SE's are free to decide, "we aren't going to do that."...or maybe I'm just a mushroom. (kept in the dark and fed BS)...

My first 50-miler, in the Blue Ridge mountains, circa 1969, was with a BSA Yucca pack with aluminum external frame...no hip belt or shoulder pads. Pre-Vietnam era leather combat boots with steel toes. USMC surplus canvas shelter halves. Didn't know any better. My back and feet still hurt.

Not sure what iPods and cell phones have to do with school? My office is collecting school supplies for our adopt-a-school which is in a low-income area. I was thinking pencils, paper and maybe a glue-stick. Perhaps the little darlings will be sorely disappointed? I have been using the same computer for at least 5 years. Sure, it's not the latest and greatest, but it does what I need it to do. For school, they need Microsoft Office student edition, and Internet access. That can be had for under $500. (Unless of course they are computer science or engineering majors)... At work, they have the same mentality...we just threw out our year old 20 inch LCD monitors and replaced them with 24 inch which cost at least $450 each. Your tax dollars at work.

To me, the term "filing charges" means that someone was arrested, sued or had a complaint sworn out against them. Otherwise it's just slander or libel...unless it's true, of course. Perhaps the SE will see fit to revoke her membership for not being "trustworthy". In the meantime, if you have historical information, or were a witness to the alleged offenses, it would be prudent to put all the facts to paper with dates, times, and witnesses, before memories fade.

Sad... A perfect SM minute. "There but for the grace of God go we!" ALL actions have consequences...some we may never know about.

Disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer, but I do deal with labor laws in my profession. If I state anything incorrect, please correct me. "Filing charges" with whom? Since there is no employee/employer relationship, and a scout unit is not a workplace, not sure what laws were allegedly broken. If law enforcement was called, and they pressed charges, then the CC should notify the COR and Scout Executive immediately. They will handle it from there. If law enforcement was not involved, and it's a matter of adults not acting like adults, then it's a unit issue that your CO and Committee needs to deal with.

"structured recess"...around here we call that "PE"....when they have time for it.

Hyperhydration (hyponatremia) is a real, life-threatening condition. http://waterintoxication.org/

As an Industrial Hygienist, one of the first things we learn in Toxicology 101 is a quote from the "father of Toxicology", Paracelsus: "All things are poisons...it's the dose that determines which are toxic."(This message has been edited by scoutldr)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 29, 2007 Release #07-295 Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 204-5510 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 Gerber Legendary Blades Recalls Pocket Knives WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Gerber EAB (Exchange-A-Blade) Pocket Knives Units: About 154,000 Importer: Gerber Legendary Blades, of Portland, Ore., a division of Fiskars Brands Inc., of Madison, Wis Hazard: During use, the back of the blade of the knife can slide past the blade support, posing a laceration hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: Gerber has received eight reports of individuals cutting themselves while using the knife, including several individuals who required stitches. Description: The recall involves Gerber EAB Pocket Knives, model numbers 22-41548, 22-41548CDIP, 22-01548W and 22-41548W. The knives are small, folding utility knives that can be clipped to the owner's pocket. The knives are marked with the "Gerber" trademark. Sold at: Retail stores nationwide, including Wal-Mart, and through on-line stores from September 2006 through August 2007 for about $11. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled knives immediately and contact Gerber to receive instructions on how to return the knife for a free replacement knife. Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Gerber Legendary Blades toll-free at (877) 204-5510 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.gerbergear.com To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07295.html

A psychiatrist once told me..."People who are truly crazy don't wonder if they are. They are sure that they are not."

Bluefish, rockfish (aka stripers), flounder, spot, croakers, Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, Lynnhaven oysters, Smithfield ham biscuits(sliced so thin you can see through it), Brunswick stew (cooked long and slow in an iron kettle over a wood fire), silver queen corn and tomatoes (fresh from the Eastern Shore), shad roe, softshell crabs, sweet tea, collard greens, ... Oh man, am I hungry! PS: I almost forgot...Carolina style pulled pork BBQ (vinegar sauce with hot pepper), and Hatteras style clam chowder (clear broth).(This message has been edited by scoutldr)

As you said, "BSA leaves the details of when/how to present the stars up to the individual unit." I'm not here to argue semantics. Just telling you what we do in our unit. Sheesh.

Were you a bad parent? Only OJ knows for sure....ask him in about 10 years.