scoutldr

Scouting is a "game"...BP himself called it that. "BSA will happily grant a charter to a unit that doesn't do a lick of advancement, or that runs everything as a whole troop (and remember, in da BSA program literature, MC's wear civilian attire more often than not!). Internationally, Scoutin' is a movement that has some common themes and character, but every scouting organization implements it in different ways - recognizable ones, but different." In general, I agree with this philosophy. However, when my relatively small troop fails to submit an advancement report for more than a month, we are "flagged" as a unit in trouble by the District Advancement chair, and the "Rescue Squad" (Commissioner) is notified (as if they can do anything about it). No one checks if we're in uniform or not, nor do they care if we go camping. All they care about is membership, advancement FOS, and popcorn...not necessarily in that order.

As we learned in basic training, the signed book is the official record. All other forms of advancement records are just duplicates. The BOR member was within his rights, however the night of the BOR is not the time to spell out expectations.

I have lots of opinions, but not being a Wood Badger, (as opposed to a plastic badger?)...I'll keep them to myself.

"The BSA represents traditional American values. There seem to be some in this society who want to replace those with radical "progressive" measures." I grew up in the 50's and 60's. Some "traditional American values" back then were: "Separate but equal" schools Laws against mixed race marriage "Coloreds only" drinking fountains Black and Filipino mess stewards (Navy) Gender restricted occupations (nurses, stewardesses, teachers, ministers) Blue laws (no businesses open on Sundays) No liquor by the drink (bottle clubs) Sen. Joe McCarthy Philandering Presidents (OK, so that hasn't changed) My point is that the definition of "traditional values" changes over time. It used to be a sin to expose a woman's ankles. Now you can go to the beach and see whatever you want! I have asserted before that the BSA's steadfast refusal to rethink their exclusionary policy will be their demise, due in large part to being held hostage by the larger chartering organization groups.

"Yes, but I also know Professionals who: - Have earned Arrow of Light as a youth... - Are Eagle Scouts - Have earned their Religious Award... - Are/have been Scoutmasters in their own home Troops..." I would say that Scouters can wear anything that they have legitimately earned and are entitled to. However a fresh-caught DE may not want to come across looking like a North Korean General, and his/her boss (SE) may impart some guidance on that. Perhaps maintain two shirts if they are also volunteering in a unit.

Back in the dark ages (1980's) I was a Cubmaster for 5 years. I once had a mother call me and demanded to speak to my "Supervisor" because she had some complaints about how I was running the Pack. So I handed the phone to my wife. The application thing works well...as soon as I let them know that JOhnny won't have a den unless she signs on the dotted line, I generally never heard back from them. My favorite response..."Well I don't have time for THAT...I WORK full time!"

No problems here, either home or at work. The site is slower than most, and sometimes times out, but I'm learning to live with it.

The SM's primary role is to train the junior leaders to run the troop. The first step to getting trained is to show up. If they show up and are making the effort, the SM needs to counsel and bring them up to speed. If they are MIA, or willfully set a bad example through conduct, they should be removed.

To use an analogy, this is like volunteering to coach a youth baseball team where the kids don't want to take their turn in the outfield. Explain to them that it takes all 9 positions to field a team. Without it, it just isn't baseball. And since you are volunteering your time to coach "baseball", their desires don't match with how you are willing to spend your free time. Give them a week to make a decision. Don't discount the newbies. Maybe one of them will step up and put the rest to shame. You are doing this for them...if they don't want it, spend your time elsewhere. Life's too short.

Sorry if my language was a bit strong...but this is something I feel strongly about. I agree, discarded water bottles are just as bad, but not nearly as prevalent. In fact, the news this weekend reported that the City of San Francisco has banned the purchase of bottled water by city departments. Reasons stated are litter, and the oil it consumes to make a plastic bottle that ends up in the landfill. Tap water is just as good, if not better quality. I grew up in the 50's and 60's with both parents smoking. Dad died at 69 of lung cancer and Mom at 70 of a heart attack and diabetes. My sister and I were subjected to 8 hour road trips in the Pontiac Star Chief with the windows rolled up, choking on second hand smoke. I can't tell you how many times I heard, "shut up, it's none of your business." Well, now I'm in my 50's and it IS my business because their habit has unalterably changed my life. I'm far from perfect and have my share of bad habits. But I don't smoke, litter, speed, or use my cell phone while driving. I don't do anything that knowingly will cause risk, harm, grief or pain (emotional, financial or physical) to my kids or anyone else one day. Smokers can't say that. My MIL finally went cold turkey when she had to be on oxygen 24/7 and she would immolate herself if she lit up. So it IS possible, in spite of what she said for 50 years. I just wish she had quit wheen she still had lungs; her days would be spent enjoying her grandkids instead of just concentrating on her next breath and wondering when her heart will give out from the cardiovascular strain. I mean no offense to anyone here. I'm venting, and realize I have no choice but to "deal with it". But I do wish smokers would look beyond their own nose and realize what their choices can do to others. If the decision is to keep smoking, then they are saying, "I don't care what it does to my family, MY pleasure is more important and this is what I want."

The first National Jamboree was planned for 1935, but had to be cancelled due to the polio epidemic. The Jamboree was rescheduled for 1937. Your troop probably didn't "move councils", however councils have merged and changed boundaries over the years, making records searches impossible in many areas. I think a troop history is important, and I wish we had kept better records over the past 15 years of our charter. A troop with 80 years of continuous charter is worth celebrating! Congratulations!

So, how does one go about getting some of these original B-P ashes?

www.litterbutt.com I'm with ya, Vicki. Every day, I want to jump out of my car and pick up the lit butt and toss it back into their car...but I would probably be charged with assault. But, for some reason, smokers think they can assault MY environment. When I'm stopped at a light and see the thousands of butts littering the curb, I am incensed and disgusted. Whenever we have a family gathering, I have to go out in my front yard and pick up the butts that my brothers-in-law tossed, since we don't allow smoking in the house. I'll go ahead and say it...most smokers are inconsiderate morons. Sorry, but that's my observation.

We are talking like the CC hires and fires the SM. Did I miss that memo?

Jeez, what a love-fest! I am a Navy civilian, prev med and safety type....and a WWII submariner's brat. My dad always used to say, "you think bubbleheads are bad, them jarheads is crazy, but I sure am glad we got 'em". Ditto and Semper Fi. "Corpsman up!" PS: We are losing more Marines to motorcycles than we do to enemy fire. "Safety first, Mission always!"

"Only prodding, cajoling, threats by their parents will get them to Eagle. They just don't show the initiative to do it themselves. IMHO, I don't think they should get it." If that's what it takes to "earn" the Eagle, then perhaps they're not Eagle material. There's a reason that the term "Eagle Scout" is held in such high regard. It denotes someone who has initiative and leadership qualities, not someone who can only get things done because someone else is nagging them.

I would venture to say that most kids are already addicted to caffeine...through sodas. Agree with what Dan said. I am addicted to caffeine...if I don't get my morning dose, I get a crushing headache. But everything I've read says that caffeine may even be mildly beneficial, and as far as I know, my addiction will not harm or annoy others. On the other hand, I am living first hand, the effects of tobacco addiction. I have never smoked, however I lost my Dad to lung cancer in 1995 after a year of pain and suffering, and my MIL is now living with us due to COPD and chronic bronchitis and pneumonia. She can't go anywhere without her wheelchair, oxygen apparatus and 3-4 spare tanks. My wife has used up all her leave taking her to Dr appointments every week, and building a HC accessible room with bath has cost me over 80 grand. But it's "her life and she had a right to smoke" (according to her). Smoking is the most selfish, dirty habit I can think of, with a LOT of "collateral damage". It's not friendly, courteous, kind, thrifty, clean, physically strong, or morally straight, IMHO.

HVSR is our "winter camp"...we travel there in January to camp in the cabins and go skiing and to Gettysburg...both easy day trips. I can picture in my mind that Totem Pole and the Health Lodge...right near the "Cub World" ... I sure hope God explains all this to me one day...I don't get it.

If you are looking for a standard curriculum, there isn't one. Each Council makes up their own. You might try Google for "University of Scouting" and see what other councils are doing. In the council here, UOS has replaced the CS PowWow and the Commissioner's College has been folded in, as well.

SOunds like fun. Our camp would never have anything called a "death march". It might scare the little darlings and their helicopter parents and inhibit attendance. We had to change the name of our morning swims from "Polar Bear" to "Early Bird". It seems "polar bears" are too scary. I'm being totally serious here.

I don't think anyone will dispute the value of an AED. But I have to agree with the others. An event such as a Camporee should be a "break even" proposition, not a fundraiser, unless it is billed as such up front. If everyone thought they were contributing to buy an AED then the Council has an obligation to buy it. If not, then they deserve a rebate.

The above advice is spot on. I would have a conversation with the PLC and explain to them the meaning of "commitment". "Trustworthy" and "courteous" are also appropriate. Ask the PLC to decide on a "rule" that would be considerate of everyone involved. For instance, take a final firm headcount 2 weeks before the activity and make a "go/no go" decision. All fees are due by then and anyone cancelling after that time forfeits the fees. If they don't have anything invested in it, they won't value it. Things come up, and are not always within their control (parents change plans, etc), but 3 out of 25 is a deal breaker. Things come up for adults, too. While I would expect the SM and ASMs to attend most functions, we have families and jobs, too.

In the council in which I am registered, they require nothing, other than a tour permit and normal due diligence as for any outing. G2SS, Safety Afloat, Safe Swim Defense, Climb on Safely. THat's about it.

They are a BSA catalog item...I ordered through the Scout Shop.

Just a dumb question...if you are "Ex-LDS" why are you in an LDS unit? Sounds like you have some "irreconcilable differences" and you need to move on and perhaps start a unit that is more "ecumenical". You are right...it's not fair to the non-LDS scouts to inhibit their constitutional right of freedom to express their own religion.