scoutldr

Welcome, tuxz0r! As we say, grab a cuppa joe and pull up a log. You're background sounds similar to mine and several others here. Couldn't wait to have boys of my own so I could put the uniform back on and dive back in! That was 22 years ago...boys have aged out, but I haven't!

Bigfoot is a member of the troop in which I serve...age 12, size 14!

Here are more details: http://www.boyslife.org/home/728/scouts-capture-bigfoot/

Not having used to be a "critter", I realize I have no "cred" and probably don't know what I'm talking about. But I have to wonder why this discussion continues, when the answer has been established? If you've earned a knot, you can wear it. Or knot. Your choice.

We had a cuss jar at one time...our ASM who sailed for 30 years as a merchant mariner and served in the Army before that would liberally use the f-word and s-word and even the n-word. Of course, his son was no better, because that's what he heard at home. When we got to summer camp, he would just throw a $20 bill in the jar and say, "There, I'm covered for the week!" We don't use the cuss jar any more. A teacher once told me that cussing just showed ignorance and a lack of education and vocabulary.

I think that 'guidance' was not meant to apply to knots, which in another part of the IG clearly shows that multiple rows of knots are appropriate. It is meant to apply to things like QU awards, which I have seen lined up all the way down the sleeve. Only the QU award for the current year is meant to be worn. I have seen a Scouter in our district who wears not only the Eagle rank badge on the pocket, but also the medals for Eagle, Religious Award and Scouters training award...ALL the time. That's clearly ridiculous, but I don't feel I have the right to tell him my thoughts ... no more so than I would go up to someone at work and tell them that I feel their choice of clothing looked ridiculous (much as I would like to)... Another example are those scouts and scouters who continue to wear their Jambo CSP and unit numbers long after the event is over, not to mention multiple Jambo patches above the right pocket. We also have a council scouter who likes to wear the dark green Venturing shirt, along with 4 rows of those special knots with the dark green background (not official). He was in a Crew as a youth, but now is registered with a troop and holds a Council committee position. When I am attending a troop or OA event, I wear my red loops. When I am representing the District on an EBOR, I wear silver loops. That's what is meant by "current status", IMHO.

Unfortunately, it's the culture today. Kids hear 4 letter words and worse from a very young age on TV, in their music, in the movies, at home and in school. To them, it's nothing.

Thanks, Ed. That's useful information!

First of all, thanks for the reference! I think BSA should do this with ALL their pubs. But the first thing I looked for was a copyright notice, and sure enough, it's on the last page (back cover). Has the BSA finally given permission to Scouters to reproduce their publications and pass them around? Is this considered "fair use"...someone on the forums once stated that we had permission to do this as long as we use the materials to further the movement and don't profit from it. (I'm not a lawyer...I'm just asking the question) (edited for typos)(This message has been edited by scoutldr)

How to prevent burnout? Focus on the job you signed up to do...if you are a DL, then don't worry about a nonfunctional CC. It's not your job to pick up the slack. Focus on den meetings and your group of boys. It's up to the CO and COR to decide if the CC is "pulling their weight" or not, and to replace them when necessary. Most cub scouting happens in the Den...where the rubber meets the road.

Most BSA memorabilia is illustrated in "A Guide to US Scouting Collectibles" by George Cuhaj. The book is available on eBay, and sometimes in Barnes/Noble stores.

We are Troop 99, but it is listed on some documents as 3099. Not sure why they do that.

Check the address label on your Scouting magazine. The number right above your name ends in the Council number: #0000080506617#546S 0099CJAN08N In the above example, #546 would be your Council number, and the 0099 is the unit number. Jan 08 is the expiration date. At least that's the way it is on mine!

I am going to join the Procrastinator's Club...someday. Remember...planning ahead pays off in the long run, but procrastination pays off RIGHT NOW!

I think Randy has the right idea. The religious emblems are not BSA awards...they are presented by the Scout's denomination, usually at a church service. The BSA merely approves the wearing of the award on the uniform and provides a square knot to wear in lieu of the medal, which is worn only on formal occasions.

Traditionally, den meeting time and location are at the discretion and convenience of the DL. I had den meetings in my kitchen, like my Den Mother did 40 years ago. I don't know when it started that "all dens meet at the same place and time", but it seems to be more and more common. It's neither good nor bad, I guess, as long as it works. Whether to have a den meeting during Pack meeting week is also at the discretion of the DL, but the parents might want a vote too. That being said, we had Pack meetings on the third Wednesday of the month...check your Council calendar to make sure it doesnt' conflict with Roundtables, or other meetings/events that might conflict. Congratulations on wanting to get your Pack on track...a Pack Meeting SHOULD be an EVENT...with songs, skits, awards, cheers, and FUN...Roundtables are an excellent source of ideas, so make sure to take advantage of those.

I wouldn't disparage the other troop. I would just say, "all of our adults and youth leaders are fully trained and we are operating the troop according to the BSA program...boy-led. Our scouts do their own planning and learn from their mistakes."

I would ask the parents what lesson their son learns by having an adult do everything for him? As has been mentioned in other posts, many of today's parents view the Eagle as "let's get it done, check it off the list and move on to something else"....a resume entry for the college application. After all, as soon as we make Eagle, we can quit those annoying weekly meetings, campouts and popcorn sales!

Do you attend the monthly roundtable meetings? No Do you even know what they are? yes Does your roundtable staff conduct good meetings? No Are they worthwhile attending? No I don't consider them "training". Just an information passing meeting. Could achieve the same end by sending me an e-mail and saving me a night out.

I agree with the others...awarding the SB for donating money is just wrong. Awards should not be purchased. I also have served on the District selection committee and the biggest problem is getting nominations. SOme forms just had a name on them. Some just said "Jim is a really great guy and deserves this award." Sorry, can't do anything with that. Also, it's hard to get someone's "resume" without telling them why you need the information, so most people don't bother. The same issues seem to hinder the OA Vigil nomination procedure. You can't be selected if you're not nominated, and getting people to track down all the information required and then fill out the form in a coherent, convincing manner is just beyond the capability of most people. It's frustrating to see Scouters with 30 years of dedicated service be passed up year after year, while the DE/Staff advisor to the lodge gets the Vigil honor within 3 years of being hired...the schmooze factor is alive and well. Sadly, we have years when awards go unawarded for the lack of quality nominations.

Some never outgrow it.

I would have the TC have a chat with his parents, and explain in no uncertain terms that his behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. I would also explain that physical contact such as this could be considered assault and battery, should the other scout's parents decide to press charges or sue civilly for bodily injury. Not to mention violation of numerous BSA policies regarding YP and hazing, which we as leaders are obligated to prevent.

Ed said, "As long as the by-laws aren't restates of BSA policy." Since mere mortals can't see the "Rules and Regulations of the BSA", which are kept on the SE's desk, how would we know? Problem is, all of the BSA policies aren't in one place. You need to BUY about 50 different BSA publications to get them all. I've mentioned before, it sure would be nice if the BSA would put everything on-line or on a CD in .pdf version. The OA has started doing that, and it's nice to be able to reference the latest version. Add 50 cents to everyone's registration fee to make up the revenue lost...it would be worth it! Even an online FAQ would be a good start!

As far as I'm concerned, the date of rank is the BOR date and the scout should be awarded the cloth badge. If you want to be safe, wait until the paperwork comes back approved from National...6-8 weeks. The COH can be anytime.

I agree, flushing meds is not the best environmental solution, but do you have a better idea? The school is closed for the summer, and open for maintenance work. She cannot leave controlled substsances in the clinic unattended. If the parents won't come get the meds, I guess she could bring them home for the summer, but that's above and beyond the call. It should be noted that most in this area are military dependents and meds are free (courtesy of the taxpayer). In September, they just get more. Being in the Public Health field, I have read there are concerns with the upcoming pandemic flu...when millions of doses of Tamiflu start getting flushed, the Avian flu virus will quickly mutate into a resistant strain. This is scary stuff...