scoutldr

When I was a Scout in the late 60's-70's, I was "ate up" with it. I didn't do anything else. I remember the night I graduated from CUb Scouts and brought home my new BS Handbook and Arrow of LIght. I couldn't wait to go to JC Penney and get my new uniform. Soon thereafter, my mom taught me to sew, and every badge I earned got sewn on the same night. Then I would hang my uniform on the doorknob and stare at it until I fell asleep, feeling proud of my latest achievement. Fast forward to 2007. Just did a Star BOR for a scout and had to ask him why he still had the tenderfoot badge on his uniform. "My mom never sewed it on", he said. We had our first EBOR in the troop last October. Still waiting for the Scout (now 18 and working full time) to let us know when and what he wants for a ECOH. Our second Eagle decided to wait until his brother makes it and then do both at once. All he needs is his project completed (the plan's been approved), but he hasn't been to a meeting in a year. An ECOH has several purposes, in addition to recognizing the scout's achievement. It is also to motivate the younger scouts, to show your CO that you are delivering results, and to allow the parents and leaders to bask in pride. Is that too much to expect? Or is it all about the scout and only what he wants?

I said he joined last fall...October, I think. His father did approve the "menu"...and bought it for him. He's 45 going on 13 himself.

The form listed is the Uniform Inspection Sheet. Not sure if you're going to find anything any clearer than that.

As the vote is taking place, the ChicagoBSA.org website appears to be offline. Hmmmmmm.

I agree with SOuthpaw, this sounds like assault. Laying hands on someone (battery) is not required, I think verbal intimidation is sufficient. The lady who was the victim should consider getting a restraining order against this nut case. Then if she attends the meetings, he will not be able to come near. If he is a convicted felon, there might be additional implications for him as well. You might want to consult an attorney (who would probably talk to you pro bono), and explore your options. Having an off duty police officer or sherriff's deputy hang out at your meetings is also a good idea. Perhaps use him to knock off a merit badge requirement or two in the process. I am not an attorney, nor do I play one on TV.

My nephew, who is severely LD, joined a rather large troop last fall. Two weeks later, they went camping and the weather turned cold. He was totally untrained and ill-equipped. On top of that, the scouts were told that for food, it was "every man for himself", so he took lots of Doritos, ramen noodles and pop tarts. Needless to say, he has been "turned off" to camping and will probably drop out.

You're referring to the William D. Boyce award. Could be several reasons why the award was not given: the person did not apply for it; the unit was organized but the specified procedure (12 steps) was not followed; etc.

In the spirit of full disclosure, how many CO's are offered a full copy of the "policies, rules and regulations" of the BSA before they sign on the dotted line? Wouldn't this seem reasonable, if they are required to uphold them?

"If summer camp were a bad thing or were not meeting the needs of units, they would die away." ...or be sold to fund executive salaries.

There is quality and then there are numbers. The two are not necessarily related.

We just met with our UC for "goal setting". What a joke. You can pencil-whip the numbers any way you want to ensure winning the award.

I'm always amazed that something as important as the Eagle approval process varies so widely throughout the country. In this Council, the Council Advancement Committee does nothing. All EBOR are conducted by the units, with a District rep present. If letters are obtained or references checked, it's up to the Unit Committee Chair (BOR Chair), and I as the District rep, don't second guess him. If the EBOR is successful, I sign the form and we're done. YMMV

Try contacting your local Red Cross chapter...they usually have a database of local volunteer translators. Or a local university? Heck, I would even visit my favorite Chinese restaurant and explain your dilemma (seriously). Someone there may be willing to donate "one hour a week" as a volunteer to your troop! How is the scout managing in school? I know in this school district, the school is required to provide an interpreter if the parents choose to mainstream the boy in public school.

Civilian wear only for both.

This is not an official position, as far as I know, but I have seen it in larger troops. It is usually a committee member or ASM who is in charge of the "Life to Eagle" process, and making sure that Life Scouts are mentored through the process.

Patrols are allowed to camp without adults. I'll bet that policy changes.

gwd, you are describing my troop, exactly. I will be interested in the replies. I think the problem is an overabundance of units in our geographic area, most of which are the same size we are. There are one or two "mega-troops" with 6 patrols and 23 ASM's producing 8-10 Eagles per year. But i have to wonder...how many separate units can the market bear?

Our council does CSP's, coffee mugs, plaques, etc as well. For the second year in a row, I never got mine, due to poor recordkeeping at council and a DE who is overwhelmed. Year before last, I never got credited with an FOS pledge payment, even though I had cancelled checks...again, poor recordkeeping. My wife was furious. This year, I didn't donate. Go figure. Oh, for IRS purposes, I still had a sizeable charitable donation to the BSA...it just didn't go to FOS. It went to my unit where I know how it got spent.

Sounds like that the POR is not the only thing that will hold him back. To advance to Star, Life and Eagle requires independent work on merit badges and service projects. Merely showing up for meetings and campouts is not going to do it, unless you are running a MB mill during meetings. I would have a BOR with the scout and have a frank discussion along the lines of "from here on out, it's up to you, Bud." Then wait for him to either get off the dime or age out. Dealing with disruptive behavior is a different issue, and should be dealt with accordingly.

Me, too. I assume it's a function of too many people trying to log on to the Scouter.com site at once. I find it's much better in the early morning (EST), before the rest of the country wakes up.

I noticed on my last post, it doubled. This is a test to see if I've caught the virus.

District committee positions are elected annually. The same people can be re-elected, or they can be replaced with new nominees, at the discretion of the nominating committee, but the understanding is that it's for a one-year term.

You can't kid us...you're just trying to make it to "Senior" status! :-)

Just watched the arrival ceremony and procession of the Ford motorcade to the Capitol. Stopping at the WWII memorial, there was an impressive delegation of Boy Scouts, including Eagle Scouts out front to honor the President. I assume they were from National Capitol Area Council. Good job, guys! You looked sharp and did us proud!

I would have the flag authenticated. If it is indeed an antique piece of history, it could be worth a lot of money, and the owner should be consulted. I would NOT burn it without researching it further.