scoutldr

The Army manual Drill and Ceremonies FM 22-5 tells you all you need to know. I frequently see it in used book shops, surplus stores and on eBay. Also available online at http://35.8.109.2/resources/fm22_5.pdf

I think the main consideration of a fund raiser is that every customer receives something of value in return for their money. I think auctions would be ok, because the losers don't give up any money. A raffle is a game of chance and considered "gambling". As to pricing the items, do your homework and research similar items in collectors' price guides and on eBay. You may also want to reserve some items for a "kids only" auction, something we do with patch auctions. Most kids can't afford to outbid an adult collector, so make it fun for everyone.

SoDak said, "National Weather Service had issued warnings and advisories not to be out in the weather unless it was absolutly necessary." To me, this was the deal-breaker. Winter camping under extreme conditions is what I consider to be "high adventure" and should only be attempted after extensive training, proper technical equippage, and lots of experience. Your average Webelos or tenderfoot scout (or adult couch potato) does not fit this category. That being said, when the temp dips below 50, I start shivering. I hate winter. Our Klondike is this coming weekend and the forecast is 42/26. I'll be staying home. Wimp? You betcha. I'm with Eamonn on this one. One of my worst memories is spending all night shivering in a sleeping bag as a 12 year old scout. I never want to be that cold again.

What happened to the initiative to register youth soccer teams as Cub Packs? Another failed attempt to inflate the numbers?

"Still for the Ship to survive, they need to recruit new members -That isn't happening. Participate in raising money for the Ship -That isn't happening. Pay their Dues -Again that isn't happening." Sounds familiar...but I'm with a troop. The last group of Webs that crossed over are now the "older scouts"...Star/Life. Every BOR I do now, I stress peer to peer recruiting ... but no results. For the last 2 years, we've had no new ones. The feeder packs in our area are almost going under themselves. The pack that I split off as CM in 1982 and built up to 150 cubs rechartered late this year with only 6, only one of which is a Webelos. I'm hearing the same thing from other once mighty troops in the district. One troop (it's been around since I was a kid) approached us about their 4 scouts joining us for summer camp, because they have no adults able to go. I don't know what the answer is. But we're going down the tubes fast. The district is struggling, the OA Lodge is struggling, units are struggling. Not sure I have the energy or desire to stay in the battle much longer. I had hoped to be around for the 2010 festivities, but it doesn't look like it.

Ok, I give..."poagie bait"???

Your council does not offer BALOO training? I would complain mightily to your District TRaining chairman. If this is a BSA requirement, the District has an obligation to provide it. Perhaps you can get a special offering just for your unit, then get everyone trained at once.

To paraphrase the Commander in Chief, the CO is the decider. They are the ones who signed the charter agreement, and only they can decide to "fold the troop". Registered scouts and leaders come and go, but the "Unit" belongs to the CO.(This message has been edited by scoutldr)

As my troop matures and I continue to sit on EBOR as the District Rep, there's one thing that gnaws at me. The requirement to "serve 6 months in a POR since earning Life". More often than not, I am seeing 18 year olds sitting for their EBOR and the POR was 2 years ago. Since then, they have been AWOL from the troop and only surfaced to get the Eagle check in the box and disappear again. Anyone else think that stinks? I would like to see the requirement changed to "In the 12 month period before your Eagle Board of Review serve actively in your troop, and serve at least 6 months in a POR approved by your SM."

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.