scoutldr

There is already a National Camping Award program. Set a goal for each unit/individual to obtain it. Just google "national camping award" for several council's programs.

It's important to remember that ANY heater that uses fossil fuel and combustion as a source (wood, propane, butane, white gas, coleman fuel, etc) WILL produce carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that interferes with the blood's ability to transport oxygen throughout the body. As we learned from the miners in WV, you just go to sleep and don't wake up. Very scary.

In the first place, the CM does not dictate where the pack will go. That's a Pack committee decision. Unless you have a "safe swim defense" and "safety afloat" program in place, there should not be any water activities. Is the CM taking scouts out on his boat?

In our council, the EBOR are conducted by the unit committee, with a District representative present. The committee chairman requests the reference letters and they are mailed directly back. The scout is not involved in the process, except for providing the reference names on his application. On the evening of the BOR, the letters are opened and reviewed by the BOR members along with the other materials before the scout is called into the room. Just be aware that procedures may not be the same in every council.

"Unit Leader" means Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Crew Advisor, or Sea Scout Ship Skipper.

On the second page of the QU form, it clearly states, "Units with December Charter expirations are the first to use the new year's forms and recognitions. So, if your charter year ends in Feb 06, then you would submit the 2006 form and note accomplishments from Feb 05-Feb 06.

Ok, show of hands: How many rip their knots off for every COH and then sew them back on the next day? Anyone? Class? Anyone?

Try a different district or even a neighboring council. Training should be the same whereever you are. I am amazed at districts that can get away with one training session per year.

A jeweler was my first thought, too. You should be able to order a replacement from P.R.A.Y. (google it), which is the organization that administers the programs.

Patience...patience.

Or it could mean that National does not think proper uniforming is as big a deal as we make it to be.

On the cover of mine, the young black scout in the foreground has his Quality Unit patch on the left sleeve, under the Unit numerals. There are two leaders, and 5 other Boy Scouts in the picture. No cubs, webs or venturers. I must have a different version (Boy Scout leaders' Edition)... i didn't see the ones you mentioned.

Thank Heaven! I was suffering from withdrawal!

For Cubs, I was trained that the parent is "Akela" and if they sign it off, it's good to go. No second guessing, unless there is an obvious misunderstanding.

Not arguing...I agree with you. But it's hard to believe that your friend is an Eagle scout and it's taken him this long to notice and object. The January issue has Part 1 of the story of Noah (of 5 parts). I also wonder the same thing about the ads for "free" sheath knives, pre-made pinewood derby cars and "battle dress camo" clothing....all of which are discouraged by the BSA, but ironically advertised in their publication. Not to mention the video game featuring "blood and violence" courtesy of the US Army.

What I was trying to say was that the PLC should be responsible for planning the program...a program that meets the needs of ALL scouts...not just the older ones. All under the gentle guiding of the SM, of course. New Scout patrols should have an ASM and Troop Guide assigned and the PLs are elected from among the newbies (the TG mentors the PL, rather than BEING the PL). The new scout program should be based around the goal of First Class First Year, i.e., basic scout skills, with very little emphasis, if any, on merit badges. Every scout who crosses over should be expected to attend summer camp their first year, taking part in the First year camper program which most camps offer in one form or another. This will get them a long way toward first class and they can even earn a couple of MB as well to whet their appetite. The theory being that most scouts drop out before they make First Class. The senior scouts need to understand that their primary function in the troop is to lead, train and mentor the younger scouts. Reward them with some high-adventure opportunities just for them. What interests 11 year olds is not the same that interests 17 year olds. It sounds like your troop is not "boy led", and the adults are disagreeing over how THEY should run the troop. Or perhaps I have misinterpreted...

Thanks for the info. So there are more than 500 units on the waiting list? That sounds incredible. I guess that, coming from the right coast, it is so cost prohibitive, that most units don't go unless they are part of the Council contingent. From here, the contingent takes 3 weeks.

Just got my 2006 Scoutstuff catalog. Adult uniform pants are only $46 now. I could never afford to be a Venturer...their pants are $66. At least now I can finally decorate my house with official BSA drawer pulls. Life is good.

I've been reading BL since 1963...Stories from the Bible has been a feature in every issue. Where have you been?

"Just found out our troop is wait listed at over 500 for the 2007 Philmont season." For those of us who are ignorant, what exactly does this mean? 500 people in line ahead of you? In my council, "troops" don't go to Philmont (I don't think). You have to apply to be part of the Council contingent.(This message has been edited by scoutldr)

Lisa, Does the PLC think there's a program change needed?

Since the BSA is not a democratic organization, I would have no choice but to support such a decision...or quit. I do hope that before such a draconian measure were taken that the collective wisdom of the volunteers would be considered. I don't care for the current uniform in terms of fit and quality...but I wear it because I have no choice.

One of the first things I would do is go to the bank and make sure my name is removed from the account (and signature cards). It is always a good idea for unit accounts to require two signatures for checks and they shouldn't be husband and wife. Having three people authorized to write checks independently of each other is a recipe for disaster.

It is with great sadness and embarrassment that I report that this happened in my geographic area this week. Elder Young was reportedly an Eagle Scout from Bountiful, Utah. Not sure about Elder Heidbrink. More prayers are in order for a fellow Scout and his family. The world is becoming crazy. What will it take to stop the senseless violence? CHESAPEAKE Police have recovered a gun that they believed was used to shoot two Mormon missionaries in Deep Creek Monday night, killing one of them, and announced in an afternoon statement that they have identified persons possibly involved. According to the statement, investigators believe Morgan Young and Joshua Heidbrink were shot because they witnessed a crime as they went door-to-door on Elkhart Street. After hearing shots fired, a man ran up to them, pulled a gun and shot both of them. Heidbrink checked on Young, then ran toward a nearby nursing home for help, according to a family member. As he approached the nursing home, he heard several more shots. Young, 21, died at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Heidbrink is expected to recover from his injuries. Young had been a missionary for nearly two years and was expected to return home to Bountiful, Utah, in March. Heidbrink, 19, had been on his mission for two months. He is expected to return with his family to his home in Greeley, Colo. See also http://www.sltrib.com/ci_3369285

You get only one chance to make a good first impression. That goes for scout camps, too.