scoutldr

THe jambo participant/staff patch can be worn indefinitely above the right pocket. Jambo CSPs and OA flaps need to come off.

Never seen that. Most scouts keep them in those plastic pages sized for baseball cards in a 3 ring notebook.

At the very least, the sentiments expressed could be viewed as "unscoutlike" and disrespectful to adults when sung by the scouts. I first learned the song at Cub Roundtable, circa 1984, but never took it back to the Pack. I thought it was just a RT thing, to be kept among adults. If the word "Announcements" triggers the song, then avoid using that word.

Maybe there was a reason that Webs used to cross over in late spring. We seem to be pushing it earlier and earlier. I think it is irresponsible for a troop to take brand new scouts winter camping, which in some areas, would be considered "high adventure" needing advanced camping skills. Your son's experience should not have happened.

I'm pretty sure I need an avatar. What is it?

Scout units are not legal entities. The only ones with standing would be the Chartered Organization who operates the unit under charter from the BSA, the Council, or National. On it's face, I agree, it looks like the correct decision was made, as long as other organizations who discriminate are treated the same. There is no first amendment issue. Scouts can say whatever they want...they just can't have free space at the marina.

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?