scoutldr

HIPAA (not "HIPPA") requires that a person's "PMI" (personal medical information) be safeguarded from people who are NOT authorized to view it and can be disclosed ONLY to others who are authorized (in the Law, that means medical providers, insurance companies, etc.). The info can be disclosed only with the written permission of the person (patient). I am not confidant that the BSA, Councils, Lodges, Units, etc have the capability to ensure such safeguarding even if they wanted to.

I recently decided to renew my OA Lodge membership. I downloaded the form had it all filled out when I noticed the checkbox: "A current Medical Form is either enclosed or on file with the Lodge. " I do not plan on attending any events...just wanted to support the Lodge. I declined to mail it in. I don't know who "Lodge" is or how trustworthy they would be in maintaining confidential medical information. The last time I attended summer camp with a unit, my medical check=in was done by a 14 year old CIT.

Congratulations, Brian! Welcome, Brother Eagle!

The Truth is out there.

And "2 deep leadership" is not the same as "no one on one contact".

There have been many stories of "retaliation" without recourse on these forums over the years. Scouters and Scouts have had their memberships revoked for cause, and some for causes known only to the Scout Executives who seem to have the final say in such matters.

God puts us where we are for a purpose.

People are over-analyzing this. IF the scout is going for the "Deutsch" strip, as I did, hand him something he has never seen before, such as a magazine, book or newspaper written in German and ask him to translate it. Do the requirement. Nothing more, nothing less.

Can someone explain the recent photo of Sydney sporting a Life Scout badge being used as a photo op by Pelosi?

If you have the "zip+4" zipcode, that will narrow it down to about a 100 meter radius and is usually all that is needed. For example, mine is 23464-7426

Might spark some ideas for service projects. May be especially appealing to girl troops. https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/a-5th-graders-boredom-visiting-moms-job-led-to-dollar30000-raised-for-elderly-in-need/ar-BBSUUKN?ocid=ientp

Selecting and approving adult leadership is the responsibility of your Chartering Organization. If there are no volunteers interested, your CO should set up a search committee. I would imagine your Chartered Organization Representative would run the committee until a new Chairman is found.

If the BSA is now in the business of requiring certain numbers for things like BP, and lab work, I think they are practicing medicine without a license. ALL they need to know is that my personal physician has checked the box that says "cleared for all activities", or specified restrictions, and affixed his signature. There are many factors that go into an individual's health status than a single BP reading. I once had an internist who would take readings while I was standing, then lying down, right arm AND left arm, then average the numbers. And those little wrist cuffs that never get calibrated against a primary standard are worthless.

UNless things have changed, I think half of my Council's adults would be disqualified if that was the BP cutoff. I don't think you have anything to worry about. I know the standards were tightened for Philmont, but I don't think Packs are doing high adventure stuff.

Well, back in the day (circa 1962), you had to show your official Membership Card to purchase your uniforms and insignia from J.C. Penney. I guess they were more timely in getting your cards to you back then.

May your Winter Solstice be peaceful. Namaste!

When I called last year to see where my membership card was, I was told to "go online and print it out yourself". I never did.

BSA used to have publications called "Woods Wisdom" and "Troop Program Resources", which was a monthly plan of program themes, consisting of 3 meetings and an outdoor activity. Those themes were generally followed by the Scout Roundtable plans, also. The plan gave you a syllabus of troop meeting activites centered around the theme of the month. Is this publication still a "thing"? I also encourage you and your fellow adults to attend the monthly district roundtable meetings (yeah, I know...ANOTHER meeting every month), however, if well done, the Roundtable can be an excellent training and networking opportunity.

There is no rule, but it is generally not recommended due to appearances. It is up to the troop to set the policy.

In my 30 years of unit scouting, I never received anything. I did receive the District Award of Merit, after I was the District Training Chair.

I'm still unclear...WHOSE name is actually on the boat's registration/title? THAT's who owns the boat legally. If it's an individual, and he refuses to get rid of it, then HE needs to get HIS boat fixed. The troop's use of the boat (which sounds to be minimal) can be considered his donation to the boys...worthy of a thank you. And if the boat was "donated" by a donor who was under the impression that it was going to "scouting", and it was registered to an individual, then that's another issue. We have been "strongly admonished" by our SE that he is the ONLY one who can accept significant donations of cash or property in the name of Scouting, because it triggers a "tax event", if the donor expects a tax deduction for a charitable donation. I'm no lawyer, but IF the committee elects to funnel thousands of dollars into an asset owned by an individual, I believe you will have a problem with the law.

Speculations on what would cease to exist if "National" went away and left it up to the Councils, as some are hoping for: All program publications. Handbooks, MB pamphlets, forms, etc. All National Supply items. Uniforms, branded items, equipment. Centrally developed and managed training programs. National Jamboree High Adventure bases, including Sea Base and Bechtel Reserve Philmont anything else?

No. At the end of the EBOR, all materials are returned to the Scout. The Eagle Application and Advancement report go to Council.

Sounds like all involved need refresher training as to how a troop should operate. Since your troop is chartered to a now-defunct entity, perhaps you don't have a troop at all. Your DE needs to sort that out. To answer your original question, NO...non-registered parents do not get a vote. The registered members of the Troop Committee handle the "business end" of the unit, while the SM and ASMs execute the program side. All registered leaders serve at the pleasure of the Chartered Organization (which you don't have). Technically, all funds and equipment belong to the Chartered Organization (which you don't have). The Troop's annual plan is developed by the PLC with guidance from the SM and ASMs. They then present the plan to the Troop Committee for approval and funding. In the case of the boat, it must be titled either to the Chartered Organization (which you don't have), OR an individual. If it "technically belongs" to an individual who uses it for personal use 90% of the time, there is NO WAY that troop funds should be spent on it, except maybe to reimburse actual cost of fuel when the troop uses it. That is analogous to expecting the troop to pay for all maintenance on my truck, because I use it to haul gear to camp twice a year. Bottom line...your unit is broke. Your Commissioner staff and DE should be called in to try to fix it...but non-registered parents have no standing, other than to vote with your feet. And I guess it needs to be said once again...the establishment of "Scout Accounts" for the benefit of individuals is strictly against BSA policy and can run afoul of IRS regulations.

I think the Philmont Grace is appropriate for any occasion.