scoutldr

firstpusk: You're right, I apologize for any perception of criticism. I have not examined the Catholic requirements nor how they are "mentored". But the sheer numbers that get cranked through the program every year are sure impressive, compared to other denominations. I must admit the concept of a "Board of Review" for a religious emblem was new to me.

I was recently the District Rep for a 13 year old's Eagle Board. There was no question that the young man had met the requirements. Yes, he was an "overachieving push himself" person. But he was like that in every aspect of his life, excelling in academics, church, and sports, as well. Where he found the time, I don't know, but that's not my business. As the BOR, we did our best to impress upon him to stay in scouting and enjoy the rest of the journey. As the other guys said, this unit leader is way out of line imposing a minimum age. If need be, I would speak quietly to the District Co

Contrary to the belief of at least one Troop in my District, which "teaches" the awards in the unit meetings, seeing that scouts earn their awards is not a responsibility of the Troop or Pack. Our job as unit leaders is to promote the awards and make sure the scouts and their parents are aware of the oppportunity. I know that some Catholic Committees on Scouting have organized "classes" and they run them through every year, culminating with a large (100+ Boy and Girl SCouts) cermony/mass where the medals are awarded en masse by the Bishop. But, as a Lutheran scout, I was on my own and earne

Don't lose sight of the fact that the Religious emblems program is not a BSA program. They are programs of the church. BSA just allows the medal/square knot to be worn on the uniform.

I think at the very least, they should be made to relinquish their Jambo slot and let two of the alternates go. Part of our job is to teach kids that there are natural consequences to bad decisions. Maybe next time, they'll make an "ethical decision."

There are plenty of jobs to go around...not all at the Unit level. If you have someone who is showing enthusiasm and ability, do your District a favor and nominate them for a District position. Usually the greatest need (at least in my District) is for Unit Commissioners. We can always use experienced (or at least eager to learn) people on the Training Staff. Merit Badge Counselors, camporee chairman, FOS chair or Popcorn Kernal, School Night Chair, Camp Committee, Membership Committee, Finance Committee, Advancement Committee, the list is endless. Your DE will love you for it, I gahr-ahn

The most boring thing in the world is to have an "instructor" stand at a podium and read their notes to the class...especially someone who has never (or at least not recently) "been there, done that". I have had a great deal of experience in teaching, first as a scout, then as a Red Cross First Aid and Water Safety Instructor, then teaching adults and college-level courses. I think I know what I'm doing and I've been told I'm good at it...a "natural" if I do say so myself. The biggest complaints I get (nay, the only complaints) is with the material. New leaders come to training expecting o

Very few Scouts can afford a campaign hat, which has a distinctive BSA headband, pin device and National seal stamped on the sweatband.. The overseas cap is no longer produced. And I've NEVER been mistaken for a Marine.

Sure...they are "except as otherwise provided by law." As is the Civil Air Patrol, USCG Auxiliary, Sea Scouts, Young Marines, Naval Sea Cadets, and maybe some others I can't remember right now. The "Screaming Eagle Patrol of Troop XXX" is not one of those authorized by Congress, to my knowledge.

OK, Hops, be cool if you wish, but here is the Federal Law: TITLE 10 > Subtitle A > PART II > CHAPTER 45 > Sec. 771. Next Sec. 771. - Unauthorized wearing prohibited Except as otherwise provided by law, no person except a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, as the case may be, may wear - (1) the uniform, or a distinctive part of the uniform, of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps; or (2) a uniform any part of which is similar to a distinctive part of the uniform of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps. Which part of "wearing prohibited" is unclea

There was a rumor a while ago that all Lodge numbers were going away due to all of the mergers. Anyone have an update?

I believe the wearing of military uniform parts or insignia by civilians (i.e., those who have not earned the right to wear them) is prohibited by federal law.

Have you looked at the Council calendar to see what conflicts there are? It could also be that the denominational label is excluding people. I know in my council, we have a Methodist Encampment and a Catholic Retreatoree. These tend to be attended, not by units, but by individuals of those faiths, and few others. Being a Lutheran myself, I am not interested in attending a "Catholic" event. Our SM is Catholic, and he and one or two others attend...as individuals. It is not a "Troop" outing. While certainly not intentional, it could be you are appealing to too limited an audience. An

A Scout does not plagiarize. When posting something that's not yours, it is polite and ethical to quote the source.

I disagree. Illegal activity with your parents' knowledge and consent that results in death is not an "accident". The parents realize that...now. Perhaps others can learn from this. As adults, it is up to us to know what the laws are, to recognize unsafe acts and unsafe conditions (not "accidents"), and resist the temptation to keep our kids happy at the risk of severe injury or death. Not to mention the other poor driver who has to live with the fact that a child lost his life under his wheels. Regardless of fault, nothing will ever dull that memory. Thanks for the discussion. I h

Wow, Rooster, what a leap! Nowhere did I say that the YP guidelines be thrown out the window. Besides, the boys in my troop won't even shower in front of each other, much less share a tent with a GIRL! When I was 14, I was in one of the first Explorer posts that went co-ed. The term "Exploring" took on a whole new meaning, despite the best efforts of our (bless their naive little hearts) adult advisors. Now that I am pushing 50, I'm pretty sure they were not that naive after all. Quit being absurd. We need to prevent child molestation, sure. But it has nothing to do with sexual ori

OK, I give. Unlike some others, I am willing to learn and change my opinion of things. The original question was about "official BSA berets". Unofficial ones are available all over town.

Being a mere volunteer, I don't have access to the BSA Administrative Manual, nor to the alleged memos from Irving. I guess I'll have to take your word for it. If Blackeagle says it, it must be true.

I post this because many of our Scout-age youth are enamored with these things. Many have appeared in my neighborhood, darting around on the streets. My heart bleeds for any parent who loses a child. We need to learn to "just say no", or we bear the blame. By JANIE BRYANT, The Virginian-Pilot July 23, 2004 PORTSMOUTH Pieces of the gas-powered scooter that 15-year-old Shamar Green worked hard to buy were scattered on Academy Avenue . His father had picked up his sons sneaker and hung it on the post of a nearby chain-link fence. He bought flowers and prepared to put a

Yes, there are homosexuals in scouting. Just as they are in every other segment of society. It's their behavior that I would object to, just as I would object to an "avowed" heterosexual whose behavior was overtly sexual in nature.

In my experience, the CORs don't show up for anything. So how can they conduct business at the annual meetings unless they have signed proxies?

I believe the "policy" is that the Troop can vote to wear any of the headgear from the current BSA uniform catalog. But it's an all or nothing thing, e.g., everyone in the troop wears the same thing (hence the term "uniform"!). Same with neckerchiefs or bolos.

I found amusement in those who would pick and taunt and was even more amused at those who took the bait and ran with it. Reminded me of my sister and I growing up, or watching a bunch of Webelos interact. And these were grown adults. Now they have gotten ticked, taken their ball and glove and stomped on home, thus "depriving" us of their expertise. Oh well. Their loss. We still have enough to field a team. After all, "There's no CRYING in baseball!!!!" All right...who's on first? Who's got first ups? Let's have FUN!!!(This message has been edited by scoutldr)

Perhaps I don't understand the Vigil "honor". What I have observed are: A new DE is assigned the job of OA staff advisor, and within 2 years she is wearing a Vigil sash. Scouters with 30+ years of quiet service to their units who are still "Brotherhood", although they make sure that they deliver a good program and that their scouts get to every chapter meeting, camporee, Ordeal, Fall Fellowship, summer camp, etc. Which is the more worthy contribution to Scouting? Is this even a criteria for Vigil? Or is it a selection based on visibility and familiarity?

These have been out of production for close to 30 years now. I know of no other source other than eBay, thrift stores, estate sales and collectors. Unless you are with a Venture Crew, you can't wear them with the current uniform anyway.