scoutldr

It took me two seconds to recognize the operative term, "unlawful discrimination". Unless the Supreme Court reverses its decision, the BSA policy is, by definition, lawful and constitutional. And unless the city changes its policy regarding public accomodation, I see nothing changing.

I think the important thing is that every scout attend a long-term camp SOMEWHERE. Some councils charge an extra fee for out-of-council (OOC) troops, so it seems to me they make MORE money than if we go to our own camp. In a boy-led troop, if the PLC decides that the camp program is "lame", or if they simply don't want to go back to the same camp for the fifth year in a row, the adult leaders are obligated to help them do that. Most troops in my council rotate camps among the 4 or 5 that are within a half-day's drive. Our own camp often has more OOC campers in a given week than scouts from our own council. I make a point to speak to these OOC leaders and guage their experience at our camp vs. other camps. Surprisingly, ours rates very high in comparison. Each camp has different programs to offer and, in my opinion, the Scouting experience is enhanced by trying new things and seeing new places. I think Dave's comments were just a little unfair, blaming troops who go OOC for contributing to his dilemma, but I chalked them up to the emotion of his unfortunate circumstances. But let's focus on marketing a quality and varied program to ensure every tent is filled every week. Take a lesson from the major theme parks like Busch Gardens. They introduce and market a new thrill ride every year, to keep people coming back. Otherwise, it's "been there, done that, got a T-shirt", and we don't need to go back.(This message has been edited by scoutldr)

What's a Unit Commissioner? In 14 years, I've never had one visit my Unit.

I don't know if I'd call it "micro-managing". I just figure the more names the scout has to work with, the better chance he will be able to make a connection without having to come back to the SM for a new name. If he is "assigned" a name, and the person turns him down, that can be discouraging. As I said in another post, most of the names on the district list are "Troop XX Only", so that doesn't leave much to work with anyway. I guess I don't see a problem with it either way.

BSA DECLARATION OF RELIGIOUS PRINCIPLE Excerpted: from Adult Registration Application B.S.A. No. 28-501K. The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God and, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but is absolutely non-sectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. The Boy Scouts of America's policy is that the home and the organization or group with which the member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life. Only persons willing to subscribe to this Declaration of Religious Principle and to the Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America shall be entitled to certificates of leadership.

KS, What I meant was, we make the district list available to the Scout. It is up to him to make a successful connection using that resource. We do not "assign" him a counselor.

One of the purposes of the MB program is to teach the Scout initiative. He has to find the counselor, call him/her and make an appointment and then work with him. It is also to encourage the scout confidence in reaching out and meeting new people. If Billy's mom, a member of the troop committee, is the counselor for 8 MB, that's seven new people the scout won't get to meet. A MB is supposed to be something the scout earns on his own...not something that is spoon-fed to him at a troop meeting.

Perhaps to accomodate the older crowd and camp staff before they split for college? Ours is always the third weekend in October. Fall camporee is the second weekend. Then those of us with wives catch it for being gone two weekends in a row. Ya can't win. >>>|--WWW--|>

There are usually "vintage" issues available on eBay. Naturally, the older, the more expensive, and those with Rockwell covers go for as high as $10 each. Out of almost 200 purchases, I have never had a bad experience.

>>I've seen councils not advertise, except by word of mouth to those "in the know" for coveted positions.

A properly uniformed Scout at a Scout function is always appropriate.

One of my favorites from Scouting magazine... An American Scouter was in England on business when he found himself with some extra time. He decided to try to visit Gilwell Park and Brownsea Island, the birthplace of Scouting. Finding the local car rental dealer, he was disappointed to learn that they had no more cars to rent. Listening to the Scouter's plight, the rental agent reached in his pocket and handed over a set of keys. "What is this?" the Scouter asked. "Take my personal auto," said the agent. "I am a Scouter too. I know you are trustworthy and will return it in good shape. Enjoy your visit, mate."

I have heard the same thing done with a Cub Pack. A charter was issued, now it's our problem to make sure they have leaders, training, etc. My response is that a charter should not be issued until everything is in place to make sure the unit has a fighting chance of survival. FOG, I look at it this way. The "Scout Meeting" begins at 7 pm and ends at 8:30 pm. What they do before and after those times is their parent's problem, not mine. Same is true for a camping trip...when they "check in" at the meeting place, they become my responsibility, not before.

Find out when your District Roundtable is for Cub Scout leaders and go to it. The January Roundtable should be all about B&G, which usually happens in February. Dens have been making their own table decorations for decades. That's how it's done. As a CM for 6 yrs, we even had a contest with prizes...every den won something.

As a young Cub in the early 60's we had to take an oath to "be square". We thought it was a good thing.

You can wear a temporary patch until you die. Unless you are immortal, it's still "temporary".

Red Cross Needs Assistance for Wounded Soldiers The American Red Cross at Walter Reed Army Medical Center is looking for incidentals/comfort items for sick and wounded Armed Forces Personnel now recuperating at the hospital. When someone is stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere and is wounded or falls ill, they are immediately evacuated, and it can take weeks for their personal effects to catch up with them. The Red Cross is asking for donations of any of the following: - telephone cards of at least 30 minutes - rolling luggage (small), totes, carry-ons - individually wrapped snacks - magazines - notepads, pens - playing cards and games - sweat pants and shirts (all sizes) All items should be addressed to: ATTN: Barbara Green, American Red Cross Walter Reed Army Medical Center 6900 Georgia Ave, N.W., Washington, DC 20307-5001. Checks should be made out to the American Red Cross. For more information, call (202) 782-2080 or e-mail Barbara.Green.1@AMEDD.army.mil. For more on the Red Cross, see http://www.military.com/Resources/ResourceFileView?file=Active_Family_Red_Cross.htm

I received my Eagle as an Explorer in 1970. I know the slogan predates that by several years, as I was still in a Scout troop. I will stand by 67-68 as being pretty accurate. Your father may have obtained it later than that.

Being a little, shall we say, "round"...that was a tough year for me. Lots of jokes. Your tie clip dates from around 1966-68.

How about Rainbow loops... No wait...wrong thread. Sorry.

"We celebrate when the pilgrims & indians made peace in 1621." I don't think that's quite how the Native Americans remember it.

One thing I like about this forum is that it makes me reach WAYYYY down deep and examine my own values and reasons for doing "this Scouting stuff." To paraphrase my Pastor..."we are not a country club for saints...we are a hospital for sinners." If one of our Scout brothers (or sisters) proves not to be so perfect, it is not for us to judge and levy a penalty. But we should redouble our efforts and look at where we are failing. We cannot cure world hunger, nor make up for the lack of proper parenting, but we should "do our best" to "help other people at all times", regardless of their sins or weaknesses. To examine another aspect of the Scout Oath, I was a fat, nerdy 11 year old...certainly not what one would call "physically fit". But I joined scouting and had the time of my life...and at age 49, and countless camping trips, summer camps, and 50 milers later am still active. I'm sure glad that no self-righteous adult took one look at my fat self and turned me away because he was trying to "protect" his vision of the Scout Oath and Law.

OK, I'll start: First problem: SM does not have the right to establish rules excluding women, especially those who are parents of scouts. As committee chair, YOU sign the adult applications, not the SM. So, if the ladies want to become registered leaders and attend campouts, bring it on!

Richard M. Nixon's signature is on my Eagle Certificate.

The answer to all questions is yes. All adult leader applications must be approved by the committee chairman, the chartered organization and the council. Anyone who is "just on the committee" should be a trained, registered leader.