scoutldr

This is not a new concept. The council camp in PA we visit every winter was built in the 30s-40s and every building, cabin, and the dining hall have corporate names to honor the contributors (obviously VERY generous). In my council, the camps on the reservation are named after the fraternal organizations which originally supported them.

Just bought a 2003-2005 edition: Page 4, "Excess Insignia": "With the exception of the Cub Scout badges of rank and arrow points, members wear only the insignia that show their present status in the movement. Members should make every effort to keep their uniforms neat and uncluttered. Previously earned badges and insignia--not representing present status--make a fine display on a BSA red patch vest, a trophy hide or blanket, exhibited in the home of the recipient, or at functions where such a display is invited. Members may wear only temporary patches (no badges of rank) on the back of the merit badge sash. Members may wear only one merit badge sash at a time. A merit badge sash is NEVER worn on the belt." Besides merit badges and temporary patches, the only other thing authorized on the MB sash is the Varsity Letter. Page 47, OA Sashes: ""Legend strips" or "sash backs" are not official and may not be worn on the sash or with the uniform. The OA sash is not worn with the merit badge sash."

Socrates

One statement does not make sense: "He had to get shots to prevent venereal disease." There is no medical reason for this unless the perpetrator tested positive for gonorrhea, syphilis or hepatitis B. Other diseases such as herpes and HIV are viral and are not preventable with a "shot". A technical point, I know, and it does not lessen the horror of the crime. And I do hope he was charged with the felony that he allegedly committed, but unless there were witnesses, it's "he said, he said."

"Kapers" ::: I married a Girl Scout, so I know this one. A "Kaper Chart" is what we call a "Duty Roster". A list of jobs, and who is assigned to do them. I get in trouble every weekend over my "kapers" because I spend too much time on my "situpon". Can't tell you the word's etymology, though.

I love Marines. Every Navy should have some. Semper Fi, Sarge!

I'm not Bob, either, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express a couple of weeks ago...is that good enough? The Archbishop of Canterbury is quoted on MSN.com that he fully expects the Anglican Church in the US to divide into two separate divisions (schisms) as a result of this...sounds like a fait accomplis. If the church allows gay religious leaders, I find it hard to believe that they would object to gay Scout leaders. I predict that they will divorce the BSA...not vice versa. For those waiting with baited breath, the vote happens at 1630 CDT. (For you ex-Marines, the little hand will be on the....)

There is a 1984 edition listed for $2.95 at www.alibris.com Many more available in the under $10 range.

National Capital Area Council is another that I have visited recently. They have a beautiful facility on Wisconsin Ave in Bethesda, MD, a block from the Naval Hospital and the National Institutes of Health. It's called the "Marriott Scout Center"...for obvious reasons. There is a huge portrait of THE Mr. Marriott in the lobby (also a leader in the LDS church, FWIW). Not sure if $300 grand is out of line or not, but my modest 3 BR ranch house of 1300 SF would cost me about $450,000 in that neighborhood. I have passed up promotions more than once to move to the DC area just because of the crazy cost of living there (not to mention the traffic).

I think you are comparing apples and oranges. The Hornaday Award is for outstanding service to Conservation. The award you are proposing is for developing one's own skill. The other "awards" you list are not for uniform wear, such as the 50 miler award and Historic Trails award. So, while your "award" may have merit I submit it is more appropriately a patch worn on a horse blanket, saddle, or on one's jodhpurs.

It's at the counsellor's discretion, but normally you can just demonstrate the skills and pass the written test to be recertified. Also, a current CPR certification is required. One excellent way of recertifying is to help teach a course.

Does anyone ever actually say yes to "Are you using illegal drugs?"

"Do not go gently into that good night. Rage, Rage against the dying of the light." - Dylan Thomas I've been to the San Diego Desert Pacific Council scout "complex" at Balboa Park. (Whenever I travel and have free time, I make it a point to find and visit the local scout shop...OK, so I need to get a life!). It consists of a camp, the scout shop, a meeting hall, and other buildings. It's a jewel worth saving. It's also the site of the San Diego Zoo, museums and the Naval Hospital. So, let the City raise the rent to a fair amount and let's get on with our lives. Where do I send my check?

Just attended a concert at the local amphitheater. The main concession stand was being manned by volunteers from the "Friends of Boy Scout Troop XXX" (I know that is true, because the sign said so). Every customer was being thanked for "supporting the Boy Scouts." Every customer walked away with a puzzled look. Only adults over 21 were allowed to work the stand, since beer and wine were being served. I did recognize some fellow registered Scouters, even though they were not in uniform. Was this a Unit Fundraiser, approved by Council. Probably not. Did the customer understand the difference? Assuredly not. By the way, the concert was nearly sold out and the beer lines were long all night. The "friends" of the unit probably made a fortune for about 4 hours work. Am I jealous? Yeah. And I didn't mind so much being ripped off 10 bucks for a Diet Pepsi and a soft pretzel (with salt).

Anytime I feel that I am low on the stress meter, I just remind my wife that I am an Eagle Scout and she only made it to "First Class". The sofa's not that bad to sleep on. I can't believe this protracted gold/silver debate. Don't we have real Scouting that needs doing?

A uniform like that, properly tailored and fitted, would probably run $300 today. (due to limited market) I suspect that's the main reason all of the better quality uniforms of the past have gone by the wayside.

In our neck of the woods, if you can't pay on-line, it's a moot point. "Registration" does not occur until the money is paid.

Ditto. Our camp requires a "swim check" for ALL scouts, scouters and staff, otherwise, they are restricted to the "non-swimmer" areas. No discussion, no debate. As a BSA Lifeguard counsellor, I usually work at the pool every summer as my "cheerful service" to the camp helping out where needed, so I get "extra-special" scrutiny from the staff...and if I have any flaw in my stroke or float, I hear about it! A lot of good-natured ribbing!

In response to the Fitness thread: Let's put Cooking MB back on the required list and emphasize the nutritional aspects. Not just plan and cook a meal, but analyze the nutritional content...read the labels, total the grams of carbs, sugars, fats, protein, etc. Strengthen this requirement in Personal Fitness, and in rank requirements. Leaders, make that a part of camp menu planning. Set limits, based on nutritional guidelines. Discourage the use of prepared, processed foods and require the use of raw fruits, vegetables and meats in meal preparation (remember the "Edible Plants" requirement for Second Class?). Have an "Aluminum Chef" competition among the patrols, with the raw ingredients provided. Most of all, lead by Example!

In response to a previous post, in this area of the state, walking to school is not an option. Even if the child lives across the street, a bus will pick them up. A lot of kids would LOVE to walk or ride their bikes to school, given the choice. Then, as soon as they are 16, mom and dad buy them a car, and the high schools have to build huge parking lots. (Don't criticize my SUV until you get your kids back on the school bus!!! But that's another thread!) Latchkey kids are forbidden from doing anything until mom or dad gets home. They must stay in and "do homework" (which usually involves an X-Box or Playstation). I know there are safety issues involved, but that's an adult problem, too. Kids are not being taught nutrition at home or at school, and food choices are not encouraged nor enforced. School lunch choices now include pizza, cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets, fries, chocolate milk, on a DAILY basis. The school system has a lucrative contract with Pepsi to keep drink machines in the hallways. Both parents feel they MUST work, so, more often than not, dinner at home means something that can be microwaved or ordered over the phone. Heck, even the camp Trading Post makes 90% of it's sales from junk food. I formally complained this year because there were NO diet drinks available, so I drank water all week and took my money back home with me! I remember summers in the 60's...you would get up at 8 am and grab your bike and disappear...probably rode 20 miles a day, all totalled...had things to do and people to see. Mom didn't hear from me until dinner time, 5 pm (missing dinner was NOT an option!), then by 5:30 we were back outside again until dark (or later). So let's get the mirror out. Is it that the kids are lazy slugs, or is it what parents and society are teaching them, if even subliminally? Let's keep the blame where it belongs.

In my opinion: The District Chair's primary job is to, 1. Plan and chair the District Committee meetings 2. Recruit and supervise the District Committee chairs (finance, training, membership, etc) 3. Recruit and supervise an effective District Commissioner (who in turn recruits the Commissioner Corps) 4. Represents the District on the Council Committee and at District functions, such as FOS dinners, camporees, etc. 5. Prepares and presents District Reports to the Council Committee 6. Provides leadership in achieving Quality District "Wait a minute", you say. "That's what our DE does!" Hmmmmmmmm.

At camp this year, our Aquatics Director, who just completed National Camp School, said that the BSA and Red Cross were nearing an agreement for reciprocity. We have run BSA Lifeguard during the winter at a local pool. IF there's a demand, find a pool and a counselor and go for it! In addition to the skills portion, the course requires Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, and CPR Certification, so plan accordingly.(This message has been edited by scoutldr)

Coleman advertises the "Weathertec" system "guaranteed to keep you dry". Anyone have any experience with these? I find the hardest thing to do is convince kids not to let anything touch the inside of the tent, or the water will wick right through. We can't afford $200-400 each for the high-end stuff.

eamonn, quit beating yourself up. You lucked out...nothing happened. Learn from it and move on. None of us are perfect and we can't follow every rule every time.

Being a former Church Council President and Finance Committee chair, I don't think it's as ominous as it sounds. Church Treasurers are usually bonded and insured against fraud, embezzlement and other errors and ommissions. In order to maintain this protection, all funds must be maintained under the control of the bonded individual(s) and are auditable along with all other church accounts. As BW and others have pointed out, the Troop is owned by the CO and they can specify how they want things run. The only downside is that the Troop may need to now get all checks issued by the Church Treasurer and the Troop Treasurer keeps the books, but not the money.