scoutldr

What are the BSA membership requirements for Venturers? Can the CO add to those requirements? If a female (or male) Venturer became a parent while registered, would they be kicked out? Tough questions.

A wood badger wearing an unauthorized insignia???? GASP! Out of curiosity, I found the square knot at the following site http://www.inclusivescouting.net I also found the following at the same website: "To be a person of strong character, guide your life with honesty, purity, and justice. Respect and defend the rights of all people. Your relationships with others should be honest and open." -- The Boy Scout Handbook "Practice what you preach. . . . The most destructive influence on boys is adult inconsistency and hypocrisy." -- The Scoutmaster Handbook Those are the "traditional values" that I was taught, both by my parents and my Scout leaders, and which I try to follow every day.

It relates so far as to illustrate the point that "the only constant is change." The BSA will change, as it has been changing constantly over the years. When the Cub program was introduced, Den Chiefs were in charge of Dens. Den Mothers came later. Then they became "Den Leaders". When I was a Cub, women ran the dens, but men ran the Packs. In the Troops, the women's role was to make sure there were good refreshments at Courts of Honor and to receive their "Mother's Pin". I was an Explorer when our Post went coed in 1970. The trend continued, now we have female Scoutmasters, female "Arrowmen" (Arrowpersons?), and female Scout Executives. Whether you feel this is good or bad is irrelevant...it is change and the evolution will continue as it must. Perhaps it's another example of Natural Selection. Those organizations which adapt and learn to coexist with the changing environment rather than rail against it will be the ones to survive.

I guess the biggest thing I have a problem with is the cavalier, "in your face" attitude, which I hope is not the intended perception. The original post stated, "She is over 18 years old and has decided to start her family." Morality issues aside, if this is the case, the young lady is incredibly stupid. Another reason not to be viewed as a role model. Taken at face value, my perception is that this is not viewed as an "unfortunate circumstance". It sounds like it was a conscious decision to become pregnant out of wedlock. I had a similar thing happen in my troop, only it was one of my scout's older (but not much older) sister. Pregnant sister came regularly to pick up her brother. Then baby and grandmother came to the meetings where all the other moms oohed and ahhed and this child of a child was passed around for all to admire, while the 17 year old unwed mom basked in the limelight. I noticed all of the scouts taking it all in. Who knows what value systems got altered in the experience. All they saw was "look at my wonderful cute baby and now I'm really important and admired." They don't get to see the down side, like standing in line at the welfare office for ADC and food stamps. My final vote is yes, if she wants to work behind the scenes as a committee member. No, for a "direct contact" position. PS: Thanks, littlebillie for sending me scrambling for my Websters'!!! You are 100% correct and I learned something new. It's been a good day!

I can think of no scout function where tipping someone within the organization would be appropriate. Tipping MAY be appropriate at something like an FOS dinner where the wait staff were not registered members providing "cheerful service".

And how do you propose that the BSA make up that funding if someone can't prove their moral "pureness"? Double the cost of uniforms? Close camps? $200 annual registration fees? Merge councils and lay off professionals? Get out your checkbook, because your FOS donation will need to have a coupla zeroes added. Oh, and by the way...you need to find a new site for the National Jamboree...FT AP Hill is Federal property.

The Tidewater Council, which covers NE North Carolina, has resurrected the Outer Banks Historic Trail medal to commemorate the 100th anniversary of flight. The year's activities culminate in a Camporall on 10-12 October 2003 at the Dare County Airport, Manteo, NC. For details see http://www.tidewaterbsa.com or call the Council office at (757)49-SCOUT

Are you guys talking about "Textiles" MB?

James Taylor, Chicago, Glenn Miller, Everley Bros, BB King, Carole King, any 50's Doo-Wop, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Neville Bros, Willie Nelson, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Arlo Guthrie and his daddy Woody, Brian Setzer

To answer a question in an earlier post, this is cut and pasted from an asthma web site...not all triggers affect all asthmatics the same. In a camping environment, triggers can take the form of campfire smoke, exertion, cold air, bug spray, dust, mold spores, etc. Each asthmatic has to know their level of sensitivity and which triggers to avoid. Needless to say, tobacco use in the presence of youth members is a no-no. "Common triggers of bronchoconstriction include everyday stimuli such as: Cold air Dust Strong fumes Exercise (For more information, please refer to Exercise and Asthma). Inhaled irritants Emotional upsets Smoke Smoke acts as a very strong trigger. Second-hand smoke has been shown to aggravate asthma symptoms, especially in children. The effects of one cigarette linger in the home for 7 days, and therefore it is very important to provide a SMOKE-FREE HOME for all children. In fact, some health care workers feel that smoking in a home where there is a child with asthma is a form of child abuse. Children should not be exposed to a polluted environment over which they have no control."

Velcro.

I can see having a new DE spend time at camp to see that part of Council operations. I can't see having them all spend every day at camp, especially if there is a camp staff to run things...who's minding the store back home? This is happening at my COuncil this year, too...although it's the first year they have been ordered to. All of the DEs have been assigned to be on camp staff. Maybe it's a trend?

It is unconscionable that the SE will not return your calls on a Youth Protection matter. If you have the resources, I would contact an attorney to write him a certified letter, copy to Mr. Roy Williams, Chief Scout Executive in Irving. You MUST not let this slide. The best answer is not to give up and find another troop...this leader needs to be removed and possibly charged.

Bob, you just don't get it. It has nothing to do with being pregnant. It has everything to do with being an "avowed" adulteress. "Look at me, I'm pregnant...ain't that great?" Now it seems we need a list...which immoral and sinful behaviors are OK and which will bar your membership from BSA. I'm all for standards...but not if they are not applied fairly and consistently. As I have stated elsewhere in this forum, if we ban gays then where do we stop? Some bad role models are OK? Can't have it both ways...kids see right through that kind of doublespeak. If we are to be effective leaders and parents, we need to be firm, fair and consistent. Maybe she will turn out to be a pregnant lesbian...that would sure make things "cleaner", huh guys?

Isn't it amazing how the definition of "morally straight" keeps changing? If the BSA is to be consistent in it's active discrimination against the morally flawed, there is no choice but to deny her membership. Otherwise, someone in Irving needs to explain to me why being gay is prima facie evidence of immorality and a bad role model, but being an unwed mother is not. Our kids are confused enough without having to sort out the mixed messages.

Well, this thread is going to get interesting.... Is this a test?

Sounds like a local rule, fb. Don't think we do it that way down south. I can see maybe First Class, since younger scouts can be as much a pain as the Cubs, but Life or above sounds overly excessive. In fact, I'm sure that if they are qualified to be a Den Chief, they are welcome at Day Camp, as long as they remember which side of the Blue/Green fence they're on.

When given the choice, I check the box for "native American." I was born in Pennsylvania, so I guess that describes me. It doesn't ask for the nationality of my ancestors. dsteele has a good point...behavior is more important to me than skin color. But, unfortunately there seems to be a correlation more often than not. Case in point, yesterday, I had the privilege of taking half a day off to spend it waiting in line at the DMV office. 3 hours for a 5 minute transaction. But while there, I got to observe. 4 young men wearing "hip-hop" garb came in and commenced to converse in very loud voices. Every adjective was the F-word or the N-word which they used to describe themselves, the DMV staff, other patrons and others. Proper English, grammar and complete sentences were non-existant. Sitting all around them were children, an older lady of about 75,and others shaking their heads in disgust. The deputy sherriff did come over and made them throw away their food that they had brought in although "NO FOOD OR DRINK" was plainly posted on the door, but didn't seem to object to the language. I guess the moral of the story is, if you insist on socially rude or aberrant behavior, you run the risk of contributing to the stereotypes and of NOT being accepted as equal.

"I'm no more a trained investigator than you are, possible less so, but that's life. What would you do?" I would turn the matter over to trained investigators. There are two possibilities...either a misguided but well meanining adult was soliciting door to door, or a crime was committed. If an e-mail to all Unit leaders and/or an announcement at roundtables does not turn up the perp, then let the authorities sort it out.

Rooster said, "If a man is willing to debase himself, despite Gods precepts and natures roar which scream its perversity, just so he can obtain physical gratification, then yes - I consider him a potential threat to my child." I guess smokers are out too? 'Bout time!!!

Been to Guam. Loved the island...hated getting there. Our travel folks put me in the Cliff Hotel up by the Naval Hospital (biggest cucarachas I've ever seen) before I realized I could stay at the Tumon Bay Hilton for the same govt rate! I was so tired I didn't care the first night. Looks like a great place to go Scouting!

Actually, what Yarrow said was: Boy things are getting ugly in another local troop. A young boy, going to canoe base, still can not swim well enough. The parents are insisting on having other stronger swimmers be in the canoe with him. Or they have also suggested hiring a lifeguard to go in his canoe. How much teeth do the troops have to prevent a safety disaster like this one looks. He has been working with camp personal and doing private lessons for months. I believe he has the swimming badge although I don't know how. I have Swimming MB, Lifesaving MB, Canoeing MB, Rowing MB, BSA Lifeguard, WSI, and BSA Lifeguard Counsellor. When I go to Camp this July, I will still have to pass the "Swimmer" test, or I don't get to play. That is one inflexible rule that I happen to agree with.

Thanks for the clarification, DS. 2031??? Whew!

The following web site has a good introduction: http://www.texastrailsbsa.org/OA/oa_home_page.htm

Don't ask, don't tell. Or, "what we don't know can't hurt us." The BSA has evolved over the years. Change is inevitable. My prediction is it will become a Unit and CO option. There are all black troops in my Council, served by a black DE. Do they prohibit whites from applying? Probably not, but the perception is there. There are LDS troops. There are fundamentalist Christian troops, complete with a large cross on their troop neckerchiefs. Do they prohibit Jewish kids? Probably not, but I can't imagine one feeling comfortable and accepted there. There was a time when the Lone Scout Magazine proclaimed "The White Boys' Magazine" on it's cover. There was a time when women were not allowed to lead troops or serve in the OA. There was a time when a boy had to be 8 to join Cubs. There was a time when adults could earn Eagle. There was a time when girls had to be satisfied with Girl Scouts and CampFire Girls. Times change. People change. Mores change. "Change will not occur until the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of the change."