scoutldr

They could tell it was an AR-15 from the sound? Impressive.

Not to be a party pooper, but when your CO signed the charter agreement with the Council, they agreed to the following: "Ensure appropriate facilities for the unit for its regular meetings to facilitate the aims of the Chartered Organization and Scouting." SO, my read, is, if they are not providing appropriate meeting space, they have breached their contract. Something your DE should have ascertained before entering into the contract. But I guess we need to meet those goals, one way or the other.

I visited the museum in Irving, only because I was attending a work conference in Dallas. Checked it off the bucket list. If it were anywhere else, I would not make a special trip. The coolest part was the Rockwell collection.

Apparently I am late to the party, since I have no idea what kerfuffle of which you speak. Sorry to see you go, Tampa, but I understand, as we all have to seek peace in our own lives before trying to lead others to peace. As my Navy colleagues are fond of saying, "Fair winds and following seas" be with you as you continue your journey. scoutldr

I spent a 40 year career writing, interpreting and enforcing Federal safety and health regulations. Rule number one is "say what you mean" and then look for all the different ways it can be misinterpreted or circumvented. It has to be "idiot-proof". When you write a rule, standard, guideline, or whatever and tell people they can "use common sense and the Scout Motto" in assessing the risk, that is a trap meant to shift liability away from BSA. As soon as the opposing lawyer asks "why did you not follow the G2SS when it is clearly written what you should do?" and you respond "well, my common sense and experience told me it wasn't necessary"...you're done. As we all know, common sense is not very common any more...

80% of high 3 is very generous in today's environment. I retired a year ago after 32 years in the federal government. I get 1.1% of high 3 average x years of service. And from that comes $571 per month for health insurance, and federal and state income tax. We also have a 401K with a match of the first 5% of contributions, which did very well for me. Congress is currently attacking the federal retirement system to require the calculation be based in "high 5" average, plus elimination of COLA for current and future retirees.

Thanks for the clarification, Parkman. It sounds to me like things are not that far off kilter. One suggestion I would make is when the PLC has their annual planning meeting, they identify adult support for each event at that time...not wait until time for the event to wonder who will step up. This gives the adults time to plan their own calendar, as well. If no adults roger up when the event is proposed, then it comes off the schedule and you do something else. When the SPL presents his annual plan to the Troop Committee, he has a name attached to each event of someone who has agreed. The SM confirms the names with his cadre of 35 ASMs.

35 registered adults and you can't get them to show up at events? Why are they registered? I agree with sst above...the SM's primary function is to train and mentor the SPL, who runs the troop. ASMs can provide support by mentoring the other youth leaders. The Committee handles the "logistics" of the troop...recordkeeping, fundraising, Boards of Review, advancement tracking, and representation at the District Committee. They do not "supervise" the SM ... they support the program that he puts into action. Sounds like a lack of training all around if there is basic confusion as to roles and responsibilities.

The end of the human race will come, not from cancer or weapons or war, but from insects and drug-resistant microbes. On the battlefield, more die from disease and non-battle injuries (DNBI) than from hostile enemy action.

Your CO has ultimate control over who is approved to be members of your unit, even if BSA allows them. I agree, if the CC (wife) is lying about the guy's conviction, then say goodbye to the family and wish them well. A Scout is Trustworthy.

<but he reads from a copy of the 1911 version, the boys find some of the original sections very humorous> They would especially enjoy the paragraph on "Continence" in Chapter 19.

If your child has been bullied, it is a direct violation of BSA Youth Protection policies, and should be reported immediately to the Council Scout Executive directly. Call the Council Office and use the code words, "I need to speak immediately to the Scout Executive about a Youth Protection matter." Do NOT deal with the Pack Committee, the Commissioners, or the District. This will get their attention, believe me. I take it from your posts that you are a registered Leader? If so, you have no doubt taken the online BSA Youth Protection training, which is required of all adult volunteers. Bullying a child is NEVER acceptable in the Scouting program, especially by an adult. If you get no satisfaction from the BSA, you always have the option of contacting your local Child Protective Services.

This is not a new dilemma. When I was 16 (the legal age to be employed) in 1970, I worked at the mall in a shoe store. I made more on a Saturday than I would have been paid for a week of 18 hour days at camp. While I loved Scouting, it was a no brainer. I had to have money for gas and saving for college.

Unfortunately, most CO's do not understand this, either, in my experience. I think if it were explained to them in no uncertain terms, many would opt out for liability reasons.

So, we can't say "Girl Scout"???

Good question. But then, I don't think it is the function of Government to be funding private organizations with taxpayer dollars. I agree with Rep. DeVillier.

Parents who want to shield their children from any failure or negative impact on their feelings.

I think the head of your PTO is wise to be asking those questions. Sounds like a legitimate concern, since one of the main reasons for the BSA's business model is the transfer of liability away from the BSA. A BSA charter in effect just allows chartering organizations permission to use BSA program materials in the operation of the CO's youth program. And from previous discussions over the years on this forum, the BSA has been discouraging the use of "Friends of Scouting" type shill CO's. Notify your DE to find you a new CO, then wait it out. DEs do NOT want to lose units...it's one of their primary job performance metrics and he/she will have to form two new units to make up for it.

This is really a matter for your Council professional staff (DE/SE) to sort out. The Charter Agreement is a contract between the PTO and the BSA local Council. If the PTO feels it needs to withdraw from the agreement, this is not for you to moderate. Contact your DE immediately and tell him/her that they are about to lose a Unit and they need to sort it out or find you another CO. Another question...is the school district a Government agency? In my area, public schools are a division of the local city government, and they do NOT sponsor scout troops, or any other group that is not a part of the school curriculum. There is also the issue that all government agencies are required by law to operate on a non-discrimination basis and their activities must be open to all.

Sounds like stepping back was YOUR choice...do what your heart tells you. I have seen many parents (myself included), stay active after their sons left or aged out. My own sons were in their 30s before I "retired"...I was having too much fun and treasured my adult friends and "time in the woods".

Crust/cardboard on a frozen pizza...it tastes all the same.

Not sure why you need 20 people on the Committee, but that's a different discussion. I agree with you...BOR should be rotated amongst all the committee members, so that all get experience. With that many members, there should never be a delay in getting a scout a BOR when he needs one...you could even have several going at the same time.

Why not just pass out Eagle medals at their last Blue and Gold and save everyone a lot of time and money? The boys will appreciate all the time it frees up for video games and they've met the goal of getting a college resume entry without having to deal with dirt and bugs.

Welcome...it's always interesting to hear about Scouting in other countries!

I'm ok with it (and so is BSA) as long as Mom is a registered MBC with the Council and is an "expert" in the field being counselled. She must also have YPT training. Same rules as for anyone else.