scoutldr

Some thoughts on the subject from Baden-Powell himself: "Moreover, there is only one standard by which a boy is judged as qualified for a badge, and that is the amount of effort he puts into his work. This gives direct encouragement to the dull or backward boy-the boy in whom the inferiority complex has been born through many failures. If he is a trier, no matter how clumsy, his examiner can accord him his badge, and this generally inspires the boy to go on trying till he wins further badges and becomes normally capable." So, unless the handicap is severe (and there are units for those, as well), I think the Scout would benefit from being with those his own age. I worked with a Troop of Down's syndrome scouts at summer camp one year...we all learned a lot of lessons.

Looks like I need to find a new route to the Scout Reservation...one which doesn't take the scouts past cow pastures, lest their tender little minds get perverted.

On the issue of obsolete uniform parts, I think the intent is that COMPLETE uniforms are still acceptable. I don't think it's acceptable to mix and match parts from different eras. So, if you can assemble a complete uniform, including tie, from 1965, and it is still "serviceable", you can wear it. We have an old gent who still wears proudly his vintage uniform. Don't know how old it is, but he wears his 1937 Jamboree patch on it....and he earned it honestly...he was there!

As I recall, the only items to be worn on the shirt are the universal BSA emblem on the left pocket (comes with it), the Philmont Bull on the left shoulder (the Jac-Shirt originated as a Philmont-only item), and a SINGLE back-patch such as OA or NESA. As with other BSA items, they've become outrageously expensive, making them out of reach of most youth.

That's what I've always understood, too, and my DE agrees. But as has been stated in other posts, "if that's what the BSA meant, they would have said it." Can the pros shed some light on this? If it's just a typo, that's one thing, and the BSA should put out an errata notice, but as I have been recently told, "a Trainer ought to know this stuff." It's hard to tell a class of new SMs "18" when the book in front of them clearly says "21".

KS, if you find one, let me know! Us "big-heads" need to stick together. I prefer to think that the size is due to the gray matter, not skull thickness!

I once heard that Trails End is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BSA and that they have no other market. True? The fundraising got so out of hand at my place of employment that the boss put a stop to all of it, regardless of the cause. The parents sell more than the kids do. Again, where's the lesson in that? If it's really about teaching leadership and self-sufficiency, then let's tell the parents to butt out and let the kids do it...or not do it...and then they live with the results. Want to go to camp? Sell popcorn. Don't sell any, then you don't go. Now there's a real lesson in life. But I suspect that won't happen, because it's not about teaching values...it's about the money. That's why Councils push popcorn and don't like to see units do their own thing...because then they don't get their cut. Now before everyone jumps down my throat, I understand the need for Council operating funds...I just wish they wouldn't task the children with that responsibility. Kinda reminds me of the last time I visited Tijuana...and having to run the gantlet of professional beggars, most of whom were under the age of 10. It's a tough dilemma running a non=profit organization. I don't know what the answer is.

Perhaps the previous posts were not clear. Scouts do not attend with their Troops. A "Jamboree Troop(s)" will be formed up consisting of individual scouts from your Council (contingent). They are given a new troop number and usually a special Jambo Council Shoulder Patch (CSP), troop flag, equipment, etc. Similar process to the way our Council goes to Philmont. Depending on the number of slots available, not all who apply will be accepted. Best thing to do is contact your District Commissioner, District Executive or ask around at Roundtable to see how your Council is planning to do it.

Perhaps the previous posts were not clear. Scouts do not attend with their Troops. A "Jamboree Troop(s)" will be formed up consisting of individual scouts from your Council (contingent). They are given a new troop number and usually a special Jambo Council Shoulder Patch (CSP), troop flag, equipment, etc. Similar process to the way our Council goes to Philmont. Best thing to do is contact your District Commissioner, District Executive or ask around at Roundtable to see how your Council is planning to do it.

From page 3 of the latest version of the Scoutmaster Handbook (2001 rev): "These are the minimum requirements for becoming a Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster: - be at least 21 years of age." Is this a typo or a policy change that slipped by me? My understanding is that SA's must be at least 18 years of age, not 21. Thanks.

http://n2zgu.50megs.com/IRAQ.htm

No more offensive than a "snipe hunt". Oh, wait...we're not allowed to do that anymore, either.

http://www.bc.scouts.ca/

Keep in mind that filling out a Scouter application does not cancel our first amendment right to be stupid in public. I, for one can tell you. Where is the Commissioner staff? I believe that the DC or UC should have a chat with the "gentleman" and remind him of BSA policy of gender inclusion and that, by filling out the application, he agreed to uphold. If not, the DC should offer to help him recruit his replacement. Does this make him an "avowed" sexist? HMMMMM.

Ask your Scoutmaster when the next Junior Leader Training Course is going to be and then go to it and earn your "Trained" strip. Congratulations and good luck!

Right, Bob. I said I was a new trainer, but not yet a know-it-all. The know-it-alls in my District wouldn't volunteer for this job, so they're stuck with me. Maybe after 20 years in this job, I will know everything, but for right now, I have to dive for my references (or this forum) when I have a question...which is what I just did. And guess what, the references (Venturing Leader Specific Training Manual) tell me you're wrong. Male Venturers may indeed continue to earn Boy Scout recognitions (Star, Life, Eagle, Merit Badges) IF they became first class while registered as a Boy Scout (and the ones I;ve seen wear their ranks proudly). There is no requirement that they be concurrently registered in a Troop, as with OA, and the Venture Crew Committee conducts the Board of Review. So it just does not make sense that the "rules" are inconsistent, and to allow a Venturer to continue earning rank, but denying him the honor of OA is just ludicrous. And I don't believe for a minute that the OA does anything unless National knows about it and agrees with it. So it appears to me that Venturing is having an identity crisis...they want to belong, but they want to be separate. They need to decide which they want and then get off the fence and go for it. Yes, as a trainer, I spout the party line. What I don't agree with, I work to change if I think it's wrong. Forgive me, but I was under the impression that this forum was for the free and open exchange of ideas and discussions....NOT to be a cheering section for National policy. I have witnessed many changes in the program since 1962, some I agree with, some I don't. But I suspect none of the changes would have happened unless people like me questioned the status quo.

One night a week at summer camp, and usually on Saturday night during Ordeals, Camporees and Fall Fellowships. Usually hosted by the OA. A "spread" is put out consisting of cookies, crackers, cheese, cold cuts, desserts, bug juice and maybe even leftovers from dinner. Just an unstructured time for fellowship, patch trading, telling of jokes and sea stories, or whatever. Sometimes limited to SMs and SPLs, depending on the event.

To piggyback on Ed's suggestion...put all BSA publications on a CD=ROM in PDF format.

Check out eBay item #2162594033 "Sponsor a Scout to Summer Camp". Begging for donations to fund their summer camp and Northern Tier trips..."and you don't have to buy popcorn or candy you don't want"! How many rules does this break? Not to mention eBay rules. No bidders so far as I can tell.

bump

Thanks, Bob...but as BSA policy seems to do, it only led to more questions. From what I understand, 1. Venture crews may NOT hold elections 2. Once elected, an arrowman is a member for life as long as his BSA registration remains current, but only in a Pack, Troop or Team. 3. OA flaps may be worn on the Venture uniform, if a bona fide member So, extrapolating, it also seems that: 1. If a Scout/Scouter transfers to a Venture crew as his sole registration before being called out, he forfeits the chance to become an arrowman. 2. In order to continue as an active OA member, he must also maintain registration in a Troop or Pack (or District/Council position?), which could be just a paperwork and dues exercise. 3. Scouters who are sole members of Venture crews may not serve as OA members or advisors. My opinion...this is stupid. If an arrowman is a registered member of a BSA unit, he/she should be able to continue as an active OA member, as seems to be the custom in my Council/Lodge. I agree with Crews not being allowed to have elections, since they are co-ed and girls may not earn First Class rank, but I could probably be convinced that a change in that area is warranted, also (the elections thing, not the First Class thing). But if an arrowman transfers to a Crew, he should be able to continue. As I said, a lot of the senior arrowmen and Officers in my Lodge are from Venture crews, as was the Lodge advisor. I guess it is possible that they were dual registered in Troops, but I am not privy to that information. As an Associate Chapter Advisor, I will be more vigilant to make sure those "infidels" do not infiltrate our Order and use up all of the opportunities for Cheerful Service.

Our last Lodge chief (male) was from a Venture crew. If there's a rule against that, what's the reference?

I would endow the BSA with enough money to operate without having to strongarm parents and volunteers for donations and making kids (and their parents) sell popcorn for 3 times more than what you buy it for at the grocery store and that nobody really wants. The other side of that coin would be that every local Council's financial books would be published on their web site for all to see.

Not to beat a dead horse, but here is the specific language from the G2SS: "Never fuel a stove, heater, or lantern inside a cabin; always do this outdoors. Do not operate a stove, lantern, or charcoal grill in an unventilated structure. Provide at least two ventilation openings, one high and one low, to provide oxygen and exhaust for lethal gases. Never fuel (example: all liquid fuels, charcoal. etc.), ignite, or operate a stove, heater, or lantern in a tent."

Check out this one...it's a hoot! (This is a prerequisite for the Homeland Security MB!) http://www.troop99hiltonny.gobot.com/custom2.html