scoutldr

I would say he met the letter of the requirement. List what birds used it? None. Done. On the other hand, a simple feeding station might give more positive results. When we put out feeders, the birds seem to find it in a matter of hours. The purpose of a MB is to learn, not just to get a badge.

I keep requesting Crocs for birthdays, Fathers day, etc. My sons refuse to buy them. The are overpriced for what must be 20 cents' worth of materials.

I had the privilege of spending my weeks at summer camp working with a special needs troop that happened to come to camp the same week we were there, year after year. I would volunteer my time as a swimming/lifesaving/BSA Lifeguard instructor. Some of these "scouts" were 40 years old, and were mostly Down's Syndrome. Some of the best times I had a summer camp. That being said, Council had them all in one troop, so there weren't any YPT complications. Not sure how it would work in a mixed troop.

Like military members, I think most heathcare professionals consider themselves "on duty" 24/7. If they had NOT responded, they would be violating their oath and possibly facing legal liability. That being said, I would submit the paperwork for all, and see how far it goes. At the very least, the Council can issue a Certificate of Merit.

Yes, that was incorrect. Any scout can wear a MB sash any time he wants, as long as he has earned at least one MB. Adults (18 and above) do NOT wear rank badges or MB sashes. As stated above, the sash should be worn properly, or not at all. Hanging from the belt is not permitted.

Neckers don't need to match, unless you are participating in a parade or flag ceremony, then it would be nice. "Back in the day", it was common for a patch/necker/mug/Tshirt combination would be produced for every district/council event including summer camp and OA. It was nice to be able to purchase the set with the same design on it. I almost never wore my "official" BSA troop colors necker. It was a matter of pride to be able to show where you've been and what you'd accomplished.

I think that's the definitive answer. The SM decides. If it were me, I would count it, as long as it wasn't the scout who put it there.

I view things like that to be "been there, done that" patches. I have a 1960 vintage uniform shirt with the 50th Anniversary strip on it. I would never think of wearing that on my current uniform, because I wasn't a member in 1960 and didn't "earn" it. I do, however wear my 1966 summer camp patch...because I was there.

Since someone complained and the CM asked you to cease and desist, I don't think it matters what the BSA "rules" are. It wasn't that long ago when Cubs at day camp could dress up like pirates and swing wooden swords around. Times have changed.

171,178. Is that truly active members, or does that include the "sash and dash" crowd who just want to wear the flap?

What is important in life, in my opinion, is to be a self-sufficient, contributing member of society. As long as you're not a burden on the system, I consider that "successful". Everyone rows their own boat...where you go in that boat is up to you.

In the words of my 4 year old Granddaughter, "Outside is FUN!".

You don't say what position you hold in the Pack. Unless you are the Committee Chair, Cubmaster or Chartered Organization Representative, this may not be your problem to deal with. Just do the best you can in your registered position and keep setting a good example for the others.

During my years in Scouting and in my "real job", I've found that the best way to become proficient in a subject is to prepare a lesson plan and teach it. Why not conduct your own "Brownsea" (or whatever your Council calls the T-2-1 training camp) at the unit level? Of course, this should be conducted by the senior scouts, coached by the adult leaders. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a Scout at an upper level BOR who hasn't retained the basic First Class skills (not that it's a retest!).

David Scott has been a regular contributor here for many years. We've missed him recently.

I was a Scout in the 60's and adults wearing rank patches was not the custom, as I recall. It could simply be another case of an adult "doing his own thing" and no one was rude enough to call him out on it. We did have the Eagle knot, but the AOL knot came much later. The only knots I remember seeing were the green Scouter's training award, SM Key, and Silver Beaver. Cub scouting did not have knots until much later. Trained patches were also much later, although the position patch did come with a mylar border for a brief time in the 70s to indicate "Trained" status.

@Sentinel: The tie in is that in today's world, the rule of law seems to be interpreted as "suggestions" and not enforced unless it meets someone's political agenda. Don't like a law? Just form sanctuary cities and look the other way. Don't want to hire men as nurses? Just ignore it and dare anyone to challenge it. The parents will support you.

It's also illegal to be "illegal" and to hire "illegals". So what's your point?

GSUSA aren't the only ones who think men are after only one thing and cannot control our urges. My wife is an elementary school nurse. I once observed that all school nurses in this very large school district are ALL females. She laughed and said, "no male would ever get hired for that job".

Just read an article that the Rev. Franklin Graham (Billy's boy) has just disavowed the GSUSA, saying, "no more cookies for me." Alleging that their policies regarding transgenders and homosexuals are not "biblical". So, it's not just the Roman Catholics.

I have no problem with ads, if it lowers the cost for the boys. Let them know there are interesting things out there besides video games.

Sounds like the problem may take care of itself soon. How does he relate to the boys? Do they enjoy having him around? Surrogate grandfather? Seems to me the other adults can prop him up enough to ensure the troop doesn't take a downward slide while still preserving his dignity. That weekly scout meeting surrounded by kids may be the only thing keeping him going. Tell the scouts to go ahead and plan what they want to do, including high adventure. Other adults can provide support for that. If the old gentleman still has his faculties, he is more than aware of what his capabilities are and will not want to hold the boys back.

On one of the nostalgia pages on Facebook, someone recently posted a picture of the 6th edition (Rockwell Cover), BSH, published in 1959. It was coincidentally the first handbook I started under. The accompanying ad stated the retail price was $1.00.The Thirteenth edition was recently released at the price of $15.00. According to the online inflation calculator I just checked, the new handbook should have cost $8.14. Is there a reason that BSA pubs are selling at twice the rate of inflation?

Over the years, I have realized that the people on this forum care a lot more about proper uniforming than either Councils or National does. Just page through a few issues of Scouting or Boys' Life magazines.

Is it not in the DE's job description to meet annually with the CO (IH) and renew the charter agreement? Everything should be explained then.