scoutldr

The Scouting experience is as much about giving back as it is about taking and getting awards. It your scouts aren't "getting it", then we need to re-examine how we are delivering the program. I would have no problem in dropping from the rolls or not advancing those scouts who only show up when they want to or for the "fun" activities, but are conspicuously absent from service projects or shun leadership roles (A Scout is Helpful). Unfortunately, National just wants the numbers and the $$$, but the SM is the gatekeeper for "Scout Spirit".

Fox News - 11 May GSUSA announces they will accept as members "boys who consider themselves to be girls".

The issue of having custom neckers made (or patches, etc) can have you run afoul of trademark infringement if you incorporate any of the BSA's protected trademarks. The fleur-de-lis for one. In our council, anyone having patches made for an event has to run the design by the SE and use "approved vendors". It still irks me that they put "made in China" stickers on the back of official patches.

Back when I was attending RT, we were always encouraged to bring our SPLs. Few ever did. Seems like the scouts fell for that "one hour a week" thing.

Reusing like textbooks is an idea, but I doubt they are durable enough for that. Maybe if they had hardcover editions...

Well, they did elect Sheila Jackson Lee ...speaking of "nutters"...

I think what CubDayCampDirector suggests would be illegal. Those pesky copyright laws again. If the BSA didn't care about the money, they could put ALL publications online or on a CD and all members would get one free with registration.

Not sure if it's the marketers, or the fact that if it's not in color, with lots of pictures, neither the parents NOR the scouts will look at it. Take a look at school books now, compared to what we had in the 60s and 70s. (no, we didn't use clay tablets). My 11th grade US History book was like reading the dictionary. Be that as it may, in my pack, the parents bought the books. If the pack buys the books, it needs to be accounted for in the Unit Budget Plan...just that much more dues to charge or popcorn to sell. There ain't no free lunch.

I'm registered as "Council Committee". Haven't seen a Scouting mag in years.

Ah, the Snipe hunt. One of my fondest memories as a young Tenderfoot.

The BSA only wants one hour a week. The DE actually said that at School Night when I registered Son #1 for cubs.

I am posting this at 0944 EDT. The system clock says 0144.

Reading the Bible is one thing. Understanding the context and customs of the time when it was written is something else entirely. Otherwise there would be a lot of unruly children put to death.

Just for discussion, here is the way GSUSA breaks it out, as of 2008: Girl Scout Daisy (grades K–1) Girl Scout Brownies (grades 2–3) Girl Scout Juniors (grades 4–5) Girl Scout Cadettes (grades 6–8) Girl Scout Seniors (grades 9–10) Girl Scout Ambassadors (grades 11–12)

Why don't we just pass out the badges and save everyone a lot of time? The learning experience will be the same and the parents will be satisfied. And BSA still gets to sell badges and increase advancement metrics. Win/Win/Win

So, if there is no adult serving as Troop Chaplain, there can be no "Chaplain's Aide", by definition, ...correct?

I was unable to get on last night...gave up and went to bed.

Ok, the clock thing is off again. I am posting this at 0858 EDT.

What are the requirements for Chaplain's Aide and Historian? Is there a job description with clearly defined goals and objectives? Was there periodic "performance reviews" so that the Scout is not blindsided with a "NO" when he asks for the sign-off? If they think the requirement is to wear the patch for 3 months, whose fault is that?

Glad we could help.

I believe the Native Americans believed that all things on the earth had "spirits" and were interconnected. What you did to one, affected all the others.

Welcome back, Mate! I think the forums are a lot friendlier than they used to be, and I really like this new software. My own "Scouts" are now 36 and 31, both married and I'm expecting my third grandchild in two weeks! Finally we got a boy, so I'm holding on to the uniform and camping equipment!

It is a core function of your District Advancement Committee to maintain a list of qualified MBCs who are "experts" in the field either by vocation or avocation. I am also of the belief that "troop only" MBC should not be allowed. One of the "methods" is Adult Association, and that means, you don't get 10 merit badges from your best friend's mom. Cold calling the MBC and setting up an appointment is part of the learning process. When parents would call me, I would say, "have the scout call me back and we'll discuss it."

There is a real active group of Cast Iron afficionados on Facebook. They say lard is the best. I have also learned about cleaning rusty CI...including how to set up an electrolysys tank (E-tank) using a car battery and a solution of "washing soda".

"He is reverent toward God." ... how does that apply to those who have no monotheistic "God" ? Wiccans and Buddhists come to mind. (forgive my ignorance)