scoutldr

I did appreciate my DEs and got to know them on a personal level. Ours spent almost the entire summer at Camp and was even seen cutting firewood so the Council could sell it. He showed up at almost all of my training sessions to help out. All of my classes were full, but I ended up training more from other Districts as I did my own. Sadly, some fellow volunteers just viewed the DE as a "spy" or the "fun police" to interfere with our programs. I did appreciate my DEs and got to know them on a personal level. Ours spent almost the entire summer at Camp and was even seen cutting firewood so the Council could sell it. He showed up at almost all of my training sessions to help out. All of my classes were full, but I ended up training more from other Districts as I did my own. Sadly, some fellow volunteers just viewed the DE as a "spy" or the "fun police" to interfere with our programs. I did appreciate my DEs and got to know them on a personal level. Ours spent almost the entire summer at Camp and was even seen cutting firewood so the Council could sell it. He showed up at almost all of my training sessions to help out. All of my classes were full, but I ended up training more from other Districts as I did my own. Sadly, some fellow volunteers just viewed the DE as a "spy" or the "fun police" to interfere with our programs.

Those salaries are pathetic. Less than $20 per hour, based on a 40 hr work week. And how many DEs will be successful working ONLY 40 hrs a week? And expected to work most nights and weekends? No wonder there is low quality and high turnover.

"Shutting down" a unit means giving up the charter. That is really the domain of the Chartered Organization, not the volunteer leadership. Scouts and Scouters should make their own individual decisions whether to re-register. Give the CO warning that key leaders will be leaving. Then let the chips fall. All funds and equipment technically belong to the CO, so I would do what I could to expend those assets on program as much as possible and quit collecting new assets and funds. Paying for all expenses and registrations is certainly within the realm of "program". Any equipment purchased by individuals can be reclaimed by them if they want. That's how we did it.

The MOST important thing is YOUR scout's experience. Take care of that. Whatever it takes. It's obvious no one else is interested in that and they have no loyalty to you or your efforts. Thanks for trying, but no one can do it alone.

"Observation" means "no participation or interference" in what you are observing. Many parents can't do that.

"Show Scout Spirit" is still a requirement for EVERY rank, is it not? Quit checking the box so readily and remind everyone (SM Minute?) that Scout Spirit means exhibiting the Scout Oath and Law in everything they do. No Scout should be awarded the next rank without it.

My advice is to invite her to dress however she feels comfortable. If she feels comfortable adding Scouting elements to her attire, that's fine. I don't think it's something you need to be involved in, unless she has questions. I'm sure BSA would have no problem with whatever she decides. Could be an excellent opportunity to teach Scouts (and Scouters) about different cultures and religions. As @SunnyD says, there are many different interpretations among Muslims about what is acceptable. My wife was recently in the hospital and a nursing student and her instructor came in to start an IV. The instructor was Muslim and wore the traditional Hijab (head covering), but otherwise wore hospital scrubs and name badge/lanyard.

We are paying for Granddaughter's soccer. $265 per month. Scouting is still a bargain. Just matter of priorities.

Just pointing out that Old Gray Eagle (or OGE as we knew him) is no longer with us. He died unexpectedly and prematurely. From his untreated OSA? We'll never know.

You communicate with all the parents that Cub Scouting is run by parent volunteers. Tell them that, without adequate volunteer leadership, the Pack will not recharter and meetings will cease. Then do it. It is not fair to put the entire burden on a few volunteers filling multiple positions.

The BSA has long held a policy that a custodial parent is permitted to attend and "observe" ANY scouting activity in which their child participates. If they suddenly told me that I could not do that, I and my child would terminate our membership. It smacks of what school boards are trying to do, blocking parents from seeing what they are doing with our kids.

Linked-Troop-FAQ-091722.pdf (scouting.org)

We had a Sea Scout Ship that was all Muslim. The troop that my Dad and I founded in 1965 recently folded because the Baptist Church CO could no longer abide the BSA policies that run counter to their moral teachings.

Nothing new under the sun. I was a member of an Explorer Post in the early 70s chartered to a Vol Fire Dept and Rescue Squad. We got all the same training in Red Cross First Aid, and Fire training along with the members. I reached Instructor status, and at the age of 18, we became full-fledged members. No G2SS back then. We provided an ambulance and first aid support to all Council activities. You had to be over 21 to drive the ambulance, but our Advisors served that role.

Unusual, certainly, but it sounds like a CO who actually understands the Chartered Organization model and their rights and responsibilities. Nothing I've read appears to be in conflict with BSA policy. Few Scouters realize that the Unit and all of its assets belong to the CO and the adult leaders serve at the pleasure of the CO.

Appears to be self-explanatory. Volunteers at all levels, starting at chapter/lodge level. It appears they want you to work your way up through the levels before reaching National level.

I think their main job is to hire the SE...after National tells them who it will be.

We would always do what amounted to a "FOD" walkdown...or "police up the area" to make sure we were "leaving no trace"...we would always find a bit of paper or a gum wrapper or something. It was NOT punishment, or hazing, and there were no consequences. It was just a part of camping and everyone understood that. If an adult found something, it was pointed out...no yelling or bullying.

In today's environment, this unit is a ticking time bomb...I would distance myself. If you are the CC, have a heart to heart conversation with your COR. They have approved these leaders and are the ones at risk here (as well as the Scouts). If I remember my training, you are also required to report these incidents to the Scout Executive. Good luck.

There is ZERO tolerance for hazing or bullying in the BSA now. It is a Youth Protection violation. Review your training and responsibilities and act accordingly. If your fellow "adults" do not agree with the rules, they need to be removed. Period.

I am "old school" as well, but that's an unwinnable argument. Today's parents demand 24/7 contact and awareness of where their kids are and what they are doing. I'm seeing it in my own grandkids, who, at the ripe age of 7 each have their own iPhones. All their friends have them and Mom insists that it is "necessary" and I "just don't understand".

Have all the adults and youth leaders been "Trained" in their positions? Do they attend Roundtable? Are those "teaching" the MB registered and trained MBC?

@5thGenTexan...thanks for your comments. I know it took a lot to admit your struggles, as I have been there, too. I was the bullied "fat nerd" as a kid, and Scouting has been my rock throughout life. My circle of friends is still extremely small as I approach my 70s, but my real friends are all Brother Scouts. Some I have known since I started the Scouting journey in the mid 60s. I thank God for them and, with my wife of 48 years, are the main reason I am still here. I know if I need anything...even just someone to listen to a rant, all I have to do is call and they will be there...even if only on FB across the miles. Peace and blessings.

98% of taxpayers no longer itemize. That may change if the tax policies of the last administration are allowed to expire. I don't even keep receipts any more...

My morals come from God. Not from popular opinion.