scoutldr

Fair tax, anyone? I would like nothing more than to see the tax code buried once and for all. When the average American can't figure out on their own what their obligation is, and a whole industry is devoted to income tax preparation, legal defense, etc...something is terribly wrong.

While this is an interesting discussion around the campfire, bottom line is it doesn't matter until you're audited, as has been pointed out. Reading Oak Tree's post, I agree that camp fees could be deductible...if you have "duties" related to the trip. I guess it could be argued that BSA only requires "two deep" leadership, so the only ones who have "duty" are the leader and assistant. The other six dads and moms who tag along are there for the fun of it, (or to fulfill "helicopter" tendencies) except for providing transportation to and from. This is fun!

If the scout quits or just doesn't show up, what happens to the tent?

I will just continue to do what allows me to sleep at night. I will read the IRS guidelines, and go with TurboTax and do what I think is the right thing. A Scout is Trustworthy. I have never deducted camp fees, because I would be eating anyway. I know for a fact, the Camp does not make a profit on camp fees. It's not worth it to consult a tax attorney to get the extra $3 refund on my taxes, or to pay a CPA $500 so his secretary can key-punch it into the professional version of TurboTax. My life is not that complicated. If I get audited (not yet), I will be honest about what I did and why I did it and take what comes. It's not going to break me either way, and there was no intent to defraud. I'm just an honest American trying to do the right thing.

evry...I disagree. I believe your camp fee is considered "room and board" for which you received something of value, and is, therefore not a donation. Neither is your son's camp fee. Your mileage, uniforms and equipment may be, if they are not suitable for use in settings other than scouting. However, I am not a CPA, lawyer or IRS agent.

Since I have an vintage Rexcraft nickel plated BSA bugle in mint condition, but don't have a clue how to play it, I was ready to plunk down the $170. Looks like you have to buy the whole thing from them for $525, though. (bugle, case, insert). Can't buy just the insert unless you have previously bought the bugle from them. Dang.

Maybe it would do more good if we sent 30,000 Scouters over there to help instill Scout Spirit into the culture.

Sounds like your scouts are making mistakes...and learning from them. Good job!

When people have donated to my troop in the past and requested a receipt, I just write them a nice thank-you letter specifying what they did, or the amount of money donated. If it was a donation of goods, I do not put a value on it...that's up to them. What they do with the letter is between them and the IRS. As for us individual volunteers, Beavah is correct...time is not deductible.

How about you tell him this: "As relates to the Scout Law, I don't feel you are trustworthy. I don't trust that I can leave you without adult supervision without you doing something stupid and/or dangerous. I don't trust your truthfulness or sincerity. Your actions show that you are a bully. You will do or say very hurtful things toward even your friends if it buys you a few seconds in the spotlight. You are extremely discourteous and frequently disrupt meetings. You are at least consistent. I know you exhibit this sort of behavior in school, Scouts and other areas. I have discussed this behavior with your parents. You can work up a tearful apology at the drop of a hat, but I do not believe you are sincere, because a week later you are back to your old ways. So, . It's up to you to convince me you are wrong and you are living the Scout Oath and Law in your daily life. Right now, I am not convinced and will not sign you off." As you can tell, I am not one to mince words. Kids of that age do not "get" subtlety or take hints well. Be direct, in words he can understand, so he realizes that his little game is not fooling anyone. Of course, the risk is, you may never see him again, as bullies usually won't play if they think they can't win. But if you are not going to advance him, that may be the result anyway.

In some ways, he sounds like a typical pre-teen/teenager. I'm no expert, but I seem to remember that "inflexible" is a characteristic of some forms of autism.

No difference that I know of.

The painting is a 1938 Rockwell that he did for Brown and Bigelow calendars. It also graced the cover of the 4th Edition Handbook for Boys, 1940-48. http://www.troop97.net/bshb.htm

Thanks, DWS. Perhaps I was confusing UW with CFC. I think you are correct that if undesignated, then CFC donations go to the local UW.

My will currently is simple...if I die, SWMBO gets it all, and when she dies, my two sons split everything down the middle. I don't believe in playing favorites or saying that "X needs it more than Y"...they are both my sons, and I love them equally. One of them recently married, and I have a feeling grandchildren aren't far behind...that will be a consideration too. But so far, we don't think they appreciate all that we've done for them...seems it was "expected" or a "duty". The last two wedding gifts I sent to friends' kids were never acknowledged. Next time, I'll send a card and a donation to the SPCA in their name where I know it's appreciated. I too, give substantially to the Combined Federal Campaign (United Way)...but I do not designate the Council. It was once explained to me that the amount each charity gets is pre-determined, and the only way your designation makes a difference is if the designated amounts exceed the pre-determined amount. If I adjust my will, I may just leave it to an animal charity like the SPCA. I have had cats and dogs over the years and have recently been "adopted" by the cat next door whose owners abandoned him when the house burned. Last night, I brought him in from the cold and he just seemed so darned appreciative! I made him a bed in the garage and he curled right up and slept all night. With humans, you give, and give and it never seems to be good enough.

If your glass overflows, you failed to plan properly. No safety factor.

So is this replacing the Cubmaster Award?

Just saw NBC Nightly News story about "Darien EMS Post 53"...the only EMS service in Darien, CT. Manned by high schoolers in 24 hour shifts. Sounds amazingly like an Explorer Post, but there was no mention of Exploring, LFL or the BSA.

If your District does not maintain a list of registered MBC, then the District Advancement Committee is not doing its job.

"It got down to about 25 at night. No comments were made to us or any others" Perhaps not...but that cub who spent a miserable night in his Transformers sleeping bag may never be seen around Scouting again.

"Working on merit badges is not forbidden during Troop meetings." No, but it does circumvent the Adult Association method inherent to the MB program. The way it is SUPPOSED to work is that the Scout calls the MBC himself and makes an appointment, and works the requirements outside the troop meeting setting. Even better if the adult is not previously known to the scout. And can "Billy's Dad" really be an "expert" in 15 different subjects? What does it teach the scout if all he has to do to make Eagle is sit in a troop meeting and get spoonfed at the same rate as everyone else? Personal initiative, anyone? An "occasional" troop MB is not bad...but it should not BE the program.

DenZero, don't take this the wrong way, because I have not walked in your shoes. However... I once saw a Dr.Phil show where the mother was at wits end because all her kid (toddler age) would eat was "orange chicken"...that chinese dish of deep fried chicken nuggets with a sweet orange syrup on them. So they bought him take-out orange chicken every day. Dr. Phil's advice..."DUH - QUIT BUYING ORANGE CHICKEN". When the kid gets hungry enough, he will realize there are other alternatives to being hungry. Trust me...you're not doing the kid any favors.

Cub Scouts 2010. Leader materials will be available in May 2010 for the 2010-11 progam year. http://www.scouting.org/cubscouts%202010.aspx

There's an obvious issue with terminology here. Cubs do not work on "merit badges". I think what they are referring to is the new "Cub Scout 2010" program, which shifts advancement work (Wolf, Bear) more to the Den and away from the parents. In the "old days" the parent was "Akela" and was encouraged to work on achievements and electives with their son. Troops who work on merit badges during meetings are not really running the program as it's designed and are generally frowned upon.

If you know someone with the current full version of Adobe Acrobat, I think you can scan any form and make it "fillable"...