scoutldr

From my years as a Cubmaster: "I couldn't POSSIBLY be a Den Leader...I WORK full time" "You can have my Master Card...just don't expect me to DO anything" "I don't agree with that...let me talk to your SUPERVISOR" (so I handed the phone to my wife)

Ditto from another FOS who will probably retire from Scouting soon. I can take a hint. Agree with the Dr/Pt relationship...but I suspect the Obama/Reid/Pelosi gang will also dictate to us. I can predict it now..."in order to get the taxpayer subsidy on your mandatory health insurance, you MUST adhere to these standards for weight/smoking/diet/lifestyle." Far-fetched? Nothing would surprise me now.

Your "Jamboree death march" is just a normal summer camp for us... I, too, hate to be cold...if I don't have to be. I guess I've never really invested in the proper equipment, since it doesn't get "really cold" here...I've seen "Freezorees" in the 70's. Felt kinda ridiculous accepting a patch for it.

My favorites are the ones who drive through blinding rain/fog with no lights on...and get furious when you pull out in front of them because you couldn't see them...clueless MOE-RONS. (yes, we have a law...doesn't help).

The new book, "Boy Scouts of America: A Centennial History" ($35 list), is available on Amazon.com for $23.10 and I saw it at a Barnes and Noble store yesterday for 20% off list price ($28). Note, this is the book only, not the $300 "collector's edition" with all the extra doo-dads.

In the interest of fairness, I would be interested in seeing impartial data which disproves the above polls.

I recently discovered Facebook and established a "Troop XX Alumni" page and have been inviting scouts and former scouts and their families to join. My goal is to someday have a reunion, and it is interesting to see what the guys are up to some 10-15 years later. I was worried that having "Mr. Scoutldr" as a friend might not go over so well with them, but so far, all have joined when asked. I do kinda cringe at what I might discover, since their Eagle boards are coming up...but so far, so good. I do resist the urge to chime in with comments, when "Billy" says "I'm bored with nothing to do", and I want to reply, "So...how's that Eagle project writeup coming?"

Give me 90 over 30 any day...here on the right coast, all we got was rain...and 40-50 degree temps...perfect camping weather! Of course, the ground is still saturated from the 10 inches we got 3 weeks ago from the nor'easter, so my backyard is a mud pit. I don't like snow unless it's on the weekend. People drive like morons...as they do every day, and going to work is to risk one's life. Since we only get measurable snow once or twice a year, they don't invest much in snowplow equipment. Everything here grinds to a halt and they close the schools. They are already having to go to school on Saturdays to make up for the nor'easter. (not much damage, but streets were flooded and power was out in a lot of areas).

Rasmussen poll, July 2009: 53% of Americans oppose congressional health care reform.

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.