scoutldr

"The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons." Hmmmm...if it weren't for terrorists in 1776, we'd all be writing with a funny accent like Eamonn. Oh...gotta go...time for afternoon tea.

I think it's in your Scoutnet record, if I'm not mistaken.

Nursing homes are using Wii for physical therapy. Perhaps we geezers can get a physical therapy square knot!

If that had happened to me, they would never see another dime of my money, and I would let the Council Executive Board know why.

I have been struck recently by the way this forum has taken on an air of respect, kindness, and, well, Scoutlike behavior. There was one recent notable speedbump, but we got past that. I appreciate the way we can respectfully discuss and disagree, without becoming disagreeable. As someone said once, regardless of our opinions, beliefs and passions, there is one passion that we all share, which is a desire to instill in young men and women the values of Scouting so that we will leave the world a little better than we found it. I respect you all, and admire the dedication to our organization. I will be away for a few days visiting my 87 year old uncle up in OGE's neck of the woods. If you see a short, fat old guy with a grey beard lurking in the Minsi Trails Scout shop, that will be me. My laptop's hard drive is dying, so I probably won't be back on the forum until Monday. I can't wait to hear how mdsummer45's saga turns out with her soon to be Eagle son. Good Luck.

Sorry if I offended, ScoutMom. Not intentional. It's just that no self-respecting Cub Scout I know would be caught dead in a Brownie uniform. They have cooties, ya know! That is, until they get yabos. ;-)

Wow, GoldFox...I'm impressed. For some reason, I envisioned something more than 27 pages of plain English. Kinda anticlimactic.

But then, Baden, the BSA would cease to exist when the major religious bodies withdrew their substantial financial support. Vicki, well put. But we'll have to agree to disagree. Don't we (BSA) also say that what constitutes a Scout's "duty to God" is a matter to be decided among the Scout, his family and church? I interpret that to mean if the WELS states what it expects from members of its chartered units as far as duty and beliefs, they are free to do so, and the prospective members can accept it...or not. There is a troop down the street that will welcome them. If the BSA were to presume to tell me what my "duty to God" was, I would hand them my resignation in a heartbeat. As long as I don't declare myself to be an atheist, they are happy to take my money. WELS could add additional membership requirements if it so chose.

I just said I'd meet you there...not spend the night with you ;-). But there is a mountain stream at the bottom of the hill suitable for bathing. A little chilly, though.

I didn't know that about military uniforms, Gunny. Being an amateur military uniform cop as well, I like to point out the bloopers in the movies...like the scene in Top Gun where the AirBoss in one scene is wearing polyester khakis with ribbons (not authorized for shipboard wear) and in the next shot the ribbons are gone. I work in a military organization and especially like the guys who get dressed in the mirror and come in with everything reversed. I found a young E-2 like that in the chow hall and just quietly whispered to him that he'd better make a trip to the head and get squared away before "the Chief" sees him! He was very appreciative!

Anyone else seen the commercial with the boys dressed up in Brownie vests going to the PWD? How insulting! I don't even remember what it was advertising.

Thanks, pack and Scouter760. I know you're right. But it's hard to let go of "the baby" that you created and see it fold. Pack...my inlaws have a rustic cabin in Nelson County, VA within spittin' distance of the AT. If you need a place to bed down (real bed!) and cook a hot meal, let me know. Not sure if I'm up to the trail, but I can meet you there with a hot cup of coffee and re-provision you. No electricity, but a real outhouse and gas stove! Next time I'm up there I'll get the lat/long coordinates. Closest landmark is "The Priest".

Following on what John and Beavah wrote, I have seen many examples of sectarian Scouting. When our district RT and OA meetings were held in the social hall of the LDS church, we were forbidden from providing refreshments that contained caffeine (coffee and soda) and smoking was prohibited on the church property. Were they forcing me to practice their religion? I felt yes, although it didn't kill me to drink caffeine-free soda. Meetings are now held elsewhere. We have a mega-Pack and troop chartered to a Presbyterian church (of the charismatic variety - I don't know the term). Their troop neckers have the Christian cross prominently displayed, every meeting is opened and closed with prayer and Cubs from their Pack mostly ONLY cross over to their troop. If a Jewish or Muslim kid wanted to join his friend's unit, I doubt he would be made to feel very welcomed. We also had a Ship chartered to a Muslim group that had ONLY muslim members. They practiced their faith, including prayers 5x a day facing Mecca. Not to imply there's anything wrong with any of that. But I have to agree with Beav, that the WELS is being very short-sighted. Just because the BSA accomodates Jews and Muslims, doesn't mean that the WELS would be abdicating their faith by chartering a unit.

As has been stated, the ASMs don't have the authority to hire and fire anyone. Only the COR and CC can do that. (Both must sign and approve adult applications). What you have written don't seem to be "firing offenses" to me. Just adaptations on delivering the program. NOT the BSA recommended method, to be sure, however, nothing illegal or immoral. Seems to me your only options are to have a quiet, confidential chat with the CC, and if that gets no reaction, your options are clear. 1) continue to work within the system to slowly affect change, or 2) find or start a new troop. As long as your troop keeps its numbers up (FOS, advancement and membership), the Council won't care. And you DO have a committee with a CC. They are listed on your troop printout. If they are not doing their jobs, either, then maybe your options are more clear.

We have an open invitation to "bring your SPL with you"...but very few do. Why? I think it's a matter of the youth trying to fit one more thing into their already overscheduled lives for little value-added. I remember well-run RT in CS and BS, but they are a thing of the past. Now it's just an "announcement session" or where you have to go to pick up your recharter packet.

I too am burning out. Three of us started the troop together in 1990, and we're still at it. My sons are now 30 and 27 and the other parents don't seem to want to "take over". Of course they have reasons too...travel with work, starting new careers after retiring from military, still in military and deployed, etc. The group of scouts we have left are all Life, and we've told them that at the end of this year, they can either have an ECOH or transfer to another troop. The CO won't care one way or the other...they are not involved except to tell us not to turn the heat on in the winter due to the cost. Recruiting in this area is dismal...even the mega-Troops are complaining about no cross-overs. For my personal situation, my MIL moved in with us, and now my eldest son is moving back home for financial reasons. I will be 55 this year and was looking at retirement next year...but it's not to be due to the economy. I feel like everyone is "hunkering down" and sweating it out. Membership is down, volunteerism is down and donations are down. I did the District thing for awhile as Training and then Camping chair, but got tired of the internal politics. The DE ran the show...the other "Key2" were in name only. My job is secure, but has evolved into something I loathe doing. I'm a manager, but it's like dealing with kindergarteners, not 50-something adults. As to health, I had major surgery last year (section of colon removed), and I seem to be not as "ambitious" as I used to be. I get up at 0500, get to work at 0700 and home at 1800-1900. By then I'm whipped and just eat some supper and fall asleep in front of the TV or laptop. I need to lose weight, but just don't have the energy nor the desire. Old age? Depression?...sure, maybe. Who wouldn't be? Did I mention I'm tired, too?

"responsible for interrupting"...interesting, but true in too many cases. ;-)

The Voyageur was my first tent as a youth...sans floor and mosquito net. I wouldn't buy a 40 year old canvas tent without taking it out of the bag and setting it up first. Age is not kind to canvas.

At the close of the charter year, the District needs to have more units on the books than it had last year. So if a unit folds, that means you have to replace that one, PLUS get a new one (or more). Like when I worked in retail as a kid...the store manager was always worried about "making the day". At close of business, he needed to have more net sales (sales minus returns) than he had on the same date last year. Those who kept coming up short were replaced.

When I was a young Scout, the "Royal Order of Siam" was a standard summer camp campfire skit. "Owa Tagu Siam" Thanks for the memory jogger. Those were the good times.

I don't know of any "rule", however, as you have read, it's not recommended due to the potential for conflict of interest. For sure, both of you should not have signature authority on the troop funds. What conflict of interest? The SM is charged with executing the program which is approved and monitored by the troop committee. The Committee conducts Board of Reviews, the purpose of which is not only to talk to the scout, but to evaluate the effectiveness of the program being delivered by the SM and his corps of youth leaders. Would a spouse be able to objectively evaluate the performance of her husband as SM? ("Objectively" is the operative term here). Also, for Youth Protection purposes, this may not count as "Two deep" leadership, since spouses cannot be compelled to testify against one another (Lawyers, correct me if I'm wrong here). Bottom line is, if you both can "objectively" carry out your duties, and the chartering organization approves, there is nothing to prohibit it, to my knowledge.

I am reminded of "Coach Roz"...one of my son's first baseball coaches (about 8-9 years old boys). At our very first practice, we all sat on the bleachers as she delivered this speech, "My name is Coach Roz and I don't know the first thing about baseball, but I'm here because no one else would step up. If you have anything to say or don't like what I'm doing, you can put on a cap and get out here and help me. Otherwise, I don't want to hear it." My 30 year old son still says she was one of his best coaches.

Welcome, gina. To answer your question, I don't think so. NRA patches can be worn on non-uniform jackets, or MAYBE as a temporary patch on the right pocket (temporary patches can be permanent if you want). Our guidance document is the "Uniform and Insignia Guide" found at http://www.scouting.org/media/insigniaguide.aspx

Whew. Ok. Back to business.

Because, after 18 years, no other parents will step up and take over. Our sons aged out over 10 years ago, and we are just plain tired. The body ain't what it used to be. The only way to "retire" is to just quit showing up.