scoutldr

I'm not a lawyer, but I think the answer is "whenever you file for SS benefits." (and maybe a tax return). The SSN is issued by the federal govt and it says right on the card "not to be used for identification purposes". Even in the federal govt, whenever I am "asked" for my SSN, it is accompanied by a Privacy Act notice which says "disclosure is voluntary", however that is followed by a list of consequences if I don't volunteer the information (like loss of employment). As private citizens, we cannot be forced by the "law" to disclose private information to a private corporation. However there can be consequences for not doing so.

I used to have my SSN printed on the front of my checks, because every time I wrote one, the store clerk would ask for it and write it on there. I don't do that any more, either. A friend of mine once walked out of a School Night for Scouting because they insisted that he fill out his SSN on the Adult application. Neither he nor his son ever became scouts. His rationale is...while the BSA may have a policy and procedure for safeguarding the info, the parents manning the table at School night have no duty to do so. Who knows where that app will go before it ends up in the Council office? He grew up in NYC, so a lot of that paranoia was justified. Perhaps the BSA needs to move to a secure website for collecting private/sensitive information.

"Why would one wear a flap from the council he is in now if he is not participating member of that lodge, that just doesn't make sense." About 80% of our Lodge members do just that, based on the operative term "participating". Are they current with their dues? I have no idea...but I have my suspicions. Much as it pains me to have to agree with BW...the uniform rules are clear...you can only wear the flap of the lodge you are currently a member of and that can only be the Lodge of your currently registered Council. Other flaps can be worn as temporary patches or as a display on a suitable non-uniform item. When someone asks what the "rules" are, we have to tell them. But what you choose to do with your own uniform is between you and the Great Scoutmaster...but I hear you will be damned to eternal Latrine duty if you disobey.

In a word...No. SPeaking of the Beav...where's he been?

CA: Call your Unit Commish (or District Commish) NOW. It's their job to run interference and fix stuff like this. Your Eagle candidate may need to transfer to another unit ASAP, as a last resort, if your unit's charter lapses. I'm not aware that the SSN requirement can be waived for anyone.(This message has been edited by scoutldr)

NancyB...the reality is that it could take a while for the BSA to catch up to the guy. If you are a registered leader, then the proper course of action for you is to call the Council office, and request to "speak to the Scout Executive on a Youth Protection matter". This is the code that the secretaries understand and will put you right through, if he/she is available. Tell him what you've told us. You do not have to be right...you just need to have suspicion. The SE will then take the steps to investigate the matter and take proper action. This is all handled confidentially, so you will not be briefed on the outcome. If the guy has a history of abuse, he needs to be removed from the program sooner rather than later. I would also suggest you go online and take the YP training for your Council, which will outline the proper ways to report. PS to Ed: I've been in the program over 35 years and just found out I've never had a background check. Had to fill out a new app for recharter and I doubt it's made its way through the hoops yet.(This message has been edited by scoutldr)

Since it is minted by the federal government US Mint, I'm thinking that will be the only place to order it.

To be active in the OA, you MUST be a registered member of a unit(Pack, Troop, Crew, Ship, etc), OR be serving as a District/Council Scouter. The service stars represent your tenure in the BSA, and have nothing to do with OA membership.

http://www.scouting.org/Media/PressReleases/2008/20081020.aspx

IMHO, any money "left on the table" should be refunded to the participants. Is it ethical to "take" money that isn't intended as a donation?

I grew up in the OA and never knew other "Camp Honor Programs" existed until I started reading scouter.com. Why do some councils feel a need to have two, competing programs? Isn't the OA the "official" BSA program?

"If costs continue to climb at the rate they have in the last 5 years, it will become out of reach of many scouts." Too late. It's already out of reach for those of us who have lost half our net worth in the last year and are nearing retirement. Nobody I know has the wherewithal to spend that kind of money right now. In this heavily DOD-dependent area, we are wondering if we'll have jobs a year from now.

Melanoma is not a death sentence if caught early. My wife and her sister have both had it, and so far, so good. Anyone who spent time in the sun before the days of sunscreen (like most of us old Scouts) should have a skin check by a dermatologist.

"And it should go with saying, we should never sacrifice any of our freedoms to achieve some sort of peace with our would-be oppressors." I'll remember that next time I go through an airport. No, I didn't agree with the Iraq war. My opinion has been proven by the Iraqis' failure to step up to the plate and run their own country. I am convinced that Democracy is not for everyone, especially if they aren't willing get off their butts and put in the effort. But what I've seen of the Democrat party doesn't impress me, either. Oral sex with interns (how soon we forget, but it's OK because we were prosperous under the Clintons). Racist and criminal associations. Empty rhetoric without detail. Auctioning off Senate seats to the highest bidder. And now Caroline Kennedy, who thinks she's qualified by virtue of her family lineage and huge fortune. The reason we seceded from England was precisely because of things like this. Have we forgotten?

In our lodge, an Arrowman can purchase and wear the flap immediately following his Ordeal ceremony. For most of them, that's the last time we see them at an OA function.

"minus the USSR as a superpower" I wouldn't make that assumption, Rooster.

I just got my issue of Scouting today. I thought the tone of the article about Jambo was rather terse. "Medical devices" will not be supported. I use a CPAP machine, so I guess I'm out, although it never slows me down otherwise. Sounds like handicapped Scouts need not apply and are not welcome. Also sounds like a lot of those who think their application has been approved may be in for a rude awakening.

While the Scouting magazine article explains how to get the knots right side up, they got it wrong in at least two instances in the pictures.

I would prefer something less ostentatious.

From my heritage, Froehliche Weihnachten! In spite of our differences and sometimes heated discussions, we all wear the same uniform and I am firmly convinced we are all here for the good of the youth we serve, and I would be proud to share a campfire with any of you. To all my brothers and sisters in Scouting...A Blessed Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a better New Year!

We've done really well with the "airing of grievances". Now who's for some "feats of strength"???

Yeah, let's sit around and curse the weather. Damn Virginia! Conditions so horrendous no self=respecting human would live there. Let's move Jambo to the UP of Michigan in January, then we can even the score and make us Southerners suffer equally! FWIW, my council camp is about an hour from the Jambo site...never had a problem in the 40+ years I've been going there every July. The casualties at the last Jambo, from what I heard, were more from stupidity than the weather. (This message has been edited by scoutldr)

"people with blood pressure issues should cut out caffein a week or two before the trek" Well, now THAT's sound medical advice. So, after check in, he's free to drink coffee for the remainder of the trek since his BP won't be checked again until he ends up in the ER? Here's an idea...why don't we leave the practice of medicine to those who are licensed to do so.

All of this is for 2010 Jambo purposes. There is no valid reason that a "talent release" should be connected to a Health and Medical form.

Thanks for your unofficial opinion, Bob. But, following your inerrant advice to just "read and follow the BSA program materials", most of us have formed different unofficial opinions. So, until the BSA clarifies the intent, in writing, we will just have to agree to disagree.