scoutldr

Horizon, have you ever visited the MacArthur memorial in Norfolk, VA? When the General died, I rememeber waiting in line with my mom to view the body lying in state in the rotunda of the memorial building. The casket was so high on the catafalque that all I could see was the General's legendary nose sticking up above the casket. I have been to the museum many times, and you would probably see your Grandfather there, too (in pictures).

Here's to a speedy and uneventful recovery! I had my first ever hospital stay in March for diverticulitis surgery. Even at age 53, it's scary and stressful, and it means a lot to have people praying for you. Good luck and God bless.

Since becoming interested in family history a few years back, it has become a fascinating hobby for me. My only regret is that I didn't keep in touch with relatives in Pennsylvania (OGE's neighborhood) and record more stories and facts while they were still living. For instance, I have discovered that I am a distant cousin to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Elvis, John Steinbeck and James Dean. I also discovered yesterday that my wife and I share a common surname back in the 1700's in Carbon County, PA. The first soldier buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Union Soldier William Christman was also a cousin on my mother's side. It was fascinating to find and walk through the ruins of the old stone mill that one of my ancestors built in Lehigh County, PA in the 1700's after they arrived from Germany to escape religious persecution. To complicate things, my surname is very common in that area of PA, and my father's name is the same as my mother's maiden name! I often wonder what I will do when my Scouting days are over...I think this is it. There is a wealth of information on the internet, and fellow genealogists are a very helpful bunch. Too little time, too many ancestors to find.

I think that makes him the "grandfather of the aunt" in genealogical parlance. (I've been dabbling in genealogy!). Original DCB letters can go for a coupla hundred bucks on eBay. I would prefer to see them donated (or loaned) to the National Scouting Museum, for conservation if you're looking to part with them.

The deicision on what unit to join is totally up to the boy and his parents. As long as you meet the membership requirements of the BSA and the Chartering Organization (some CO's may limit membership to certain groups, such as members of their own faith). Your DE may try to "steer" members to certain units who need more members, but that's only a "suggestion".

The "SML" was probably youth sizes. As I recall, the adults wore shirts with collars to accomodate the necktie.

We must have been abused and neglected in the 60's and 70's. Had to figure it out for ourselves.

Looks like he needs "more of the same old Washington" in order to win...

"After a Scout earns the Swimming MB, there is no need to pass another swim test. Why is this Scout being tested and how is his fear relevant." Everyone has to pass the "swim check" every year at camp, regardless of how many badges they have, and will be placed in the appropriate ability group. I am a BSA Lifeguard Counselor, swimming MBC, former WSI and help conduct swim checks...then at the end of the day I have to jump in and pass it myself, or the Aquatics Director won't color in my buddy tag. Is that fair? Sure it is, when the safety of the campers is on the line. IMO, every scout should know how to swim. Unfortunately, what GaHillBilly describes is too common. I have youths (and adults) sign up for BSA Lifeguard who have "been passed" on swimming and lifesaving MB...but can't swim a length of the pool with any kind of recognizable stroke. Sad. Perhaps what we need is a comprehensive final exam for Eagle Scout to weed out the "posers"? Hmmmm.

I don't know all the details, but I was assuming he paid his own way. I will post an update following his presentation.

The son of a co-worker just returned from Iceland where he staffed their National Jamboree. He had a blast. He is the Lodge Chief of the neighboring lodge and I am arranging to have him give a presentation at one of our Chapter meetings this fall.

The last time my sister in law's cell phone rang, I burst into "Kill da wabbit, kill da wabbit..." Strange looks all the way around...

My scouting days are numbered, so I won't be buying either one. I think the old one will be around for many years.

In this council, "no sheath knives" is not an urban legend, it's the rule. Even codified it in the camporee and summer camp leaders' guides. Since most butter knives and cooking knives don't have sheaths, my interpretation is they are permitted. "No liquid fuels for starting fires"...so I guess it's ok to pour it on after the fire is started...? As I said before, my real job involves reading government rules and regulations and interpreting them...and we DO split hairs. BSA needs to learn to write what they mean. It IS possible.

Check eBay for "canoe trailer"...I found one that is configurable for either single or multi-canoes. $800 -1000 depending on options ordered.

Hasn't the BSA defined "active" for us? (Active = registered).

Our camp is routinely rented out to other groups, but to my knowledge, NEVER when it is being used for Scouting. That gets my ire up, as well, especially when the other groups are not held to the "Leave No Trace" standard. I would slightly modify John's advice...have your COR write a strongly worded letter to the Council President who chairs the Council Executive Board. Copy to the SE and the other members of the Executive Board. The Council President is the SE's boss...at least on paper...it was probably the SE who made the decision, not the "Camp". Now the outcome may well be that the SE gets kudos for bringing in the dough... "Money=Priority"...sadly, that's the reality today.

This is the Navy's current policy, issued circa 2003: ® Personal appearance. Because it is impossible to provide examples of every appropriate or unacceptable hairstyle or of "conservative" or "eccentric" grooming and personal appearance, the good judgement of leaders at all levels is key to enforcement of Navy grooming policy. Therefore, hair/grooming/personal appearance while in uniform shall present a neat, professional appearance. (a) Tattoos/body art/brands. No tattoos/body art/brands on the head, face, neck, or scalp. Tattoos/body art/brands elsewhere on the body that are prejudicial to good order, discipline and morale or are of a nature to bring discredit upon the Navy are prohibited. For example, tattoos/body art/brands that are excessive, obscene, sexually explicit or advocate or symbolize sex, gender, racial, religious, ethnic or national origin discrimination are prohibited. In addition, tattoos/body art/brands that advocate or symbolize gang affiliation, supremacist or extremist groups, or drug use are prohibited. Tattoos/body art/brands will not be visible through uniform clothing. Waivers may be requested for prior service and existing tattoos from the Chief of Naval Operations. (a) Mutilation. Intentional body mutilation, piercing, branding/intentional scarring that are excessive or eccentric are prohibited. Some examples are: (1) a split or forked tongue; (2) foreign objects inserted under the skin to create a design or pattern; (3) enlarged or stretched out holes in the ears (other than a normal piercing). (4) intentional scarring that appears on the neck, face, or scalp. Waivers may be requested for prior service and existing body mutilation, piercing, branding/intentional scarring from the Chief of Naval Operations. (a) Dental ornamentation. The use of gold, platinum or other veneers or caps for purposes of ornamentation are prohibited. Teeth, whether natural, capped or veneer, will not be ornamented with designs, jewels, initials, etc. Waivers may be requested for prior service and existing dental ornamentation from the chief of naval operations (n09bu)." The above policy guidance will also be included in the civilian clothing policy, article 7101. PS: Since Naval Academy students are considered active duty Naval Officers with the rank of "Midshipman", I believe this same regulation would apply to them, as well. Those who cannot comply with the regulation would probably not be eligible for an appointment.(This message has been edited by scoutldr)

If you accept the premise that camp staffers are "employees", would it be legal to discriminate based on gender (or age, religion, etc). OK, the lightbulb just went on. Staffers must be registered members of BSA in order to legally keep gays and atheists out of staff positions. DUH~

There is a "Camp Staff position"...it's called "Employee" and there is a position patch for uniform wear. Folks in the Scout Shop wear it.

"The BSA Red Cross is the leader" Huh?

It probably varies from state to state, but is this a way to avoid paying minimum wage to camp staffers? Pay for 40 hrs...the "overtime" is donated volunteer time. Just a thought. I agree, it sounds like a scam to inflate the membership numbers. There's more than one way to make Quality Council.

I think the kids already have an avenue for this, called "Alpha Phi Omega". As I recall it emerged from the "Knights of Dunamis", and became an independent (of BSA) organization and now anyone can join, just like any other fraternity/sorority. I'm guessing that the only difference from your idea is that they are not registered BSA members. Perhaps WildernessStudent or Hops can fill in details.

Cheerful, what's it to ya? Also, physically fit. Bad genes ;-)

When I made Eagle in 1970, I was a member of an Explorer Post and our CO was a VFD/Rescue Squad. SO this hits close to home for me. I have seen Life scouts who do nothing with their lives, except for go to a scout meeting once a week, go camping once in awhile and play video games. I have also seen Life scouts who spend their "free time" taking training such as Basic Firefighting, Standard and Advanced First Aid, CPR, Water Safety Instructor, Vehicle Extrication, Heavy Duty Rescue, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, etc. Who better exemplifies "live the Scout Oath and Law in your daily life"? Who would you rather have living next door? "...to help other people at all times"..."to keep myself physically fit, mentally awake and morally straight"..."Be Prepared". Seems clear to me.