scoutldr

OK, all you perfect role models can have it. That eliminates 95% of the scouters I know. If that's going to be their standard, then I don't think smokers should be allowed, either. But that's just me. I don't "look" physically fit, but all my lab results are outstanding, I can swim for miles with technique better than most, and can hang in the heat and humidity with the best (I'm "from here", you know, and even prefer it to A/C). I'm just not "pretty" on TV. I apologize for hijacking the thread...it was not intentional. I'm done.

I think what the others have said is that there IS a process. You have found it and initiated it. The DC is approved by the Council Commissioner. Your COR should exercise his ex officio position on the District Committee and file the complaint to the District Chairman. Then the District Chair exercises HIS position and talks to the Council Commissioner and/or Council President. That's the chain of command, as I understand it. There is no other "official process", unless it's a Youth Protection issue, in which case you go directly to the Scout Executive...confidentially.

When I read that adults applying for the 2010 Jambo had to have WB21 AND be the epitome of physical fitness (or whatever terms they used), I abandoned my thoughts of applying. When the emphasis is on appearances and PR rather than serving youth, it's time to go do something else. Someone else can go and look pretty for the media. Too bad they don't send a camera crew to shadow a Philmont or Boundary Waters trek...now that's Scouting Reality! The Jambo is just a high-priced circus, IMHO. Instead of us old farts lamenting the "good ole days", perhaps it's time to let go and admit defeat. Reminds me of why my Dad decided to retire from the Navy in 1964, and why I've decided to retire from my govt bureaucrat job at the earliest opportunity (Oct 1, 2010). Too many idiots to deal with and it's just not fun any more.

The other side: http://michaelsavage.wnd.com/?pageId=1156 When I was a kid, I was just "fat". Now I have "metabolic syndrome", and was put on a cocktail of drugs that damn near killed me. Now I just accept the fact that I will never be 6 foot 2 and 180 lbs. Neither were my parents or grandparents. I come from a long line of short, fat Pennsylvania Dutchmen. And at age 53, people still call me names and make fun of my "man-boobs"(can I say that?), the embarrassment of which I've suffered with since I was six. I have to live with ignorant people every day...and get over it.(This message has been edited by scoutldr)

"Then again I may not understand the whole purpose. I know about cheerfull service, but rarely do I see it displayed, rather I see elitist attitudes by those who are not close to elite anything. Then again, its my opinion, I may be wrong" That's what I used to say about Wood Badge...before I met you guys! Just kidding. The traditions of the OA are rich and historical. I was elected in 1968. Back then, the Lodge was active, and wearing the flap was considered a high honor. We went to OA functions "on our own", not as a troop. We worked our butts off for the camp, raised funds and built some of the buildings. We were the primary source for camp staff. We were truly "brothers", like a fraternity, and bonded lifelong friendships across the Council and the country. Today it seems the OA has lost it's shine. I've had scouts called out and never bother to go to the Ordeal (adults, too). No one goes to chapter meetings, unless we call and remind them, AND pick them up. Lodge-wide, participation is low. 80% of the members are just "flap-wearers" and have no other participation. What did OA do for me? Even after a 30 year professional career, I sometimes stop myself and hear that little voice... "even in the midst of irksome tasks and weighty responsibilities"...then I continue on with a new attitude.

I had a parent come to me last year and say " is going to spend the summer with his grandpa, who is a 'Commissioner'. Is it OK if they work on scout stuff?" I said OK to the rank requirements (which I would have verified), but had to remind them that Grandpa had to be a registered MBC in order to sign off merit badges. Never heard any more about it... Another reason is to ensure that the scout is working on an "age appropriate" MB (case by case basis), to avoid disappointment. Some 11 year olds may be able to handle a shotgun...most are not. At our camp, the "Finish First" program is a half day. The other half day we encourage merit badges suitable for first year scouts, such as swimming and basketry. But if a scout wants to do Nuclear Science, we let him.

Over the years, there have been several incarnations of GW. But it seems to me the same person is always on the other side of the bickering. Just an observation. Takes 2 to tango. Am I offended? Naw...I just don't take the bait and run with it. As my office-mate once told me..."without them, we'd just be 'average'"...

A bit of historical trivia...when Cubs first began, the Den Chief WAS the "Den Leader"...the "Den Mother" was there to assist. In my experience, the hurdle is the time commitment, which even the parents balk at. We are asking the scout to attend 3-4 den meetings, a pack meeting, and even CS Roundtable per month IN ADDITION to his troop and maybe OA obligations. Not to mention day camp, resident camp and pack family campouts. That's not a very attractive proposition just to get a POR signed off (i.e., "what's in it for him").

Sorry to be cynical, but has anyone picked up a high school textbook lately? Kids won't read black and white. If they read at all, we have to make it look like a comic book so they can be "entertained"...lots of color pictures.

On the question of refunding fees: Refund of Summer camp fees is up to the Camp Director, not the unit. Usually the answer is no. At the unit level, once the trip has begun, all fees are spent, since food was bought, transportation provided, etc. Again the answer is no. I would entertain a request for a refund only in cases of emergency, when the scout cannot attend through no fault of his own. Never had to send a boy home. Usually the biggest PITA were the leaders' kids!

EAGLE STUPD SUCKR SCTLD X-SPL BSA-C (ROMAN NUMERAL FOR 100) RSSBP OAWWW

We have to register for MB months in advance. If the scout decides up front that he doesnt' want to do MB, and his parents agree, who are we to disagree? It's when he signs up for MB and then we find out the last day that he didn't go to the "sessions" (we're not allowed to call them "classes") that we get upset.

There was an attempt to get a BSA plate in Virginia, but they require 350 prepaid applications prior to putting one into production. It's not yet been successful. We can personalize plates with 6 or 7 characters, depending on the plate design selected. Sad that we can get a plate for "Tobacco Heritage" and "Parrotheads", but not for Scouting.

I liked his answers...sounds like he was not in agreement with the past BSA administration's strategy.

Ahhh...the retro look. The green wool jac-shirt (not "jack") was worn by scouts in the 60's. Red was for adults and Explorers. (Coordinated with the garter tabs on the knee socks). I believe they were made by Woolrich. There also was a limited edition green/red plaid. Check out any BSA catalog from that era. Not many scouts wore them, because even back then, they were expensive, relatively speaking.

I was awarded the Eagle in 1970. I was a member of an Explorer Post, sponsored by a Vol Fire Dept. I have a photo of myself and my bride to be, age 16, admiring my new medal on my uniform. For some reason, I received 2 medals. One in the presentation kit, and another by itself in a silver colored box. I never really knew why. THis past Sunday, Mrs. G, the wife of my late Post Advisor, called and said, "they were cleaning out the shed behind the firehouse and found something that belongs to you. An Eagle Scout certificate in a broken frame and wallet card with your name on them." I said that was odd, because I have a certificate and wallet card. So, I promised to come see her and retrieve my "duplicate" Eagle credentials. Still have no idea why I would have been issued two. "The Commissioner" suggests something akin to the Congressional Medal of Honor where it is illegal to own one unless you are the rightful recipient or survivor. A noble thought, but not practical. I too have had the thought of bidding on every one I see, to be the "caretaker" of someone's award...but I don't have that much money. It's sad that there are no family members who would care for it.

The good news is, by the time your form gets signed, you'll have a whole year to go and won't need another "last minute" physical next year. ;-)

"Technically we are 2 dens, but we do everything together." 1. Technically they are 2 dens (even though they meet together). 2. There are no bear dens in the pack. 3. The Webelos were invited, but chose not to attend. 4. Of those who attended, their families went too. Sounds like a "Pack Family Campout" to me. What's the problem here, guys?

Camp Chickahominy - Colonial Virginia Council Replaced by Bayport Scout Reservation (first year 2007)

How goes your quest to get BSA to authorize the knot for uniform wear? I see on your registry that you are identifying some scouts by first name only. Thank you for respecting the Youth Protection guidelines. I also note a large percentage are from Utah - LDS troops?

A psychiatrist once told me, "Make sure your own oxygen mask is securely fastened before trying to assist others."

Never mind... (good job, ketchome)

I am in the second group. My sons are now 30 and 26, but I am still active at the unit as the CC. The SM and primary ASM are in the same boat.

Good point, pack. I was assuming that the DAC was anticipating the upcoming EBOR on which he would be sitting, and trying to plot out what to do following the "no" vote. After re-reading the thread, I'm not sure either. But that doesn't change my position.

"In this case, the leader knows something without doubt. There was a crime. There was a confession. There was an apology." If this is indeed true, then there should not be an EBOR. The SM should not sign the application because all of the requirements have not been met, to wit, Scout Spirit. When you knowingly commit a criminal or immoral act, you should permanently forfeit your right to be held up as a role model to all other scouts. When the SM signs the application, he is certifying, on HIS honor, to the EBOR, the Council, the National Council (and to ALL the Eagle Scouts who have come before), and to the general public, that "this Scout is worthy of Scouting's highest honor, the title of Eagle Scout." Someone asked me in a previous post why my Scouting career is coming to a close...this type of thing is in the top 10 reasons. I have witnessed more than one instance lately where the term "Eagle Scout" is a joke. It no longer has prestige and honor to those who receive it...just another resume entry...check the block and move on to the next spoonfeeding. Harsh, maybe...but as a Scout and Scouter since 1963, those are my thoughts.