scoutldr

Good idea except that sizes and numbers don't mean anything. I always have to try on. I ordered some switchbacks from Scoutstuff and had to exchange them at the Scout shop for a larger size. And I ALWAYS have to have the pants hemmed (28" inseam), so unhemmed is ok with me. That was interesting with the ankle zippers.

Berets only look good with a military style "high and tight" haircut. The hairstyles of today are the same as they were in 1973 (i.e., "unkempt mop")...hence the dorky appearance.

Well, at least they can say "It's cheaper than Beluga caviar".

I vote for the 60's version as well. It was practical, durable and looked good. On a related note, the US Navy is field testing a "new" uniform. The "service dress khaki"...the same uniform from the 1940-1970's with the khaki coat and shoulder boards (epaulettes?). What goes around, comes around.

Yes, but I would make HIM do it!!! :-) I have had success with the mesh bag and regular wash, but hand wash separately until you find out if the red will run. Also the red embroidery tends to unravel if vigorously agitated (don't we all!!). (This message has been edited by scoutldr)

Just looked again...no room for the Veteran Unit bar above the troop numerals?

Dissolve the shavings in water and use it to refill your liquid hand soap dispenser.

Then where would we put the colored loops?

I have noticed a big improvement in the website. Good job! One thing I have always wished for is the ability to download BSA pubs in .pdf format to my hard drive. A CD with all BSA pubs on it would be nice, too. In this electronic age, we, of all organizations, should minimize the killing of trees!

I would say no. The purposes of the Ordeal are specific and will be revealed to the Candidate following his/her call-out. The candidate should be inwardly focused on those purposes, and not on earning a MB.

The idea of pulling a trailer behind a busload of kids and an amateur driver scares me. I don't know the experience level of your CDL drivers, but I'll bet they're not professionals. But that's just me. We have a used Suburban that was donated to the Troop (gas). Even that is expensive to maintain and gas is becoming prohibitive (8-10 mpg when loaded). One of the leaders registered it in his name and all the adults share the expenses when a big ticket item comes up.

Settlement reached. Be sure to read the comments, too. http://hamptonroads.com/2008/05/settlements-reached-boy-scouts-deaths-wreck

What about Venture crews who are re-enactors?

The brochure says the the new uniform parts can be mixed/matched with the old, so you don't have to mortgage the farm to buy the whole thing at once. So, once again, nobody will be "uniform".

Greetings, Kanoa. Welcome to our virtual campfire. Grab a cup of coffee and pull up a log. Having traveled to Bethesda with my job (Navy), I stopped in at the NCAC council center. Very impressive, thanks to Mr. Marriott!

Agree...the new colors are better. Not as great an improvement as I had hoped for. The most promising thing is the new fabrics. The pocket on the left sleeve looks vestigial...not big enough for anything other than a pack of smokes. The old pain of sewing on patches is still with us. No more pocket buttons...where do we hang temp patches and the OA arrow? No room for AOL. Shoulder loops still there...sigh. Guess my current uniform will have to last me until I retire (which will be soon).

"I just checked the Centennial QU form and there are two OPTIONAL goals: visits from your Unit Commissioner, and participation in the annual product sale (not all councils do popcorn). Repeat, OPTIONAL." This is what I posted in the 7th reply to the original question, back on page 1 of this thread. Apparently nobody bothers to read any more.

No response here. Is the PM function working?

Great story. OGE, you should be proud!

Why are moms attending troop meetings? Just in hover mode? If they insist on "observing" (you can't prevent them), it needs to be made clear that they have NOTHING to say, unless it's to the SM.

First, let me say I agree with your sentiments. But that would be adding to the requirements, which is not permitted. National has defined "be active in your troop" as "registered", according to others on this forum. Sometimes I think the LDS folks have it right, segregating by age groups. When I turned 14, I joined an Explorer Post, and became more active in OA. I Eagled at 16 as an Explorer. If I hadn't done that, I probably would have dropped out because the troop didn't offer much beyond First Class.

The requirement is to hold a POR for 6 months since the Life BOR. It doesn't have to be the same POR for 6 months, nor does it have to be 6 continuous months. The quality of performance is up to the SM to judge. The rumor is just that...not actionable. I once saw a scout admit to "living in sin" with is GF and the baby that he fathered (in her parents' house). The EBOR (troop committee) denied Eagle. He appealed to District and was successful. If you dig in your heels, be prepared to be overturned on appeal...Councils don't like bad PR. I would have a chat with the District Advancement Chair to guage how the winds are blowing.

"to be interested"??? What does that mean?

If you mean the annual BSA registration, none of that stays with the local Council. It all goes to Irving, TX to pay THEIR salaries. I just checked the Centennial QU form and there are two OPTIONAL goals: visits from your Unit Commissioner, and participation in the annual product sale (not all councils do popcorn). Repeat, OPTIONAL. That being said, there are few revenue streams for the Council, the major ones being FOS and Popcorn. Council/district activities should be self-supporting, so maybe whoever runs them needs to scale back expenses. Does everyone really need or want a matching neckerchief? Like the others, our camporees run about $10-12. That includes all expenses, like portapotty rental, crackerbarrel supplies, a patch, insurance, etc. Back in the day, we could get matching patch/necker/coffee mug, but those cost extra for those who wanted them. Extra patches are 3 bucks. Being on the District committee, we once were lectured by the DE about criticising "them" at Council. We have met the enemy and they is us.

I was District Training Chair in 2003-2005 time frame. The syllabi were woefully outdated and inadequate then. Unless they have recently been updated, I don't see the point in making people be "re-trained" (Hey...do we get a new "RETRAINED" strip"...where's Troy when we need him???) At the very least, they should offer the re-training free of charge. I'll be durned if I'm gonna pay for it twice.