SemperParatus

I would open up a case against the adult that pushed this issue to investigate whether they are guilty of spreading malicious rumors and inappropriately seeking the ouster of a scout. Sounds like a lot of people operating in the dark here. Time to shine the light on what really happened and the true culprit. Sounds like Salem, MA - 1692.

The Democratic Party?

"I can't help but think they are doing a better job of marketing Scouting than we are." I didn't know BSA Inc. was marketing scouting.

A scuba store

We don't throw lifelines to folks that ignore deadlines (you can use that one if you want, skipper). We also don't set arbitrary deadlines. They are always tied to when money has to be sent or spent. Arranging transportation is not a 'deadline issue' for us. (This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

I have always been intrigued by the names for animal groups... A Pride of Lions A Pack of Wolves An Army of Ants An Ambush of Tigers A Leap of Leopards A School of Fish A Cackle of Hyenas A Committee of Vultures A Parliament of Owls A Labor of Moles A Shrewdness of Apes A Sounder of Boar A Flamboyance of Flamingoes A Pod of Whales A Murder of Crows A Congregation of Crocodiles A Crash of Rhinos Anyone care to suggest a ONE WORD, description name for what to call a Group of Scouters? (This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

Good story, Ma. Are your boys still out there?

Hi Mike, Have you tried advertising on this site? See the book selections below. Maybe sending excerpts into Boys Life for possible printing? Some giveaways at Jamboree/Camporees? I am a big fan of the old Tom Slade stories. Maybe you will prove to be the next Percy Fitzhugh. Best of luck.

Here's a simple one... http://www.usscouts.org/bbugle/bb0309/bbden.html ...I would have the old denner present the cord as part of his 'retirement'.

Dear 17 Year Old Scout, Congratulations on over a decade in the scouting program. That is an incredible accomplishment. Many folks do not hold the same job, are married to the same person, or live in the same house for that long. Your dedication and commitment to being a scout for these many years is noticed and celebrated by many. I know that life is standing at your doorstep. The world of work may be calling you, college may be in your plans, or you may be considering serving your country and protecting its citizens from the evils of this world. You are growing in your thou

I get paid for being the Chief Financial Officer for a national lending institution. The rest of my time is spent being the best husband and father I can be, working with scouts, youth ministry, church planting, home remodeling (almost done), playing tennis, visiting civil war battlefields, writing, reading, etc. etc.

I stopped wearing a watch several years ago. As long as you are doing what you enjoy, the time expended is pretty irrelevant. As a Cubmaster/Den Leader, I used to spend a good 15 hours a week on average. As a Scoutmaster, it was probably about the same as you, 6-10 hours a week. As Committee Chair, its 2-3 hours a week. I stay away from District/Council responsibilities as much as possible, nowadays. I found they had a tendency of becoming blackholes of time that consumed too many precious hours away from my family, church, work, troop and me. Of course, if you didn't spend so m

I share EIKY's concern about an hour's drive to and from a weekly troop meeting. It may get old fast, or it could be a great opportunity to have some quiet time to have conversations with your son. We have a couple people in our troop that live a half-hour's drive away. They seem to be holding up pretty well. I guess it all depends on what he wants and what you are willing to commit to. Good luck.

Greetings from the Old Line State. Love your town. I'll be heading up your way later this month, daughter is visiting Cornell. Any snow still on the ground?

ASM59, What an opportunity. So glad to see that you have committed yourself to helping this boy adjust his life's perspective. Best of luck to you and the scout for a positive journey and successful outcome.

Nick, Sorry to say I completely missed the opportunity to respond to the survey. I know you'd like to see some more polling round these parts. Any other opportunities in the near future?

Nice scouting resume. Look forward to hearing your thoughts.

I would never tell a mom or dad they could not go camping with their son, unless (i) there were space limitations and their attendance would prohibit another scout from attending (I have done this in the past), or (ii) they became a constant source of interference, causing a breakdown in troop/patrol dynamics (I have yet to have a reason to do this). I do believe it is a good thing for boys to get out from under their parents watchful eye. Scouting provides the perfect opportunity to instill a sense of independence, in a structured and safe environment. However, if a parent prefers not

I thought you could only edit within the first hour following the post. Are you locked out during the first hour?

As the old saying goes...fight fire with fire. Maybe you should try 5 den meetings a week with an outing each weekend. Let some of the kids know upfront that they may have to take some long breaks to let those with the best scouting skills show their stuff. And don't forget to harangue them frequently about giving 110%.

Glad you liked it...share away. Hope next week is better for you.

... .... --- .-- --- ..-. ..-. .. -. ... . .-. - ... -- .. .-.. . -.-- - .... .. -. --. -.-- Whether I am helping a boy learn to tie a knot, listening to his hopes and dreams in a scoutmaster conference, pinning his first badge on his shirt, or watching his joy in finally getting his tent pitched, I have to say the 'politics of scouting' are as far removed from my consciousness as they could be. Whatever 'political' stance BSA national may take it has very little consequence to my service. I serve youth within the context of scouting. Politics has nothing to do with th

Brian...excellent question. Steve...excellent answer. I think you guys covered the reasons well - practice public speaking, tradition, entertainment, morale boosting, build wit and intellect, source of humor and laughter, sense of mastery, shared experience and building camraderie - so I hesitate to offer my simple reasons which are... 1. They're fun, and 2. They're a great alternative to singing for tone-deaf people like me.

Rather than modifying the sash for belt wear, why not just have boys sew the merit badges directly on their pant leg? You would have basically the same look without the expense.

Hey Justin, Welcome to the forum. I can definitely see the family resemblance. Why would you want to ask us old farts questions, when your dad has all the best answers?