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.

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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?

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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 thoughfulness and relationships with others. You are slowly, but surely, coming to understand yourself and your calling in this life. The world is beckoning to you with so many choices, many good and many bad. The time is soon when you will put away the things of your boyhood and assume the responsibilities of being a man.

Do not be concerned or anxious about what the future holds for you. Whether you realize it or not, scouting has prepared you well for this time. You have shown time and again your ability to meet challenges, your willingness to help others, and to live by a creed that calls you to be the best that you can be. Along the way, you have been supported by parents, adults and older scouts that have cared and nurtured you, listened to your problems, helped you find solutions, all out of a genuine concern for your well-being and personal growth.

No matter where life takes you, understand that scouting will always be there for you, whenever you need it. Visit us as often as you can, remember us in those quiet moments of reflection, support us as your time and talents and means allow. You will be surprised at how fast the next decade of your life will pass by. You can certainly try and leave scouting behind as a mere childhood diversion. However, I think you know that is much more difficult that it sounds. Scouting is a part of who you are and what you will become. My hope is that you understand and embrace that thought.

As you enter into your final year as a boy scout, I want you to know that you are always welcome. I understand that as your world has become larger, scouting has become a smaller piece of it. This is natural and to be expected. While we would all like to see the same level of excitement and commitment that you had when you were 8 or 10 or 14, we understand that you are standing at the precipice of adulthood with all of the gifts and pressures that it offers. As you prepare to jump, remember we are here for you always.

After a decade of dedication, I think you have earned the right to show up when you can and take part in scouting as your time and interests permit. We will continue to dedicate our efforts in providing opportunities for you to grow, develop, explore and have fun in the coming year. We certainly hope you take advantage of these opportunities, but if you choose not to please feel no guilt or shame.

Scouting is and has always been about you.

Yours in scouting,

SemperParatus

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 much time with scouting on your mind, you would probably have never come across the deal of the century...83 cent boots...wow!

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 to foster this development in their child, that it is their prerogative. I suspect the overwhelming majority of parents that attend do not present a problem, and it is the minority that insist on 'doing for their child' to the detriment of his developing independence and his and other scouts fulfilling patrol/troop responsibilities. While few, these parents obviously garner the most attention since they cause the most 'issues' that need to be dealt with.

Let's not lump all non-leader parents together. Most have their stuff together and are just looking to spend some quality time with their kids in a wholesome and natural setting. They keep their distance when necessary and interact when time and activities permit.

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.

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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 that.

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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?