SemperParatus

Once upon a time, over a century ago, some old guys came up with a grandiose plan to help boys grow into strong men of character.

Fueled by the plight of boys that had grown accustomed to an easy, mechanized, urban life, these visionaries formulated and led a countercultural revolution that gave boys everywhere a renewed sense of purpose, an opportunity to commune with the natural world and a chance to reach deeper levels of self-knowledge as they successfully met new challenges. The early years were most certainly hard on the men that were recruited to join this fledging movement. Society must have thought them very strange indeed, giving up their precious free time to hike and sleep in the cold, damp outdoors with a bunch of young hooligans. But, they persevered in spite of the snickers of the high-brow types. Why? Because, they knew that what they were doing was incredibly important. Helping a boy learn a new skill, teaching him to be self-reliant, sharing with him in a community of brotherhood and friendship is no everyday, mundane task. Rather, it is an act of historical and cosmic significance. I like to think that each of those early scouters understood the unfathomable force that was being unleashed, as the boys in their charge would eventually grow into men of substance who would, in turn, share the extraordinary, life-changing, benefits of scouting with future generations. There must have been many a day when the lack of guidance, the zealousness of the boys and the pressures of society caused these scouters to question their continued involvement. Yet, with the heart of a revolutionary, they persisted so that we, as their progeny, may carry the torch for todays youth.

What started as a countercultural revolution, eventually evolved into the mainstream. No one can pinpoint an exact date, it was simply a slow realization by moms and dads everywhere that scouting was indeed a good thing. Where before, boys were preferably neither seen nor heard, eyes were slowly opened to the incredible energy and helpfulness that is in each boys heart. Surely, the good turn showed the neighborhood and the world the worth of the boy and the value of his association with scouting. The amazing struggles of the depression and war years, may have been the crucible in which the fire layed by scoutings pioneering generation blazed to its highest heights. It was our grandfathers and great-grandfathers, imprinted with scoutings ethic, that would show their metal as Americas greatest generation. Long before they won the war and quietly built our country, they were mere boys hiking in the woods, working on badges and helping little old ladies across the street. It was in their youthful memories of scoutings promise and their stoic resolution to build a better life for their families, that they embraced in untold numbers the scouting movement. It was good to be a scout. It was good to be a scouter. We were a force. We were mainstream.

Although its been forty years now, the social upheaval of the 1960s still resonates today with an even greater intensity. The desire of our fathers (and some of us) to shed the past for a bright new future left many of the countrys most cherished institutions in shambles. The idea that everything old was bad and everything new was good, was cloaked in the righteous indignation of the quest for progress. Scouting took it on the chin, as the hope of the young left little room for their fathers memories and stories of simpler times. Nevertheless, the flame would not be snuffed out. Boys continued to be drawn to this strange world of khaki and green. Maybe not in the same numbers as in scoutings glory years, but certainly with the same enthusiasm, need for belonging and want of self-discovery. It was a time of wandering in the desert, remembering what scouting used to be, while wondering what it would become. Many of us were forged on this anvil of bewilderment. As our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers before us knew as absolute fact, that scouting was a positive force in an individual life and in society, we took their word for it as the world made us wonder if it were really true.

Today, we live in a complex world that is moving so much faster then we were ever meant to run. The promise of progress has left us empty and longing for meaning. Once again, our boys are under attack by a world that treats them as expendable and callously looks away from the horrors of suicide, homicide, addictions, depression, hopelessness, academic failure, low self-esteem, etc. etc. etc. Still, in this cold, dark place there is a distinct and familiar scent blowing ever so still. Its calling todays generation to a sense of purpose, an opportunity to commune with the natural world and a chance to reach deeper levels of self-knowledge. After a century, the fire is burning. Once again, it is the time for countercultural revolutionaries, known simply as scouters, to stand apart for the sake of growing strong men of character.

Thank you for your service to boys everywhere in the name of scouting.

YIS,

SemperP

I would not be lion to ya' if I told you the mane concern is that starting kindergartners scouting is a bit pumature. Still, I think they would show alot of pride in being scouts.

Not to copycat EIKY'guy, but check on-lion for more info.

"Scoutmaster took our committee chairman aside and advised her to call council the following Monday and tell our DE that she didn't know this scout, he doesn't attend "any" scouting functions and didn't deserve his Eagle."

"He has called Life Scouts and threatened to not sign their Eagle paperwork unless they attend a certain amount of meeting and events."

"It has now been 8 months. There has been no advancement in the troop."

"He would dictate to the SPL what he wanted said and done."

"He has been observed scolding scouts (loudly) in front of others. He has chosen to belittle scouts when they make youthfull mistakes."

If these are all true, this guy is a severe head case and he needs to go before he causes more problems for the young men in your troop. The CC in consort with the CO should relieve him of his duties post haste. He is not voted out by the Committee, although nothing is stopping a large contingent of scouts and parents from expressing their vote of no confidence in this adult and demanding that the CC and COR take immediate action.

Believe me, I am not trying to offend or attack you and your dilemma, but...if I got this right, there is bad blood between troops, bad blood between CC and CM, bad blood with a former Webelos leader...does anyone get along here?

The adults are just going to have to suck it up, let their petty jealousies take a back seat for a day, and do something positive for these boys.

As both a CM and SM, I have always viewed the crossover as a collaborative effort on the part of the pack and the troop. It is a time of transition, a time to say goodbye and a time to say welcome. Turning it into a turf battle is about as far from scouting ideals as you can get and it is the boys that suffer the most.

For the undecided boy and the other boy that is going to a different troop (which is refusing to participate in crossover), there is absolutely no reason that the main crossover troop and its SM cannot accept these boys 'into boy scouting' as part of the crossover. Such acceptance can be done without making a big deal about it, so as not to cause a boy to feel singled out and for his parents to scream about how offended they are.

Not that your CC cares, but I would say that crossover falls under the program responsibilities of the CM/SM. She really does not have a say, unless you let her. Your husband as CM and the SM should sit down and go over the ceremony with an eye on how to incorporate the boys not going into that troop as part of the ceremony. To me they are 'called out', 'brought forward', whatever the method used for the other scouts with maybe a small mention that they will be pursuing boy scouting with other troops. The troop can still present them with the same accoutrements (shoulder loops, handbook, generic neckerchief rather than troop necker) the other boys are receiving. The pack can foot the bill for these items which are only $10 each.

Best of luck to you for a successful resolution and a great crossover ceremony. I am sorry that you are having these problems.

Maybe weekly sod surfing will keep them coming back.

For the three years between college and getting married, I voluntarily gave up television all together. Didn't have one at all and avoided watching them when visiting friends and relatives. I also gave up newspapers and of course, the internet had not yet been invented by Al Gore. It really was a very peaceful time in my life. I basically worked, played and courted my wife.

I considered it an experiment at the time, and was surprised how little I missed watching and reading inane blather and the depressing portrayal of the news and imitated life. After getting married, I broke down and started watching TV again, but it has never really been of much interest to me.

Other than Seinfeld, I can't think of a decent television show since All In The Family.

29 boys!?!

I would pray...very hard.

Here are some things I would do:

1. Assign two experienced Guides to each Patrol. That would be a 5:1 ratio, which I think would provide the necessary oversight and guidance so the new scouts don't try and hide or get lost in the crowd.

2. Assign one very enthusiastic and experienced ASM to each patrol as a mentor and supporter of the work of the Guides.

3. With 30 boys you have a veritable troop. In addition to your New Scout/Tenderfoot Camp, I would consider having a couple other camps just for the new scouts, their Guides, SPL, ASPL, etc. to help them become more acclimated and involved during their first year. It would be my hope that the additional focus could increase your retention rates, which as you indicated, has been suffering as your troop has grown. This will also help to promote participation when you have to place limits on trip participation due to your size and camp accomodations.

4. This situation could easily turn into a cattle call. Luckily, slavish devotion to the patrol method will save you and the new scouts, ensuring that all participate and are engaged.

Good luck.

They are Sport Belt Loops.

Is hiking a sport?

Its a great recreational pasttime and is a defining activity of scouting, but I don't think it has the competitive element that defines a sport. Just my opinion. But, best of luck on the crusade!

It would not surprise me in the least if some goofy pronouncement along the lines of your post came out of Irving.

We use yahoogroups also.

You can add e-mail addresses directly without having people 'join'.

5514008

As we peer through the fog of life, it is these simple moments that provide the clarity of the profound. Great story. Thanks for sharing.

EIKY'mon, I do believe that our new friend has not ventured far from the confines of Southern Mississippi where, as everyone knows, the snipe population was completely obliterated in the 17th century from the great snipe flu. Perhaps a field trip to the wilds of Kentucky where the snipe are plentiful and plump is in order.

Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.

I often don't realize all of the character building opportunities that scouting presents to me as an adult leader, until it is too late and the moment is past.

John, my friend, I have complete faith in you that you will work this out in a reasoned and compassionate manner, and find the way to use these events to make your troop and scouting relationships stronger than ever before.

Welcome to the discussions!

As part of your initiation, we will be strapping you to a wood pallet and towing you behind a Dodge Ram at 50 miles an hour. Sound like fun?

How did yo'all fair with Katrina?

Ending A SM Conference = "I do wish we could chat longer, but I'm having an old friend for dinner."

1960s Cub Scouts = "Lions and tigers and bears, oh my."

Path to Eagle = "To infinity and beyond!"

The Forgotten COR = "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain."

First Pack Meeting = "They're heeerre."

Romance in the SM Lounge = "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine."

Scout Spirit = "May the Force be with you."

REDIRECTION! REDIRECTION!

How about going a round with movie quotes...I'll get us started.

Class B's = "Would you be shocked if I put on something more comfortable?"

Summer Camp Staff = "I'll be back."

Retort to the UP = "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."

Troop Treasurer = "Show me the money!"

Overprotective Range Officer = "You'll shoot your eye out."

Wrong Thing to Say at a SM Conference = "Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son."

G2SS = "Is it safe?"

Recruiting = "I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse."

Bob and Ed = "What we've got here is a failure to communicate."

COH MC = "Here's looking at you, kid."

Wrong Thing to Say Before a BOR = "You've got to ask yourself one question, 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya punk?"

FOS Goal = "One million dollars."

Fresh ideas?

Here's a few:

1. Have the SM present each boy with a bar of soap after the Sunday night welcome campfire, with the mention that this is a gift to be used up during the week.

2. Present a 11th Point award to all of those scouts that have their showers signed off during the week.

3. Have a SM minute each night of camp, with the Wednesday minute focusing on cleanliness.

4. Volunteer to clean the showers at the camp. That way, at least you can hose down the truly cruddy ones and feel like you've done your duty.

CL6,

Now that wasn't so bad was it?

You asked a very good question and got some very good responses, without harsh words from anyone.

Keep pitchin 'em and let us show you that scouters can be very helpful, kind, courteous, and even cheerful.

I salute you.

Trev,

An annual picture is a great idea!

Go for it.

Welcome!!!!

I love the Jacksonville area. Sounds like you've been around the scouting barn a few times by now and have learned the secret to success...stay positive!!!

Cindy,

So very nice to meet you over the keyboard. Best of luck with your troop. Girl Scouts are great!

My tip to you...have fun!!!!!

Camp Curfew = "Like a Good Neighbor"

Burnt Marshmallows = "Betcha Can't Eat Just One"

The Recurring Menu = "Beef, Its What For Dinner"

Yellow Blouses = "Strong Enough For A Man, But Made For A Woman"

Scouter Forum Discussions = "Fair and Balanced"

Scout Sign = "Raise Your Hand If Your Sure"

Scouting = "Kid Tested, Mother Approved"

MRE's = "Rip. Mix. Burn"

Trevorum = "Nick Is For Kids"

Scoutmasters = "We Answer To A Higher Authority"

Dutch Ovens = "Think Outside The Bun"

Bad Summer Camp Food = "Away Goes Troubles Down The Drain"(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

It looks like my tax dollars will be going to rebuild a mosque in Iraq now.

I feel for the poor churches in Alabama that have burned to the ground.

IMO, the marker is of historical significance, beneficial to the community at large. The fact that the deceased was a legendary Scouter does not make 'Scouting' the beneficiary, although 'Scouting' may receive some collateral promotional benefit. I would suggest you speak with your Council/District Advancement Committee before hawking as a potential Eagle Project. No sense in setting someone up for a problem down the road. Obviously, issues of the degree of leadership demonstrated need to be considered as well.