SemperParatus

I'm not a super-strict uniform guy, but I do think these types of patches take something away from the idea of uniform uniformity. My opinion is that if you are going to where the uniform, then you should try your best to wear it correctly. Spoof patches represent an intentional disregard of the BSA's uniforming guidelines. I suppose that those who choose to wear spoof patches are attempting to add some level of jocularity. That is their choice and is of no real consequence to me. I have known several people that thought it was really cute when they put a Potty Trained patch or Order of the Fork knot on. Invariably, after several months the novelty of it wears off and the patches disappear. I suspect that these people felt that after awhile, these silly patches just made them look kind of silly.

"Kinda takes the challenge out of it, which after all was the whole draw because I never heard of anyone actually succeeding in his quest."

For our boys, whether the campsite is next door or a swim and long trek away, I suspect the success rate will be about the same...about a 100% less than that claimed.

Coleman Cooler = "the Magic Fridge"

Go Kimmie Go!

Kimmie Meissner is from our town. She sure has made us all proud.

CL6,

Please don't let folks' possible reactions keep you from posting your questions and comments. There are many times that my thinking has been changed by even the most vile of forum participants.

By the way...

Shhhh....

Come closer...

Let me whisper a secret to you...

Ed is really as soft and cuddly as teddy bear.

CANNONBALL!!!!!!!

I think you have been misinformed.

Some scouts and leaders love it. Some don't.

Kudzu,

Welcome back to Scouting.

I commend you for your motivation to serve the youth of your area, especially those who may be missing a fatherly influence.

There are many paths you can take in scouting as an adult volunteer - serving a unit, working at the district level, developing council programs. It sounds like you want to work closely with boys and have a direct impact on their lives. Serving as a den leader or Cubmaster (or assistant) in a Cub Scout Pack would certainly fit the bill, and allow you to grow in your involvement in anticipation of your son's joining up in a few more years. Depending on your outdoor skill set, involvement in a Boy Scout Troop or Venture Crew could also be worthwhile for you and the young men (and ladies) you serve.

Follow the good advice of the others about locating a unit, and your heart, and you will surely find a scouting path that is soft on the feet and takes you to where you have always wanted to go.

Best of luck.

Break out the cake and ice cream!

Lets invite Don Pardo and Dr. J too.

It was years ago, but our den did a bicycle registration program in the area schools that was provided to the local police department. The idea came from our tour of the police headquarters and seeing a hundred bikes or so out back that had been recovered as stolen property for which an owner had not been identified.

...About as active as a one-legged man in a posterior kicking contest...

Hey Rodd.

Amy, what you wanna do?

I think I could welcome you,

For awhile, maybe longer if I do...

Congratulations on the recognition by your Pack! Keep up the great service to our youth.

"There's more to the story, and an ending I'll share later..."

There's always a story, isn't there? However, I would not call any resolution an ending...just another brief interlude until the next story comes along.

I suspect you are running a great troop program and my guess is that the 'problem' is one of adult personality clashes or some other troop that talks a big show to lure kids/parents away.

Troop-pack relations are a long-term (re: decades) endeavor, that is not without blips along the way. You are doing the right thing to keep the troop reaching out. Such instances present a great opportunity to build stronger relations than ever.

My only real suggestion is that you help to fuel the notion that its not really a 'pack relationship' you are after, but a relationship with each individual boy in the pack. If that is strong, then den leaders and parents will have very little sway in which troop the boy wants to join.

OKS,

These top ad-visors are giving you sombrery good advice.

You are no slouch. Off the top of my head, I would say you are brimming with good ideas. Maybe hand them out at the derby. If all goes well, you can even try-cornering the cub scout market.

...any Camporees using a Brokeback Mountain theme this spring?...

Best of luck to your new patrols and troop!

You are certainly putting your all into this. I think that is great and the boys are fortunate to have you as SM. I am also convinced that as a few years pass, recruitment will get easier and easier as word of your strong troop program spreads. Your efforts today are building the scaffolding that scouters you don't even know yet, will benefit from in the future. It is sometimes hard to see that while you are in the midst of it, but believe me, you are well off the ground and things are fitting together nicely.

You have accomplished a lot over the past year. I hope you can find a comfy chair to relax in over the weekend.

Right on, t158sm!!!

If this ASM is running over the SPL, then he needs to be reigned in big time. It sounds like this ASM harbors resentment for giving up the SM position years ago and enjoys exerting his 'authority' again, whenever he gets the chance. He is hanging around for himself, not the boys. Head Case!

Our SPL attends Committee Meetings. As they are held the hour before our Troop meetings, he usually has a good excuse to leave after he gives his report.

God bless you!

Congratulations!!! You are one of my favorite 'new' posters. Always insightful, polite and willing to offer solid advice.

"mostly because Scouts made such an impact on my life as a youth and young adult"

Great testimony!

Welcome.

Welcome to the fire. You can have my log, I need to stretch my legs for awhile...

Sounds like gwd-scouter and I are in the same troop. We've done similar year-end nights in the past. Granted, not much in the way of skill-building, learning, advancing, serving, leading...but just hangin out and chillin with others is a great respite that builds friendships.

Simple. Thought provoking. Interactive. Personal. Great lesson.

That is one good minute.

Great advice from all so far.

I have found that the farther away from home you go, the less chance of a parent putting up with pleas to 'come get me.'

In my experience, Wednesday is often the day that homesickness grabs hold the hardest. Have something big planned for that day - a special troop outing or activity to keep young minds active and thinking about anything but home.

Preparation and positive expectations are the best tools to head off the problem. Weekend camping trips leading up to summercamp are important to instill a sense of 'awayness' and confidence. Older scouts, adult leaders and parents should focus on the new boys building outdoor confidence and enjoyment of camping with buddies. Do everything possible to avoid letting negative thoughts creep in to their minds.

Make sure they plan a summercamp experience that is varied and fun. Sitting in merit badge classes all day can sure make you daydream about home. Don't let them overschedule merit badge work. Leave plenty of time for hanging out, swimming, hiking, shooting, climbing, exploring, canoing, horseback riding, etc.

Many camps have outstanding chaplains on staff who deal with homesick boys all summer long. They can be a very good resource and have a lot of experience in talking with boys about the issue.

I really like Eagle90's suggestion to have a known parent attend summercamp. Someone that the boy really knows well and who really knows the boy well, can in many cases make all the difference.

Welcome to boy scouts!

I am glad to hear that your wife is on the road to recovery. I wish her the best.

There is no BSA rule that requires her resignation simply because she has a record with the Law Enforcement Information Network.

Likewise, given the circumstances, I would not expect the CO to have any inclination to ask for her removal or expect her resignation from this volunteer position.