SemperParatus

Heavens to Murgatroyd! You can't be the only one to smell a big rip-off. Organize a council-wide protest to fight the goofy decisions of dweebs sitting behind desks with nothing better to do than come up with new schemes to enrich coffers on the weary shoulders of members and volunteers with nothing but goodwill on their heart.

"One of the things I was looking for in this thread was how to identify someone that really is a Scouter, with or without WB beads." Why?

EIKY, You 'da Player, 'mon! 'Course, at the risk of Hogan all the good puns, perhaps I'll just go fly a Kite, while Singh'ing in the rain. Then you can say, 'he won't Boros any more'.

EIKY'mon, Slicing through all the par-ticulars of the situation, I would speak with the counselor over a cup to try and iron out the issues you see and maybe drive home the point that, while his son is on the ball, he should also look for a fair way to get all the boys hooked into counseling for the badge. While it may be rough on him, instead of puttering around the house or working harder to earn some green, par-chance he could take the group out as a foursome to work on their game and par-take in some fun. While sometimes parents may putt the cart before the horse when it comes to their own kids, he should remember that he is part of this wonderful youth club we call scouting. I am sure the last thing this man intends is to come across as a bogey-man (or worse, a real tiger) to you and the boys. If there is a way to swing a better outcome for the boys, I would go four it.

dorinh, Welcome. I hope you settle in for a nice long ride.

Between your two options, I would much prefer a District with a strong volunteer group - a large, dedicated group of scouters can easily get more accomplished than a single DE could ever hope to. It is easy to ignore a poor DE when you have a large pool of scouters looking out for district-wide programs and opportunities.

Love thy neighbor. Give the protesters free BBQ sandwiches.

I will come clean here...afterall only a few of you actually know me. I cheated once. It was 1983, I was a junior in college taking Dr. Patterson's Theology Class. Dr. Patterson had had a stroke a few years prior but due to the wonders of tenure, he continued to teach even though he was kind of out of it. The mid-term was a one-on-one oral examination with Dr. Patterson in his office. I was scheduled for Monday AM, we talked for a couple of hours (it was more like a conversation with my aged grandfather, then a test) and I got my A. The cheating part came on Tuesday, when I returned to take the oral examination posing as a classmate...Todd M...a 6'6" African-American basketball player (I am not any of those things). Todd offered me a $100 to do it (I think some booster was giving him cash) and I needed some beer money for the coming week, so what the heck, we thought we could pull it off giving the professor's faculties. Sure enough, Dr. Patterson welcomed me into his office, "Todd, so glad to see you..." and we spent a couple of hours talking about the transcendent nature of God's forgiveness. After sobering up a little, the guilt and irony of the situation started to sink in. Todd and I both decided to go to the dean to confess our transgressions and take our medicine. Lucky for us, both the dean and Dr. Patterson found the story rather humorous and our 'punishment' was simply to write an extra term paper. We definitely tasted some forgiveness that day.

Welcome. Each level has its own benefits for us adults too. Scouting definitely keeps us old folks young at heart.

With the Rock giving you space dedicated solely to your troop, I would say that is pretty cool. I have seen some pretty amazing 'scout huts' crafted out of church basements. Have a great time making it home.

Well, since you have been as far as DC...how about a tour of the FBI Academy in northern Virginia. You can stay at the Quantico Marine Base right next store - they have a nice family campground around a lake with plenty of stuff to do and you can hike to the academy. Several years ago, we did this trip when I knew the then Academy director. He and his son actually camped with us. When the bowling ball-sized hailstorms came, he took us over to the Academy where we spent the night. The tour takes you through the offices, gym, fake training town, car track, pistol ranges, etc. The director took us in the main conference room and did a very nice spiel on FBI activities. Basically free except for food and travel. I'll also echo Cave Eagle's Gettysburg suggestion. That is a great trip destination too.

roseman, Sounds like you've come a long way baby. Thanks for that unfiltered message about the dangers of smoking. Hope your quest doesn't prove to be just another pipedream. Regards.

Before meeting, please read over the Chartered Organization Agreement to understand what the CO has agreed to do. http://www.netcommish.com/AnnualCharterAgreement.doc I would strongly suggest that you approach this topic from the standpoint of what the unit may be able to do for the CO, or how the two of you can work together in areas that can be mutually beneficial, rather than what the CO should be doing for you...'ask not what your CO can do for you, but...' Many COs are not willing to commit to any level of participation or support beyond what is called for in the CO Agreement, while others are truly committed to going above and beyond. You will need to feel your CO out on that matter and build the relationship over time. Increased CO participation and support usually begins with your unit reaching out to the CO to be of service in some manner. Your meeting is an important first step in a long hike together. Is North Side Baptist Church your CO? There are many ways to serve Church COs - grounds maintenance and beautification projects, event setup/teardown, joint service opportunities, scout sunday promotion, etc., etc.(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

If this CC (i) is unwilling to get the basic training she needs to understand her role in the function of the troop, (ii) continues to usurp the program authority of the scoutmaster, and/or (iii) continues to overrule the decisions of the PLC, then your CO has an obligation to the troop to recruit a new CC that can support the BSA program. Sounds like your CC is on a bit of a power trip and needs to be reigned in by the COR.

Hope the next nominee will be found Slouching Toward Gomorrah...(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

My advice...make a personal commitment to continue as SM for at least 3-5 years to give the troop some much needed consistency in adult leadership. I see from your website that your ASMs are related to you (husband and Eagle son?), consider expanding this group as your troop grows to bring in some different blood (literally), ideas, and talents. Start grooming all of your ASMs now to be able to pick up the reins when you do decide to step aside. I would venture to say that the worst is now behind you, the first year always being hard even without the added issues you have faced. Sounds like you have a good grip on what needs to be done and are well down the path of making it happen. Good luck.

Well now...wouldn't it be dandy if Bob and Ed were selected to come up with a consensus for the new look I miss those two. Enjoy the peace and quiet for the remainder of this week.

Red and green turtlenecks used over here too.

As Webelos, I would have them read aloud the Cub Scout Promise, the Boy Scout Oath and the Boy Scout Law...then I would ask them to come up with their own rules for conduct. Their maturity in this area may surprise you. EIKY'mon will be along shortly to explain the candle idea.(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

The resurrection of this thread has me thinking. Does anyone know if there are any female Scout Executives in the US?

saustin is now on the newest member list...FREAKY

Seabear, a recent addition to this forum, serves along with me in the same troop. When I saw his name appear in the newest member list a couple of months ago, I knew immediately who it was. Our troop and this forum is very fortunate to have a gentlemen of his vast scouting experience in practically all phases of the program. He has some pretty amazing stories, great ideas and is regarded by many in our local community as somewhat of a scouting legend. Now, if only he could type a little faster. Welcome, Seabear!

Congratulations on your first year as SM! And, welcome aboard. When you get a chance, I think it would be great to hear what challenges you are facing due to your gender.

Robin, Well done! Welcome to scouting and this forum. As a poor, downtrodden, forgotten middle child myself , it is so good to see that David will be spending lots and lots of quality time (well, 1 hour a week anyway) with his mother . Best of luck to you and your boys.(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

The UC should not be on your pack committee. The CC/COR can either invite him to resign from the committee and continue to serve as your UC, or keep him on the committee and ask the District for a new UC to be assigned to your pack. From your post, I get the impression that you think the UC may be throwing his weight/position around to get whatever he wants. That may be the case, or it may not; however, his dual role as UC and MC could certainly create opportunities for him to appear to get his way, especially with a brand new committee deferring to his knowledge and experience. As for the PWD/RGR, the rules as to parent participation should be established by pack leadership, communicated clearly/often and enforced strictly. Pack workshops can be helpful to make sure that boys are indeed doing some work on their cars. Separate races for adults can sometimes help. A few packs have completely canned the competitive element of the race. The CC/CM may want to have a serious talk with the adult in question now to set the stage for expectations. If he seems to not be interested in talking about it, then the decision would need to be made as to whether to ban the family from participation, unless they abide with the established participation rules. If the UC decides to enter the fray on behalf of his son, then that would be a perfect opportunity to can him from the committee and future service as UC to your pack. The PWD has been bringing out 'cheaters' (or at least overzealous parents) for nearly half a century now. You can try and minimize it, but you will not necessarily prevent it. PWD season is a perfect time to talk sportsmanship to your den. In this life there are those that win and those that lose. Many times, it is hard to tell which is which until much later.