SemperParatus

I feel your pain. As EO, he would be in a position to approve, or have his direct report (the COR) approve, his application as ASM. I think that is where the conflict of interest could arise. Granted, the CC must also approve an application (after the unit has performed the necessary reference checks), although the CC is ultimately reports to the COR (and EO by extension).

Kahuna, Just to confirm... When your 'unit' does a fundraiser, is it done under the auspices of the non-profit affiliate rather than the CO? (e.g., checks in name of affiliate, receipt confirmation on affiliate letterhead, deposits/accounts/books reflect affiliate). You have a generic waiver signed by the CO that it is has no financial interest in the money raised or property used by the unit? Was that your family recently featured in Scouting magazine for its fireknife dancing - a lawyer in Hawaii named ahuna?(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

If the Troop Committee made these decisions after considering all of its options and its specific circumstances, then I would say it is perfectly valid.

Its Me, Believe me, I know exactly how you feel. In spite of all of your best efforts, scouts will 'quit' for a myriad of reasons. Do not take this personally. The family is just trying to do what is best for their son, and you should be supportive of their decision. You can keep the door open until things improve for this boy in his school work. With a younger brother still in scouts, I have a suspicion that the scout may be back sooner than you think. Maybe, respond to the parents how impressed you have been by their son, you completely understand the desire to improve school performance and that you consider this a 'sabbatical' rather than an out-n-out quit, because you truly hope that he returns soon. Keeping the door wide open makes it so much easier to come back in. Over the years, I have had this same situation on several occasions. Some return and some are seen no more. The ones that return always seem more committed then ever. Good luck.

Now, I know I saw Ed Mori's post here and now its gone. Can moderator's completely eliminate a post?

Congratulations...you deserve the promotion!

Offer to take over all of the administrative duties of the den (including advancment records and reports). If that doesn't work, try and have a thoughtful, uninterrupted discussion with her about the issue. If she doesn't want to talk about it and shows no intent to change her ways, maybe arrange to have the CM present her with an award that she has obviously not earned...then let her explain to all those that question it how this could be (or live with the guilt of getting an award she did not deserve). It might help her better understand the position she is putting the boys in.

Non-profit Chartered Organizations (other than churches) must file Form 990 with the IRS, which requires a complete financial accounting of all its activities. This includes PTAs, VFWs, Lions Clubs, etc. Is your unit providing your CO with balance sheet and income statement information at the CO's fiscal year-end to enable the CO to include this information on its tax return? If not, I wonder if it has ever crossed the mind of the CO signer of the return that he may be missing something as he signs the return under penalties of perjury, declaring he has examined the return and to his best knowledge, it is true, correct and complete. (This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

Welcome to the conversation. Hope you chime in often. Have a great training weekend!

Bob, Consider having a troop logo design contest open to all scouts. Most boys are pretty good on the computer and can easily create a decent looking logo using scouting and other images that are readily available on the internet. We have had good success with these folks for t-shirts. They offer an on-line design/layout tool and turn around is a matter of days. http://www.customink.com/ Say hi to Louie Goldstein for me next time you see him.

My apologies. I meant no malice in my post. When I read your post..."I stay to observe the meeting to see if its worth keeping my daughter in"...I took that to mean that you were merely an observer and not an active participant. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Welcome to the forum. MomScouter has given you excellent advice. The only thing I would add is to be patient. Two meetings is way too soon to make such a decision. You will find the meetings to be much more interesting if you are involved in putting them together rather than sitting on the sidelines watching and critiquing.

OH, This is a very sad story...a scout stealing lunches from a girl in a wheelchair. That is really low. After confirming the activity as best you can, talk with your SM friend and the school principal. Bullying needs adult intervention and this scout (and the others involved) needs to be set on the right path for everyone's benefit.

Isn't it amazing how many committed scouters (both new and experienced) are gathering around the blaze. Welcome!

Welcome to scouting! I hope you and your son find scouting to be an enjoyable experience. As a leader, there will certainly come times that challenge your patience and enthusiasm, but it is always better than ever once you work through it. Best of luck to you and your boy.

As we gather around the Festivus Pole, let us not forget that no celebration is complete without the Airing of Grievances, followed by the Feats of Strength... Give to The Human Fund.(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

Hey Bob, I think you forgot to reminisce about outrunning the Mexicans and eating lobster and spaghetti. Like I said the other night...you are my hero.

Best way to prevent early burn-out...smile and laugh. Welcome to the forum and scouting.

You've gotten good advice. Based on this and your other recent posts, it seems that your present CM really has no interest in fulfilling his duties well. If you decide to go the CC option, I think your first order of business will be to seek ways to improve your CM's performance. In which case, you will likely again hear his offer to get someone else and you will be looking to recruit a new CM. I think perhaps the best thing you can do for your pack is to organize a large contingent of CM/Assts and DL/Assts and involved parents to attend the training that is coming up in the next few weeks. Attending as a group, you will all get the same information at the same time and can spend some time afterward discussing its application to help your pack get better organized to put on a quality program.

Second Class Requirement 2c must be completed on a campout. Second Class Requirement 2d need not be completed during a campout, although that would certainly be the most opportune time and place. The Totin' Chip requirements do not require that they be completed during a campout. Re-testing at each campout is not required.

I think a phone call with a personal invitation to your next meeting or open house could be a lot more effective then a letter. A form letter is easily ignored or forgotten. A Scoutmaster taking the time to make personal contact with a former scout and his family speaks volumes.

Nick, Our troop is the same as yours.

After all this, might a suggest a nice romantic night out for the two of you...have some wine on me.

K, Now your talkin'...watt the heck...I can't screw this thread up too much with another dim comment...and I re-fuse to hold my tung sten minutes more...so What do you call a scout falling down the latrine? ...in can descent!

Lest we forget...will changing a light bulb earn me the Electricty merit badge? When's the next class?