SemperParatus

I didn't know him...but I do know a number of old timers just like him. What an honor it is for us to follow in their shadow.

That sounds like fun for somebody...maybe they can do push-ups too! Make sure the rider gets to wear a yellow jersey.(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

I assure you that if such a smoking bun exists, I will coopoerate fully with Congress. In due time (after consulting with my lawyers and agents) my side of the story will be told. For now, let me be perfectly clear, I did not have relations with that hot dog.

I never INTENTIONALLY ate a hot dog. Ever. Period.

Thanks, Eamonn...great summary of a great time...with warts and all.

Dumb

He can do 6 on the sleeve of a long-sleeve scout shirt. Does he have the longest sash they make? I remember one scout that had 50+ merit badges. He made his own extra long sash for all to fit on the front.

See BSA reflective sign at scoutstuff.org or your local scout shop. https://scoutnet.scouting.org/BSASupply/default.aspx?ctgy=PRODUCTS&C2=GIFTS&C3=STICKERS&C4=&LV=3 BSA makes an aluminum sign and a peel and stick decal in both small and large sizes.(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

I missed the 'How to Execute a Pack Coup' training session. While I am sure you and the other committee members have your reasons, you really need to be working this through your COR. If your COR wants nothing to do with this and leaves you all to your own devices, then I would suggest you involve your District Commissioner. In any case, do your absolute best to keep this professional. Is there at least one person that may be able to talk to the CC as a friend to persuade her to move on?

EIKY, Rodney has one of the best sailing programs in the country. Sits right on the upper Chesapeake Bay. In fact, all waterfront activities are superb. But, good luck getting in. Once a troop finally secures an open spot, they rarely give it up.(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

Looks like a great year. Good luck with it! A few comments... Back-to-back family camping weekends in August? Derby clinic two months before event? Pack committee meetings? PowWow..or is that your Scouting U? You have alot of camping in the fall...maybe move one to Spring? Following BSA themes?

A movie! That's a real cracker jack idea. Oh, fiddle-faddle, I've got to work today.

I am a fan of shopping, although you never really know what you are buying into until you have a few months under your belt. Plus, many scouts and their parents don't really know what they are looking for anyway. Typically, its a matter of where their friends are going or if the CM/DL recommends a particular troop. If I were in your shoes I would probably roll up my sleeves a bit and do some digging. Start investigating the troops in your area, speak with the SMs and other leaders, attend some meetings and events to see how the different troops function. I would start with your brother-troop since your impression of them seems based only on outward appearances (membership/advancement). If your brother troop is sponsored by the same CO and meets at the same place, then I think you have the makings for formulating a stronger tie that could potentially build up both programs. If the affiliation is not so close (only a habit of sending boys there) then I think it may be easier to sever ties and start sending boys elsewhere to look. I suppose this dilemma is hitting closer to home as you are seeing firsthand what is at stake for your own boys. Good luck.

Welcome to the forum. Glad to hear that your den is doing so well.

Amaizing. While burning the midnight oil, I was giving some thought to this. I think all the posts have a kernel of truth to them. Not trying to be corny or anything, but I think a low price product should be found in a jiffy, butter who does the shopping will still buy the fat free...tastes like styrofoam. My apologies for popping off on this topic.(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

SP - you must really be bored - SP ...the next one, of course!(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

Beth, Welcome to the forum. You got great advice from Jerry, bbng, madkins and I am sure others will follow. The majority of folks on this forum started just like you and we all wish you the best. Not sure about what you want to create as far as a mother's pin. Might I suggest a Mother's Ribbon to wear and display the rank pins that will likely be presented as each boy moves through the scouting program. Here are some samples. http://www.mothers-pride.com/

Scouting is meant to be personal. This can be accomplished in units of any size, depending on the caring and motivation of the unit leadership. Proper use of the patrol method can ensure that a large group functions in a 'small' way. Success is measured by the impact of scouting on an individual boy, not on how many boys are 'processed through'. I have always been involved in units that have experienced tremendous growth and became relatively large. Typically, we started small (some start-up situations) and grew very rapidly, all within an area with many unit alternatives. I have always credited this growth to (i) a strong adherence to the BSA program, and (ii) recruitment and training of a strong leadership team. As our units grew, we would constantly redouble our efforts by going back to the basics - are we offering the BSA program as promised and do we have the leaders in place to support the growing numbers with personalized service. Growth was never the goal...it just happened as a byproduct of putting together a solid and supported program.

I think you said it. Common sense is the best restriction.

Ditto to what EIKY'mon and madkins say. I would definitely speak with the folks involved in the start-up to understand where that scoutmaster is coming from and headed to.

I know Terry must really like the advertising dollars...but coffehousetheology.com???...puleeeeez!

The Seabase trading post lists a new Bull Shark patch for $ 8.00 http://www.bsaseabase.org/store/manifest.pdf

BOR sign-off

Well, after weeks of successfully ignoring this thread, I finally let curiosity get the best of me. Glad to see that you all are finally reaching a consensus of opinion

I have no experience with special dens to answer your good questions. But, in my mind, whatever might keep the boy in scouting should be seriously considered. A special den in the case of language barriers sounds like a good idea. A special den for only homeschoolers seems a bit exclusionary, although it sounds like meeting times may be the issue.