SemperParatus

troop251scout, "we get washed up and ready, put the leaders coffee on then get the rest up. " Ever consider a transfer?...we'll pay relocation costs.

I think I'm beginning to understand the fictitious Bobby Fisher No Jews Allowed Chess Club. Sort of like the real-live Fellowship of Christian Athlete chapters that are in most high schools around here. They are essentially school sponsored but are, as the name clearly indicates, for Christians only. I suppose a Jew or an Atheist could sneek in, but it really isn't meant for them, now is it? I guess that's discrimination too and so these chapters should be shut down, only who's being discriminated against if that were to happen? Oh, and let's not forget about school National Honor Society chapters that discriminate against stupid people.(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

Here are some cool ones. http://www.ct-troop39.org/check.htm http://www.twinriverscouncilbsa.org/images/anim/ani-ranks+.gif (This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

Ah...the old broken arrow trick. I make them out of dow rods - simply sharpen a point and add fletching. Then spray paint the whole thing gold. Cut a small notch around the middle of the arrow. I also make one that has no notch, which is tested on a variety of other scouts first - Tigers, Wolves, Bears, etc. with no success. When the awardees are brought up, the boys are amazed that the arrows break - how'd they do that? Good luck.

You go Eamonn. I think it all boils down to not enough atheists to go around.

A lot of packs make up a special award, typically called the "Heavy Shoulder Award". May take the form of a certificate or something else. As CM, I used to do a final test of their 'heavy shoulderness" by breaking an arrow across their shoulder. It was notched so that breaking was virtually guaranteed and no harm would come. I don't think there is any official BSA award for this accomplishment. Oh...and welcome to the forum. A great place to sit and soak up scouting stuff.(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

FB, Just too much time on my hands watching the snow fall. 12" so far - perfect camping weather.

The year was 1987. I was a young, twenty-something financial executive with an international firm, completely consumed by the world of business. A world where 70-hour workweeks were considered the norm and bad decisions cost millions of dollars. The memories of my youth neighborhood pals, ball games, scout trips and first dates had long been relegated to the back recesses of my mind as I devoted all of my time and energy to meeting the ever-growing challenges of the future. I had become an adult, at a much too early age. My business had brought me to our nations capitol. Heading home for another weekend of work, I busied myself with my reports while waiting for my train to arrive at Union Station. Spring was blossoming and the station was filled with the bustle of thousands of faceless people heading out to enjoy the first warm weekend of the year. To my great fortune, a trio of young, attractive college girls planted themselves next to me. We exchanged the obligatory smile of strangers who suddenly find themselves in such close proximity that ignoring each other would be considered rude. I tried to concentrate on my reports, but found myself drawn to their conversations about their carefree college life and exciting weekend plans (not to mention their long tanned legs). Their chatty exuberance and physical attractiveness was a pleasant diversion and I was, all of the sudden, looking forward to the train delay that had just been posted. The rush of people passed by as I kind of fell into a comforting trance, half paying attention to my reports and the other half enjoying the college coeds. The arrival of a scout troop in our seating area soon caught my attention. How could it not? There were about a dozen boys in full uniform (remember those short shorts and knee high socks). The Scoutmaster was old, fortyish, and likewise in full uniform, complete with a campaign hat. He quickly immersed himself into directing the boys in the accounting of their extensive collection of backpacks and duffel bags. Their arrival brought much excitement as the hatted-one barked orders and the teenagers scurried about in complete oblivion to the calm and sedate world of our waiting area. It was a stretch, but I actually managed to bring up in my head a few fond memories of my own scouting youth as the boys eventually settled down after the Scoutmaster had proclaimed all equipment (and boys) present and accounted for. Oh well, that was fun, now back to those reports. It wasnt long before the comments started. Initially, they were little remarks about the uniforms, but then it quickly denigrated into an ugly commentary about the boys and Mr. Dudley-do-right in the hat. It seems that the scouts had likewise gained the attention of my college girls and they were thoroughly amusing themselves with a seemingly endless stream of jokes, innuendos and hostility towards this alien group that had invaded our space. I suspect the scouts were far enough away not to hear the remarks, but I have often wondered how many ears their teasing laughter reached. The numbers on my reports began to run together, as the anger welled-up inside of me. There were so many things I could have said to those girls how these young men were part of a long and valued tradition of service and devotion to their country; how they are growing into men of character that will make a difference in this world; how many boys just like these, fueled by scoutings patriotism, had died on the worlds battlefields so that they could sit there in their fine clothes and perfect hair enjoying the freedom to say what they want (no matter how ugly). I could have told them how these boys show care and concern for each other in a community based on friendship and loyalty; how those girls own fathers and grandfathers may well have learned strong values from the scouting program; and how they should hope that their future husbands have a scouting background that has instilled a sense of decency and respect. I could have mentioned how these young men are off to a great adventure that doesnt involve alcohol, drugs and promiscuous sex; how those uniforms are a symbol of all that is good about America; and how those boys are being taught that courtesy and kindness are the basis for human interaction, rather than scorn and cruelty. I could have said many things. I said nothing, as I watched the real world and the scouting world collide. I said nothing. After all, I was an adult and there were those reports to finish. To this day, I am not sure whether my anger was the result of cheering for the underdog, a feeling of protection for the innocent and scorned, a sense of injustice, or pride for an organization that I held some distant fondness for. Perhaps, it was a combination of all. Clearly, it was the first time in over a decade that scouting had even crossed my consciousness. The boys seemed to be one mass, until one, a very gangly youth with bad skin, stood to stretch and survey his surroundings. His gaze caught that of the girls, who took the opportunity to make a rather mocking gesture towards him followed by their howls of laughter. The pained look on that young mans face was indescribable. In an instant, he was made to feel the humiliation of mockery and ridicule. The uniform, a source of growing pride for this young man, had become the very thing that separated him from the normal world. It was as if the emperor was fully dressed, but still had no clothes. He quickly returned to his seat, pretending to not notice the girls, but always sneeking a peek to make sure he was no longer the object of their laughter. My reports no longer seemed very important. Time passed slowly, as I watched those physically beautiful girls reveal the ugliness of their soul. Finally, their train was called and they gathered their accoutrements and headed off. At last, this torture was coming to an end. Then an amazing thing happened. One of the girls had perched her handbag precariously on top of her wheeled luggage as she headed toward the gate. She didnt notice when the bag fell off, leaving it in her wake to be picked up by any one of the thousands of people that would pass by. A slight sneer came to my lips, thinking you are getting what you deserve. But then, that wonderfully clothed emperor, the very scout that minutes before had been the butt of their jokes, bolted from his chair and retrieved the bag. Chasing the girls down, he politely presented the bag to the girl. As best as I could tell, there were no words of appreciation from the trio, rather they seemed to have one last parting laugh directed at my new hero. I could not take my eyes off of him as he returned to his seat looking even more dejected than ever. My reports were packed away in my brief case. I truly believe that I was the only person on this planet that saw this exchange I am sure none of the scouts and adults in his group were cognizant of what this young man had just experienced and his small, but heroic, act. I could keep quiet no more. I walked over to this young man and, in front of all his buddies, simply said, You know, that was a great thing you just did. A smile as broad as the sun shown from his face and he simply replied, Thank you. For the next several weeks, I tried to make sense of this experience. It haunted me, as I not only attempted to figure out my own feelings of anger towards those girls, but also the feelings of that scout who taught me an incredible lesson about humanity. This event brought scouting back into my focus with a greater clarity than ever in my life. More of my scouting memories began to surface, as I began to finally understand the real meaning of those seemingly ancient words that I had spoken so many times in my youth a scout is trustworthy loyal helpful friendly courteous kind obedient cheerful thrifty brave clean reverent As a young boy, they were just words. As an adult, I found in them a creed for living. Shortly after this experience, I hooked up with my old troop and began volunteering. What I found is that scouting is full of young men and adults just like that boy in the train station, people who approach life with a genuine concern for others and with a sense of decency and heroism that comes from doing the right thing, no matter the circumstances. That was 18 years ago. When my own son was born in 1989, I couldnt wait to share with him this thing we call scouting. I hope the great lessons that it offers (which I had forgotten) carry with him throughout his adult life. Work is no longer as important to me now, scouting has helped to create a balance in my life that was sorely needed. To that young man in the train station, back in 1987, I say thank you. You played a role in helping me to see what is really important in this life.

Singme, Do you have an assistant den leader? If not, consider recruiting one of the adults standing in the corner. They can help you shoulder some of the load. Also, you might find instances where you want the parents involved so you should make some attempt to include them in what you do. I would, as politely as possible, explain that it is not necessary to stay at every den meeting but everyone is welcome to. Being new, the parents are interested to see what this scouting stuff is about. They are probably watching a little from the sidelines. Focus on the boys, if a parent feels the need to hangout that is their right. However, if they become a disruption, then they must be set straight. Best of luck as a new den leader.

Keep on having a good time for as long as you can. Welcome.

Thank you for mentioning Newton...an intensely devout Christian man. "This most beautiful system [The Universe] could only proceed from the dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being." - Newton(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

So, what about satanists - are they "BSA eligible" as long as they call satan their god? I'd think I might even prefer mhagar over a satanist.

Excuse my complete ignorance on all the 'religions' of the world, but what is the Pagan interpretation of God? Also, what about devil-worshippers? Presumably they worship a supreme power and may view satan as their 'God'. Do they fit into the BSA guidelines? Just curious. I am not trying to start an argument here. TGIF everybody!

Trevorum, Only your friends will tell you... Your posts are always of such high quality, they need no color embellishment.

Just a thought...but all scouts out before 7:00 am get morning latrine duty.

We know who the late sleeper is...our bugler is always strategically positioned next to his tent for blowing revielle. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. If no movemnet, a little tent shake is employed. If still comatose, his tent buddy is sent in for some friendly nudging. When all else fails, the smell of frying bacon usually gets him going.

In my experience, it gets better as they get older. Overtime, the scout shows more individual responsibility and the parent shows less interest in taking care of every little thing. Of course, this is a generality - there are always exceptions. The first two years out of cubs are always the most difficult as both the scout and parent learn and are steadily 'retrained'. Keep the message out there, share it during SM minutes, at committee meetings, in casual conversation, and in situations like yours when it is staring you in the face. Eventually, the idea will stick. The only 'combat tactic' I know of is communication. You can't really stop a too helpful parent, but you sure can plant the seed so that hopefully they think twice before acting.

All scouts are invited to 9 am mass at our sponsor. Those wishing to attend their own church, are encouraged to wear their uniforms to services. The sponsor church does a real nice job - scouts are involved in the opening procession, readings, serving and collecting. A special collection is taken for our camp scholarship program (last year I think there was over $1,000 taken in). Those scouts that have earned the religious awards are recognized as well. Between cubs and boy scouts, it is quite an impressive sight. Afterwards, the units treat the congregation to donuts. We usually have a contingent from our troop that attends the Council-wide scout mass also. It is a very nice affair with units being presented awards from the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, and all participants get a patch. They all do a very nice job.

That is really odd...in our troop, the bugler is one of the most sought after positions. Usually there are at least 8-10 scouts vying for that position during elections.

Where the 'wake-up' time has not been already established by the camp/park, I agree that 7 am is reasonable. OGE, I see your post is at 7:01 am - my but you are punctual (....sometimes).(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

"Reason cannot persuade zealots and zealots cannot see reason." Is it me, or is that the first understandable, reasonable thing mhagar said? Bye-bye. Great posts OGE and ProudEagle.

Selfless A scout puts the interests of others before his own.(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

Trevorum said: "Sometimes I think the 13th point should be Perserverance." Nice thought, T. If you could add a 13th Point - what would it be? [My apologies if you have played this game recently.]

We have two scouts that are very good. The current bugler...not so good but he is trying. I tried blowing the darn thing one time and had a little accident - lets just say noise was coming out of both ends. I can certainly understand the difficulty that scouts may have.

Welcome to the forum. There are a lot of scouting awards/patches other than the handbook - inquire about your council/district's Cub Scout Day Camp and other cub scout-based activities and events (usually a patch is involved). Check with local areas of interest (Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh Zoo, Point State Park, etc.), many times they have a scout award/recognition opportunity. Some historical trails have patch programs - here is one I found in your area: Pittsburgh Hiking Trail. Laid out and sponsored by Troop 224 of the Greater Pittsburgh Council, the trail features the history, architecture, art, industry, and culture of one of America's most interesting cities. Hikers travel through such varied areas as the Strip, the Old Allegheny district, Point State Park, downtown, Station Square, and Mount Washington. They also get a chance to ride a railway and the city's subway system and to earn a patch. For a booklet including maps and a list of camping sites in the Pittsburgh area, send $3 plus 7 percent sales tax to Pittsburgh Hiking Trail, P.O. Box 97881, Pittsburgh, PA 15227. Patches are nice, but above all...have fun!