SemperParatus

Something is going on. Anyone else notice that this site has gotten incredibly slow the past two days. Yesterday, in the Welcome Back Name! in the upper right hand corner, it showed a different name for me - very strange.

NCD, When I was CM (sooo long ago), once we checked a car in, the scout did not have access to it until his car was no longer in a pack sanctioned race. We did this basically to avoid secret modifications (e.g., adding weights). A team of adults would man the staging table and track placement and starting. With 100 boys in the pack, it was important to gain efficiencies by having the next racers staged and ready to be set up while the current race was being run. The adults would make sure the cars were handled with the utmost car (scouts grabbing at cars during my first year as a spec

Here is the link to the official BSA trademark identity rights etc. - don't know if it helps any. http://www.scouting.org/identity/ The fact that BSA puts out downloadable files, tells me that there are no problems -they just want them used correctly and appropriately. (This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

To get anyone to do anything, you must make them want to do it. If they are not coming to training, its because they think they have something better to do. 1. Eliminate obstacles - reduce costs, units pay for training fees, ensure frequency and convenience of location, take the training to the unit, if appropriate. 2. Promote and clearly explain the benefits - doing this at Roundtable is preaching to the choir. Training Chairs should visit units on occasion to promote training - maybe tag along with the Friends of Scouting guy to a B&G or COH. When you explain it - focus on

Welcome...and best of luck to your son. What software do you use for keeping track of the molah? or do you do it the old-fashioned and reliable way?

Boy, have I been there and done that... Lessons learned - 1. Scoutmaster must make changes incrementally, immediate and far-reaching changes almost always cause division. He may have forced too much too soon (I can see that more clearly in hindsight). 2. Scoutmaster must have a strong working relationship with the CC who will support him 100%. If this is not the case, then the SM has no chance at all. 3. Scoutmaster and CC must present their plans to the Committee (which currently holds all the power) and gently push the changes focusing on the benefits that will accr

And Henson has the best food of any summercamp in the country...did you enjoy the apple pies?

If you are going to do the burning neckerchief, it is best to check with the CO first. Our pack CO would not allow fire in their building. We did that one outside once - better at night then in the day. I had a buddy CM who accidentally caught his headdress on fire with the flame though. As Eagledad says...practice makes perfect.

"Scouting is the best thing a parent can do for their children,and themselves"...amen to that. Welcome to you and the lil' beasties.

Sounds like a good place for both. Organized events in am - flag ceremony, fishing derby, some games/relays, etc. Leave after lunch for hangout time - swimming and fort playing should be big hits. Finish with a semi-organized campfire, maybe have dens prep skits in afternoon too. Possibly cap with a night hike.

ItsMe, Maybe kill two birds with one stone (oops...sorry PETA), schedule a Red Cross Blood drive the same night as your pack whittlin' chip event.(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

Poker definitely seems to be the game of choice today. Some of our guys are really into it. They have those really nice heavy chips. The kind I would never buy. They have asked me to play, but I have declined...something doesn't feel right about an adult playing poker with minors. Am I wrong?

You may want to talk this over with the troop they are crossing into. The best ceremonies are ones where there is a collaborative effort on the part of the pack and the troop. Here's an indoor "show stopper" we did - Lights out, fog machine on, spot light on opening into meeting room. Indian dude comes through the fog - from the tribe of Webelos - talks about following the trail of the wolf and bear and then webelos. But there is a fork ahead - one leads to a summit of greater adventure, the other does not. Who is join him on the trail to the summit. CM joins him and calls out

OGE, What were you saying the other day about troop's adding to the requirements...or does that only apply to uniforms?

I don't think it is in print. I think it is a unit decision.

Probably the best five plus years of your life too(except for that immaturity thing)...welcome. PS - got any cookies left? I'm on my last box of Thin Mints!

It dawned on me this weekend while cabin camping that there was not a Yu-Gi-Oh card in site. In fact, I think its been at least 6 months since I have seen them on a trip. Can we pronounce this fad dead or is there still life in other pockets of the country? For those in California, what are you seeing as the next scourge from Japan that I can expect to invade our camping trips? (insert Smiley thingee)

Did you go through the links that are on this website for some good ideas?I think the BSA Camporee Guide you are looking for is the first link. http://www.scouter.com/compass/Leaders_Resource/Large_Event_Planning/Camporees/ (This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

Absolutely okay. Eagle Scout projects can be used for the BSA Hornaday Award, the Congressional Awards, Prudential Spirit of America Award, etc. Religious emblem awards are given by both your church and scouts for the same work. For the Hiking merit badge, we do a lot of Historical Trails with award components. Being awarded by scouting and other groups for the same work is entirely appropriate.(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

Ed's is correct. When I have to counsel my own son, I make sure his work is extremely well documented (more so than I would require of other scouts), just in case there is ever a question. It is probably adding to the requirements for him, but he understands the reasons.

And Happy Scouting to you...enjoy the ride.

Nice to meet you...welcome.

Since he posted here last month, why don't you try the e-mail link on the website link he posted. http://www.eagle-scout.com/ or private message him on the thread titled...Eagle Scout Song started on 10-9-04(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

OGE, it was a summer trip so no risk of frostbite in our area. I remember the nighttime temperatures were low 80s. Just about perfect. A zip-lock bag!?!...in the winter!?!...now that's hardcore!

A hammock would never fit, unless you are okay with fasting. The hot sleep set-up was the ground...there were a lot of those silver emergency blankets that fold down to 3"x3"x1/2" used for ground cover. And the shoebox itself makes a decent pillow, by the second night.