SemperParatus

I'm no scouting professional, but I would think the impetus behind unit growth is to expand scouting's reach in an area through greater opportunities for affiliation with more institutional partners. While pure membership growth is enough of a belt to hold up the pants, growth in partnering relationships are the suspenders needed over the long haul to make sure we never, ever expose ourselves.

John, I suppose our troop is a few years older and has grown a bit faster, but we certainly share the same problem. We have tried the log and sign-out and patrol control and quartermaster check and no one leaves until its all packed away methods...but still tents find their way to the forgotten corners of basements and garages for months. I am sure the great methods suggested in the prior posts are workable, as long as they are consistently and slavishly followed. Unfortunately, people forget or are rushed or claim ignornace or have a special situation or whatever other excuse to cause pr

The most terrible fight is not when there is one opinion against another, the most terrible is when two men say the same thing -- and fight about the interpretation, and this interpretation involves a difference of quality. ~ Soren Kierkegaard

Lately, I've given the book Scout Law - Quotes for Life by Patrick Flaherty...only $11.01 at Scouter.com.

Maybe its just me, but your post leaves me thinking that the persistent problem is not entirely with the scout, but mostly within yourself. Your post comes across as overly judgemental of the boy and his family, a willingness to revoke his decisions without knowing his rationale for them and play games to watch him fail, and a sense that this boy's personality does not fit with your imagination's concoction of what 'your' SPL should be like.

Ed, I don't know whether to offer my congratulations or condolences. So, I'll offer both with some whipped cream and a cherry on top.

Fscouter gave you the advice you need. I would just add that if I were in your shoes, I would not be too concerned about 'singling this boy out'. I think that has already been done by his parents by delivering him a happy meal at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Ed, Ice cream! Now your talking. This thread has certainly hit a patch of rocky road. While I certainly don't conedone hijacking a thread, sometimes posters can get a little nuts and a bit saucey. This topic has been milked to death on this forum, so I doubt anyone will have a big new scoop on this topic. Just more swirl of the same old. Even though its not Sundae, its a sherbet that I would have a bowl with you this morning. My favorite flavors...this week... Pistachio Dutch Chocolate Almond Strawberry

Anyone out there wearing the very stylish Rainbow colored loops?

Here's an idea off the top of my head... How about the local OA chapter put on a PowWow (similar to a Camporee), inviting all packs in district to participate - could include dance competitions, native american games, story telling, skills, foods, etc. etc.

Except for a few articles termed as 'satire' dealing with the Jambo deaths, I find most of Fred's news postings to be worthwhile for a quick read. Since I am too lazy to go out looking for Scouting news, I for one am happy to have Fred do the work for me.

Whitewater, caving and climbing at Ohiopyle SP (PA) and Gettysburg are two of the trips we redo every other year. Every fall we hold a Wacky Olympiad patrol competition that includes 30 or so very odd events that challenge knowledge, skills, teamwork and bravery in unusual and fun ways.

I'll vouch for CustomInk - great quality, service, and the on-line design tool is very easy to use.

OGE, wood yew be so kind as to keep a log of these articles so that we can get to the root of this issue.

After running around the barn that many times, you must be tired. You can share my log. Welcome.

Mostly tasteless jokes about Ted Kennedy with a few witty ones thrown in (This message has been edited by a staff member.)

For mature audiences only... I have a sad story to tell you, It may hurt your feelings a bit. Last night when I walked into my bathroom, I stepped in a big pile of ... Shhhhhaving cream, be nice and clean, shave every day and you'll always look keen. A baby fell out of the window, You'd think that her head would be split, But good luck was with her that morning, she fell in a barrel of... Shhhhhaving cream, be nice and clean shave every day and you'll always look keen. An old lady died in the bath tub. She died from a terrible fit.

Five years ago, our troop did summercamp week at Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation. The First Aid MB Counselor (a big kid) carried around a big stick that he referred to as his 'persuasion stick' with the inferred threat that its presence would ensure that all participants would be attentive and answer his questions. The Camp Director was kind enough to 'reassign' him to different duties by Tuesday. I wonder if its the same stick?

Happy Cinco de Mayo! For anyone that cares, here is the Mexico National Anthem (in English thank you)...adopted a few years after the US-Mexican war...talk about a bloody song! Mexicans, at the cry of battle prepare your swords and bridle; and let the earth tremble at its center at the roar of the cannon. Oh fatherland Your forehead shall be girded with olive garlands, by the divine archangel of peace For in heaven your eternal destiny has been written by the hand of God. But should a foreign enemy dale to profane your land with his sole, Think, belov

We have done mirror battles, combined with capture the flag. Each scout is issued a 4" round mirror. Deflecting a sun beam that shines into the eyes of an opponent, renders the opponent incapicitated (dead) for a long count before they can reenter the game. A 'hit' is easily identified by the immediate wince and squint facial expression, so its very hard to cheat. Disagreements can usually be settled by a duel at 20 paces...very entertaining. I suppose a sunbeam is not a laser, and a mirror is not a weapon-like implement. So we should be okay as best as I can tell. Plus its some of

Investment A couple of hundred bucks and hours a year. Less than a month of smokes or gasoline Less than the time spent watching TV Less than the time most people spend commuting Return Unlimited opportunities for fellowship Unlimited opportunities for exploration Unlimited opportunities for service Unlimited opportunities for personal development Unlimited opportunities for leadership/followship Unlimited opportunities for learning Unlimited opportunities for self discovery Unlimited opportunities for great memories I think the return is there, if you are op

I would have a meeting with his parents to discuss some of the specific issues that have arisen and seek their counsel on how to best manage his behavior in the future. I would be looking for ways to help this boy, rather than ideas for meting out discipline.

'Our favorite holding period is forever.' ~ Warren Buffet

A Pinewood Derby Trophy's Lament I sit here all bright and gleaming As the boys laugh and play And the parents connive and scheming Who will take me home today Little Johnny has one ugly ride Made it all by myself he says Every race, its on the losing side Who will take me home today Big Red looks like a brick Its wheels wobble and sway Someone must not have shared the trick Who will take me home today In the corner, men talk about thrust To the bitter end they will stay Underneath a cloud of graphite dust Who will take me home today Oh uh, a li

I think they are trying... http://www.boyslife.org/