shortridge

Seems like this thread should have split seven different ways already. Narraticong wrote: "It's always been my understanding that WB is the pinnacle of Scout training." That's always been my understanding as well. As a non-WB'er who came up through Scouting during the time of the "old" program, I always thought Wood Badge was the top-of-the-line program that taught adults everything they needed to know. I was always encouraged to attend Wood Badge once I became an adult leader. Now, having read the pros and cons on this forum, I'm not so sure it'd be all that helpful.

Yeah, those rules should be updated. That's silly and sexist.

If you still can't find anything around you, another option is to look into Readyman programs at your local council day camp or resident camp.(This message has been edited by shortridge)

If National had delivered such an edict, one would think that it would be included on the national Web site, to help get the word out. A search of oa-bsa.org turns up many uses of the word "regalia," so I don't think that what some have heard is true.

I can't answer that specific question - I'm a council camp guy, born and bred - but there are lots of details and great planning tips for independent troop camps in the older Scoutmaster Handbooks and Handbook for Patrol Leaders. I have copies from the '50s. scottmphoto - $190 is CHEAP from an East Coast perspective. My local camp is up to $305, and that's with the early-bird discount.

Which camp does this take place at?

Lots of 'em at Scoutstuff: http://tinyurl.com/8d332b EDITED: Sorry, I misread the question. That link is for the medallions from National. Here's a company that produces custom medallions: customhikingmedallions.com/Site/CustomHikingMedallions-668.html And another here that says it's an official BSA licensee: www.scoutingcoins.com/custom_hikingmedallions.php Kudu also hosts an article that explains how to make one: www.kudu.net/outdoor/skills/b-p/medallions.htm(This message has been edited by shortridge)

SctDad, In this case, his affiliation was included as an identification in an official state voters' guide. In other words, he chose that to ID himself. That's how it got onto the newspaper's radar screen.

jet, Suggest that they re-think the plan. The Scouts would love it. I wouldn't do that in front of my 4-year-old, but an 11-year-old ought to be able to handle it.(This message has been edited by shortridge)

Since you're not "racing" per se, consider making your car stand out by doing something showy - feathers attached to the hood, tires on the roof, a small squirtgun rack on the back, etc. The kids'll get a kick out of it.

That's a really nice prayer. Thanks for sharing!

An even clearer statement on the issue: "Any Venturer who achieved the First Class rank as a Boy Scout in a troop or Varsity Scout in a team may continue working for the Star, Life, and Eagle Scout ranks and Eagle Palms while registered as a Venturer up to his 18th birthday." www.scouting.org/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/eagle.aspx (look at the first note under the requirements) I don't know when it "changed" - probably with the advent of Venturing? - but it doesn't matter. Sounds like a couple of busybodies. You're right, they're wrong, don't worry about it.(This message has

Since it's at the local council camp, and used for Boy Scout programs already, will you be allowed to use the BS trading post building and items for sale? That'll help you tremendously.

SctDad, When I staffed a resident camp TP, we sold shaving cream only to leaders or Boy Scouts who were clearly in need of a shave. No need to enable pranksters. They'll just learn to plan ahead for next year. Shaving gel is even worse... try getting it cleaned out of your shoes or off your pillow, tent or latrine seat. I wouldn't sell silly string - it can be biodegradable, but it takes a really long time to degrade, making camp areas look very unkempt, and can also stain. I also wouldn't offer water balloons, since they don't exactly degrade very well and can harm wildlife. (The ex

If it's a trading post designed for Cubs, then scrap uniform parts, awards cards, etc. Maybe have a few adult-oriented program materials and supplies, but for the rest, put the kids first. The council service center and the national catalog are the place to get that kind of stuff. Your Cubs will eat up smaller, affordable items - pocketknives, whetstones, craft lace (gimp), whistles, water bottles, patches, T-shirts, simple pocket first-aid kits, Hot Sparks, collapsible cups, small magnifying glasses, bubble compasses, thermometers, snakebite kits. Set your price points carefully, so a ki

It's worth noting that the U.S. Army doesn't even have a one-size-fits-all, unisex height/weight chart. Their max weight limits are divided between male/female and age ranges. http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/apa/rc/weight.htm

I see your point, but generally, a ceremony is a public recognition of a private accomplishment. It signifies the Cub becoming a Boy Scout, generally including the outward trappings of epaulets and neckerchief. If they haven't crossed over, then why have a crossover ceremony?

Skip it. That's nuts. You can always do a more meaningful recognition ceremony on the den level for your Tigers when they finish up. Invite parents and siblings for a family night-style meeting-slash-show. The organizer is out of her mind.

I'd tend to agree with jimster. If they cross over, they're Boy Scouts, and can't retroactively earn Cub Scout awards. If it was a matter of simply awarding the AOL, I'd say you have a bit more leeway. But a Boy Scout, even a newly minted one, can't complete Cub Scout requirements. That said, don't lose hope. The requirement reads "With your Webelos den, visit at least one Boy Scout troop meeting, and one Boy Scout-oriented outdoor activity." The latter element doesn't necessarily mean an overnight outing. It could mean a day nature hike, a knots-and-lashings instruction day, a hands-on c

To clarify... you're in charge of your council's Hometown News committee for the jamboree? No, I don't think you need to step down or find someone else. You're clearly interested, and enthusiasm counts for a lot. You can study up on your own and encourage your Scouts to do likewise. One book that I used in college and found to be very readable is "Writing the News," by Walter Fox. It's a fairly slim volume, not daunting to Scouts who are interested in this sort of thing. A general observation: Newspapers are cutting staff left and right - editors, reporters, photographers - as the ec

ASM915, I have no idea... just passing along info from another source. I came along in the '80s and have never even seen a square neckerchief in the flesh, so to speak.

Count me as one of those who's extremely nervous and cautious about spending on ANYTHING these days. The big-ticket experiences - summer camp, Jambo, HA treks - will undoubtedly take a hit. But overall, Scouting is still VERY inexpensive compared to other activities. That's especially true if units do some creative fundraising and grassroots gear work - where Scouts make their own packs and tents, much like they did in days gone by. It seems to me that the time is ripe for units that want to create their own summer camp experience. Where I live, you can still get a state park pass fo

John and emb, Thanks for the clarification!

Any ASM, between the ages of 18 and 21, who has attained First Class is eligible (assuming the requirements for camping and Scoutmaster's approval have been met). Wouldn't that also apply to members of the unit committee between ages 18 and 21?

I'm thinking primarily of the male/female adult accompaniment and separate sleeping facilities rule for Venturing trips and outings. Since this isn't a safeguarded forum, I'd prefer not to go into details about the inductions process. I hope it can suffice for me to say that there are times during the inductions process when small groups work and operate independently, often in remote areas of the camp. I would be curious about how those group activities would be affected. In addition, there's the obvious addition of separate areas or times for showers and changing clothes. Granted,