shortridge

beascout.org is run by the Cradle of Liberty Council. I'd assume that's Philly? I haven't seen the commercials, not being in that metro area, but the Web site is not impressive. There are a lot of typos ("Den-Leader") and just plain bad information. (E.g.: "All adult leader positions, such as Scoutmaster, Committee Chair, and Committee Members, are filled by volunteer parents..." Really? That'd be a shock to my old SM, who didn't have a kid in the troop...) I'm really surprised that an individual council saw the need to launch such an effort when National already has the web infrastructure set up. But I've seen a lot of links from other council pages to beascout.org over the last few weeks and months, so I guess it's gathering steam. In addition, there's no mention of or link to Venturing program information. I wonder why that is. Is Venturing not big in CoL?(This message has been edited by shortridge)

"I can understand why Brent would think it is vital cuz its the only recognition he ever got or ever will in his life." Off-topic, I know... but why is this line of argument necessary? And how does it fit with Scoutlike behavior? Back on-topic... IMO, the beads are a form of communication between WB alumni and staff. I'd wager that very few people outside the fraternity (like myself) understand the significance of two, three or four beads. If you want to communicate your experience to others who've BT, DT, then yeah, wearing extra beads might be helpful. Otherwise, they don't really mean more than two beads.

Dry cleaning?? Really? Goodness... The only patch that I've ever had a bad experience with was my original OA lodge flap. It was sewn on, and within a year it had shrunk and shriveled around the edges - looked like it was withered. But I got a new flap when I converted to Brotherhood, so it worked out OK. No problem with the second one.

If I were a COR or CC, and someone came to me with the explanation the OP gave, I'd have no problem turning him down flat. "It's not mine" is a constant refrain to police in such cases. I'd want to hear more from the OP about the relationship with his sister-in-law - to wit, why he apparently took the fall for her and didn't pursue an appeal. A felony drug conviction is a huge disqualifier from all types of employment, not just a volunteer job in Scouting, so the OP should have known that this case would have far-reaching impacts. I certainly believe in redemption and change, and that good people can make mistakes. But I'd take a very careful look at this case. And yes, Curious, I also would request the original documents and files - not to judge the case again, but to see if he ever brought the issue of ownership up to the police officer or at trial. If he didn't put the "it's-not-mine" argument on the record then, that's very telling now. If OMH is still here lurking, I wish him the best of luck.

Had a ScoutMaster tell a boy that he will never get his leave no trace award till he knows how to be quiet on a hike. The boy likes to talk and will talk your ear off. Never heard the quiet requirement. No, but if you're an aggravated SM wanting some peace and quiet...

"including 6 boys in our troop who had just crossed over" How did they get the 15 days of camping and 1st Class if they just crossed over That's easy. Theoretically, it's entirely possible to be OA eligible within just a few months. If you cross over at the Blue & Gold Banquet in February and go camping immediately that month, plus March through June, and go to summer camp in July, you'd have those 15 days and nights with no problem. And with enough hard work and a T-F-2C camp program, First Class should be a snap. Would it be a good idea for an 11-year-old to be elected to the OA? No, in my opinion. But it is possible.

On the knots & lashings question --- Build a pioneering kit, much like the Pioneering MB book recommends, and you don't have to cut things down at each campout, or spend half your time looking for downed spars that aren't rotten. Scouts like to build big things. Doing a gateway every time gets boring. So try a big project like a tower or bridge - just build it on a smaller scale, a practice version with regular-sized staves and sticks instead of large logs. Once they've gotten the hang of it a few times, obtain the larger materials and have them go at it.

Don't forget the old Disney Davy Crockett TV shows. Matewan is also a great movie, though long and violent (though no more so than the Patriot).

As a felony, such a conviction would have shown up on most employers' background checks, as well. How have you dealt with this issue over the last 12 years?

For Wilderness First Aid, the Wilderness Safety Council (wfa.net) is holding a course in November in Harrisburg. Cost is $200.

For placing portable flagpoles upright, I've also seen units use a piece of plastic pipe that fits the pole inside, cut diagonally at one end to be driven into the ground more easily. Downside is it leaves a nasty scar on the ground. If you have some time and want to do something cool that'll really impress the Cubs, try the floating flagpole: http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Gorge/4478/flag.html

Merlyn, I think you're reading too much into the 1993 and 2004 policy statements. They seem more like a refining of the language. I don't see anything that suggests that policy was changed. From 1993 (quoted by the BSADiscrimination.org folks): "Accordingly, we do not allow for the registration of avowed homosexuals as members or as leaders of the BSA." Present (bsalegal.org): "Boy Scouts of America believes that homosexual conduct is inconsistent with the obligations in the Scout Oath and Scout Law to be morally straight and clean in thought, word, and deed. The conduct of youth members must be in compliance with the Scout Oath and Law, and membership in Boy Scouts of America is contingent upon the willingness to accept Scoutings values and beliefs." ---------- BP, I'll reply to whomever I like. But thanks for playing.(This message has been edited by shortridge)

Why would uniforming expectations be any different at an Eagle BOR versus a Life or Star BOR?

I couldn't find anything in the article that says or implies the young man is even an Explorer, beyond wearing a T-shirt. And since Exploring/Learning For Life membership policies aren't the same as traditional Scouting, what's the kerfluffle? As for traditional Scouting, the 2002 national board resolution seems to not differentiate between youth leadership and general membership: "WHEREAS the national officers further agree that homosexual conduct is inconsistent with the traditional values espoused in the Scout Oath and Law..."

NealOnWheels found the better quote on this policy, which clearly establishes it's the Scout who should pick the buddy. It's the MBC's responsibility, if the Scout shows up without a buddy, to put the brakes on. Policy aside, if I were an SM, I wouldn't refer my Scouts to an MBC who insisted that his -- wife, fishing buddy, brother, child, fill in the blank -- be the Scout's buddy. One of the CYA elements of youth protection is having a third party on hand who can attest that nothing untoward happened. To have that third party chosen by the MBC? Not exactly kosher in my book.

"A merit badge counselor must always ensure that a Scout has a "buddy" present at all instruction sessions. Working on merit badges is especially enjoyable when Scouts work together, and the BSA encourages this by making the buddy system a part of the merit badge program. Together the two meet with merit badge counselors, plan projects, and keep their enthusiasm high. The Scout's buddy could be another Scout, a parent or guardian, brother or sister, relative, or friend. The Scout should bring a buddy to all his appointments with his counselor." -- http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/TrainingModules/MeritBadgeCounselorInstructorsGuide.aspx It's clear that the buddy is the Scout's buddy, not the MBC's. Frankly, I'd be a little weirded out by an MBC who tried to dictate a Scout's choice of a buddy. What would be the point? You want to make sure the buddy is someone the Scout is comfortable learning with.

BDPT100: "The Scout then contacts the merit badge counselor and makes an appointment. The merit badge counselor sets a date and time to meet with the Scout and his buddy, and may suggest the Scout bring the merit badge pamphlet along with the blue card." - Guide for Merit Badge Counselors, http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/GuideforMeritBadgeCounselors.aspx

Worksheets? To answer the O.P., troops holding their own summer camps was the way "it used to be done." Check out some of the older PL and SM handbooks for ideas and examples. I've never encountered a unit that does it that way now, though.

The shirt and necker are all that are really necessary for the Cubs. I never owned a pair of pants or shorts until I got into Boy Scouts. And the Cubs that had hats usually lost them with regularity. To encourage neckerchief use, making a slide is a great den activity! Also, where can I get a swear shirt?? That could come in handy from time to time.

BadenP, I live in a very rural area, and I see the sports issue every year. Teaching youth is one thing. Getting them to commit to a long-term goal, project, cause or trek is entirely another, IMHO.(This message has been edited by shortridge)

I have seen those, but never worn them. Alas!

prairie - I line-dry my switchbacks alongside my daughter's school uniforms, and they do just fine. CMM - Chalk me up for liking the red-top knee socks. They were practical (anti-tick protection) and looked sharp. But with the uniform now lacking red loops, I'm not sure they'd match as well.

Sorry, but I don't buy that attention-span argument. These same kids who flake out at a Scout meeting in the church basement or get bored sitting at a picnic table learning knots will spend hours playing football, or in the baseball batting cage, or working on building a Web site, or playing video games, or building models, or reading books, or skateboarding, or chasing girls, or cruising around town once they get their licenses, or rebuilding a car engine, or taking flying lessons. The more academically focused will spend hours practicing and studying for the SAT, doing homework for AP courses or working on extra-credit projects. They will commit to something if they see the value in it to them, if they are invested in it, if it's in their face every day and - yes - if it's interesting enough to hold their attention. I think the in-your-face element of that is one of the most important. Look at the kids - and parents, heck! - who naively believe they can win a baseball scholarship and get a slot in the majors. They commit to hours and hours of practice, hundreds of dollars in gear, grueling games and practices and getting yelled at by coaches for an ephemeral dream. Baseball is in their face every day, and it's become part of society. Imagine if Scouting were on prime-time TV every day, if Scouts got big bucks for endorsing sodas and shoes, if newscasts and newspapers devoted minutes and pages to covering Scouting, if the adventures and heroism of Scouts were promoted through the culture non-stop. What kind of an impact do you think that might have on the commitment of our youth? The good news is that there are ways you can do that on the local level. It just takes some creativity and hard work.

"Finally got a hold of him and he told me the bad news, he said everything is a the office and he can't get to it, as the officals are keeping him on hold." Sounds to me like your DE may be feeding you a line of horse puckey. The forms have been submitted to the council office, but he can't follow through by placing a phone call? He didn't even offer you the name of the responsible person to talk to? Not cool. Unless he's been laid off or furloughed, he's still working. This is part of how he earns his paycheck, by helping to start and support units in the district.

With its fletching cut short and its head knapped long, ohhhhh where oh where can it beeeee? Just a little humor. Sorry if I confused anyone.(This message has been edited by shortridge)