skeptic

I find it interesting that we are seeing basically an updated version of the first moon program. And the same lines of interest amazingly reappear with the youth. HMMM. Could we, as a society, maybe keep the strongest building blocks and share their evolutionary options as bait for the youth? While I have concerns about the worst of the video game intrusions on some, I also see what appears to be serious parallels to the huge science charge the first decade of the space race. No good science is wasted, and often reintroductions of some concepts may lead to unique new concepts and developments. That after all is what comes from the challenges, some of which may stem from the scary video game concerns. How many of the current day "normal" things were seen in fiction and earlier science probes? When was the last time someone made a list of how many now basic tools and concepts came from the Race to the Moon? Not only Tang. Think about how much easier outdoor activities are with the developments that reach back to the prep for the moon. How many new materials are mainstream in tents, packs, navigation, and so on? Young people are often ignored with their idea, yet once in a while those same youth make amazing things, on their own, like the young woman that developed the way to separate micro plastic from the water.

You cannot take Scouting out of the larger community or its issues. You can fliter that community through the tenets of Scouting to make the community hopefully better. YP or whatever the current name is, represents a positive feedback into those larger communities, and the concepts continue to evolve and get stronger, which in turn helps both the program, and those it serves.

Three words that maake a huge difference. "balance", "awareness", and "responsiveness". And these concepts actually relate to youth moving from group levels anywhere. And let them fail, as long as it is safe and then pick them up to try again. All of this of course needs adults to "adult".

And if that person became the character on Ghosts it would still be the fault of Scouting America,etal. At least in this country.

What if's are the worst problem, as we now live in a society that makes them more important than they should be and there is a legal vulture just waiting. But, we also seem afraid to just be normal and use commn sense within the given framework. No answer to most of it due to our specific "blame" society.

Suspect this is not a coincidence. It was sent to leaders on the list for Scouting Safety. Note the heading. " Scouting Safety Newsletter: SAFE Checklist Revisited! Aol/Old Mail Scouting America www.scouting.org From:[email protected] Unsubscribe To:[email protected] Thu, Mar 26 at 3:03 PM View Online S is for Supervision Scouting America’s SAFE Checklist is the primary methodology we use to help ensure all Scouting America activities are conducted safely. While Scouting America expects leaders to use the four points of SAFE when delivering the Scouting Program, this article will be focusing on the first point: Supervision Our movement has always worked on the concept of youth-led adventure, supervised by qualified and trustworthy adults. Today we codify this concept in the SAFE Checklist. Adults supervising youth: Accept the responsibility for the well-being and safety of youth under their care Ensure that adults are adequately trained, experienced and skilled to lead the activity, including the ability to recognize and respond to likely hazards and potential emergencies Know and deliver the program of Scouting America with integrity Use qualified instructors, guides or safety personnel as needed to provide additional guidance Maintain engagement with participants during activities to ensure compliance with established rules and procedures Supervision is not a checkbox step in Scouting, or a one and done. Rather, supervision is the continually occurring process leaders use to ensure adventures have safe and positive outcomes. Scouters must be honest about assessing their knowledge in any given subject to ensure they have the knowledge, skills and abilities to recognize hazards and respond to them properly. Units often need to be strategic and help ensure their adult leaders have the correct training for planned adventures throughout the year. Remember, your council can help connect you with upcoming training activities. Scouters’ knowledge also extends to the program of Scouting America. One way to think of that is to understand “what chapter and page” you are in the Scouting program. If you can’t find an activity in our official materials, that is a good sign it is not aligned with our program goals. An adult leader should only deliver official program-approved materials from qualified subject matter experts. Lastly, supervision means being involved in activities so that you can detect hazards before they occur and help ensure participants are engaged properly. Supervision is not just watching the exits, but being involved in the moment with Scouts, which also demonstrates what real leadership looks like. Visit Scouting America’s Safety Moment landing page here! If you have a safety moment idea for the Scouting Safely website, share your draft with us at [email protected], and we’ll consider it for publication. If you have questions, email us for guidance or support. Together, let’s grow a strong Culture of Safety in Scouting! Read this month's newsletter here. Resources: SAFE Checklist Guide to Safe Scouting Scouting America Code of Conduct"

Yup; I had a similar issue due to changes in codes for training and changing council. It took a number of reviews with our fabulous registrar to get it all fixed, but now it does show up on the records. The one thing that does not show in training is the completion of PTC courses. Have taken a number of them, both district, council, and unit, along with the special on Historical material. As noted, keep the certs and such. My OA entry was as a youth in 1959 in a defunct council. Have the cards. But, also misplaced a few items and simply redid the update rather than wrestle with it. I just thought about my PTC comment. Would that not be something National might review and fix, especially specialized courses that qualify people for less common areas? If nothing else, they could add a PTC section to the records.

While this seems true, I am not convinced it is. On the other hand, I do perceive that many have turned inward, so to speak, and are tring to find the path that will allow the real Scouting to again bloom. But, I also am seeing far too many "giving up", or simply retreating to do what they feel will work, regardless of pressures from the outside. Scouting is best in my worn views when shared with a broader group of youth and adults. BP called it aa brotherhood, and it still is if we allow it. How to allow it with the issues we face is the greater struggle. I hope my great grand nephew, who has an Eagle father, and a Scouting believer as a GF will still experience the better possibilities. Would I live to see him also become an Eagle, or simply like his GF, a firm believer in the Spirit of Scouting. We have a gathering of Leaders locally at a breakfast on Saturdy coming, and the interhanges from the first two of these recently institued sharings has proven worthwhile. The Merit Badge events, for example have been over hauled and are getting better and more focused on the actual requirements. Also, they are nown being broken up to fewer badges, instead focusing on just a dozen or fewer. Still a long way to go, and I am still fighting with them to recognize the need to put our history forward, as well as sevice beyond the "big" events. Community is still silently behind the ideas of Scouting, but they too seem to be holding their brath to see if we can fight our way back. Time will tell, and hopefully I may hold on long enough to see the larger steps.

This old guy feels as if it does matter and we should stop accepting these types of things and putting some honesty back into our units and setting a better example. Probably, and sadly, you are likely to be more correct than I am, and we seem to have lost sight of much of the best Character examples we have tried to exemplify over time. But, maybe not??

One of the things that has I have often felt as a leader is that the concept of breadth in merit badge options should be reinstated. IN the fifties and sixties we had the required badges of the time, but also a "selection" from a number of categories which broadened the picture. It was similar to the once required college breadth for graduation that included classes from the less common areas, including art and music. That, in my opinion, leads to a bit more depth of knowledge and the world in general. What might be the thoughts on this being reinstated in a more modern manner?

Absolute safety is a mirage. Sometimes things just happen, even with every precaution. And every effort to find perfection will fail, no matter what. And in this country, the legal vultures constantly circle because we let them.

With my long beard (not reaally, it will not grow long), I have the imagined perspective of a seasoned adult. And that is the point. How many of the issues we see posted here would simply solve themselves if we, you know, "act" like adults? Hmmmm!

In our society, that is the United States of America, the legal systme is so twisted that it does not protect most of us and can be rigged or leveraged to generally put the onus on those with the least ability to fight it. And personal responsibility too often is brushed aside by the "corporate", especially the insurance industry. Meanwhile, ridiculous payments continue to be made when someone can leverage the system effectively. And, when the insurance is forced to pay, it is likely the insured will be priced out of future insurance of dropped all together. Even small claims can lead to increased cost to the insured, whether or not they have had others. If somebody has no claim for ten years, yet pays on time and fulfills that obligation, why is it legal or seen as acceptable for the company to then drop them or raise their rates drastically? It is a Catch 22.

https://www.fox10tv.com/2026/03/04/family-claims-5-year-old-was-beaten-cub-scout-meeting-while-pack-leader-was-outside-vaping/ After reviewing this and a number of other related pieces from the ether, I cannot say anynthing else but: FOLLOW THE RULES AND BE ADULTS. I am sure the whole story will never be shared, but the basics indicate a lack of paying attention, both by the leaders and the parent. Does it equate to a huge settlement? In our society, it likely will. Should it? In my view, no; but that is not the legal world in which we here exist. Balance and fairness, not "wind all you can". (hmmmm).

This theme has appeared often over my time here on the forum, and it almost alway comes back to reality of lives and responsibilities outside of the program. Early in my long tenure, now fiftyish, I was visiting my parents and mentioned my frustrations to my father, the man that in my youngest years worked three jobs, one full time with a long drive to and from. Anyway, he looked at me and laughed. He said something to the effect of, "nothing new". Then he asked if I thought that all my scout brothers' parents were involved as he was. He was on the committee in a number of jobs, as actually was my mother for the time. She had been a denmother for my brother. He told me a couple of stories that matched mine like a Polaroid almost. Then he told me that if it was important to someone, they somehow would work at it and often find the time. But also he told me that life could wear you down, and that Scouting involvement also could, and likely would.

I might add to your comment the concept of true service and community involvement, often integrated with that outdoor element. It often seems some of the most laudable services revolve around outdoor protection and rejuvenation, along with access improvement.

My wasting tech skills are showing. Oh well. I continue to find it odd that the discussions on the MB going away basically are rehashing the gripes when it was put in place. I said at the time that I thought it was simply unneeded if we were using the simple concept of Scout Spirit as part of their reviews, and also as leaders doing our best as well. IF the rank review, the thing called the SM Conference touches the review of Spirit, then it is a regular review of how well the Scout, and frankly, many adults understand the concepts. But I am old, and still considered Woke by a few, whatever that actually means

One of my local Scouters posed a good point to consider. BSA went to court to avoid militarism in the early days and pushed many early groups out, absorbing them or just letting them dry up, so to speak. But, the cooperation of the Government and military with Scouting has been a mainstay of the program ver the years, and not just at Jamborees. Support for many early Sea Scout groups was directly related to naval bases and the Coast Guard. But it was mostly symbiotic in that the Scouts got contact and excitement, and the military groups got opportunities to work with larger groups in organization and staging, and so on. Indirectly, the selling of War Bonds was part of this as well. Of course, most interactions were peripheral much of the time. Tours and on-base campsites were often available at larger installations. Our troop, for years, camped annually at Edwards and also went to Air Shows there on those camping weekends. All went away with 9-11. A concern has been noted that we need to seriously consider what a merit badge for Military Service might entail, but it is a bit dicey on the surace, and I would not want to see something that could put pressure in some manner to join.

As I noted locally, we now pretty much have the ball in our respective courts, and we are challenged to find the correct direction, on our local levels. This can lead to some truly great outcomes, but it may also find greater challenges for locals, especially those already struggling. Local councils are an enigma it seems, either poorly led, or simply overwhelmed by National directives and erratic direction. Time will tell. I hope the true Spirit wins out and comes out stronger.

The addition was two years ago almost; so what could is/was the problem? Most of us dealt with it within weeks or a couple of months at best. We did two or three group classes since, and yes, we got some interesting views from the youth, some that made the leaders sit up and think a bit harder. Still, no relly needed if we encourage "Spirit".

The scouts never had issue with them, only the parents.

This is directly connected to the letter I received earlier today in my email. " Scouting America and the Department of War Scouting Family, Today, Scouting America and the Department of War finalized a commitment to strengthen our longstanding partnership with the U.S. military. Over several months, we engaged in dialogue with Department leadership to align on how we could deepen our service to military families, while making programmatic updates to comply with Executive Order 14173. Throughout our discussions, we remained true to the core commitments that define our organization—our name, our mission, and our promise to serve all youth in our programs. Those commitments are unchanged. We will continue to deliver stability, mentorship, and opportunity to the children of those who serve our nation. What This Agreement Delivers Continued support for Scouting on military installations worldwide Ongoing Department support for National Jamborees and other events New benefits for military families, including waiving registration fees for children of active-duty, Guard, and Reserve families Launching a new Military Service merit badge, developed in cooperation with the Department Memorializing our existing practices for membership registration and safeguarding youth As part of Scouting America’s commitment to comply with Executive Order 14173, we will be discontinuing the Citizenship in Society merit badge. While this change complies with the Executive Order, the lessons found in this merit badge are found throughout the Scouting program. Scouting has always taught respect for others, leadership, and consideration of diverse perspectives through the ideals enshrined in the Scout Oath and Law. Scouting America’s mission remains unchanged and is reinforced across our advancement, leadership development, and outdoor experiences. Our emphasis on duty to God, duty to country, and service to others is strengthened by this partnership. Scouting’s values have not changed, and they will not change. Why This Partnership Matters Since 1910, Scouting America has played a strategic role in strengthening our nation’s military readiness. More than 130 million Americans have been Scouts. Millions have gone on to serve as military leaders, first responders, educators, and civic leaders. For military families navigating deployments and frequent moves, Scouting has long provided a steady anchor during times of uncertainty. Service to Military Families In our discussions, we affirmed Scouting’s deep commitment to military families. To that end, we will waive the national registration fees of all active duty, Reserve and Guard troops. Your support in this effort is critical – and we encourage you to make a donation to support Scouting families. Click here to give today. How to Communicate Locally When speaking with families and volunteers, lead with confidence and clarity: This agreement provides continuity for military families It supports Scouting on military bases and support for events such as National Jamborees Fee waivers will be available for active-duty, Guard, and Reserve families Program updates were made to comply with Executive Order 14173 Our mission, and commitment to serving all youth remains unchanged Membership registration and our practices to safeguard youth remain unchanged Scouting America works constructively with every administration—always focused on serving youth. Our Resolve For more than a century, Scouting America has endured because we are resilient, principled and unwavering in our mission. We remain committed to developing leaders of character. We remain committed to service and our nation. We remain committed to the principles enshrined in our Scout Oath and Scout Law. Thank you for your leadership and dedication to Scouting America. Respectfully, Roger A. Krone Chief Scout Executive President & CEO Scouting America Copyright © 2026 Boy Scouts of America. All rights reserved. Scouting America 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane Irving, TX 75038 I am pleased that those within our leadership in Washington have stepped up and worked out the wrinkles a little. For me, the MB was never needed, and it was always just, as some of my naysayers locally have noted, a woke response to things. The elements covered in the MB always were there if one paid attention to the concept of Scout Spirit, so we have untied one unneeded knot, or so I hope.

This seems to me to reflect the misdirection of intent. IF the ORDER is an honor group dedicated to service, and once focused on enhancing the outdoor programs within the units and Councils, becoming Vigil or even Brotherhood should be secondary to simply following the spirit of the ORDER. Similar to putting becoming Eagle as the primary reason to be a Scout. Just the old curmudgeon's personal point of view.

But didn't the lawsuit raid the OA endowment? What is to stop that from happening still?