skeptic

So, what we seem to have is an understanding that the conference of which we speak is for advancement, but the written description is not worded as such. So, perhaps the people with the ability should review a minor revision of the wording to make it fit the intent, and make it clear that this might lead to secondary, or possibly even tertiary conferences in rare cases. Of course, as a leader, we can also simply tell the scout up front that there is this possibility. No matter what, you will have occasional difficult decisions as a SM, and also occasional misunderstandings or simply d

Moderators: at what point do you decide to lock down the pettiness by simply locking the thread? Please, I am getting a headache trying to wade through all this nonsense in hope that something worthwhile may appear. I really would prefer not to simply block them, as occasionally they actually have something to say that is on point and is not petty bickering and fingerpointing. Thanks for listening.

Sorry, but that is too cut and dried, which of course is why this discussion is still happening (well, bull headed and obdurate personalities aside); Most reasonable and legitimate rules/laws should be obeyed, but harmful, or unreasonable ones are subject to question and possible pressure to change, including civil disobedience or similar activity.

Many of you may have read Heinlien's STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND. I am reminded of the book with these discussions, as the main character (forgot name), who was human, but born and raised on Mars by Martians, and returned to Earth by a later exploration party, often said something to the effect "Thou Art God". The premise in the book, as far as I could ascertain anyway, was the idea that Martians believed God was in everyone, thus the expression, "Thou Art God". The problems arose though from an apparent ritual of what we would call cannibalism, something about becoming one with the other on

Okay guys; agree to disagree and move on!! This continued nonsense is the kind of thing that will drive people away from bothering to read any more. And that could deprive them of something that is actually useful. Enough already!! JMHO

Well, perhaps we should add something to reflect today's problems; you know, surviving in the urban jungle after you end up on the street. Just kidding!!

My experience is pretty much frustration, with email, a troop site with a calendar, and phone messages. Seldom get any responses to anything. Scouts and parents complain they did not know, but there were verbal reminders, paper reminders, calendar entries, and emails. Being busy is not an excuse. Unfortunately, I think it is simply a reflection of our society again. Unless it is a high priority at the moment, it is ignored. Commitment to anything is contingent on something more interesting or fun not coming along. But that is just me; maybe I am all wet, or simply too old.

Typical guy things, like all else, need to be monitored to make sure they stay "typical" and do not lead to poor decisions. That being said, we all did the arm punching back in "the day"; but we followed the unspoken code to stop when asked. Too much protection is just as bad as not enough; kids need to do kid things. JMHO

nolesrules: While I can understand your comment about leaving things in HOA documents, you need to understand the ridiculous and expensive process, at least in California, it takes to legally change these things. Our original documents dated to the beginning, and were implemented at the start of the association. California law has constantly changed, making many parts of the governing documents unenforceable. Two years or so ago, we finally got them updated. The process took over a year of legal rewriting and ended up costing over $5000. And they still were not in effect until over s

Yep, a twenty year vet pin from mid 70's or earlier. I have a 10 year similar to it I got about 76 or so, with one Roman numeral; but my 15 has regular numbers.

We had a scout for about 3 years with it, and he struggled a lot with some of its effects. But he was on a lot of meds that kept it somewhat under control. His tics were usually relatively minor, and the outbursts fairly rare. But, on longer outings, especially summer camp, over tiredness and not getting meds on time made it harder for us all. Early on though, with the permission of the parents (actually his father participated)we sat the boys down and simply discussed it with them. That made a huge difference, and he was generally accepted. He finally dropped out as advanced puberty

Let's look at this from the perspective of what our society in general does in education. "No Child Left Behind" has proven to be a wonderful idea, but not very practical in the way it is being pushed. Important cultural subjects are being put in the "if we can find time" category, while teachers are basically teaching to the test rather than developing independent knowledge. Passing the test is all that is important; it makes no difference if you forget it afterwards. Scout skills need to be practiced, or they will not be remembered very well, especially pioneering, compass, and eve

One way to keep the citizenship focus there, but eliminate required badges would possibly be putting them back into a single badge in the manner of the old Civics badge. Some general requirements that are inclusive of all 3 levels, then some more specific focus in one or two requirements for each area. Not sure about Family Life, which is really sort of related to the old Citizenship in the Home and the Family Living skill award. Could also re-institute the grouping ideas for some required badges like we had in the 50's; choose one from -----, that type of thing. But, what would do the mos

From what is viewable, I would have to say this is NOT a scouting uniform from that era, or even an earlier era. Frankly, it looks more like the Japanese military uniforms seen in many WWII photos if anything. Realistically, it is likely an outfit put together from what was available at the time under stressful circumstances. JMHO.

"Perhaps someone should "try" to explain that to the current Executive team! Not that they actually understand or care." I don't know what that means. Redefining the intent and meaning of "Executive Privilege"; e.g. refusing to respond to Congressional orders and so on. Fabricating special rules which fly in the face of our constitution and claiming it as their right, due to National Security. You cannot have forgotten that?!!?

"Congress makes policy. The President only executes it." Perhaps someone should "try" to explain that to the current Executive team! Not that they actually understand or care. Ooops; my disfavor is showing. Sorry. Frankly, I am not sure there is a politician of any ilk that really cares about the actual issues or what his or her constituents actually think, or how things effect them. But maybe I am just being cynical again.

Mr. LeRoy: It seems to me that you have, as part of your agenda, the idea that everybody in the BSA should abide by your understanding of how membership requirements should be administered. What you appear to never see is that most of the people who actually work within the program are not there to be nit pickers, but rather to do whatever is reasonable to bring the program to the greatest amount of youth possible. Your constant harping on the idea that a youth's statement made from a still maturing mind set should immediately be a reason to "kick them out" simply proves to me how

Jeans, or their equivalent for the period in history; always technically. As already noted, uniforming is not an absolute, at least on paper. Some troops have very specific policies, but it is not required; and partial uniforms have generally been considered as better than none at all. Many old photos will show all kinds of mis-matched attire, especially in the depression, but very few larger group photos from the early days have 100% uniforming.

It is "almost" funny, but actually sad the way some individuals on this board seem to live in a black cloud of negativity. Instead of constantly digging for any and all you perceive as wrong, then going on incessantly about it, why don't you just focus on your own troops or areas and work to improve them? It would not surprise me to find out a few of the worst are not even actually involved at this point, but are only here to stir the pot. While there are lots of reasons to question some decisions, and even some very specific negative occurrences, most are completely blown out of propor

Somewhere I believe I read that they are planning on offering the pamphlets through regular bookstores, such as Barnes and Noble. A good reason to make them more attractive visually, even if the content remains the same. Time will tell, but sounds like a good idea to me.

Have to agree with GW on this. We have a website, and half the members have never visited it, even though it has calendar, notices, congratulations, historical data, and tons of photos. Do not know how many times a scout or parent has told me they did not know such and such; asked why they did not look at the web site, they just shrugged and said it took too much time. Many seldom read emails either, then complain that they were not contacted. But they do not answer the phone or return calls either. Much has to do with simply the way they live. Whatever is in front of them at the moment

In regard to this discussion about the Gay issue, I think Neal's description of the development is fairly on target. What bothers me though is the idea that somehow BSA, by taking the more traditional path has become a pariah to so many, at least publicly. Scouting no where says that these individuals are bad people, only that their particular "open" or "public" displays of acceptance of what is called a lifestyle is not an acceptable role model for leadership. This has been beat to death in this forum, as well as in many others. The real problem is that a small group is trying to force a

From what I see and hear, Scouting is still respected and cool with a large majority; but they are those proverbial "silent" ones. We are not cool with the loud, out-spoken, often obnoxious PC people who, unfortunately includes much of the media. I think, at least from first impressions, our new Executive has recognized a lot of this and is attempting to focus the public more on all the positive elements and not over-react to the negative press attacks, while building on the solid parts of the foundation. We will see.

Many counselors teach Citizenship like school, especially Nation, as the info needed tends to be like a school subject. I know a number of them who use actual tests for Nation and World, especially if teaching at a "merit badge" midway or fair. There were some examples on "meritbadge.com". As someone noted earlier someplace, Nation pretty much follows the Constitution Test material used in middle schools. When I was a scout here in California, teachers were accepted counselors for this, and if you passed the state test, you passed the merit badge. A test is one more type of to

Not sure if this has been addressed to any extent recently. What are some of your thoughts on the semi-duplication of some knots for different programs, and having special knots for similar jobs in these programs. The ones I particularly do not really understand are the Scouter's Training and Scouter's Key. Why do they have separate knots for the cub part of the program, rather than simply wearing the cub device? This makes very little sense to me. Maybe I have just not been shown the logic.