skeptic

They had their Oath out front, for all to see, as well as a copy of their handbook. Nothing was being hidden. Most of the people showing interest were more interested in the direction of the basic program, which is closer to BSA than GS.

Just came back from a local mall Kids Expo, and the AHG were represented there, right next to one of our larger packs who represented BSA. There were a lot of people that seemed to show interest in the program and the new troop just being formed in our city. It is the 3rd or 4th in the county, and the family working on it is also involved in BSA. Their daughter did not like the GS program, but wanted to do stuff similar to her brother in cubs. I listened to people and was a bit surprised at how many really liked the AHG idea, even some who had been GS, or were already in GS. Still t

Thanks for the comments, both pro and con. Having spent years in the weather service, and lived in So Cal most of my life, I am very familiar with the possible repercussions of making a poor decision. It is one thing to be out and get hit by a storm, and being prepared to deal with it; another thing to go in the storm, especially when it is forecast to be as strong as this one. I also have a very small group with only a couple of adults regularly helping; one has MS, and one is just slightly younger than me, and I am pushing 70. My SPL was not at the meeting due to homework issues, and he

We were scheduled to do a drive in camp to a location on the California coast near the beach in Malibu. No fires are allowed, so cooking would be charcoal or gas. Our weather forecast has a major storm moving in now, and it was predicted earlier. The forecast has actually gotten worse since I decided Wednesday night to cancel, due to the weather. Having camped many times in inclement weather, I know how to do it, and I understand we should try to not cancel outings if possible. But, with a coastal foothill location, possible thunderstorms, and moderate to heavy rain in a flood prone area,

Cambridge: Don't feel bad; I have lived here my entire life and still have trouble understanding much about our political system. What I have even more difficulty with are the numerous people that scream about the government, yet refuse to participate in its election. In some respects, it is like the BSA and the complaints about some council operations. There IS a way to deal with it, but it takes more effort than most are willing or able to give; getting COR's to actually participate in mass is a real undertaking. Yet, when it happens, the council almost always changes. Same g

Our expectation is that the candidate will appear as a scout for the board, as the board is for a scout award. However, if there are extenuating circumstances, an adult uniform, then a suit or sport coat would be appropriate. Most still wear the youth uniform, as they are still in school, or just out.

Beavah; the possibly violated statute(s) relate to copyright and BSA's right to the items and their control. We "are not talking about old insignia here", rather current, restricted items somehow being obtained without the required paperwork being files. Big difference. And I am not a Francis, and you lost me on that inference. Must have something to do with someone that is too concerned about what some consider minor issues or things. " Is there a rule against selling them?" Actually there IS a rule about selling unauthorized items; that is why they have restrictive paperwork.

In order to purchase the patch, you are supposed to have required paperwork. It is not intended as a replacement patch for past Eagles, but one recognizing earning the award in the centennial year. NO ONE should be legitimately buying a quantity of the item without such documentation, which is not likely for the amount being offered. Surely, most Scouters should see the violation of Scout Law, not only by the seller on eBay, but whomever is bending rules somewhere (maybe getting a portion of profit)to allow the sale in the first place. As far as actual legal issues, that is, state or

This individual is again offering restricted items, specifically the Centennial Eagle patch, for sale at obscene profits. Two questions arise again: how does he obtain so many? And why will BSA or eBay not do something about it? To me it is simply wrong, especially from an individual who trumpets his being an Eagle. I realize there are some who apparently see nothing wrong with this; but I truly do not see how it is not illegal, since ranks require paperwork. He also is still offering a few other items from the actual Centennial which were supposedly restricted as well. http://stores

Just wonder what your expectation was for what came from National? As far as I know, the local troop, or family has always had to purchase the actual award and related paraphernalia. I did not even get a "large" certificate in 1959, only a card and letter. Of course, then the award was only the medal and patch; no additional pins and so on. It was sterling back then though; now the basic one is some kind of cast metal. If you want to spring for the sterling, it still is available, but considerably more costly.

http://m3foto.tumblr.com/post/18595233101/santorum-rally-spokane-valley-washington-2012 Not sure allowing Scout color guards at political functions is acceptable to BSA reg's, as they are not supposed to publicly support political groups. It is a grey area I guess if they "only" do the flags, and they do it for both sides. Still, a bit questionable it seems to me. The obvious boredom may not be the best publicity for the gathering either.

"If you're going to argue intellectual capacity........The other three are leaps and bounds ahead of Obama, especially when it comes to adherence to a personal philosophy." This statement is pretty questionable, especially in respect to the first part of it. Other than simply not liking President Obama, am not sure on what you base it. Guess it depends on your definition of "intellectual capacity". They are all double talk experts, but that does not make them more or less intelligent. Ron Paul is an actual doctor, so his educational background is deep, especially in that area; but som

When we ran the annual drives, everyone was "encouraged" to donate, but not necessarily pledge. Got a lot of $1 donations. I know at least once or twice, in the last store in which I worked, the store manager expected his underling managers to kick in a donation for any of their employees that did not do so themselves. I ran the drive once, and it we had a dozen or so that refused to participate, for whatever reason. Yet, somehow, we ended up with 100%, due to the behind the scene directive. The real irony was that when less pressure was used, we had better results, even if fewer donated.

Still curious as to the thoughts on our SE report at our annual meeting which I noted yesterday. Has anyone else seen such a public exposure of the latest policies? Is it an indicator of a change in direction?

My question would be how can I be shown "proof" that my designation "actually" went to the specified group? Getting a straight answer from them is like looking for the proverbial needle. But, I am retired and do not need to be concerned directly anymore.

We had our annual meeting gathering last night, and when the SE gave his report/speech, he spent a lot of time on this subject, indirectly. Basically, he noted the multi-level youth protection safe guards, and specifically mentioned the file as one of the barriers. While I have no idea if this came from National, it would seem that a SE would not publicly make these comments to a large group of scouters without some type of higher up approval. The fact that we are right next door to Santa Barbara adds to the weight of these statements. Maybe this is a new front on this issue by National; p

"Most of all, perhaps, we need intimate knowledge of the past. Not that the past has any magic about it, but because we cannot study the future, and yet need something to set against the present, to remind us that the basic assumptions have been quite different in different periods and that much which seems certain to the uneducated is merely temporary fashion. A man who has lived in many places is not likely to be deceived by the local errors of his native village; the scholar has lived in many times and is therefore in some degree immune from the great cataract of nonsense that pours from th

Come on folks; if you want an alternative, it is there, even if you may have to go to more than one group. If you are that disenchanted, then that may simply be your best solution. It is pretty obvious that a few are not content within the BSA systems, and keep complaining and knocking it. Work within it, find personal and local solutions, or go somewhere else. As I have stated previously, if you are so unhappy with BSA that you can find little positive to say here, then I am concerned as to how you come across to those with whom you work. Scouting, within the BSA organization or el

While this can be a problem, it should usually be a family issue, and theirs with which to deal. The more we make it an issue, the more likely it is to be used by rebellious teens or preteens as a dare, or to push the limits. In an overwhelming amount of cases, it certainly should not become a felony or reason to ruin lives forever due to stupid decisions. Sometimes it simply amazes me how often someone in our society can build all these mountains from mole hills, so to speak. If we do not over react, and treat each case as needed, on the family level if at all possible, the less of a

Another valuable resource are the old Boy's Life Reprints that began in the late 40's and continued until the late 60's in various printings. Also, just the old Boy's Life Magazines themselves. A lot of material that covers details of various skills is now easily available on line and can be copied and printed selectively. And there are now more and more dvd's being made that cover much of the material. There is NO reason that leaders need to ONLY use BSA materials for their teaching. We are blessed with an abundance of older materials, including books and so on; but I am continually

Engineer; They sort of just pushed them out, either by violence, or some other process. Not a lot to go on back then, except that one supplanted the other. But, based on the differences in anthropological materials, it is pretty obvious that it was most likely a power grab, or isolation from livable territory. Of course, they do continue to discover more and more, though very slowly.

OGE; Interesting list; has significant historical value. The number of local councils in early days, prior to 1930 or so, is significant. That they appear to have merged, often a number of times, each time becoming larger challenges the viability of small councils and truly local control. It continues to be an issue from what I see, especially where the councils are "so" large that some members likely rarely see their professionals, and have to do everything by mail or computer. Thanks.

I will throw in on this game. Homo Sapiens versus Homoerectus and Neanderthals.

Le Castor; sounds familiar. Thanks.

Please, those that find the need to be insulting or bait others; stop! Try to remember the Scout Oath and Law. Thanks.(This message has been edited by skeptic)