skeptic

A warning; maybe next one is in Washington.

It appears that the Gods have now made their opinion known. By shaking up Washington, maybe some of their brains will fall into place. One can dream I suppose.

While the listed articles shed light on this subject, and show some instances of questionable or likely poor decisions, they also indicate that the rank and file volunteers were often against the transactions, and in some cases led directly to their not happening. The Chicago situation is the most prominent case, as can be seen from this forum. What is not noted in regard to the Chicago outcome, possibly due to the date on the Hearst article, is that the council professionals involved were almost all replaced when National came into the conflict. If local scouters do not utilize their camps

Reading through a September, 1928 SCOUTING, and came across a couple of interesting statements in the Chief Scout Executive's Page. This was West of course. "It is especially important, as we approach the Presidential Campaign, that all Scout Leaders be fully informed whole-heartedly cooperate in an effort to avoid involving the Boy Scouts of America in controversial questions. Section 2 of Article III of the Constitution reads: "The Boy Scouts of America shall not, through its governing body or through any of its officers, its chartered Councils or members, involve the Boy Scout Movem

Looked it up, and there have only been the two non person awards, though the Oakridge Boys received it as a group. Also interesting that for some reason, only one person received it in 1975 (Ford) and 1981 (Art Linkletter). Other years saw quite a few, or only 4 or 5. World scouters also have received it fairly often, including recipients of the Silver Wolf. Very few women, and most, if not all, in the past 25 years. One or two instances of a couple also.(This message has been edited by skeptic)

You probably need to find a copy of the National Meeting material; this past year was in San Diego. Suspect that the resolution stuff is not nearly as common as back in the earlier period.

From SCOUTING, May, 1928. When the Silver Buffalo Award began in 1926, there were 22 awards issued initially. These included all of the men we list as founders, with the first going to Baden Powell. Interestingly, the second is listed as being given to the "Unknown Scout" of the lost in London story. It was then decided to issue seven a year going forward, five to Scouting leaders and two to youth leaders outside of Scouting. In 1928, the seven awarded included, as number 30 overall, "The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier". This was followed with Colonel Charles A. Lindbergh. I am cha

Thanks Shortridge; I did mean Pinchot, not the Chilean dictator. No doubt that going backpacking in small groups is the best method; but larger groups by vehicle can still be efficient and respect the environment with a bit of effort. My main point here was that from my readings, it is apparent that BSA was well out in front overall with their approach to the outdoors. In the teens they already were preaching forest management, even having a special forestry program on the east coast for a while. And many of the earliest adult leaders in the environmental/conservation movements w

In my continued perusal of older material, occasionally posted in history section, I am made aware of just how important conservation was to the program from its outset. Surely part of this had to do with Teddy Roosevelt, Seton,and Pinochet, among others. So, when we have people complaining about how bad Scouts are for the camp grounds and forests, I cannot understand how narrow minded and ill informed these people really are. That is not to say that we have a small group that does not follow rules and LNT ideals. But overall, BSA is one of the best large groups, maybe the best, in t

A resolution of the Executive Board. Resolved, that the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America deplores the popular use of eagle feathers in the manufacture of war bonnets as tending top cause the extermination of our National emblem by plume hunters. Therefore, Scout Executives, Scoutmasters and Scouts are requested not to purchase the feathers of any wild birds, but in the manufacture of war bonnets and similar objects to use the feathers of domestic fowls, as suggested in BOYS' LIFE.

And how does this relate to National Forests?

Ditto to Pack. Please reconsider your idea.

Yep; cannot see ANY connection between this and Woodbadge. We all know where you stand. Your trying to relate it to everything does nothing but marginalize your other views. Forests are overused in our part of the country, with the most popular locations full during the peak camping months from late spring through late fall. We pretty much can camp where we want during the winter, though a warm spell is an issue because they often close the overflow areas of the larger camps. But, they also now have hosts, and the price keeps growing for those with basic facilities and hookups. More

From another portion of the Magazine; a segment of West's report. "It must be ever borne in mind that the basis of strength and power of the Boy Scout Movement will not be measured alone by the number of Scouts and Scout officials, the record of activity of the National Council, or the number Local Councils organized; these are but a means to an end. The value of the Scout Movement will be judged by the individual Boy Scout__ his conduct, appear- ance, and the way he puts into practice the Scout Oath and Law, and reveals that he is actually prepared to do things worthwhile because of the

"Old age wipes all material obstructions from our vision. Looking down from up there, one wonders why grown men will spend their time in pursuit of pleasure in place of happiness; why legislators sacrifice the welfare of the people for the sake of party lines; why statesmen do not see that the only thing worth working for is 'the welfare of their fellow men'; why all legislators cannot realize that the practical way to reform the world is by teaching the public the real meaning of American democracy and how to live according to the Boy Scout Oath and Law, according to common sense, according

Shortridge; We pretty much have already started ignoring much of our infrastructure issues. Look at the numerous stories in the media about unsafe bridges and trestles, as well as the awful condition of most roads throughout the country. The really sad thing is that our "so called representatives" still do not understand that this need will generate jobs, both on the government level AND the in the public sector. Those jobs in turn of course will help improve the economy by increasing tax revenue and putting money into the local economies. To me, that is the first place the Federal m

"Go camping and hiking alot." Most important, as we prepare for the ultimate collapse. At least Scouting, when played closely to the original program, will actually be again pertinent; they will "Be Prepared". So now, we have linked this whole discussion back to Scouting.

Basement; While they likely went to Philmont the second time in order for their son to attend the leadership there, there is nothing odd about going more than once to PTC. If you enjoy the Ranch, then doing various courses is simply fun for many of us. I have done five, plus two treks, though has been a long time since the last one. Keep thinking I will go back, but the right course and time frame has not presented itself. Very few places with the high camaraderie as it has.

A declaration on the front page of the magazine/paper. Perhaps this is an area to which we "SHOULD" revisit as an organization. "Volunteer Workers" WHEREAS, the Boy Scouts of America recognizes that its faithful volunteer workers, both in the national and local fields, are the strength and backbone of the Movement, and WHEREAS, we desire at this time to express our loyal appreciation and heartfelt thanks for the splendid service of our volunteer workers. WE, the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America, in the Eleventh Annual Meeting assembled, hereby resolve that

Kudu; What is written is not always the actual case. There are many camp grounds that have sites very close together and have limits on how many can be in them, especially those to which you can drive. But even pack ins often have limits on how many, and can be very close together. And remember, even though you may not agree with LNT, that is a factor in not overwhelming the trails and camping areas with too many bodies. Perhaps you need to come to California and actually visit camping areas. Now days, due to the lack of funds, many areas are simply closed. Then add on fire re

Over the years as SM I have done 25 "official" mile swims at various camps throughout California. My last one was two years ago at Tahquitz when I was 65. During the preliminary quarter, I had my upper denture come loose and fall into my mouth, prompting me to swim to the edge and call the twenty something female director to please come and get them. She was a bit shocked I think. When I did the longer swim, I simply removed them ahead of time. Have done it in the ocean at Emerald Bay and Cherry Valley (had to swim part in open water at that time; was told they stay in the cove now); 6 ti

"Scouting is outing"; without camps, fewer opportunities, especially in some areas. A well run camp pays dividends far beyond the apparent, often from attendees from many years before. In our part of the country, while we have many state and federal camps, they too often are in very poor condition, have become very expensive if they are popular, and you are crowded with people, dogs, noise, and too many times, booze and foul language. Not the place to camp, especially in prime seasons. While national places like Philmont, Sea Base, and Boundary Waters, and the soon to be Summit a

While the onus suffered by pubescent teens struggling with their sexuality is tragic, the BSA policy has to do with adults as leaders. The youth sexuality is rarely an issue, unless the boy himself somehow makes it so. Only then does it become a problem, as the majority of youth of that age are particularly concerned about being seen "differently". And the stigma comes from all directions of the youth culture with which the boy interacts, not just scouting. It is highly unlikely that many troops would seek out youth who may be questioning; it only when the obvious, or perceived position co

Wow!! Wish I were younger. Love this positive Scouting stuff.

As constantly suggested, local CO decision; it becomes a non-issue. But, it still is pretty petty from my perspective, as the only people being effected are the kids in the troop that need to find another CO and place to meet. Their meeting there hurts no one.