srisom

When I first got back into Scouting as an adult in 1984, I went to Roundtables where almost every unit had at least one rep there. Now we are lucky if we have more than 3 units represented. Most nights there might only be 4-6 people. Programs have been set up and invitations issued through several different Roundtable Commissioners, but no improvement. If units would send at least one person, does not have to be SM, it would be great. District Committee meetings are not as well attended now, but there are a few more. CORs there are really there for another position duty. CORs ar

As I see it, as long as the CSP is for the council in which you are registered, it can be worn. If it is for a council that no longer exists, then it should not be worn, unless you are perhaps attempting to create a historic look, such as on an older uniform and you want it to look authentic.

I have a copy of a newspaper article about an adult, in my area, who was awarded the Eagle badge. I know that adults in other Scout organizations around the world, were able to earn the ranks also, at least until the mid 1990s.

Mention has been made that the GSA and BSA are on the decline. Yes, that's true. Would going co-ed or merging the two save them. Maybe, but at what cost? The principles are no longer the same. Look at the changes GSA made to their oath. This was done to try and be more acceptable, but membership has not increased. They have only lowered themselves to what is politically correct. Having the Boy Scout program co-ed for the Troops would create problems. I have also helped in both organizations and teens being teens, there will be situations, if not problems. On this note, my w

I grew up in Scouting during 1958-1969 in Virginia. At the time schools were segregated and so were the Scouts. We never really thought about it. Stayed that way until early 1970s. Recently came across a newspaper article from 1967 that referenced two District Boy Scout Camporees happening on the same weekend. Both were in the same county. One for African-Americans, one for Whites. It is a part of Scouting History and should not be overlooked or forgotten. History is what happened, like it or not. Don't throw it away.

Beavah National OA dropped the special handshakes a couple years ago. Now only the regular Left Handshake for everyone. Can't have anyone singled out now, can we?

I remember seeing something from National about suggestions for Camporee Themes for 2010, but I can locate it now. Does anyone know where I might find that information?

I have not attended Summer Camp for the past couple of years. However, when I did, camp was always looking for any leaders who would be willing to teach an extra MB not on the official schedule. I always did Citizenship In The Nation. Except for the Visit, Report and Letter, the rest is in the book. I would let camp know and they would then let the units attending know that the extra badge would be available. We would usually set it up for 4-5pm. Scouts could do the Visit, Report, Letter ahead of time and bring them or if not then take back a partial. Classes were Mon-Thurs with a

As a counselor for American Heritage, I appreciate all of the suggestions. My understanding is that even though you may have purchased a DVD, etc. for home use, there is no limit on how many you invite to view the movie. The real issue is that you can not charge any admission to view the movie. I may be totally wrong, but this was what we determined a few years back. Things may well have changed.

In the past, we have camped several times either at a theme park or close by. Living in VA, we have used Kings Dominion above Richmond and Carowinds in NC. We camped near Kings Dominion and visited the Jamboree for a couple of days. Then went to the park. At the time, they had set up a special thing for the Scouts, so Scouts were able to go behind the scenes of activities and the Animal Park. Learned a lot. Also, was able to bond with one of the younger Scouts when I rode all of the coasters with him when the older Scouts would not even go on them. Great way for everyone to

Perhaps the wording could be better. I can explain it, but I inherited the process. I will say that there was discussion this weekend on a couple of changes to the form for next year. Maybe I should add this concern to the list to explore. I see the point concerning camp, but it was the only reference that I could come up with at the time. We have many units attend with two-deep leaders. We have Chapters that come as a group with adults. Then we have several groups of one or two who attend with no adults. This past weekend there were 7 with no name in the Parent/Guardian line. We

I believe that the original poster is from my Council. We just had an Ordeal weekend. As Membership Advisor for that Lodge, maybe I can offer some more insight. Reference was made to Temporary Guardian on the form. The reason for this is so that there can be an adult to contact, on site, in case of any problem that might arise. While involvement in the OA is an individual thing, when there is a function weekend, it really is more like Summer Camp. At camp, the leaders are the Temporary Guardians. Youth are not dropped at Summer Camp without a Parent/Temporary Guardian. For the yout

I agree with evmori. However, I can not remember when the 10.5 part was changed either. I do know that a lot of the past problems came about when it changed from 10 1/2 and finished the fifth grade. Most of the problems came from homeschooling. When the "and" was changed, it opened it up to many 10 year old Boy Scouts, even younger. Still looks like they are allowing a little leeway with the 10 age.

New report on National Capital Area Council site: "We regret to inform you that the Boy Scouts America has decided to withdraw its interest in Goshen Scout Reservation as the permanent site for the National Scout Jamboree. The BSA identified too many potential obstacles in developing the Goshen site to its fullest and is pursuring other venues."

Just got a copy of the new handbook and have done a quick glance through. Vast improvement over the last couple of editions, especially the last one. While there are still lots of pictures, they are mostly useful pictures, whereas in the last edition they were there to take up space, that was there because of good info being taken out. Glad to see more how to info being back in it. The 11th Edition was glitzy with no real use. Now it looks like a handbook that could really be used by a Scout. Guess I'm one of the old ones. When I was in Cub Scouts, many moons ago, one of the r

The "pocket rockets" or "dangles" have never really taken off in our Lodge. A few have them and I see them for sell by traders, but only as a novelty. We went to the single border flap, but most members do not like it. No way to know at what Honor Level a member stands. Someone mentioned that the Sash could now be worn every where. Nope. Still not proper to wear the OA Sash at any event other than an OA event. Not Council banquets, Blue and Gold, COHs, nothing except an OA sponsored event. The Sash is, for now, the only way to distinguish the different Honor Levels. This becom

Been there. Done that. Without a feeder pack it will be hard to keep it going for long. Youth will age out. You can still provide a good program for those that are there, just without the Patrol competitions. Providing a good, learning program to the youth is better than fitting the mold that BSA sets. It will require extra recruitment efforts, even if a pack gets associated, unless there are a lot of Webelos in the pack. Don't give up. Just give it your best effort.

More adults, than youth, will know the Food experts. However, any of them will be a treat. Nationally known figures get good exposure for Scouts. Spielberg did Cinematography a few Jambos ago when the MB was first introduced. Of course, we will not see him there any more.

Let me sat that in the past 25 years, our Lodge has not had year when there were none selected for Vigil. However, there have been several years where not all of the available slots were filled. Most years we have been alloted 16-20 Vigils. Some years there were 2-4 not filled. One year with 16 spots, there were only 4 - 2 Youth, 2 Adults. The Vigil Selection Committee did not feel that there were more than 2 Youth who were deserving of the Vigil Honor. Needless to say, when this became known throughout the Lodge, there were many who had questions, concerns, etc. All were told that th

For the original posting: It appears that someone suddenly found themselves with easy access to a souvenir. Unfortunately, there are many who feel that no one will miss a small souvenir. May be that they had the same patrol in their unit and took the "easy" route to getting a flag. If the leaders of all the units were made aware, then they could be on the lookout for it. The flag probably made it to someones' room and is hanging on the wall. At an OA Conclave, banners over the road disappeared during the night. Apparently, a souvenir for someone. As to Capture the Flag - time hono

Our Chapter trys to have a Chapter function/campout each year, where we also do Brotherhood Conversion. Bowling Cookouts Visits to museums to learn about local Native Americans Visits to Pow-Wows to learn about regalia, dance, etc.

We have a Cub Pack in our UMC. They are sponsored by the church itself, not the UMM. Their finances are separate from the church and as such are not included in the annual audit. The Charter fee is paid by someone in the church. We provide a place for the meetings, but there is not really any financial aid given to the unit, except by individuals. As the COR, I try to keep in touch with the unit and offer any help.

Don't know about Eagle92, but similar story happened when I was a Scout. Our Troop did Native American Dancing. Made our own regalia, slept in teepees. We were asked to to perform when a new Troop was being set up. Everything went fine until the last. One of the Scouts got a little too close to a torch and his roach headdress started burning. A couple of others were able to slap it out as he got it off his head. Made for a memorable ceremony.

The trailer contains such things as: 80 Gal Water Tank with spigot Industrial style Propane burners (5) which can be set up anywhere 2 Large Tarps with poles and sides Brooms, Bow Saws, Shovels, other tools Volleyball Equip., Softball Equip., Frisbees, other play equipment Lots of cook gear - Pots, Pans, Cast Iron Skillets, Dutch Ovens, Utensils, etc. Tables, Chairs 2-Way radios, Compasses One end has a desk and work area One side is lined with cabinets which contain the Cook Gear along with: Cooking Supplies - Cups, Plates, Utensils, Napkins, Bowls, Cans of food, Spices,

In point of fact, the District can own no equipment. In our District, the items you mentioned are sometimes in the hands of the DE. Most of the time it depends upon the event. Then it comes down to whoever is in charge of the event had the responsibility of getting the needed equipment for the event or at least getting others to help and they supply the items. We have been fortunate for several years when it comes to such things as Camporees, Gold Rush, Pinewood Derby, etc. Our prior Boy Scout Activities leader purchased a trailer and along with others outfitted it with equipment