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 are invited once a year to the annual District Business meeting to elect the committee for the next year. Same thing on the Council level. While they are members throughout the year, most do not know it and when invited do not attend. For a Council Business Meeting, I have seen no more than 5-6 CORs, except those there for another position.

I have always found Roundtables a good place not only for a particular training, but a good place to share questions, concerns, etc. with others and get their views.

We can't get the adults there, so there is no way to get the youth there for an OA meeting.

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 wife told me that if the Troops went co-ed, that would be the day I would no longer be a leader. The potential problems and liabilities would be too great. So how many leaders would be lost? Would there be a greater gain?

Just my thoughts.

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 test on Thursday. They either got the badge or a partial.

Camp staff was also allowed to take advantage of this.

Have seen Citizenship In The World also done, especially when there was an Exchange Scout on staff.

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 have a little fun. We were able to take in a picnic and eat in the picnic area at both parks.

Also did the same for a Emeralde Pointe Water Park.

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 were able to find adults in their Chapter or another adult at camp who was willing to take on the responsibility.

Never has been a problem, but who knows in the future.

I will take the comments made here and make sure the right people have them for re-doing the form.

Thanks.

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 youths protection and yes, for the Lodge/Councils protection, someone needs to be designated as a Temporary Guardian if a parent will not be around.

Most of the time, the Temporary Guardian is someone from the unit, who will be attending the function as well. However, there may not be any adults from the unit. Then we look to other adults in the Chapter or an adult that the youth and the parents know, that is attending for the weekend. Thats one of the reason we encourage the Chapters to camp together.

We also have parents, who are not a member of the OA, who have stayed for the weekend and many of them help with work, although it usually is not with a clan. This past weekend, we had two fathers stay. While we do not encourage this, we do not turn them away.

I hope this helps.

Note: the original poster was a member of the OA as a youth and had asked what he needed to do to get re-instated. He was told this past Spring, but has not re-established his membership. This would have solved the Parent/Guardian question.

To hingram: You know who I am, so if there are any questions about OA, please contact me.

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 requirements was to show how to tie a tie. Maybe it should be added back.

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 becomes necessary at OA events. At other events, the Flap and Pocket Device are the way to recognize OA members.

There are always changes, but not always to the better.

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 those selected were the ones the committee felt were the most deserving.

At selection time there was pressure to include more from some, but others stated to the committee that they should do what they thought best.

During the selection process, I have seen some direct influence exerted by some adults. But mostly, it has been more like suggestions, hints, etc. instead of outright directions. Hard to keep some of it out of the meeting.

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 honored game that is most of the time played on fields, in the woods, etc. Some can be very creative in the capture. Have seen it played at Summer Camp, with everyones' knowledge. Also, at camporees. Worst case was at an OA Conclave where it got so intense that the banners for at least one Lodge got torn. That stopped it for then and later gatherings.

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, etc.

Water Jugs, Coolers, Lanterns

Extra Blankets, Sleeping Bags, etc.

Just about anything that is needed. Certainly have not listed all of it. But you get the idea.

Trailer serves as the District Headquarters for Camporees and Cub events. Has room for 2 to sleep on mats on the floor if needed.

Contained equipment has been used to feed a couple hundred at Cub events.

OA Members help at Cub events.

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 for District events. When he left the trailer left. However, his replacement also acquired a trailer and through donations has outfitted it to handle most District events. It is mostly used for Camporees and Cub Camping events. There has been some reference to it being called in for Red Cross use. That's how good it is.

All of this has been out of the pockets of the gentlemen and helpers.