SSScout

Someone had a good time and wanted to remember it.

The point that is often missed and has been forgotten is WHY Scouting was created. WHY Dens, WHY Patrols.. It is a natural phenomena for kids to create "gangs", "clubs" among themselves. In a neighborhood, a school, a bunch of cousins,,, the kids will gravitate together for ball games, recess running around, jungle gym climbing.... These "gangs" will find natural leaders among themselves, some kid (girl or boy !) that , by dint of will, becomes the axle around which the other kids rotate. If this "leader" has a poor example at home, if they glory in the attention they get by doing "SOMETHING", that something might become the excitement of hearing broken glass, or seeing mailboxes clatter when hit by a baseball bat, or something worse. The Scout Den, the Scout Patrol was traditionally the neighborhood school group. You saw them at school, you saw them across the street and you met in each other's backyard or basement recroom. Together, you visited the firehouse, the movie house, the bowling alley. You visited the park, hiked the trail together, found out what Poison Ivy was (the hard way). The moms and dads took you and your buds to the county fair together, to the school dance, the football game. You grew up together. When Scouting became a BLING concern, this formal/informal "gang" idea went by the wayside. The BLING was originally a means to a purpose. "A game with a purpose. " The kid Scout gained skill, pride of accomplishment in constructive ways to gain attention. Only as an adult do we (I ?) now see, realize this purpose. Our parents , maybe unconsciously, realized the idea of giving us a GOOD gang to belong to, rather than the "other" kind. THAT is what Cub Scouts need to be about. The "GOOD GANG", but for heaven's sake don't tell your kids that.... All the kid needs to know is that because of the way the parent treats them, they love the Cub. Why? Because the parent takes them interesting places, does fun, interesting things with them. Applauds their successes (BLING !) and helps them thru their trials ( Do Your Best !). For many a parent, Cub Scouting is as much their education as it is the Cubs. That is what you need to show the Cub. The fun stuff. That is what you need to show the parent. The REAL fun stuff, seeing your Cub smile at overcoming new childsize challenges (tie a bowline?) and the parent realizing that this young future citizen will soon enough be overcoming larger challenges (what Assisted Living Facility to put mom in?).... See you on the trail....

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad spent the better part of the last 8 years (!) rebuilding the largest Mallet articulated steam loco east of the Missississippi. 1309 was a museum exhibit at the B&O Museum. It was transported to the shops in Ridgely WVa and disassembled and checked over by the dedicated volunteers and professionals. And then somebody decided all that old steel and bronze and brass would tally up to some bucks as scrap metal.... ""In February 2018, the restoration project suffered another setback when the railroad learned that an employee had stolen parts, including bronze bearings and wear plates, and sold them for scrap at a salvage yard.[14] The thefts were discovered by the Allegany County Sheriff's Office after they were alerted by the scrap yard.[14] Stolen parts included 12 original crown brasses and 12 hub liners. The parts would have to be remade as they were damaged during removal.[15] The scrapyard had paid the employee a total of $14,662 for the parts,[16] some of which weighed 300 pounds (140 kg).[15] Formal charges were filed against the employee.[15]"" from the wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Maryland_Scenic_Railroad_1309

Scrap value. little traceability. Lots of things being stolen for their scrap value. Sad. Who was the "original artist"? These statues are almost a standard catalog thing. Many other Scout statues around the country. https://colbsa.org/mackenzie/

I would check in that shoe box in the back of the closet. That's what I do....😉

InquisitiveScouter is spot on. Scout Accounts were a bad idea from the get go. Complicates things. Integrity. A Scout is Trustworthy. Scout stuff only, never personal stuff, The moneys can never be viewed as a "COMMISSION" for raising funds for the Unit. The money is the units, and thereby the CO's . Period. Scout leaves Scouting? Money is the units. Scout transfers to another unit? The money is the "original" unit's. They could send it to the new unit, but I have often seen them not. One Scout I am aware of saved up all his SA, and when he Eagled out.... He bought the Troop a new custom painted trailer.

Well, I think somebody ought to use the right quote. I couldn't find it in the Scouter search function, so here goes: "A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you're talking real money...." =Everett Dirksen = Or maybe not.... https://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/a_billion_here_a_billion_there_pretty_soon_youre_talking_real_money#:~:text=The “billion here%2C billion there” quotation%2C however%2C goes,Times reported%3A “Well%2C now%2C about this new budget.

Best to go to the source.... *(( The true author of this article is unknown. It is here copied from the COME HOSTELING newsletter, Sept. 1980, of the Potomac Area Council of the American Youth Hostels, who received it from Dick Schwanke, Senior PAC Staff Trainer, who read it in the APPALACHIAN HIKER by Ed Garvey, who got it from the Potomac Appalachian Trail Conference Bulletin, which quoted it from THE RAMBLER of the Wasatch Mountain Club of Salt Lake City, which reportedly cribbed it from the I.A.C. News of Idaho Falls, which reported it from the 1966 PEAKS & TRAILS. I offer it here for your enjoyment and inspiration. Note that some of the ingredients are a bit dated. Adjust as necessary. Enjoy!)) "Courageous Cookery" by John Echo* Once the convert backpacker or cycle camper has accepted the subtle gustatory nuances associated with sustained operations beyond the chrome, he should try the advantages of ultra fringe living so that he will realize what he is paying for his nested pots and pretty pans carried so diligently and brought home so dirty after every "wilderness experience". The following system works. It is dependable and functional. It works on the big rock. It even works when the weather has gone to hell, you are wet and cold and the wind is blowing down the back of your hairy neck. It is not for the timid. It consists of a stove, a six inch sauce pan, a plastic cup and a soup spoon. If you insist on a metal cup, you must never fail to mutter "I'm having fun, I'm having fun", every time you spill the soup on your sleeping bag. Breakfast: Instant wheat cereal-- sugar and powdered milk added-- ready two minutes after water boils. Eat from pot. Do not wash pot. Add water, boil, and add powdered eggs and ham. You'll never taste the cereal anyway. In three minutes, eat eggs. Do not wash pot. Add water or snow and boil for tea. Do not wash pot. Most of the residue eggs will come off in the tea water. Make it strong and add sugar. Tastes like tea. Do not wash pot. With reasonable technique, it should be clean. Pack pot in rucksack and enjoy last cup of tea while others are dirtying entire series of nested cookware. Lunch: Boil pot of tea. Have snack of rye bread, cheese and dried beef Continue journey in 10 minutes if necessary. Dinner: Boil pot of water, add Wylers dried vegetable soup and beef bar. Eat from pot. Do not wash pot. Add water and potatoes from dry potatoe powder. Add gravy mix to taste. Eat potatoes from pot. Do not wash pot. Add water and boil for tea. Fortuitous fish or meat can be cooked easily. You do not need oil or fat. Put half inch of water in pot. Add cleaned and salted fish. Do not let water boil away. Eat from pot when done. Process can be done rapidly. Fish can even be browned somewhat by a masterful hand. Do not change menu. Variation only recedes from the optimum. Beginners may be allowed to wash pot once a day for three consecutive days only. It is obvious that burning or sticking food destroys the beauty of the technique. If you insist on carrying a heavier pack, make up the weight you save with extra food. Stay three days longer.

There ya go.... Marketing vs "A Scout is Thrifty"? May I observe that the reason for POPCORN is two fold. An alternative to (shudder) GSUSA Cookies, and a guaranteed share for Council. I dare say, very few Packs/Troops/Crews/Ships send any share of their proceeds from car washes, mulch sales, Holiday Decor/Tree sales, meatsticks, breakfasts/dinners, etc. etc., to Council. Does GSUSA approve/suggest Scout Accounts, those pseudo commission for unit fun(d)raising ? Back when I was my Eagle Patrol Treasurer (Scouts paid dues to me, we used it to buy our gear and supplies for campouts), the Troop sold donuts door to door, Christmas trees and helped with our CO's dinners for a share. There was on such thing as a "SCOUT ACCOUNT". It all went to the Troop to pay for awards and camp fees.... Another story....

Welcome to the ecampfire. Pull ye up a elog and sit ye down, friend. I bet ye already know the Scoutmaster's list of mottos: "Have you asked your Patrol Leader?" "Try ketchup on it." "Yes, campfires are supposed to do that."

Hey ! Who added the last three words to your sentence?

Recent Eagle Project: Tommy Scout came to us and we worked to define his project. Fewer things to do, smaller bites. Must define things that CAN be accomplished, completed. He understood. Working with his dad and mom (separated), the mom was a stand back and watch person: whatever Tommy wants, I'll help. Dad was more take charge. Him, I had to remind that he was a "consultant", he was "cheap labor" anyone asks him ANYTHING, his response must be "Ask Tommy".... He eventually came around to that. This is the mind set that our Scouts have recently grown up with . I saw it in the middle school classes I sub taught.... Wait for the teacher to give the clue as to what they want to hear. Don't volunteer. Don't take ownership of a thing, the parent in loco will do it FOR me. Being responsible for my "fun" (choose, plan, execute the activity) is a new thing to kids that have become complacent and used to WATCHING the fun be provided (videos, PC games, virtual stuff). Even the ""good"" computer games (Minecraft?) are ultimately spoonfed stuff. There is a definite, limited set of choices. Not so out in the woods. Over protective? Wife and I were reminincing..... How her mom and dad would not hesitate to let them and their friends at 6 and 7 years old , cross the road to the store WITHOUT ADULT ESCORT (horrors) . Today, same neighborhood? Not on your life.. Busier road, store is still there, but not the same ethos, for sure. Wander around in the woods, get muddy in the creek , not come home until dinner time? Again, different time, different ethos. But we can adapt. That's what Scouting is about. Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, allow choices. The Scout can be out in the woods, given/taught skills to lead to self confidence (I can do this). Being REQUIRED to read "Hatchet" in middle school leads to NOT WANTING to read it , not wanting to consider it's implications (could I, a twelve year old computer gamer, do this?) . That's why we do what we (try) to do..... See you on the trail.....

Itis in the eDutch oven over there. Help thyself, friend....

Interesting discussion. I am reminded of another FB discussion I was in. One Scout parent (Cub Scouts, actually) started things off by asking about camp lighting. Coleman gas lanterns? Batteries? Propane lantern? What do Packs use? Discussion devolved into safety issues, hot things, economics, battery depletion, how bright.... One parent noted that their Cubs were helions, and not to be trusted around flames. Open flames and misbehaving Cubs became an issue. I mentioned how waaaay back when, we used kerosene lamps, fireplaces, propane stoves during hurricane power outages. That parents TAUGHT their kids to respect flames. One should LEARN how to never have to say "I thought I put it out...." The Scout learns from the example of the adult better than the instruction. I hope and pray your Scouts choose their parents wisely....

Oh good. A ""Faith and Chaplaincy" discussion.... Told ya we need a separate forum, but noooo....

A mere coincidence? Ummmm..... A message was posted Keenan M. reposted a message called 📢 Marriot Scout Service Center (MSSC) Closure The Marriot Scout Service Center (MSSC) experienced a waterline break in the early hours of 04/11/2022. The break has caused significant damage to the 1st and 2nd floors and a such, the MSSC and Bethesda Scout Shop will be closed today and likely for an extended period of time. We will provide ... Things were added to Docs & Files Keenan M. Pallone reposted a file called 2022 NCAC Aquatics Program Shedule.ocx (002).docx

Oh good. Now our young female human outdoor enthusiasts can get back to getting dirty....

Diversity? Or Equity?? Or Equality ??? Ted Talk discussion. Many others, too.....

Indeed, sit ye down, friend. Ye want ewhipped cream on yer epeach cobbler? Goes good with the ecoffee....

Well, if it has John Williams music, it can't be all bad.

*ahem* Been there, done that...

?? https://troopleader.scouting.org/a-game-with-a-purpose/ ??

CSDC: Four days of more or less directed skill/knowledge gaining. The Pavilion leaders hopefully made the Lessons" more fun than classroom (" Double ended, bi-color Peruvian practice rope, harvested at the PEAK of maturity...."), making sure the fun was tempered with safe operating rules (Archery?). Last day: Water Festival. Slip and slide. Mud pit tug of war. Icey pops. After opening ceremony and announcements, Den rotations were rather less regulated. The horn blew very 45 minutes , but hey, if your Den liked what they were doing, we didn't care if you stuck around at the sponge throw a little longer.... Lady comes up to me and says " I don't understand!? Where is my boy? Where is the Den? It is too chaotic... How can they keep order here? " I asked, what Den are you with? She told me, I looked up the schedule (such as it was), pointed to the site and there they were. I asked her, "are there any sad faces there?" She responded, " Nnnoooo...." I said, " has anyone gotten hurt?" She said "nnnoooo..." I asked "Has your Cub complained any about the past week?" She said" I don't think so". I smiled and told her "then we have succeded. I might suggest you go and enjoy watching your Cub get dirty and wet. " She looked at me as if I was crazy, and walked away shaking her head....

Here's our Wood Badge song:::: ((Frere Jaques...)) Caffeination, Morning Caffeination (refrain): Caffeination, morning caffeination, Caffeination, helps me start the day! · Make it of a brownish hue, Throw the grounds in, let it brew! Let it brew, brownish hue, Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh, (refrain) · Make it strong, it melts the spoon! And I’ll drink it very soon! Very soon, Melts the spoon, Let it brew, Brownish hue, Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh, (refrain) · Burns my tongue, oo-oo it’s hot! Think I’ll drink the whole darn pot! Whole darn pot, Oo, it’s hot, Very soon, Melts the spoon , Let it brew, Brownish hue, Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh (refrain) · Sweeten it with glucose plain, Then we’ll sing the same refrain! · Add some milk or cream today, Maybe next I’ll make Earl Grey! (Final refrain , WITH FEEEELING !)

My Turkish college house mate taught us this (if you have the time)::: In a Big Pot:: One heaping TABLESPOON rough ground coffee per cup desired, plus one. One BIG cup water plus one One TEASPOON sugar (or honey, preferred) per cup, plus one. If desired, one TABLESPOON whole milk per cup. Stir around some to mix. Uncovered, Bring to roiling boil, immediately take off fire/heat, pour into cups. You will have sludge in bottom of cups, let settle for a minute. Enjoy with friends. If you are "American", you are allowed to pour thru a "tea" strainer.