SSScout

Here is the list I give to our IOLS participants: * Anything by Robert Baden - Powell. * Anything by Ernest Thompson-Seton. "Gospel of the Redman", among others, many in modern reprint. * Anything by William "Green Bar Bill" Hillcourt, who wrote most, if not all, of the Scout manuals and Merit Badge books of the 1940's,'50's,and 60's. * Gary Paulsen, "Hatchet". Called the Jack London of our time, his books are often required reading for middle schoolers. The Scout Leader should know what his boys know. * Eric Sloane, "Diary of an Early American Boy". "Reverence for Wood". Historian, antique tool and building method expert, artist and author. Mr.Soane found a real diary written by a 15 (?) year old boy in 1805 in an old house and used it to reproduce what he would have been doing on his family's farm. What my dad didn't teach me about knife and axe, Mr. Sloane taught me.

Sounds like a ScoutMaster Minute here...... Or would the SM directly confront the Scout about the third party overheard bragging?

""~~Wonder why our Council never brings it up?"" I have NEVER heard of a Council "officially" recommending a volunteer organized website. Elemeno, did your Council recommend "Scouter dot com"? How came you here?

If you are an adult, wear the adult uniform. The adult uniform should have adult type bling on it, not youth bling. I was asked to teach Wood Tools at an IOLS. The director asked if I would be teaching Totin' Chip, and I said I would be teaching the nascent SMs ABOUT Totin' Chip, and they would have an opportunity to do everything I would expect a Scout to do. She said, good, then I can award them their Totin' Chip badge on Sunday! I said, no, they cannot EARN the T/C because they are all adults. She said that was not right, these new SMs should be able to wear the badge as a sign of their competence and skill. I said, it is a YOUTH award, adults cannot wear it. Then I noticed the T/C on her shirt flap....

Transparency. Talk about the money at each and every Unit Committee meeting. Have a checking account statement ready and a "spreadsheet" of the expenditures and income along with it. The treasurer should NOT be allowed to go any length of time with out such presentations. The bank signature cards should be include two signatures. The CO should be included in this. Ask the bank to send out TWO statements, one to the treasurer, one to the CO's treasurer and/or the Unit Leader/CCh.

Politics are not Scouting. This is politics. This is The Committee (sounds like a Scorcese movie) trying to micromanage the Troop. It's the SM's job to micromanage, and then you say that's not "Boy Led". It is the Committtee's job to support the SM and if they feel he/she is not doing the right job to RECOMMEND that either the SM resign, or the IH remove him/her. From this distance, and with this limited info, I feel the SM is doing his job, the boy elected SPL (elected, right?) is doing his job , even if by remote, and all should be well. Is there more "behind the scenes"? Is there jealousy or somebody's son not getting ahead fast enough or someone concerned with the Troop's prestige in the community or something else about the incumbent SPL's outside of the Troops life?

((Rock Beat background)) I'm... too Scouty for my shirt, too Scouty for my shirt So Scouty it hurts And I'm too Scouty for B-P Too Scouty for B-P Wood Badge and that tree. And I'm too Scouty for your Troop Too Scouty for your Troop No way I'm hiking out I'm a model you know what I mean And I do my little tent on the campsite Yeah on the campsite on the campsite, yeah I do my little hike on the trail side I'm too Scouty for my school Too Scouty for my school Too Scouty by far And I'm too Scouty for my hat Too Scouty for my hat for my hat What do you think about that? I'm a model you know that it seems I do my hike on the campground scene Yeah on the campground, on the campground, yeah I shake myneckerchief in the Court of Honor. I'm too Scouty for my Too Scouty for my too Scouty for my 'Cos I'm a model you know what I mean And I do my little hike on the campground, Yeah on the campground yea on the campground, yeah I shake my little necker on the campground I'm too Scouty for my cat Too Scouty for my cat Poor Patrol, poor Patrol poor Patrol cat I'm too Scouty for my JASM Too Scouty for my JASM My shirt's gonna untuck me And I'm too Scouty for this song Read more: Left Said Fred - I'm Too Scouty Lyrics | MetroLyrics

As a sub teacher here in Murlin, I often meet kids who have a Russian surname. They often ask me if their work belongs to them. They come up and ask me "Mr.SSScout, is this Gudnuf?"

1) Make sure he has used the EXACT same name , same permutation, each time when registering for training. I had to go to the Council registrar once to discover I had THREE registrations, under different permutations of my name. Still don't know how that happened. AND.... it turned out there were four others in the Council with the same first initial and last name as me. 2) It does take some time for everything to equalize. Try again. 3) I once tried to go into My Scouting and print out a cert, but couldn't. Next day, same routine, worked fine. 4) Sometimes it is easier to retake the etraining, and the print out the cert immediately. 5) Phone call the DE. Emails get lined up and triaged as to importance.... Good for you , starting to roll up the charter early.

Councils are the financial definition of Scouting. Councils do a support role, they own the camps, they publish the magazines and tabloids. They collect the tax free bigbucks from Lockheed and Bechtel. It will always be up to the mom and pop volunteers that make the Cubs want to earn the AoL and Go See the County Garage and the snow plows. When the Council leaders begin to see the numbers take a down turn, then their livelihood is threatened. Mergers are always about "cutting our losses" . If two Scout Execs can be eliminated by merging three Councils, why not? Those Good ol' Scouts can be given a side promotion to "Regional Director" or something in Irving can be found....It's when the camps start being sold because they (they) can't seem to make the camps "fully utilized", even with volunteer, unpaid "Camp Masters" to run them, that folks start noticing the merger epidemic. Sometimes, the mergers are like any other management change. Things happen because the new boss wants to "make his mark", whether it is an improvement over what was before is another question. Most Scouts are not aware of the change in leadership until the camp is sold and we have to find a new summer camp. Unless the merger finds a New Boss who can enliven the image of Scouts, there will be no increase in Scout numbers, and since the merger no doubt removes some of the DEs and other support folks, there will be less inclination to increase those numbers. As Tip Oneil usta say, "all politics is local". Same with Scouting, only worse.

Language used is a choice. Drink is a choice. Respect for others is a choice. The message we present on our clothing is a choice. How we treat our bodies is a choice. The choices we make affect not only ourselves, but also our family and friends, our neighbors ("but who is our neighbor, Lord?") and the future. Yeah, your cigar today has an affect on me over here in Maryland. I seem to remember that tobacco was once a ceremonial ritual item, a serious item among the Native Americans. And then an industry discovered they could make it even MORE addictive, and encourage it's use by giving out free cigs to our soldiers and wow, look at all the old movies , making smoking "glamorous". The Iroquois held that all decisions, even personal ones, would benefit from considering the effect on the seventh generation hence. Is that message on the Tshirt respectful of the women you are trying to help with your walk, or is it making too light of the serious situation? There are funny things and not so funny things. The difference is how we advance as a species.

In the "official "SMspecific" class and IOLS class, I can find no specific suggestions/instructions/recommendations about this new bend on the old requirement. We had asked the Scout to promise to "do my duty to God" and be "reverent". Even had some discussions about it , in the manuals, handbooks, Fieldbooks. Might even mention it in a SMMinute. But to ask the Scout directly? Not inappropriate in my asking, but how can one rightfully judge that unless you are the Scout's religious leader/elder/family? That's where we have the difficulty. What is "passing" in this requirement? That is what was asked and what has not been "officially" answered. Or can it really BE answered? In the asking, we may well nudge the Scout to be more thoughtful of the "God Thing", but in no way can we judge whether he is really "doing his duty".... That is for him to judge. In Quakerspeak, we call this a "Query" . Our various Meetngs have Books of Discipline, and Faith and Practice, (you can google these) that use these queries to nudge the Friend to think about where and what they are vis a vis the Lord. Not for me to judge, lest I be judged, you know, but YOU need to think about it....

The necker is the ONLY consistently Scout uniform item around the world. Scouts trade them at World Jamborees. If the Troop can't afford a "real" uniform, often you will see a colorful t-shirt with the necker. I find the proviso in the above quote about ".... worn only with the official uniform and never with T-shirts or civilian clothing. " to be wrong minded. Often, at award ceremonies, the awardee is given a necker that is draped around and over his civie suited self. And, I have seen a Troop running around (!) in "class bs" and a necker at service projects..... What's sad is the Troop that chooses NOT to wear the necker. It's tradition of being a Scout tool is rarely celebrated (flag, bandage, sling, nose/dust mask, sweat band, ID band, neck warmer, etc. ) . The bigger ones being something the young Scout "grew into", the smaller ones are a remnant of YDLs design as a decoration and not a practical piece of clothing....

Kukla Fran and Ollie...plan to promote selling lemonade. Can YOU sell Cub Scouts?

""~~Youth Protection training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer’s Youth Protection training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be reregistered. "" http://www.scouting.org/Training/youthprotection.aspx

Welcome to the Forums, Signman. Keep the Scout Promise and Law ever before you and make sure EVERYONE knows what is going on. I have been there and done that in different BSA faragoes. I know that my "Trustworthiness" and "Courtesy" and "Loyalty" and "Friendliness" and "Cheerfulness" made things right, helped others learn from their mistakes and prevent the same problems coming up again. More than once, I have been told "don't worry, it will soon be forgotten" or "there is nothing that we can do" or "that's just the way it is, forget it and move on with your life". None of those ideas are right. Do not accept them. " Persistent" is the 14th point of the Scout Law (the 13th is "Hungry"). "'nil carborundum Scoutae""

Scrap Metal Stolen from Scout Collection Bin http://www.orilliapacket.com/2014/10/01/thefts-hitting-scouts-where-it-hurts "" ~~Sandra Corbasson doesn’t understand why anyone would steal from Scouts. The Washago Scout leader suspects someone is regularly looting a scrap-metal and electronics collection bin being used by seven area Scouts to help fund their trip to a world jamboree in Japan next year....."" (photos of thief): https://www.facebook.com/dannelsonlawyer/posts/10152707096130041 Things are hard all over....

"Dress Uniform" I thought that was for the female Den Leader....

I've seen Cubucks used to good effect. Award Cubucks for full uniform, partial uniform, showing up on time, doing a "good deed" (catch'em good!), best new neckerchief slide, best skit at the meeting (whole Den get's'em. Pack votes!), even a Cubuck for a new rank or arrow point. Maybe parents would like to credit Cubucks for chores at home well done? Raking the leaves of a invalid neighbor? Be creative here! BUT..... not an auction, a store! Every so often , you schedule a Cubstore with the usual stuff, as you mentioned, with "reasonable " prices posted. You can even get the DenChiefs or Denners or Webelos to run it. Charge Tax! The Pack gets a little bit back, the Cubs learn alittle bit about commerce. Sell stuff for mom and dad Christmas presents... Make it a Yardsale type thing, old toys donated. But NOT an auction. Drawbacks you have mentioned and noted above. Put BALOO on the obverse/face of the Cubuck. , "In Baden-Powell we trust" on the reverse/back....

I also think this ( the new specific religious enquiry) is a change that is not warranted and may well lead to other problems, both unforeseen and avoidable. Friend Turner's comments are well thought out and cogent. They are germane, but they also do not really answer the original question. . As with much of Scouting, "the work is done by whoever shows up". The more a Scout Leader is sensitive to our avowed non-sectarian standard, the better it will be. For an organization that attracts Catholics, Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, Universalists, Quakers , Sikhs and Wiccans (among others), who all see the affinity of the Scout Promise and Law to their own faith and it's ritual and basis, I find it hard to believe that the folks on this forum are having this particular conversation. This is the basis of the whole brouhaha. How can YOU be an XYZ and agree to the Scout Law and Promise? Can't you see they are really QRS in origin????? The proposed requirement(s) will cause wrong headed discussions. They will also lead to correctly directed soul searching. They will also lead to bad feelings and resignations. All this will not be avoided. With this in mind, I recommend we all go camping as soon and as often as possible.

~~""What are you talking about here? "" ~~""Insignia guide "simplified"? "" ~~""not sure that's all accurate "" Got into a discussion at the Troop about what goes where when and why.... Talked about the gradations of uniform.... How some is too much, some is not enough, how this is a "Method" toward Scouting's goals. Just thought I'd list the various permutations as I saw them and see where it went. Never meant to be absolutely "correct". Mentioned that the uni is different around the world, that some Scouts might have only a Tshirt and Necker to label them as Scouts. Do we wear uni stuff to other than Scout places and events? Scout ball cap? Belt? Scouty Tshirt/camp sweatshirt? Are the Switchbacks appropriate for school?

We ask the Scout to be "trustworthy", first of all the rest. If he comes to the SMC and decides to "test" the waters by saying something off the wall, the only thing the SM can do is first ask "do you really mean that?" and then move on. If the SM feels he must somehow enforce the idea that BSA requires a certain type of belief (and I have had to disabuse folks more than once that the BSA is a "Christian" organization), we will have another problem. Ultimately, it is up to the individual. If the SMC is not a pass/fail thing (see other threads), then it is sufficient that the boy answer sincerely and the SM be satisfied that he did so. If the purpose is to get the boy to examine his beliefs (or lack of), then the SM had better be secure in his own, and that sounds a lot like a parent's duty to me. We obey speed limits for one of two reasons: Either we do not want to pay the fine, or we see the limit as a reasonable thing to do, a guide created by folks expert in such things and contributing to our personal and community safety. Is the Duty to God question something similar?

As a Scout Chaplain, I find it unnecessary for this new requirement to be installed. I have to keep on referring to BP's definition, which says it all to my mind: ~~“â€ÂReverence to God and reverence for one's neighbour and reverence for oneself as a servant of God, is the basis of every form of religion. The method of expression of reverence to God varies with every sect and denomination. What sect or denomination a boy belongs to depends, as a rule, on his parents' wishes. It is they who decide. It is our business to respect their wishes and to second their efforts to inculcate reverence, whatever form of religion the boy professes.â€Â†The BSA is a "religious" organization, and that cannot be avoided. It became so the first time "Duty to God" and "Reverent" was first espoused. It is NOT and should NOT be a "Religion". When we start asking a Scout HOW he "does his duty", we are implying that there is a right way to do it, I would NEVER imply that . I can teach and grade a Scout on how to do a correct Bowline. I can show him how to avoid Poison Ivy. I can even show him God's creation, but I cannot tell him how to worship, even by asking such an open ended question as "How do you do your duty to God?". Such a question is correctly asked at the Church Summer Camp, and often is around the campfires at our Yearly Meeting Summer Camps. And maybe even around the Scout campfire, but not in a SMConference. At the NatJam, us Chaplains had lots of good conversation on just that topic: how our various rituals (or lack of) and witness was similar and different, in "doing our duty". . I dare say Scouts do the same, given a chance. It is a wonderful thing that Catholic, Methodist, Muslim, Jew and Buddhist can all find agreement in the Scout Promise and Law. Let's leave it at that.

Let's see now.... *We start with the young, male human body, "in God's image".... ** Plain civies, whatever 's on sale, or in fashion, "within reason"... wear to school and play in the back yard, home chores.... *** So called "Class Bs".(BSA: Activity Uni).. Scout Troop T-shirt, camp sweatshirt, jeans or shorts, maybe a Scouty hat.... if on an OA project, include the Sash... **** BSA calls it the "Field Uniform", most Troops call'em "Class As" (ordinary Troop meetings, selling Christmas Trees, parades, travel to camp.)..... Scout BSA issued Shirt, emblazoned with badges of rank, Council, Troop, Patrol, etc. positioned according to the Handbook and Guide (a blank canvas on which to display the results and earned rewards of the Scout), Scout BSA trousers (or Troop agreed upon suitable equivalents), Scout Belt (souvenir of camp? ), clean shoes or boots. Green socks?? Neckerchief and woggle, And Troop agreed upon Scout hat.... *****Class A Plus (more formal events, CoH, Church/Temple services)): Above Class A, AND Merit badge sash over the right shoulder (never on the belt).... OR OA sash instead of MB sash over right shoulder (Never on the belt), formal medals (religious award, Eagle, Meritorious).... Various optional stuff in pockets: pocket knife, hank of cord, handkerchief, cell phone.... Adult Leaders eliminate Yoooth awards from the "Class A" uni , and to the "Class A Plus" add assorted ribbons and WB loops.... Anything else?

You were in a non-private session. Others saw what happened, yes? I would first approach one of them and inquire if they saw and experienced the situation the same way you did (they will). Could it be the way you approached Mr. Loud's comment? Probably not. Then , go to the CC and gain their support. If Mr. Loud takes umbrage again at one of your actions or comments, then approach him WITH COMPANY.... Compliment him on his interest in the program. His son is an important part of the Den. You hope he enjoys his time in Scouts as the other boys seem to. Did he earn his XYZ pin yet? We'll be doing that next time. Oh, and his comment last time was thought provoking and you're glad he brought it up. But he certainly understands why you had to bring the correct item to fore, yes? Can't let the boys see that the adults don't know the answers, huh? And you are certainly sorry if he thinks you embarrassed him on purpose, but we are all adults here, and you can certainly take a little criticism when it is warranted, can't we all? You're sure he didn't mean to come across so mean and argumentative in front of the boys..... And you could certainly use his help on the PDQ project next month. Can you count on him to handle this activity this way? Wonderful! Here's the details.... And Mr .Chair, here, would like to ask him about the Blue and Gold Banquet ....