SSScout

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 ....

Many moon ago, I was in the HS marching band. We had uniforms that were the usual, pseudo West Point , shako hat type uniform, and they were 100% worsted wool. There was some range of sizes, but generally, they were ALL big. Big even for the seniors who doubled in the football team. We were told we could tailor them to our taste, so long as we did NOT cut any material. Trouser waists were taken in, cuffs taken up, steam ironing took out the creases. Worsted wool is very forgiving, it turns out. We wore suspenders, first time I used them and learned how adaptable they are. Everyone had RED or GREEN or BLACK suspenders, depending on your section. Maybe we can urge BSA to award SUSPENDER loops!

Once upon a time, Scoutson was grubmeister (where's the umlaut on this machine?)for his patrol. This time out, his Patrol, mostly older Scouts, "adopted" a number of first time campers. They met. planned a menu, collected money, assigned duties for the weekend, and waited for the Friday evening. The menu (he showed it to me for comment) included bacon and eggs for Bfast, fresh tomatoes and salad and coldcuts for lunch, and (!) steaks to grill over the fire (real wood fire!) with potatoes in the coals, and lunch leftovers. This was a short hike (less than a half mile?) in type of camp, you couldn't drive up to it, but we all thought it was doable for the younger Scouts. Friday, some of the first years called and said (via the parents) they would be there Sat. morning. Saturday, the Patrol had only the older Scouts in attendance. They ate well. The younger Scouts (and parents?) were surprised when the older Scouts voted NOT to refund their money. They said it would be applied to the NEXT campout.... They had a well attended campout the next month.

Oh, another point (which you will note on your own eventually).... the soap carving will cause lots of soap in the knife box and hinge. After cleaning out, oil well! The soap is hygroscopic, it tends to collect water and will encourage rusting...

Not quite "Unit Fundraising", but still.... ""All summer, Spencer Bergman was working toward his goal: Earn and save $500 so he could get a dog. His mom purposely set the amount high; busy with four children and more-than-full-time work, she had said “no†to a dog forever. She and Spencer, who recently turned 13, figured it would take years to earn that much. His longtime friend Spencer Tarbet, who’s 12 and lives in the house behind the Bergmans’ in the Loudoun County community of Round Hill, had a goal, too: Pay his share of scout camp. "" The two Spencers were surprised by the meanness of one man, and the goodness of their friends and neighbors..... Read the whole story http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/...527_story.html

FINALLY got the posting function to work! Tried to answer this yesterday evening.... Way to go, opening an old thread for reconsideration. Thank You! No one is "removing the Eagle Badge from the uniforms of most of the Eagle Scouts" The "Badge" is not the "Square Knot" Once an Eagle, always an Eagle, but the "Badge" is for the Scout to wear. If they are a Venturer, wear it on the Green Uni. If a SeaScout, wear the Quartermaster Badge, as appropriate. . If no longer a Scout, wear the Knot on your adult uni. Share the ribboned medal with your Scoutson, when he is ready. My Scout badges and patches are for me to reminisce about and share with my family. I would not wear them on my adult uni. Youth awards are for the Scout. Adult award /recognitions are for the adult. I would not expect an adult to wear a merit badge sash, I would not expect a young Scout to wear the St. George Catholic Award. Would not be appropriate. Welcome back to Scouting! You and your friends will not regret it. And welcome to the forums! I think you will add a fresh voice to our debates.

A Troop that has a goodly mix of ages will operate better if the Patrols are of mixed ages too. A "good Scout" will operate as a Big Brother to the younger Scouts in his Patrol, who will automatically look to him (them) for example and advice and instruction. You can then have real Patrol competition, as the EAGLE Patrol will have no real advantage over the TENDERFOOT Patrol. The PLs and such will have their outlet and can form up occasionally as the PLC Patrol, and take that 3 day hike on the Pacific Rim Trail. The PLs leave the Patrols in the (capable) hands of their APLs, if needed. 'Course, now, if the Older Scouts act as elitists and bullies to the younger Scouts, this won't work. But that's not Scouty of them , is it? Does that behavior (elitism, "look at the tendyfeets", etc.) look like the Scout Promise and Law? How do we encourage the older Scout to help the younger one over that log in the trail, rather than laughing at his attempt to get over it? You can encourage the NSP to Boy Up and get with the program and learn in a class (sounds like school to me...) or maybe watch and learn from his "family" his older Scout in the Patrol, like any lil' brother does watching his big brother or dad (or mom?), just by 'osmosis', which is often the REAL way we learn anything important.

~~“â€ÂTo laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. Ҡ= Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882) =

Amen, brother. We are teaching safety and proper care. The carving of wood, necker slides and such, will come later. Best to get them on the "respect the TOOL" and "respect the EDGE" side of things. Sharpening, edge away from the body, oiling and cleaning.... You can mention carving blades (exacto, etc.) and perhaps demo some slide carving, but that should, IMHO, be a separate Advanced blade class. Then too, not everybody will have the desire or talent to attempt a real carving. As to the soap.... Ivory Bath SIze bars are good. Unwrap them and let them dry out as long as you can before carving. I also do the sit on the tarp trick, but then, I collect the shavings, and stuff them into old Knee-hi nylon stockings or the mesh bags little tomatoes or little onions come in. Tie'em up like htat, and you've got handwashing soap for the next six months. A Scout is Thrifty.

After I thought about it for a while, I would suggest, in all seriousness, find the OLDEST Handbook for Boy's , or Boy Scout Handbook or Scout Fieldbook (check with old timers, ebay, etc.) you can find and try out (don't ever recommend a recipe without trying it yourself!) some of their recipes. The differences between 2014 sensitivities and 1948 considerations are interesting....

Organize the first annual Whole Ox Roast for your District.....

I know Units sell popcorn, Cub Scouts more than Boy Scouts. If a Unit does NOT sell P/C, have you ever heard of an individual Scout sell P/C, say under Council aegis? Or perhaps Scout in Unit A (which does not sell P/C) sells P/C under Unit B's umbrella? What benefit would such an arrangement have? How would such an arrangement jibe with the "Scout Account" thing?

10x15 tarp. Rope and pegs and four 4'poles..... Stretch 10x4 on the cleared (or padded with pine needles) gournd. Set a 4' pole at each foldover corner, foldover 4' and stretch out the top edge, a little over the ground piece. place two 4' poles about by first ground edge, stretch tarp to the poles, over 4' area. Gives one sleep bag space and space for gear.

I saw a very clever thing at summer camp this year. We had started the fire with wood, and were going to lay charcoal on it for the foil cooking. The wood fire burned, sort of, and wouldn't really "get going" to light up the charcoal. Scouter comes up with a hollow aluminum tent pole, and BLOWS thru it, into the fire! Fire picks up! Fellow gets winded, asks for a trash bag.... takes big black trash bag, fills it with air, wraps it around the tent pole end, SQUEEZES it like a bagpipe. Presto! Bellows effect into fire! Charcoal picks up in short order! We all applauded! I was reminded of an old fashioned blacksmith forge and bellows.

Well, that's not right. Any reading of the Charter document will show that anything the Troop or Pack "owns" is owned by the CO. If the City GAVE the huts to the Troop, then by right the Troop's CO owns it.... Did the newspapers/media become aware of this? ""~~Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter."" = Thomas Jefferson =

Maybe we can "pass it on" to our Troops. Many hands make light replacements....