SSScout

I often comment to folks that will listen that it is a wonder any of our generation ever grew to adult hood. Climbing trees? Building lash together (Pioneering !) towers more than 6 feet tall? Hiking by ourselves? Taking cars apart WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION? Oh, the humanity.... One winter (!), I think it was in January, we went camping , in the snow, on a local farmer's land. Our Troop was wonderfully divided into four Patrols, on this event, each Patrol was represented, as I remember, by maybe only three or four boys from each Patrol. Nothing unusual about that, eh? Here's the thing.... A GIRL SCOUT TROOP camped with us.... in the snow, 20 some degrees all weekend,,,, And we learned from them... They brought half gallon milk cartons of premade, frozen chili for dinner. Strip off the carton, into the pot, boil it up. They learned from us. Fire wood cutting and fire building.... We each learned/earned the respect of the other, as most of us went to the same schools. "You're a Scout? Wow..." Would that have been a "Council" event?

The ultimate Klondike Derby. In hindsight, plans could've been better, but A wonderful inspirational story. Shackleton brought all his crew home.

Another Merit Badge Day done and wrapped up. Actually two days: this Council plans a first day in January, and the second in February. It is a nice idea, the Scout gets to meet the MBCouncilor, then some time to complete things (if they are not "ready" the first time). I do Bugling, I guess I have a rep, because I keep getting invited back. Covid protocol, lots of space. Alcohol rubs on everything. First saturday: Advanced registration shows ten Scouts, five in the morning, five in the afternoon sessions. Pre-requisites posted on line, obvious in the registration page. Pre-reqs include "Bugle not included, bring your own horn. Yes, you are expected to have READ the MBBook or online requirements...etc." Day One, morning.... four boy Scouts. One no show. three horns, (one Mellophone ! one trumpet, one Bugle), one no horn. "Pre requisites? What are they?" Everyone can make noise, only two can make "notes" . We teach/learn history, physics/philosophy of music. What is SOUND? What is the difference between SOUND, NOISE, MUSIC? We play with my garden hose Bugle (five feet of hose, funnel bell, yes you can make the calls on it !). Wynton Marsalis? Dizzy Gillespie? No horn says he is in his school band, but can't bring his school trumpet to the MBDay.... I give lots of encouragement, lots of attaboys, In music, you are learning a foreign language ! On to lunch.... I visit with other MBCouncilors, give some personal experience to the Disabilities MB class (dad had only one arm. Try tying your shoe laces one handed, as I learned to!). Day one, afternoon: three boy Scouts, one girl Scout, one no show . two trumpets, one Bugle. Girl has none, said she "used to " play french horn. No one can really make notes, lots of "sound". Even trumpets can't play all five (or six?) notes needed for the calls. Encouragement. You have good sound, tone, need PRACTICE.... We teach/learn/discuss history/physics/philosophy of music. I even see some "aha ! " in some eyes, not just "how do I get this card signed?" No, no one ever says that exactly... Garden Hose Bugle gets some smiles, especially from the girl, who really seems tired and depressed. Garden Hose Bugle is, I tell them, the start of a middle school science fair project on Sound and Acoustics . School band will take them places others won't get to see (much like Scouting?). A month passes. I send out one email (properly copied, YPT!) to their registered emails as reminders..... Day two, morning. Two trumpets, previous no horn brings a Bugle ! New (used). three out of five... Melophone is missing... both trumpets can play, progress has been made. Bugle hasn't even tried it, he says, since his dad (!) bought it for him. He makes noises and eventually thru the two hours gains three notes ( the middle ones). Trumpet 1 is good, He has been practicing. He plays the charts well, and while he does the Call to the Colors, I sign off on his Blue Card, much to his surprise. Trumpet 2 does much better, but still can't quite do both tone and tempo. A little more practice, I tell him. They all have my contact info, I have access to a ZOOM account, phone, meet somewhere in the church parking lot, I will listen when they are ready. Bugle is eager (seemingly), but ya got five/six notes to play and a certain tempo/rhythm to attain. Ya got good tone, work on the details ! Off to lunch. Day two, afternoon. One boy Scout , one girl Scout. (note the original sign ups) Girl has a new Bugle ! Unfortunately, it is a "Cavalry" bugle a small one. The calls can be done with it, but the technique is challenging , more so than with a F Bugle or Trumpet. She makes sound, and begins to differentiate the tones, the "flips" between the notes. In our two hours she makes good progress and is smiling at the end. Boy has his trumpet again. He has some progress , but again, those high and low ends of the Bugle scale are lacking. By the end of our two hours, he is much better, but still not really able to play the calls fully. Then I read his registration again, his email indicates he registered from a Scoutmaster's email. His dad is Scoutmaster? Good, he certainly has an encourager there. He asks if I can give him any "partials", so I do. He departs, and I then realize I have been left by myself with girl. She would like to practice some more, but even with the doors to room wide open, I must excuse myself for YPT concerns. As I am packing up and cleaning the room, boy comes back, with SM dad. SM dad asks for explanation, why I did not give MORE partials? I explain, while boy listens, that the class room stuff I partialed, the calls and "reasons" for the calls go together and I certainly would pass them both when boy is able to play them successfully. SM dad seemed unhappy I would not "partial" the reasons, I smiled and said that is my way, the calls and reasons can easily go together. As I am leaving the building, I run into girl Scout and adult. She is NOT a parent, but I stop, again compliment girl about her effort and improvement, and remind her of the possibility , if difficult, of using the cavalry horn. Adult thanks me, will pass on to mother, girl smiles thru her mask. And so I will wait for Scouts to contact me to complete the MB. It does happen.... My 2 hour drive home became four with stops for some history and scenic stuff (the sign on the visitor center read open dawn to dusk, but not on saturday ? )

Let's give credit where credit is due:

*sigh* As always, "The Work Is Done By Whoever Shows Up." Many times, we hear of "Active COs" , "silent COs", "COs of Convenience". The CO of my Cub Pack was set up long before I became Cub Master. Collect the charter signatures, see you next year, , have a nice day. When wife/Den Leader and I began asking for more involvement of the CO ( a hospital foundation) , we were met with "that's not what we agreed to, not what we expected, not what we signed up for" The Troop of my Scout Son was a church. Same basic thing . Long time CO, even the signature COR was "for convenience ("you want me to do what? Nah, we like Scouts, you go ahead and do Scouting. ), but they would do and help when we asked for specific things. Approve named Leaders? Sure, you say they're okay? Fine with us. Knew another unit, CO church REQUIRED members to be of the same faith. Council said, that is their right. They kept a TIGHT rein on everything Scouty there. Units disbanded after about 6 years.

Scoutmaster’s Song (with apologies to Mesrs. Gilbert and Sullivan) When A Scouter’s not engaged in his employment (his employment) or planning to go camping with his Troop (with his Troop) his capacity for innocent enjoyment (-cent enjoyment) Can easily be knocked off for a loop (for a loop) Our feelings we with difficulty smother (-culty smother) When some Scoutmasterly duty’s to be done (to be done) Ah, take one consideration with another, (with another) A Scoutmaster’s lot is not a happy one. Ooooohhhhh… When Scoutmasterly duty’s to be done, to be done, A Scoutmaster’s lot is not a happy one. When the helicopter parent is not hov’ring (is not a hov’ring) When the Scout is not a-cutting off their thumb (-off their thumb) He loves to hear the bug-a-ler a-bugling (bugler bugling) And enjoy his tea while sitting on his bum (on his bum) When the PLC has finally decided (has decided) Where the Troop should hike on weekends yet to come (yet to come) Ah, take one consideration with another (with another) A Scoutmaster’s lot is not a happy one. Ooooooohhhhh, When Scoutmasterly duty’s to be done, to be done, , His duty oft is not a happy one. (happy one).

Free time at camp? Fun defined by themselves? Oh the horror of it..... (With apologies to Paul Simon . . . ) ”I went out camping with my Scout Troop just last week. The fun and woods there were everything I seek . But I when I got home and counted noses I realized… There must be… fifty ways to lose a camper. Fifty ways to lose a camper…. “” Just call the roll late, Nate, Get off to the john, Ron, Be in a rush, Gus, just listen to me…. A PL that’s loose, Moose, string out the hike, Mike, Just laugh at that boy, Roy , , , And let those Scouts be ! I called my DE up and told him of my woe, he said he’d meet with me , and so to Four Bucks then we’d go. He smiled and shook his head “You’re not the first,” he said, “There must be… fifty ways to lose a camper…. Fifty ways to lose a camper….” Check your Tour Plan, Stan, run over those names, Ames, call the Micky Dee , Lee, and calm try to be…. Reassure mom, Dom, be cool with the dad, Vlad , get out the cell, Mel, and call the SE.” And so we called the Council SE on the cell. She told us to not fret, she’d see what she could tell. And sure enough, the family called back, it seemed that…the kid had stayed home with a cold all along.......... So wipe off the brow, Dow, Have another cup, Krup, smile and cheerful be, Dee, and set your self…. Freee…..

Could you consider the C&O/Great Allegheny Passage Trail? Old rail road R/W and canal water level trail. Lots of urban support nearby. :: https://gaptrail.org/

*sigh*. Thee is not alone, friend. Many COs are backing away from the BSA because of the past problems. The BSA has essentially run out of rugs to sweep things under. What is missed is that the old problems should not affect the future. The slate , if not the reputation , is being wiped clean (I hope) . The House of Worship that chartered my old Troop and Pack for better than 60 years (a methodist church) was told by the Circuit that the UMC would no longer sponsor Scout units. Deadline 31 December. Not withstanding the "new" understanding, (March 31?), whatever that may be, the Scouts had to go find a new CO, which they did. The local VFD picked them up, bless them. The move was amicable, the church did not demand immediate vacating of the closets etc. The pastor was (is) very Scout friendly and was apologetic for what was required of her higher ups. Up to recently, the methodist church saw Scouting to be a very worthy program for young men (and now women), and was only caught up in the ongoing scandals. The church was vary cooperative, saw the Scout units, not so much as a Church Youth Program (very few kids were from church families), but worthy of support none the less. The unrealized possible liability (read the fine print in the Charter Agreement) and BSA's past lack of transparency and responsibility led to the UMC not wanting to continue, the Men's Commission statement and desire not withstanding. And so we continue. See you on the trail.

And again.... Last page this time....

The following are scanned from Matching Mountains With The Boy Scout Uniform by Edward F. Reimer, 1929, E.P. Dutton, publisher I've been meaning to try this....

Another discussion.... ""3 parts of the scout oath "" I came to see there are FOUR parts/sections/ promises.... Duty to GOD, duty to COUNTRY, duty to OTHERS and duty to SELF ( last !) To accomplish these, the Scout Law is applied. (five parts?)

""The Work Is Done By Whoever Shows Up."" Committees, in their support and policy role, are a VERY flexible title, role, responsibility. In small Units, anyone who can meet to discuss and decide things is "on th committee".. It is not unusual at all for s Den Leader (bless you) to also be another responsible person. Treasurer? Committee chair? COR (horrors !) ? Event chair? Blue and Gold Chairperson? Committee "member"? I know Packs (and Troops and VCrews) that welcome (eagerly !) any parent who would come and Talk Scout on the Committee Meeting evening to makle decisins, help the CM plan meetings, and arrange visits to ships, fire houses, museums and parks. Den Leader? Yes, get that Vregistration made and get'em the knot....

Well, if the SM delegates/assigns it to the ASM.... It has been done...

"Golden Rule" "Messenger of Peace" project. "Good Turn " every day. "If not me, then who, Lord?" https://www.teachingvalues.com/goldenrule.html Shovel a neighbor's snow? And transfer this thread to the Faith and Chaplaincy sub thread....

"Take offs are optional, LANDINGS are mandatory". 3/5 of SCOUT is OUT. That said, I would hope that : 1) The campouts are PLANNED by the Scouts thru their Patrol Leaders' Council , with appropriate adult mentoring and help (appropriat !) 2) all activities, camping foremost, is done within BSA guidelines. Read the Scout Handbook....(""OK, show me where, in your BSHB, it recommends Ramen Noodles for all meals?"") 3) Parents are always welcome to OBSERVE and HELP and COME on activities (sign that volunteer app, pay the dues, take the training, STAND BACK.....) 4) Suitable understanding is shown for Scouts that do OTHER THINGS. >>> I Scouted, earned my Eagle waaaay back when. My Troop had the motto "ALWAYS ON THE GO" emblazoned on our neckerchiefs and elsewhere. My Eagle Patrol or Troop was somewhere, doing something, many times a month. Along the way, I acted in school plays, played and marched in the band, held school government office, went to MYF things, dated, changed the oil in my dad's trucks, won prizes in debate , went fishing with friends and relations, sold sodas in snack bar, was Stage Crew Chief (lots of gear to take care of) and generally grew up. Your Scout should never feel limited. Scouting is OPPORTUNITIES, not just REQUIREMENTS. See you on the trail.

Morse code. Get a ham radio (do they call'em that in the UK?) into for her to connect with folks around the world. Jamboree On The Air doesn't happen for awhile, officially, but hey, QSL card collecting is a neat thing....

bump

OH ! My favorite story... when Scoutson earned his AOL and crossed into his Troop, we said we would celebrate by buying him a present. Any one thing he wanted... He chose a 5 D cell Maglight. It went on ONE campout. Then, he realized why dad only took little AA pocket lights.... I think he still has it, but it rides in his truck.

Then we have the Scout who told me that the umbrella was insisted upon by his mom.... We were in a drought....

Yep. It happens. The Cub that wanted to build a bird feeder is now driving his own Freightliner. Give him opportunities, not instructions.

Oh, "it " very definitely "depends". I remember one summer camp I attended (back when gas cost less than a buck a gallon, ), the Scout Counselor for Astronomy thought my question about having a night time session was "silly" because it was not part of the requirements...." even when one read "identify in the sky....". As a high school soph , I knew more about the night sky than he did. I remember he was very impressed with my diagram of the moon's phases.... He did sign my card (which was not blue back then).

Welcome to our virtual campfire, SR70.. Sit ye down on an elog and enjoy the fellowship. The answer to your concern, as in much of Scouting, is: "It Depends". The Cubs want ( and appreciate ! ) safe adventure, fun stuff, learn something new, get some bling. The Cubs that are blessed with parent(s) that are involved with them (not just "putting in time") will be the ones who we will want to pick out our Assisted Living Facilities. The others? I will refer you to Harry Chapin's ""Cats In The Cradle""... B&G is meant to be a ""Happy Birthday BSA"" party. It can be most any time of year, but usually in February. Pot Luck in the church social hall? Fully catered sit down dinner at a hotel? Picnic BBQ in the park? I've seen many wonderful festive types. Table/room decorations? Magician? Balloonman? State Parks Scales and Tales? Den skits? Lots of types of entertainment. Up to you, or at least the organizer. Cost? Again, "It Depends".... One year, our B&G Chair (he and his wife corralled everyone.... school cafeteria, crepe paper, table take home decor, really nice job, Steve and Katie) , contacted Outback Steak House, they did a really nice semi catered dinner (salad, steaks, potato, dessert....) which we picked up. When our treasurer asked for the bill, the restaurant manager said "no charge !" and everyone went home with a meal or two extra left overs ! Awards? Webelos Crossover? Folks include that, but again, "It Depends". A large Pack might have too many awards to make it work. I favor doing the Web/AOL Crossover a separate special event. Maybe some SHORT special awards at your B&G, but make it predominantly a fun time, not an ""official"" time.... Sit down with whatever passes for your Pack Committee (not just the CChair) and talk about it. Busy Parents? We are not here for the parents. We are here for the kids. What are the parents here for? All BSA can do is offer OPPORTUNITIES. Good Scouting to you. See you on the trail....

Welcome to the forums, Irratgoat.... First things first. A Scout is.... Obedient. That said, here's my list of stuff important. BSA still gender separates on paper at least. Female Troop and Patrol(s), Male Troop and Patrol(s). That means gender specific PLs and SPLs. There is no mention of gender specific SM (!) but you need gender specific adult attendance... That said, there is no reason the Scouts can't meet and activate together. The SPLs (!S!) should/must cooperate in their planning and (did I hear that word somewhere? ) delegation of duty and such. Only a one Patrol Troop? Guess what? That PL is the Troop SPL ! A Patrol can be any number of Scouts, eight is considered traditionally ideal. I have known Troops that said if only ONE Scout from the Patrol comes on a Campout, that Scout plans and acts as a Patrol, including cooking and cleanup ! Melding Scouts into "Troop Patrol" can have results that destroy the Patrol idea, deal carefully there. I agree with much of the above suggestions and experience cited. ABOVE ALL.... remember 3/5 of "SCOUT" is "OUT". See you on the trail.

One must take the stand where the responsibility sits. Many moon ago, I organized and led canoe trips for American Youth Hostels. Our local club would put an ad in the local outdoorsy publication and young adults would come, pay the rental fee, get some instruction, and happily paddle down a stretch of the Monacacy (also known as the Monotony) river. The requirements were prominently displayed in the ad ::: Swimming ability, no alcohol, expectation of getting wet, etc. Once, a pair of young males arrived with a large cooler. When I asked to see the contents, they smilingly opened it to reveal three six packs, on ice. I distinctly remember three,. "Oh, we wanted to be sociable". When I announced they had a choice, either leave the whole cooler behind, or go home, they cursed and chose to go home.... One canoe stayed strapped to the shuttle car.