SSScout

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.

Head scratcher:::: Are there any "Dirty Jobs" in Scouting Mike might be interested in? Not just latrine digging.....

My faith in the worth of tv has been renewed. Mike Rowe is back with "DIRTY JOBS ". Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe Returns for a New Season on Discovery and discovery+ | Dirty Jobs | Discovery

WHO has my IMPORTANT PAPERS ? ? ?

When I lived in my "Wellbilt" cabin (a package house, built in the 1930's ) , it had a neat "heatorlator " fireplace and I used wood. This is the best tool I ever bought, A "Monster Maul" . You can still find similar, but not the same, today: I remember it was delivered only the head wrapped in newspaper and the delivery label stuck to the wrapped head . Parcel Post ! The mailman dropped it (!) on my porch ! 12 pounds of steel ! Optional rubber grip! Man, did it split bolts....

The three words no Scoutmaster wants to hear: " HEY ! Watch this ! !"

Here is my favorite: click past the ads....

There's an old saw that says before you would judge a man, one should walk a mile in their shoes . Same thing here. The DEI training is meant, however successfully (or not?) , to get us old fogies (and future fogies) to realize the Comptons and Tuksa and Trail of Tears and Rosa Parks and Red Lining and such that we (WE) need to study and realize and acknowledge and accept .... The history that was not taught , not shown. Even the problems that led to BSA's present troubles. However inelegantly, however unneatly. I went thru Diversity training at my work before I retired. Part of my unconscious response was "of course", "I haven't needed to acknowledge this, but what about the rest? Oh, wait a minute. I am a part of that REST". The various b'ack, late immigrant (Viet Namese and Cambodian, and Laotion, aong others) that I met, trained , worked and became friends with... The Guatamalan workers my son works with (learned to curse in Meso Americano Hispania)... It needs accommodation and adjustment and personal smiles....

Absolutely Welcome. Yep, Scout Led is cyclical, counsel, encourage,,,, One of my favorite stories: Once I sat in on a PLC, these Scouts were mostly fairly new, the Troop was "rebuilding" as you mention. The SM (not me) was making suggestions, pointing out maps of trails to hike, noting that Troop Meetings could be for training, Patrol competitions, that sort of thing. Finally, the nascent SPL WOKE UP. He said, "You mean I can make that decision??? " SM (a good man) responded "DUHHH" and the Troop had a good new year..... Pittsburgh? I hope you are considering the GAP and C&O Tow Path , all the way to Washington, DOWNHILL ALL THE WAY (mostly). Nice to plan and do as a summer adventure (all the way? Come home by train?) or chew off a piece at a time.... Great Allegheny Passage (gaptrail.org)

AAAAANNNNND we have learned the lesson : https://www.onlineplaygrounds.co.uk/anti-wrap-swing-chains-swc1-1655.html

Well, yeah, KE still equals 1/2MV squared. Pushing the swing (empty), it was possible to wrap the chain supports around the bar. With a kid in the seat, pumping, never saw that, but that doesn't mean we didn't try ! https://aplusphysics.com/community/index.php?/blogs/entry/929-can-you-really-swing-over-the-bar/

How did we ever get to be adults? Jungle gyms in elementary school , 8 feet high, made of steel galvanized plumbing pipe, held together with bare u-bolts , sharp corners on those bolts. Kickball, softball, MAYBE a catcher's mask. MAYBE a glove. We had a Cub Scout softball league.... I played left field and first base. Asphalt playgrounds, potholes and all. Slide into THAT, dodgeball on a set circle ring, red bouncy ball ("no, Richard, NOT the soccer ball...."). Asphalt under the swing set . JUMP out of the swing, which had ahard, wood seat. Extra momentum when you tried to swing it all the way around the bar.... Not very easily possible with the present hard rubber seats. Do you see any 2 story elementary schools anymore?

Waaaay too big. Are these good folks all "volunteer", paid expenses (as many governing boards are), or are any (if not all) paid a stipend or a "retainer", etc.? I imagine some ( I recognize names) are named "Board Member" as sort of a reward/recognition for service, donation, etc.?

Saturday is a good day to feast and express thanks... For food, for raiment, for life, for opportunity, for friendship and fellowship.... We thank thee, oh Lord.

Doesn't include Dentistry ? Isn't that a Health Profession? Why separate after this re-alignment (orthodontia) ?

Well, I'm glad they didn't forget the ketchup....

I'm with Jameso76 in much of this. Nomenclature/definition.... Vespers to me means a set of prayers, a worship service. Are we talking about an outdoor chapel of some design? Does it exist already and needs renovating, embellishment? Or is this totally new construction? The two Scouts need to have a sit down. Perhaps with the church leadership first, then with their respective Scout Leaders. I would hate to think there is some adult dramatics involved (shudder). I would encourage the Scouts and church leadership find enough "project " for the each of them. Perhaps (!) the Scouts can develope a joint project acceptable to the church AND the Scout District Committee? Wow, what a concept.

..... up to a point At IOLS, I always mention the The Three Words No Scoutmaster Wants To Hear: "" HEY ! WATCH THIS ! ""

Well there ya go. Despite the National Curriculum, All Scouting Is Local. The WB is locally produced and staffed. It is meant to be a "Management" course and a reinforcement of the "Scout Led" (adult mentor-management) idea. The local folks can give it the bad taste, unfortunately. We hope for the "AHA !" moment , not the "OH NO!" or "HO HUM" moment..... One of the courses I attended/staffed had a wonderful older Scouter in attendance. He had an interesting story. He traveled the country attending various WB courses. He said to me he had attended 12 so far, and enjoyed the different types (attitudes?) he encountered. I did not ask him (maybe I should have) if he passed on his observations to proper folks involved. See you on the trail.....

Congrats... Hoot Hoot. Wood Badge is as much for the adult as for the Scouts they will help... I am sure the folks/Scouts that benefited from your ticket(s) will know to "pass it on". Beading... It is appropriate to celebrate your success, and it is altogether appropriate that YOU decide how it should be done. I know folks that have said, don't need the hoo hah, just send me the regalia. And it is sent. Not a Troop /Pack/Crew person? Then your beading should be where you feel you belong. Roundtable, Camporee, where ever. My friend received his at the District Award dinner. He and thirteen others all had their beads and woggles awarded (I did my friend's). A "mass beading", took all of about 6 minutes, song and all. I had mine at my home Troop CoH. It snowed alot and unfortunately most of my Patrol could not attend, but my WB SM and Patrol Guide managed. Punch and cookies (obligatory) afterward. Wear the beads? Not necessary. "By their fruits ye shall know them." Folks don't so much care what you wear around your neck, only how you help our Scouts along the way. Back to Gilwell....

"" ""Our character is what we do when we think no one is looking."" H. Jackson Brown, Jr. Oh, Kosnoff is a character, all right.... He wants to be known for what he does when he THINKS everyone is watching....

With the turn of the years, autumn again brings thoughts of campfires, wood smoke memories, s'mores, burnt hotdogs, songs and gazing into the embers..... Campfire safety being of utmost importance (I hope and pray you never find yourself saying, "I thought I put it out"), I find myself remembering when I used to heat my modest cabin with wood. I thought I might record some ideas in that vein, (please bear in mind , this is past history.....) therefore: How to Heat with Wood for Free! It is easy to heat your home for free with wood! I have done it for many years , and I have been asked by many to detail the economics of it. Here, then, is my accounting of heating with wood over the last few years! Wood is available for free from many sources. Neighbors may need a tree cut down. Road crews leave wood by the road for picking up. Untended lots need thinning. One just needs a little equipment. Build wood rack from scrap lumber : FREE! Install catalytic equipped wood stove, double wall stove pipe: $5,432. Purchase chainsaw, case, chain oil, hardhat, safety goggles, Kevlar chaps & vest, heavy gloves, wedges, maul for splitting, : (“on special”!) $844.95. Two gallon gas can and 2 gallons of gas: $15.48. Buy old second hand pickup (to haul wood ! ) from cousin: $850. Rebuild engine, new clutch, new tires, pass state inspection, tags, title, insurance: $3,547.85. Pay fine for cutting wood without a permit on park land: $350. Replace rear window in pickup (threw log thru it): $207. Sharpen saw chain after hitting rock in tree crotch: $18. Buy 2 extra saw chains: $66.05. Repair neighbor’s roof edge after maple fell the wrong way: $427. Repair chainsaw after using regular gas in it (needs 2 stroke mix): $98.47. Buy two gallons gas and pint of 2 stroke oil: $14.48. Doctor visit after wood rack falls on foot: $20. Copay. Crutch rental: FREE (local service club) Clean rug and smoke damage when wife forgets to open damper: $380.28. Lawyer visit, recommendation of marriage counseling: $350. As you can see, it is easy to heat your house with wood for FREE! Of course , not everyone is as adept at wood cutting as some, so your experience will no doubt be different. Good Luck !