SSScout

As has been said before, be truthful, not emotional, and let as many folks as possible know what is happening. I would also continue seeking to find out what, if anything, exactly was said and/or done that led to your expulsion. As to starting a new Troop, that may be a solution. Join with the "survivors" of the original Troop and let the "Leader 01" do what he (?) will. It may be time to "smile and wave" as you go by. I too am surprised that the adults involved cannot "play nice". It is the kids that are hurt in the exchange, after all.

Datswhatimtalkinbout!

Hat Courtesy... See http://www.scouter.com/forums/viewThread.asp?threadID=183742&p=3 and http://www.scouter.com/forums/viewThread.asp?threadID=335346&p=2 Shall we next discuss whether others should be subjected to the sight of ("oh the humanity!") certain folks cutting the grass shirtless?

Well, yeah, but what were the songs? Are they worth passing on? All I know is Marty Robbins and his "Cool, Clear Water" All day I've faced a barren waste Without the taste of water, cool water Old Dan and I with throats burned dry And souls that cry for water Cool, clear, water Keep a-movin, Dan, dontcha listen to him, Dan He's a devil, not a man He spreads the burning sand with water Dan, can ya see that big, green tree? Where the water's runnin' free And it's waitin' there for me and you? The nights are cool and I'm a fool Each star's a pool of water Cool water But with the dawn I'll wake and yawn And carry on to water Water, water, water Keep a-movin, Dan, dontcha listen to him, Dan He's a devil, not a man He spreads the burning sand with water Dan, can ya see that big, green tree? Where the water's runnin' free And it's waitin' there for me and you? Cool, clear, water Cool, clear, water

Patrol Leader calls his Patrol together and announces that the Scoutmaster has declared that tomorrow morning, everyone must change their socks and underwear. The Patrol Leader then declares: " Sammy, you change with Tom. Tom, you change with Chuck. Chuck,..."

I had an email conversation with MPT. It seems to not be in their program index due to the number in the title. Even tho MPT was the sponsor for the making of the documentary, and they distributed it to other PTStations. It was on the MPT channels at 9pm Sunday. It is available for purchase, but they have no immediate plans to show it again in the foreseeable future. Here's a ready made fanbase. Make your desire to have it broadcast again by emailing the MPT viewer member services::: crl@mpt.org Tell them you would like to know when it is broadcast so you can notify the Scouts in your area. I gave them the media chair in our Council, and contact people in neighboring councils. Buy DVD at http://www.mpt.org/eshop/?q=node/195 Show it at Roundtable? to your Troop?

""He got the entire den singing the two Cub Scout drinking songs almost all the time."" When our theme was "Medieval Adventure", some of us would emcourage the Cubs to "drink to the health of our soveriegn Queen (the Camp Director)!! To the Queen!!" and throw back some water in our mugs. We were chastised for "encouraging childhood alcoholism" and told to stop. I would be interested to hear the Cub Scout drinking songs? "Ein, Drei, suffa!"

It was on Maryland Public TV last night. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/759:_Boy_Scouts_of_Harlem

Oh, I always have a map(paper) with me. I far prefer a paper map to the GPS mapquest smartphone thingy my wife likes to play with. My stepson drove gmom to Rhode Island the other day, and thanked me for providing the AAA triptik and maps. As you say, the map you need depends on "where I am". When I do Scout Skills pavilion, and talk about maps, here's what I do, much to the Scouts' giggles: I tape up a series of maps that overlap and show the difference in scale, thus: I start out with a National Geographic map of tha WHOLE UNIVERSE! this connects to the MILKY WAY GALAXY! this shrinks to the SOLAR SYSTEM! here, I show a WORLD GLOBE! then, a WORLD MAP! (NOT Mercator) Then, look at the map of the US of A! then MARYLAND! then the COUNTY! then the PARK! and lastly a sketchmap of the CAMP! Wow!! Thousands of Light Years down to Yards and Feet! Visit the neighborhood County Tourist board or Chamber of Commerce. Also, the Parks Dept. will have maps to look at and play with. Compare the symbols with the stuff on the ground. You can find really detailed topo maps on line to order from the NGeodetic Survey. Sometimes camp stores have them in stock for sale. Might not be necessary for CS, but no reason why you can't introduce them to such. Use the map to plan a hike, and do the hike!

Wind'em up and watch 'em go.... Batteries not included, not needed.

It boils down to how involved do you feel moved to become. Everything is a test, after all. There have been times when I walk up ane get involved. There have been times when, hours, days later, I find myself thinking "gee, I shoulda done something", but maybe it's too late, and but maybe I find something to do or say that helps prevent or improve a future event. Maybe. Whether it is that turtle you didn't stop to pick up and carry to the other side, or the Cub Scout who is waving a pocket knife around like an x-wing fighter, or the mother who is getting close to violence with her child in the supermarket, how and when and what regrets (or satisfaction) one feels is determined by past events, training, sensitivity to the movement of the Spirit in your life, whether or not someone helped you when you were in need. Lots of shoulda , coulda, mighta, comes up. In the extreme example, I am reminded of the following: ""First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out-- Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out-- Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out-- Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me--and there was no one left to speak for me. = Martin Niemoller = "" Think hard when an opportunity is presented to you. How will you feel later if you do not act or speak?

There was once a bank robber (in Florida, I think)who was quoted as saying he robbed banks because "that's where the money is". May be appochryphal, but it sounds good. Same thing here. In ACA, Follow the money. Despite any public moans from the insurance companies, guess what? They are now guaranteed income from the required need to sign on to health insurance. Competition lowering costs? Maybe. Big maybe. The alternatives are/were: Stay the same, single payer, some hybrid combination. Single payer? Somebody has to administer it and wow, what a gigantic government agency that would create. But then, we already have lots of them, and very successful and well overseen (?term?) too. IRS, Social Security, all open to public scrutiny when necessary. Private companies? Not so much. Our duelly elected representatives (we are a republic, right?) have settled the matter for the present. As has been said, the new ACA is not perfect, but it is a start in the right direction. It will be adjusted in future as the public gets used to it, I am sure.

I find the title of this thread perhaps inaccurate. The story told sounds more like a "firing" rather than a chance to "resign". I, too, would seek to be told the truth of the matter. Be polite, be factual and unemotional in your pursuit of the who and why of this, but be persistant. Insist that the folks that have told you that you are personna non grata stand behind their decision and give you the reasons. They want you to just "accept things the way they are" and move on. The reference letters from others that know you and your record are a good idea, but will likely not change the mind of the people in question. I would have them addressed to your Council President ( I think that is the GSUSA equivalent), and not just to the person that sent you the firing letter. Open their eyes to the situation. The reference letters will, however, do wonders for restoring your own confidence. And, the request for them will help tell your letter writers of your problem with (?) someone or with some policy or with THEIR (the firing letter authors) problem. The more light shown on a problem, the better. Let us know the result of your quest. You have my sympathy. I have been there and done that. YiS

About the only thing required for beading is that your WB SM and/or Troop Guide be present. Or not, I guess. My good friend wanted me to do the neckerchiefing and beading, (he claimed I had inspired him to take the WB) so I showed up at his District awards dinner (he was being made the District Chaplain) and so I came up front when he and his WB cohorts were called forward to be wrapped and woggled and beaded. And I sang too. No dance, just stood. It's been done at Troop CoHs, campouts, roundtables, Pack CoHs, church callouts, OA ceremonial dance contests, so why not a regatta? In the program, it can be called "Special Award" or some such.

And so, it's time for... the reeeeeest of the story (wish someone would rerun Paul Harvey's feature.) Crew returned from NMexico none the worse for wear. Stuff is getting washed and dried and put away. Story is that the dad in seegar need bowed to culture norm and requirements and left all tobacco in the trailhead locker. Scoutson reports a good trek. No big thunderstorms like last time, not like at home, where we had BIG thunderstorms.

I think echaney has heard all the good answers here. Make sure the IH and COR are informed of what has happened. Make sure the DE and Commissioner know about what happened. Speak to the school and see if there was a break down in communication and authority (teacher OKing the project when the Principal should have?) Picking up pieces and moving on to new unit with rest of sinking ship survivors (metaphor?). Exploring the possibility of the noted project actually serving as the Eagle candidate's project. Possibility of a COuncil EBoR under protested circumstances (maybe not needed yet). Extra info: In our newly balkanized council/service area/district, there is a tradition of the Troop (thru committee approval and SM approval) passing the project on to the District Eagle Advisor for approval. I have seen several projects get tweekked in Troop committee, committee members having knowledge of construction or other skills. When the project is OKed by the DEA, then it is up to the Scout and beneficiary to make it happen. The District sponsors the Eagle Board of Review. They are scheduled twice a month, if no one needs to be seen, they don't happen. Might be three held at the same time, in the same church basement. Each board is chaired by a member of the District Advancement committee, and the other three or four folks on the board are volunteers and usually include folks that bring the Scout for his EBoR. Yes, might be other parents. The SM escorting the Scout does not sit on any EBoR. The few I have sat on were more than congratulatory efforts. We read thru the records and sometimes found discrepencies to explain, either by the Scout or perhaps the SM. We also found lots of things to celebrate: worthy projects, glowing recommendations, indications of a Scout's history and culture. The conversations ranged from complaints about Philmont's food to memories of learning to fix blisters and being satisfied about the completion of the project. The EBoRs that I have participated in were all "successful", and we gladly signed the paperwork involved. I heard stories, however, from my fellow Scouters about some that were not, but that is for another ecracker barrel. I think echaney's boy will learn from his experience and a(with the right attitude) be the better for it. Whether the SM in question will learn from his experience remains to be seen.

"I'm sorry you feel that way. Here's what it says in the Academic and Sports BeltLoop requirements (see http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/Cub%20Scouts/UniformsAndAwards/sanda.aspx ). ((Editor's note: Perhaps mom would like to review the "Good Manners" BL)) "I am sure that the Council Program Director will be glad to speak with you. Here's Mister Mxyzptlk's phone number. "As to the Aquanaut pin, I can accept the fulfilling of the requirements at a YWCA pool. Have the Pool Manager review the requirements and send me a note that little Reginald has passed them. " I am gratified that you are so involved in Reginald's life. Many other parents are not. I'm sure Reggie will appreciate your concern when he is older."

How very sad. Echaney: I hope you can bring this situation to the attention of the COR and IH. Make them understand. If there is more than a few other Scouts and parents of like mind, gather them and make your case as a group. Legalistically speaking, I don't think the SM by himself can kick a boy out of Scouting. It takes the agreement of the WHOLE committee (what was the quorum? Oh. yes. Whoever shows up... another point to make to the IH and COR),and the IH and the COR Due process? Answering charges? Innocent until proven otherwise? And of what, exactly? And if I remember correctly, all that has to go thru the Council hands and National hands too. His name will be on the charter until rechartering time, too. As to the project(s), I am glad to hear a "Council Leader" is aware and helping. The more this problem is heard of, the better. I hear your passion. Give vent to it. Show this problem the light of day and make the SM answer to his self made situation.

I hope that the Scoutleaders in question understand the possible family dynamics at work. *It is possible that the mom/dad is bribing the boy for his love/affirmation. Unfortunate, but it happens. * It is not only the spoiled rotten kid syndrome, it is the "I don't dare refuse him" syndrome. Pity the poor parent who is afraid of saying no to his/her child. At age twelve, it is almost too late. * And, If the parent has lower expectations of their boy, who is he to rise above them? YOU set YOUR expectations and watch the boy meet them at camp. Here's where the SM Minute can be used to good effect. * True story at CSDC: Dad comes up to Asst. CD and asks if they know anyone he could PAY to take his place as a DWalker. Pay the DWalker, pay the boy to be a Scout. There are such people out there. * And here is where the ScoutLeader must make the Real World come into contact with the Fantasy World of the "I can do anything I want" mentality. Med forms, candy stocks, cell phone/text tablets, sugary soda, if they have them, it's because you made the rules and did not mak'em stick. WHen I was my daughter's soccer team coach, I made my team drink a cup of water BEFORE they went on the field, made a big difference in their performance first half. I also asked them which of them had suger pops for breakfast, which had other breakfasts, and we compared notes as to who had the stamina and who didn't. One parent brought mini sodas for the half time snack, and I had to say no, and asked them to go get something else. Fruit, Capri Sun, not soda. I asked the team to make their own conclusions about what gave them stamina/energy and what didn't. Seemed to work, we had two winning seasons after one losing one.

Trev: I don't think it was that, so much. I was the senior fella in my classification, and got to pick time first, so my habit was to save up my leave, and, instead of scheduling a week here and a week there, as some of my buddies did, or maybe an extra friday or monday, I would claim the whole month of July . Or August. But the idea of "better scheduling illnesses and emergencies" stuck with me. I have no idea what Mike did. He would pick up his pay stub, look at it right at the dispatch window, and ask for a leave request slip. More than once I heard him say to himself, "ummm, 9 hours of annual. I'll take this friday off."

Ancillary topic: Once, in a discussion of the financial condition of our Meeting, the discussion swung between the number of families donating, the various amounts (no names were mentioned), the idea that it seemed to be always the same families and how to encourage others. We were reminded that folks give as the Spirit moved them, and possibly as an indcation of the importance of Meeting to them. It was then suggested that , as an indication of how important Meeting was to folks, perhaps we should charge admission. This suggestion was not adopted.

The test of something like this is to see if it has been done before. Will people PAY to see someone do flag stuff? Specifically USA flag stuff? http://www.usarmyband.com/events/twilight_tattoo.html Oh, wait. That's free admission. http://www.nps.gov/fomc/parknews/us-navy-to-perform-at-twilight-tattoo-ceremony.htm Nope, free to the public.... I think the offer of a proper flag ceremony is good. Witnesses to the things Scouting should be about. ASKING for a "donation"....ummmmm, no. Accepting one if offered, maybe. Reminding folks what the US flag represents, appropriate.

I believe Humpty Dumpty might be a candidate for the postion of Director of Requirement Limitation and Deliniation: """When I use a word,' Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, 'it means just what I choose it to mean neither more nor less." "The question is," said Alice, "whether you can make words mean so many different things." "The question is," said Humpty Dumpty, "which is to be master that's all."

That's the idea. Organize, delegate, schedule, ask for help and donations, make sure the social hall is available, try granddad's sauce recipe and multiply it up. Make sure someone knows how to boil spaghetti to "al dente", not "al mush". And fill out the Form , see Basement dweller. Oh, and have fun.... Do the "Search" function above for lots of confusing comments about all sorts of fund raising.

The Local Option.... One can "interpret" the written requirements however one wants, but the Scout will know whether or not he has fulfilled them. Yes, he wants the badge/patch. Yes, he wants the recognition. But he also wants the knowledge and skill. If the "participation" only requires standing and watching others clip, haul,unclip, fold and walk ceremoniously, then that's easy. Tell the boys how to do it and sign it off at the dinner table. Yes, the boy will "do his best" , but at what? Give them the opportunities. That's the unwritten part of the Law of the Pack, you know. That's the line that was left out by that unnamed, too tired secretary so long ago. The Cub Scout follows Akela, The Pack helps the Cub Scout grow. The Cub helps the Pack GO. ((The parent helps the Pack go, too)). The Cub Scout gives good will. Oh, the results of that oversight. If only.... But luckily, most parents see the gap and provide the missing words, at least in their mind's ear. In the case before our etribunal, I think the need is to provide opportunities for the Cubs to DO flag ceremonies OUTDOORS. This involves adults becoming knowledgeable about flag lore, history, ettiquette and the physics of poles, ropes and clips and pulleys. Yep, school flagpoles , fire depts, camps, Isaac Walton League , baseball games, CSDCs, backyards, all can be used. Usually, some ex-Scout dad or ex-military mom will see the need and step up. But how about the not so experienced parent? Point them in the direction of the Wolf or Bear book, which repeats much of the US Flag code as to how to display and fold and take care of the flags of our nation and state. Or contact the DE, or Commissioner, or Council an they can recommend an experienced person who can pass on the needed lore and knowledge. But don't short change the boy and leave him thinking even this can be had by osmosis. What, after all is he absorbing, by watching, rather than doing? By the way, when yo go into your local hardware store and see the display of US flags, ask them about your STATE flag? Bet they haven't a clue about how to get them to sell to you.