SSScout

Grammar. I also like the "revised" version. Sometimes we need to be reminded of "obvious truths", in concise, bitsize chunks, but they should still be linquistically correct, and make sense. Scouter Truths 1. Humans are more important than Equipment. The Scouts are our customers. Without them, there is no need for the Scouter. Motivated, skilled, knowledgeable Scouters benefit Scouts more than equipment. 2. Quality is better than Quantity. A few motivated, skilled, knowledgeable, and trained Scouters can run a more effective program than a large group of less qualified and less committed volunteers. 3. Scouters cannot be developed quickly. Developing skills and knowledge and acquiring training necessary to run a quality program takes time, as does developing necessary trust. Rushing yields inferior results. 4. Scouters must train before being needed. If you are not trained until you are needed, you are too late. Be Prepared. 5. Scouting requires assistance. Scouting needs a variety of skills, talents, and resources on the team. Recognize, appreciate, and grow the circle of volunteers. AND::: 6. A Scouter's goal is to be needed the LEAST. What a boy can do, a Scouter should NEVER do.

BSA24: The use of logic is a really underused (and badly taught ) skill. I heartily agree that that study, which I had not heard of before, is certainly faulty. I would propose that the longevity of the Scout is not 'caused' by the earning of FC, but rather the reverse. IF a Scout has the attitude to remain in Scouting , then he will earn FC easily and early. If the Troop has a good, fun, challenging program, then the Scout will be inclined to continue in Scouting, and will eventually see the benefit and earn the ranks. Earning the rank is NOT the REASON for, it is the RESULT of a Scout program.

"...additional supplemental or advanced training event at the council, area, region, or national level." To my mind, this means ANY additional training sponsored by the Council or National or Region in addition to the training required for your position. Lots of suggestions have been made. You have two peolple to satisfy: yourself, and the fellow that signs off on the award application. If YOU think you have fulfilled the requirement and the second is not happy, ask him/her what is lacking. There is your answer. Perhaps you have already taken the training and are not aware it meets that requirement. Go find out. Congratulations in advance! Good Scouting to you. (This message has been edited by SSScout)

""Now, we have to force first class on scouts within there first year. I think this is too much. "" I think it is 'too much' too, but not the way you phrase it, I think. "Forcing" First Class in the first year is the "too much" I think about. There should never be a forcing of the ranks. If the Troop program offers the opportunities for the skills to be learned and demonstrated, it will not matter if the FC is earned in a year, or two or three. It will happen when it happens. We had one Scout in our Troop who was Loyal, and Helpful, and Trustworthy, but could not make every activity, but when he was there, he was THERE, if you see what I mean. He was active in his church and school and went off to Scout Summer camp , but somehow did not get all his 'acts' together for his Scout ranks. Just could not seem to get the skill demonstration and the leader sign off in the same place at the same time. He'd do something here, something there, but couldn't get it all finalized. Just after his 16th birthday, he got together with some ASMs on a campout, and got everything finally signed off in his tattered well used book. At the next CoH, he was awarded his Tenderfoot, Second class, and First Class. He then went off to work staff at Scout camp. At the following CoH (six months later), he was awarded his Star Scout award. He was active as the SPL, and PL, helped the younger Scouts along. He eventually became a PD at a Scout Camp, the one he had been attending. Didn't matter if he "got FC" in a year, I think ultimately that he DID "get it".

Floof. There's a good discriptive... All clothing is used for "belonging" and for "segregating" and "them vs us" and such. Everybody wears a uniform, especially teenagers, altho they may not want to admit to it. College students are (were?) famous for designing uniforms to set themselves apart from others. Consider this example: Bright yellow cordoroy pants or skirt, festooned with colorful designs and words to note one's college major and club memberships, thus was the Purdue "senior cords" worn . And held up for pride, jealousy and ridicule. Google for an example: Purdue Senior Cords, picture.

My apologies if my reference to the irreverent cartoon show Quiky Mart manager was somehow offensive. The s'leven stores hereabouts might well be managed by an Apu, or Hassan, or Serge, or Jose, or Chou. It is the wonder of the American Way that anyone can build a life here by serving the immediate desires of the passing throng. I seem to remember a family by the name of Marriott that did just that.

NJCS: You mean to say ALL those organizations hold a "Congressional Charter"? I am sure they are all worthy of that appellation, but we are back to the original question, I guess, as to what it means to be Congressionally Chartered, and whether the original language recorded in the Charter is "binding" on the organization. Ala Kudu, I would ask, has the BSA lost sight of it's original vision and purpose?

Which only serves to make the important point to LABEL the photos you have as to WHO those folks are and where they are. I have a box of pictures of my mom's cousins and aunts and uncles and not a clue as to who these smiling relatives are or where they are. *sigh*

Ah, those were the good old days (well, old, anyway). WAAAAY back in Cub Scout days, our county/district held a Scout-o-Rama at the COunty Fair grounds every year. It was open to, and the public was invited. (hasn't happened in a looooong time). Every unit did something. BScout Troops did rope bridges, camp cooking, that kind of stuff. Think recruitment, I guess. Our Cub Pack sold POPCORN! I remember my dad found a contact and went to a place that supplied movie houses with already popped popcorn. We got it in HUGE bags, almost as big as ME (then!). Pop and I went to the place and stuffed the car with the big, warm, good smelling plastic bags. Then, our Pack repackaged it in small special sacks and sold those for, oh , I guess 10 cents. I remember we sold out earlier than expected.

Be glad it is flown over the store. That's where it belongs. Over the gas station. The Post Office. The School. The Hardware Store. Because that's the America I want it to represent. Not necessarily ONLY the battle ship or charging Marine. If you feel moved to speak to the owner (Apu?) or mangager about it, approach them courteously and remind them what it is they have out there on that pole. I often stop and speak to the folks/stores/restaurants with US flags atop the building. I ask them when the flag becomes too torn and faded and needs replacing ("Oh, I don't know when we do that") to call me (I leave them my phone number on my Scout card) and I will come and collect the old one for a proper retirement ceremony ("you do that? What does that mean? We send it back to the company. I don't know what they do with it"). I keep a supply of old flags for units to use and have been called for such many times . CSDC, Camporees, IOLS, etc. Sometimes the flag is still in useable condition and we save it for folding practice or to fly at a campout. I have one that is about 15 by 20 feet. Came from a carwash managed by an (old) Eagle Scout. He was very glad to speak to me. I use it sometimes for a teamwork exercise, where a group must work together to fold it (in right triangle!). Hey, next time you are in a store and see a display of US flags for sale, ask them about your STATE flag and enjoy the blank stare you receive.

Which brings up some questions. First, in what company is the BSA? What other (if any) organizations has the US Congress "chartered"?

SSSSSHHH!!!!! Don't give it away!!! This skit requires two characters: Both need to be fair thespians, and realize the importance of each role in the "set up" and "resolution": An Introducer, and a Historian. Now since the folks performing the skits around the campfire/Blue & Gold/Training are probably known by the audience, use that fact to good effect. ((INTRODUCER comes on stage and in DEAD SERIOUSNESS (!) announces the following)): "Good evening everyone. Now, as a slight change of pace to the usual funny skits we have enjoyed this evening, we'd thought you might enjoy something of a more serious tone. I'd like to bring on someone you already know, our Assistant Scoutmaster, Dave Jones. You probably know Dave for his (Scout Training, Dutch Oven Brownies, years of service, whatever), but you probably DON'T know that he is an amateur historian of some local note. He has memorized some of our Founding Father's more well known speeches and often is called upon to recite them at various events. Tonite, he will present to you , '"George Washington's Farewell to the Continental Army"'. And so, here's Dave, with GEORGE WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL!" ((INTRODUCER backs off stage, gesturing to HISTORIAN Dave as he comes on stage from the other side)). ((HISTORIAN comes to center stage. He does not smile. This is a serious occasion, his resignation. He looks out over audience, shifts his feet, looks down at his feet, seems alittle nervous, unsure how to begin. He slowly takes his hat off, places it over his heart, takes a slow deep breath, stands tall, and in one motion waves the hat over his head yells "G'BYE!!!" and strides quickly off stage.

Thank you, Berners-Lee. http://www.cubroundtable.com/assets/pdf-sundry/New-2005-Cub-Mobile-book.pdf and http://www.rockinghammemories.net/bd2012cubmobilederby.html

Wash it?? You don't like the smoky smell?? Just kidding. I have one of the old style red ones, supposed to be permanently moth proofed. Wife gave it to me for bday some years back. Chest pockets, no hand pockets.

Nike: My understanding is that the "foreigness" originated from the BSA knot NOT being a GSUSA badge. And , no, neither I nor my Indiana friend knows where the not would come from. But then, Scoutshops don't always ask if you're a Scout when they sell things. SWNecker: I heartily agree. Even the GS used to wear necksers. When our Troop holds it's February CoH, I give a short talk about neckerchief history and sponsor a Necker slide (woggle) contest. I obtain the prizes from local businesses ( Coupons for free ice cream, McD's fries, Cal Tacos, ) and it is becoming more popular each year. E92: A good point. The Baltimore Area Council is the center of this UnderArmor "test". I get the impression from my Baltimore friends that most Troops view them as a "class B" Tee shirt thing, but not a replacement for the whole uniform. But that's just anecdotal.

Uniform use... I have a friend who is a GSUSA leader out in Indiana. She recently emailed me a copy of a local Council memo the stated, quote, Troop - - - will present to the girl a PRAY patch, as well as the religious knot used by our brothers in the Cub Scouts. Both the patch and the knot can be put on the uniform, along with the medal that may be awarded by the girls religious organization/church. She said she had emailed to GSUSA National for claification, and had been told that it was "not appropriate" and the local Council would be counseled about the use of foreign badges (!).

Review the Watergate scandal. Lots of ethical deciding there. Man wants a newspaper. It is early in the morning. He passes the local drugstore, which has not yet opened, and there is a stack of newspapers beside the door. If he takes one, it is stealing. If he resolves to come back later and pay for it then, is it a "loan" or "borrowing"? If he leaves the right amount of money (tax at 6%) on the top of the stack, it might get lost or stolen by someone else. Is there anyone else looking? Does that matter? No, he does NOT have a wireless capable tablet.

If this does come to pass, it will certainly illustrate how the BSA is a top down organization. Was there any polling of the rank and file here? This is not just a change of color of the uniform, but a fairly basic change of program. Will a Tiger or Wolf really be able to recite (and mean!) the BScout promise and Law? Compared to the CS Promise and LotP, they are pretty long. I remember discussing the CS promise with my Cubs (and son). It made sense to them, but only after a little discussion. (*aside* Anyone remember promising to "Be Square" as a Cub Scout? That was almost as important as "Gives Good Will") And there is a good deal of tradition here to consider. Ihope the PTB think (thought?) long and hard about this.

Touche' , Wingnut.

I also see this idea as a solution in search of a problem. The progression of the Cub Promise and Law of the Pack to the full fledged Scout Promise and Law I feel is appropriate to the age and experience of the boy. As for the Venture Promise and Code, they are another version of the values esposed in the previous Cub Promise/Law and BScout Promise and Law. Just worded differently and in a more adult manner. I can see the reasoning behind the desire to simplify, but the need isn't there. Boys of Cub age, I feel, benefit from the progression of going from a simpler sense of what's "fair" to the more complex ideas explained in the BSP&L and the VO&C. As for the Jungle Book aspects of Cub Scouting, I am sorry to see the gradual dropping of the references. All kids love a good story. The classic Kipling story is redolent of those qualities Cubs seem to seek: a gang or "Pack" to belong to, a family, a wise and benevolent leader, learning from wise, experienced tutors, the idea of a group accomplishing fun and worthy projects, the triumph of good over evil . All these things become,I feel, less accessible with a more beauricratic, one-size-fits-all version. What lessons are learned from the Jungle Books stories? Why does Jesus teach with parables? It is because the ideas are sometimes better taught and learned from such indirect means. "Thou Shalts" often get ignored or skipped over, but a rousing tale of daring do will be remembered. It lets the hearer put the rule or consequence in his or her own life's context. I need to think about another thread....

During my days working with the transit service, I once made the suggestion that it would be more fair (fairer?) in the charging of the bus fare to mount weight scales in the boarding steps and charge by the pound. The suggestion was not adopted.

759 Boy Scouts of Harlem is on tonite in the DC-MD-VA area at 8pm, PBS WHUT Verizon channel 32. Sorry for the late notice, just noticed it on the schedule.

I tend to agree with BSA24. Our Troop did get one new Scout from a referral by a school counselor. The family had just moved to the area and registered for Middle School. The counselor knew a Scout in the school, he told her to call his dad (ASM) and he referred her to me (ADC) and I told her about the Troops in the school district. They ultimately chose our Troop. Boy had friends in it, so it was a good match, we think. The BeAScout has not been jumped on too eagerly hereabouts as a real recruiting tool, but it can be another resource for anyone seeking info about Scouting, anywhere. I have used it as a way to answer questions about Scouting in other areas of the country. I gladly recommend it to our area units, and it is up to them to update it and make it useable to them. Most of the units I have spoken to are not even aware of it until I point it out. Hey, here's a referral. We were talking about , I guess, surfing the web for Scouting, and the adbar above my posting space is for a company that makes wheely carts for your surf board.

I'll share my story again. During "Medieval Adventures" we often offered a toast "To The Queen!' (our camp director) or "To Her Majesty Queen Mary!" and occasionally singing "Ein Prosit! Ein Prosit, gemuchlichkeit!" after the first day, we were told by our DE to rephrase the toast, as it was seen by some as promoting alcoholism.... Wundebar!

"Guide to Sage Scouting" now that sounds like a freudian slip... The Little Red Wagon I rode downhill in had a one pivot steering, and from inside, it guaranteed to provide a tripped over trip. Little Tykes now makes a wagon that has a wheel pivot on each front corner, steers very nice from outside, but not at all from the inside. Shucks. I think the ban comes from Cubs falling off the wagon. I MEAN OUT OF the wagon. I guess we're just left with two wheel races, ala the Romans: http://www.28thcambridgescouts.org.uk/cubs/chariots.html Or ala the corrigated paperbord industry (no wheels. How do you have fun with that?): aaaaand you can go all the way, four wheels: and : http://57chevnut.smugmug.com/Competitions/Cub-Scout-Push-Cart-Race/1902399_mBWhnW/95994936_GTKa6#!i=95994936&k=GTKa6 Way back when, we built a three wheel CubCar, but it proved to be dangerous. Pulled by rope, it could run over the "engines". Going round corners, it could slingshot the "driver" out. Brakes were the feet of the driver. Not the best design.