SSScout

true story. I was once called into my super's office. She was attended by ANOTHER super, so I knew something was up. She hands me a paper that listed all the paid leave I had used over the past year, and told me that this indicated a "poor use of leave". I looked it over and noted that it included my prescheduled vacation time, several pre schduled doctor appointments ( for both me and my daughter, I was then a single parent) and a number of emergencies (flat tire coming to work, daughter injured at school, etc.) I mentioned the above observations, that I still had several hundred hours of leave in my "bank", and I knew of several of my coworkers with NONE in their banks (use it as they get it) , I asked what she meant? She said she wanted me to (wait for it....) "better schedule my illnesses and emergencies". I thanked her for her concern and left the office. I sent a copy of the paper and my comments to my union office. Never had another mention of "poor leave useage" again. I am not anticrastination. Definitely procrastination. Never put off until tomorrow the emergency you can have today.

Here's the Local Option again. It is up to the passing/signing off authority. Of course, this can be done anywhere an outdoor flagpole presents itself. American Legion, school yard, hockey game, soccer pitch, baseball field, Forth of July picnic. You can arrange it many ways. Here's one opportunity: At our CSDC, it means "participate", not just "watch". To that end, we erected three flag poles: US, State, and Camp. (Pioneering chance for the Boy Scout helpers!) That meant that other than the first day's flag ceremony (done by staff), each flag ceremony needed at least four(Cubs) times three (flags) Cubs. And maybe one to call the commands or read the history (see below). Alot of the Cubs had already passed that requirement, so they could pass on the opportunity. Therefore,after Monday's ScoutSkill Pavilion about Flag courtesy and folding, each Den could field 12 or 13 Cubs to do the ceremonies. From a local Troop, we borrowed a collection of reproduction historic American flags (13 star, 15 star, 34 star, 48 star, and 50 star) so each day we read a short history of that flag as it was presented and raised. Here was the schedule: Monday morn, Staff does it with a 50 star flag. American flag, then state, then camp. Smartly done, Staff practiced this the day before at least once(!). Monday eve, Den one does the retrieval. The 13 star flag is displayed and mentioned. Camp flag, State flag and lastly US flag is lowered and folded. CG marches (walks? strolls? they are Cubs...) off the field. Tuesday morn, Den two does the honors (three flags) and the 15 star is flown and spoken of. Tuesday eve, Den three lowers the flags. Weds. morn, 34 star (Civil War time), Den four. Weds. eve., Den five. Thursday morn, 48 stars, Den six. Thursday eve, Den seven. Friday morn, 50 star (did you know it was designed by an Ohio art student?), Den eight. Friday eve, Den nine collects the flags. And, before the final lowering, we try to arrange a retirement by fire of some worn and torn flags. Needs another Den to help with that. This too, is an "outdoor flag ceremony". Now, mind you, these are Cub Scouts, doing this with only alittle rehearsal (usually at lunch time) and with ALOT of adult or Scout coaching and help with ropes and knots and such. But it is worth it when "the plan comes together". Fewer Cubs? Less than nine or ten Dens? Adjust accordingly. Tips: Make sure the pulleys run freely and rope is not too big for the sheave. DONOT use twisted rope, use braided. DONOT try to have Cubs tie flag on to rope loops, Use clips:Color code the clips: Blue carabiner for the UP end , red for the DOWN end. Tie clips on tight and tar tape over knots for security. Duct tape falls off and gets gooey, tar tape (also called friction tape) is more permanent. Consider using a string between the clips to prevent the EMBARASSING occurance of the rope falling and running up the pole without a flag attached (then you have to drop the pole to retrieve the rope!). Flags may not be all the same size, so clips need to be "adjustable". But to my mind, "participate" means "participate". PM me for the scripts, if you like. MiF KiS YiS(This message has been edited by SSScout)

Bdweller: Where were you when the Fed Budget was being written? Save us taxpayers a heap o' money. BDweller for President!

The most "creative" Eagle Service Projects are those that, when the boy saw a need, he worked to fill it, not merely find "something to do" to meet the requirement. The lucky ones are those that didn't go around saying "I need an Eagle project" but found themselves saying "Hey, here's something that needs to be done. Can I do this for my project?" * Wanted to renovate a whole barn at the County Fair grounds. Paint, replace boards, new roof, rot replace, level edges, new rollup doors, heavy up electric panel, etc. Barn Supervisor helped him whittle it down to a much needed roof edge/eave encasing. Two full days, 25 boys, Scouts, 4H members, skilled men tutoring boys and girls in construction techniques and pride of craft. * His Faith required a witness about the draft. He and his Scout buds and church youthgroup researched the Selective Service, the law, drafted a booklet about registering for the Selective Service and choices as to Consciencious Objector status. Got it edited and Okayed for accuracy by knowledgeable folks. Published and disseminated it nationwide. * Boy's family had made use of the McDonald's House at the cancer center. The McDonald's House needed a patio and furniture for it's visitors. Raised funds, oversaw landscaping (by hand), bought and assembled furniture. Lovely place to catch sun (SPF50 covered, natch). * Historic area. Boy researched area's sites, he and buds got permission to put up signs in front of historic sites, developed walking/driving tour. Wrote and publish tour guide, available at local museum, restaurants. Scout signs have since been replaced or removed as unnecessary or updated by park people. * Boy visited local historic site often, lived nearby. Saw "benign neglect " was taking a toll, even tho site was under the care of three local service clubs. Consulted family member who was knowledgeable about landscaping, etc. Obtained permission to redo landscaping around site to help prevent flooding, repaired stonework, brought other needs to the attention of the clubs' leadership. Much handwork by Scouts and school chums. This is not to denegrate the "I need a project" Scout, but only to note that we can do the Scout a big favor by helping them to SEE with an eye to fill a need , rather than an eye to fulfill a requirement. Does that make sense?

Yes, excellent plan. Mucho Congrats to you both. By the way, I vote for apple spice cake with cream icing ;-).

Badge Magic is a mixed blessing. Quick and neat, but it eventually fails and , in my experience ALWAYS leaves a residue. Dry clean, goo be gone, WD40, even tried alcohol and kerosene and gasoline (!), always a stain or residue. Big Safety Pins. ALways have some in my kit. When I came back from the National Jamboree, I had a collection of awarded and traded for patches. Took my red jacshirt, arranged patches with pins, took to a tailor, and had them sew'em on. Cost about $90. but much better job than I could do, both wife and mom-in-law said it's yours, you do it... I do handsew some and have nothing good to say about the plastic backing on the BSA patches. Maybe it helps preserve the patch, keep it straight and neat, but I have to tell you, none of the patches from my younger Scouting career are less neat without the plastic. Just as important to me, just as interesting to my Scoutson.

Since you did not ask the forum a question, I will put some to you: * How did you hear of this conversation? * This sounds like classic "bullying", a try at manipulation. How did you react to this report? That is to say, what ,if anything, did you DO? * If it had been me hearing of this, I would wonder about the following: It sounds also a little like jealousy. And insecurity about my decision. If I can't be a Scout (for whatever reason), I have to convince someone else of the same opinion so as to reinforce my own unsure feeling about my own decision. * I am reminded of the coach mentioned in another thread who disparaged Scouting. I do not remember what the Scouter did, how he responded to the coach's comment. * You are obviously "in " Scouting. How do you help the boys remember (realize? Appreciate?) that Scouting IS for losers , and winners, and everyone in between? And if football (or any other sport, by implication) is ONLY for "winners", what about the kids that never really have a chance at the first team? * I do not think, in Scouting, we are about "winning" in the sport sense. We are (should be) about the boy improving, obtaining skills, gaining confidence in his ability to respond to any situation appropriately ("Be Prepared"). Not just in the woods, but in school, in life. In football. * So how does tying a shhepshank, or making a wood tent peg help in this?

We need a Faith & Chaplaincy Forum. It doesn't change things, it just defines it from another perspective. Which is a good thing. I like the sentiment. What's really hard (unfortunate?) is when one party finds agreement in different language (saying the same thing in different ways) and another says "no way does THIS mean the same thing as THAT".

Solipsism. If no one heard the Supreme Court, would it exist? Does the SCotUS have a function if no one agrees that it does? Did Dred Scott have an alternative until 1868? (He was dead by then) Does YOUR "bad decision" mean that MY "good decision" is still "good"?

Brewmaster: Yes, the Pack can award whatever they think the Cub has "earned", but that is the operant word, "earned". By reading the requirements, one sees that the Archery Pin can only be earned at a Council or District sanctioned event, supervised by a BSA certified Range Master (use to be called Range Safety Officer). Therefore, even if it is not defined as such, it is heavily implied that the RM must okay the Cub as having fulfilled the APinrequirements so that the Pack may award it. Here again, the inexact language allows the locals to do it their way, awarding patches and loops and pins as they see fit. But how is that "the Pack helps the Cub Scout grow", if it only makes the Cub happy, and not fulfilled in his recognized skill? Can a Tiger Cub really excel at the skill represented by the pin? See friend Hawkins comments about the Denleader and the Generalissimo Cubs. "That which is too easily acquired is too lightly valued", even at 7 years old.

1) Research and find your District Executive. He is the "paid big bucks" fellow, and you need to catch him. He can put you in touch with other good Scout people. Ask about your Commissioner, you may or may not have one. Bend their ears for help and ideas. If you have a "hands off" Charter Organization, you can do alot of good by talking to them and making them more "hands On". Places to meet, places to go and do things, adult help (ministry?). If they can support Scouting by signing a paper, can they do actual support? Do a service project for them. Show your gratitude. Look over all the previous ideas. Visibility can help you build a unit. Parades, notices in the local paper, service projects, a hand painted banner outside your meeting place. CAMP, HIKE, go to the movies together. If the boys are enjoying it, make sure they "recruit" Even middle schoolers need a fun challenging time. Hold a cookout someplace visible, church backyard after services, local park (check for fire permission!). Do a demo at the county fair, pioneering, pinewood derby, cooking (!). Good luck to you and thank you for what you do for your boys.

Well, welcome to the ecrackerbarrel. Lots to digest (if not eeat)here. Some find the fare hard to swallow sometimes, but one must admit to the great variety of Scouting cuisine to be sampled here. Got a leg in both worlds, so to speak? Good for you. Might make a fair Commissioner, watch out for the hand on the shoulder and the " hey, have you ever considered...?" conversation. Then they gotcha! Is the weather hot enough for you?

Not combined, but chockablock. Eagle CoH are of two types: First, stand alone, special affairs (see many other threads). Second, on the tail end of a regular Troop CoH. No matter which version you have, the WB part should be seperate, and not detract from the Scout's stand in the embarassing spotlight. YOU take second place. But the "official " Eagle CoH is started by the Scoutmaster (or other duly qualified High Scout Muckymuck) by proclaiming that " On behalf of the National Council of the BS of A, I duly convene this Court of Honor for the sole purpose of conferring the rank of Eagle." etc. etc. Work it out with your Scoutson and the Troop. THEN, when the Eagle brouhaha is over, (applause, hugs, handshakes), some WBer can jump up and say "But wait, there's more... " and the other WBers can saunter up and say "Isn't it time?" "time for what?" " time to go BACK!" "Back where?" and they drag you up and start the song. "Back to Gilwell..." And after the song, the explanation, the beads, the necker, the "secret cord flip", and so on. Applause, applause. Go into the CoH closing, benediction, flag retrieving, etc. Then the punch and cookies. On the Ceremony Program, it can be listed as "Special Award". That was how mine was listed. Surprise for the Troop CoH that night. I vote for the BBQ potluck picnic before the ceremonial stuff. Gotta slow down and catch those tyops. (This message has been edited by SSScout)(This message has been edited by SSScout)

Once again, our friends at National have a hard time understanding the local angst. The inconsistancy (6 essentials... 8 on the list)(appears Wolf can "handle" a knife, but Bear can "earn" the license) (WC worksheet, G2SS guidelines) means it is still up to us local folks to do right by our Scouts. The Whitlin' Chip requirements are purposefully vague, I feel, just like the Totin' Chip requirements. It is up to us to interpret them as we are able to, by our local (personal) experience and skill.Someone in Irving TX cannot tell someone out in the hinterlands to be skillful and pass that skill along to the next generation. 'Way back when, I earned the Totin 'Chip. I did it by watching my dad handle tools, the older Scouts handle axes, reading the HBfB and Fieldbook (thank you, GBB) and reading Eric Sloane's excellent books about handtools carpentry and wood. See http://www.scribd.com/doc/9008546/Eric-Sloane-A-Reverence-for-Wood The requirements for TC and WC do not specify "demonstrate THIS technique or skill" , only to demonstrate "safe handling". When I teach IOLS Woods Tools, I find alot of interest in the sharpening, handling, use and care of the tools. Most men (and women) these days do not have the usual need to cut and chop and form things in wood. You go to Acme Hardware. The traditional (and that is what it is, tradition) means of "demonstrating safe use" in this area is the Scout making a really good tent peg with a hatchet. (tent peg? What do you mean? Actual question from a Scout): Choice of wood/stick, not too big around or long. A sharp point, a purposeful shaped notch with "wings", a camfered top to prevent the splitting off of the notch, all these things are made by the use of the techniques I demonstrate (impact vs contact, patience, the physics of the lever arm, a sharp tool, choke up on the handle, eye direction, chopping block placement, plan ahead). But none of these things are or can be detailed in the badge requirements. Or should they? WC is the same. And part of my TotinC instruction. If a BScout is skillful with his knife, what better instructor for a CScout? A Bear Den Chief can be the best WC instructor and , boy, how impressive is that, as to the worth of BScouting on a Cscout. Setting up CSDC. The flagpoles need to be stepped. Life Scout ("yes, I have Totin' Chip") is handed a hatchet and asked to go out in the woods nearby and find some branches to make six stakes to help brace the poles. Watching him attempt to point the stakes, the Scouter is reminded how personal such skills are. It ain't the way the Scouter was taught. He and the Life Scout have a session and the LS says "gee, I didn't know you could do that". Archery at CSDC. Due to the size of the camp, half the Den shoots on the line, half have a "sit down" activity, then the halves trade places. CSDC PD says that all boys will have earned the Archery Belt Loop by virtue of doing it safely all week. No problem there. And, she has designed sitdown activities so that when the week is up, EVERYONE will have earned the Archery Pin! Archery Range Master takes exception with this. Tigers do not have the skill, maturity or responsibility , he feels, to "earn" the pin. Usually only Bears and Webelos are offered the opportunity, and it is "optional" and "extra", even after camp hours. Wolfs, maybe, but not Tigers. CSDC PD says, why not? There is nothing that says Tigers cannot earn the pin (true). Range Master says no, he will not certify any Tiger earning the pin.It is, the RM feels, a stretch to MAKE all Cubs "earn" the pin automatically. but the curriculum is there, the Scout assistants lead the "classes" and lo and behold, 200 Cubs (but not Tigers) earn the pin (to be awarded by the Pack). So the vagueness is a good thing, if viewed correctly. It is, after all, still up to the local folks to pass the Scout and give him the badge. But will he remember it some years later?(This message has been edited by SSScout)

I second BSA's comment. You can get parts and put it together. GO to the Scout Shop and find the Webelos/AoL posters/patches, there are some big ones appropriate to this. I had an old log that was split down the length, and a friend with a chainsaw. He cut off some "cookies", I sanded them smooth, drilled an appropriate hole at an angle, stuck a broken off arrow tail in the hole so it looked like it was splitting the log. Glued on the AoL and W patches. Got out the wood burning set from the closet floor (you can also use a soldering gun) and wrote the boy's name and date and Pack # on the disk. They loved it. Yes, it took a while, but as the WDL, I felt a need to do it for the four of them. Two are Eagles now, one never moved up to BS, one I lost track of him. Ready made is nice, and if you need the skill of another, nothing wrong with having it done to your liking.

Our home Troop lets the Cub Pack sell the popcorn. Troop sells Holiday/Christmas decorations, wreaths and such. Troop Scout earns a percentage for his yearly dues/fees, then when that is satisfied, he earns a set portion into his Scout account. This "account" is used for activity fees, camp fees, etc. not personal expenses like boots and sleeping bags. Pays for Philmont and camporees. "A Scout is thrifty. He pays his own way". One boy in the not too distant past, saved up all his Scout account and bought the Troop trailer before he aged out.

I always tell folks "there is no such thing as a stupid question", I try to answer each question as if it was important to that person. Then I try to make sure they have the means to find the answer the next time something similar comes up. Kind of like the Scoutson who calls me at work and says (true story), "Hey, there's nothing to eat at home". What he meant was, there's no cereal I can pour milk on, I don't like cooking the hamburger or eggs or toast and slice the ham....

""the pack we were in has given the boys 34%of the sales credited to their accounts"" This raised a question in my mind. In our council, approximately 34% of the sale price goes to the Unit, 33% to the Council, and about 33% to Trails End. I think the 18% figure is the Cub's share, out of the Pack's 34%, for his "account" . So the figures are correct, the parent misunderstood the percentages, and the old Pack is, indeed, being very charitable toward the new Pack. And, as has been said, the Cub and his parents ultimately have no say about how that money is spent. "A Cub Scout helps the Pack Go..."

Yes, it would be a trek, but the camps at Goshen Scout Reservation have space. Southwest Virginia. Green, cool mountains. http://www.doubleknot.com/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=15974&orgkey=1933 Gary Carroll, Camp Director, 301.214.9195 Good luck in your search!

I really like BSA24's synopsis. I like to think of the UC as a Scout Dutch Uncle. She/he is expected (unfortunately!) to know EVERYTHING about Scouting! Or, at the least, know where to FIND the answer. They should be available for sympathy and running ideas by. They should suggest but not insist. They will, by their very nature and love of Scouting, go places and help where needed. They will be "visible". Not unusual to see Comisshers also be involved in training (IOLS, Woodbadge, WELOT, NYLTS, etc.) and other "greater" events. They can be connectors, helping folks of like talent and desire get together. Your husband, if he is not of a Scout background, should go and do a little of everything. Read alot. Help the Cubs. Get to know a local Scout Troop. It is recommended that the UC NOT be the UC of his home unit, but that need not be a bad thing. The concern is to be neutral and not get involved personally in any internecine unit drama (see any number of threads here). The Commissher is expected to shephard the Chartering process in the fall/winter, so he should get comfortable with that. Commishing can be fun and rewarding. It can be frustrating and teeth gnashing. You know, like life. But be a Den Leader first.

We really do need a "Faith and Chaplaincy" forum. Look how this discussion has veered off the original topic. Good time to spin off, but no new forum to spin to, so might as well stay here. Sexuality is not a topic that need concern Scouting, save where the actions of someone affects the young Scout, then that is a YP issue. As has been said, the Scout Promise/Oath and Law make no mention of one's sexual behavior, only behavior in general. And the way one behaves toward one's friends, loved ones AND enemies is the indication of one's character, NOT merely one's sexual orientation, be that organically predetermined, or socially ingrained.

The BSA will change (pick an issue) when it should, not because it has to. Or maybe it has to because it should. Or maybe it already has but doesn't realize it. Or the official policy hasn't caught up with the local reality . Or Oh never mind.

And let's not forget the CO owns the Pack, ultimately. Therefore, if the debate causes great angst among the Pack adults, let the COR and IH decide things.

As an Archery Range Master (new title), I tell my Scout assistants and the nascent RMs that work with me, that any of them are authorized to yell "Cease fire, bows down!!" if they feel it necessary. Just have a good reason.(we tried the whistle codes, but find them too confusing, especially if there are more than one range, BBs, Wrist rockets,archery, etc. Same for an aquatics area. One whistle per Life Guard. Blow when you have a good reason, but make sure it is a GOOD reason. What are the whistle signals?

Crew is preparing for Philmont trek. Discussion turns to Bears and bear bags and such. One of the adult leaders (the only one so concerned), has said he will smoke his Havanas on the trek. Question is, are tobacco products "Bear Attractants" and as such need to be isolated and "bagged" at night? Food, grease, soap, toothpaste, perfume (?), deoderant (!), candy, candles, mosquito repellant, stogies, chaw,,,,,,