SSScout

I think it is good that the WELS and ELS encourage their faithful to emulate Christ. One can easily find Responsive Readings from the BSA Scout Law, based on the Old Testement (Torah) and the New Testamant. I have not found any based in the Bagavadgita or the Lotus Sutra, but here is a source for one based on the Qu'ran: http://www.boyscouters.org/bayshore/resources/reverent /Islamic.pdf

Go to your arts and crafts store and purchase several acid free display boards or panels. The three fold variety is good, but the flat 1/8 thick foamcore is good too. Ask the staff. Also, ask for acid free double stick tape. Take ALL the ribbons off , gently wipe them clean with a DRY cloth and gently (cool) iron them, print side down. If you do it print side up, you risk rubbing the print off. Do not wash them in a wash machine, the print can come off there, too. Organize the history of your pack as you will, straight chronologically, or by activity, or as you will, lay the ribbons attractively on the boards. Make sure the ribbons are identified on the tag on the back as to date, whu and what... Use the double stick tape to affix your mementos for all to see and save. Attach the next ribbons to your flag and enjoy.

Hey, Remember the "game with a purpose" idea? Well there's where the re=testing comes in. Make it a game. A Patrol competition, to lash up a long pole to "rescue" something, or track someone, or fold up a large flag, or a knot tying relay, or a large Kim's game, or a Troop camporee station rotation. Again, it is ALLOWING the Scout to live up (not down to) to a certain expectation. Scout led? If the SM and ASMs instruct the older Scouts (SPL, PL, etc.) to set such a competition up for the younger Scouts, the older ones have to re=learn what they have neglected, in order to save face in front of the younger ones. Camp? Fire building competition. Prize for the best laid out campsite. Cook with raw ingredients, not packages. Ribbons, beads, Bling for the results. Movie tickets. Micky Dee's coupons. Ask, and lots of places will give you free stuff for prizes for "Scouts". But it is the standard to be met, NOT the standard to be approached. "Is only do. Or do not. Is no try".

Hey, Remember the "game with a purpose" idea? Well there's where the re=testing comes in. Make it a game. A Patrol competition, to lash up a long pole to "rescue" something, or track someone, or fold up a large flag, or a knot tying relay, or a large Kim's game, or a Troop camporee station rotation. Again, it is ALLOWING the Scout to live up (not down to) to a certain expectation. Scout led? If the SM and ASMs instruct the older Scouts (SPL, PL, etc.) to set such a competition up for the younger Scouts, the older ones have to re=learn what they have neglected, in order to save face in front of the younger ones. Camp? Fire building competition. Prize for the best laid out campsite. Cook with raw ingredients, not packages. Ribbons, beads, Bling for the results. Movie tickets. Micky Dee's coupons. Ask, and lots of places will give you free stuff for prizes for "Scouts". But it is the standard to be met, NOT the standard to be approached. "Is only do. Or do not. Is no try".

I like the thrust of this thread (thrusting threads), but I find that in comparing my time as a Scout with the son's time as a Scout, the difference is not in the requirements (they are not easier, now versus then, necessarily, only alittle different) but in the willingness of the leaders (boy and adult) to ALLOW things, and to say "yeah, you know that". CSDC: I ask the 13, 14, 15 year old Scout Staff who has Totin' Chip? Hands go up. Who can do lashings? More hands. I pick out some likely helpers, and we go to step the flag poles for the week. I point out the poles, ropes and some hand axes. I need eight pegs about yea long for the guyropes. three boys go out in to the woods to get peg poles. And you boys come here to lash these poles together to double the length. I never saw a better example of ignorance in my life. Not one boy could chop a 2" diameter pole in two, (and my hatchets are kept sharp) or successfully point it into a peg to drive in the ground. Demonstrated cutting a "v" to cut the pole in two, demonstrate the contact method and point the peg. All said they had never seen that way to do it. Hand them the hatchet? One tried to hand it back to me BLADE TO ME. The lashers were no better. Demonstrate the parallel lash to them... "oh, THAT's how you do it" ... Tautline hitch? Foreign to all but one. Clove hitch around the pole? They all did it, but really had to think about it. "Two round turns and two half hitches" was speaking Latvian to them. These were Scouts from many different Troops, and all above FC (required for CSDC Staffing). When Scoutson came back from a Merit Badge Day, he had "earned" badges that I would have thought would need a couple of weeks to do right. The Ecology badges all call for experiments and observation, but the counselor "signed off" on them in one long Saturday. We sat down with Scoutson and went over the requirements with him for completion. He knew that with a grandfather who had been a timber cruiser and a dad who liked the woods, the Forestry MB might be a sticking point with him. He had a few more things to convince us he knew, but it was there. Barely. I too think the elimination of some of the requirements or the redfining of them may have been unnecessary (Morse Code is a fun thing, still), but there is a new realization that some other things should be included (LNT? YP? Computer savvy?). The requirements are not the problem. It is the holding to standards that is the problem. If the boy is a First Class Scout, should he not be able to tie a tautline hitch and know when it can be useful? After "passing the test", give them NEED to use it. Bungie cords on the tents eliminates the need to adjust the ropes, but it also adds $$ to the cost of the tent.

"FREE SWIMMING POOL QUOTES" Love the referencing ads... By the by, I never found out what the swimming pool said to be quoted...

It's why we do what we do. http://www.morningsun.net/newsnow/x181933013/FIRST-IN-PRINT-More-than-1-000-scouts-team-up-to-help-Joplin Pass it on...

I think I might want to ask the leadership if they were aware of any inappropriate heterosexual things done or said by any Scouts to any other Scouts on campouts. How do they respond to insults to moms and sisters? Is there a supporting philosophy of the CO? ""if the SM has any reports that the scout did something inappropriate to another scout, that should already be reported to CPS. "" Agree... and to the parents... Might be time to find another Troop. Any other stones to be cast, anyone?

1) Spend ALOT less... 2) Eliminate ALL price supports, depreciation allowances, etc. 3) Make income taxes as evenly applied as possible, perhaps even (shudder) graduated (not "stepped") from the the minimum to the maximum. 4) Reconsider ALL the various deductions and exemptions that do not have application to charity and/or religious things. 5) Reconsider considering corporate entities as being (or not being?) equivalent to human entities, in their responsibilities re taxes and political contributions.... 6) Ask our legislative people to prove their sincerity by donating back to the treasury 10% of their salary ( can't legally change their present salary). Ask the same of every federal executive of Departmental level or higher. 7) Bring our troops home, give them jobs and apply them to infrastructure rehab , ala Roosevelt NRA... 8) Investigate war profiteering by (insert name here) during the Iraq and Afghanistan incursions. 9) Read Smedley Butler's book, "War is a Racket" http://www.ratical.org/ratville/CAH/warisaracket.html 10) Cancel 10% of every military program (ie. 10% of all F-111s budgeted, 10% of all Ospreys ordered, etc. ). Put savings toward deficit retirement, not just "savings". 11) Resolve to not touch SSI to help with budgetary concerns. Yeah, I know, SS is in trouble, let that part of our woes deal with itself...Another thread... 12)Resolve to pay off the ENTIRE deficit in , say 15 years, via volutary tax donations, tax program adjustments (new taxes, old taxes redefined, see above), balance sheet reapplications (savings applied to the deficit, not to "save" other programs), reminders that departments may NOT buy new board meeting rooms but may recycle old furniture (awards to acknowledge those that do such)(see http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/commuting/airports-board-puts-the-brakes-on-new-boardroom/2011/07/21/gIQA9vgQSI_story.html for example), reminders that every little bit helps. 13) Reinstate the "Golden Fleece " award. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Fleece_Award Be free in it's awarding. Be public about it. 14) Go camping and hiking alot.

OKAY... it's official.... three districts (not six)... three...

Thanks , Cal, I knew I left something out. Galvanized pipe, copper pipe, hot or cold...

Thank you eamon. It is one thing to discuss a rumor, as to veracity, appropriateness, stupidity, etc. It is another thing to pass it on as if YOU have accepted it as truth. Same thing here, I feel. To discuss the appropriateness, stupidity, lack of judgement, possible illegality, ruination of reputation, etc. of a FB page/ account is one thing. To pass it on purposefully is another. This does nothing to help the Scout realize the danger inherent in such pages, in fact, it increases the danger by enlarging the reach of the page. Might alert the parents as to the content, let them deal with their son.

You can find lots of medical info on line (thank you Google and Yahoo) frinstance http://www.finishing.com/71/64.shtml and http://www.finishing.com/217/03.shtml and http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080226173711AANCXL0 Hot soapy water in an old galvanized tub? No danger there. Once the soap has washed off the "finishing oil", and the dishes are rinsed off, there should be no toxic residue. However, in woodfire heating the tub, you risk producing zinc and/or lead and/or other metalic fumes that could be irritating and toxic. See "foundry flu" or "fume flu". Old wash board and wash tub images...

The idea that the Scout Promise and Law applies in all parts of a Scout's life is, indeed, foreign to some. There's no such thing as "Scout time" and every other time. The Facebook realm is used by some as a "brag" forum. Whether or not the stuff he posts there ("gee, I was only fooling!") are meant to be taken seriously, it WILL be. Lots of people do not realize how far reaching facebook can be. It is NOT a private diary. It also is a very poor place to establish reputation and renown,altho some may assume that it will establish themselves as a *lover, *stylish fop, *expert (pick a subject), *someone not to be trifled with. Then too, for what does one wish to be known? Ability to consume large amounts of alcohol? Funny behavior while not in full control of one's faculties? or perhaps something else? I think it is never too early to tell boys (and girls?), that one's word is one's bond, and a reputation as a "Trustworthy" person is one of the best things a person can carry with them thru life. See Mathew 5:33. I'm not sure how I would approach a Scout's BoR, having knowledge of something on his facebook page. Perhaps take him aside before the official BoR to ask him about the significance of something you "heard " about? I definitely see a SM Minute in this subject. Remember the macho braggadacio of youth, and the need , some more than others, to "make a name" for themselves. Good Scouting to you.(This message has been edited by SSScout)

Misery does love company, eh? Some years back, I ruptured a disc in my lower back. All of a sudden EVERYBODY I met or knew had a back injury story. Seems to be the same in Scouting and Council politics?

If your Council is blessed with campS rather than camp, utilize them. Make them useful to the Scout, with training programs, camporees, CSDCs, high adventure programs, camp cooking schools. Make them useful to the greater community. Coordinate Outdoor Education programs with the local school systems. Give Orienteering competitions. Astronomy camps in the darkness of the woods and fields. Let Sierra Club use it. Church groups. Aviation R/C club uses a local camp. What is used is appreciated, and not neglected. The Council of my youth had four camps, perhaps 200 to 300 acres each, each about two hours max drive from a quarter of the Council. They were sold in favor of buying a 4,000 acre property, about a 4 hour drive from the furthest reaches of the Council. This property is divided into at least four camps, each with a different camp philosophy: dining hall, Patrol cooking, Webelos camp, high adventure base. It has been used for a mega camporee at Jamboree time. Then, luck shone on the Council, and a real estate developer worked a deal such that wetlands were rebuilt, a 450 acre property was saved from urban developement and the Council gained a closer in camp ground. It is touted as a conference center, training ground, CSDC, resident Cub camp, close in camp ground for Packs and Troops, National Camp School, and all kindsa stuff. Local school districts use it for Outdoor Ed and the kids get a taste of Scout camp. Beware the SE that wants to improve the bottom line by liquidating properties. See previous thread, "Goodbye Owasippee". http://www.scouter.com/forums/viewThread.asp?threadID=87008 The idea that the "Market Place" will eliminate under utilized camps might be true, but once gone, you cannot duplicate them.

Once upon a time, there was a Boy Scout. He went camping and hiking with his friends, had a good time. Gained skills and confidence in himself, went places and did things he would not have otherwise. He was not really concerned much about how his Troop fitted inwith the greater Scouting world. He went on in life, sometimes using the stuff he learned in Scouting, using the ideals to help guide his choices. One day, he woke up to discover he was married and had a son! Son became a Scout, and so the Old Scout became an Adult Leader. He was welcomed and initiated into the Greater World of Scout Politics. Scoutson didn't really care about how his Troop fitted inwith the greater Scouting world, he just liked to camp and hike and go places with his buds. But Old Scout learned that when he had been a Scout, his Troop (now Scoutson's Troop) had been in The County, which was part of The Council. Now, The County was divided into 3 Districts, and Troop was in District 2. No problem, Old Scout worked for the County Government and was used to the vicissitudes of bureacracy. Two years later, it was announced that "to better serve the youth " (closer relations, easier communications), our 3 Districts would be re-aligned into 6 districts. Troop is now in District 3 of 6. Volunteers grumble, rearrange themselves, reschedule trainings, assignments, camporees, CSDCs and get on with Scouting. One DE per District, might be a good thing, DE can visit and be around their District more. OK. Two years later, of the three original DEs, and 6 new Districts, only one DE remains, three have come and gone, three Districts never had a new DE assigned (Regional Directors oversee them, some DEs do double duty). Therefore, "in order to better serve the youth", the six Districts will be rolled into one County District, with one Senior DE, and two Asst. DEs (Membership, Program). Volunteers grumble, shake hands with the old friends across the way, combine schedules, reschedule Camporees to not conflict (hey, more than one Camporee can be a good thing!) and the three seperate CSDC Directors meet each other. And learn the benefits of cooperation. One Chair for each District Committee, less problem with communication. Well, maybe it would be good if the 3 DEs divided their responsibilities alittle, say, a western sub area and a central sub area and southern sub area. Makes the Camporees fit and the CSDCs fit better, too. And folks know better who they should speak to for assistance. Seems to work. Two years later, the PTB announce that "in order to etc.", the County District will "probably" be divided along school district line into...6 Scout Districts, and we welcome your comments and suggestions.... I don't THINK it's official, yet. Check with me in September.... >( )(This message has been edited by SSScout)

Dunno. I didn't stop to ask!

In our District, Web leaders are encouraged to take IOLS independently. Welot is not offered.

We had a really fine camporee a two years back, organized by a consortium of local Troops, at a big Methodist retreat center. The theme was the Civil War. Patrol (not Troop) competition , Max of 8 boys per... Each activity station was predicated on what a CW era person or soldier might need to do. Signaling! semiphore and Morse code. Fire building(no matches or lighters) and cooking. Cook a potatoe and eat it! Close order drill! Baseball (Abner Doubleday?) of the period. Find your way with a small scale map and MANY choices of starting and destination, over the whole of the property (no GPS!). Period first aid (litter carry races, make believe limb removal and then one legged races and one armed activities). Each station required a Patrol cheer or yell. CW reenactors were in attendance. Black powder musket fire. It was a BIG affair. My only quibble was the souvenir patch. If you looked close, it had a fifty star flag on it!

Unless your area is recovering from a disaster, and camping is "mandatory" (!), is should be fun . Remember the Cub Scout mantra"" KISMIF"" Keep it simple, make it fun... Help your folks to start easy, take'm on hikes, 3 , 5 miles, in interesting places. Make the hike GO somewhere where there is a "reward", like an amusement park, or the Zoo, or a museum, or a Civil War re-enactment, even an urban hike can be a good start. The idea is to Get'em outdoors. Learn about your areas history, both cultural and natural. We have a new park nearby that is an old quarry that specializes in dinosaur bones and fossils. Hike around that and then see the bones! The overnight under canvas will come, but get them outside, with mom and dad along for the ride. I once led our Tiger Den down in the park near our house and led them to a Beaver dam and showed them the chewed off trees all around. Sat them down (mom and dad too) and read them some T.W.Burgess Paddy the Beaver stories. We did many more hikes, and tho the Pack never got "under canvas", the Webelos Den did. Camp out in your CO's back yard at first, or even in the social hall (if you have one) or somebody's apartment's party room. Call around and find a "pick your own" farm and ask if they have some back acreage you could use, and then go pick strawberries!

Cliff Swallows... wasn't he in a Gene Autry movie? Played the rough and tumble ranch foreman?

Well said, Onehour. Hard to fill such shoes. Keep his ideals in front of you, and he will be remembered.

Ok, so some mile swims are "easier" than others. Waaaay back when, I did mine in the Chesapeake Bay behind a rowboat. I remember the "buddy system" in force then, my pal Don rowed the boat for me, then I rowed the boat for him. From the end of the dock out into the Bay (Camp Roosevelt, Calvert County MD) around the bouy and back to the dock. Sunny day, slight chop, Sea Nettles to contend with. I remember maybe a dozen Scouts on the swim, and it certainly took less than an hour each. Each had their own buddy boat. Was that easier? I had nothing to compare with, but Roosevelt did have a fresh water pool, back in the woods. I don't remember if they did a mile swim in the pool. Scout son did his in a lake at Heritage. Cold, he said...

Waaaay back when I coached my daughter's soccer team, I early on noticed how the girls on both teams would start to drag after only 15 or 20 minutes into the game. These are 11, 12, then 13 year olds. Aside from the usual practices and conditioning drills, I then started my team on a regimen of (1) No sugary cereals for breakfast on the day of the game. I told everyone (their parents!) they could have almost anything else for breakfast: oatmeal, bacon & eggs, pancakes, toast and PB&J, but NO SUGARY PACKAGE CEREAL. (2) At the first of the game, before we took the field, everyone drank, in my presence, a cup of water. (3) At the offense/defense team rotation (required by the league! Good idea, I thought), another cup of water required. (4) anytime a sub went in, drink a cup first. Wow! We started running circles around the other teams. Came out that season undefeated. CSDC: Our theme this year was/is "Medieval Adventure". Hey! Let's give a toast to the Queen! Lots of small hands raise their water bottles and jug-a-lug. I was moved to teach my Cubs "Ein Prosit! Gemutlicheit!" My DE took me aside and told me a parent had come to him to complain about the man who was encouraging alcoholism in her Cubs....