SSScout

Almost forgot... Now, one idea I like, but really takes some time on someones part (the DE? The CSDCD? The DistCampChair?) is this: Produce a template letter, addressed to the volunteer staffer's boss. By Staffer, you can include the DenWalkers or any adult that helps at the camp. The volunteer staffer fills out a short form: their Name, employer/company, boss' name, address. Template letter thanks the company for the "loan" of their employee , commending one of their employees (associates?) for volunteering a week of their vacation time, serving at the XYZ Cub Scout Day Camp, helping our children experience the Cub Scout program, that such service reflects admirably on the Staffer and on the employer or whatever you feel is appropriate. It should, of course, be on BSA/Council letter head. The letter I received (some years ago) noted that "everyone in our community has been enriched because he cared enough to help our children grow into better persons". And it did make an impact in my office, few there knew how much time I spent at Scouting. It may even have had an effect on my next evaluation, since it was counted as a "compliment" in my work file. But that can be alot of letters, if done right!

Try pg. 27, April 2006 SCOUTING magazine http://books.google.com/books?id=ff0DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA27&lpg=PA27&dq=Scout+Troop+Belt+awards&source=bl&ots=M51gRwyfcX&sig=Z5yUVKA1GqNaVaYsENJR_5pA2n8&hl=en&ei=zSQkTt6iGani0QHx1uDeAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CCoQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=Scout%20Troop%20Belt%20awards&f=false

>>" Don't give all your secrets away..." Now, I find that truly bizarre. Sounds almost like someone is afraid you WILL stop being the Camp Person. What egocentric non-scout person is that? The idea is to have a daycamp for the BOYS. What better thing than to help the next fellow along the trail? Passing along the great ideas (and the not so great. "Don't do this...") is a true Scout tradition. How else would I have known to rub soap on the outside of my cookpots to aid later cleanup? The passing on of "How to do it Better" is why we are communicating by keyboard rather than smoke signal (another Meritbadge?). The first CSDC was an experiment. What we do is the culmination of many years of "doing it better", and the smiles on the Cub faces are why we keep on , despite the nay sayers. One more square knot, one more recognition of Poison Ivy, and civilization as we know it progresses. From what I've read in this thread, your District would benefit greatly by your present CSDC Director becoming the District Camp Chair and YOU becoming the CSDCD. I always like the idea of a post mortem or event report. Doesn't mean the next folks will read it, or use it, but that isn't your problem then. And Camp Guidebooks are never a bad thing. Again, all you can do is offer and point your finger, folks don't have to utilize them, they can always stub their toe on the rock you point out if they choose to. But that is why you REQUIRE the Denwalkers to come to the "Camp Orientation Training" , because many will not read the book, or forget it, or think it doesn't apply to them, or try to 'wing it' or not want to even walk their progeny thru the camp (listen to "Cat's in the Cradle " again).

Reminds me of the time when I had to have surgery on my lower jaw. Required having my mouth WIRED SHUT for almost three months. I could still talk (think about ventriloquism), and breath, and I could rinse mouth and teeth with "Scope" and "Listerine", but how to eat? The surgeon suggested baby food thru a straw, but since the jaws were slightly seperated, I figured if I could drink it, I could "nutrate" myself. So I went out and bought the best multi speed blender I could find. Anything I could prechew with the blender, I could "eat" . I drank my Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, a little milk , WHHIIIRRR, and a turkey milkshake! Tastes like turkey and potatoes. Same with PB&J, hamburgers, vegies, salad, sausage pizza, blend and drink. One pot meals. Hah! But Do Not try to blend carbonated drinks.... I'm sorry, I guess this has nothing to do with camping, does it?

Indeed. Same as Unions at the workplace. Where are you, Walt Kelly, when we need you?

Ah... That explains it. Charlie Brown: "If these historic facts are so little known, how come you know them?" Lucy: (looks around, then whispers in Charlie Brown's ear) " I make'm up."

I have to say I think we have had the best CSRTs in th area if not the nation. Always well prepared, it is run like a Pack meeting. Participation. Cheers, songs, and serious discussion. You earn a bead for attending. Cookies and juice, and carrot sticks and dip.. A detailed handout of 3 hole punched stuff ("BALLOO's Bugle" often.). Video presentations, pass around and look at stuff, invited special guests for particular topics. Sometimes the "official" monthly theme (the month before), sometimes not, booklets and gear available to buy (don't need to go to the Scoutstore). Special topics have included astronomy (Beltloop and Meritbadge!), cooking (samples out on the parkinglot camp stove), PWDerby, Scales and Tails (get it for your unit!). And the last month saw the retirement of our CSRTCommisher. He set a high standard to meet, and deserved the special accolades and "squareknot" he was given.

July 4, 2011. Rockville MD. The football field at the Community College was , as usual, full of lawn chairs, kids running around, fried chicken and watermelon. We arrived about 6:30pm. Visited with friends, ate coleslaw and greenbean casserole,too. Barbershop melodies, Brass quintet, Martial music, flag ceremony and lots of folks giggling and talking during the "O Say Can You See". It threatened rain, then sprinkled, umbrellas up then down. Fireworks were started early, but no real rain ensued. Music was better coordinated with light show and Kabooms than in past years. A really good show, and "free"! We walked to our friends home, and watched hundreds of cars idling , waiting their turn to leave the big parking lot. No discernable difference in the size or political persuasion of the crowd, this year vs last. I still don't know the connection between the "Overture of 1812" and the commemoration of the founding of our nation. "This year, a safe and sane Bastille Day".

I tau, I tau a puddy tat.

Here in Murlin, they ("they") just completed the first 3 mile section of an Interstate quality road, when complete, it will be about 18 miles, I think. It had been laid in the master plans 50 years ago, but never built. Over the last 15 years, first one governor said no, then another said yes, then another said it depends, then said no, finally a governor said yes, the legislature said ok, and we were off and paving. It was built with the proviso that it be a toll road and pay it's own way, so to speak. The first 3mile section might save 5 minutes travel time between the two present ends, and the toll is $1.15 mid day, higher in rush hour ("Peak Times") and lower overnight. No toll booths, no cash accepted. One must have the ezpass digital reader on your car. If not, they photo your tag, ID the owner, and send him a bill for the toll plus $3. administrative fee. If you don't pay up in atimely manner, a $40. fine is added. Pay as you go. Now, when I suggested that a scale be included in the entrance step of my Transit bus, and that the passenger be charged by the pound, they laughed at me.

It does sound more like a Old Timers' Night, which ain't a bad thing. I thought of having a Troop reunion picnic, but couldn't get much traction with the rest of the present Troop. Charter Presentation is another thing entirely. The Charter is not presented to the Troop/Pack/Crew/Ship, but to the Organization that sponsors/Charters the Scout Unit. As a Commissioner, I delight in presenting Charters. I have 6 units I "officially" Commish. Four of them at one UMChurch. What I like to do is, when the Council finally gets it's act together and gets the Charter certificates to me, I invite a rep from each Unit to appear at a service of the church, the Reverend introduces us (all in uniform): Venture Crew President, Scoutmaster and/or SPL, Cubmaster, and Seascout Skipper and/or Quartermaster. Each gives a short acknowledgement of the church's support , a little about their program and activities, and then I present the Charter Certificates (suitable for framing) to the Reverend (applause, applause). It can be mentioned at CoHs, Blue and Gold , Captain's Mess, etc. but the presentation is best made TO and AT the CO.

*sigh* 1) After having a pretty good time in Scouting, running up the rank ladder for a time, boy gets other interests. Moves on. Makes choices. Accepts results. 2) Years later, makes more choices. Marries. Has son. Son becomes Cub Scout. Boy now Man realizes son can have good time in Scouts, and BnM can be a moving force in son's life and other boys' lives. 3) BnM realizes he shoulda oughta back then, but too late. Or is it... 4) BnM presents "hypothetical" situation to group of anonymous "friends" to glean their reaction, advice: Could an almostmadeEagle BnM reapply for missed opportunity, or not? 5) Some of A/Fs react with disbelief: No, ain't possible. Forget it. Move on, be the Best Scout leader to your boys possible. 6) Some A/Fs say, well you never know til you try. Go for it, but realize it is a real long shot. 7) Some A/Fs discover, the hypothetical case is REAL, and BnM is asking about himself! OOOOO.... he's been deceteful, not fully honest with us. But the facts presented "hypothetically" are true at face? "well, what if this friend of mine really liked this boy, but doesn't know if he likes her? and she wants to know? if he MIGHT like her? but maybe she does't want to ask him? Do you think? that that boy, MIGHT not want to know? that she likes him? 'cause ..." 8) BnM comes clean, admits he was the B in the hypothetical story, apologizes for his ruse, wanted to see if there was any chance, if the A/Fs had any similar experiences and advice. Thanks them (the A/Fs) for the advice, expresses regret for not being totally upfront at first, and says goodbye, haveing been helped by some of the A/Fs and "burned" by some. 9) Such is the life on the internet. Some accept, some answer the question (and no more), some forgive, some point fingers, some want no part of (fill in the blank). Sounds like humanity. Goodluck and goodScouting to you and your Scoutson, afscout.

State Law, Federal CDL guidelines, size of the passenger load, who is IN CHARGE of keeping it up, all important considerations. CDL, class B (over 26,000lbs), Passenger 15 or more passengers?)(and airbrakes?) endorsement. Best idea: One person OWNS the vehicle, makes sure the tags and title and insurance are current, makes sure the driver(s) are properly trained and licensed and LEASES the vehicle to the Troop. Either a written agreement or handshake (A Scout is Trustworthy). The Troop must realize the financial outlay such a vehicle will require and be ready to act accordingly to the owner. You can even paint the name on the bus. This saves the necessity of a committee (never the best idea in a all volunteer situation), or a rotating responsible person. Personal experience: I was the driver for a non-profit organization that did outdoor ed with "at risk" youth. My (MY!) bus was a '86 Bluebird (IH chassis)26 passenger diesel. No turbo (thank god! Turbos are the most likely part to break). Boss said it was up to me to keep track of the maintenance and fueling. The boss was quite willing to do whatever I said "BOB" needed. The first time I drove BOB, I made a list of everything I thought it needed. I would be carrying school kids four days a week. BOB had, already, in excess of 400,000 miles on the odometer, and I would be doing 300 plus a week. (Bouncy Old Bus). The first tuneup and state required inspection came to $3,000 plus. New brake discs and pads, new injectors, tie rod ends, four filters to replace, refill all fluids, two new mirrors, and decarbon and time the engine. The garage said that since the frame and running gear were all there, definitely worth the work. Much cheaper than a $40,000 new replacement. Oil change and filter maintenance , about $100. every 3,000 miles. Being an older diesel, the rings and valves are "worn in" and the oil takes a particularly hard beating. Newer models might have different allowances, but not the older vehicle. Tires (not needed at that point) about $200. each to replace (bus has six). I had to replace the rear tail lights and turn signals, (one burns out, they are all that old, I replaced all) 4 times $18. each (sealed units) and two hours of my time (I was cheaper than the garage). Same with the clearance lights I knocked out on treelimbs (did I mention the outdoor ed?). Drivers seatbelt retractor failed. New belt. $150. Seat covers: 14 seats, lots of duct tape and vynil repair kits. Sweep it out . Learn to do a proper "circle check". And the driver licensing. Not every garage will work on such vehicles, usually only heavy truck shops. Second best choice: CO owns the vehicle. Now, who is incharge of everything? Who makes sure all is "legal" and safe? Maybe the CO already does these things and has a vehicle maintenance person. One more in the fleet, more or less? Third best: Unit owns the vehicle. Ditto, the "transportation subcommittee". May be some savings if a non-profit owns it, but make sure it is what you really want. 'Course, you won't be putting 300 miles aweek on it, only maybe 1000 to camp and back every 6 months. And it sits in whose backyard? Is it a safe place to sit for weeks/months at a time? Scratch head alot, take deep breath and.... (This message has been edited by SSScout)

Back in paleologic times, (which I barely remember. Ask my Scoutson), Patrols were the "gang". We would hang out together after school, get together at someone's house for a soda and PB&J, and just naturally do Scout stuff. Try our hand at building a fire in Don's back yard. Set up Terry's new tent. Check the leaves against the tree ID book. Talk to the dad about his time in the service. Play billiards down in the basement. Ask the mom about fry pan use. Maybe even do homework and kvetch about old lady Keller's attitude at school. What I'm trying to point out is that the Patrol was not merely a table to sit at during the Scoutmaster's lectures,which , come to think about it, we didn't hear very often, but which often seem to be a norm of some Troops I've come across recently. The "gang" mentality, I think, comes naturally to boys. It did with me. I think it is important for Scoutleaders, Akelas in Cubs, to remember that. The idea that boys (girls too!) want to belong to something other than family (or perhaps as an alternative? Or as a means to prove seperateness from family? Or to fill a family type need?)is not new. It is one of the things that drives MS13, and the Young Angels, and other JD (to use a term from my youth) groups. It is often overlooked that Scouting can and should serve as a "good" gang, it is something for the boy (girl?) to belong to and take pride in that belonging. If it becomes another 'listen to the boss/parent' thing, how is it the boy's? It is only another version of what they thought they left behind. The Patrol needs to be the boy's gang, not the adults creation. Oh, sure, the adult "puts" the boy in the Patrol, but what then? I sat in on a PLC/GBP meeting once, and heard the nascent SPL say "you mean I can decide THAT?" and the SM had to remind him , yeah, the Troop will do what you boys want to do, not me. It is often the rule that the boys WANT the SM and other adults to make the decisions and plans, it's what they are used to. They often will wait for the OK to come, even before the activity/trip is proposed, they are so used to being vetoed/controled at home and in school. This is why, to the adults' view, NewScout Patrols are a good thing. The adult is still controlling how/what/when the Scout learns and does and advances. In the more traditiional Patrol, a new Scout is simply added to the gang, and the other Scouts (PL?) help take care of the incidentals of camping skills, what boots are good, what to pack and how, do you put the PB on one slice and the J on the other and smoosh'em together or smear the PB and then the J on the same side? Important things like that. If the PL needs help, he has the TG and maybe a ASM or (old school!) a Patrol Dad to look to for advice, but first is the old fellows in his Patrol. New Troop? No old fellas? Well, we adjust but then step back when you have a few old Scouts (6 months!) in hand. One ASM teaches Totin'Chip and shows off his axe and knife and saw collection. Scout PLs are suitably impressed. How to chop wood efficiently and safely. How to hold and pass the tool. All the PLC then goes back and shows the Scouts in their Patrol. Each Scout makes his tent peg, shows it to the ASM, talks alittle, presto, Totin' Chips! It's a gang with a purpose, to coin a phrase. Yeah, I like that. A Scout Patrol is a Gang with a Purpose.

Drhink: Thank you. That's it in a nut shell. When my stepson was a many years younger, his attitude toward lazergunning (tag? You're it?) was "It's a game!! Just a Game!!" when our family would nix it, but his dad said ok. After a stint in Iraq and Korea and Afghanistan, he comes to us and admits, it was more like urban ambush and kill your opponent than "only a game". That's the defining quality. You are trying to kill your opponent. Yeah, they get up again after "recharge", but it still is practicing to kill. Capture the flag? Any wide game? Chess? Checkers? They may well have a history in warfare, but as a game, you're not out to "kill" the opponent, only play better than them.

Breathing and awake the right part of the day... Just kidding. I think the CD will certainly have the last word, here, he/she will be the one working with the PD. Some of the qualities I have admired in past PDs I have known: * organized, see the whole camp picture, perhaps even more than the CD. Sees what can be done, what won't fit. *people oriented, see where the conflicts between station masters might cause a problem. Not afraid to jump in to find out what's what. *creative (need those "specials") , able to think on the run. See the connection with the theme. Find the solution to the problem. Which means they would benfit from a Scout background, Cub and/or Boy. *might need to be the Camp Cubmaster if the CD doesn't want to be. That means being able to jump in and lead the cheers and skits when the weather goes nasty and everyone has to retreat to the school gymnasium. And who leads the opening and closing ceremonies? CD? or PD? or someone else? * Good at "plan Bs" Just a start.

The standard at my worksite was "zero tolerance" for illegal drug use, and random tests and required tests after an accident (this is a transit bus system) were the norm. Same for alcohol use. If someone even "seemed" to be impaired, a supervisor was required to order that employee to a pee test and/or breathilizer. It was understood as a condition of employment and the union accepted it, just so the conditions were evenly applied. Now, this required alot of paperwork and documentation and testification (?), but was judged worth it for the safety of our passengers. If someone came forward VOLUNTARILY and said he might have a problem, he could save his job by going thru counseling and such. If he otherwise tested positive, even with the appeal/protest procedure, he was terminated forthwith. That said, again, if one cannot go three days without a touch of the malt or grape, you may well have another problem other than a resentment of someone telling you what to do on a campout.

Go to the plumbing aisle of your local HDepot, and consider the possibilities: 5/8 PVC pipe, appropriate elbows, Tconnectors, and one brass STD hose thread to PVC pipe adapter. Draw up the plans and work the plans! You are creating a "cage", about 5 feet high and 4 feet wide and 5 feet long. If done right, all the pipe (being hollow) is connected to the hose connector. Scratch head and glue some pipes and connectors and elbows together and leave others press fit so the contraption can be taken apart and stored. Drill 1/16" holes in some of the pipe, about 6" apart, and arrange things to point the holes into the center of the cage you have made. Hook up the hose and experiment with the pressure. "At the Cub Wash" (doo-dadadad-doodoo) workin' at the Cub Wash.... Runnin' thru the Cub Wash....

Manually pressurized water projector.

First, I think it is a great sounding project. Your Scout is to be congratulated for his idea. That said, you have a couple of problems in definition. Eagle service projects may not benefit anything connected with Scouting (no council camp cabins, can't build a Troop trailer, etc.) . This can be seen to include the COs property, as they are the "owner" of the Unit. However, if the work is not pure maintenance, (regular polishing, painting,cleaning) and does not improve the Troop's part of the CO (build shelves in the Scout closet), the scale and overall effect may prove appropriate. One Scout proposed an improvement of the church's sign out front and the committee considered it, but when it was pointed out that the sign also included a "Troop xyz meets here" component, they had to suggest this was a good Troop project but not an Eagle project. Can the Scout organize his "crew" for the work? How much adult help will he need? He will be the organizer, not the adults. This sort of prior defining can go a long way to getting the District committee approval.

"Of course I cook with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food" ==W. C. Fields== Alcohol abuse is one of the hidden problems in our society and world. On the one side, we are reminded how cool and mature it is to be a "knowledgeable" drinker ("I do not often drink beer, but when I do, it's Dos Equis, Stay thirsty, my friend."), and that to have fun, it is better to be fueled with methenol. ( I happen to prefer Berliner Wiesse). Oh, I tried various "aids" to free the inhibitions, but I discovered early that I liked being able to remember the fun I had the night before. (what is a hibition, if an inhibition disuades one from an action, does a hibition urge one on?) That said, I don't see any reason to allow ANY alcohol use during a Scout event. Camp trip, hike, canoe, District Awards Dinner, makes no difference. We are setting an example, Carrie Nation not withstanding. If the adults in escort on the trip cannot go without the taste of the hop or grape for THREE DAYS, I would suggest they have a different, bigger problem than mere ignorance of the Troop rules, rather written or merrely "understood". I might take them asside and privately, politely, in low key, ask them what's important in their lives, their boy and family, or the beer? As to the OP, I favor a warning, and a general discussion and then proceed.

"Rescue Roping" Create X number of 20' long throw ropes, where X is 1/2 the max number of Cub Scouts in a class/session. Preferred woven polyester 3/8 rope. Melt/seal/whip ends. Put figure eight knot in each end. Teach how to COIL ("BIG coils, BIG coils") the rope to right hand, hold end in left (if right handed) and practice throwing for accuracy to partner (x2?), he coils up and throws back, for accuracy. Next day, set up 6 mil clear plastic sheet, 5' x25' long? Peg/staple into ground, close to level, but a slight incline is OKay. Double over edges for strength. Sprinkle dish or laundry soap on plastic, sprinkle liberally with hose and KEEP soapy and wet. Cubs line up at "downhill" end, one Cub with throwrope on side near "uphill" end. Down hill Cub says "help,help, throw me a rope". The uphill Cub throws the dhC the end, dhC grabs rope and uhC PULLS dhC up the slick plastic. Akelas in attendance (Denwalkers) can help Tigers pull their Bears up the slick. Pulled Cub becomes the thrower, past thrower goes to end of the line at dh end. DoNot walk on the plastic. Get tired of throwing rope? Get a running start and bellyflop on the slide. Keep it wet and soapy!

Clarification: I am speaking for myself, as a Friend (Quaker), and not necessarily for ALL Quakers. I was once told that if you ask any ten Friends (as in Religious Society of) to explain something about their faith, you would get eleven explanations. ""I think it's a rather disrectful (sic) way to justify killing games and fake guns to say that even Quakers with their peaceful ways participate in it."" FScout: Where did I ever say anything approaching that? Or were you referring to someone else's comment? Strategy games, team games, for sure. Make believe killing, no no no...

The best gift the TG from my WB course gave me was to ask me to be on his staff when he became a CD. Nothing like that to validate your efforts. THEN, as the CD, he gave us staffers all leetle gifts: QMs got fancy garden trowels, Scribes got quill pen sets, things like that. But when he was my TG, he did come almost 60 miles to my beading.

I hope you have a banner to carry to tell folks who you are and where you are from. Good PR! Don't forget to learn and lead them in a cheer every so often. "PACK 789! WE'RE DOING FINE!!" or some sort.. KiSMiF