SSScout

Glad we could help. ;-) But who IS going to the JSN? Any good show and tell for it? Photos? Computer show? Flags? Tents? Ropes? Give out free popcorn! And stickers. Boys love stickers: ((Cub symbol)) "HEY MOM AND DAD! CALL CUB SCOUT PACK XYZ FOR ME! PHONE CUBMASTER JOHN SMITH 555.666.7777"

Proofreading... I substitute teach every so often. I was called to a Middle school english class recently. The Sub Plan that the regular teacher left me instructed that the class should orally read their book reports. Young man starts and stumbles on a word. I comment that if he wrote it, he should know the word... he said he knows his words, but his mom edited the report for him and added some new ones....

Three words::: Roadsideamerica dot com www.roadsideamerica.com http://www.roadsideamerica.com/blog/lint-pickers-wanted/ for a good part time servce opportunity in Oregon...

Funny you should mention... I have recently begun commishing a new Troop and Pack chartered to an evangelical Hispanic based church. The youth minister is so gung-ho it is frightening. But he and I have alot of the same problems that other units have. There is a small core of adults who want their boys to be Scouts ("a good gang to belong to!"), but have NO experience with Scouting and are "afraid we'll do it wrong". So we have some Scout leaders on the charter in name only. Yes they are getting trained, but... see below for membership problems. The boys who come regularly have hands off parents, who have limited english (and I have limited spanish), but they devour the Scout stuff I present, and the adults who are there practice the knots and flag folding right along with the boys. The church provides the Scout manuals and uniform shirts. I have arranged for other Scouters to come and talk/teach about camping and equipment. We are going to borrow some tents from another Troop and are working to attend the District Camporee in a month. Do the boys want to go camping? Absolutely. Do the families go camping? Not many if any in this group. Another problem, which one of the church leaders has been very open to me about. Not all the parents are "legals" (and I haven't asked who). So, not everyone has a valid SSN. Therefore, no Scouter registration. Therefore, no MYSCOUTING account, no training. This limits the people that can sign up to be committee folks, treasurer, etc. Soccer? Nope. The boys I deal with are academic types, Redskin fans, and tv-aholics. Nary a Foosballer among them. Is it worth while? Absolutely, but I have reminded them that I cannot be their Cubmaster/Scoutmaster. Ultimately, they must find those from among their own numbers. I agree with the previous evaluations of Mr. Mazucca's remarks. He does Scoouting no favor by trying to change it's focus to please a wrongly perceived clientile.

Fear. Put his name and phone number NEATLY behind a row of MBs, so any marker ink won't bleed thru. Also put it on his OA sash, if appropriate, on the back of his Scout belt (especially if it is a special belt:: Philmont, Jamboree, etc.), bottom hem of his shirt, back of necker, too.. Ordinary BIC ball point pen will do. Better yet, HE should put it on the back. Such ID is,after all, for the benefit of the HONEST finder. "A Scout is Trustworthy".

Latin... Ms Fitch, my HS Latin teacher, would be proud. Latin is again a language of choice in our local school system, after being dropped for some years. It sure is good that God doesn't have a required/favorite language. Ever watch babies interact/play before they "learn" the language of their parents? I sometimes think they have their own inherent language. HABETIS BONA DEUM

Yep, lots of talent and info, but where did the stats come from? I can't seem to find anything like them there. Lots of links. Which ones?

S5 L5, 25 years ago. Opted for chemo neurolysis, after consulting with four surgeons, each touting their own, different technique, each saying the others were (in essence) quacks. After, I worked at strengthening my back with walking, swimming, yoga and PT. A year after the surgery, I could admit to feeling "normal" again. Counsel: Do what you feel comfortable, but for the first 3 or 4 months, DO NOT carry a full backpack. Swing axe, carry stuff in your arms/hands, DO YOUR EXERCISES, but go slow and build up gradually. Be sensitive to what your back tells you. Listen to your doctor's and PTist's counsel, but remember that YOU are the one that has to do the healing. I would walk for longer and longer stretches, and LAY DOWN at the end, exhausted, but get up and walk some more, feeling stronger each week. Don't be embarrassed when folks look at you strange for being prone on the trail, it's your back... Hike with your boys, but try not to carry on your back. One thermarest on level, rockfree ground should suffice. How bout a BikeHike? Bicycling can be good therapy.

A CO has many duties/responsibilities/uses to the unit. By charter (ask the Council for a copy. Read the small print): a CO "should" provide a place for the unit to meet (your self charter might rent or use someones rec room), provide financial stability, approve the unit leadership, and just "be there" for the unit. Obviously, some are "hands off", some are "controlling". A unit blessed with a good CO will benefit from a stable place to meet, store things, a wall to hang certificates on, tax advantages, Dutch Uncle help, publicity, financial help and counsel, lots of things. Continuity comes to mind. We home school, Scoutson's Troop is Chartered to a Methodist Church. Our overseeing home school group was once considering chartering a Scout unit, but the HS families decided to stay with their original Troops/Packs. CO's can be any responsible organization. I know of Scout units sponsored by Lions Clubs, Vol. Fire Cos. , American Legions, PTAs, churches, mosques, even a hardware store. Poke around, you might find a sympathetic something to be your CO!

Skeptic: This is neat... Where/what is the source of this data? I don't see it on Stevensons' site.

Acco40: It was a rank. And the AoL was an extra, earned rank, not unlike Eagle. I have a "W" diamond badge in my collection, AND the AoL strip. Back then, the Den was numbered, the rank was earned. We were not "Wolf" Den, we were Den 3, and we earned the "Wolf " badge/rank. The rational for creating the Webelos two year program was to give Cubs a gradual tarnsition to full fledge Boy Scouting. Lion age Cubs were deemed getting bored with Cubby stuff, and in need of more BScout like stuff. Packs created the terms "Web 1, Web 2," or "Jr. & Sr. Webelos". I don't think (cite and correct me here) that there is anything ""official"" about those terms. If the program isn't fun or rewarding for the boys, all the interlocking naming isn't going to help.

1948 Fieldbook, I photocopy pages about knife and axe use for IOLS. Good illustrations (photos) of a Scout(!) chopping , sharpening, cutting down a tree.

Here 'tis, Deacon... http://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/RL30243.pdf "On the national level the Federal Flag Code provides uniform guidelines for the display of and respect shown to the flag. In addition to the Code, Congress has by statute designated the national anthem and set out the proper conduct during its presentation. The Code is designed for the use of such civilian groups or organizations as may not be required to conform with regulations promulgated by one or more executive departments of the federal government. Thus, the Flag Code does not prescribe any penalties for non-compliance nor does it include enforcement provisions; rather the Code functions simply as a guide to be voluntarily followed by civilians and civilian groups." That said, there are some penalties enacted elsewhere in the US Code for certain ""desecretory acts"". Look'em up seperately.

Heard about the new movie about the mountain climbing pirates? "Pirates of the Caribiner"

"You don't appreciate the water til the well runs dry" I still run into the Scouts/parents from the folded Cub Pack I mentioned. I wonder what those boys will think if they go back and try to retrace their history. My son went from Cubs to Boy Scouts, and opted to join the same Troop I grew up in. I didn't realize it when I was a Scout in it, but the history is important. I felt kinda of good when I realized that this Troop had been putting along for at least 50 years. Then I realized that my old Cub Pack was still there, too! Mimi: What is your goal? Just for your boy or perhaps for his son, too? "A tree is not planted for us, but for our grandchilden".

I am not a tax accountant, or a CPA, or a Comptroller, nor do I play one on TV. That being said, I will note that each of the aforementioned organizations (Scout Council, Bank, IRS, State Sales Tax folks, Cub Scout parents) have their own concerns and requirements. Here is what I observe: *Parents want a Cub Scout Pack, and the program/bling/fun that comes with it for their boys and themselves. (note: underline "themselves") *State Sales Tax folks want to know if you are selling anything (popcorn? candy bars?) and should you have a sales tax license and pay the S/T to the state? *IRS wants any "organization" to have a tax number so the org can be tracked to make sure they really are a non-profit, charitable org. *Bank wants to make sure the "owner " of the bank account is legit, responsible and they are not breaking any laws or laundering any ill- gotten gains. *Scout Council wants a new Cub Pack so they can say they have a new Cub Pack. Numbers are everything to the DE and Council. Fees and Dues collected are important too, but they NEVER cover all the expenses inherent in governing the Scout program, which is important, but where the priorities are depends on who is the DE and the SE. Ultimately, any 5 adults could declare themselves "Friends of Dry Gulch Valley Cub Scouts" and they would probably get a BSA Charter. The CO is the "owner" of the Pack and as such, the CO is the party responsible for any financial repercussions of the Pack. I knew a Cub Pack chartered to the charitable foundation of the local hospital. The CP used the hospitals tax ID, but other than signing the charter papers each year, the hospital folks did nothing with/for/to the Pack. It eventually folded for lack of support. No one outside the actual Pack cared for the Pack. When your group of interested parents move on when your boys age out or drop out, what will happen to the Pack?

Msr. LeRoy: I don't think I implied that "athiests haven't thought about it". I said that anyone can join. All they have to do is fill out the application and sign it (or their parents, at least) and pay the dues. The assumption is that after reciting the Scout promise, (or reading it the first time) and if they didn't read the "Declaration of Religious Principle" on the application (or whatever it is called nowadays) the first time they filled it out, then eventually the Scout or adult will come to the realization that they can agree with it or not. If not, then the result will be as I described above. If yes, then the Scout or adult will proceed in the Scouting program as they will. If they paid attention to those two things BEFORE they signed up, they might not... Please note the anecdote about the CSDC parent and her Cub. If the athiest wants the Scout program for their progeny without the "duty to God", then they might ask about it, and then not join, but I personally know of no adult leader who will insist on a conference to determine if the Scout applicant is "worthy" of admission. That is not going to happen. This is , more than anything else, a self selecting organization. We invite folks to participate, but boys, girls, and adults are constantly deciding "this isn't for me", both before they pay their dues and months, years after. I have great respect for the athiest belief (or lack of). The logic exhibited most often in it's justification is exempary. But then, with all the various faiths I am aware of, logic often has little to do with religious belief. Another thread. Now where is that "Faith, Religion and Chaplaincy" forum? I left it somewhere over here...

We ASK the Scout to live by the Scout Promise and Law. If they have a well developed conscience (and part of what we Scoutleaders do or should do, is help with that developement), the conflict of saying the promise versus what they actually feel/believe would lead the athiest Scout to resign or drop out. 99% of all Scouts are in it for the adventure, camping, canoeing, etc. not directly for the moral ethical education. That part sneaks up on them. I think some boys do leave Scouting from that conflict and their desire to be "Trustworthy" and live a non-hipocritical life. We may not know the true numbers, and they might not all be known to us. In the rare case when a Scout is asked directly (as ,perhaps, in an Eagle BoR) about his faith/religion, this may serve as a catalyst to define what has been mulling around in his head and heart for a long time. I think that in the SM Minute, the campfire "bull" sessions, the "Scout's Own", grace at meals, the honest, sincere and open expressions of belief and appreciation by Scout Leaders, all do more to encourage a Scout's own faith than anything else. Not specific in your face challenges, but general nudges and reminders. Should we feel we have failed when that boy leaves Scouting? I don't think so, because (I hope) we have had some purchase in at least getting the boy to THINK about such things. In my dealings with the Muslim units I Commission, I have been told that their respect for me comes not from my Scout knowledge (which they appreciate) but more for my sincere faith and ability to respect their faith, however different it is from mine. Anyone can join. Not everyone can stay. I had a mom help at a CSDC and , as required, registered as a Scout volunteer. Her boy and she had a good time. Came next year, we asked her again to help. She said her boy was in Cubs for the program, and she would let him make his own decision about God when he wanted to, but after reading the "statement of faith" on the registration forem, she could not sign it again. But the boy came to camp, without her.

Sad. Mad. Chagrin. Sympathy? So is he an out of work steel worker or a over regulated bank VP? Were there any witnesses to your act of friendship (it isn't charity because he didn't ask for that, only a "loan"). I would: 1) write a letter, a real paper letter (Make it registered, return reciept requested, keep acopy or two for yourself), and mention your good will (there's a Cub Scout phrase) and desire to keep him as a friend. . Remind him of YOUR poor financial condition, and how you are sure he wants to do the right thing. The mention of small claims court should NOT be mentioned. Say you'd like to talk to him at his convenience, invite to coffee. 2) After a reasonable period, two weeks perhaps, if he does not respond, or if he responds negatively and not to your satisfaction, You can do one of two things: A) Forgive him. Formally send him another letter, (R,RRR) and tell him you are sorry, you understand how hard it must be for him not to be able to fulfill his financial obligations, but times being what they are, etc. And then forgive his debt to you. Perhaps that would shake him up. Mebbe not. OR... B) you then go and make arrangements at small claims court. Be prepared to DOCUMENT the way the debt was incurred (witnesses?), where the check went (council receipt for his Cub not yours?), and what attempts you have made to remind him and collect the debt (phone calls, emails, letters, etc. ). He will be supoenaed, and must appear to face you in court. He will prove he has no debt to you or will be required to pay you, to the court's satisfaction and yours. Good luck. My dad had a long time business partner on only a handshake. Mr. Awkard did the trucks, my dad did the organizing. Taught me about friendship there.

If something is a distraction to one's proper worship, then that distraction should be eliminated. I would say that a flag, of whatever hue or symbology, if it is a distraction to one's obeisance, then eliminate it. To whom is your ultimate loyalty owed? If a particular church/temple requires a flag to be part of their rites, so be it. If the rite or ritual speaks to you in your worship, then you are in the proper place for your condition. But if you are more concerned with the placement of a flag over the discernment of God's will in your life, I would ask you to reconsider your priorities.

Buy/borrow grommet set set. Buy 6 mil black plastic sheeting. Comes in 10' x 100' plus rolls. Buy heavy duty duct tape. Lots. Commandeer large, open floor, like church social hall, rec room basement, etc. Sweep floor very well. Suggest assemblers go barefoot or socked, no shoes allowed. Cut NEATLY plastic sheet in 10' x 10' size, lay out on floor. If using knife (not required, scissors are good), be sure to put wood board under cutting line to protect floor. Run duct tape on ONE side of each edge of sheet. Four sides. Run tape down center of sheet for reinforcing. Turn over, do same for other side. Take grommet set, set grommets in corners, along edges mebbe every 2 feet? If grommets are set evenly, two tarps can be "sewn" together to broaden the protected expanse. When tarps are worn, use them for ground cloth under tents. If you want to set up as the "Explorer" style tent, place a 2' X of tape about 3 feet on the diagonal from one corner, do same on t'other side, place grommet in middle of X. Pride of ownership comes from constructing it yourself.

Even if I still had my youth uniform, you do NOT want to see ME in it! LoL !

Wow. Exact link/page/url, please?

Nice topic. Two things: 1) Plastic bags. Specifically, that wrap up bread loafs. Pack your clothing, towels, foodstuffs. Seperatre, organize. Waterproof, collapsable, reusable, put dirty stuff in'em for collection (rocks, bones, ) for home taking. 2) Popcorn cans. (or christmas candy tins). Waterproof, noncrushable, modular, stackable. Depending on the size, shapes out your pack and helps crush proof stuff adjacent. I have one from 20plus years ago that holds my sew kit, matches, firestarter, small ducktape roll, goop tube. Don't want to crush goop. Another one is used to pack eggs, in carton fragment. Perfect fit.

Just saw a commercial on tv. Scoutlike uniform, blue sash with leetle patches thereon, bright yellow neckerchief and hat, unreadable legends. James Perdue in shorts. "Be prepared", he says, for quick dinners. Mebbe I go back to "the other white meat".