SSScout

If you pay attention ("Ahm so poor Ah cain't even pay attention"), you'll notice more than a few Scouterdotcommers from the Old Line State. Welcome to the eeelectronic campfire. Pull up some bytes and set a spell. "...helping out a little (in MD?) until we can sell the house (in Michigan?)" Whoa, some commute...

Talk about digression...

Ipad installation? Coleman microwave? Breadcrumb distributer (retro hiking director)? AP paper dispenser? Peterson Guide holder? Wet clothing holder (bottom drain)? Water bottle holder?

Walt Kelly, call home...

Lots of possibilities to help remember the leetle dots and dashes... http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Morse_Code_Mnemonics But practice makes it permanent. Wig Wag: Directions: Patrol patch is DOT, Troop patch is DASH, wave the flag to pass the message. Vertical up is between letters, vertical down is between words, up and down is "end".

If you do Scouty things, and you have a modicum of Scout experience, WB can only help. The course applies to Scout stuff, work stuff, family stuff (keep an open mind!) and personal stuff. The WB is held in high esteem by corporate America, some colleges will give course credit for it. If finances are a concern, some unions will give scholarships (how I went!), some companies will too, Scout Council will have "WBerships". Ask around. What better way to learn than by having fun doing what you love and seeing how you might do it better? At the worst, you can always come back to Scouterdotcom and chastise us for being wrong, or stupid or oblivious to the obvious shortcomings that the WB course promotes or something... Either way, you're out in the woods and not in the office. I'm sorry, what was your question again?

Absolutely. Teach the Turk's Head. Make each Patrol a different color. If they go to a special event, create a small "coin" or "button" and glue it on the front of a particular color T/H. A new Troop, new traditions... and come to think of it, why is it called a Turk's HEAD? Ain't no head look like that... More properly a Turk's HAT, I say. YiS

Eamon, most excellent. Back in college, we had freshman chem labs starting at 7:00am and officially lasting 3 hours (really!). In December, we literally got to lab in the dark. Sometimes, not on time...The dorm dining room even had coffee and donuts up for us at 6am. Some of us got together and decided one of our dorm floor mates needed an "initiation". So, the pigeon's roomie set his clock BACK three hours, set to go off (in reality) at 3am. The pigeon got up,looked at his clock, saw he was late for lab, threw on his clothes, went out in the hall to find the usual suspects up and getting ready for the day. He rushed out, across campus to find NO ONE at the lab. Coming home, he heard the campus clock striking 4:00. When he got back to the dorm, he found all doors locked and everyone back in bed. Beavah: Didst thou receivest mine PM?

Scoutfish speaks my mind. If Scouting IS the uniform, then there will be no Scouting as we know it. The Uniform SUPPORTS Scouting, it does not define it. I say again, it is unfortunate that it appears National seems to REQUIRE the uniform in order to be a Scout. Going back to Scouting's origins, it was recognized that the Uniform certainly represents Scouting, much like a flag represents the organization(nation, state, VFD, school, Troop). If the Pack or Troop makes Scouting the goal, the boys will want to be Uniformed. But to absolutely require, or you are not a Scout, no, that is not right, not the intent of the founder, not a realization of the ideals. Help the boys be uniformed, but require it or else? Not right.

My home troop has the "use it before or after, not during" camp policy. If you bring it "for emergencies", your responsibility if dropped over the cliff, into the creek, stepped on, etc. I was at an overnight on the USS Constellation in Baltimore once. Cub had a good time thru the day program, helped set up his hammock(!) and was asleep until about 3am, then made his way up on deck to me (I was night watch)and almost in tears, really H/S. I cellphoned his dad, 5 minutes on the phone, back in his hammock, all ok. Became a Scout, on the first Troop O/N, he was the one helping a fellow crossedover Webelos with the H/Sness.

By implication, the policy of uniforming by the greater BSA authority should apply to the parts, ie., Cubs. The uniform is one of the methods, no argument there. The reason for the methods should not be in argument. The REQUIREMENT for a uniform is in argument. Mr. James E. West, the first Chief Scout Executive was quoted as saying "As I have said so often, it is not necessary to wear the uniform to be a Scout. It is much more important that you live Scouting in your daily life so that the people who know you best, see in you an embodiment of courtesy, kindness, courage, - in a word, of the Scout Oath and Law....If you do get a uniform, see that it is... correctly worn and that the insignia are correctly placed..." There are countries where Scouting is highly regarded, but they can afford only the simplest of uniforms. They may wear a colored Tshirt and the neckerchief and are recognized as a Scout. It is sad that our National office finds it necessary to make folks think one can not be a Scout WITHOUT the uniform. When I came back to Scouting as CM, (son wanted to be a Cub), I discovered to my surprise that the BSA had changed the Cub uni to include a new uni EACH YEAR. New hat, new necker, more money. I am surprised parents haven't revolted and not bought the extra stuff. I know many Packs and Troops have opted for blue jeans as uni pants, rather than the "official" uni pants. Thankfully, the new ones ("switchbacks")are more practical in many ways, and more poular with the Scouts. Put your efforts and money into the PROGRAM. Take your Cubs places and do things. Encourage the uniform, but don't require it to the detriment of the boy's participation.

*sigh* MLR: BSA is a discriminatory organization because it encourages Scouts (and Scouters) to espouse a religion, ie., a belief in a "higher power". Ev etal: The BSA not only encourages such, but asks members to agree to a statement that makes that belief "public". If the person cannot agree to this statement, then they either will cease membership voluntarily or be asked to leave. This is in agreement with the first point of the Scout Law that all BSAers are asked to abide by (hypocrites not welcome, either. Used to be a mention of that in the Scout Law explanation. Another time...)) MLR: Any USA governmental entity (school, police, water district, rec department, etc.) can not "discriminate" or exclude anyone on basis of age, gender, sexual orientation, skin tone, ethnic origin, religious belief, or political persuasion. Therefore, if a governmental entity denies entrance or participation to anyone on that basis, it is against the law. Ev et al: So? MLR: So if a School seeks to sponsor a Scout unit, and the Scout unit denies membership to someone who displays a particular form of something on the above list, the School, by virtue of being the "owner" of the unit, is responsible for the actions of it's unit and therefore is doing something illegal. Ev et al: But the BSA is a private organisation, and can define it's membership as it wishes. MLR: Agreed, but the "Charter" organization ALSO defines who can join. Some Churches require that only folks of a certain faith can belong to "their" Scout units, yes? If the CO is required BY LAW to NOT deny admission or participation, then their Scout unit MUST admit any breathing human boy that wants to join. Otherwise, the School should not even seek to sponsor a Scout unit, the local DE should not seek to get a School to charter the Scout unit, and the BSA should not allow entities with governmental duties to sponsor a Scout unit... Ev et al: You mean... MLR: Yep, only private organizations should/can legally/ought to sponsor Scout Units. Ev etal: Churches? Temples? PTOs? Volunteer Fire Companies? Hardware stores? Civic Clubs? Saloons? MLR: I'd agree to all of them. Ev etal: Not Public Schools? MLR: Nope. Uh uh. Ev etal: Private school? MLR: No complaint, except... Ev etal: What now? MLR: I think that BSA is so much a public entity that it ought to admit everyone, regardless of religious persuasion. Ev etal: You mean God or god or nogod... MLR: Exactly. Ev etal: Thank you. MLR: Thank you.

Do you like Tastycakes new box? Now they have an aluminum pan inside where before it was all paper. Not as eco friendly, I say. Used to date a girl who worked in the TK HQ in Baltimore. She even took credit for the creation of TK's breakfast Danish. hummm. Daughter sez she prefers "naked pie", that is to say, pie filling sans crust. Just sweet goo.

I was escorting some Webelos to a Webweekend. In a slack period, I explored the camp and found a pile (literal) of 5/8" hemp next to a staff tent. I took a judgement of it's length, sat down on the camp stool next to it, and proceeded to weave a Turk's Head with it around the tent pole adjacent. Might have taken 15 minutes. Many folks passing by, no one ever stopped to inquire what I was doing. 'Course, it was loose around the pole, I guess a 5bighter. Firmed and neatened it up, coiled the rest of the rope flat at the base of the pole, and walked away.

No more 504 bad gateway? THAT'S what I'm talkin' 'bout... Thank you and mega kudoes to you, Scouter Terry!

Let the leetle grey cells percolate... Historically, left sleeve, use to have town/state strips on the shoulder curve, now a big Council patch. Below that, Unit Number and PoR patch. Could not we have a ("approved", by whom?) District strip right below, chockablock the Council patch? Seems to me that would be an appropriate spot... Our District (stable nominclaturely and geographically defined now for almost two years!!!), passes out Commissioner neckers with special District patches thereon emplaced. I know not how financed, but they are big, adult sized neckers and 4" patches. Pretty.

If you are not that concerned with "pretty", go to your plumber, he can thread some pipe for you and make a take-apart pole for you.

Camp William B. Snyder, near Manassas VA, close to I66 and US15. National Capital Area Council Camp. Tent Platforms, cabins if available, Camp grounds. Shower houses, Poll, call'em. http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/vieworgpagelink.asp?orgkey=1933&linkkey=30646#snyder

I would like to thank Mr. LeRoy for adding a touch of serious debate to our deliberations. It is a good thing to be reminded what is important, even if by the demand to define for ourselves what "it" is. And the world would be a much duller place, if everyone agreed on everything, nicht war?

I say it's a nice try at cross referencing, but too obscure for the average observer. Howbout... "The Green Bars" and the shoulder rondelle is a "green bear". (and St. Pat's day right round the corner too, dontcha know) =or= Call the Patrol the "Hillcourts" and someone explain to them the significance.(rondelle is a green "HC")

Quiche Lorraine (scrambled egg pie) Chicken Pot Pie Key Lime Peach Strawberry/rhubarb

Well-a, everybody's heard about the bird Bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word A-well-a, bird, bird, bird, the bird is the word A-well-a, bird, bird, bird, well, the bird is the word A-well-a, bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word A-well-a, bird, bird, bird, well, the bird is the word A-well-a, bird, bird, b-bird's the word A-well-a, bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word A-well-a, bird, bird, bird, well, the bird is the word A-well-a, bird, bird, b-bird's the word A-well-a, don't you know about the bird Well, everybody knows that the bird is the word A-well-a, bird, bird, b-bird's the word A-well-a, everybody's heard about the bird Bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word A-well-a, bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word A-well-a, bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word A-well-a, bird, bird, b-bird's the word A-well-a, bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word A-well-a, bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word A-well-a, bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word A-well-a, bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word A-well-a, don't you know about the bird Well, everybody's talking about the bird A-well-a, bird, bird, b-bird's the word A-well-a, bird Eagle bird Bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb, aaah Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-ooma-mow-mow Papa-ooma-mow-mow Papa-ooma-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow Papa-ooma-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow Ooma-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow Papa-ooma-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow Papa-ooma-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow Oom-oom-oom-oom-ooma-mow-mow Papa-ooma-mow-mow, papa-oom-oom-oom Oom-ooma-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow Ooma-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow Papa-a-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow Papa-ooma-mow-mow, ooma-mow-mow Papa-ooma-mow-mow, ooma-mow-mow Papa-oom-oom-oom-oom-ooma-mow-mow Oom-oom-oom-oom-ooma-mow-mow Ooma-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow Papa-ooma-mow-mow, ooma-mow-mow Well, don't you know about the bird Well, everybody knows that the bird is the word A-well-a, bird, bird, b-bird's the word Papa-ooma-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow Papa-ooma-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow Papa-ooma-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow... I'm tired, too.

"AFAICS, it's the parent's call, for all the reasons Beavah and Lisa say." I still like going back to the source: "Reverence to God and reverence for one's neighbour and reverence for oneself as a servant of God, is the basis of every form of religion. The method of expression of reverence to God varies with every sect and denomination. What sect or denomination a boy belongs to depends, as a rule, on his parents' wishes. It is they who decide. It is our business to respect their wishes and to second their efforts to inculcate reverence, whatever form of religion the boy professes." = Baden-Powell = If the parents profess atheism, we respect that. If the boy can no longer truthfully fulfill what he promises, even if we let him define what constitutes his fulfillment, then chances are good,of his own accord, he will not be a Scout much longer. I like Kudu's method. I do the same thing when the Jehovah's Witnesses come to call. I do not deny their profession, but find their challenge informs and strengthens my faith, such as it is. "Lord, I believe. Help thou my unbelief". We can help the young Scout's unbelief, but not by denying it outright. Make sure they understand their own language, then enlarge upon it, if you can.

I still say we need a "Religion & Chaplaincy" thread division/section/thingy. This stuff fills up the "Issues and Politics" d/s/t. The present discussion is neither political nor an issue, I feel, but philosophic and existential. Religious. "It is a sad Reflection, that many Men hardly have any Religion at all; and most Men have none of their own: For that which is the Religion of their Education, and not of their Judgment, is the Religion of Another, and not Theirs". = William Penn =

Scientists... "If one proceeds directly and straightforwardly in this matter, without being deflected by a fear of incurring the wrath of scientific opinion, one arrives at the conclusion that biomaterials with their amazing measure or order must be the outcome of intelligent design. No other possibility I have been able to think of..." = Fred Hoyle = "If we say that God has always been, why not save a step and conclude that the universe has always been?" = Carl Sagan = "Anybody who has been seriously engaged in scientific work of any kind realizes that over the entrance to the gates of the temple of science are written the words: Ye must have faith. It is a quality which the scientist cannot dispense with." "Both Religion and science require a belief in God. For believers, God is in the beginning, and for physicists He is at the end of all considerations To the former He is the foundation, to the latter, the crown of the edifice of every generalized world view. " = Max Planck = And do your own research on Kurt Godel and St. Anselm's proof of the existance (or not) of God...