SSScout

Make the Cubs memorize the Promise and LotP? Naw... Make the ADULTS learn'em. Those are the people that will give the Pack the most trouble, not the Cubs. When the Pack meeting begins, and the flags are presented, and the CM asks a Webelos Cub to "Lead us in the CSPromise and LotP", here's what you do... Say "hold on a minute, Toby, I want to see if our Akelas know as much as you do. Here, I want everybody to pull a card out of this bag..." The CM then walks to the back of the room and lets the parents draw a card out of a paper bag. On each card is one word of the Cub Scout Promise or Law of the Pack. CM continues: "Now, I'd like all the parents to line themselves up to spell out the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack. No, you may NOT use the book!" And watch the boys wiggle. Don't forget to give'm "a BIG hand" and a special cheer: PARENTS cheer: "Wash your hands!" CUBS cheer: " I already did!" Alternate until everybody is tired...

Here we go, then... Pretend you are ignorant of Scouting and want to find the closest Scout Unit ::: to join, to question, to ask for a "good turn", whatever... What do you find? ((yeah, I know,,,some folks on these forums might not be pretending. Humor me...))

Amen to all the above. A teaching moment: Give the map and directions to a Scout and let him navigate. I believe the Surveying MB requires a map be made to a camp ground from the Troop meeting place (or something eqivalent). Anyone remember Motor Rallies? Timed Map and compass driving competitions?

The earning of a Merit Badge is intended to attest to the Scout attaining some level of skill/knowledge in a given area. Plumbing, cycling, cooking, chemistry, aviation, whatever. The intention is to let the Scout gain some experience in an activity he already has an iterest in (a hobby or such) or explore something new, a possible career choice, with a knowledgeable adult or older Scout, even. A Scout can either 1) seek out a MBCounselor in that subject and work with him/her to pass the established requirements or 2) go to a Scout sponsored "Merit Badge Class" sponsored by a Troop or District or Council or 3) attend a MB class at a Scout camp. It boils down to a willing, experienced adult making themselves available to the Scout to work with them, either personally or thru an older Scout apprentice (such as at ScoutCamp). The adult is needed to arrange the opportunities. Create a phone list of willing MBCounselors. Organize a MBClass at the local Emergency Training Academy, or University or Troop meeting, or put a notice in your local District newsletter about one's willingness to lead such a class. My Scoutson wanted to earn the Farm Mechanics MB, and we could find no registered FMMB Counselor. So, I registered as the FM MBCounselor. Only one for a fur piece, as you say. Put a notice in the District Newsflash, garnered 7 Scouts, organized a meeting, a field trip to the Farm Implement Dealer, a little homework, serviced a couple of local tractors for our neighbors, and presto, 8 new Farm Mechanics MBs. We'll do it again in the spring.

Jet526: That's the conversation I want. How does ANYONE find the local unit and HOW (what's the process) does a boy join? I was in Baltimore a while ago, and voila! Big sign on a Bus Stop Shelter about Scouts! Popcorn! Camping! Hiking! Canoeing! (not necessarily in that order). Phone number for Baltimore Council...

I hope it will be apparent why I chose this forum. If someone who is computer savvy wants info on Scouting he/she goes to.... Google or Yahoo (or such). Hopefully, one is then given a choice of websites about Scouting. But... if one WANTS to join up, or wants to join up his/her son, is somewhat knowledgeable and goes to your local Council or Troop website, what do you find there? Is it easy to find out HOW to join? Is the web reader directed to another site/page? Is one directed to a phone number? A pdf application form? A DE? Another website? How do YOU find out how to join? Does it have to be 'mano a mano'? This always the best way, I guess, but if you don't immediately know a knowledgeable Scouter? I mention this because our local Council W/S has no easy way to find out that I can determine. When I google "How do I join Scouts" I find the #1 site is a Pacific Ocean neighbor (very well written, tho, but not local to me). Go to Scouting.org and "how to join" is not one of the FAQ. If You click "join now", you listen to some Scouts testify to the fun they have, and are asked to find your "local Scout Council", but as it happens, that function is presently nonfunctional. When I was a "PR" person for my Meeting, I pretended I was someone trying to FIND us. Looked in the phone book, went web surfing, looked in local guidebooks. And became very frustrated. Mispellings, multiple confusing listings, no mentions where I expected them to be. Worked to get them corrected. How can someone locate your Unit and find out how to join?

CSDC always has archery (and other shooting sports, as possible). Usually, the Cub Belt loop is "automatically" earned. Make the effort for the Bears and Webs to earn the Sports Pin. Usually means coming real early to help set up the range, and other extra stuff. Forestry: Contact the local State U. and see if they have a forestry department, ask for some special help there. A real Timber Cruiser from the State Environmental Department. Would your camp site allow a portable sawmill setup? Look in your phone book or penny paper for firewood sellers for a contact. Local extension office can help there too.

I've also heard the young protoScouts referred to as "Junior Webelos and Senior Webelos" Then too, I've often heard the local Webelos DL refer to his charges as "you guys". Very incorrect. Motto for IOLS Camp Cooking Class: "There is no food so mediocre that it cannot be improved with Catsup/Ketchup."

Languages are/is wonderful topic. My favorite story: Working the Metro Station in Silver Spring, MD. one morning rush hour, one of my drivers came up to me with a short older lady in tow. He said she appeared to be lost and he couldn't understand a word she said. He turned and left. Since I appeared to be in some authority, she started to speak rapidly at me and seemed really upset. I listened awhile, thought I recognized some inflexion (my daughter was taking Russian in HS), and said outloud to the crowd passing by, "Does anyone within the sound of my voice speak Russian?" A well dressed man with a brief case RIGHT NEXT TO ME stopped and said, "I speak Russian". I explained our dilemma, he spoke to the woman, he spoke to me, I wrote down the diections to help the woman get home, he translated them into Cyrillic, we spoke some more, we all said "das we danya" (phonetic) to each other, she profusely thanked (spesevay) each of us, the "babushka" boarded the right bus with detailed directions written down for the driver, and we all parted company. Good turn done for the day.

It should be pointed out that there is NO "official" Whittling Chip or Totin' Chip curriculum. Only the safety guidelines on the back of the award pocket card. The teaching of the safe handling and skillful use is totally dependant on the experience of the instructor. All good ideas mentioned here, and the Cub Pack 178 curriculum is excellent, if a bit wordy and academic. I always try to instill in the Cub a pride of skill. "Showing off" must be discouraged by teaching that it is often a sign of LACK of skill. I was asked to help present the popcorn sales awards and prizes at the Pack I commish. One of the prizes was a pocket knife, presented to a Wolf, who sold a truly respectable amount of Popcorn. When he accepted his prize (handed to his dad), he returned to his table and immediately took it out of it's box (it was his prize, right?), unfolded it and it became an X-wing fighter (zoom!). I interrupted the proceedings, walked over to the table, respectfully asked the Cub to please put the knife on the table, took it up and demonstrated how to fold it safely and handed it to the father. I said "perhaps the Cub should wait until he has earned the Whittling Chip" and the dad nodded with a smile. The Whittling Chip was awarded to some Bears and Webelos at the same meeting. As to "type of knife", I believe that the Cub should see and learn to safely handle, with adult supervision, any type of knife. I always display a collection of different pocket knives, big, little, fancy and plain. The Cub should be taught that some knives may well be too big for them to handle, and that's okay. The time will come when they will be able to use dad's 12" watermelon cutter, just not now. Teach respect for the blade, pride of skill and good care for the tool. Watch the smiles...(This message has been edited by SSScout)

Pint: Thank you for the clarification. I could imagine something like this helping BP to gel his ideas about war, trust, honor, and dare I say, the brotherhood inherent in humankind. Many warriors have had their own epiphany. Look up Smedley Butler for some interesting reading. Twice awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and then wrote a book entitled "War is a Racket" . YiS

We use the term "flag courtesy". I am a substitute teacher for the public schools. I relish the times I am assigned to a middle school history class. I usually get to talk about flag history or trivia. The last class they were learning ( I hope) about the war of 1812. This inevitably led to the battle for Fort McHenry and the "Star Spangled Banner". Altho the regular teacher's plan, which I did follow, did not include it, I was able to get these ipod kids to think about the flag as more than a mere piece of history they needed to memorize. We talked about how the stars are added (15? 37? 48? 50? an art student's grade was changed?). Talk to your Cubs about "intent". Did he MEAN for the flag to get dirty? Or did he quickly pick it up to prevent more dirt? It can be fun, and worthwhile.

((on a roll)) ""As I went out one evening, to my RoundTable to play , A thirty five year old DE, to me these words did say.... "I see that you are a Scouter, and not just an average bum, For only does a Scouter, stir his coffee with his thumb. My ASM, he was a Scouter, there're no more like him today. If you put a tent up on it, he'd sleep on a pile of hay..."" ((Stay tuned...))

(throwback time.....) "so tired, tired of waitin', tired of waitin' for yooooou. I was a lonely boy(scout), I had nobody til I met you, but you keep-a-me waitin', alla the time, what can I dooooo? "(it's your life, an' you can do what you want.) Do what you want.... BUT PLEASE DON'T KEEP-A-ME WAITIN', please don't keep-a-me waitin',,,, cause I'm sooo tired, tired of waitin' , tired of waitin' for yooooou, for yoooooou, for yoooooou....."

Marvelous. BP always said Scouting was an international movement. I applaud Ms Gustafson, but the article and pictures raise some questions for me. Boys and girls together? In the same troop? No head scarfs on the girls? The mosques of my experience here in the US are'nt quite that "progressive". Still, I wish them much good fortune. "Inshallah"

I think Ms Secretary forgot (or never learned) her manners. One does not side step a co-worker, one should always include others and plan together. As the CC, you will set the tone for the way the rest of the Pack leadership operates. If all things are done "out in the open", Ms secretary will have no complaint about being left out. If she continues to assume more than her share of responsibility, then, as Nike has counseled, you need to bring in the COR and the UC . But we must ask, has everyone involved gone to Cub Leader training as appropriate? The UC can cue you in as to the schedule and availability. He/she can suggest strongly to Ms Secretary that she would benefit from such training ( and that training is what you can point to when she asks 'who gave you the right...', assuming all the other Cub leaders are properly trained). And the coffee and donuts are included. Step lightly, but stand your ground. Use her talents and make sure she knows you do appreciate her efforts. But if she insists on being less than a team player, do what you must for the sake of the Pack.

Wingnut: An interesting observation and justification/rationalization. Either way, a Scout can see a need to be satisfied and a way to satisfy it. Anyone else notice that a half gallon of ice cream ain't a half gallon anymore?

Messr. Shortridge gives much good counsel. Media is important. Now as to the contributed critters...If it's a new stuffed animule, no problem. If it's a gently used, but USED item... Enlist the help of a neighbor dry cleaner and arrange to have your collected menagery cleaned. This will prevent the allegation that the huggy critter is DIRTY. Then, add a distinctive ribbon/bow (bright red? Scout green? Red, white and blue?) to mark your effort but no "donated by" or name tag. That's not the important part. Wait... name it "Cubby?" Nah.. too obvious. Still, might be right.(?) Wrap it up in a cellophane bag to keep it fresh and ready for it's "life saving" duty, as it will no doubt be stored in the police or ambulance "special equipment" box in the trunk or cabinet.Ummm. A bag labeled " OPEN IN CASE OF NEED FOR HUG" in big red official letters. I bet some STAPLES or SPEEDY COPY would make those for you for free. Remember, the foam filled huggable critter need not be a "teddy", but could be a bunny or tiger or go-rilla. Ha! a go-rilla named Cubby! A hundred Cubby-s in a hundred squad cars and ambulae. I like the idea. A really Good Turn, Helping people at all times, and being Cheerful, too. Don't stop at a hundred. KiSMiF YiS

Hal: It is only a rumor on this side of the river, too. But the effect would be the same, consternation. Since it is no longer required to spend time in rank before the next advancement, it is very common to pass a couple of rank items at the same time: frinstance, after the Scout earns "Scout", there will be an occasion to earn the First Aid MB, say, during a series of F/A classes after Troop meeting. Earning the F/AMB obviates the F/A requirements for TF, 2 and 1. Presto. Pioneering MB obviates all the knot and lashing requirements for T, 2 and 1. We recently had a 15 year old TF, a very active in the Troop young man, FINALLY awarded his 2, 1 AND Star at the SAME CoH! Lots of good natured applause and cheers. I cannot testify as to the exact reasons, but he camped and hiked and sang with all of us often, served as ASP and SP previous. He then worked as a counselor at Council summer camp. So maybe we list the BoRs as 25, 26, 27 October?

As can be seen in the above references, east coast tribes did not "do" totem poles. The west coast tribes did them for identification, decoration and glorification of their clan spirit animals. All this doesn't mean you can't try your hand at a similar project. I have two friends who are pro wood carvers. They love the occasional commission to "adjust" the profile of a standing tree. One did a white oak, evoking the human struggle to overcome adversity, near a local Metro station. This sculpture unfortunately had to be removed due to construction. The other recently completed a really big magnolia, covering it with very realistic animals and birds, modifying his plan to accommodate the various limbs and knots. It stands at the entrance to the Friends Retirement Community in Sandy Spring , MD. A third man, whom I do not know, created the "Angel Joseph" out of a red oak chunk (! it's 15 feet tall and it's wings as wide) in honor of a local religious leader. It stands behind the Brookeville Academy in Brookeville MD. Me, I'll stick to the occasional necker slide. All would recommend that whether you do a tree "in situ" or a pole that you later place somewhere, that for preservation purposes, you treat the surrounding ground against termites. You have earned your Totin' Chip, haven't you? ;>)

"" If a religeon thinks saluting a flag is the same as idolizing the flag itself, what about crosses, stars, bibles, and what not thew other religeions bow to? Not trying to bash anybody, but seems like a bit of "But it's different when I do it" "" Scoutfish: That's exactly the point. Each faith does see it differently. To some, the Bible is the absolute Word of God, to others, still inspired by God, but written by humans. Ask a Catholic and a Baptist and a Quaker about praying to a statue of Mary, see what opinions you get. To many (most?) faiths, the first allegiance is to God, everything else is a distant second. And with the PoA, you are promising to loyal to a piece of cloth, special though it be. But my faith is not yours; you have found your way to yours by your path and education. By the twelveth point, I will respect and defend your belief, differing from mine tho it might. Someone else will judge it's sincerity and correctness, not me.

...and you will not regret it. Don't be shy about asking questions, take the training when you can, and eat a polite amount of donuts at every training session you attend. Repeat after me: KISMIF, KISMIF, KISMIF. And welcome to our virtual campfire...

NWScouter: Thank you. I will add this to my "data bank". The less distraction from worship, the better. Liz? Is thee out there?

Calvin Coolidge. Absolutely, slipped my mind. Thanks. So, what else to reduce the problem?

Legalities... No where is it required that a Scout, if it is counter to his sincerely held beliefs, salute and repeat the Pledge to the Flag. It is, however, a Scout requirement to be knowledgeable about, and be able to act appropriately (Wolf Badge requirement #2, frinstance), where the US Flag is concerned. There are many faiths that view the PoA as a loyalty oath and bordering on idolatry, in that one is promising to be loyal to a piece of cloth, both of which are counter to their teachings. The piece of cloth in question, however, DOES embody a proud history and DOES represent a certain set of ideals of which we should ever be reminded when seeing it and DOES symbolize our nation to the world. It should, therefore, be treated respectfully. But a Scout is Trustworthy and Reverent. He must, therefore, believe and mean what he says. If the Cub is saying the PoA and the father is not, it could be 1) the father is not a citizen of the USA, and the Cub is or 2) the father and the Cub are not citizens of the US and the father does not want to embarrass the Cub and so allows him to join his young comrades in the cermonial recitation or 3) the family is of a particular faith as described above but the Cub is being allowed to decide for himself what is right to do by his own belief or 4) something else. I would not embarrass the Cub in front of his buddies, but privately and non-judgementally ask the parent his reasons. I daresay he would be willing to discuss them with you. I know several folks that will not recite the PoA for various reasons, but all will stand when the flag is "presented". Patriotism is generally taught better by example than by insistance. LanceEagle:::Good Scouting to you, and welcome to the campfire. Even tho it is electronic, you'll find it usually gives out a fair amount of heat...