SSScout

CSDC Fundraiser...

Great idea. Check on the local banks, and businesses. All of them like to have something like this to point to for "Community Awareness" PR.

We had a generous local business underwrite our CSDC Park Fees. Made our camp budget look awhole lot better. How did we get that? Talked it up at Roundtable, a Scoutleader went to his boss who went to his boss who went to THE boss and he went to the Board of Directors who were considering their upcoming year charitable contributions.

Networking and awareness.

Keep the conversation going. Someone knows somebody who has a cousin who can help.

Don't forget King Arhur, Monty Python & the Holy Grail, etc. Cardboard Box horses and foam tube lances for jousting (which by-the-by, is the Maryland State Sport).

Found a Professional Archer who did a wonderful demo for us.

Have fun.

(bumdadabumbumbum...We're knights of the round table, we dance when ere we're able and imitate Clark Gable...)

We really do need a seperate Forum section to discuss the R word.

As a Woodbadge project, I undertook to get the Houses of Worship within a two mile radius of our local town center to hold open houses (for lack of a better term) all on the same weekend, for Scouts to visit (and earn a patch, natch!). I found no fewer than 17 HoW within that two mile radius, representing at least twelve defined faiths. Twelve agreed to the idea, but an unfortunate set of circumstances led to no one attending. It is scheduled again for a weekend this coming spring.

Now, some of these HoW sponsor Scout units, and many found the idea interesting. A few actively said no to my invitation, some never responded. But the ones that said yes all were interested in folks (not just Scouts) knowing about THEIR form of faith and seemed to welcome being compared to others.

A Scouts "Duty to God" is not the Scoutleaders business to define. It is, however, the Scouleaders business to encourage. To remind. To stir up. But it is the Scout's (and his family's) business to do the defining. All the Scout leader can do is to listen and nod his head when the Scout talks about it. And they will, if you invite it. Good campfire stuff.

Devout? Wonderful, good, however expressed. Agnostic? Searching? Questioning? Very good, I would not expect any young person to have fully and irrevocably found and developed their faith. I know my kids haven't. Athiest claim? See other Forum threads. I'll not comment here.

I earned G&C from the UMC my Troop was sponsored by, but my family didn't attend. Maybe that was just lipservice, or my academic overachieving, I don't know. Took me more than a few years to figure out where God wanted me. I certainly don't regret the G&C, but I'm not Methodist today.

I would not expect any Scout leader to put a guilt trip on a Scout about his faith or lack thereof.

But reminding, poking, proding, sure. I know my son and daughter have come to expect it. Don't want to dissapoint them.

Now, y'all go home to your kith and kin and have a good Christ's Birthday, y'hear?

(This message has been edited by SSScout)

All you Scout Leaders need to S T O P

SHOW: Point out, name things as you go along, talk about SEEING rather than merely LOOKING. Demonstrate that skill. Help them to realize your enthusiasm.

TEACH: As a Leader (adult or otherwise), by definition you have superior knowledge. Impart it. Gently allow the Scout to gain from your experience, not by pounding it in but by oozing it out for him to soak up.

OBSERVE: Watch the Scout. Can he use the new knowledge? Is there an "aha!" for him? Can you help him to improve his skill or recognition? Carefully point out how he can improve. Allow him to take pride in his new skill or knowledge.

PRACTICE: Give your Scout opportunities to try out his abilities, to gain better utility at the skill. Take him out. Allow him to make mistakes and find out what happens (G2SS in place!).

THEN comes the test, passing the requirement is LAST in the process. And always, ALWAYS, the Scout must pass the requirement BY SOMEONE'S JUDGEMENT. Somebody besides the Scout "signs off" on it, yes? And after all, the Scout is gonna know if HE really passed it or not, anyway, isn't he?

Yeah, he can read the book and practice on his own. It is possible and done all the time, but then why have Senior Scouts or Scoutmasters or Merit Badge Counsellors? The book can give the Scout some of what he needs, but that's not what I think Scoutings about.

I fear the previous discussion has left out THAT part of the equation in the rush.

Do a "search" here of "Cub Scout Day Camp" and you will find oodles of material on how to do what. Pick and choose to fit your own situation (physical and philosophical!). Check with Council, they often decide the theme without asking anyone ("Wonderful World of Podiatry"). Go to Roundtable and beat the drums about staffing. Early. Get word out on the Council and District newsletter and website. Find a First Assistant Everything Else (spouse??) and get them to start beating bushes for "specials", preferably in line with the theme ("bunion carving demonstrations"). See other postings, and don't forget to watch the smiles...

KiS MiF YiS

It's about time someone brought in the "soft cushions and comfy chayah...". I'm tired of standing .

'FRONTIERS OF MEDICINE PART 2'

'THE GATHERING STORM'

Cut to presenter at desk.

Presenter: Penguins, yes, penguins. What relevance do penguins have to the furtherance of medical science? Well, strangely enough quite a lot, a major breakthrough, maybe. It was from such an unlikely beginning as an unwanted fungus accidentally growing on a sterile plate that Sir Alexander Fleming gave the world penicillin. James Watt watched an ordinary household kettle boiling and conceived the potentiality of steam power. Would Albert Einstein ever have hit upon the theory of relativity if he hadn't been clever? All these tremendous leaps forward have been taken in the dark. Would Rutherford ever have split the atom if he hadn't tried? Could Marconi have invented the radio if he hadn't by pure chance spent years working at the problem? Are these amazing breakthroughs ever achieved except by years and years of unremitting study? Of course not. What I said earlier about accidental discoveries must have been wrong. Nevertheless scientists believe that these penguins, these comic flightless web-footed little bastards may finally unwittingly help man to fathom the uncharted depths of the human mind. Professor Rosewall of the Laver Institute.

A scientist with tennis courts in the background. He wears a white coat.

SUPERIMPOSED CAPTION: 'PROF. KEN ROSEWALL'

Scientist (Australian accent) Hello. Here at the Institute Professor Charles Pasarell, Dr Peaches Bartkowicz and myself have been working on the theory originally postulated by the late Dr Kramer that the penguin is intrinsically more intelligent than the human being.

http://www.ibras.dk/montypython/episode38.htm#6

Oh, bugger!!

Sarge: I believe that you are on the right track. And I like your mention of the "source". I also like going back to the "source". For Scouts and their leaders, I find no better place to start than with

B-P:

"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."

== from "Aids to Scoutmastership"==

As to encouraging the boys in their spiritual life, and you are uncomfortable in that role, if you ask around you can probably find someone in your District or Council ("Relationship Committee") who can speak to the Cubs AND THEIR PARENTS (!)about that part of the Scout life. There is a multitude of religious awards available for Cubs to earn about their faith. There used to be a poster (#5-206A 1995) that displays the 75 or so awards of the various faiths, but I've been told that it is out of print.

Unless your Cub Unit is mono faith, it is not appropriate to be too "preachy" as to any particular faith. Each family will, no doubt, be concerned with teaching their children the truth as they know it.

I leave it to you to see where that conversation might lead.

And, as has been noted before, it is the parent that passes the Cub on that requirement, not you, the Cub Leader.

Claro...

There are three...

Cub, Webelos, and the DC Service Award...

First, take a walk down the trail near to your campsite and note the "animal signs" you can find.

Then, take your newbie Scouts down the same trail and point out the beaver gnawed tree, the acorns chewed by squirrel, the woodpecker hole, the possum scat, the ant hill, the woodchuck/fox/gopher holes, etc.

Then, turn'em loose on a DIFFERENT trail, and see if they can find the stuff on their own. Or ask'em to point stuff out as you hike in to camp.

Camp on beach? Hike in upland woods? Park in the city? each different challenges, each a possibilty.

Museum? Zoo? Learning yes. Requirement passing, no.

"" Long ago, in a District, far, far away...."

"" I have a bad feeling about this...hot dog and beans..."

"" Use the Scout Spirit, Luke..."

"" I am... Your Cubmaster!!!"

"" Live long and prosper" (oops, wrong reference...)

Menu for the B&G: Pizza the Hut, frozen Yodurt (with Jeddi whip), Lando Calraisins, Wookie Cookies, Chewburgers, eWok Stirfry, Mashed Potatooines, Bobo Fettucine,

I love a challenge...

Okay, okay, okay....

That's "award" as in present to, give to, make admission of...

We also "award" the PL, and SPL their patches at the CoH. This is incorrect?

We also present the Scout his Rank patches and award them their merit badges. Is this too many nits to pick?

My apologies to all for the faux pas.

Now where did I leave, drop, place, arrange my thesaurus?

Thanks OGE, yes I did before, and now it worked normally this morning.I have no answer.

I had a job where I was also on foot alot. I am not a podiatrist nor do I portay one in any media service, however...

E... Your feet feel warmer I believe because if you are Gold Bonding your feet three times a day, you are flexing and rubbing and paying attention to your tootsies three times a day. Out of the shoe, there is more blood flow, hence warmer.

Foot health requires, IMO, (1)Scrub feet with soap and water (2) dry thoroughly. When dry, apply Gold Bond if that seems to help.

(3) go barefoot as much as possible otherwise. (4) Do not wear nylon socks. Makes your feet sweat unnaturally. (5) woolsocks (dye'm black if you must). the lanolin in the wool does good things for you. keep feet warm in winter, cool in summer. Big fluffy socks, not too tight. Wool blends are good, but I find purely synthetics (even Thorlo) make my feet sweat, and the socks needed to be changed everyday, which come to think of it, ain't a bad idea anyway. But it seemed excessive.(6) shoes need to fit well, not tight. toes wiggly, not cramped. (7)tie shoes snug so feet don't move in heel.(8) when walking, flex feet and toes alot (9) get a promotion so you'll have a desk to put your feet up on.(This message has been edited by SSScout)

BW: I did not SAY the Scout should ONLY be recognized the once. But I have never heard of giving an award the first, then take it back and give it a second time. The expense is not much, but if the Pack buy the Cord and PoR Patch, and present it to the Scout, why need the Troop do the same, except to say at the CoH, "here is a new DC"?

And likewise, if the Scout's Troop present the Shoulder Cord and PoR Patch, does the Pack again give him a second set or merely pat him on the back before the Pack in recognition of his service?

So if the "tradition" becomes that the Troop present the PoR Patch and the Pack present the Shoulder Cord, perhaps that is a good way to do it. Indeed, I like that. I will pass it on thus.

Danke schon, Kraut60.

Advance planning, obviously is the first requirement. But, plan what??

Aside from the usual "favorites" of archery and BBs, and their good effect depends much on the Range Officer's attitude, we have found that the CSDC success depends more on the "fun" factor than on the "advancement" factor. Even teaching map and compass or knots and rope should be fun rather than a chore. The boys can go to school in Septenber. Camp must needs be fun and thus be memorable.

Games: Throw ropes to rescue people, tie knots to be skillful. When the boy asks "is THIS a square knot?" Ask what his name is, and proclaim it a 'Charley knot'. Watch the smile.

Flag ettiquette & folding: find a few BIG flags so the boys can fold in teams of 6 or 8. Include the DenWalkers. Nobody sits in the back and schmoozes! Get a few historic flags and stretch their thinking with a fifteen star "star spangled banner" and a thirteen star "old glory", teach a little history along with the "requirement".

Map and compass: Go to Oriental Trading and order the colorful compass on a string, about $.50 each. DONOT order the black and white cheaper one, it isn't even magnetic. "On the count of three, everybody point NORTH! 1,2,3" and watch the fun. Talk about finding one's way. We tape up a series of maps and relate each to the other: first a National Geographic Map of the Universe, then to the Solar System, to a Globe, to a World Map, to a USA map, to a State map, to a County map, to a Map of the Park. We give'm a map of the park(park service, free) and we find ourselves on it. We play with the compass and magnetism and steel. Tiger or Webelos, the boys go away with a working compass and simple knowledge of how to use a map. Watch the smiles.

Seek you the WOW factor. Seek out "specials", hopefully in agreement with the Council CSDC theme. Be creative in remembering, calling, inviting, following leads.

In past years, we have had a professional archer do a demonstration, the State Police medivac helicopter land and talk about their work, Radio Control Model Planes, car race clubs, off road giant dump trucks, fire and rescue folks, a cowboy trick roper, a hot air balloon, the Army Corps of Engineers (Army Major in full uniform teaching Cubs to make structures with toothpicks and gumdrops... your tax dollars truly at work!), the Blue Knight come to speak of child safety, bicycle stunt riding, monocyclist, Park Police mounted corps, State Parks Scales and Tails animal demonstration, local farmers animal pens, homing pigeon hobbyists (mass release!), NASA will send an astronaut and exhibit with sufficient notice. Form "CUB SCOUTS" on the ground with Cubs and Staff and have the local Traffic Spotter fly over.

Say "Cub Scouts" and watch the doors open.

Even in the most rural council, ask around. Every Cub would love to see the inside of a BIG TRUCK up close. Farm Tractor, harvester, road grader. Contact your local National Guard Armory, see if they have an M114 sitting around to OOO and AAH at. The State Soil and Water Conservation, State Extension Office all have outreach departments.

Start the conversation.

Home Depot and Lowes will come out and lead hammer banging crafts for free or little cost.

Make 2x4 balance beams (over the Grand Canyon!!) or island hop between cinderblocks and 2x6s. and a net covered obstacle course.

The last day before lunch, we plan a Water Festival, with lots of wet stuff to do. ('course all this depends on a good water supply) Tug o'war over a kiddy pool mud pit. Water gun battle, super slip n'slide (poly sheet on a slight incline, a couple drops of detergent every so often and a dripping hose), straw bales stacked up in low pyramid to climb on, a relay wet sponge toss, a dunk-the-Cub Leader game. Because of the cleanup problems, we donot recommend water balloons or whipped cream or crazy string or shaving cream things.

After lunch, the fireless campfire. Skits, cheers, songs. Both from the Staff and the attending Dens. And a last awards ceremony and goodbyes. Lower the flag the last time.

Just a few ideas from our District's experience.

And don't forget to have fun yourself. If you are enjoying the camp, the moreso will your young charges.

Keep it Simple Make it Fun KiSMiF...

(This message has been edited by SSScout)

Well, I always thought that since DC is a Troop PoR that the Troop should award the DC Shoulder Cord. But I had a short conversation with a Cub Pack person, and they said that since the DC serves the Pack, the Pack recognizes the DC and awards the Shoulder Cord.

My SM said that, for sure, he'll "recognize" the DC at the next CoH and if the Pack wishes to award the Shoulder Cord, that's OK with him, saves the Troop the expense!

So, what say you all, does the Troop award the Cord, or the Pack? Or does it matter?

SctDad & Eagle92: Thanks for the clarifications. You have alot of good ideas here. I'll offer a couple more to pass on:

1) Rename the event. Call it "Cubarama" or "Cub Jambo" or "Salamagundi" (look it up). Calling it a DCamp may be part of the confusion. As has been mentioned, the term "Day Camp" usually applies to the Summer five day variety.

2) Make sure the advancement/rank earning is secondary to the fun part or automatic in the participation. If your adult leaders can't let it be fun (safety concerns aside), then you have lost one of the great holding factors of Cub Scouting. Include lots of cheers and songs and jumping up and down wherever you can.

3) And for pete's sake; make sure there's a patch to give out at the end of it as the units and Cubs depart!

Good Luck! KiS MiF YiS...

SctDad: Your nascent CSDC Director has learned his first lesson. The farther ahead the planning starts, the better.

Recruit help from the attenders: Note the folks that get involved and express an interest; call and bring them in. Go to roundtable and beat the drum. Go to the District leadership and make sure they know about the need.( wait a minute... this was a weekend camp? Winter time? Must be down south, I guess...) .

The gear for such camps is usually supplied/stored/supplied by the Council. Beat on their doors, too, to let them know about the need for equipment replacement. CSDC in our Council has a budget that is predicated on the camp fees, and a balance of what the Council can provide and what needs to be supplied (things that are used again and again and things that are used up).

CSDC are mostly fun rather than Scout Skill Competitions, so games and activities that provide a "wow" factor are desirable.

And don't forget to drag, er,recruit an assistant. Give him/her an appropriate title. "First Supreme Absolute Everything Else" might be good. They will recruit the "Specials". A CSDC Special is something in line with the theme if there is one. Or not. A visit from the State Police Helicopter. Fire and Rescue. Model airplane R/C club. Trick roper cowboy. Lots of possibilities, all ya gotta do is ask'em. The mention of Cub Scouts opens many doors.

And remember:

As that great philosopher , Bob the Tomato, once noted, "it's for the kids".

YiS

Okay, same thing again. Moderators, help...

Howcum I can "reply" but not "post a new topic"?

I again (multiple attempts) elicit the following page:::

""" Microsoft OLE DB Provider for ODBC Drivers error '80040e10'

[Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver]COUNT field incorrect or syntax error

/Forums/post_library.asp, line 91 """

Hello?

I tried to post a new question last night, several times and this morning. Resulted, each time with the following page/notice:

Microsoft OLE DB Provider for ODBC Drivers error '80040e10'

[Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver]COUNT field incorrect or syntax error

/forums/post_library.asp, line 91

Everything else seems to be OK.

So, I would like to notify the forum powers that be. Can fix?

BrotherhoodWWW:

"Threefold.." Well, yeah, that's the O/A organizational purpose but we were talking about any old O/Aer wearing his/her sash at (specifically) any old CoH. And like always, all one can do is point the finger and say "see? it says right here in greytone and white what one should do. " Leaves it to the individual as to what he/she will do.

If one is doing an O/A thing(service, explanation, tapout, election, exhibit manning, etc.) then wear the sash with pride and elan. If just attending, then leave it clean and neat in your bureau drawer.

Sasha Cohen, Sasha the bird (peter and the wolf), sash and mullions...

*sigh*

Order of the Arrow Handbook, 2007 printing.

Page 57 - 58.

"The Order of the Arrow sash is worn with the official Scout field uniform or Scouting's official adult dress ( a blue blazer and gray slacks). The sash also may be worn by Elongomats who are not in uniform at an Ordeal, youth wearing ceremonial attire, and in such other instances as approved by the Scout executive. The sash is worn over the right shoulder so the arrow is pointing over the right shoulder. The sash is worn diagonally across the chest. It is not to be worn in any other manner.

"(paragraph about pins and patches)

"The sash is worn at Order of the Arrow functions and special Scouting activities, when members need to be identified as Arrowmen rendering special services."

That's all about HOW and WHERE to wear the sash.

I also do not favor wearing the sash on the belt. "It is not to be worn in any other manner".

If the Arrowman is to represent the O/A at the CoH in some manner, then yes, wear the sash. If not in an O/A capacity, then do not wear it. The flap patch is sufficient identification. Our purpose is not self identification but service, after all.

""... I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and threw up the sash...""

Indoor shutters, indicates a high class house. Think of the damage to a slate roof of all them hoofs....

I like J-K/C's suggestions. I'd like to mention another take on this.

Buffaloe,

Racism is an extreme example of bullying, putting someone "in their place". What you may have is a couple of Scouts who are jealous of another boy's success and are "putting him in his place" with the most obvious technique available. Call him a name (snicker snicker), watch him squirm, maybe get a rise out of him that they can further expoit.

And what's your take on the SPL's parents? Very often the boy only reflects the family values, regardless of the Scout values you, as SM, have been teaching.

Like J-K/C says, ""First and foremost, all your actions in the coming days have to have a single clear message: Racial insults are simply not acceptable, they will not be tolerated, and the consequences increase with each incident.""

And support Joseph in his desire to not return like for like. You obviously have his mothers respect.

I think it was Gandhi who observed that an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth soon leads to a blind and toothless world.

You, and others in the Troop (you do have "backup", yes?), must be firm in your stand. Doing what is right is right. Golden Rule. Duty to God. Loyal. Friendly. Kind. Brave.

You know the rest.

Thank you for your example.

YiS

Just watched a show about Irving Berlin. Talented man. Loved kids. Created a legacy that continues to give.

Royalties from "God Bless America" go to support Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, even today...

NYTimes, William Glaberson, 14 October 2001...

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?

res=9405E3D9103FF937A25753C1A9679C8B63

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_Bless_America

"so you want to be a rock and roll star, well listen now to what I say..."(This message has been edited by SSScout)

OOOOO, I want to be in DeanRX Pack.

Full disclosure and full supervision, both important.

If the parents are informed about the NEED for them to COOPERATE in sibling care, and the need to not have the future Cubs and Brownies wander the halls, then all will be eventually well.

BW is correct, but limited so. The desire to limit litigation by severely defining responsibilty makes sense if one never desires to encourage cooperation and communication. Parents require proper behavior from their children, and help each other to do it. Some guidelines and training for the "sitters" will help instill confidence from both the parents and the "sittees".

And it matters not if a Den meets in the DLs basement or if all the Dens meet the same day in different rooms of the CO, the responsibility for the young sibs lies with the parents, not the Pack.

Make sure all understand that and your desire to help the parents organize supervision of their progeny.

What Eamon said, and one more word...

Souvenirs.

Jambo stuff will be offered before the event and during and after. Everthing from Jambo Tshirts and socks to Footlockers and toothbrushes and stationary sets. Virtually anything a civilized human may need will be immortalized with a Jambo insignia and offered for sale for double it's normal price.

Even the meal tickets are considered collectable. I leave it to you to figure out how to surrender your meal ticket to eat and also keep it.

"Choose wisely"