SSScout

It is no accident that the first point of the Scout Law is "A Scout Is Trustworthy". I'd like to tell you two stories, one about ME, one about YOU. (((insert story here from your own history about being trusted with something new, expensive, important from when you were a boy))) Now, How many of you know your grand parents? Maybe your Great grandparents? Isn't that wonderful. When you go home from this((camporee, Webelos WE, etc)), visit them, call them. Ask them how things were when they were your age. They are walking history. My mother told me of watching the dirigible Hindenburg fly over her house. Hear them out before you have to say, "I wish I'd asked them about..." Okay, now think back beyond your GGparents, your GGGGparents, think back 1,000 2,000 even a million generations. Some body, one of YOUR ancestors, first brought a hot burning stick back to his family's camp or cave. He found it next to a tree that had been struck by lightning, or next to a lava flow. Somewhere along the way, they figure out that this hot stuff could be kept going by adding more sticks to it. WOW!! it kept us warm at night, kept the big animals away. OOPS, dropped that loin of Sabertooth in the fire (is that what we call it now? Fire...) ummmm smells interesting! AND BARBECUE WAS INVENTED!! but I digress... Hey, look at this, if I hit these two rocks together, it..sparks... Maybe if we... rub these dry sticks together... We have learned to use fire to keep us warm, to cook our food, carry us to the Moon and beyond. We use it to create and heal...and to kill and destroy. That choice is yours and mine to make. But one thing has remained. The power of the naked flame to draw us together. Since the time of the neanderthal family in front of their cave, Scouts, church camps, YMCA camps, soldiers on picket duty, all know the desire to just sit around a camp fire and be together. We sing, we share stories, There Is A Fire At The Center. It is spiritual, it is visceral. It is universal. Robert Baden-Powell recognized this early on and started a tradition of collecting ashes from the campfire he had just been to. In the morning, when the fire was cold, he would collect some small amount of ash and take it with him to the next campfire. When that fire was cold, he would collect some ash from that fire ring, and so on. He kept track of the history, the "pedigree" of the ash trail. I have here ((hold up baggy)) ash from the ((last camporee, Woodbadge, etc.)). The pedigree of these ashes includes the last jamborees, , campfires from Scouting events, church camps, and other places all the way back to the Brownsea Island Camp. ((throw the ashes in the fire)) . It is a continuation of that tradition, started so many years ago. If you would like a souvenir of this campfire, tomorrow morning there will be some baggies here and you may help yourself. The tradition will continue if YOU continu it. You can have a piece of Baden-Powells campfire. And your mom will ask "what's this bag of dirt doing on my kitchen counter?" And you can tell her. Now, How do I know all this is true? Did these ashes realy continue the trail from Brownsea island? Because another Scout told me... and A Scout is Trustworthy. You have a good night..

I have a favorite organization that I name in my will. I stipulate that $1000. is to go to renovate a particular house they use and $200. is to be spent on a pizza and beer party for the Board of Directors. And my daughter gets my vinyl collection and turntable. Son gets the Lionel set. I like the tavern idea. Time to call the attorney...

I concur with the above. The same request showed up at my home email and at work. Each had a different "hook", with the same request. I "deleted" without opening.

Please,please, please.... campfires and computers do not mix. CPUs melt. Remember: Virtual Crackerbarrel!! Howdy tagguy, company at last from the Old Line State. YiS

Wolf Even Bear Eventually Lion On to Scout I think I remember my CM telling us that. Then "they" told us it was "We Be Loyal Scouts" . Poor grammar. I think I liked my version better. Wear the knot, already.

mmm-mmm-mmm. Sounds like the start of a Pulitzer Prize documentary if I ever heard one. Where's Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward when you really need them? Are ANY of ther CAC present board former Scouts? and who gave their memories the quick wash and rinse? Does the SE hold a realtors license?

Time has passed. How goes Chicago Area Council and Camp Owasippe? ""How high's the water, mama?""

" I love it when a plan comes together" Mucho congrats.. Don't forget to let others have some fun too. Ya gotta make sure other parents have some of the good feeling too! In other words, don't let yourself do everything. KiS MiF YiS

Scout Sign means: a Scout leader holds up HIS sign and the next Scout passes the "word" along by holding HIS Scout Sign until all Scouts have their Scout Sign up and are listening. When I work the CSDC, I hold the SS up and look at my watch. When all are quiet I announce "35 seconds (or what ever time elapsed). Let's try it again. LET"S HEAR SOME NOISE!!!" SS up again. " 22 seconds. Getting better." And each time I SS, I announce the time. It slowly improves. I sometimes mention my experience at the National Jamboree, at the big amphitheater, where we have 50,000 plus Scouts in one place. The Scout on the Stage shows his SS and within 15 or 20 seconds, all have the SS up and all are paying attention. 'Wow' moment. Yes, the SPL must be willing to set the example and not give way to the mob. Each PL must also agree and insist their patrol follow suit. An ASM can educate the other parents in attendance, or perhaps take them to the 'Rocking Chair Patrol Room'.

G-W: Personal experience and scientific evidence... Check out the "Science News" April 22, 2000 by Corina Wu Carbon dioxide, lactic acid, heritage, unknown stuff. Course, if one is dirty enough, the 'skeeters can't get thru to you. That's why hippos coat themselves in mud! Also, it seems that DEET doesn't really REPEL the skeeters, it just make one smell like a PLANT, which skeeters aren't looking for. Confuses 'em.

District Camporee::: 20 plus Troops...300 plus Scouts...Climbing wall... tug-o-war... archery...hammer the bell...air rifles... log drag for time...two man saw on a 12" log...trebuchet (pumpkins are very consistant in size!)...run the obstacle course......Campfire... skits...cheers...songs...SM minute... Drizzle on friday set up... help neighbor Troop that left the rope basket at home...Pour down rain at 11pm... Saturday sunshine... clear night... dewey Sunday morn... Oh the aromas thru camp...Dutch oven brownies...Bacon and eggs... spaghetti... fresh cooked donuts... burgers and baked potatoes...beef stew...turkey sandwiches...chili...oatmeal and maple syrup...flipping pancakes for the first time... New Scout Troop sponsored by Islamic Organization comes to first Camporee... New Scout in my Troop comes back to campsite, flops on bench and announces "I'm bored" (see above list). Can't do this, doesn't like that, not good at that, too small for this... Take out my hatchet and start sharpening it with the file. Talk about need to keep hatchet sharp. Would he like to try? Totin' Chip requirements... Contact method. Now you try it. What's this called? Here's how to split kindling. Did you watch Joe and Scott make the fire last night? Make a tent peg. Pretty good, now watch this...make another, Even better. Hey, you can pass Totin' Chip can't you? Can I take this home? Big smile... The only bad camping trip is the one I don't go on...

As they occur to me, questions to consider: Distance between cays? Expected weather? Plan B? Water sources? Required skill/stamina level? Historical side trips? Tours? "Sag boat"? (thinking bike trip parallel) Industrial size canisters of sunblock? 'Squeeter repellent? Where do I sign up?

That's why we're here. It might be tomorrow, it might be thirty years later. The skills will be there, if they are needed, IF they are taught and practiced NOW. Keep telling your Scouts, IF YOU'RE LUCKY: you will never need the skills and confidence you gain here in Scouting. On the other hand, IF THE FOLKS THAT NEED YOUR HELP ARE LUCKY: You, with your training and confidence, will be there when you are needed.

Just like this forum... From Christ symbology to motorcycles. 1980 GT550 2 stroke sitting in my garage. Goldwing? I've driven cars with smaller engines. Weld two GL's together, Now you've got a vehicle.

The on-going debate not withstanding, (evmori makes some good points and scoutldr makes sense too) on behalf of my fellow Transit workers everywhere, I must protest the increase in the misuse of the term "throw under the bus" to indicate the lack of realization of what is really lost by any particular action. On behalf of the many baby washers (I use to be one) everywhere, I wish to protest (pre use) the unfortunate use of the term "throw the baby out with the bath water". Now, you were saying?

Just from the small glimpse of your Troop, I would advise going to the established camp this year, (summer'08) and consider CAREFULLY the idea of sponsoring your own summer camp NEXT year ('09) or later. * Planning * Insurance * activities * advancement opportunity * field trips away from campus *tents or bunk room or...* Standard equipment or personal * what does the offered 'farm' offer? * medical care * fire protection * stoves or campfire * sanitation* wood supply? * foul weather * etc etc. Back in prehistory when I earned my dinosaur herding MB, my Troop had a relative of a SM that owned some land and it became "The Property". We could camp there whenever we wanted. About a mile walk in from the main road, spring for water, creek for crawdads and trout, dug a privy, dead and downed American Chestnut (!) for fire wood. After ayear or two doing the overnight thing, the Troop fathers got together and organized a Summer Camp ("Camp Freedom") on The Property. We Scouts helped build a log cabin (a dad worked for the Telephone Co., all the creosote poles we could drag in), dug out and dammed the creek to form a splash hole, large Camp Fire circle, cleared four Patrol camp sites, , equipped them with formal fire circles, camp gadgets (splice practice), lashed together tables, poled tent frames, and for three years we went to the Council camp AND The Property. As I remember, the program at The Property was geared toward outdoor stuff, and at the Council Camp we could concentrate on the stuff we couldn't do at The Property (swimming, life saving, boating, canoeing, etc.). It was VERY worthwhile, but looking back on it, alot of parents took alot of 'annual leave' to make it happen. One dad was the camp Quatermaster. He was there all the time. One mom was the camp nurse. She was on us all the time to wash, brush, cook thoroughly. The Property was sold along time ago now, part is a religious retreat center, part is a piece of a local park, part is tract housing. I walked back in the woods there with my son a year ago and found the ruins of the cabin we built. No more American Chestnut. By all means, talk it up. You can "Do it Yourself", but it will be a lot of work. I'm not sure anyone in our present Troop would be willing to make the effort, even if we did have The Property to use. Sic Gloria Mundi YiS still.......

A Post Trophy? Past Atrophy? Apt Apathy? A Post Toasty ? Holy Guacamole.

Movie nights::: Copy right fees are a concern, but not a bad one. From our experience, there are three possibilities: * Use your own, personal, bought and paid for DVD. Show it "privately", that is to say, without "public" invitation (no advertising outside of the CO), but you will accept a donation and sell refreshmants. * Go on line and find the movie rental companies. There are fewer now than some years ago, but they do exist and will license a non-profit to show a film at a discount rate. That is to say, cheaper than a professional theater. Either DVD or real (reel!) film, usually 16mm. Got that old projector?? You can advertise and charge an admission. You are licensed to show the movie a specific number of times. Do not ask for a presently in the theaters flic. Think about your possible audience and ticket take versus the rental fee and see if it''s worth while. * If its a Disney film, they have (had? It''s been a while) a three tier contract: 1) Pro theater (big bucks), advertise all you want. 2) non-profit (church, school,etc.) show it ONCE, do not advertise to the general public, do not charge admission. 3) General showing. Ask for "donation", you may say you are showing a "comedy" or an "animated cartoon" or the like, but may NOT tell the name of the flic to the general public. And they may still tell you the film you ask for is "unavailable. Would you like ''Dumbo'' instead?" YiS

Yep. We are in a much more urban area ( I like to say we are on the edge of "creeping suburbia"). There are "Good Turns" and there are "Money Makers" . Depends on the expectations and previous arangements. The family that has lost a parent (however it happens) gets a "Good Turn" of yard work. The rest of the community contracts for shrub trimming and leaf raking. * I like the Yard Sale combined with Camp Cooking. I know of a Kiwanis Club that roasts a WHOLE STEER on a spit, over a VERY large charcoal pit. Lot of planning but oh, the PR and good eating. Not to mention the down wind aroma. * Any history nearby? Organize a guided tour? House tour? *Halloween is coming up... Haunted House? Local Lions club works with a Kids Sports League to hold a "Field of Screams" each year. Campfires, scary make believe walk thru. *What sort of touristy places are nearby? Sell nightcrawlers to fishermen? *Movie Nights? Borrow or rent a Digital projector and show the movie on the building side, have a family night movie picnic. Sell popcorn and cider too! Brainstorm!! YiS

Keeping in mind the need for a "Fund Raising Approval Form" (I think that''s what it''s called) from your Council, some possibilities I''ve seen/heard tell of/participated in::: * "Rent-a-Scout" ::Reserve a time to do yardwork, clean a garage, muck out the barn, paint the fence, etc. So much an hour per Scout. Don''t forget physical limitations, safety concerns and adult supervision. ("how come I can''t get my boy to do his chores at home but he''ll clean the neighbors garage?" One of life''s imponderables...). *Yes, we sell wreaths. Check on possible competition, and plan well for door to door selling, sidewalk selling ( table in front of the store with permission). Brochures to pass out? Posters? Newspaper/radio PR? Who accepts the tractor trailer delivery of wreaths? How much $$ up front? Order in advance? Lots of considerations, but our Troop makes $3,000 plus profit each year. * Three Troops divy up service at our County Fair. A week long in the summer, they deliver ice to concessions, pick up trash, direct traffic, messenger boy duty, help conductor the fair ground shuttle bus ( farm tractor and trailer), all for a contracted amount. This is their ONLY fund raiser and I understand do quite well by it. * For a fee, a Troop contracts to put up and take down an American Flag in the contractees yard every holiday (think up your list of patriotic holidays) Just a few ideas...

I am impressed. Eighteen Dens. 8 to ten (or more) boys each? And the CO limits rooms on one night for meeting? This CO needs to see the success this represents. Is this the only ''Childrens Ministry'' here? This is a religious organization, I would guess. The Pack leadeship should be rightly proud of doing something right. Possibilities: * Is there any legality/problem/ with Scout mitosis... Could the CO sponsor TWO Units? And arrange to meet different nights? * Do Unit parents have some connections to arrange for the Pack to meet at another location? VFDept? School cafeteria? Somebody''s extralarge rec room? * The traditional Den meeting is in someones Rec Room (DL?). Could Dens (some? all?) meet in family rec rooms and then meet for the once a month Pack meeting at the CO? ** I agree that the parents attitude indicates a possible problem, BUT... his desire to have his boy in a demonstrably excellent program, in his own CO, speaks worlds, despite his tantrum. Find a way to harness that energy. Recommend him to the District leadership? KiS MiF YiS...

Our Troop sells popcorn "under protest" (another thread) and we have other fundraisers. The Scout Accounts, to my knowledge, have never been used for anything other than camp fees, trip bus charters, and the like. Never for uniforms or personal gear that would not be Troop owned and ''borrowable''. HOWEVER... some years ago (before my time), a graduating Scout that (among other things) had early on earned his Eagle, asked for and was granted the use of his Scout Account to purchase an equipment trailer for the Troop. This was no small purchase, and the Troop has made good use of the 12'' two axle trailer. Friends of Scouting donation, perhaps?

Church CO is planning a new combination picnic pavilion/storage shed/BBQ grill. Church approaches Troop to 1) solicit financial donation (same for all church ministries and committees) 2) would Troop be interested in helping with the building? Pick and carry? Actual construction? (church father is prime contractor and very amenable to Scouts) 3)prime contractor is aware of Eagle project requirement. Would anyone be interested? Well, yes, a couple of boys make proposals for landscaping, building new picnic tables, building walk ways to and around the grounds,etc. Two Eagle candidates working together, Very Good...Eagle candidates are, in essence, subcontractors. Questions brought up: Troop service to CO? definitely. Benefit other than Scouts? definitely. Benefit Troop? eventually, no doubt we (and Cub Pack and Girl Scouts) would meet in and utilize the new facility. Troop does not own it, no limitation on use by others than Troop. Church and greater community will benefit. Projects are ongoing...

As in all of life, there will be ''go-getters'' and ''come-alongs'' and the ''eventuals''.. The Go Getters will see what they (or their parents) want (Wolf badge, Arrow point) and will nag and work to get it. The Come Alongs will see the Go Getters get theirs (the Wolf badge) and say to themselves "hey, I''d like to get that and be patted on the back in front of the Pack" and will come along to work and nag alittle more to get it. The Eventuals may or may not get it, but hopefully, seeing their friends up front of the Pack "getting it",,, they will, eventually. Give out the awards ASAP at the next Pack Meeting. It is a very active form of encouragement. MiF KiS YiS

Navigation Game::: Needs advance planning. As the Scouts arrive at the meeting place, they are given a card with some directions on it. This can be as exact as compass degrees and pace distances, or as fun as "face the NW door of the church. Turn right. Walk 100 paces straight . at Oak tree with biggest trunk..." etc. The goal is to get them 1) to think about how to get places and 2) get them to the next station where they learn about LNT fire building, etc. That station gives them a new card and on they go. Yeah, it is sort of like a scavenger hunt. I''ve seen this done inside the building, if it''s large enough . MiF KiS YiS