SSScout

Seems a fellow named Kit Valentine useta be an Eagle Scout, then he grew up (sorta) and founded a group to help preserve a State Park that he worked in as a Scout. His project is still there... (the Eagle mention is about half way thru the article) ((did our headline section catch this?)) http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/howard/bal-ho.patapsco07mar07,0,2896540.story?coll=bal-local-howard

Aye, Pack, me bucko, 'tis good ta see that Aye'm not tha oonly one what sees tha Pirates Coode ta be maar Guidelines, like. A Harr. "I would never belong to any club that would have me as a member." == Groucho Marx ==(This message has been edited by SSScout)

If the 'A' person believes that his/her "duty to God" is to NOT believe in him (my perception is of a more male image), then so be it. ( see also 'spaghetti monster') The Scout Promise is not a "judicial oath", but never the less, I will remind them to whom it is important, that our Lord instructed us to "swear not at all, but let your yea be yea and your nea be nea". Hence, certain folks (please correct me if I am wrong in my naming) such as Quakers, Amish, Jehovahs Witnesses, Mennonites, Brethren, Hutterites, et al, will not swear either in court or else where. They will "affirm" that what they say will be (is) the truth. And isn't that what we promise in the SO and SL? 'Course, not all the above will appear on the Scout rolls. "On My Honor" is a declararation of intention, so hence a promise. What you say is what you'll do. "A Scout is Trustworthy". That's the core. The rest is extra sauce on the already richly merinated ribs. ((There I go again thinking of food)) The basic question, I think, is what is ones ultimate authority? If one wishes to declare themselves a "Conscientious Objector" for Draft Board purposes, one must convince the Board not only of ones beliefs and the sincerity behind them but of the origin of those beliefs and the "ultimate" authority one claims. It can't be a "belief of convenience", to use their term. Same thing here, to a lesser degree. Now, if one thinks that ones god requires one (your "duty") to steal from 7-11s and knock over mail boxes, well maybe we need to imbue that one with knowledge of ANOTHER god... Do we talk about the so-called Pledge of Allegiance here or on another thread? YiS

Ditto oldsm. In our Council, we have a noble personage known as the "Merit Badge Dean". He/she keeps track of who is the up to date MBC for a particular subject. You might poplitely beat on doors until your Council Advanvement Chair tells you who it is ( if there is one), or perhaps if your District has some umph, you might have a District MBD. But be forewarned, you may be asked to BE the MBD! Godspeed , YiS

Hey, there's that question again. Howcum only certain "Headlines" appear in our "Headlines section" but some newspapers never seem to make it?? This marvelous story appeared in the Maryland Gazette Newspapers last week. Try http://www.gazette.net/stories/022807/chevnew225915_32320.shtml . YiS

A Grand Tally Ho to the one that can identify the book from which comes this evocative scene (modern Sci Fi): Our hero has a dream in which he dies and goes to "heaven". At the Pearly Gates, he is met by the Gate Keeper, who tells him that to come to God's throne, he should walk thru the door of his choice in the wall ahead. The wall stretches far into the distance to either side, there are innumerable doors, each with the name of a religion above it, everything from Anglicanism to Zoroastrianism and everything in between. As he walks along, the hero cannot choose which door to walk thru, he can't remember what he did on earth. So he walks thru the first one he comes to. On the other side, he sees ahead of him the blazing bright throne. But when he looks behind him, he sees the infinitely long wall... with one closed unlabeled door. Then he wakes up.

To: Ezekeal "Izzy" A. Shcout, Patrol Leader, Lionaround Patrol From: Franklin N. Schtein, Chair, Subcommittee for the Approval of Prank Plans (SAPP), Troop 6 7/8ths Re: Your application dated 1 March 2009. Mr. Shcout: Be advised we are in receipt of your application for the Prank titled "Oh So Deserving". The approval of your PP is dependant on the clarification of several questions we have about your plans. Could you please elucidate on the following points: 1) On page 4, you mention "cans of goo" Could you please be more specific? As you are aware, the Guide to Safe Scouting (14th ed.) requires Pranks be "innoccuous and harmless to the prankee". We need to be assured that the "Goo" you refer to is not only non-toxic but also bio-degradable and washable. 2) We must remind you of the requirement that both the pranker and the prankee sign "hold harmless" agreements, relative to each other and the Troop, District and Council. A sample of such was included in your application package. Please attach same, complete, to your response to this letter. As you are aware, the membership applcation you signed already included the disclaimer as to National BSA. 3) We would like to congratulate you on the originality of your proposal. However, it should be noted that Al R. Geen, the previous SPL of your Troop, already utilized the sneeze powder. Any that you appropriate from Troop stores must be replenished. 4) On page 3 of your proposal, we note a possible typo. Did you really mean to say "XXXXXX the YYYYYYY". We question the physical possibility of such an act. 5) As to schedule, we would like you to reconsider your request for the Troop overnight to Therenback National Forest, as two other pranks are already scheduled. It is recommended that the tour to the State Memorial for the Invention of the Dry Cleaning Bag the following month might be a valid occasion. Again, we thank you for your application. Please be assured that it will be given every fair consideration and applied as appropriate toward your rank advancement. Very Truly yours, Frank Schtein, Chair

"Aye, it be an arrrrt form, not just guide lines." Beware the "Revenge Prank"...Oh, I'm gonna get that guy. He can't embarrass me like that. Just you wait... This can lead to a series of one-up-manship pranks that usually end in a really bad scene. The first prank should be enough (Shelf Stretchers? boy!) Beware the "Prank to Impress".... Listen up guys, here's what we'll do to that other camp.... These usually end up being the ones in """Bad Taste""" Beware the "Proxy Prank".... The young member that wants SO BAD to be INCLUDED that he will risk too much of his safety and self esteem in executing someone else's plans. See also the "Double Prank" as illustrated in the movie "The Sting". Who really was responsible for the bed on the pavilion roof??? Beware the "Chemistry Class Prank"... The replacement of certain usual liquids with other questionable liquids, or edibles with inedibles (rubber chocolates? Is choking possible?). Think those through REAL thoroughly. Now ammonium tri-iodide is a good project... And don't forget to keep the Scoutmaster antennae raised and attuned (what? they didn't pass those out in your WB?),(See Ray Ralston) so your early warning system can be activated. Ever glue a quarter to the floor? 'Course, Allen Funt might be the one to ask for advice... And Spin And Marty, as I remember, had some real classics. "Life is like a box of chocolates... You never know what you might get." YiS

Velcome... Bienvenue... Welcome... Sometimes a "prank" is done... "because it is there". Local summer theater had a roof that was a low slope and peak roof. I (Scouts Honor) have no idea how, but one summer morning the theater folks woke up to find a Ford 8N farm tractor fully assembled on the peak of the roof. A crane had to be brought in to remove it. Newspaper article. The only detail that was notable in the paper was that the tires were NOT fully weighted, so the tractor was maybe 600 pounds lighter than normal. Many years ago. Sometimes because the 'prankee' needs to know they are "really are part of the group". Might be no other way to convince 'em. Camp with church youth group. One kid was NEVER having fun, there because his folks MADE HIM. Set up a snipe hunt. Paper bags, good pets, "weep, weep, weep", didn't realize it was gonna rain that night. The prankee came in soaking wet, but boy, was he part of the group then. Became one of the leaders, as I remember. Sometimes because of the challenge... College had a chem lab at 6am (!true!) on a winter saturday morning. This necessitated getting up at 5am to wash, dress,etc to walk the 20 minutes from the dorm to the campus. It's still dark. No time for breakfast. Arranged with EVERYONE on the floor to be up and busy as normal at real time 3am. Reset prankees alarm clock as appropriate. Had him up and out the door halfway to campus. Everyone else goes back to bed and LOCKS THE DOORS. (open on auto lock at 5am). THIS WAS THE FLOOR COUNSELOR. "Cap't Bob's Fifth" was a very coherent group. Sometimes cooler heads must prevail...listen for that "still small voice" that tells you "maybe I wouldn't want this to happen to me, even from/by those that love me". Sometimes a prank is a chance to show yourself equal to the task after all... The old time carpenter sends his young helper to the crib for "North Wall Nails" and has him return with the message from the clerk that they are all out, but the clerk suggests that these South Wall Nails will do, just put'm in backwards, to the glee of the rest of the crew. The helper became a good carpenter (one armed. My dad.) Sometimes... Oh, that's enough sometimes. Each occasion is unique. Some are memorable, some never shoulda happened. Some we are thankful no one got hurt("WHAT WERE YOU THINKING OF???"). If it is routine, then it is not a prank, it is hazing, and NEVER appropriate. If it demeans and there is real physical danger involved, it is never appropriate. The Scout use of ceremony and work-thru requirements (even the OA Ordeal) leads to belonging and membership in the group. The African tribes of BP's day used the initiation process to weld the boy-man to the group (course, often the trials then were succeed or die. Bring back a Lions mane?). We have to be a bit less extreme, but the purpose can be the same. Often, I've noted that when the "official" stuff somehow fails, the boys will step in ... Pranks? Sorry, "I know nnnnothink. I see nnnnnothink". As a Scout leader, careful not to unnecessarily cramp style, careful to love and care for the boys, careful to step in when you should (?when?) and step back to enjoy the show when you can. It is, after all, more often an art form, not always a science. YiS

Depending on your overall situation... *Invite the kids and parents from the local school and or churches.. Have a information table for newcomers. *Check with neighboring Packs and see if you can borrow some "used" cars for the hordes of newcomers that visit. Then those boys can race in the "open" class (in our Pack, the OP class... Other People...) * By all means, work up awards for everyone... Most Colorful, Best use of Decals,.. Most Historical, Most realistic, bring some blank award forms that you can fill in "as apropriate" on the site. "Every Cub's a Winner" * Make sure the 'starter' runs a line of patter , "Start you engines!!" that sort of thing. Count down each start 5, 4, 3, 2, 1,, There they GO!!.. everyone will get into the spirit. * Have a Winners Circle and a Photo Op place with some flags and posters behind it. * Go to your local Auto Parts store and see if they can't scare up some Car Racing Posters and flags and such for you. Any one know a local that races pro or amateur? lots of tracks around the country help Packs that way. Nothing like a real racer in his Nomex... ** Wait til next year... YiS MiFKiS

Planning and advance notice, so there is no reason to say" but I didn't know..." Our Pack would have 3 classes: Cubs, Unlimited, and EBE (every body else). Cubs class was Cub built cars (adults can help, but "Scouts Honor", Cub designed and Mostly worked on. Unlimited was just that. Anything goes, so long as the physical limitations (weight, size) are met. EBE class was for siblings, visiting friends, etc. We usually had a few visiting boys sign up after racing in EBE class (borrowed car anyone?) AND... we made sure there were LOTS of special awards: Best use of decals, most historic, funniest, Cubs favorite, most Scoutlike, most realistic, Cubmasters award, animal type, most clever, etc. The speediest cars had their reward. So should the other Cubs. An ambulance with flashing light and siren? A dragon that SMOKES? A 7 inch Semi trailer? (four wheels, but eight carved). KiS MiF

Let's see now... "Forest Fires... see Bear, Smokey. Ummm... Okay! "For a good time, call..." oops wrong reference. Okay, scouts, for a fun internet time try... http://www.smokeybear.com/kids/games_smoke.asp and learn how to be a SMOKE JUMPER!!! YiS KiSMiF

Bogus, dude... Why would anyone hire a guard you KNOW is dishonest?? Still, assuming that the two guards both know the safe way out, and one always tells the truth and the other is honesty impaired, I would ask the LEFT guard " Dude! When the fire gets here, Which way will the RIGHT guard dude tell YOU to go to escape those righteous flames?" If the LEFT guard is the truthful dude, and he says "Right", then the RIGHT guard is the lier and therefore the left trail is the safe way out. If the LEFT guard is the lier, then by saying "right" he means that the truthful guard would say "left". Either way, the left trail is the safe way out. And vice versa. (verse visah?) But then we still don't know how the fire started. Was it a Scout Patrol that never read thru the G2SS? Or a bear that decided to jump several steps of evolution and discovered fire? And what about that first guy we met? The intro dude? Can we really trust HIM? Maybe HE'S the lier dude? and BOTH of the guards are truthful? or Liers? My head hurts.

Eagle Scout... Yep, I can say that line on my CV did open some doors for me. Did it save me from doing some dumb things? Nope. Did I learn WHY they were dumb from being an ES? At least partially, I think. The difference ,I discern, seems to be whether the Scout figures out what the Scout Oath (promise) really is and whether the Scout Law really is a guide or just some hokey recitation like at school.... And you make that connection by seeing the look on your dads (or counselors or SMs, or pastors...) face when you haven't made the connection between the WORDS and the LIFE . Note that I didn't say DEEDS. Because the Scout is not just learning a way to DO things, so much as a way to LIVE. My Truly Significant Other had a poor opinion of Scouts dating back to a real jerk of a boyfriend she had once upon a time, so she's told me. When we met, and while we were dating, I often told her about my Scout history. She married me anyway. Her twin sons, my daughter and then our son lived in the smallest 6 bedroom house in town. The twins had nothing good to say about Scouts, owing to their fathers opinion. My daughter saw nothing good from GS, owing to a really poor GS troop at her school (yeah, they didn't want a divorced dad as a GS leader. Another story.). So when youngest son announced he wanted to be a Cub, well, we had some discussions. And lo, the transformation was great. After ADL, PCC,and PT, MTSO is now the District Day Camp Director. I've been a DL, CM, WDL, and now ASM. MTSO told me (finally) that since Scouting had obviously such a salutatory (her word) affect on me, she'd thought she'd give it a try. And so she did. All education is one of four types: Instruction. Example. Reasoning. Self discovery. If the Student WILL NOT learn from the first two, and refuses or can't use the third, then they MUST participate in the fourth. "This is a hot stove. Do not touch it" "HIEEE!! I didn't know that stove was still hot!!" "The light labeled 'Hot Surface' is on, therefore..." "Ummmm... I wonder what this is... OOWWEEE!!!" nldscout: Perhaps your Scout fell into the fourth category for awhile. Have faith. As has been said before, with no priors, perhaps some mercy will temper the justice, yes?

'Course we aren't at the "A Scout is trustworthy stage, yet, or are we? If the Cub and his parent(s) say "this is my entry", then this is the entry. Cars can be reworked. (even repainted). Pack PWD night... final weigh in... Cub brings a friend to the meet... Friend does not have a car... My son takes his last years car off the display rack, removes the "cert" sticker off the bottom and hands it to the friend...Friend 'races' the last year car under his name in the "OP" class ("Other People", after "Cub Official", and "Adult" classes)... Lots of excitment... New Cub... YiS KiSMiF

"Aye, the OA Code... we were thinkin' it were more like guidelines, actual..." Just reupped my OA membership as an adult (no chronologic confusion in my case). Not having been actively involved in OA stuff for a long time (or as of yet), after hearing the above, I'd have to vote for consistancy. 18 years and one day makes an adult in court, in voting, in alcoholic beverage consumption, in BSA considerations, in YP considerations. Why not in OA membership? And we all know the decisions of this forum are final...ummmm.

Thank you, one and all. The training I had in Archery Range management was sufficient for what I did and served another purpose. I began to notice things with a critical eye. When I went to other Scout activities, I often found the archery target range was being "run" by folks that had never done so before (well meaning volunteers) who had been asked "could you do this, there isn't anyone else". And so they "did their best". But my training and experience made me gringe at what I saw. No real instruction (here's an arrow, here's a bow, there's the target, have fun). Little thought as to the range layout (back of the targets toward a walkway, no safety rope around the range, etc.) Even leaving the line up of Scouts to their Scouters ( no control as to how people enter or leave the range, who gets the arrows, ). An accident waiting to happen. Often, when I said I was a trained Range Officer, and could I help, the look of relief from the folks there was worth the price of admission, as they say. So my question about creating a badge to earn is not just for self aggrandisement, (buy the patch?), but seeking a way to recognize a very real accomplishment and an importantly needed person. Someone to help youngsters learn how to master a DANGEROUS skill SAFELY. Any of the so called shooting sports are possibilities for injury, yes? And (Scouting is famous for this) training helps lessen the possibilities of injury by making the LEADERS and SCOUTS aware of the POSSIBILITIES, and how to avoid them. So if I can become the person to train and encourage the Archery Guy, and I can give him/her a patch to attest to his/her ability/authority, I think that's good. "All Scout Leaders should be Trained" , I think I read that somewhere. My Council Program Director seems to be unaware of the Camp School part of my request. Perhaps that is where I should go to enlarge my scope of experience and abilities. I will call her today. E: Thanks again for your never failing encouragement. Be advised that we always give all our CSDC adult staffers a special "staff" tee shirt and camp patch. YiS yet

TtheM: Your Troop is truly in the stone age. (point out to them that the Stegasaurus Husbandry MB is no longer required for Pteronodon). DChs are derigeur in most Troops. "A Scout is Helpful". Some Troops even consider DChs a PoR. for advancement. A good DCh just eats up the Cub attention. Talk about admiration and big brother/hero worship! Den Chief and CSDC Scout Staffer are, indeed, two different things. DCs need to be (1) motivated to help Cubs and (2) encouraged by some Scouter. Age is not a consideration, only desire to help and learn. Take the official training that is offered, but "on the job" with a knowledgeable DL is often the best. If the nascent DCh sits around or 'bosses' the Cubs "because he can", then two things are true: first, the DL is taking too much of a hands off attitude and second, the DCh is taking too much for granted (and hasn't learned the Scout Law). CSDC needs "a few good Scouts". You can ask for volunteers thru R/T, at MB Days, thru the District newsletter, etc. Or ask the OA for staffing help. My Truly Significant Other happens to be CSDC Director, and she has established the standard that Youth Staffers MUST be First Class Scouts (age not a consideration). This owes from past experiences with Scouts we didn't know who were young and out for fun first and helping a poor second. Also, the county schools asked if they could send some teens to help us that needed "service hours". These youngsters were not terribly well motivated to be there, and needed ALOT of supervision with assigned tasks, where as the FC Scouts knew how to help. OA Scouts often don't even need to be told to help, they recognize the need and jump in to the fray themselves. District and Council have never failed to back up MTSO in her requirement. The CSDC has greatly benefitted thereby. YiS KiSMiF!

eaglepete: The best minds often run around in the same rutted circles. What can I say? but ultimately there's very little to laugh at if a boy is hurt thru someones ignorance or stubborness. Frinstance: eghiglie: I have often found that it is much easier to say no to a boy and make him understand the reasons than it is to say no to a parent and get them to ACCEPT the reasons. Would you agree? Often, maturity and responsibility come at a price. When I was a much younger Scout, I was given my grandfathers pocket knife. (Totin' Chip, yes) I used it carefully for more than a year. It presently lies under the leaves and dirt somewhere on the Appalachian Trail in Maryland, dropped from my hand after I thought it was in my pocket. I was really shook up by that loss. I became very much better at keeping track of my things after that. My step sons were given Scout "Camp King" knives when they turned 13. I can't count the number of times we found them out in the yard or under the couch. They handled the knives well, no injuries, but keeping them? When SS #1 went off to the army, I found his knife somewhere in the house and ended up giving it to son #3 for Christmas (age 12), with SS#1's blessing. Don't know where SS#2's knife is still. He's up in PA. with his pa. "to look sharp, and be sharp too, here's a razor ..." YiS on the edge...

History: four years ago, My Truly Significant Other finally admitted defeat and went to take Camp School. She has been the CSDC Director ever since, has a ball and is never without compliments for her efforts. So, that made me... whatever was needed. I have been the bugler, the Scoutcraft-Webelos-Map and Compass, campfire skit writer/director, watergames, helicopter pad director..... and when our Archery Range fellow broke his ankle, I jumped in and took the Archery Range Safety Officer training (with 3 days notice, two weeks before camp, no small distance away). I have been so tagged ever since and it's been a blast, lo these 2 years.... I have commanded archery ranges in CS camps, BS camparees, Troop overnights, Webelos Weekends, and Merit Badge Practices. Nary an errant arrow to my credit. Nary. Now, my Council Program Director has promised me that she will arrange for me to be trained and certified as a ARSO Trainer, so I can give of my experience. THEREFORE, (since there ain't no such thing, to my knowledge) I'd like to see how I might convince the-powers-that-be to issue a NEW BADGE::: "the RANGE SAFETY OFFICER" badge. I figure with some clever design, it could be inclusive, or maybe include a "rocker" for the various types::: BBs, Slingshot, Archery/Cubs, Archery/BS, .22 Rifle, Shotgun, (etc.?) Make it a Jacket Badge if not on the Uni. I think it could be a truly well earned badge. Boy, the badge collectors could have a field day earning all the rockers for over or under the roundel. So how do I go about getting something official established (and not just on the side)? YiS targeted... (This message has been edited by SSScout)

My truly significant other is CSDC Director, which usually makes me a little bit of everything else. I've always liked the idea of seperate Webelos activities, as much as possible, 'cause, yeah, the webs would prefer not to hang out with the lil' brother Tigers and Bears. But the above description of the Webs Only camp (sounds wonderful) makes me wonder: What did the Webs do before to fulfill all those requirements? How did the WDLs make it work? When I was a WDL, I had some fun arranging the SCientist pin stuff, but then I had an engineering background. We also went to museums and saw exhibits and such. Same with the other pins. A couple of saturdays in a neighbors garage, a couple of dads and handtools and whoosh we had some fine bird houses for Craftsman . I suppose the camp situation makes it easier and better for those Packs and Dens that would have a hard time otherwise, but like was mentioned, if they didn't come for the whole show, how can you say they fulfilled ALL the requirements? In our camp closing memo that we send back with the Cubs, we make it clear that 'these' activities would POSSIBLY fulfill 'these' requirements, but it was "Scout's Honor" whether the Cub participated and did everything listed, and the Pack leadership was encouraged to check with the Cub and their Den Walkers. Our Den Walkers were instructed to keep track of their own Cubs, if possible. Again, the secret is advance planning, alot of phone calling, and making the BScout helpers feel really useful and appreciated ( open archery range for the Scout helpers works for our CSDC too). YiS KiSMiF(This message has been edited by SSScout)

Since the "pirates Code" er, I mean the Cub Scout Guidelines are so vague on Whittlin' Chip requirements, here is what our Pack did. (best of my memory) Only Bear or Webelos may earn WC. The candidate Cubs were given a permission slip for their parents to consider. Yes or no. The day of the class, the Cubs were taught about different types of knives and how they should be handled (folding pocket knives only for Cubs, but other knives exhibited and discussed... cooking, clasp, lock back, fixed blade, etc.) How to sharpen a knife. How to look at the blade critically. "Listen for the sharp". Carborundum stone, steel, diamond hone. Opening and closing. (open handed) Passing a knife to another. (handle first, edge away from hand. "thank you") We talked about carrying the knife (never to school, only with parents permission. Never "show off", at Scout activity) We talked about LOSING the privilege. When we were satisfied they were serious about the "rules", we gave them a big bar of soap and we talked about carving (establish an arms length "Safety Zone", always away from yourself, be aware of those around you, push with your thumb, support your work). And we made animals, castles, cars, jetplanes of soap. and a mess. But the boys knew about knives and safety. YiS

Aye... Guidelines, is it? arrgh.... "...downed tree..." Doesn't mention how the tree came down, probably with good reason. My dad was a timber cruiser in WVA long before he met me(!). I learned alot from him as to safe felling and trimming and gained much experience in same after I obtained my majority. I would presume the PB Counselor (if that is the right term), would guide the Scout thru obtaining proper permission as to which tree to cut (Park Rangers, property owner, etc.), the safe technigues of trimming and cutting. If a tree needs to be felled, the same applies as to permission and safe technigue. The PB award is, after all, a recognition of the learning and demonstration of knowledge, skill and safe technigue, just like the TChip. The earning of the First Aid MBV does not qualify the Scout as a Paramedic. After the TC and PB, if he perseveres, he might someday become a high topper. Get the Scout a pair of climbing spikes for Christmas (just kidding). YiS.

Thanks, gahs. I also heard the tailend of his show. Thanks for finding the link. Did anyone else see the insert in the Washington Post about the 100th anniversary of Scouting? (sunday, 28 January) I can't get it to show on the wash post web site.

"Remember, you are just an extra in everyone else's play". = = Stewart Emery = =