SSScout

Wiggs: Thank you for including us in your efforts. Please keep us posted about your (and your Scouts!) progress. YiS

OGE: You have confused that old saying, "Baking chocolate chip cookies is its own reward".

Oh, what the heck, here goes... #1 It is the duty of every parent to teach, either on purpose or by example or by neglect, their form of religious belief (or disbelif) SO THAT the child(s) will have something to either ACCEPT or REJECT and REBELL against. That's all there is to it. If the child(s) accept it, well and good. If he/she/they reject it (pick a reason), oooo, the complications that can result. #2 I am not able to put up a web site for you folks to jump to, but if you can find the Washington Post, Saturday 21 October 2006, page B9, at the bottom of the page, you'll find the following, which I will partially quote: "Wanted: Religious Leader. Belief in God Not Required" 'Local Ethical Society Ponders Core Values In Choosing a Leader' "When you are a member of a religion with no scripture, no divinity school, and no denominational structure, clarifying what you stand for can be complex.... The (Washington Ethical Society) was plunged into major transition because of the retirement of its leader of 34 years..." The article goes on to speak of how the WES is certified by the American Ethical Union, how they hold a 'sunday school' hold rituals for weddings and deaths and baby namings, how they are held as a 'religion' by the IRS ( but many members bristle at that title). Do we Here we have an "atheist" religion? 3) " There is a spirit which I feel that delights to do no evil, nor to revenge any wrong, but delights to endure all things, in the hope to enjoy its own in the end. Its hope is to outlive all wrath and contention, and to wearyout all exaltation and cruelty, or whatever is of a nature contrary to itself. As it bears no evil in itself, so it conceives none in thought to any other. If it be betrayed, it bears it, for its ground and spring is the mercies and forgiveness of God." Part of James Naylors deathbed testimony (1660) 4) "...duty to God..." by whose definition? The boys? The parents? Conklins? The DRP? If the boys definition is that by teaching a good Totin' Chip lesson, he is doing his DtG, who are we to question? If by memorizing at length the catechism, so be it. If by practicing the Zen of Archery, so be it. If his parents hogtie him and drag him to (insert religious service here) and he accepts it SO FAR...If by being faithful in his recycling ( being good to Gaia?), and he can explain it as such, so be it. If he comes forward and declares "aw there ain't no god..." ...well... #5) Anyone out there studied Jefferson's bible? I sometimes think Ben Franklin and Mr. Jefferson (among others of our 'founding daddies') might have a hard time being Scouts of our generation. #6) Any Confuscians out there? I don't know if Con fu Tse would be accepted as a Scout Leader, altho he was the most moral/ethical person of his age and society? YiS Still...

You are speaking of something other than Lewis and Clark and President Jefferson, yes?

"Distance makes the heart grow fonder and the gas tank get emptier" +from the Tao of Scouting+

...Cub Scout Day Camp... ...Scoutcraft Pavilion... ... It's "Flag Day"... ... My partner and I have mounted a flag pole on the corner of the shelter (otherwise known as a picnic shelter)... 24 Cubs in a Den, 8 American flags, two state flags, two parade poles. We practice the art of American Flag folding ( is this the only national flag with a special folding routine? I know of no other). We practice parade position, stage position, Color Guard routines, all in less than an hour. My partner and I talk about the Flags history and design. What do the strips represent? How many stars? Which star is Marylands? Yes, all stars are equal that way. We run the flag up and down the flag pole at least 8 times, and practice square knot tying too along the way. We practice a basic 'meeting opening flag cermony and then... Now, I take the opportunity to stretch the Cubs minds, many parent Den walkers standing in the background. Our home Pack and Troop have Scouts whose religion will not allow them to say the "pledge". (more on that later), so we ask the Cubs "what would you think if you saw someone NOT repeat the "pledge of allegiance? Can you think of any reasons why someone might not say it?" Answer from Cubs #1: "They might be a terrorist" #2: "Maybe they don't speak english." Not once during the day did anyone give what to me was the two obvious answers ('course, I'm an adult) #1 They might be from a foreign country or #2 (from our personal experience) it might be against their religion. So we suggested those possibilities to the Cubs and then suggested that if they see this happen, they speak to the person afterward, that they might have an interesting conversion about it. We had several parents come up and thank us for our mention of such a thing. No one chastised us about it. So being respectful to our national emblem is a multi dimensional thing. YiS

Do we have any admitted Shintoist Scouts? Zoroastrians? Jainists? Sikhs? My goo'ness...

Credentials: My adult brother is a "developementally challenged" member of The ARC. My cousin and her husband own a farm/stable where they host 'challenged' riders at least twice a week in Frederick County, MD. They have a very wheelchair friendly set up, which I think they built , with volunteeer help, themselves. The horses are trained to sidle up to a 'dock' where the rider is helped into the saddle. Volunteers then help walk the horse and rider around the corral. And the look on the faces of those kids (and some not so young)!! Try this: Go to the agency that brings the riders. My cousin RARELY sees a family bring their challenged kin privately to ride. Ask if you can build the dock/ramp/steps for them to use at the stable of their choice. It would naturally be left there for use. Put a placcard on it : "Presented to The XYZ Agency of Clove County by Eagle Scout John Scout of Troop999" I'm sure the stable would accept this arrangement. This would eliminate any idea that the item had been made for a profitable place. Ummmmm?

All good. (so much celluloid, so little time...) My choices... Remember the Titans Mr. Roberts Friendly Persuasion 12 Angry Men And a stretch, but thought provoking... They Might Be Giants

I seem to remember reading that the Army says a healthy adult can walk 4 mph, at a fair clip. Let's say a boy can average 3 mph. Now, let's say the boy carries a back pack holding a canteen of water, binoculars, a Scout handbook, a poncho, first aid kit and a snack, and let us further say that he PUSHES a non-selfpropelled lawn mower at a steady clip and takes 2 full hours to cut his family lawn (and ends up with a well deserved sweat), CAN HE add the calculated 6 miles to his Hiking Merit Badge AND/OR Fifty Miler patch diary??? UMMMM? YiS

Possibilities... 1) Our Troop sells Christmas Wreaths, end of November and start of December. We got the start from an add in "Scouters" magazine, I think. One man shepards the program, that's all we ask him to do. Two venues: preorders from a color catalog sheet and two weekends with 'stock' (ordered and paid for up front) in various places in our community. We cleared over $2000 profit last year. Boys actually have fun doing it. 2) Local Troop takes on traffic control and parking at the County Fair. One long week, but they are a big Troop and this is their only fund raiser. The Fair authority pays them well, I understand. 3) Another Troop/Venture Crew does ice delivery and trash removal at the Fair. Same arrangement, I understand.

Patrol of 8. "Officially", 1 Life, (on to Venture crew, usually), 1 Star (ditto), 2 first class (can't wait for Venture crew), 2 Second Class, two just crossed over 'Scouts'. Last overnight, 1 FC, 1 SC, 1 S. All participated in "Scout Skills" stuff, and had a (reportedly) good time. Can we not encourage the 3 to gripe to the 5 about being "Loyal" to the Patrol? Or are the senior Scouts lost to the VCs? Yes, this is a "mixed" Patrol Troop. 'Course , with a all New Patrol, everybody "graduates" about the same time and , presto, no more Patrol!! YiS

If you are a union member, and AFL/CIO affiliated, the national office has a scholarship program to pay for WB. Check with your Council and union local president. Shop Steward might not know about it. Only problems are , you must apply WAY BEFORE the program, and ONLY AFL/CIO union members may avail themselves of this. 'COurse, maybe you could convince your local to sponsor you? Or its national afiliate? good, recognized leadership training! Good luck, and have fun! YiS(This message has been edited by SSScout)

History, History... And if you ask, they will come... But first ya gotta find'em to ask!! Any time something like this comes up, I ask myself,"" Self? What would I, a mere Cub Scout, really like to see for the XYZ theme?"" And then I start asking friends, listening to my allegorical memory (ummm... Armor... Knights... swords...) and pay attention to what comes up . SCA? neat. Also: Here in Maryland, we have ROMAN recreators!! Legio XX. So Google the "Roman Army Recreators" and see what happens... Check with your local University liberal arts department, or the library. What Ho, Varlet!!

What Fscouter said. If one boy goes camping, one boy does the cooking and cleaning. If two boys go camping, two boys do the cooking and cleaning. If they make Beef wellington and potatoes au gratin and waldorf salad and cherries jubilee then they will have alot to negotiate as to who does what. AND they should invite me along (dutch ovens! Who knew!) If four boys go camping, the work load is spread and there is an economy of material and effort, IF all are willing to do their share and IF they can see that the OTHERS are doing a fair share. And there is the REASON behind the Patrol method. Learning and practicing Cooperation, community, "many hands make short/happy/easy work" (depending on the society you listen to). 'Course, if the Troop is small, the camp arrangements might be adjusted, but IMHO the Patrols should still remain. Two boys in the racoon P, and 6 boys in the Eagle, OR 8 in the Troop Patrol? IF the boys are afraid of the work or into manipulating others into doing the necessities OR feel dirty hands are beneath them, oooo that's a different thing.

Anyone out there know "The Button Factory" skit? It goes like this... Fellow comes on stage and introduces himself, all the while bobbing up and down rythmically... Hi!!... I'm George, and I work in ... A button factory... One day... My boss comes by he says George? Are ya BUSY?... I say no... He says... Can ya do THIS? (wave right arm up and down) I say OH KAYEE... (bounce up and down, waving your arm) HI! My name's George... And I work in a button factory.... One day my boss comes by he says George?? Are ya Busy?? I say No... He says can ya do this??? ( lift left leg up and down) I say OH KAYEE.... (bounce up and down, wave right arm, raise left leg) Do you see where this is going? Keep adding motions on until... HI!! MY NAME IS (pant pant) George!!! I STILL WORK... IN A BUTTON FACTORY... ONE DAY (pant pant) MY BOSS COMES BY HE SAYS GEORGE...??? I SAY WHAAATT???? HE SAYS ...ARE YA BUSY??? (pant pant) I SAY YEP!!! ( George falls pver...) Let he with ears to hear.... YiS

If he's an outgoing CC, byallmeans, he needs some small remembrance. Maybe a can of "Goldbond" ,autographed by his committee. Go to the Scout store and brouse. Something will occur to you.

Three ideas ( based on experience!): 1) As CM, first of the year, I would INSTRUCT. "Okay Scouts, what should I do if I have something to say that EVVEERRRYBOODDY needs to hear?" One of the older boys will mention holding up the Scout Sign, and we talk about each Cub holding up their SSign and then everybody has their SSign up and it's quiet. So we'd test it, as has been mentioned. MAKE NOISE..... Sign up.... look at watch... "25 seconds. Okay not bad. MAKE NOISE!!"... SSign up... " awright!!! 15 seconds!! getting better! Okay, we'll remember it now, won't we boys?" And on with the meeting. Each time the sign goes up, LOOK AT YOUR WATCH, and watch the reaction! 2) As a ASM, same concern. But this time, no instruction, I just hold it up and look at my watch and mention, "32 seconds" and go on with business. The boys all know what's up with the sign, and if things are not the best at the start of the meeting, they do get better thru the evening. The SM might bring it up in the PLC, but he and I both just look at our watches. 3) At our Camporeee, at Webelos Weekend, at the CS Daycamp, if I have a leadership role and as opportunity presented itself, I have mentioned my experience at the Nat Jambo with good result. The big gatherings in the open air arena, with 30,000 plus in attendance: Chief Scout on the stage holds up his sign, silent attention within 20 seconds. Wow... YiS

Lisabob: Strongly recommend a side trip to see the Hatterras Light house. Tallest lighthouse in America, and it was MOVED almost a mile back from the ocean, which coastline had moved over the years and the LH was threatened with destruction from the surf. Definitely take the ferry down the Outer Banks, Ocracoke is a nice little touristy town, too, as has been mentioned. And look up the Double L Bird Ranch, really neat place, in Buxton. God Speed! YiS

Wow, wish I could get my Troop to consider such an expedition. Some considerable considerations to consider: * Bus charter is a good idea, but don't forget the driver will need accomodations, too. He/she might not want to camp! Rental vans are another possibility. Check out the family vans insurance and coverage, just to be sure. *Cell phone number exchange and /or walky talky use is a good thing. *Remember, DON'T CONVOY. Arrange for periodic meeting places each day. * I am constantly amazed at the lack of knowledge among Scouts of the Hosteling movement. Used to be called Youth Hostels, now just Hostels. Good, cheap, simple accomodations , very often near your destination. Try www.hiusa.org . You need to be a "member" or have an "organization membership", but it is well worth it, believe me. *There's a very nice recently renovated Hostel in Baltimore. The Inner Harbor is a great place to tour, the USS Constellation ( 2nd oldest US warship afloat) gives Scout tours and overnight accomodations (!) with sufficient lead time. Baltimore Aquarium. Maryland Science Center. USS Taney, WWll Coast Guard Cutter. USS Torsk, last WWll submarine. Fort McHenry will surprise your Scouts about the "Star Spangled Banner" and its history. Google them. *On your way south, the new BSA Camp William B. Snyder might be a consideration, about 20 miles west of Washington DC on I66 near Haymarket VA. Again, with sufficient lead time, depending on the season, they can provide bare ground camp space or a ready camp site, tent platforms and fire ring or even dining hall access. try www.boyscouts-ncac.org/pager/18_camp_william_b_snyder.cfm * I have known Troops to camp at Little Bennett State Park, north of Gaithersburg (off I270) MD and then motor on in to Washington DC for the Day, or use the Metro Station at Shady Grove (end of the line), and then TRAIN in to DC. Google that. Wow, what an exciting trip. Is Hatteras included in your NC destination? I'll tell my Father in law to expect you... when? I just KNOW he'd LOVE to have 40 Scouts camp in his back yard! (maybe) YiS(This message has been edited by SSScout)

Whoa!! Came back to check on the course of this thread and shazam!! at the head of the page is a click box for AIRSPLAT.COM with a silhouette of a M16 semi. WHY IS THIS ON THE FORUM???? MODERATORS????(This message has been edited by SSScout)

When I became CM, I went to R/T. Boy it was fun! The fellow (I'll call him J) ran it like a CubScout Pack meeting! And we had refreshments and beads and you made a Totem if you were new to the R/T. The BS R/T was equally active. Cheers, program (astonomy one night, animal tracking, camp cooking, why THIS is poison Ivy and THESE three leaves aren't, etc)done by expert trainers,, Scout business too. J made it fun. And then J moved away for his work. Some other District got him. The next fellow (call him K) who took on R/T Commish didn't quite have the idea. No more donuts. What are beads? That's a Totem? never heard of that, humm, let's get down to business now here are the announcements... Attendance dropped. And the poor man just couldn't make it work. Unfortunately, no one else could recreate the R/T that J had, but we all knew(those of us that kept coming) that that was what was missing. We are still working on it... When my boy moved on to BSA, I became ASM. And lo, no one from the Troop went to R/T. It was like they never heard of it. So I kept going, and brought stuff back for the Troop Com to hear and for the PLC to hear, and for the SM to digest.Does anyone else WANT to go? Nope. Still as the reputation and "hey, I can get all this stuff off the website, right?" I have a hard time convincing them that it is a GOOD idea. It is still a good Scout mixer, just don't have all the ingredients. YiS(This message has been edited by SSScout)

A CO (Conscientious Objector) met a friend who was anything but. Their discussion, as it often did, wove round to war and peace and the likely hood of either. The non-CO said "Well, what would you do if war broke out? Would you want to be thought the last to protect your country?" The CO replied, " well, if PEACE were to suddenly be declared, would YOU want to be among the first or last to welcome it?" YiS

Let's face it REAL MAIL is kinda rare now. Bills, Gimmes, votefors, buythese......, What DO you get in the MAILBOX nowadays? And what do your boys really know about letters? "Ms Wachovsky, what's this little sticky thing again? a...stamp?" We teach them things they don't learn in school, right? Why not a Letter Writin' Chip? Forget the President (yeah just try!) for a while... Now who do you think your boys would REALLY like to get a letter from? Grand mom? Their favorite uncle? Try teaching them to write to THEIR favorite person, and elicit a letter back!! Perhaps a local TV personality they all watch? A favorite teacher they all know? Oh, sure the PARENTS might like to get a letter from the Prez. Looks good in the frame...(I've got my Eagle letter here somewhere...) But the letters I treasure are the ones I received from mom and dad when I was at camp, from my Gmom in Massachusetts, whom I only saw rarely, from my friend Sky when we got BACK from camp... (wow, he really wrote back...) Don't look for letters from unimportant people like the President (in THEIR lives). "Dear Gram, guess what! I just earned my Arrow of Light in Cub Scouts! Can you come and watch the award cereomny?..." "Dear Videoguy: I relly like your show. I am a Cub Scout and will soon earn my Arrow of Light. Could you come to my ceremony?....." Waddya think, mmmm?(This message has been edited by SSScout)

The Guy in the Glass by Peter Wimboe (1934) "When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf, And the world makes you king for a day, Then go to the mirror and look at yourself, And see what that guy has to say. For it isn't your Father or Mother or Wife Who judgement upon you must pass. The feller whose verdict counts most in this life Is the guy staring back from the glass. He's the feller to please, never mind all the rest, For he's with you clear to the end, And you've passed your most difficult, dangerous test If the guy in the glass is your friend. You may be like Jack Horner and " chisel" a plum, And think you're a wonderful guy, But the man in the glass says you're only a bum If you can't look him straight in the eye. You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years, And get pats on the back as you pass, But your final reward will be heartache and tears If you've cheated the guy in the glass. = = = = = = *pelf:: treasure, wealth, things of worth. YiS