SSScout

#1 The work is done by whoever shows up. The "pros" show up because (a) they love Scouting (I hope) and (b) they get paid in cash. and (c) their ideas are good ones. the "volunteers" show up because (a) they love Scouting and (b) they see it as a key to our nation's future good citizens. Not to mention the Dutch Oven Brownies. We show up because we see the reward THEN as worthy of our efforts NOW. Rent is paid in advance, mortgages are paid in arrears, paychecks come after the hours are counted. #2 The work of Scouting needs the outdoors. This is the very definition of "Scouting". When Scout Camps are underused, underpromoted, made less than available or even KNOWN by Scout folks, they will eventually be seen as burdens rather than assets. The cash price of the land will become more attractive than the Scout use of the land. Can we say ""Owasippee"" and Chicago Council? A SE's retirement may be seen in the sale of the camp, rather than the future of the Scouts. The BSA cannot depend on the National Parks for facilities. #3 The work of Scouting is it's PROGRAM. When B-P wrote his first book, he did not expect it to be popular among CHILDREN, but that is where it hit home. He then came to realize that was what was needed, and sought to produce the sample Scout Camp, Brownsea Island. And that is how we come to be having this conversation. When us poor old codgerly people set up and encourage opportunities for the yooooth, we are following in those not totally matchable footsteps. But we do try, none the less. #4 National's possible bankruptcy proclamation is meant (among other things, I feel) as a sacrifice to protect the local Scout Councils and local PROGRAM. Were mistakes made 40, 50 years ago in oversight and responsibility? Yes. Can we learn from those mistakes and move on? Well, humanity has a bad habit of NOT learning from history and being doomed to repeat it, so we (us) must keep on pointing our fingers and speaking up. YP has been tightened up. Scout Leaders have been reminded of the terrible possibilities. What I call ""The What If Game"" must be played aloud and publically if we are to move on. #5 Blessed are the Scout Units who have CORs that take their defined roles seriously, they are few and far between. BSA defines the CORs as the voting members of the Council legal corporation. Remind yours and shake their hands along the way. #6 "But I don't know how to...." Well, what do you know how to..... ? Let that be your contribution , and learn something else new along the way.

"Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: 34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: 35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. 36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. 37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." So , by this reasoning (and it is reasoned, and ultimately a "suggestion"), one's words should be judged against the rest of the world, at large. Yes?

I see where you might think this, and you would be right. When the Scout Pros put money and numbers ahead of Scouty activity and "program", the money and numbers must suffer. Wagon before the horse, so to speak. The good pros see the promotion and encouragement and support of the Scouters , the volunteers that PAY for the privilege of volunteering (!!), as the secret to gaining those numbers they seek.

Aha, another Chaplaincy and Faith thread entry.... Well, one might consider the idea that IF (if) God is responsible for the fact of our existence, no matter how it actually occurred, the idea leads to EITHER we should admit to God(s)'s imminent pre-eminence, OR admit to the granting of humanity's "free will". Or both. We (us) can choose a lot of our possibilities, but not all. As our children grow up, they MUST either keep on admitting to the parent's authority (reward, punishment, gratification, older experience) or get on with making their own decisions and living with the results. About the same here, maybe, could be, yes? An avowed atheist, it seems to me, accepts the "free will" part, but rejects the other, the idea that something else has a possible effect on our choices, our possibilities. It is the ultimate origin that is at risk here. Reverent ? Looking for understanding. One gains personal understanding by answering respectful questions. By your students one is taught. A good pair of books: How to be a Perfect Stranger by Matlins and Magida is recommended. I am a proponent of not "re-inventing the wheel", hence I offer the following from William Penn for your consideration:::: . """The Humble, Meek, Merciful, Just, Pious and Devout Souls, are everywhere of one Religion; and when Death has taken off the Mask, they will know one another, tho' the divers Liveries they wear here make them Strangers. """ """ It is a sad Reflection, that many Men hardly have any Religion at all; and most Men have none of their own: For that which is the Religion of their Education, and not of their Judgment, is the Religion of Another, and not Theirs. """ See thou on the trail . . .

Ach du lieber….

Home Troop did a 60thanniversary (took until 62nd year to get it off the ground). I think it is very neat that your Troop can work this up. *News/Media coverage. Print paper, local TV" Human Interest",,,, Scouting is alive and well, despite reports to the contrary. * Dignitaries invited. Governor, State Senator, Rep, that sort of person. The will at the least send you certificates, letters etc. Perhaps a "Resolution" adopted by the County/City council, the State Legislature? * Be sure to dig out as much records from the BSA Council. Microfilm, etc. can be found and printed out. * Any local museum? Work out a cooperative display? Local Library Lobby? Special Neckerchiefs for the old Scoutmasters. Good luck with your next hundred !

What? And not have a second (third?) source of fire starter? One should try that stuff.. If it's what I think you speak of, rubbed into a cotton ball, it'll burn like a candle. I know my "Butch Wax" for my crew cut did. 😋

Interesting. Was it ever asked of them, what or who "Mother Nature " Is/was?

Otto Lillilenthal and Orville Wright would be excluded I guess. Ultralight, check. Not FAA certified, check. Experimental, check. No FAA Pilot License, check. Glider, no motor, check but not a concern in this discussion. So, no Scout activity with these friends. Move along please, nothing to see here....

Short answer is NO. If the Scout sold Popcorn for his unit, all the proceeds go to the Unit. The unit, in it's wisdom, can allocate an appropriate portion to the Scout in the form of a "Scout Account" that may ONLY be used for Scout things. If the Scout raised the money for "Scout " support, he/she cannot send the money off to another entity no matter how worthy. It's got to be used for Scouty things, not personal things, not charitable things. The BSA has been all over this, the IRS has been all over this. The local Council should (if they have not been apprised of it already) should take this up and see what's what. As happens sometime, the news may not have the correct facts, only the slightly garbled ones. It also raises the "Not as a Scout" flag. BSA policy is clear on this too. The Scout uniform may not be used directly to raise money for any other organization. Not your church, not the Salvation Army (no bell ringing in BSA livery), not a worthy elder care facility. Sorry, ,,, Anyone have the Idaho Council Phone number?

*sigh* The ultimate question is: Was the person who signed the Blue Card, Approved The Merit Badge, a bona fide registered in the Council Merit Badge Counselor when the card was signed? Make the phone call(s). If the answer to the question is "Yes", shake the Scout's hand and wish him well. If "No", then smile, hand him some more Blue Cards and give him a list of approved/registered Merit Badge Counselors for his desired subjects. See you on the trail....

The BSA is very clear. The individual Unit may NOT "ask" for money. "A Scout pays his/her way". Something of value (a product, a service, some useful exertion) must be exchanged for any money "earned". Yes, there are organizations that will give (grant?) money to other worthy people/organizations if they deem your efforts in agreement with their aims and goals. College scholarships come to mind. Meet the agency's requirements, fulfill their expectations (keep a "C" or better average grade) and receive their largesse. Charity? "Send this Scout to camp". "Sponsor our speaker series". "We'd like to buy your Scout Troop a Camping Trailer" (it will be titled in the XYZ Church's name, give it to them and they will let us use it). But simply to ask for and accept a "Grant" to aid Scouting, sorry, I can't agree to that. Does the agency have any windows to wash? Busses to clean? Perhaps something might be worked out? Make it a definite, one time event or purpose, maybe. But not a general donation...…

E-yeah,,, ya get the feelin' , do ya?

Ah, memories. I once dated a lovely, intelligent, fun to be with girl. I first picked her up for our dates in a car, then asked her if she'd mind traveling by motorcycle, as I had just bought a Suzuki GT550. Nice machine, smooth, comfortable with the fairing.... She said her brother had been badly injured in a motorcycle accident, no, she wanted nothing to do with motorcycles, far too dangerous. The next time I asked her out, she demurred, because she had signed up to take skydiving lessons...…

Ch Ch Ch Chaplaincy and f f f f faith Thread ? I have seen special arrangements made. Catholic folks over There.... LDS folks over There.... Sensitivity is the watch word, as always. Sabbath sensitive courses on occasion, start Saturday evening, include Monday...

Yep. As a Sub Teacher in Middle School, I've often seen the general reticence of kids to stick their necks out, ask questions, be "up front". Some schools insist on the kid waiting on instructions (that's okay) but then when they wait to see what the teacher wants them to say, rather than saying what THEY want to say.... Even in the drama classes, being able to speak up, take a chance, insist on something, can be rare. Correct an adult ? Please, if I'm wrong , correct me , politely, courteously, but prove me wrong.

Yes we can. But, again, I find it interesting how "outside" folks like to view the "inside" folks. In Utah, is there a "LDS Legacy Corridor" ? Mmmmmmaybe not. When I noted to the MD SHA folks that one of their new QLC signs pointed in the wrong direction, they thanked me. That was three weeks ago, the sign still points AWAY from us. Oh well. Freezing rain tonight, gotta cancel the big potluck amateur talent show.....

Phone? Que es Phone ? I get emails, and have to remind the Scout to copy to another Scouter for YP requirements...

The fellow was catching fat trout after fat bass. An onlooker asked him how he was so successful, The fellow handed him a pampthlet that advised using worms and to " keep the worms warm." The onlooker asked, "and how do you keep the worms warm?" the fisherman smiled and said " thath eathy. Keep'em in yer mouf."

Books . . . . I was once asked to suggest an activity for Lion or Tiger Den. I suggested, why not read a story to them, say a chapter a meeting? A classic adventure story, Treasure Island, Jungle Book, even Profiles in Courage. The Den leader looked at me like I was speaking Chinese...…. I can think of no better way to quiet down a class (Den?) then to read to them. Appropriate voices and inflections as one is able. Pictures optional. Make it worth while, a reward for accomplishing the cleanup. Ten, maybe even 15 minutes of sit down and rapt attention, it is worth practicing. I have no fast statistics about this, but I just feel that today's parent doesn't read to their kids like our mom and pop did to us. Or at least to me. When I was judged old enough, I received a BIG GOLDEN BOOK of the Illiad and the Odyssey. What words I did not know, I learned. That book lies on the shelf downstairs waiting for the Gchild to be old enough. I was read to , eveynight before bed, and at odd times and to help with school work. I remember my elementary teachers, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Wetzel, Mr. Prentiss.... even in 6th grade, we were read to, as a reward of sorts, to relax after the hard play of recess to help settle in for Math.... Why not read to your Scout? "Twas seven o'clock of a very warm evening in the Seeonee hills when Father Wolf woke up from his day's rest, scratched himself, yawned, and spread out his paws one after the other to get rid of the sleepy feeling in the tips. Mother Wolf lay with her big gray nose dropped across her four tumbling, squealing cubs, and the moon shone into the mouth of the cave where they all lived. "Augrh!" said Father Wolf, "it is time to hunt again"; and he was going to spring downhill when a little shadow with a bushy tail crossed the threshold and whined: "Good luck go with you, O Chief of the Wolves; and good luck and strong white teeth go with the noble children, that they may never forget the hungry in this world."

Books.... see the other CUB thread....

Again, ""the work is done by whoever shows up". What I hear is the drum beat of the present age. Service clubs (Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary, etc. ) are seeing fewer young folk show up, see the NEED to show up. PTAs often see/hear the parents want the "best" for their kids, but that's for the teacher, the coach , the youth pastor to take care of. I think the souls active on this electronic typing practice page for the most part came from families , parents, that jumped in and saw the need to BE parents, to set an example of community activity for their kids. I still meet folks who knew me growing up, and who are/were the Lions, Kiwanis, that ran the annual fundraising festivals, dinners, movie nights,,,, Our hospital was built on ham and turkey and fried chicken dinners,, and the chicken didn't have far to walk to get to the dinner table. Our VFire dept was built by waffles and creamed chicken. Such things are mostly funded now by regular fees and tax money (the volunteers and pro-fire fighters have learned to respect each other, grudgingly). The Woman's Board for the hospital raised millions (with an M) of dollars with the annual Bazaar and Picnic. When the new hospital (which replaced the old one that had been thrown up thru community efforts with the 1918 flu epidemic) was opened, and the new Director announced proudly that they should be justly proud of their efforts and accomplishments, he was loudly lauded. When he suggested that the Woman's Board and it's picnic was therefor no longer needed, he was "resigned" within 6 months. The new new DIrector said he "liked fried chicken". The annual Hospital Bazaar is still a "big thing" around here, but the service clubs and such scratch for the folks to make it run. Tons of fried chicken and corn are still served up, but very little (if any) comes from close by and the cooks are all from the hospital kitchens. It is the children and grand children of the original folks that make it run and recruit the more to make it run. It doesn't seem "automatic" anymore. The Scouts and kids that help EXPECT Student Service Hours, it's not done because it's "fun" or done to be seen or meet your friends and feel good about being a help. It seems the few kids that learn to make change selling snow cones and sodas have come with the parents who came with THEIR parents, many years ago. I still look for my old friends, but when they come, their kids don't.

Usta be Summer camp: Camp Director , on wednesday, requires anyone who wants dessert (special peach pie ! and Ice cream !) MUST present themselves at dinner bell with at least wet hair, betoken of having taken a shower before. Name list on shower house porch is checked by a Counselor as the kids come out...… So at least, the camper came "close" to the water and soap.

I am sure the chart exists but I learned it by listening : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7w_ZqF2wpU and from Captain Gallant of the Foreign Legion. : Because of the limited range and at the Bugler's discretion, such can be played "businesslike" (get it over with, time to go home) or can be made as evocative and thoughtful as the player is capable of. Quick and dirty, or displaying the talent . Melancholy? Absolutely. Nothing wrong with that , appropriately so. I remind my "students" that Buglers are musicians too. AND,,,, they are learning a "foreign language", it communicates ideas, emotions. How conversant can one become in this "language"? Echo it thru the woods some time and listen . . .