SSScout

As with most things in the volunteer world, if there is a "someone" who takes a lead in it, it happens. Canoeing? Rock climbing? There is no "Scout Program" for it, unless somebody takes on the lead. Leatherworking MB is like that. Bugling MB is like that. "Gee, I wish somebody would...." The tools for Leatherworking are rather esoteric, Somebody wants to own them, take care of them, share the knowledge the skill the tools.... "We need a CPR class. Anybody know.... " Nice topic for RoundTable....

CSDC: Some pay, fun, admiration, doing what I love, helping young Cubs along the way, this will be here when I get back.... recognition by Cubs in the local Safeway, Other job: Experience, maturing, responsibility, better pay, helping others, learning new skills, Check with the new job, maybe they are "Scout Friendly" and would allow that time off to work the Scout Camp. Or part time? Too stressful? I once had a evening job at a hospital and did a parttime tutoring at a local Middle School. Good experience, well appreciated, gave me another reference. But, a LONG day....

The original idea sounds worthy, but maybe not in the lesson area, but in the SMMinute area? Such doesn't always have to be a off the cuff, verbal story type of thing. On review, there are many things in the SHB that would lend themselves to a reading. Something like knot practice, lashings, etc. review,,, but that might be in the "Patrol Corner" type time. For instruction/practice. Just don't make it sound like SCHOOL with (groan) HOMEWORK. Oh please, don't make it sound like HOMEWORK. Scouting will have individual study, how else to learn the skills, but don't make it sound like homework....

With the recent discussion about Totin' Chip and such, I have been reminded of the unfortunate fact of the catastrophic loss of our White Ash trees here in the east , due to the Emerald Ash Borer. I have had to oversee (and participate in ) the removal of more than 20 mature , large trees of late, both around my own house and our Meeting House Property . One counted 87 rings (!). With all that in mind, I offer for your edification, a guide sent to me some time ago (you may note the dated prices), on how one might "Heat Your Home With Wood For Free": How to Heat with Wood for Free! It is easy to heat your home for free with wood! I have done it for many years , and I have been asked by many to detail the economics of it. Here, then, is my accounting of heating with wood over the last few years! Wood is available for free from many sources. Neighbors may need a tree cut down. Road crews leave wood by the road for picking up. Untended lots need thinning. One just needs a little equipment. Build wood rack from scrap lumber : FREE! Install catalytic equipped wood stove, double wall stove pipe: $2,432. Purchase chainsaw, case, chain oil, hardhat, safety goggles, Kevlar chaps & vest, heavy gloves: (“on special”!) $544.95. Two gallon gas can and 2 gallons of gas: $9.48. Buy old second hand pickup from cousin: $850. Rebuild engine, new clutch, new tires, pass state inspection: $1,347.85. Pay fine for cutting wood without a permit on park land: $150. Replace rear window in pickup (threw log thru it): $87. Sharpen saw chain after hitting rock in tree crotch: $15. Buy 2 extra saw chains: $53.05. Repair neighbor’s roof edge after maple fell the wrong way: $327. Repair chainsaw after using regular gas in it (needs 2 stroke mix): $98.47. Buy two gallons gas and pint of 2 stroke oil: $9.48. Doctor visit after wood rack falls on foot: $20. Copay. Crutch rental: FREE (local service club) Clean rug and smoke damage when wife forgets to open damper: $180.28. Lawyer visit, recommendation of marriage counseling: $250. As you can see, it is easy to heat your house with wood for FREE! Of course , not everyone is as adept at wood cutting as some, so your experience will no doubt be different. Good Luck!

One of (if not the only) reasons for the idea of a "license" to operate the possibly dangerous equipment known as knife/axe/saw is to instill in the young Scout a pride of skill. The possibility of seeing a "tool" as a "toy" is always there , but Toys do not hurt people. If something can be injurious (physically or emotionally), then it is not a toy, no matter what the person says. Yes, it is true that "The only difference between a man and a boy is the price of their toys", but one's attitude toward that item also determines it's purpose. If a Scout has pride in his skill, if he/she sees the use of that tool (ax, knife) as a sign of his/her maturity , then such occasions as would necessitate the removal of the "License" would not occur. Even the older Scouts approbation would be a deterrent to the younger Scout's poor choice of action. Find a copy of :Superpower: The Making of a Steam Locomotive by David Weitzman. It extolls the old time skills and pride of completion our grandparents had in making things. We have lost much of this need in our modern world of googling and Amazon ordering of anything we desire, rather than making it for ourselves. Hold that Scout to his/her standard. Remind them of their heritage. Axes built our nation, after all. Even a tentpeg can be a thing of beauty , if the creator wants it so. I am still reminded of the new word my students taught me , as their Sub Teacher. Someone would bring up their assignment and ask, " Mr. SSScout? Is this GUDNUF?" Well, is it?

""All Scouting is Local"" I foresee the local Pack/Troop folks doing what they feel benefits THEIR kids. National GSUSA has alienated many in the field with the byzantine requirements about money, membership number limitations, no male leadership allowed , activities defined by Council only, I have heard many..... Joint Pinewood Derbies? Where is the harm in that? Joint GSUSA/BSA hikes? Camps? My BSA Troop did that back in the stone age (1960's). What's the harm? If we (BSA) stay true to the Promise and the Law, and remember the Golden Rule, I say we will be serving our youth and assuring our future. See you on the trail.

Popcorn AND cookies....

"The work is done by whoever shows up. Therefore, SHOW UP ! "

"It depends".... Everyone on the Patrol needs to help. Chores, duties get assigned and rotated so no one gets "picked on" . I might review the duty roster with PLSon, and note any problems. Weekend campout? Three meals? Four? Are any of them simpler, easier cleanup than the others? Did the Cooks "clean up as they cook" (as I learned to do when I worked as a sous chef thru college).? Nothing worse than a cook that PURPOSELY leaves stuff dirty.... Been known to happen. Did the duty roster reflect a balance? Clean dinner (hard? but important) then water duty (easy, but also important), etc. No one does dishes thru the whole campout, right? And the Patrol cook gear has to go home clean, yes? EveryScout in the Patrol understands that , yes? In the successful Patrols/Troops of my acquaintance, the gear closet, or Troop Trailer or (your garage?) never smells like month old bacon fat, true? Clean cook and eating gear means healthy Scouts ! We always thought the Sunday breakfast cleanup was the most important thereby. Speak to the CM? Maybe not. Scoutson needs to be able to explain and "Courteously" defend the duty roster assignments, if necessary, in another's presence (Two Deep?) . If CMScoutson is not used to "work", he will come to realize his place in the Patrol "pecking order" will depend on his ability to "do my duty" , willingly, with the knowledge that EVERYBODY ELSE in the Patrol is doing the same, when it comes their turn. Maybe the SM should talk to the CMparent, take him aside and put him in the know of how a Scout Patrol works... And too, it is important that the PL show his leadership by being "Helpful" and "Friendly" by making sure he has his turn a "duty", yes? I tell Scouts that there are THREE SKILLS they should learn, with which they can always put a roof over their head and food on their table: The first is COOKING, even if you are only in a "burger joint", someone will always be wiling to pay you to cook. Put me thru college (among other things). The second is CLEANING. If you can sweep, wash, clean there will always be someone who will pay you to clean their rooms, kitchen, pet, car, truck, dishes. The third is DRIVING. with a valid, clean license, there is always a car, taxi, bus, truck out there (self drivers not withstanding) waiting for your pilotage. WHICH ONES DO SCOUTING TEACH ? Which ones can you gain practice in while having fun on the Appalachian Trail? Bearess, let your Scoutson find his own level, but be there for him... Remember, our children will be the ones who pick out our Assisted Living Facility... See you on the trail.

Hazing I say again, if safe behavior is in question, if poor choice of behavior is observed, the PL, or SPL, or APL, or the adult nearby needs to step in, CAREFULLY remove the tool involved, and take the Scout aside , and "Courteously" explain what is wrong. If deemed necessary, indeed ask for his/her Totin' Chip or Whitlin' Chit card. Any policeman observing really unsafe driving will remove the license from the driver. How is the Scout world different? Those cards are the Scout's "License" to use the tool, yes? If you lose your driver license from poor choice of behavior , how do you regain it? By following the law, and perhaps taking some "Safe Driver" training. Can it not be the same thing here? Probation? That is the means to prove, by good subsequent behavior, that one is worthy of the trust involved with "owning" a license. Can this not be the same with the Chips? Hazing is wrong and counterproductive. Public humiliation does not teach good behavior, it only creates anger and resentment . What behavior would you favor the Scout copy? Semi-bullying ? Or asking him/her to live UP to your standards?

It is not "Hazing" if done properly and if the result is expected. Every government agency, every company or organization big enough to be concerned about public performance or safety and accidents has standards of behavior, and consequences for not following those standards. Cause an accident? Neglect a responsibility? Reprimand in file, day(s) off work , forfeited annual leave,,,, Every state requires standards of behavior to drive a car, a truck, own a gun, practice medicine. Fail to follow those standards, lose something.... Throw a knife? Drop an axe? Threaten another human with a sharp tool? Lose a privilege. In the Adult World, it is called "Progressive Discipline". It is not hazing. BUT>>> Requiring a Scout to sing, IN PUBLIC, to HUMILIATE himself IN PUBLIC to regain his/her property, that is hazing.... PRAISE in public, DISCIPLINE, COUNSEL, ADVISE in private..... Scouts will emulate, copy, expect what they see their adult leaders do. They will copy, emulate, try to outdo, pass on ("well, he did it to me....") what they see, hear, from their SPL, ASPL, PL.... SO, DO AS I SAY< NOT AS I DO ? I don't think so.

Throw another IC chip on the virtual campfire...

Almost any responsible "legal entity" (ask the BSA Council to define that) can charter a Scout Unit. It is like a franchise. In fact, it IS a franchise. I know of a family owned hardware store that charters a Cub Pack. Up to few years ago, a military post could charter a Scout Unit, but because of Fed concerns about the BSA's membership requirements, that was stopped. If the PTO has scruples against being a Scout sponsor, go and find another sponsor. It is annoying and takes some doing, but there are lots of Scout friendly folks out there. And , think about it, you already have the Unit! Scouts and Leaders, fait accompli ! They just need to have the DE come round with the paperwork !

The PTO you describe is something I have never heard of. The School District sponsors the PTO? That means the School District is sponsoring the Scout Units ! The way I heard it, that can't be because of BSA's requirements, being a "private" organization. BSA Council needs to consider what it wants: A Scout Unit or consistency in it's recruitment. Of course, perhaps the new membership non-requirements (gender neutral, sexual orientation neutral) may allow such sponsorship, Wonderful, more opportunities for kids to be Scouts. Otherwise, check with your Scout Unit Parents, find a Lions Club or Kiwanis Club or Church or Temple or Volunteer Fire Brigade or American Legion to sponsor your Unit, all to the better. It will work our, keep on the trail.

No longer SM? Hey, you with the wealth of experience.... volunteer for IOLS instructor. Become a Unit Commissioner (for a different Unit! ). Ask the District Commish if there's a new Unit around that needs some finger pointing or head nodding. I think the idea " stick a fork in me, I'm done" is waaay off in the future. Smile and wave as you go by....

""Cardboard ""??

Owing to another thread (you pick it out) leading me to remember other camping trips of long ago (ahhh, the smell of roast loin of saber tooth . . .), I am led to ask: What items/stuff/things of note have you seen kids bring on Camping Trips, Hikes, Outings that on "adult" consideration, made you smile and shake your head? I will offer the seven day canoe trip down the Shenandoah where the teen girl brought a 8 Dcell boom box and a electric hair drier....

""I always try to tell the truth. That way, I have less to remember."" = Mark Twain =

NaClface: It is as it was told to me. I take that verse as referring to the 84 knots and MAYBE they can tell you what THAT one is....

"" If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy."" = Red Green =

I would ask that any "Quote" be attributed, even if it is yourself. "The true meaning of life is the planting of trees under whose shade one does not expect to sit." = Nelson Henderson = In my collating/writing/editing/publishing/emailing of our District eNews, I always lead with a pithy saying, either serious or not so, but thought provoking. Yogi Berra and Mark Twain and BP are some of my favorite sources.

As in many things Scouty, "It depends". In order to take IOLS around here, you must be a "registered Scouter" (an adult Scouter with a membership number), and pay your fee. Any willing registered Scout adult should be allowed. We make it clear to ALWAYS use the same name in all Scout registrations, ( only John J. Smith, not Johnny Smith, or Jay Smith, or Smitty Smith or ...) as this will help eliminate the complications of inadvertent multiple registrations, which have been known to occur. The Membership number is supposed to be "National", but the registration is to the "Council", as it was explained to me. Also , ask about receiving credit for " , Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO), Outdoor Webelos Leader Skills (OWLS) and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS ) concurrently, as some Councils will do. Saves having to take it a second time.

In today's 'merican society, kids are NOT encouraged to be responsible, to plan and DO things. Note what happened in Florida at that unfortunate High School, when the kids "took charge " of their dissatisfaction. Were the adults SURPRISED?? In my days as a Sub teacher, very few of my classes were eager to "take charge" of their lessons. 99% waited for instructions, for permission , for clues as to what teacher wanted them to do. Are your Scouts different? One of my favorite Scout memories involves a PLC that I sat in on. The SM was suggesting things, reminding about the calendar for the coming year, and the nascent 14 year old SPL and his (his!) PLs sat there, waiting. Waiting. The SM kept on asking open questions. The SPL eventually said "you mean, I can make that decision?" SM said DUUHHH !! and smiled. PLC went on and planned some good activities. Harry Truman was once asked what a parent should do to help their children be successful. He reportedly replied, find out what they like to do, and if it is not too dangerous, encourage them to do it. What else can Scouters do, except offer Scouts stuff to do, so they can find something they can enjoy?

Nothing wrong with resurrecting (hey, we just passed Easter !) an old thread.... The topic is one that keeps bubbling to the top of the stew pot. Again, we have the same ideas/problems/questions. Why have a Round Table Meeting? To what purpose? How to get folks interested in WANTING to attend? The nascent restauranteur is taught that it isn't hard to get the customer to come ONCE. The challenge is to get him/her to want to come the fourth and fifth time ! THAT's when you knw you re doing something right. "The beatings will continue until morale improves " is not only a joke, but a lesson to be learned. Not everyone has the temperament/experience/training/spirit to be a trainer or MC, if you will. You may proceed with the resurrecting....

Wasn't sure where to share this. Open Discussion it is. Useful as a skit, or an intro for an award night? Apologies to Dos Equis,,,, The Most Interesting Scouter He named his daughters “Powell “ and “Baden”…. When he went to Philmont, he gave the Tooth of Time a root canal…. His Scout Law has 14 points…. He is… The Most Interesting Scouter….. “I do not always go camping, but when I do, I go to ((insert camp name))” . “Stay Scouty, my friend”. He has a whole Totin, not merely a Chip. His “Good” Turn is really “Better”, and usually “Best”. Do not ask about his … “Bug Juice”. There are never any flies on his table. You will never know if he “Left No Trace”. The Big Dipper points to HIM. His “Bear Bag” really holds one. He went to “WOOD Badge”, not “WON’T Badge”. He once hiked the whole of the AT, because he had a cancelation in his schedule. He is…… The Most Interesting Scouter. “I do not always go camping, but when I do, I go to ((insert camp name here))”. “Stay Scouty, my friend”. When he pitches his tent, it is a “no hitter” . Someone once asked him what that “Square Knot” on his uniform was, and he told them. He has never said, ”follow me boys”, but they do, anyway. When he was a Webelos, he made his arrow ONLY out of light. At summer camp, he receives letters from YOUR family. When he starts a fire, he doesn’t need tinder or anything else. His fire wood knows what to do. Bears stay downwind of HIM. Mosquitoes do not bite him out of fear and respect. If you can see him, you are in his “blood circle”. At the evening campfire, no matter where he sits, the smoke curls AROUND him, and follows somebody else. When he holds up HIS Scout Sign, crickets become silent. His local restaurant put “Aluminum Foil Dinner” on their menu, just for him.