SSScout

Yep, I remember that. Chaplain, "Relationships" pavilion. We had to deal/help with the accident/deaths/heat. We stood by the road, handing out water, and sprinkling the Scouts with a hose as they went by, and garnering complaints from folks who didn't want their CAMERAS to get wet.

What's that jazz number, it ain't the heat, it's the humidity? Birds come home to roost. BSA as we knew it is done. Thankfully. As has been said here and elsewhere, if the past BSA had only been honest and open about the problems, had only dealt with the problem makers instead of just slapping the wrists and letting them move on to other areas. If only.... BSA had confronted the bullies, the sexual offenders, the ones that didn't think the Scout Promise and Law applied to them and held them up to the Light , made them (unfortunately) visible. If only.... When was the last time you got a traffic ticket for something that happened a year ago? Five years ago? Twenty years ago? NOW we make it policy to report and DEAL with the offense NOW, not (maybe) later, if we have to... I took French in high school, failed miserably at it (German became my second language, later). Our French/Spanish teacher was a younger man, maybe mid twenties back then. Only about ten years ago, here's a newspaper article about a man who was arrested for umpteen sexual assaults, etc. , picture, name, IT"S MY FRENCH TEACHER FROM THIRTY PLUS YEARS AGO.... Did things happen back then? I don't know. But (to use Yoda language) caught up to him, he was. If only....

I am registered as an ASM in my home Troop, which has a sister Troop under the same CO. I am also a ADC, and MBc.... Yeah, I might bleed Khaki.... On the occasions when I am able to attend a Troop meeting, It is not unusual for the CCh (a wonderful dedicated woman of no mean personal aura) to come up to any random parent (or me) and say "we have some Boards of Review happening tonight for Hermiani and for George.... Could you sit in?" It is HARD to say no to this woman. And thus, we have a very active parent group. Limiting the BoR personnel officially can be both a good thing and an unfortunate thing. "Choose wisely...."

Yep. Been there, done some.... As a nerdy Scout, thick eyeglasses, skinny unathiletic frame, I was once "chosen" by another older Scout as someone to be his "stepping stone" to make himself be bigger. Looking back, I realize alot of this now, in an adult "official" (degree in psych, among other things) capacity. My dad prepared me earlier when it occurred in much earlier times. I guess, , maybe , it had happened to him, but he never said that much to me. So when "Jake" started pushing and shoving and saying some really stupid things, I could realize first off, since I had met his dad (who was also a bully type, brawny, cussing a blue streak, smelled of beer most times), I could realize how he came to be the kid he was. Sad but true. I told "jake" I felt sorry for him, and pushed (both verbally and physically) back. Eventually, I had to push back so hard "Jake" stopped with me because he wasn't getting the result he sought. I don't really know who was next on his list, but he stopped being a Scout soon after his time with me. Humanity's inhumanity to other humans can be hard to realize, but it is there. Has been there since recorded history. The Scouting movement is one means to get the lucky kids to realize how to avoid the mistakes of our collective past. The program mentioned in Juniata Council is a wonderful opportunity. It is the type of program that MIGHT have helped avoid the tribulation that occurred fifty years ago to bring the BSA to it's present state. Facing up to, accepting the truth of, and dealing with the damage, the hurt WHEN IT HAPPENS, when it is first recognized , not passed over and not just passed on to somebody else to deal with. Deal with it when it is brought up. Psychologically, emotionally, humanly, LEGALLY if necessary. Thank you Schiff for bringing this to us. See you on the trail.

Some of us can remember when the Scout who wanted to "show off" brought a non-allowed Kbar from his Marine dad's kit. Now it may be the iphone the Troop says "keep it home for this campout". One of my favorite stories: Scoutmaster (not me) is meeting with his newly elected/minted Senior Patrol Leader and his Patrol Leaders. Toward the next year, SM is suggesting places to go, reminding them of stuff they did previous year, was there anything NEW they might like to try? etc. etc. Crickets. The kids look at each other, waiting for somebody ELSE to speak first. Finally, the nascent SPL says, "you mean I can make that decision?" SM says '' DUHH ?!?"" They had an active, good year.

Oh, the memories.... Our Troop was an "outdoors" Troop. An overnight each month, maybe not in the winter, but yes we did... Patrols met at a Scout's house. Made stuff. Collected money for the next trip. Played ball. Patrols did NOT meet at the Troop meeting, except for Patrol competitions or special training. You wanted a Merit Badge? you PHONED Council and asked for the MBC list for that MB. I remember Aviation had three councilors , all of them in Virginia (We were in Maryland). This one necessitated a couple of phone conversations with a "strange" adult, and at least one trip by dad over the river to this man's house to display my models and talk to him. That's just one example. Others were equally necessitated by ME doing the calling and arranging. SM and dad would help, but not unless I asked. Not unless I asked, there is the operant word. Some MBs happened at summer camp, some were arranged when a couple of us got together and ASKED. I do not remember a regular thing of a "MB Class" at any Troop meeting. My home Troop nowadays does ONE special training for the First Aid MB, of late, a VFD Paramedic comes in and does it. Oh boy, do the Scouts pay attention to her/him. What 5th GenTex is describing is known around here as an EAGLE MILL. I note to Scout folks often that Eagle is an AWARD, not a GOAL. Ya gotta remind folks about that. I have seen Eagles that used the rank /award as a way of growing, became future Scout leaders and leaders of note elsewhere. They came back to visit. , I have seen some who finished the rank, essentially turned to their parents and said "There ! Are you happy now?" and we never see them in Scouting again. I have seen some who followed the lead of their friends and finished and knew they had really accomplished something , used that as a means to other things.... It is the philosophy of the Scoutmaster that sets the tone. The Committee needs to decide what type of Troop they want to be known as. My first SM was a sit around the campfire smoke his pipe and tell stories type. He trained the older Scouts in Scout craft, they taught us. Knife and axe, poison ivy, campfire cooking, compass, ,, yeah some I got from my mom and dad, but the rest I got from some other good men and women.....

Friend Fred: You think you'll get out of Scouting that easily, huh? Hey, maybe out of Scouting, but you'll find the Scouting won't get out of you so easily.... Bleed khaki? Scout cookies are a true addiction. As is Cub (overpriced) popcorn and Scout car washes and Scout BBQs when you drive past,,, and,,,, Those hiking boots will still be pretty comfortable..... See you on the trail. Even in "real life" : KiS MiF.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFwSzZQ4MVI

This is the key. It should never be "just good enough" I I think Yoda would make a good MBC....

Troop , camp, WB, IOLS bugler.... Bugling MBC. I have heard , okayed many a brass instrument. The embrouchure from trombone to bugle is easy. I did it. I am called to offer the BMB many times, sometimes some distance Away. I am no longer amazed at the attitude of some Scouts (or their parents?) about "doing" a MB. I once had two brothers arrive with two "cavalry" bugles (the small , one loop bugle) still in the plastic wrap. Had they even tried to make a noise with them? no. We played with these for an hour, I got them to make noise, explained and demonstrated with my horn. These were perhaps the wrong instrument for Bugling MB, but it is possible for the practiced lip, not apparent THIS time.... Eventually sent them off with all my contact info, they never called back.. Many times, Scouts will show up with a cornet or trumpet from the school band, but can't do the five or six notes on the Bugle scale. . How do they play in the band? Did they have any lessons? Chagrin abounds..... I sometimes think this is the result of the "Show Up And Pass " expectations.... AND THEN.... a Scout will show up, and they are the next Wynton Marsalis. Or , as with one Scout , and his attentive dad in the background, BY ZOOM (!!), that came to me four times, improving greatly each time, and I was proud to sign, scan, and email his card to him.... Keep on keeping on. What's that old joke about "How do you get to Carnegie Hall" ?

When B-P started "Scouting", it was (correct me here if I am wrong in my interpretation and memory) because the young soldiers he met in his army were rather weak and ignorant in things that related to their survival in the ranks. His first attempts were aimed at educating the young men in skills and ideas. The young men in the general society found these ideas attractive, and so began "Boy Scouting". B-P's good wife took the ideas and found traction in the female part of society and so Girl Guides began. Were there societal limitations, yes. Certain "types" of young men and women were not invited or made welcome. But the ideals were never defined so exclusionary. When this new movement was brought to America, the new Scout Promise and Law certainly had some hints (" ... morally straight...") but nothing absolutely defined or declared. Perhaps that was intentional, noting some room for future possibilities. Maybe.... I say the true morality (if there is such a thing) has always included treating PEOPLE with respect and equality. It is our personal definition of what PEOPLE are that is in contention. The survival of OUR PEOPLE. Who is that? Tribe? Society? Nation? Sect? Race? Culture? How is that to be accomplished? By sufficient procreation? War? Land zoning regulation? Yellow stars sewn on clothing? Billy clubs? Food rationing? Scouting became an outlet for many folks' way of defining "their" people. Exclusion rather than inclusion. Did the Scout Promise or Law help that? Depends on what they decided to pay attention to , and what parts to ignore. We are now trying to understand and correct those limitations. Let's see if we can expand who "our people" are.

We have forgotten that Eagle is an AWARD, not a goal. SCOUTING is the goal. The Scout Law and Scout Promise is the goal. Scout camp misses the point when it becomes an extension of the school year. MB schedules, worksheets, I left school and went camping for a reason... Scout camp? Get dirty, get clean again. Get out in the woods. Go fishing. I can remember my first MB was from camp. It was BASKETRY. I brought home a woven seat stool, which our family used for many years. I do not remember what happened to it, but it led to other MBs. ""Between every two pine trees there is a door leading to a new way of life."" = John Muir =

Oh, MBs ! Our DiY camp included them, too. I remember Nature, Astronomy and Camping and Pioneering. As an adult Scouter now, I can now come to realize and appreciate the effort that went into such an event. Scout Led, for sure, but the adults set up the OPPORTUNITY for that leading....

This memory certainly won't apply to most , but here goes. I had a unique Scout time, unique families, unique dads and moms, I guess.... As a new Tendefoot, I didn't know any better, but looking back.... Somebody's uncle/grandfather (who knows now) had some wooded property. We camped there regularly. It had a spring for good water that we capped with a big concrete pipe. Idea ! Let's have our own summer camp ! With the cooperation of a dad who worked for the phone company, we got several creosoted telephone poles, drug 'em in with a Jeep and tractor, cut them up, built a three sided Adirondack cabin into the hillside. This became the Quatermaster cabin. Cleared some areas on both side of the creek for Patrol Campsites. Dragged, carried in picknick table parts, built tables at the sites. Suitable trees and poles and tarps, we had dining areas. Stones out of the creek, campfire areas and grills for cooking. American Chestnut down and dead, best firewood in the world, burned with a blue flame. Other "ordinary" wood for "campfire " in the evenings. "Baker" style tents, standard, but each Scout bought their own. Dammed up the creek for a "swimming " (wading) hole. Scouting Skills taught and learned . Meals cooked over wood coals, some of us were better cooks than others, some of us washed dishes better than others.... We did summer camp there " 759 Camp Freedom" , for a week for several years of my Scout career, and I went off to other summer camps, for comparison, I guess. Each better or not so in some respects, but I do remember helping to build that camp. Came back to it many years later, the cabin had all but returned to the earth, the capped spring had been dug out (county ordinance, I guess. It had been bought and , at least in part, turned into a religious retreat center....

Sloooowly I turned.... step by step....

1) The BSA model requires a corporate sponsor of some kind: Church/mosque/synagogue, fire department, hardware store, PTA, private school, private tree company, I have seen many different COs. 2) BIG corporate sponsors (Bechtel, what was Philmont named from? ) give money, and do it to gain some "good points" (Karma? Is that a thing in the biz world?), publicity is always a good thing. John H. Smith Flag Pole.... naming can be done as appropriate. Smithsonian Institution comes to mind. 3) Sometimes it is "anonymous" that gives the money to build a camp dining hall, or a new fleet of sailboats. Sometimes it is just the woman who says, "no thanks , don't need a christmas wreath, but I love Scouts, here's $20. " 4) Sometimes it's the Eagle Scout who ages out, takes his "Scout Account" (which he never utilized) and buys the Troop a new Trailer, suitably decorated and down in the corner is the notation "donated by Eagle Scout Jackie Jones, 1998" 5) I do not agree with supplanting the usual Scout symbology with corporate logos. The New Troop Flag will note "TROOP 9999 (Scout fleur de lis) Johnson's Business" if that is appropriate. On the necker? no.... On the sign out front (""MEETS HERE"") works for me. On a T-Shirt? ummmm maybe , depending... On a ball cap? Troop number up front, corp logo on the back, perhaps....

""Check boxes like in school"... But life isn't about "check boxes". We teach history, math, geography, not just to check off boxes, but to TRY and make sure that our progeny don't have to learn the same stuff our GGgrandparents did , perhaps at risk/cost of their lives. Scouting is fairly simple by comparison. We have automobiles and airplanes, but still walk. Blisters can be avoided by .... Shelter is nice, so we set up fabric roofs, held by sticks and rope. Food is better if slightly burnt, so we make fires and cook.... If these things are not TAUGHT and LEARNT and USED, Scouting becomes less fun and more "oh gee dad, do I have to?" The games can , should be used to ensure the skills are there when needed. Ropes and knots especially can be fun and even "magical" . Teach the chain knot, demo the shortening loops, Show both the INSIDE Bowline (correct) and the OUTSIDE Bowline (works, but incorrect) and the LOSERS Bowline (looks right, fails miserably). Build Lookout Towers to teach basic engineering and lashing AND knots. Watch Master and Commander , and/or The Old Man And The Sea..... Scouting? Well, what is Scouting? Remember B P's response to the question: "...prepared for what?" " Why, for any old thing...".

Your SM is missing an important idea here if he/she is only concerned with "knowing knots". The Scout's attitude toward the ideals, the lore of Scouting, her/his expectations of Scouting is what should be the goal of the SMConference. I have known Leaders , not just in Scouting, who might "twiddle" with a piece of rope while they talk, gives one something to think about . Way before I was "just a twinkle in his wife's eye", My dad was a steel rigger. He had never been a Scout. When I became a Scout, I found ropes and knots to be alot of fun and very useful. My grandfather on my mom's side had joined the navy , but was under age at the time, so when he was found out, he was discharged. He saved, and I have in my "files" his joining and discharge papers. He had taken training on the USS Constitution (!! ) when it was still used as a regular training ship. Talk about rope work..... I thought this was infinitely cool. I inherited stuff, often my dad took old things in as payment for his landscaping work. From his workshop, I found/took in 200 feet of 7/8" manila rope and two double sheave blocks. "Block and Tackle"... I used that for lifting and moving things for many years before the rope finally gave out. Manila does not stretch appreciably compared to nylon/poly. I once set up a rig where by a bunch of Cub Scouts had fun out pulling all the adults in the Pack. Try buying that kind of gear at today's prices..... Use knots? Ropes? When I have the opportunity to train adult Scouters, and /or Cub Scout Day Camp, I delight in teaching the jargon and use of ropes. Running end, standing part, over loop, under loop, For practice and teaching purpose, I create a 5' length of 3/8" sash cord (cotton, poly doesn't behave well for knot practice), dip each end in polyethylene to prevent fraying, spray paint one half end a contrasting color (red, or blue?) for contrast when tying knots. These lengths I pass out to the Cubs/Leaders to keep. I sometimes see them hanging from beltloops at Scout functions . Expense? sure, but it is worth it for the resulting pride of accomplishment. Tents, canopies, clothes line, "monkey" bridges, tug o' war, circular tug o' peace, boating, back/horse/mule packing (diamond hitch), car/truck/trailer loading, your shoe laces,,,,, Bungee /elastic cords are fine, but a good Trucker's Hitch, Bowline winch down will always work for securing the load on your roof rack....

I would like to point out that anyone who NEEDS, could possibly benefit from, having CPR performed on their person, is PROBABLY NOT going to ask to see the possible performer's CPR Training Certitficate.....

IF ( I say "if") you can find a place/organization that will sponsor CPR/AED training by the above named organizations, do so. Arrange to collect and pay their fee, it will be worth it for the possibilities involved. Since I was a Scout, many moon ago, I have been taught and learned no fewer than 5 , maybe six, different techniques. From Back Pressure Arm Lift to mouth to mouth to CPR (do you know what that stands for?).... I have only been called upon to attempt it once. Another time..... Not a few years ago, my son (Eagle, now off on his adult own) raised rabbits in 4H. The 4H Rabbit Barn at the county fair was easily proven one of the most popular exhibits. Because of my allergies, I could not spend too much time in the barn, but I helped out by sitting at the entrance, in the (more or less) fresh air and welcomed folks, answered questions. One bright sunny day, I was so established, when a man came walking down the Fair Ave. , stopped in front of me, pointed at me and declared: "YOU'RE SSSCOUT ! " I replied, " yes , that's right" (I'm thinking, ,, who is this guy??) He says, "YOU SAVED MY LIFE ! !" I said, "I'm glad !" (? ?). He then explains that some years ago, he had attended a CPR/AED class that I had arranged at the church our Scout Troop was sponsored by. At that class, the instructor had talked about the possible signs of heart trouble, incipient heart attack, he had recognized some of those signs, and had gone to his doctor and 4 days after the CPR class had had quadruple bypass surgery. I stood up, we shook hands, he smiled, I invited him in to see the rabbits, and I still don't know his name. Nor do I need to. I think it's time to arrange another couple of classes....

The Patrols stand around the flag pole area and, in turn , give the cheer and (gesture) or whatever they have created. Woodbadge is the ultimate adult Scout training, and if done right, the participants "get into it" and have fun , along with having many "aha ! "" moments. Owl Patrol: Who, Who, Who wants to know??? Buffalo: KATANKAH ! (with horns).... etc.... The Patrols are , thru the training, given projects to accomplish and should (SHOULD ) present the project with the cheer, introducing their (THEIR) Patrol.

Patrol Yells.... Ask them what the Team Coach wants from the Team... Cohesiveness? Esprit de Corps? Sense of "BELONGING" ? Same for the Scout Patrol... Attend Woodbadge... Each Patrol has a name, and,,, guess what? At Opening, a Yell/Cheer is expected. The leadership roles may rotate, but hey, it is Scouting. The kids grow up and move on... That 12 year old will learn by watching the 14 year old who learns by watching what the now 18 year old did. Your own kid will learn by watching YOUR example. This is nothing new..... Harry Chapin recorded the result. Go Google " Cat's in the Cradle".... At my last District Camporee, I led a US Flag Event (fold it up, answer some trivia ), and gave EXTRA CREDIT POINTS if they started off with their Patrol Cheer or yell (previously noted!) , no surprise when many Patrols (not all ! ) came up and said "huh?" ... What else is there to lead to "Belonging to" a Scout Patrol? I always marvel at the reasoning when a Troop re-assigns a Scout from Patrol to Patrol, because of Age or Rank or Advancement, or.... The Scout needs to be in a Patrol, his/her gang, to have fun with, make memories with, succeed in games and tasks with. How do you do that when you are in a different Patrol each year? 60 years ago (!!), I had some adopted Big Brothers I learned from, cooked bacon with, got dirty with. I still remember them with fondness (for the most part!). Eagles screammmmm. All you adult leaders... Get together with your SPL and her/his PLC.... Set the expectation, make it fun for them....

Sort of like this ?

Sic Gloria Mundi... Scouts in chairs, "assume LOUNGE position", no neckers, shorts of every color, Scout Uni shirt buttoned crooked, untucked, might remember the Scout Promise, Conservation Pledge, Scout Law.... Flag ceremony? How many stars on the flag? True story from at least now sixteen years ago::: My son chose to join the Troop of my yooth. They still were very active, outdoorsy Troop, he did well, served in all the Leadership positions.... Made Eagle.... One night, early in his career, I stood in the back of the hall with the other parents and watched the opening ceremony. Scouts were attentive, uniformed well. Flags were marched in, pledges recited, flags posted. Something attracted my attention, and after the meeting, I went and checked the US flag. IT HAD FORTY EIGHT STARS>> This was the flag that had been in use when I WAS A SCOUT ! And I graduated from the Troop in 1966 ! I spoke to the Scoutmaster, we had a laugh about it. The flag was replaced with an up to date 50 star flag, there was some "education" and the 48 star one was subsequently retired appropriately at a later event. And yes, I realized that that wasn't corrected by the Troop when I was there either. ( You do the math). Last thursday's Troop Meeting (I am a Commisher), they let me make a small talk about this episode. None of the present Scouts knew my son, but knew me by reputation. NONE of them could say what the last two stars represented. Or when.... I encouraged them to find out.

Hat... Hat....... The grand mother and grandson are walking along the beach, enjoying the sun and surf. The child is running thru the sandy water. Suddenly , a bigger than average wave comes in, sweeps the boy off his feet and out to sea! The grandmother is also knocked off her feet. When she regains her feet, she realizes what has happened. She is terrified ! She looks up at the sky, raises her hands in supplication! She calls out "Please God ! He is so young ! Bring him back to me ! I beg you, return my grandson to me ! " Just as she covers her eyes in sadness, another wave rolls over the beach, throwing the young boy, sputtering , at the woman's feet. She quickly picks him up, hugs him tightly, kisses him up and down, looks up to the sky, and says...."He had a hat !"