SSScout

Welcome back E. Your musings were missed. So far, I like to think all the kids I've met thru Scouts , and indirectly , thru the adult leaders I've helped train and encourage, are sort of my G-kids. I still like it when some strapping young man looks out over that store counter or bank teller window and says "Hello, Mr. L...." and then I have to adjust my memory to see that Tenderfoot in that bearded visage....

Most of the Scout world is Gender Neutral. Most of the modern world is gender neutral. When I was on the Camino de Santiago, I was gently surprised by how much was gender neutral. Banos/servicios in public areas (restaurants?) were very often not labeled by gender. The facilities in the albergues might be labeled, if they were "BIG " multiple use showers and toilets, but often they were individual use types. Bunk rooms were more often than not not separated by gender (!). In the morning, all you see are multi colored caterpillar-like sleeping bags. About the only example of gender separate facilities was the gymnasia municipale we stayed in , which was a "albergue especiale" because the regular hostels were full (a not unusual at all situation). Most on the Camino were/are adults, and the respect for one's privacy was impressive. It was seen as a need and was done. If there was a young couple traveling together, well, they were urged to find other accommodations.

Not everyone understands the real dynamic: That there are young females that want more adventure and less tea parties and crafty stuff... Are we "poaching" on "their" turf ? https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dont-fall-for-it-girl-scouts-the-boys-only-want-you-to-save-their-own-hides/2017/08/24/d28c12b0-88d0-11e7-a50f-e0d4e6ec070a_story.html?utm_term=.f7870a7de6f9

Herr Oberst Flagg: entschuldigung, Ya, Puten, nicht Puter.

"The work is done by whoever shows up." With the paucity of folks dedicated to the "old style" of Scouting, such amalgamations are/is inevitable. By "old Style" (another discussion?) I seem to be meaning hands on, face to face, get dirty in the woods, camp out , learn "the way of the elders" ALONG WITH email, tweets, Power Point (death by), etc. If the new PTB think that no one wants to do the "old style" stuff (no one shows up at District training sessions? or they can't find anyone who will teach "Sharp Wood Tools" at IOLS , "they" will start to dom things "the modern way". Virtual Wii Scouting? Frinstance, I just met with a Scout dad (ex-Marine) who went to the Council office to pick up some official stuff and he comes back to report the Scoutshop no longer sells BSA hatchets. Pocket knives, yes. No big blades.

All good ideas. I would note the following (from personal experience at the Pack Meeting, CSDC and as a Sub Teacher, who has to jump in with two feet , so to speak) : The kids act like this for many reasons. Follow the leader, Get the Adult's goat, Make everyone look at me. I need to be entertained because I never learned how to entertain myself (these kids can't sit still 2 minutes, right? ) I can do whatever I want because nothing bad or good (!!) will happen. And if something does happen (good or bad, doesn't matter) , hey, it's attention to me ! What each of these reasons stem from is that the Parents are letting go early in the kids life. The kid (Cub, now, in your keeping?) hasn't had the parental attention they needed early on, to model/teach/reward good , social behavior or to rein in destructive behavior. SO: Take the main trouble leader aside and give him some "special" responsibility, and then PRAISE him/her (!) when they succeed. Help them succeed. If necessary, YELL, (""HEY"") but then bring your voice down to a near whisper so they have to pay attention to hear what nonsense( to them) you might come up with. It's a Patrol/Den , right? Look to their need to be in a "Gang". Take'm on hikes (with parent escorts !) , to the zoo, to the movies, and give them some "good gang" experiences. Give them the Patrol/Den pride of accomplishment, let the others see the need to rein in their buddy ( "hey , Nathan, quit being a jerk. Sit down for awhile.") . If you have to take each of them aside , in turn, to have that discussion, do that. Most importantly, remind them of the Scout Promise and Law. Sit down and discuss (that means listen to them, too) why the SP and SL are important. Are they good things to follow? Why not? AND, finally, set some rules with consequences (reward and punishment) and be consistent in their enforcement. NEVER set a punishment you are not willing to follow thru with and NEVER set a reward you cannot give when appropriate. Remember, these kids have an innate sense of what's fair, and they will call you on anything that is not consistent or appropriate. Oh, did I forget to mention the parents? Certainly include them. Make sure they know when Little Prince is not living up to the Scout Promise and Law, but ALSO let them know (in the Cubs hearing !) how proud you are of Magrid's help last night. Thank you for your service to our future, and.... see you on the trail. Thank you for your

Ask the SM to consider the Scout Promise. What is the first promise a Scout makes? His duty to God comes first, his duty to others is second and his duty to himself is last. If the Scout had a true emergency to meet (health, death, fire, you name it), would the SM really insist the Scout lead the Scout event? Every adult I know is asked to make choices. Things "come up". It's not a choice between his Scout Troop and a video game tourney. Ask your Scout . He knows what you want of him. He knows what the Troop expects of him. He knows what the SM is guilt tripping him about. In order to assure the event comes off successfully, he has organized and trained his ASPL (what a blessing to have such a friend, from your description !) , personally, I think he is being very responsible. . It may mean as Schiff suggests. The PLC may have to come to agreement to support their SPL . Teens at very aware of "fairness" and their stand might be the way to allow the SM to make the right decision. .

Never deny the Scout responsibility. Give him a job, help him define how to fulfill it, and STAND BACK. The biggest problem I find with today's kids is a lack of imagination. They WAIT for someone to tell them what to do. If you find a Scout who is bored and never seems to take any enthusiasm in the Troop/Patrol's events, give him something to do. Make him the Axe Yard Master. Introduce him to a Cub Pack/Den that needs a Den Chief. Ask him to plan a hike in his favorite park. He says he doesn't have one? Help him find the maps on Google. Or hand him the brochure!. Bugler takes a musician, but any school band member can handle it. Ever hear "Call to the Colors on a Saxophone ? It can be very nice. Maybe not a drummer, but hey, the British Navy "Beat to Quarters" before Bugles were common. Instructor... Nature, Totin' Chip, knots and rope, any boy would LOVE to be considered an expert. Encourage that sort of thing with contests and Patrol Competition. Make the acquaintance of the District Training CHair, see if he can recommend a Scouter well versed in any subject of interest. Librarian/ Historian? These can be a pencil whip PoR, or the Scout can show some creativity. Pictures? PowerPoint? Video show? Merit Badge Book collection promotion? It will be what they make it, or what the SM expects. What DOES the SM expect?

On my scroll thru, did I just see the mention of a "virtual uniform"? Press a button and poof, no uniform? Wouldn't that border on , umm , modesty requirements?

Bridget: Where are you when we need you? Like has been said (by me) in another thread, (can't get the italics off) , this one item is somehow indicative of the current brouhaha: 1) No one is required to join either organization. Choose the program that suits your kids' interests and your desires. 2) The present GSUSA and BSA have very different programs and philosophies. Units in GSUSA are owned by the local GS Council. All money and unit gear is owned by the Council and parceled out to the unit. Sell cookies? Council gets money. BSA units are owned by a local organization: a church, synagogue, fire dept. PTA, even a hardware store. Sell popcorn? Unit gets 1/3, Council 1/3, Popcorn 1/3. Unit can do what it wants with it's gear and money. 3) BSA: Leaders are recruited, trained, encouraged to get out and do stuff, especially let the BOYS plan and do stuff. There is a definite program of advancement and adventure. GS: If a woman wants to have a GSTroop, she can. If she wants tea parties, or fashionistas, that is what the GSTroop does. If she wants to hike /camp, she does. (she does?) BSA: many female leaders. GSUSA: Males are refused. 4) Membership: I once asked a GS Brownie leader to join us in a Cub recruiting event , she replied : “oh no, we don't want any more girls, we have enough." (?!?!?!) If the GSleader wants no more girls in her clique, she need not admit them. BSA: You better have a real good reason not to admit a boy to your Troop (Charter org only wants certain religion, for instance). 5) When the GSTroop members graduate, that's usually the end of that Troop. No continuity. My home BSTroop just celebrated 65 years. There are Troops 100 years old. 6) Echoing a previous comment, when a GS leader wants to operate her Troop ala BSA , she is often chastised and denied GS support. Smaller Patrols making up the larger Troop?? Older girls mentoring younger? Every girl having a chance to lead? Doesn't seem to fit the GSUSA model some how. 7) See number one again. See you on the trail.

This is a sad day for both organizations. The one doesn't realize it has lost it's original focus and the other has just begun to realize what it's focus could be but isn't.... 1) No one is required to join either organization. Choose the program that suits your kids' interests and your desires. 2) The present GSUSA and BSA have very different programs and philosophies. Units in GSUSA are owned by the local GS Council. All money and unit gear is owned by the Council and parceled out to the unit. Sell cookies? Council gets money. BSA units are owned by a local organization: a church, synagogue, fire dept. PTA, even a hardware store. Sell popcorn? Unit gets 1/3, Council 1/3, Popcorn 1/3. Unit can do what it wants with it's gear and money. 3) BSA: Leaders are recruited, trained, encouraged to get out and do stuff, especially let the BOYS plan and do stuff. There is a definite program of advancement and adventure. GS: If a woman wants to have a GSTroop, she can. If she wants tea parties, or fashionistas, that is what the GSTroop does. If she wants to hike /camp, she does. (she does?) BSA: many female leaders. GSUSA: Males are refused. 4) Membership: I once asked a GS Brownie leader to join us in a Cub recruiting event , she replied: "oh no, we don't want any more girls, we have enough." (?!?!?!) If the GSleader wants no more girls in her clique, she need not admit them. BSA: You better have a real good reason not to admit a boy to your Troop (Charter org only wants certain religion, for instance). 5) When the GSTroop members graduate, that's usually the end of that Troop. No continuity. My home BSTroop just celebrated 65 years. There are Troops 100 years old. 6) Echoing a previous comment, when a GS leader wants to operate her Troop ala BSA , she is often chastised and denied GS support. Smaller Patrols making up the larger Troop?? Older girls mentoring younger? Every girl having a chance to lead? Doesn't seem to fit the GSUSA model some how. 7) See number one again. See you on the trail.

Many (not all) of today's kids have things done TO them and FOR them. Cub Scouts? Well, we expect that. AKELA (is that term obsolete?) plans and provides. But today's society provides almost everything. Even school is planned to a fair thee well for the middle schoolers. Danger lurks around every corner, so everything must be planned and permitted for the kid. The parents help with this, because it is easier for SOMEONE ELSE to take care of, educate, provide leadership for , their kids. Values? Responsibilities? Boy Scout leaders encourage the Scout to take responsibility for their own expeditions, but what can they plan? Without experience to draw on , they wait for the Scout Leader to provide "THE PLAN". I once provided the PLC of my home troop with a package of maps, booklets, agendas, campsites for a series of hikes and campouts on the C&O Canal. They looked at this package as if it was an invitation to go to Mars on roller skates. These 13 and 14 year olds could not get around the idea of planning such an exercise , not even with adult help. It seems they all depended on their parents to keep track of their "calendars" . I am still waiting for any sign of excitement. It takes ONE Scout, hopefully the SPL, to pick up the reins and say "Let's do this". Some years ago, Wife and I were very proud of our 12 year old son when he came to us and announced that he had "done his laundry " himself. I smiled at my wife and asked Scoutson, "how much soap did you use?" Scoutson said, "soap?" He is now a strapping young man of 23 and doing quite well for himself. Example, instruction, intervention, oversight, ideals, all the Scouter can provide. Whip and chair optional.....

Yeoh !

Either ! BOTH ! Any...

I am going to try. And make a point to visit the wurl famus MYSTERY SPOT, jes' down the road a piece..... http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/10971

Candles. Darkness. Solemnity. Then celebration. Have someone important to the Troop or the Scout (not necessarily a "famous" person....) read a speech about his history, the history of Scouting, the Eagle... and give the Eagle Charge. Make sure the speaker is up to the task and doesn't just read something from the internet. The COH is the Scout's and his family's party, planned and executed with the help of the Troop. Some traditional stuff, some ceremonial stuff, some "special" stuff. SM , mom and dad, the nascent Eagle's Scout buddies should be included. And then the Barbecue and cake.....

Sad but true.

Treasury? Have a final picnic/campout. Use the funds "for the boys". The remainder goes to the Charter Org. Equipment? Ask the IH and COR if they really want the tents, cook kits, etc. If not, get their OK to parcel them out to the new Troops. Seems right to me. Who would buy them , after all? Craigs List? eBay? You could do that , I suppose. Anything else? When the boys are happily transferred to the other Troops, take the Troop flag, sign it, and present it to the final Scoutmaster or IH as a thank you for their service. Depart with memories, not remorse. It was a good run, yes? Any wall decorations, plaques, does the CO want them as remembrance? Probably not. Pack them away, give them to whomever wants to keep them. DE? No... Commissioner? As was mentioned, no... Sad day, but try to remember the good times. See you on the trail....

It was not "German Chicken salad" per se, but the recipe included mayonnaise, celery, salt and pepper and... turkey. The menu stated "Chicken salad". In my tenure, no one ever asked about that. Das war nicht ein huhner, aber eine puter.

You Fired !!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZAt6NJWfWk

During college, I studied German, so I got a job as an assistant cook in a German restaurant. Very fun job. The owner/chef taught me her recipes. Her chicken salad was a favorite. It was made with turkey.....

Way to resuscitate a thread. Good topic, tho. "It's for the kids". Absolutely. "One of my most memorable (insert activity here) was with (insert Scout name here)." Absolutely. That's why we do what we do, some of our threads not withstanding. And so I have experience. One of the things WB is supposed to teach is the idea of "leaving a legacy". Look to my previous post , the "leaving a wake " nautical metaphor. Yes, I can have a salutatory affect on some boys, that's what I remember from my days as a Scout, the men (and women)(Dad and Mom, too) that set examples, gave me standards, applauded my successes and helped me correct my mistakes. That is one of the things I seek to do in my time as an Adult Scouter. But what about that legacy thing? How far can I spread that? I do a lot of Adult Training. I help with the Cub Leader Specific, IOLS, and Round Table., among some others. I get thank yous, and see the "aha" moments. I see I am doing something right. Maybe, just maybe, some of me goes into the Scouting that the WBer gets from me , from the IOLS course I help with. "Oh, so THAT'S how you do/respond to/manage that", and that little part of me is passed on to a Scout waaaaay over there, not only just here in the neighborhood. Look at the conversations we have here. How many of them are about successes? How many about events and incidents that should not need to be discussed here "if only" the folks involved had been "TRAINED" in the Scout Way... ? Are all WB/IOLS/CSLS/NAYLE courses the same ? Well, theoretically, yes. They all utilize the same curriculum, but "the work is done by whoever shows up". Some courses and training turn out to be superior to others. "Hey, you gotta sign up for Xxx Y's course! He's great !" All Scouting is local, despite what Irving may say, after all. "If I am doing something right, tell my boss. If I am doing something wrong, please tell me." See you on the trail.

Here is an idea I have used. Go to the local Scoutshop. Look in the leather working kit section, and you will find a leather fleur des lis (Scout symbol). Turn it up side down and squint your eyes alittle, see if you can't make out a short canoe against a paddle, if you cut off the upper (lower?) hooks. Cut off the hooks, punch a hanger hole in the "handle" of the "paddle", outline the canoe and write on the date and such NEATLY with a black ball point. Voila ! A custom canoe trip award....

""The Many Problems With Trump's Boy Scouts Speech " by Ted Genoway, Eagle ""I’m an Eagle Scout. But I’m glad my son wasn’t at President Trump’s Boy Scout speech."" https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/posteverything/wp/2017/07/25/im-an-eagle-scout-but-im-glad-my-son-wasnt-at-trumps-boy-scout-speech/?utm_term=.bbc8f91e7cd8

"Stuff happens". Scoutson staffed at the 2010 Jamboree. We drove him down and helped him schlep his trunk etc. to his staff camp, and met his roomies. shook hands/hugged him goodbye and left. When we picked him up twelve days later, he was tan and fit and had stories to tell. One of them involved the number of staffers that were kicked out on the second or third day for marijuana use. He also said he was glad I suggested a padlock on his trunk, as others reported stuff missing.... Sad.