SSScout

I was fortunate to have a dad who had been a timber cruiser in his younger days, and a mom who was all in favor of having me "assist" in the kitchen when I was old enough. Sunday mornings were my dad's time. He made the pancakes, bacon, scrambled the eggs. Mom was a roast beef, chicken, baked potatoe and salad person. I went off to summer camp (non Scout) once with my number one cousin, and was astounded at his lack of eating variety. He darn near starved to death those weeks,,,, My Troop was an outdoor Troop first and last. We were fortunate to have some families with wooded property we could camp on and have real wood fires. This is becoming rare, for sure, in our urbanized society. Camp stoves are de rigeur, for sure. I like the idea of Patrol Cooking in someone's home first.... Even a good stew will do... Try this Layer Cake Stew::: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/vh0htp2pyfrc36pnguzhz/FoodLayerCakeStew.docx?dl=0&rlkey=9e1790xu8mduexslqaiykv84t

I finally looked at this thread. The symptoms mentioned are visible in other organizations. Lions clubs, Red Cross, Rotary, etc. I have had conversations with friends about such organizations. Many are reporting lack of interest, lack of membership. Older members age out (die !) and for some reason, younger folk do not find the social milieu , or something, attractive to them. Oh, there are other groups forming, picking up, but the older, traditional groups seem to be faltering in some areas.

What they said..... youtube button factory skit

Bugling.... A good Bugle can be a hundred, or so. And then, if the Scout is already a brass musician, a good trumpet or trombone can run a thousand or more.... Farm Mechanics? John Deere combine? An antique Ford 8N ? Naw,,, Farm Mechanics can be applied to the family riding mower.... Both can lead to lucrative careers....

Hey ! What about this couple hundred hectares over here... It doesn't get used very often by ANYBODY, only during 3 or 4 months each year... I bet we could find a condo builder, give us a good price....

"Nobody expects the Spanish INQUISITION."

Well, what are you trying to do? If the originators of Scouting saw it as a Christian thing, and B-P (and others) sought to keep a spiritual component, but not a specific religion/faith, and you seem to want to allow (?) atheists and agnostics to still "do my best", without acknowledging that spiritual component (or am I misreading your purpose here), as I said: "I am not sure what he (B-P) would make of the new movement to make Scouting un-religious. The Scout should not be "required" to acknowledge that component? Should she/he have to? If others do not want to acknowledge any such component, would that mean the other others would not have to acknowledge their belief in that component? I am HERE not merely because of some biological result. There is more to my life (and yours!) than that.....

Golly gee, AES, I am not at all sure what's been decided here. Way back when, B-P had to make clear to the Church of England that the new Scout Movement was NOT going to be a prosyletizing part of the Church, altho in his writings he made clear he thought there had to be a Spiritual component in Scouting. He was open to any faith, just not only the CoE. I am not sure what he would make of the new movement to make Scouting un-religious. Yes, there are some who would like that BSA be, as you say, a "Christian/theist organization", but that train has already left the station, as they say. I have worked with two Synagogue sponsored Troops, They are an example of something the opposite of the way the United Methodist Church has reacted to BSA's recent troubles. The UMC has to large extent disavowed themselves from the BSA, as has many Catholic Churches. We have one really big Muslim Mosque here in the Wash DC area that sponsors two Troops, a Cub Pack and at least two GSUSA Troops. We have at least one Buddhist Temple in our area that sponsors a Viet Namese predominant Troop and Cub Pack. They regularly participate in a national Viet Namese Scout Jamboree (!). The Mormons have backed away from the BSA as being not religious enough (like them) for them. There are evangelical churches that have created Scout-like clubs for their young people. Look up "Royal Rangers". Then too, I am not sure what Jesus would think about some of the folks that claim his teachings as their own, either. Go watch "Sister Act " sometime. Via con dios, mi amigo....

I need all the help I can get. If someone wishes to invoke the blessing or help from their version of God (or lack thereof) , no problem. A gift is a gift. I accept it in the spirit presented. I have been present when God, Christ, Jehovah, Buddha, Vishnu, the Great Spaghetti Monster and "none of the above " (really!) have been asked to positively affect the outcome of an event, and found myself only slightly shagrinned when I had to think about who or what was being mentioned. I know where from I have been helped. I can only witness to my own experience. I can only react to what training , education and experience I have been thru. Bible (pick a translation), Torah, Book of Mormon, read whatever and pick and choose what to follow. I have been present, holding my dad's hand when he died, and felt "something" leave the room. I have been present, in worship and knew when something joined us in the room. If I succeed at something, it hasn't been only me. Past events, prior family, friends and.... what? ... have led me to that success. I need all the help I can get.

Okay, let's get specific then. I will start with Lutherans, only because one of my favorite people is Garrison Keillor and he ALWAYS starts with Lutherans.... https://garrisonkeillor.substack.com/p/thanks-to-lutherans-i-skipped-ballet?

Well bless yer little Scouty heart. Nay, laddy, such as this always deserved it's own "Faith and Religion" (and ethics? shudder) forum. Oh, let's get back to Epicurus....

I apologize if I didn't make that clear.... A Scout's own, to my mind is just that. It is not led by ordained ministry. It should be done ""By The Scouts". This is not to say particular faiths can't do what they do. But it should be labeled such: Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, etc. Ain't the web wunnerful? http://usscouts.org/chaplain/scoutsown.asp Dropbox "Scouts Own " IOLS discussion and example... Please copy and use as you see fit..... https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wszubc4hnh2i9bj/ScoutsOwnDutytoGod.docx?dl=0&rlkey=a70403zksewfp1m8o1dscu0nv

WELLLLL, Old compooter died, new compooter finally up and humming. Had to sign in "new". AES: Some folks are just that way. Please find the grace to forgive them, and learn from whatever lesson they teach. Maybe it applies, maybe it doesn't in your case. So be it. Did you hear about the agnostic, dyslexic, insomniac ? Poor fellow lay awake all night wondering if there is a dog..... Bada bum bum.... As our District's resident Chaplain , I discuss (I try to not say "teach") "Reverent" at our IOLS sessions. It is sometimes hard to get thru to some folks. Is there room in the Scout tent for all faiths? Or lack of them? I like to think so. The Bible starts from a vengeful, violent god to a forgiving, peace seeking son's example. Much of the Bagahvad gita is similar. And the Torah. I like to think we are improving as a species, but only time will tell.... At the Nat Jam when I attended , I often came upon a Scout or two who espoused the idea that "mmmm, I'm not too sure about this God stuff." Yep, me too. But I keep finding things (miracles? Ways opening? Still small voice?) that insist on some "higher power" being there. "Scout's Own" should be just that. If it is "taken over " by any ordained clergy of any faith, it ain't a "Scout's Own". On the rare occasion (Camporee?) I am asked to arrange a sunday observance , I ask the Troops attending to send me their "Chaplain's Aides" , if they have one, or any interested Scout. We meet, I tell them, this is up to you Scouts. I will help as you want, but Here's my Bible, here's the Torah (in English ! where did I get that?), here is the "Sample" S's O I present at IOLS. You design it. And they never fail to please me (and confound some adults?). If I can figure out how to attach/transfer old files to this new compooter, I'll do 'er.

There is a difference between "I'm going to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches " and "I am going to build a new kitchen for the homeless shelter". The planning can be as important as the project completion. At work, we used to talk about back dating what we just did to accomplish solving a problem. So the Eagle Project Book has a "Planning Section"..... The Scout can recreate ( ! ) his/her process.... In the negotiations with the Beneficiary, the project is fleshed out. . What do they want. What does the Scout want to do. What is POSSIBLE with a crew of well meaning amateurs (? augmented by some friendly professionals ?). What would satisfy the beneficiary. . All that can be explained in the EPB. And it can be recreated , in the past tense if necessary. Been done, seen that....

Good for her. I don't think I'd worry so much about her GSUSA local council so much as the county health department. I know around here, they take a dim view of selling food stuff in even a "semi professional" manner. Church bake sale, not so much. Cake table auction, mmmmm okay. Publicity, garnering future delivery orders...

Greetings and salutations ! I personally have not heard of 90% of these awards. The "Uniform Police"(tongue firmly in cheek) would wonder and wish the "offishul" reference that it is OKAY to wear these when earned on the BSA uniform. COuld you verify that? I would love to forward these on to my Scout here in Maryland....

"" The purpose of life is the planting of trees, under whose shade one does not expect to sit." Plant some trees, TCC.... Sit ye down by our virtual campfire . You want cinnamummm in your cafe?

Wonderful.

What Matt said. True story: At the local University of Scouting one year, I ran across a Scout who wore four medals : I recognized his Eagle, the God and Country, the Ner Tamid, and the Ad Altare Dei... These were the Methodist Church, Jewish and Catholic awards, respectably. As we ate lunch, I said, "you know, I have to ask how you come to wear those three religious awards.?" He said that his mom was Jewish, his dad Catholic and his Troop was sponsored by a Methodist Church. He said that when he asked about earning the awards, his father's priest, his mom's rabbi and the minister at the Troop 's sponsor didn't seem to mind the rest of his family arrangements..... Refer them to : http://www.scoutingbsa.org/programs/awards/religious_emblems/Religious_Emblem_Information.html

What would I do? Go back and re-read The Jungle Book.....

My condolences to you , the Scoutmaster's family and your Scouts. Choosing a Scoutmaster involves sensitivity, cooperation and luck. Who is moved to be the Scoutmaster is balanced with who CAN be the SM and who approves the naming/selection. Being a Scoutmaster is, I feel, as much a "calling" as it is a "trained" position. It would be nice if one of the Assistant SMs is "moved" to take up the reins. Then too, the Troop Committee and the Charter Org Rep needs to sensitively consider who MIGHT be of the right temperment and experience (if any !) . The COR approves all adult leaders in the unit. It would be VERY good if the COR takes the Troop Committee's considerations into his/her consideration. I have known wonderful, beloved SMs who started out as no more than a parent who was dedicated to Scouting because they saw what it meant to their child. I have known SMs who were so Scouty they bled khaki, so to speak, but were not really concerned with the Scout so much as with themselves, if you know what I mean. I have known SMs that could inspire Scouts to success in life merely by sitting next to the campfire , holding their pipe and nodding occasionally . And I have known SMs who were scared to death to let a 12 year old boy even hold a hatchet, much less use one. Patrol Leader? Scout led? Mmmmmmaybe.... The Outdoorsman (or woman !) who loves kids and sees the future of society in the skills learned, the confidence gained, the cooperation ingrained by the "Scout Method", that's the person you should seek. Ideally. But there is , I am sure, someone in your ken that , if they aren't already that person, can become that person. Sit ye down and think over these things....

Family joke: Two old biddies are "regulars" at a restaurant, but never have anything good to say about the food, even tho they come there every week..... "It's too salty". " They never use any seasoning...." " the green beans are mushy.... overcooked.... the steak is BURNT,,,, it's too raw.... " " Coffee tastes like burnt dishwater.... greasy french fries.... my hamburger is old and undercooked...." ""And the portions are so SMALL...."

My "attaboy ..."

"It depends". Schedule several practice camps for your slid together Troop. The Scouts probably won't know each other to begin with. Work with your SM. This is a NEW Troop at a NEW Jamboree, since COVID etc. Scout led. EXPECT alot from your Scouts, they will not disappoint you. Your tents will be given you, your cot will be given you, you will still be living out of a duffle . I would think no real room for a trunk. . Walk everywhere. Get your hiking shoes worked in. Rain shoes, serious hiking boots.... Summit is just that, up and down, alot. Rain gear. Door mat for outside the tent. Maybe a campchair or old beach chair or two. Paper plates, duct tape, markers for signage. Make sure what Camp Gate they will allow you to make and set up. Some Troops brought spectacular scenic gates, some more modest, lash together. There are NO TREES to cut down, bring your own lash ups. Read the manuals about what they plan/allow for cooking/sanitation, etc. cellphones? Handhelds? Read the guidelines ("aye, they be more like...") Plugs will be at a premium, "Yeah, I'm up to 68 percent"..... unless things have changed alot.... Do not allow your Scouts to sit around reading tiktok. Make sure they have a daily connection with the events. Teach them how important it is to DEPEND on each other. Scavenger hunt? Patch for awards? Security in your campsite needs consideration. Despite the Scout Promise and Law, it isa GOOD idea to have someone in your campsite AWAKE at all times...... Thirteenth Scout Law? Be careful of food laying around, in tents. Still might be critters around.... Have fun. Keep it Scouty....

I had to decide under which topic to include this. Training? History? Working with Kids? When do we REALLY start "working with kids".... when they are our kids.... Personally, I can relate to this very item, which I cribbed off a Facebook page (with the author's permission). Growing up, our country home included a 55 gallon drum set on bricks, in which my job was to BURN our trash.... Responsibility.... Nelson R. Block on Youth Training….. Scout buddies – Once again, I present this essay in honor of this day: I have good thoughts when I take out the trash. One of my chores at home when I was a boy was taking out the trash. It was a final remnant (together with Boy Scout campouts) of my American pioneer heritage. My parents had grown up in an age when chores for city kids still resembled farm work, because even in the first few decades of the 20th century, urban families might have a horse, a goat or some chickens to be cared for or coal to be loaded for a stove. By the middle of the century, when I grew up, kids in the North might still shovel snow. But in San Antonio, chores mostly included mowing the grass, raking the leaves, feeding the dog, and taking out the trash. I learned a lot from this endeavor. Before the age of plastic trash bags, we lined the kitchen trash can with newspaper. If the newspaper leaked and the trash can was dirty or oily, it had to be cleaned before being lined. Caring for the trash can had to be done neatly because it was a jobsite Mom saw 20 times a day. Dad’s inspection came on the other end of the process. The garbage had to be dumped entirely in the metal garbage cans that sat on the other side of the backyard fence in our alley, on a homemade wooden platform. If a strong wind picked up some trash as it was being dumped, I had to chase it, because no one wanted to litter their neighbor’s yard. The garbage can lid had to be affixed tightly, to keep out cats and varmints. My training in refuse engineering came in handy when I became a Scout, because our patrol campsite had to be kept clear of garbage. We got a jumpstart on the process by rinsing our wet trash through a homemade sump. This was when Scouting taught maximum-impact camping, and the sump was a hole in the ground covered with twigs and leaves. We then took whatever would burn and threw it into the fire, which was another, larger excavation into the Earth’s crust – our patrol always had a deeply dug fire pit, further protected from igniting the surrounding rocks and cactus by a wall of the Hill Country’s finest limestone. Trash thrown on top of a bed of oak coals in this furnace would be quickly incinerated. It was only when I was inducted into the Order of the Arrow that I came to understand the deeper significance of what taking out the trash was all about. Here I saw that the Scouts and Scouters I admired were all part of the clean-up process. The lodge officers, camp staffers and the adults to whom I looked up stayed around at the end of the program to clean up, while doing a post-mortem on the activity. At other times a young Arrowman might be ignored or shoed away, but at the end of breakfast at the Spring Fellowship, when you asked the college kid who worked in the dining hall if you could carry out the trash, you got thanked. And then there were those rare moments when you could catch the camp ranger or the cook – his wife – cleaning up, and would be able to tell the guys back in the troop that “Uncle Duder” spoke to me this weekend. I left out that it was just to tell me where the toilet bowl brush went when I was finished. Years later, I learned that the Order was founded on such an experience. Urner Goodman’s Troop 1 in Philadelphia was camping in 1914 on Treasure Island, the birthplace of the Order the next year. Scout Billy Clark was helping a friend, in a situation described by Dr. Goodman many years after the event: "One time during our stay there, one of our charges came down with a minor sickness. There was no medicine, no hospital on the island at all. So he had to stay in his tent and he had to be taken care of carefully. Billy volunteered to be our live-in nurse for the two or three days he had to be there. And he did a good job of it. "Came to a crisis however the next morning. It had rained during the night. Now, there is a vessel used in hospitals they call a bedpan. And it was time to take that to the latrine and Billy, of course, cheerfully took on the assigned visit. However, in going from the tent to the latrine carrying this thing, he had a little upset. It was the wrong kind of bath, to be put lightly. But Billy got up smiling from it all, if you can imagine. Now, that’s the picture of cheerful service." As the years passed, I learned that life had many such experiences, often exemplifying the old adage that “No good deed goes unpunished.” I entered the legal profession, and spent a great deal of time cleaning up the messes other people had made. Fortunately, most of these did not require a shower to be rid of their memory. Since I took to this work – after all, I had been training for it since my youth – I even did it on a volunteer basis. I became the council attorney, where one finds an amazing number of people who want to take advantage of a charitable organization serving youngsters. Antiquity pays its nod to taking out the trash. In the Bible, Deuteronomy, 22:13, 14, the children of Israel are admonished that soldiers should have a latrine outside the camp and cover it. The fifth of Hercules’s twelve labors was to clean the Augean stables, which he did by diverting a river to carry away the waste of thousands of horses and cattle. Modern times, too, have those who made their mark by cleaning up after others. Martin Luther King, Jr. spent his adult life scrubbing away at things that other people did not want to touch, like poverty, racism and injustice. On April 4, 1968 he was shot while in Memphis, Tennessee – helping support a strike by African-American sanitary workers. Something to think about, next time you take out the trash. Nelson R. Block © 2021