SSScout

Two comments: first, I respect the fellow that questions his faith rather than blindly following or accepting what is presented him. I like William Penn's comment: "" 522. 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."" = from Some Fruits of Solitude (1682) Let your boy do his searching. He may find God elsewhere, or he may come back to your fold a stronger believer. Second, a story. I attended our Council's University of Scouting . I met a young man with FOUR medals on his pocket. I recognized the Eagle, the Ad Altare Dei (the Catholic award), the Ner Tamid ( the Jewish award) and the God and Country, which I had earned as a Scout. I asked him, "You know I HAVE to ask you, how do you come to have those three religious awards"? He replied that his mother was Jewish, his father was Catholic and his Troop was sponsored by a Methodist Church. He said it was easy to earn each of them. I smiled and shook his hand. I did NOT ask what House of Worship he attended. There is no BSA limitation as to which religious award a Scout may earn. That is between him, his conscience and the faith whose award he seeks. See you on the trail.

"" Yet another right winger complaining that too many stupid leftists vote. "" Yep, the decline in voter apathy is encouraging.... First, some people decided that somebody else (not just the king) should make decisions. Let's start with "White Male Nobility Property Owners Born In Our Country" Naw, that's not enough. Let's include ALL White Male Property Owners, not just Nobility. Ummmm. Maybe we should include White Male Property Owners, and White Female Property Owners Over 40 Years Old. (during WW1 in England) Born In Our Country. Getting better. Howzabout All White Male And Female Property Owners etc.? Okay Now we are somewhere getting. Let's fight a war and then allow People Who Are Not White, but can pass a "literacy" test..... Okay, how about Anyone Who Is A Citizen (requirements?) and not a felon? Good, good. Let's make it, "Any Citizen Over 18 years of age who wants to vote " (must voluntarily register in advance). Now to figure out how to encourage the registering AND voting

""Youth may not drive other scouts."" But they CAN drive adult leaders.... crazy at times...

Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away..... Our DE really wanted a local mosque to pick up Scouting. They sponsored a "get to know Scouting" event for all the Muslim families. Folks came from (I am not making this up) 30 miles away. Must have had 100 people there, 25 or 30 kids. They even built a new (permanent!) campfire circle (concrete and brick) in their back yard, one of the mosque leaders was a pro-astronomer, set up a serious telescope for the event. And the DE arranged for Council archery equipment, but when I showed up late in the afternoon, no BSA Range officer. Well, this was not a "BSA " event, it was a "mosque" event. Glad I was not asked to help with the archery.... Ho hum. The mosque Troop lasted three years.

"Chartered by businesses" I know a Cub Pack chartered to a Hardware store (locally owned). They don't do anything but sign the charter every year. Oh,and supply lumber for CSDC. And nails and loan hammers for Cub nail pounding. And maybe recommend folks to the Pack for "other things". As to the restaurant flag ceremony, I second the ideas about , what is their true desire. Who raises the flag ordinarily? Maybe the teenage clerks could learn something. What publicity was sought? If the Scouts did a nice flag ceremony without an audience/tv crew, who would salute? I must assume they were expecting some public visage. If it was to be held in a public park, under the sponsorship of the restaurant, would that make it different? Businesses/restaurants sponsor sport teams all the time ("Joe's Diner Tigers") . 'Course, now, we Scouts don't walk around with "First Baptist Church" emblazoned on the back of our uni shirts. Leastwise, I've not seen that as of yet....

Owasippe. Yes, that happened. But what followed? The Council was rebuilt, the publicity was wonderful, the federal court case was unique, and Owasippe was ultimately saved as a camp ground. The CORs have the effect they can have. Or they can stay home and let things happen. Phone calls, publicity, "follow the money", refuse to back down to bullies (even in Scout uniforms), enforce zoning regs. Sounds like politics as usual.

Our last IOLS did not teach "first aid". We had an open discussion about "emergency physiology".

In several months, Mr. Trump will be asked to assume the role of "Honorary President of the Boy Scouts Of America".

Neckerchiefs.... Let's remember that the necker was ORIGINALLY intended to be an emergency tool, that the Scout wearing it (in uniform!) was wearing it so he could whip it off and use it. It only later became a purely piece of fashion, or "bling". Superfluous to the modern Scout. But considering the attitude of our international brothers, perhaps the first idea is coming around again. Necker as ID for a Scout.... Necker as brotherhood trading item.... Necker as utilitarian item (warm neck, perhaps arm sling, sweat wiper? ) In my yoooth, the Troop designed it’s own neckerchief. 36 inches on the side, bright red with a 4″ custom patch in the corner that proclaimed “Always On The GO!†They were used for first aid practice, hiking, camping, signal flags, “steal the bacon†games… Mine is folded up nice in a plastic bag, except for when I take it out to show the present day Scouts in the Troop. It has holes in it, It is frayed on the edges. The patch is wrinkled, a lot. Starting in December, I promote a small contest that I hold at the February CoH. I give prizes (Baskin -Robbins coupons for free milkshakes! Just ask’em for them!) for the creation of hand made woggles. Sometimes I get really neat creations, sometimes rolls of duct tape. If it looks like I might get a good selection, I ask an “independent†judge to attend (art teacher, pro wood carver) . During the CoH, I am allowed to do a show and tell about neckers and woggles. I read from an old Scout book about the “USES†of the necker: Bandage, dust mask, horse bridle, crowd control (tie a lot together, use the Scout Staff), sail boat emergency rigging…. I compare the BIG Troop necker of my day with the little necker the Troop used til last year ( a bigger, “stock†necker is now given out). . Photos show the red necker did reach down past the Scout’s belt. He grew into it. In my collection, I have neckers and woggles “earned†(OA, Troop, Camporees, Wood Badge, Jamborees, Eagle…) and “collected†(Smokey Bear, Jamborees, Cub Scouts, “Troop One, Wilmington Delawareâ€) . Some Scouts OOO and AAAH at them , some ignore them. If I had attended a Jamboree, I would have been tempted to trade for my necker ( I guess I could have got another one), but the one I have in that plastic bag is important to me. I hope it will be important to my Scoutson.

I am firmly on the side of re-writing the BSHB section on fire tending/building/extinction. Here is my re-write.... The Five Things Needed For A Camp Fire In school , one is taught three things are needed for a fire: Oxygen, fuel, and heat. For a Scout, there are FIVE things needed. How do they compare with the three from your science class? Play the “What If†game. Number one, before anything else: 1) The Means To Extinguish The Fire. Before anything else, how will you put it out? Water, shovel, rake, sand/dirt. Have sufficient means and tools collected. Is it out? Test firebed with the BACK of your hand… Douse, stir and douse again. 2) A Safe Area. Remember that 10’ diameter cleared area. Use an established fire pit. If a “new†fire, remember your Leave No Trace guidelines: Fold back the sod, save the sod to cover the burned on bare soil area. Use an above ground fire holder: old wheelbarrow, oil drum, charcoal grill bed, etc. 3) Safe Atmosphere: Land owners’ permission? Park Ranger’s permission? Is there a Drought? No Fire Ban? Make it as SMALL as necessary, not as BIG as you can! 4) Collect Fuel Before Lighting : Tinder, kindling, fire wood. It is hard to stop cooking to collect more wood if you run low. Set things up carefully before attempting to light. 5) The Means To Ignite The Fire: Be Prepared! Practice in your back yard before you are on the trail. Ceremonial fire? Practice it first before the big night! “No, I thought YOU had the flint and steel!â€. Look to your old 1958 Green Bar Bill Fieldbook....

Snow Owl: What would you expect? Hamburger flipper vs Mr. Kroc or Stephanson? The CEO of an enterprise always is recompensed at a mega ratio with the proles.

Memorable awards: "Best use of LEGOS" "Most Stripes" "Least Likely to be seen on a real road". " Best Antique"

OS448: Yep, doesn't seem to be any PM function. Try this: Go to NCAC website, White Oak District, and find the BSRTcommish....

Then there are TRAILERS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llq3y-FwyBo

Mile swim off the looooong pier? Sea nettles? Calvert Cliff walks? http://www.fossilguy.com/sites/calvert/calv_srk.htm Ya got any???

Amangamet Wipit?

Don't have the spin off function, so a new topic. How much does a Troop Trailer Weigh? Back in the day, we used back packs. The older Scouts that went to Phlmont and Katahdin came back with back pack hiking lore. Us younger Scouts emulated them, packed light and complete. Tarp Tents, 'squiter netting for the sleeping bag, split up the Patrol gear. Jeff takes the big pot, I have the frying pan, Tom has the wash-up soap and some other stuff, Charley has the utensils and food, everyone had their own plate, fork, spoon and knife. We managed and if we were going to a Camporee and could use a dining fly and other "luxuries", a station wagon or van was available from some family. We cooked over fire wood, not gas stoves, of course, never charcoal except at the Camporee or Salamagundi. Trailers? It occurs to me that , in agreement with the corollary to Murphy's Law, that the "Stuff Collected Will Expand To Fill The Space (or trailer) Available". ie, if you have a trailer to pull, you will have the stuff to pull in it.

I have taken to carrying a fork (plastic, usually, picnic type) in my uniform pocket. It is indeed intended as a conversation starter. Depending on who asks, I have three answers. First, you never know when someone might ask me to share a piece of pie or BBQ with them, and , remember, a Scout should "Be Prepared." Secondly, if it's a young Scout, I tell them to go and ask their parent or grandparent about that famous American philosopher, Yogi Berra, who advised us that "when you come to the fork in the road, you should take it! " So I did. If it is a more thoughtful adult, or an appropriate situation, I will tell this story: There was a young pastor who had just been assigned his first parish. He asked the church secretary how he might get to know his congregation better, and she said, "well, as it happens, Mrs. Jenkins just called and wants to talk to you about her 'final arrangements'. She is one of our oldest members and you would do well to meet her. I know she has no living relatives and really views this church as her family". So the young pastor called and made an appointment with Mrs. Jenkins. On the day, he went to her house and after the obligatory cookies and tea, he took out his note book and they talked about her favorite hymns and Bible verses and how she wanted things done. Then she said, "And Pastor, I want you to promise me you will bury me with a fork in my hand." Well, this gave the pastor pause, he smiled and said, "Mrs. Jenkins, you know I have to ask, why do you want a fork in your hand?" She responded: " When you have been in this church as long as I have, you will come to realize how important food is to our community. We have fund raising dinners, potluck lunches, memorial brunches, teas, lots of times to 'break bread' , if not pastries, with each other.. After almost every event, the young people that help clear the tables tell me to 'save my fork', because there will be a cake, something good, something more to enjoy. I know that after this life, there will be ... something more, something good yet to come. I want to have my fork ready . " So too, I'd like to think maybe, just maybe, I can help make things better, for others and for myself. And maybe, just maybe, I will then be ready to enjoy that better life myself. So, What's in your pocket?

CMMichael: Welcome and be comfortable, here at our eCracker Barrel. eCheese and eCrackers on the eTable..... You will have a gratifying time as CM if you remember some things: 1) If it isn't FUN for you, it won't be fun for your Cubs. Make sure your Den Leaders remember this too. If it isn't FUN for your Cubs, they will not stay in Scouting for (what adults consider) the "important parts". Do not become another School Teacher. 2) Be sure to include the other parents and other "significant others" of the Cubs. Grand parents, uncles/aunts, big brothers and sisters too. DELEGATE. Do not be afraid to ASK personally for help, even to go so far as to ASSIGN tasks, and follow up on those assignments. This is not to mean that you are THE leader. No, No. Work with the Committee Chair in this. Let him/her do the delegating. Asking for volunteers is the first thing, but NOT the last. 3) Plan months ahead. Work with the Pack Committee to lay out the coming year. Publish it. No surprises for parents. Publish it on paper. Hand it to them, in person. DO NOT depend on email. 4) Remember the Cub Scout Mantra: KISMIF. Keep it simple, make it fun. 5) In all things, go places and do things the schools never would..... See you on the trail.

Event was canceled. No full reason given, but I gleaned a lack of interest.

As I recall it, my sequence went like this: 1) Elected to OA from Troop. 2) Received (US MAIL!) details of "ordeal" (?? an "Ordeal"???) 3) Signed up for the weekend (I had a choice), at Camp Roosevelt (no longer exists),on the Chesapeake Bay where I had already gone to summer camp some times before. I was familiar with the ground. 4) Arrived the Friday evening, fully back-packed for a "hike into the campsite". Led to the dining hall, where we had a scrambled egg sandwich and orange juice, and were told what we needed to do and would be doing. Expected to be silent once we left the dining hall, must only eat and drink what we are given. 5) Starting to rain. Led by groups, on a rope lead, blind folded, to our camp sites. Camp fires burning in midst. Set up in tent platforms, around the campfire. I was led to believe this was "plan B", because it was starting to rain. Hard. 6) Saturday Morning, sun is out, out of bed, dressed, (no breakfast!) led to work sites and did trail clearing, brush collection, til about noon. Led to dining hall, simple lunch (sliced meat, bread, water, milk, juice). Allowed to speak in Dining hall. Led back to new work sites. 7) Led back to dining hall for dinner. Bowl of stew, water , milk. Wash up, led back to campsite, dress in uni, led to fire circle, 8) Ceremony, given the Admonition, more ceremony. Led back to campsite. It is dark by now. 9) Told to find a solo campsite, alone, near to campsite. Told to make our way in the morning back to the Dining hall, ready to depart. Clear that night, I remember the stars were very bright, not so around here any more with all the urban buildup around the bay. 10) Sunday morn, met at the Dining Hall. Held a "Scout's Own", then a Oatmeal and juice breakfast. Awarded the sash, a patch and wished a good trip home. Out by noon. I do not remember any thing resembling a "banquet" until I was Brotherhood and attending special events.

Must be a really important topic. Four Hundred Twelve entries. Trouble getting to that Eagle, but when it is done, man , the relief. The feeling of accomplishment. Truth is, as always, some folks help, some don't. Congratulations to your New Eagle.

Best TV show . "Dirty Jobs" extolled the virtues of the work that a civilization needs done and that good people can take pride in doing. And the odd "make a living at" that only the dedicated can love. Asphalt paving, insect exterminating, sewer inspection, animal removal from crawlspaces/chimneys/wall crevices/ , bee hive collecting, junk yards, farm manure collection/spreading, fishing, trash incineration, goat breeding, cow birthing, boiler cleaning, ship barnacle cleaning, crime scene clean-up, potato farming, brush/forest fire fighting, petroleum recycling, grease recycling.... Mike did it "in person", making the ordinary man and woman visible in their importance. See the back episodes..... http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/dirty-jobs/ and http://mikerowe.com/videos/dirty-jobs/ He started out as an opera singer.

The presentation is up to you. I like to think that the beading is a nice way to showcase the Wood Badge class to folks that may not know what the heck those little beads on a shoe string are. Production? Naw.... Do it at the end of a Troop CoH. Invite your WB buddies to attend. Course director, Troop Guide, that's all you need. Someone speaks of the origin of the beads (BP, Zulu chief, Boy Scouting, Brownsea Island...), describe the process, old necker off, new necker on, beads and thong, flip of the necker/thong, shake hands, sing the song, go eat the cookies. Maybe ten minutes, max. Any longer and it may not be a Scout thing. How long does a Eagle ceremony take? How long is too long? I have a good friend, he invited me to be his beader (I had already earned my beads) at a District award dinner. He had been named the District Chaplain and at least one of his items had to do with that. We had maybe six WB beadings that evening. Besides the afore mentioned history, they named each one and the CD and TGs came forward and stood behind their "Scouts". The whole thing took about 15 minutes, but then, we did have six Scouters to applaud. I had a Scouter friend ask me ( I'm the RT Commish) if he could do his beading at the Round Table party we have in December. I said sure. Little did I know the WB was from another Council and they had a whole ceremony team, rivaled an OA tap-out. Scripts, symbolism, seven people involved. Only thing lacking was candles. I was sorry to see it take almost thirty minutes for the one beading, worthy tho my friend was. He was a little embarrassed too, said he didn't know what they had planned. It's your honor, do it your way. Don't let the WB "mob" bully you into a "production, if you don't want one. And Congrats to you, hoot hoot.

Oh, I like the idea. Just a Shoulder number sticker. About 4 by 6 inches, just your unit number , on a sticker, in the proper colors. Some folks would recognize it and smile. Others might ask about it and the conversation would ensue. I have always thought about creating a Bumper Sticker to sell for FoS. It would have the BSA fleur des lis and read: "WILL WORK FOR COLORFUL SCRAPS OF CLOTH". I haven't got my act together for it yet. No one in the BSA has taken me up on it officially either. Second Idea: You know that ubiquitous yellow "CAUTION" tape we buy by the mile to string up around Cub Scout Archery Ranges and "Rocket Into Scouting" launch sites and Axe Yards? Well, howzabout BSA contact the manufacturer and ask to have custom tape produced. Wouldn't cost any more, BSA could sell it for the same amount and MAKE MONEY . Instead of reading "CAUTION" it would read "BSA ADVENTURE ZONE" . Folks would buy it for parades, room decoration, camp promotions, even for roping off Archery Ranges.... Third idea: Ummmmm, I forgot. I'll get back to you later...