SSScout

I have seen some of what you describe happen and be used as rationale for reorganizations, both in Scouting and in professional situations. ~~Some observations and history, as they occur to me: **Sometimes, the reorg is driven by the leaders , "just because they can". They want to "leave a legacy". They want to "make things better" (their better, not necessarily anyone elses). "I was hired as the manager, and bygod, I'm gonna manage." The Scout pros, mostly, talk to the vols, ALOT. ** Sometimes the reorg is considered as a way to "correct" problems that in another venue or situation would be better addressed by a sitdown and coffee drinking. In government, this is sometimes called a "focus group". ** Sometimes the reorg is a"coverup" for the real problem. If we merge, we won't have to reeeaaalllyy make some corrections that we have ignored, and we can "start from scratch". Sometimes this is good, sometimes not necessary. Maybe it is as simple as going out and ASKING for help. **Often, this reorg is meant well, but really doesn't address the REAL problems (not utilizing the willing volunteers. Not getting folks trained . Not defining the leadership that is needed and where it is needed.). *** Here is what I have experienced :-) WAAAAY back when, when I was a Scout, working on my Stegosaur Husbandry Merit Badge, I was not concerned with BSA politics. I only wanted to camp and hike with my buds. Turned out the County , the whole county, was my District. Many years later, family came along and Scouting called me back. . When Scoutson wanted to be a Cub Scout, his parents jumped in with all four feet. We were in "First District". Now, I have not moved in the last 20 years, but my Scoutson, wife and I have lived in 6 (six) BSA districts: All these shifts in jurisdiction were demonstrably driven by the "professionals" wanting to make things "more efficient". I do not believe any of them were requested or designed by us volunteers. But ya gotta be in a district, right? My new Scouting activity gave me "First District", which was one of three the County had. I met many good folks, dedicated to Scouting. We had three CSDC, three Camporees, traded training sessions and got along. New pro's came in, decided we could be better served if the DE's were "closer" to the units, so about two years after I re-upped, I was now in "Two District", the County now had 6 (six) defined Districts, each looking for a DE, with a SeniorDE overseeing all. Gotta recreate all the volunteer levels, do we have 6 separate CSDC? etc. Not to worry, the SDE will work it out. We never saw 6 DE's, some DEs were in charge of three Districts.... Some resigned, were shuffled, "Two District" had three DEs in a year. About 18 months later, we were told the County would be our "new" District ("Three") with three "service areas" (I am now in "Three East SubDistrict"), We were told this was an "experiment", that National was interested in our success. Our Packs and Troops kept on hiking, and somehow we had the same Camporees and CSDCs as before.... About a year later, the PTB announced that we would have a NEW arrangement with a Regional Director and three ADEs. "Four District" was created, boundaries shifted. (and two or three other districts, depending on who was talking, in the rest of the County). Being an urban area to the south and a more rural, suburban area to the north, it certainly made sense to divide the County into three areas, east to west (!). Really. So now, we have three districts ("Five District"), basically dividing the County into an eastern district ("Five") , a northern central district and a western district. Ummmmm..... this seems familiar.....Guess what, it is essentially the old "First District". Why do I say I have lived in SIX districts? Because the offishul boundaries have recently been "adjusted" and "set down", so "Five " can be said to be "Six" without a name change. Result? We have the same three CSDC, the same basic three Camporees, etc. Mostly we have gained a better sense of how important we volunteers are to each other. And we have a bunch of pretty patches. And we have a new DE, fresh out of college, rarrin' to go.

Golly gee, work during work hours. What a concept. Before I retired, it was a judgement call. Come in early and do stuff before I went out on the road, or do it late, or at home.

Smith Island Cake... I knew that. With Global warming raising sea levels, we may need to remember the recipe...http://www.washingtonpost.com/pb/recipes/smith-island-ten-layer-cake/9983/ Hard to find the cake to buy around here.

Hey, .IIAtB: Still with us? How are things going? ""Currently their are only 3 positions filled & one is by his wife, so there is no voting him out"" "The work is done by whoever shows up".... The Pack Committee is formed by ANY interested parents. If no one else shows an interest, of course things are going to be run by "whoever shows up". Have everyone been "Trained"? The Committee Member training online is easy: http://www.scouting.org/Training/adult.aspx (about halfway down the page). Gives anyone a step up to "Help the Cub Pack Go". I always thought the folks that wrote the Cub Scout Law of the Pack left that line off, somehow. The typesetter sneezed or something... "The Cub Scout follows Akela, the Cub Scout helps the Pack Go, the Pack helps the Cub Scout Grow, the Parents help the Pack Go Too, the Cub Scout gives Good Will". But they never told me what to give to Good ol' Will?

"Official State...... Dinosaur: Astrodon Johnsoni Crustacean: Callinectes sapidus Rathbun State Soil: Maryland sassafras Sport: Jousting Oh, I could go on... Please, NAME an official state pie/dessert/snack food.....

I've been meaning to ask: How come my picture/avatar sometimes shows up a full square and sometimes only in the upper left corner of a black square? I can't remember seeing anyone else like that. Pogo would like equal billing....

Just read thru the whole thread. I are a UC, ADC, RTC. We presently do not have a Venture RT, but two of the ( rare) Scoutships in our Council. I must agree with much that has been said. The new rules promulgated are sure to make things "interesting" (in the Chinese blessing way, as my mom used to say). WHY NOT just say the Scout is an adult at age 18 and be done with it? Venture Scouting can be just that, an adult (or almost adult) thing? The VCAdvisor needs to be over 21, but there you are.... As Scoutson approaches 21, (next month!) it has not been easy for him to admit to being in an adult role, going to CCollege, making a respectable paycheck (he drives a snow plow of late ), realizing that the GF of the last almost two years is NOT "the one", paying for his truck's repairs and insurance, doing his own laundry (yep, now he buys grey underwear so the bleeding tshirts don't show). He is long gone from his Venturing/Scouting days, but will still show up at an Eagle project. Doesn't seem that long ago he was needing a pillow behind his back to drive the riding mower... I say divide it at 18 for all Scout relationships.

But I started this thread not just about uniforms, but about all of Scouting's invisibleness. Service projects, signs outside the CO, recruiting PWDs at the local library, Boy's Life in the Library for that matter. All that stuff means Scouting is still around and alive and kicking. Is the "program" worth promoting to today's yoooth, STEM not withstanding? John Muir said that "of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt". I say that STEM needs to be included, but that the big draw to Scouting always has been the "dirt paths", and we need to hang the Scout brand over those the most.

Wow, I guess I really wanna be starting something. (Michael Jackson) Uniforms exist everywhere. In my subteacher role, I sometimes talk about that to my temporary charges. I tell them, to their amazement, that they are , even now, wearing a uniform. They look like and belong to the "peer group" of their school. Look at any photo or picture from the past. The folks in it ARE in uniform. They demonstrate that they belong to THAT group, by dint of what they are wearing. Coat and tie? Shorts and flip flops? That demonstrates the belonging to a group. What group is that? You tell me..... The statement made by one's clothing , in whatever environment/venue, says a lot to the rest of the world about one's attitude, desires, loyalties, faith, skill, experience.... all by what one wears to cover one's nakedness. Hassidic Jew? Amish carpenter? Navy? Wall street banker? All wear uniforms. I used to like the "image" of the red plaid "lumberjack" shirt and jeans. For a boy (?girl?) to wear a Scout uniform in any place other than a Scout meeting says volumes about that youngster. If the "Program" is what Scouting is about, then what is that program as reflected in the uni's wearing? I liked the comment above about trying to find a Norman Rockwell painting of Scouts without a uniform, or in "informal" uniform (?class B?). And also the comment about looking for BSA Scout images that do not involve "saluting", or standing at attention, but smiling and doing outdoor stuff, like other Scout orgs demonstrate. Does that say something about the BSA?

If the Troop is a "Boy Led Troop", the transition should be fairly smooth. In my Scout days, I remember having 6 Scoutmasters in 6 years. I have no bad memories of any of them. We went hiking and camping and swimming and to the movies and bowling (duck pins) as a Patrol and Troop. The SMs were there to support us along with all the other dads and moms. Maybe it was the time we were in, but I see no problem inherent in a qualified, experienced ex-SM taking on the role for a while until a more permanent fellow can be recruited.

Can you find the "Oldsmobile" bus?

~~""As a result of "being seen" the pack is now reaping the benefits of having the support of their local community. It was not easy. I know most of the leaders from this pack and they are very dedicated people. And I personally witnessed how hard they worked to get where they are today. But I am sure they would tell you that it has all been worth it to see the great things that can happen when local communities come together to help and support the people, "" Well, there you go. If Scouting is worthwhile, if we (WE...) think it is of benefit to our boys, then that is what you have to do. It is not for you and me, we've been there, done that. If Scouting is in our background, if it "helped" us to see straight and do well, then we need to see that it is available to the next bunch. To get Biblical about it, "who are my boys?" It isn't just the kid in the back bedroom of your house, it is any boy that has never worked as part of a team or watched the sun come up thru pine woods. Like I said, all we are offering is an opportunity. Getting that opportunity in front of the boy seems to have become the hard part. Unsafe vans, background checks, insurance fees, sexual proclivities, computer screens, media bias, lack of camps (sold out from under us?), overly protective parents, folks that don't seem to have time for the kids they produced , lots of obstacles out there, huh? Is it worth the effort?

"Aye, the code is more what you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules." I'd advise using thread and needle rather than goo, savvy? Make it balanced and good to look at. It be yer history yer displayin, a'ter all. Not too many , nor too few. It be an adult display, not so much yer childhood memories, aye? Leave room fer the future collectin' too. It be not fer yer rank and position, but fer yer fun and experience, yer might say. http://www.talklikeapirate.com/

For Baden's sake, get off the Schmart phone and go to sleep!!

We're talking "opportunity" here. Nothing ventured , nothing gained. If we think the Scouting idea/program is worth while, then we need to offer the "opportunity" to those youth and parents that might benefit from it. Otherwise, the kids who are looking for an "opportunity" will find another. It might be 4H, it might be Little League, it might be Debate Club, it might be throwing rocks thru a synagogue window. If the opportunity is not known and offered, it won't be availed of. A Scout belt buckle, a Tshirt, a service project, an article in the newspaper/facebook, It starts the conversation. How that conversation is continued or finished, is then up to us. Politics? Religion? Follow your spirit where it might lead, but if you don't yet have an answer to the question for your own satisfaction , perhaps you need to find that first. What is YOUR Scouting all about? "I don't know about that, but I do know..." is always a promising start. How many out there have tried to recruit a Merit Badge Counselor lately? Know a local museum, workshop, airport, anywhere that might lend itself to a Merit Badge Day?

I have been moved to open the discussion on how , assuming we SCOUTER.COM posters agree that Scouting is something to promote for our youth to participate in, we can eliminate the Invisibility of Scouting. I have seen suggested service projects, wearing the uniform more, school presentations, ... I will open things by posting a collection we gathered at our RT: ~~Stuff To Do To Spread The Scout Gospel, And Invite Boys (and parents!) To Your Troop It’s not JUST for September! If Scouting is such a good thing, why are you keeping it a secret? And don’t do it (recruit!) just once a year! Boys can join any time! Get your Committee to work! They can’t (and won’t) join if they don’t know you’re there. Suggestions we have collected: 1. Article in local community newspaper. Did you go to Philmont? The Summit? AT hike? Call the Gazette or the Sentinel! Don’t forget the photo and contact number! 2. Let Church members know about the Troop. Church Bulletin? YOUR House of Worship, not only the CO! 3. Flyer/ table at local middle school's Back to School Night. (Coordinate with Cub Scouts!) Check for Public School Disclaimer paragraph! 4. Letter sent to all graduating 5th graders inviting them to join Boy Scouts (check with the Principal, see above) 5. Boy-to-boy recruiting - most successful method for us. Create a card to pass out to friends. 6. Web site that people can find by Googling ( Is your http://www.BeAScout.org account accurate? If not, inquiries go to the Council office.) 7. Pass out cards @ sporting events, parades. 8. Flag ceremony for PTA. Presentation to PTA. 9. Sign outside your CO: “Home of Troop , Crew, Ship XYZ†10. Make contact with the Middle School Counseling Office. 11. Demonstration/exhibit at Library. Check with Head Librarian/ Media Specialist. 12 Sponsor /Donate a Boys’ Life subscription to the Library. 13. Speak to Scouts about their “angst†at wearing uniform “in publicâ€Â. 14. Make sure everybody has “Class B “ T-shirts or sweaters. They can be worn anytime, not just to Scout events. 15. Listen to Scoutcast podcast. See Brians Blog: http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2014/08/05/recruit-older-scouts-venturers/#more-28161 16. Make sure you have a “Boy Led “ Troop, and a quality, high energy program. The successful, large Troops are active, going places and doing stuff every month. If a boy joins your Troop, why should he stay? Your Patrols should be encouraged to do stuff AS A PATROL, don’t wait for the Troop to go out. 17. The Adults can wear their Scout belt, cap, jacket outside of “campâ€Â. Conversation starter. 18. Den Chiefs. Appoint to local Pack. Make that connection. Cubs watching and looking up to “big brother†Scouts in their Cub Dens. 19. Offer to do a “Whittlin’ Chit†class for the Pack’s Webelos and Bears.

*sigh* Ah, the good old days, when we were naïve and well meaning.... Waaaay back in about 197something, I was the designated driver for the American Youth Hostels in the DC area. The fellow that owned our van (yeah, he owned it, charitably loaned it to us and other groups) kept track of the maintenance and oil changes etc. I remember one particular trip, we were going out to the Shenandoah for a weeklong canoe camping trip. I was the take out and pickup fellow. I loaded up ten teens (not Scouts ) , all the gear, lashed 5 (five!) aluminum 17' Grumman canoes to the home made rack on the roof of the Ford E450 van (clamshell doors on the right side, motor right up next to the driver), and headed out, up and over the Skyline Drive, thru the Shenandoah National Park. Almost over heated on the uphill on US33. No seatbelts, just slow driving.... And ten days later, back to Harpers Ferry to pick them up, same thing.....

No reason someone shouldn't serve as CC with no child in the program/unit. Our Troop CC has been a wonderful CC since his boy aged out umpteen years ago. We just feted him at a CoH with a plaque and dinner certificate. I calculated 23 years of service. Now if the CO and COR sense a lack of satisfaction with the current CC and there is/are worthy replacements , perhaps a similar celebration of his years of service would help ease the transition. A coffee sitdown with someone he respects (if such could be found) would seem to be in order. The CC should be a "uniter" not a "divider".

Way back when, our Cub Pack was going to rent the school gym for a recruiting night of PWD, camp displays, games etc. We thought, hey, the Girl Scouts might like to take half the gym, so we looked up the Brownie leader (who happened to be the PTA president). When we suggested the joint "join Scouting Night", her response was , "Oh no, we have enough Scouts, we don't need any more". Her words. That was my introduction to the difference between the BSA and the GSUSA philosophies. I suspect there are other GS leaders with a different outlook, but there you are.

Hey, we could make it easier by wearing a central computer ID .... Make it retina accountable.... updated everytime you renew your Drivers License.... Hook it to your Voter Registration, Passport, school registration, retinal scans don't change much, we could do it at Kindergarten first thing, kid would never have to worry about his criminal record (or lack of) ever again,.....just include it in the taxes ... I wonder if the new wrist ID bracelet will fit under the sleeve of my coat..... Shades of Brave New World.....

The Feds may have some say in the Mississississppi (oh heck) bus bill. The CDL laws were mandated to be uniform across the country.

Second Class, req.#6: .Identify or show evidence of at least 10 kinds of wild animals (birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, mollusks) found in your community. Can your Scout use a cellcamera to take pictures of these critters to show you to pass the requirement? Or do you ask them to walk thru the woods with you and point them out "in person"? How about First Class #6? Is a picture worth a couple of finger pointings?

Okay, okay class, settle down..... We are studying how to bring the BSA into the twenty second century. Who has an idea? Yes, Stanley? = Howzabout having a Merit Badge College? We could teach the "science merit badges".= There are science merit badges? Don't you remember the "outing" in Scouting? We only work with Pioneering, Hiking, Bird Study....Yes, Oliver? = Oh, I think Stan is talking about Chemistry, Nuclear Science, Geology, Astronomy, Space Exploration , ...= = And didn't they rename Computers as Digital Technology?= Yes Archibald, I believe they did that some years ago. What do you say then? Should we plan on a new Merit Badge College? Would that make it easier to earn these badges? Say, a STEM Scout Day? Get a bunch of scientist type folks together just for that? = Hey, I don't want to go to SCHOOL , I want to go CAMPING...= That's a good idea, Ollie. Maybe we could do a summer camp type of thing, give us a way to make the Mammal Study merit Badge , and Nature Study, and... = No, Mr. T, I don't think they mean those outdoor types, they mean the electronic and building type. Like Welding, and Metalwork and Electricity and Electronics and Robotics and...= There's a Robotics badge? = Yeah! and Medicine and ...= Ah! Mr. Q. , our principal, welcome, sir to our class... > Yes, I overheard your discussion . Well, can't a Scout earn these badges if they want to? I seem to remember that the Scout was supposed to pick a topic, find a Counselor and work with that counselor to earn the badge. Why do we need a special "college" or "camp"? Oh, I'm sorry. There's the bell. I'll see you all next week. Don't forget the homework assignment, to read the Handbook for Boys, 1952 edition for the Heritage Merit Badge... S'long....

Oh, a CDL class B with P endorsement. Isn't the bus owned by the Moose lodge? Then it is their responsibility. Nice to have that resource, but I like to think the parents would want to be the transport. Cheaper in the long run, what with maintenance, licensing and all. You can take the CDL test (do you already have a licensed driver to go with you to practice and take the test?) and presto, you have a fall back job. I mention this to Scouts all the time: There are three skills to have, and you will always have a means to support yourself: One is cooking, the other cleaning, the third is driving. If you are skillful and responsible in these activities, you can almost always find someone who will hire you to do it. Learn the first two in Scouting. Read that CDL manual.....

The demise of a previously successful Troop is sad. If the ideals of Scouting are worth the effort, then here is my advice: 1) Go to your CO's leadership. If this "25 years of Eagles" institution is at all interested in continuing it's tradition, then you need to enlist their aid. Any kids in there? Any Youth Ministry (might not be a House of Worship?).? Find out if they want to be more "hands on". They may be the place to get the help you need in rebuilding the Troop, if it's worth rebuilding.... Then you need to consider the next things: 2) Publicity. Merely assuming the Cub Packs will provide the boys is always short sighted. Make sure the community at large is aware of you . The opportunity may be there, but if no one knows about it..... The CO's newsletter, local Gazette, even a sign out front would help. Library display? Get a "Join Scouting " night at the library on their calendar. Upcoming town parade? Service project? Write up in the paper? 3) How Scout friendly is the local school? Any chance of making a presentation at the school assembly? See http://www.inquiry.net/adult/recruiting.htm for a real good discussion of how to do this. Posters? Handouts on the office table? Contact the school Guidance Office.... 4) Make sure your local DE and Commissioners know about your concern. They can (and should!) help. At least, they can give you free printing! And they can help with the legal clout in gaining access to the schools for publicity. 5) Think about this: Are you in it for the boys, or are you more concerned about the continuance of the Troop? There's a difference there. The one may not equate to the other. But again, if you can provide a quality Scout program (see #1), then people need to know it is available (see#2 and 3). 6) Lastly, remember you should not be in this alone. See the above. If it ends up that only YOU are involved, then it may well be time to (a) join another Troop, or (b) merge the remnants of the old Troop with another Troop (a new Patrol?) or © go family camping more often. As Red Green says, "we're all in this together. Keep your stick on the ice. We're pulling for ya." Good Scouting to you!