Tampa Turtle

I think this would have been the best course as others have said email always seems harsher than in person. But you are correct SPL is a big job and the boy needed to show up.

I totally agree that a spouses support is a key ingredient and she should be recognized. An neglected wife has cost many a Troop a good Scoutmaster. That is why I probably could never do it...

A nice dinner might be appreciated.

Sometimes even after I am logged in I do not see a comment form to reply.

I contacted you via email. My Patrol Leader son #2 has some time--I am not sure if any of his Patrol mates are into Minecraft. He also does World of Warcraft.

Sorry me mad as you want...Sunday is optional. Sorry about that. I HATE being Dyslexic.

I'd like to know how often our flag at work HAS NOT been at half-staff this year. Kinda getting out of hand. Maybe we need some sort of 'sad face' flag to run up below it.

Kinda wrong kinda right The US Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has officially designated the seventh day of December of each year as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Dayâ€Â. President Obama and Governor Scott directed the flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the United States and the State flag throughout the State of Florida from sunrise to sunset, on Saturday, December 7, 2013, in commemoration of the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. On this solemn occasion, the nation pays hom

Man they will be waddling back!

I ain't never gonna understand that.

Son #2 and buddy surprised us on their first Camp by enthusiastically volunteering to clean the outdoor latrine. It was worth going to see that in person!

The flag is at half-staff for Pearl Harbor Day...there are a lot of last gasp remembrances today. (I saw the White House email at work). My Mom's family worked at Pearl Harbor in 1941 and a whole bunch of 'em were there. Cut the guys (and bodies) out. Mom, little girl, heard the Arizona blow up. So I always remember we would go to church every 12-7. As for Mr Mandela I wish they didn't sanctify him so much--the reality, flaws and all, are more impressive.

Son A goes old school and like heavy surplus military gear. His motto "got knife, got flint...what else do I need?". Son B likes modern ultra-light gear. What he can't afford he makes. I do a bit of both. They say hike your own hike so I say camp your own camp.

Hmmm. I would tell her a big part of Summer Camp for the first time is being away from home and all those comforts for that long. It is an important part of growing up and a lot of Mom's have a problem with the separation. Oh course every year there are a couple of boys that have issues with that too. It is also a great opportunity for boys to do Merit Badges that are hard for Troops to put on. Making you go? I see a lot of that too. I usually went, mostly to lend a hand since my special needs boy took up more of the Scout Masters attention. I would see him a couple times a day, usually

" Meet the age requirements. Be a boy who is 11 years old, or one who has completed the fifth grade or earned the Arrow of Light Award and is at least 10 years old, but is not yet 18 years old."

Any Scout that can stand drinking Irn Bru is fine by me-"its made from girders".

Artist Jean Tinguely made self-destructive art pieces. It was an out growth of Dada-ism (absurb art). I once saw a performance piece in Miami where a machine basically twirled itself apart to music. Was it Art? Who cares--it was fun as heck to watch. I did think boys would did that. (Sorry I used to be an Art major).

I'd rather have a great Life Scout than a good Eagle. BSA is WAY over-emphasizing Eagle. I have a son who is heavily engaged in the Troop and does a lot of stuff for others but he often falls behind on advancement. Sometimes the difference was an organized parent. It is a good life lesson as well. I agree on asking him to be a ASM. If he is really into Scouting he will appreciate the respect.

Weather can be an issue and we had a few years when Tropical Storms made us cancel a couple campouts. Add a few overnighters for the Patrols. Sometimes you can do a fun Saturday event with a overnighter as well.

Yes 10 nights us easily done by 5 Friday night to Sunday morning camping trips. It is really not that ambitious. Our Troops, flaws and all, does 10 Fri-Sun trips, plus 2-4 Five day trips for the older boys, a few overnighters for training, and summer and winter camps.

Can you be more specific? Is this for advancement or quality troop bling-blingy?

James and the boys need to have a consequence. I have seen the same thing--we have one boy who is a master manipulator (I have written of him before) and maybe an A+, All American, future Eagle Scout Sociopath. Only boy out of 80+ I have personally dealt with that makes the alarms go off. We have had a few others that were instigators as well. I have a son like Lars and he was always being tricked into doing stuff, so the move was a good call.

Agree any SM will do and it can be useful for the boy to get excited about scouting, It seems like fun for the SM most times (the younger ones seem so earnest and impressed) and for the scout (to be treated with respect), Usually it is a little chit chat, how's school, what do you like, etc.

Sorry got to go. Have a runaway horse to stop, Dang Amish.

"I'd hate to see the exchange rate on a Robert H Mazzuca vs a Neil Armstrong....(snark, snark, snark)" He said sitting side by side with a Scout in a warm, dry parlor. Shining charactor all over r the kid.