Tampa Turtle

Remind him to take a picture or scan his signed pages as a backup as well. No need to tell them that now. A new boy can really benefit from ACTUALLY reading the book,

First, God Bless You. This is a much needed and under appreciated duty. We did a couple things. One was publish the 'list of shame' on email with a grid of needed forms and scouts with the missing forms high-lighted in yellow. Another was to say that scouts would lose their slot if not turned in, and finally an adult with a clipboard and NO ONE got on the bus without all the forms. In one case we had some chronic parents that always did it (they were both lawyers for petes sake) and they had to drive the boy up later in the day on their own. We tried a $25 late form fee but some folks

I agree to the above. Yes, yes, yes. My son volunteered to clean the campsite latrine first day of camp. While he collected many scouter atta-boys he later told me "better the first day than later in the week". He would have never learned that at home!

IMHO the rule of common sense should prevail; we do not all need to be policy lawyers. I have been at camp outs wear boys went barefoot and cut their feet and had to be stitched up...much extra work for leaders. I was on a backpacking trip when a scouter wore open toed sandals...got up in broad daylight and impaled a stick in the webbing next to his big toe. Couldn't get a boot on anymore, had to hobble down a side trail so we could arrange a car pickup half a day later.

Valdosta State. Bit of a culture shock for a kid from Miami. But those GA girls could flirt, my my my. Dated my future wife freshman year; bonus points she was spitting image of Vivian Leigh.

Weren't any retired astronauts available?

I think the policy (which are like some of our Troop) is too long and legalistic. I liked Stosh' approach. The occasional event ban by a SPL/SM decision is usually the way we go.

Really? Both my boys got it; I really didn't pay much attention. You stay really active and keep track it is not that hard.

I am surprised the issue went on this long. When our past Scout Master attempted to hold up Lifers who were not meeting our (signed) participation policy the parents have all done a successful end run to Council and cut him off at the knees. In reality it can be a pretty low hurdle. I also vote for move. Explain to the boy what Stockholm Syndrome is.

Yes-Closed FB group. Not used that much except by adults, former scouters, and scout alumni.

A lost opportunity for all concerned about teaching the lessons of a Civil Society. I grow tired of arguing with teens who think 'Free Speech' means offensive and racist language can be freely spewed without consequence.

When I was in Architecture School the Provost of the school treated me unfairly and made my life miserable. During my Master's project and thesis presentation I still had no idea I might pass. By luck of the draw my jury included the head of the City Council and the architecture critic of the Boston Globe. In the middle of my speech both started talking about what an excellent project it was and thanking the Architecture Dean for allowing me to pursue it. I realized no way in hell was he gonna screw me now and my blood pressure must have dropped 40 points. Provost sat there silent and fuming b

Link here: http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2016/06/06/randall-stephenson-att-ceo-new-bsa-president-new-day-scouting/ ATT jokes aside it was a predictable attempt at a rah-rah speech. Something about it hit me a weird way...can't quite put my finger on it. I was wondering what other people thought?

I always back the SM even when I may disagree on some issues in private--It is a tough job.

I have used ExOfficio for camping and travelling overseas. I found they just didn't hold up well. I am pleased with the Champion Underwear for hikes even if they are a tad warm. I really like Uniglo T-shirts when I want a as close as lightweight silk T-shirt (It will dry just from my body heat).

"You should do what you feel is right" now THAT is a classic trap. And THAT is why I am staying home this summer while the boys are away. After 32 years you'd think I'd understand her better. Scouts can have an unlimited demand on your time if you let it. I have observed the biggest factor in our retaining our Scoutmasters is the tolerance of their spouses and if they have a teenage daughter that they are not spending enough time with. You can comfort yourself on modeling good behavior for your scouts.

Welcome GA! Even though I am a yankee I went to a Georgia school and married into a Georgia family.

Our dues went from $5 to a staggering $12. Events run $25 to $45 but you often get a patch and sometimes a pretty nifty shirt.

I want to know how does this affect my ASM Pay? Do I get time and a half at summer camp?

Welcome. Take in a little at a time. There is a lot to absorb.

Mine is $100-$200 a year. I do not do all activities. I find it run much thriftier than many Troops.

You can't save the world (or the Troop) on your own. I too have experienced BSA burn out. I had to walk away from some issues and concentrate on working directly with some boys which was very rewarding. That and going to my OA Lodge events which re-invigorated me to come back to the Troop.

Well said. My son did not understand leadership until he was the 'glue' that held a hiking crew together for a week. I got all sorts of praise on how he did on the AT: calming down a wild child, fetching water when the others were tired, being peacemaker, teaching the young scout on how to figure where they were on the AT. He said "he was just helping out" but I told him that was what a leader does.

Zuzy...the Eagle paperwork slog is hard and unrewarding. I was thoroughly disheartened with my son#1 who is now all done with his paperwork and waiting for the ECOH Call. But I tell him College Applications are not that much more exciting and it is a fact of life. But is not a good endcap to a Boy's scout journey...I did not realize until I read over his career record how far he had come. I do not know how much time your boy has. I have seen young enough ones walk away for a year and come back and finish. Hang in there.

Our Troop sure has a lot of extra cash sitting around. I wish more of it would go back into the program...