tgrimstead

Merlyn, I love your dedication! Never back down! You remind me of a Firefighter buddy of mine named Ruby, die hard Atheist. We would get some beers and argue about everything. I tried to explain to him that a glass of wine, a shot of whiskey, and a beer all had the same alcohol content one time. We argued about that for months! Miss that guy. Very interested in your views on other subject matter. It's hard to find folks that can have a conversation of different opinion with out resorting to silliness. You'll never change me, I'll never change you, and would never have it any other way. Tim

Update: Just found out she is the Treasurer of another service unit, Same one here old troop folded in. The plot thickens! Tim

She did not leave last year because she felt her daughter needed the social interaction. Many times if the girls don't vote the daughters way she removes herself for a period of time. Kinda passive aggressive. When she brought up the multiple ages meeting together and that they should be separated, I informed her that that is exactly what Boy Scouts does. It forces kids to interact outside of age segregation that they are in all week long and it provides a leadership and mentoring opportunity for the older girls. She kinda gave me a blank stare. I would never want to kick anyone out or exclude any kid from the program. But when it effects the kids enjoyment of the program, I think the leaders need to get more vocal. I volunteered, but the wifey says that would just drive a bigger wedge in the joint Cub/Girl Scout matter. Your in Cheerful Service, Tim

If adults can earn the Emergency Preparedness pin why not a Recruiter patch? Maybe adults could go through training and receive a temp patch that could be worn on pocket or from button during recruiting drives. We wore Recruiter patches in the Army. Marks you as a go to guy for info. during your tour. Yours in Cheerful Service, Tim

It's nice to be recognized by peers for effort put forth. Our Pack gives out bead dangles for the left pocket button. A colored bead for each year in leadership position. Tiger-orange, Wolf-yellow, Bear -light blue, Webelos- red/green, CM - dark blue/yellow. Yes we know it is not official. Yours in Cheerful Service, Tim

Nope, sorry Merlyn. No evidence. (It doesn't. Don't you even know what the argument is about?) -Argument was about Aethiests and Girls joining scouts. Then was highjacked. (Public schools can't promote religion; that's not within the power of the government, federal or state (states used to have this power, but not now). - Supporting your students right to have beliefs and exercise them is not the same actually promoting a Religion. First amendment was to stop a Church of England incident. Freedom of religion is not Freedom from religion. Period. Your obviously heavily indoctrinated in your view. You feel you have a righteous crusade for the 1st Amendment, almost religiously......HHHmmmm.. Your never change my views so we can stop here or continue banter knowing the other will never consed. Lets just agree that the other guy is wrong and move on. Yours in steadfast defiance, Tim

(But the 14th amendment prevents state government from infringing on rights granted by the federal government.) No right has been infringed upon. Please re-read the first amendment. Maybe third times the charm. -Why are we as a nation wasting energy in such a trivial argument of opinion. (Why are you?) Well I'm stuck on another 72 hr shift at the Firehouse. But since we are going juvenile on responses. Ok my turn.. I don't know why are you? I've yet to see any proof of any government entity pushing any form of religion on anybody. No one is required to join the government run Church of America. As my dad always said: " It's not that your wrong, your just not right." Perspective is key. Yours In Cheerful Service, Tim

Here we go. My wife and I run Wolf and Bear Dens that meets same time, church, as the GSUSA troop that our 3 daughters are in. Our 2 GSUSA leaders were our friends before they started the troop. We have had a successful symbiotic relationship as little girls usually have little brothers. Last year a new girl scout and mother arrived. She was a former leader in a troop that folded. She joined with out much incident other then here 14 yr old son tagging along and causing issues with the cubs every now and again. He Karate'd a wolf in the face by accident. She got a little ticked when I told her he couldn't hang around the boys . At the end of last year she voiced her concerns that the troop was not that dedicated to the organization and pointed to the lack of cookie sales by the girls (her daughter sold hundreds of boxes alone) She wanted the girls to wear white polo shirts with khakis along with there vests. As well as participate in more national and council events. Our Leaders relented on some things hoping to appease her but she's made other "requests". She wants the Girls to breakdown into age groups for meeting, Juniors, 1st yr Cadette, 2nd yr Cadette. and have them work on separate try-its and awards. All girls need to do silver award! She's mentioned that her idea's are just suggestions and activity considerations should have nothing to do with the fact she's raises the most money during fund raisers (You can't make this up.) She considered leaving end of last year because "she didn't think it was a good fit", but decided to stay. Her weirdest concern is joint activities with us the Cub Scouts. She doesn't understand why we meet together and go on field trips together etc. I thought we have explained this several times already. We actually had our first parent meeting in the 5 years doing this due to her concerns. The response was her politicking with each of us outside of meetings. Our leaders feel she is being subversive and going behind the back but they are to politically correct to confront her about her behavior. It's getting to the point where my 2 youngest girls want to try American Heritage Girls. While my oldest is looking through Junior and Cadette badge books to try and line up activities they can do together. The girls as a whole basically give her the eye roll every time she interjects in meetings. She doesn't want to be a leader, but she pushes for changes against the wishes of the troop as a whole. Makes me wonder why her other Troop folded? How do you deal with aggressive people like this? Am I wrong for suggesting to the leaders to lay the Smack-Down on her and tell her we appreciate her ideas but the girls like what they have. She can stay or kick rocks. Yours In Cheerful Service Tim

I vote for LisaBob. Cupcakes! Just check for food allergies with parent. Yours in Cheerful Service, Tim

Go for a tent with 2 doors and a low rainfly. As most say hear 2 to 3 per tent is ok. Slumber Jacks are of good quality and at $74 a 4 man tent, economical, only about 1/2 pound heavier than Kelty counter part, but i doubt your ultra-lite weight backpacking. I bought 3 on Amazon for my kids taped and sealed. Just my 2 cents Yours In Cheerful Service, Tim

Park Ranger and Hummingbird band'r. Jackpot! well played. Your In Cheerful Service, Tim

1.) Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Not that I'll change your mind. But. - It says Congress shall not make a law in the creation of or against a religion. - A law against prayer in school would contradict that whole law against a religion. - It does say freedom of speech, which would mean you could pray anywhere anytime. - Congress would mean Federal government. - State Governments run Schools. State Governments have there own Constitutions. - Religions paid for the first public schools in America starting in 1600's - For the following 200 years churches were used as schoolhouses during the week. - Why are we as a nation wasting energy in such a trivial argument of opinion. So....In the document forged in blood,sweat, and tears of our Nations greatest minds and leaders....where does it say no prayer in school?? Please, this is not an assault on your personal beliefs, and I don't want to hear about so and so says this means that and such and such judged ruled this thing. Sorry, You won't change my opinion. I was always taught if you want to learn what something says, read it. Don't believe what someone just tells you. Now if you want to say YOU don't like it or agree with it, I can understand/respect that. The Sally Sob story of someone who you heard was an Atheist and got threatened, OK. Millions of people have been murdered through religious persecution, join the club. History: the original symbol for Christians was the fish not cross. Would a fish offend you? My final piece. Everyone believes in different things. How much better would the world be if we were all the same! Boring and uninteresting conversations at the least. Wanting everyone to change to accommodate your version of right is well...wrong. I'm just thankful we can even have this discussion without fear of knocks on our door and being hauled away to a camp or prison somewhere. You want to make things better here? Vote everyone out top to bottom. set term limits on all elected positions. Limits on how many elected positions can be held by a person in a career ( 2 state, 1 federal, etc). No political parties at all! Maximum age limit!! Have Senators actual look out for the states interest instead of being a Federal flunky. You must have a balanced budget!! Period! Make it happen. Now that would be revolutionary. ( sorry this really had nothing to do with the rest ) Yours in Cheerful Service, Tim

Republicans went from Emancipation Proclamation to Racism? Wow. That Liberal media propaganda machine is good. Yours in Cheerful Service, Tim ( Romney = Cookie cutter old rich white guy = 4 more years for Obama.)

1.) Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Ummmm...is this the amendment folks keep throwing around? Cause it don't say nut'n about no religion in schools. Sorry. Yours In Cheerful Service Tim

PackSaddle, I am a Virginian in Carolina and have had Sun Drop! Back when they associate sponsored Dale's #3. On topic: How about we agree to the others right to be wrong. anybody? anybody? (Joking) Yours In Cheerful Service Tim Elizabeth City, NC Virgina Beach, VA

We should have transparency in the scouting community! Invite C-SPAN to televise Roundtable meetings so the scouts will see what activities are available and what their Pack leaders vote for. Yours In Cheerful Service, Tim

Sorry, I only condoned wearing the strip if it was authorized and awarded by the Council. Such as mine does. http://www.tidewaterbsa.com/forms/recruitincentives.pdf Yours in Cheerful Service, Tim "why do we drive on a parkway but park in a driveway?"

Thank you B.P., However the scripture was not aimed at this particular subject, just daily life in general. That is why I wrote it below my signature. Also I don't believe you can ever take that out of context. It means what it says. Unfortunately we get so preoccupied with pointing out faults in others we forget to recognize our own, me included. I was motivated in your vocation. Pulled a Jonah Your in Cheerful Service, Tim "Like people for their qualities, Love them for their faults."

I have 2 atheist scouts in my Bear Den. I am a Christian, as that is what others have labeled me as, and I will never deny the scout experience from a boy. Period!!! Girls have GSUSA or AHG or Venturing or LFL. Though many countries include girls in their Scouting. ( I think our program is superior to GSUSA, but that's me.) Gays? well...what is worse a CM who is a drunk, drug addict, porn addict, divorced, liar, thief, lazy, uses profanity, over weight...etc. All these are sins and all sins are equal and we all sin. Last I checked Jesus associated with sinners (and tax collectors) :)to the dismay of his followers, as they were the ones who needed him most. We are the ones who need him most.(If you believe in him.) By exclusion you condone bigotry. Yours In Cheerful Service, Tim ( who is addicted to Mt.Dew!!)

I have one as well ( but don't wear it due to O.A. bling.Be kinda busy) My wife also wears one as well as my son. We signed up 12 boys and 2 Adult volunteers together last year. Our council awards them to Adults and Boys alike. They were displayed proudly at 3 school meet and greets on the 30th and 31st. Signed up 16 more cubs! I'm proud to say I'm a BSA Recruiter. Don't just talk about it, be about it. If wearing a patch gets one boy in scouting, do it (if your council/pack says it's ok.) Yours in Cheerful Service, Tim "before you point out the splinter in your neighbors eye, remove the plank from your own"

Hello Fellow NC'R, 1.) Love your motivation! 2.) You can't do it alone! 3.) Establish committee first! 4.) Get assistance from a Troop, it's an investment. Happy Cubs=Future Boy Scouts. 5.) Get Chartered Organization involved, they own it, they need to know any issues. 6.) Retired persons are a valuable source of leadership. Tap into it. 7.) Do not go for drastic changes, resistance will occur and you will hear the phrase I dread. "But we have always done it this way!" Baby steps. 8.) No right or wrong way. Yours in Cheerful Service, Tim

1st.) I've learned in life to never bite your tongue on anything. period. Just be more thoughtful on the approach and tone you take. To many yes men in the world. Honest opinions are truly valuable. You just gave me yours WasE61, thank you. I'm sure even B.D. would agree the truth in this. 2nd.) I can't speak for the other Dens but mine are having a great time. We stay active through the summer while the other Dens take the summer off. We have more then doubled in the 2+ years. I have active parents in my Den and they always ask about where things go, is this permanent, temporary, fun patch for vest etc. I give extra waumpaum for uniform wear at meetings, which they trade for prizes on store day. ( dollar store stuff.) 3rd.) Please, throttle back hero, I'm ex Army Infantry, i don't expect the kids to be covered down in a 3 by 9 formation. Yes this not the military! It's all about them doing their best at what they are trying. But they can't be expected to know where something goes if they are never told where it should be. They would never complete rank requirements if they never knew what they were. Obviously it would be hard to correct most of the issues now because 90% of the patches have been melted into the fabric with that "lovely" glue. 4th.) Why wouldn't you take the time to tell your scout where that patch you just awarded him, and he is so proud of, actually goes. I've decided to offer to change the "generic inspection sheet" in the new member packets to a more detailed/informative uniform sheet. That way i have provided the information. What you choose to do with it is up to you. I feel warm and fuzzy already. Your in Cheerful Service. Tim

BEWARE MALWARE!!

O.K., Been in Pack for over 2 years. 1st year rode with the flow, observed, took mental note on where I'd be a good fit etc. Coming on 3rd year and have noticed many "Irregularities" in uniform wear. We have Bears with Tiger totems still on. Rank on wrong pocket. Rank in wrong sequence. Whittle'n chip on either pocket flap. Several scouts with NO patches at all! I will admit I am a uniform guy. Been wearing one since I was 18. SO.. I want to approach the uniform issues but with everything we are going through with lack of leaders, new CC, new CM, recruiting drive, popcorn, etc. I don't want to come off as a Uni-Nazi. I thought perhaps I could put together a uniform guide to give out. Something with real pictures that would help the kids know where stuff should go. I just feel if you are going to wear the uniform, please wear it properly. I grimace when i see a world crest right over top a pocket with a religious knot NEXT to it. Yours in Cheerful Service, Tim

I have Bears and Wolves. One of my Wolves is quite the talker. He would interrupt the beginning of meets as we went over old and new business. One day i told him to come to the front and tell us a story. He did, and after a 5 - 7 minute story about whatever came into his head he was good. Now we start our meetings with "Story Time with Seth." We all enjoy it. Guess you just kind of gotta find their motivations. Obviously he wanted some attention. Sometimes we do push-ups. But we all do them. Sit-ups too. Gotta get that energy out. Yours in Cheerful Service, Tim