Trevorum

Hello y'all! Well, our troop has returned to civilization, back from 12 days on the trail at Philmont - "Scouting Paradise". What a terrific trek, too! I could almost see the fellows meld into a strong, cohesive team over the days. They seemed to mature into young men right before our eyes. The memories will last us all a lifetime. We started under extreme fire danger, but the first week on the trail was so rainy, that by the second week, the fire ban was lifted and we actually enjoyed a couple of fires in the staffed camps. And no injuries, not even a blister! One bear sighting - he seemed to be mellow though and ambled away after sniffing in our direction for a tense minute. Also, staff spotted some cougar scat at a camp 2 days before we got there. And, of course, zillions of "mini-bears"! ... We hiked over Mount Phillips and then down over the Tooth - what incredible views! A great trek. Ahh - I miss it already! -T

Concur. A BoR may not "fail" a scout or "deny" rank advancement. They may however identify one or more specific deficiences (which, presumably, escaped notice by the SM) which need correcting. Of so, the BoR may elect to adjourn to a later date, at which the candidate may present evidence of having fixed the specific issue.

scoutldr says, "My fear is of unethical precedents." Me, too. (This message has been edited by a staff member.)

As an anthropologist, I can assure you that the early ethnological literature contains many references to persons of mixed gender roles. The word "berdache" was borrowed from the French, and if I recall correctly has been rejected my the modern Native American community because of it's originally offensive connotations. Nonetheless, as popularized in "Little Big Man", there was indeed a "third gender" in many (not all) Native American societies. These persons were generally accepted for who they were (and were not) with little institutionalized discrimination. Often, these persons were considered holy in some way. Coincidentally, in modern India, the third sex is referred to as "hijra" or "aruvani" and often fulfills an important cermonial function. I should point out that historians also agree that homosexuality was accepted, and even promoted, in ancient Greece. The strong bonds between men resulting from homosexual love were especially appreciated in the military. Alexander the Great is widely presumed by historians to be homosexual, although proof positive is impossible at this distance in history. Many cultures traditionally have accepted homosexuality without prejudice. Notably, these societies were predominantly non-agrarian and pre-industrial. Prejudice against homosexuals is most common in agrarian cultures and state-level societies. As religions that developed in an agrarian and state-level society, Christianity and Islam are predictably rigid in their definition of gender roles. As these powerful religions spread across the globe, their view of homosexuality has replaced that of many of the traditional societies with which they have come into contact. Today, the belief that homosexuality is aberrant is dominant among western societies.

I agree with Neil, especially since this is the first eagle project in this troop. On the other hand I would have no problem with a candidate asking the committee for a short term loan in a situation where his fundraising will not be complete (for some good reason) by the time he needs to implement the project (for another good scheduling reason). In this case, he would need to propose a realistic payment plan from his anticipated fundraising.

From the 6/21/06 edition of PhilNews The Rivera Mesa Fire has now been partially contained. The fire had grown to 10,250 acres. Located about 10 miles southeast of Philmont, the fire had forced evacuations from many of the southernmost camps and many crews will remain on alternate trek itineraries. Staff in the middle and upper South Country will stay at their camps. Staff who were evacuated from the backcountry are finding new jobs in base camp until they can be returned to their camps.

Hunt, My comment was not meant to offend and I apologize if offense was taken. My point was semantics. Few people are actually "afraid" of homosexuality in the same sense that other people fear heights or spiders. T hese people are told by society (their parents, church, BSA) that homosexuality is morally wrong, deviant, dangerous, to be shunned, and just plain icky. When acted upon to cause harm to others, this belief becomes bigotry, and in precisely the same sense as racial bigotry. Yes, I do think that many people use the label "sin" and wrap themselves in religiousity to justify their bigotry. I know that many of these people are fine folks otherwise - we just disagree on some social issues. -T

Dan, I don't think "homophobia" is the correct word here, "phobia" meaning the fear of something. These people don't so much as fear homosexuality as they loathe it. I think a more apt word for this type of thinking would be "bigotry".

Darn, wish I had known that yesterday! Last night would have been great for a bonfire! Our family likes to incorporate elements of a variety of cultures and religions into our set of family traditions, and I'll remember for next summer, for sure.

Wow, that's an expensive problem to have! Those missing tents have got to be somewhere (hopefully, not too many have been thrown out because of mildew...) and it's going to take some tough talking on your part to get them back. Not sure this helps, but I think the problem may be the mind set associated with "community gear". If no one "owns" it, no one has to take responsibility for it. Scouts in our troop own their own tents, so this is never a problem, but we DO experience the same thing with smaller items of patrol gear such as cooking pots and propane hoses. Once you get your tents back, I'd suggest posting the check-out/check-in list in a permanent place (scout shed, etc.) and NOT letting the QM take it home. That seems to be your biggest problem - not KNOWING who has the tents. Assign an inventory number to each tent (and sew on a tag to the front grommet or someplace) and track the tents individually. Even better, have the boys assign whimsical names to the tents, so that each tent is personalized. A fellow will tend to care about his "Sultan's Palace" or "Grendel's Lair" more than he will care about "some old tent".

Dan, Do you have any celebrations or festivities to mark the occasion? And, what does "Litha" mean?

Welcome Jen! You're going to have a lot of fun in Scouting! I'm sure you'll find lots of advice and pointers on these forums (sometimes spiced with opinions). My first suggestion would be to make sure you get trained. Ask your Cubmaster about the next training session offered for Den Leaders. These are usually given by District people. Also, read the Bear book and make sure you have a good (ie, FUN!) program prepared for each den meeting.

Today is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere (beginning of winter in the southern hemisphere). In 2006, the solstice begins June 21, at 8:26 a.m. EDT.

He wants to make sure the surplus money goes where it belongs, but he's not sure who that is... Maybe I'll ask him to think of it from the donor's POV ... where do they think their money is going?...

heh, heh ... well, John wants to buy a new pair of zip-offs for his Philmont trek next month , but he knows the money doesn't belong to him ...

When an Eagle candidate completes his service project and has funds remaining in his budget, who recieves the surplus? For example: "John" raised $200 for his project which benefited a local charitable organization. Ten donations of $20 each were made directly to his troop, which then disbursed the monies to John per his project budget. Based on actual reciepts, John spent only $150 of the $200 he raised. Should the remaining $50 stay in the troop treasury, be given to the charity, or be refunded to the ten donors ($5 each).

I picked up my rainsuit at a big-box sporting goods store for about $25. As far as I could tell, it is nearly identical to the name brand (sans a few features I could easily live without), and about half the price.

I use a generic Tyvek rainsuit, similar to FrogTogs, but a lot cheaper. The best rain gear I have ever used. Lightweight (great for backpacking!) and breathable (hate that clammy feeling). The only drawback is that the Tyvek will tear if roughly used (don't hike through thick brush). Mine got a big tear in the crotch (from sitting down too suddenly) but I repaired it with duct tape and it's just fine (but sorta funny looking). I give Tyvek rainsuits three thumbs up!

Welcome Jeeps! Pull up a log and join our virtual campfire.

The line between politics and show biz is becoming increasing blurred. Back in the mid-90s, I predicted that within 20 years, we'd elect a president who was an ex-sports jock. This was before Jesse (not to mention Arnold), and we still have three election cycles to go...

Michelle, I've sent you a PM

As a result of new state legislation regulating adults at summer camp, I recently visited our state's online offender list and was stunned to discover one of the troop parents on the list. The parent is not BSA registered but he has gone camping a few times with the troop, not recently. I have not mentioned this to the CC because it does not seem to be an issue at present, but I am wondering what I should have done had I known this last year when the parent went camping with us. Advice?

I've been told ... Fast Witted In Wonderland ... but maybe that's not what Vicki meant ...

You don't get it. The BSA is legally right but morally wrong on this matter. The BSA WILL change. Not today and not next year. But it will. Because society changes. (We even let women vote these days.) On this issue, you are on the wrong side of ethics and the wrong side of history.

Brent, I think you are missing the point. Just because something is LEGAL does not mean it is ethical. The history of our country is loaded with examples of this point. Many people strongly believe it is unethical to unjustly discriminate against a class of persons solely on the basis of their biology. Race. Gender. Handedness. Sightedness. Sexuality. We believe that all persons should be treated with fairness and respect. Other people strongly believe that their God has told them to discriminate against certain classes of people who look or act differently. No one will change your mind. We know that. It's the next generation we have hope for.