WAKWIB

matuawarrior writes: "We are in the process of establishing our own local Honor Camper Society. The Venturers in my crew have come up with different requirements for each Honor Level. We are still looking into MOS sites and have borrowed some of their positions and duties but will localize it here." I think creating a honor society based on the native culture of your area is a fantastic idea. A couple of suggestions. 1. Your new group should have a definite set of unique core values. A set of obligations or resolutions or whatever you may call them that the members can commit to and that will motivate them to futher service. Something that produces a life-change (hopefully) and personal growth. Make these as specific as possible, something that can inspire immediate action. Have the new candidates share what they have committed to do with a ranking member of the "tribe", and use this as a point of accountablity to gauge when a person is ready to move up in the "tribe". 2. Create a meaningful legend, that tells the "tribe's" story, and that reinforces the values you wish to transmit. 3. Showmanship!!! Have a colorful, well-planned presentation of your group's ceremonies. In Mic-O-Say, some of our ceremonies are, of course, for members only, but we begin the process of induction with a large ceremony that all campers attend. The mystique of your oganization created by these ceremonies, will motivate younger Scouts to stay involved so that they too, may one day be able to participate. I'll use myself as a case in point. My first year at Scout summer camp, I was quite homesick. For many reasons, I was just not a happy camper. That all changed when I saw my first Mic-O-Say Call Night Ceremony which is when the new candidates are called out to begin the process of membership. The costumes, the speeches, the drama of the whole evening captured my imagination. By the end of the night, the homesickness was gone...and I resolved that I would press on with Scouting. As a result, the homesick little boy eventually went on to become an Eagle Scout, served for 6 summers on the camp staff, and became a ranking member in the Tribe. Your group will hopefully not only have a dynamic impact on the older youth who participate, but will also inspire new Scouts as well. I wish the very best to you and the Venture crew as you implement your new program.

I told an expanded and slightly different version of the "pig story" at a campfire a couple of months ago. Same punch line. The leaders and some of the Scouts thought it was hilarious...but some of the Scouts didn't get it at all.(???) About Mr. Steele, based on what I have read on these forums over the past few months before I recently signed up, it appears he is a great example of what a Scouting professional should be. He knows the "business". He is personable and kind in his discussions on this forum. He is quick to share what he knows, and is willing to listen and learn from others. I think any council would be fortunate to have such an employee. If you need a new place to hang your hat Dave, come to the Heart of America Council... where life is good and Scouting is King.

Hello Scouts and Scouters: New guy in the house! Boy, this thread has gone all over the place. Concerning the Beatles: like them, but not even close to being a great fan. More of a Rolling Stones type, I guess. Also liked the "second wave" of the British Invasion (Genesis, Yes, Pink Floyd, etc.) Concerning British Humour: I just really haven't seen that many programs, but I think "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" is one of the funniest movies ever made. Quite Insane. Concerning the proper way to refer to a Troop: Myself, other leaders, and the Scouts tend to refer to Troop 260 as "Our Troop...". After all, it is a team effort on the part of the Scouts, their parents, the Troop Committee, the Chartering Organization, and the adult leaders. Concerning Scouting in general: Priceless.

Hello Folks, I'm new to this group. I have enjoyed reading these forums for several months and finally decided to register. My son, Tamegonit Arrowman, started this particular thread. He was really impressed with his OA induction back in August, and is looking forward to continued involvement in the future. Since he is not in Mic-O-Say yet, and I pretty much grew up in it (but am not a member of OA yet)we have had many discussions about the merits of both organizations. However, we reach some obvious dead ends since neither of us hold dual membership yet. I think that there is a lot of good in both. Don't have much time right now to say every thing I would like on the subject, but I hope this thread continues. I think the whole subject of the history of honor camping societies, and the current trend in some councils to adopt unique programs alongside of OA to be rather fascinating. By the way, I would like to put a plug in for the Kansas City Tribe's 75th Anniversary Tribal Feast June 12. I know that there has to be some Tribesmen in other parts of the country who read these forums who might like to register and attend this event. You can register online at: http://hoac-bsa.org/MOS_Reg_Instructions.cfm You can send me a private message if you have any questions about the feast.