Wallace

Any thoughts on the national number of boys that earn the AOL? ...or what office in Irving might have a guess? Thanks.

Keep in mind that without a serious look at the national age group demographics of the BSA, no reasonable assumptions about the program can be made. The BSA made this mistake before and I hope is wise to not repeat it.

Think of the gear inspection by the PLC (adults looking over their shoulder and going through the same inspection) as the Scouts opportunity to live up to the BSA motto.

I know this is creeping off-topic a bit but ... There is already a leadership component to Cubs. It is the Denner and Assistant Denner! As always, the BSA only works when the adults are trained, actually use the BSA resourses, and bother to follow the program!

ScoutNut I cannot find any reference in the BSA literature to the rule you mention. Can you please provide a reference for clarification? Thanks.

Yes. He should wear it and further show his support for the organization of which he is a member. ...and be a good example to his younger brother.

Remember that at its core, the purpose of the Blue and Gold Banquet and its placement in February is to celebrate the birthday of the BSA. We always have a birthday cake and use this event to show (or re-explain) the purposes, mission, etc of the entire BSA program. The other aspects (awards, skits, songs, fun, etc.)of the B and G are held within this context.

Good choice. I have two original 3/4 standard thermarests and they are going strong after all these many years. Here are some care and feeding thoughts: Store them unrolled, valves open and at indoor room temperature. (I keep ours under the bed.) This way the foam will not retain any memory and the air will circulate. When using, overinflate (by blowing it up)the pad, lay on the pad on your side and let out a the air until your hip just barely touches the ground. Then close the valve and sleep well!

Keep in mind that all competent sleeping bag manufacturers assume a ground pad as part of the "sleeping system" and is figured as part of the bags stated temperature rating. A significant portion of the body heat lost while sleeping is due to contact with the ground. Not to use at least a closed-cell foam pad (for most conditions) is daft.

Thank you F.O.G. for the Blondie flashback.

Yes. The Progress Towards Rank plastic is suspended from the button-behind the flap.

Remember that the original design and use of the "Campaign Hat" was more of a "Western hat" nature and not of a "drill instructor or State Trooper" nature. I would err on the side of floppy.

We use a large plastic bin that fits under their bed. I once challenged them to build something with all of their legos. The result was amazing and took most of the day.

Good advice Bob White!

As far a Cubs go... Another approach might be to talk about proper uniforming at the Den meeting before the Pack meeting. Then at the Pack meeting, adults have the "funny" uniforms and have the boys do the inspection. The boys are better and more critical at this than we might think. As far as the example that Bob White mentioned, I think it borders on hazing a shows a real lack of understanding of the temperment of young boys by the leader. At our last Pack Meeting, a boy (not in my den) showed up again with a neckerchief and no slide. I carry a few, small 1/2 pvc pipe conne

Cubs - AOL Scouts - Eagle Curent - Webelos Den Leader and like most of us - many, many other BSA hats.

More off the topic... While at a council event or camp, a boy climbs a tree and is higher than the prescribed 6'-0" from ground, he needs to be belayed? Would that be technically correct?

I used to be an Owl...%>) ...and working that ticket.

Geology was my first and most difficult MB. It has been 30 years but I remember well arriving at the counselors home and discovering that he was a Professor in Geology at the local university. I earned the badge.

Den Chiefs! Den Chiefs! Den Chiefs! With the boys, design the flag one meeting. Bring the materials the next meeting and build it. They are better at this than you might think. Our guys put an BSA event patch on the flag for every event they participated in. They are very proud. FOG...proof please for your opinion? If it is true, we wasted a lot of time at WLOE last year.

Anyone seen a list of current Dem. candidates and their (if any) Scouting background?

Good one Fat Old Guy!

I have thought about this for years and find much agreement with what has been said. Having grown up in the BSA and now a Leader, I have seen this from the youth and adult side. My opinion has distilled to this adage: Scouting needs to become the squeaky wheel. By that I mean is that for Scouting to become the "last thing to cut " in a boys ( and their families) life it needs to become more than a past-time with minimal time and effort requirements. ...more service projects, more meetings than the 1 hour a week, more and different outdoor events than once a month, more events with

...Maybe a local Venturing Rep. could be there to explain the Venturing program.

NJ...Don't worry. I am saving up. I start Wood Badge next weekend. Thanks to all for the confirmation.