Bob58

Thanks to all! Especially Laurie for the Age Appropriate Guidelines link. (It seem that the story I heard at Day Camp training about BSA developing guidelines for Slingshots & Rock Throwing might just be true!)

Anne, I had no doubt that cub fire safety had bounced abound before but I had pages of hits. I can handle Venn diagrems, but Boolean searches can send me for a loop. I did cut & paste your match tips.

Thanks again to all.

Bob

On my way home to check G2SS, & Cub Literature because...

I was asked this evening if Cubs are allowed to "Light campfires". The query came from one who was well awre of their need to know how to build a fire, but had been recently told that Den Chiefs or adult leaders mist strike the match & light the fire.

I'd search the forums but I'm not sure how to limit my search... booley, booley!

Bob

oNE OF THE MOST APPRECIATED GIFTS THAT i'VE BEN INVOLVED WITH WAS A PLAQUE. (sorry for the Caps)

It was a nice wood one with two "pages" one, a testamonial to a dedicated DE detailing his service and the second the signatures of many of our area scouters.

He displays it proudly in his new digs!

Bob

...or perhaps it was just a matching tie & handkerchief! (Face hrdwarenshoud always be optional. I had a friend who believed one was never really dressed without a breast pocket full of color!

Bob

Acco, are you are being very saubtle or a tad unkind?

Jason, are you referring to Webelos? Those who proudly procalim, "We'll Be Loyal Scouts!" or am I missing a joke here?

If its a sincere question...thaen many might offer some guidance, but the short answer is by meeting the joining requirements.

Some Webelos earn the "Arrow of Light", in pursuit of which they visit several units including one visit during which they (from memory here...) participate in a scoutmaster conference & complete an application to join a troop.)

Other boys age out of Cubs & just move on from Webelos 2 to Boy Scouts, they effectively register with a new unit (this time a troop) based on age or grade. These young men can certanly be welcomed in a crossover or bridging ceremony.

Bob

So where does the Insignia guide say that one should wear the "Totin' Chip" & "Fireman's Chit". Or is that ...painless. ...harmless.

Just wondering!

As I promised I did find a reference

BTW FOG... Dad died over 10 years ago & I'm guessing that we discussed Khaki when I was in scouting in the 70's or when the uniform changed. I'll check Bugle Boy's date of incorporation if you like...

http://open-dictionary.com/Khaki

Khaki

From open-dictionary.com - the free dictionary.

(English)

Pronunciation

IPA: /'kkiː/

Noun

(1) a dull, yellowish-brown colour, the colour of dust.

(2) a strong cloth of wool or cotton, often used for military uniforms.

Thanks Bob!

Bob

I'm gonno get out some salt & pepper in case I have to eat my words but here goes.

One of Scouting's strengths is its abilty to be inclusive and I firmly believe that this applies to reverance. I was a scout d/ the late 60's early 70's & had a pretty liberal religious upbringing. (Catholic but w/ an emphasis on understanding other religions , tom the point of "exchanging" pastors & attending certain celebrations w/ neighboring houses of worship of different religious backgrouunds. I enjoy attending vespers at summer camp & have written non-denominational services that draw from naturalistic writings from a variety of religious backgrounds. All reflect the wonder of creation, some highlight / recognize the role of a creator. I include duty to neighbor & nation from a scouters point of view because these are scout services.

I am a leader in troop sponsored by a a Catholic parish - Roman rite. (I also serve on pack, crew comm.) We are very fortunate in that our parish is staffed by a religious order & has 2 retired priests in residence who were active chaplins. Our current chalin is an Eagle Scout (class of 72 or 73!) We always communicate to parents how we intend to meet our faiths religious obligation when camping or traveling. One of the priests is almost always able to camp w/ us or join us for Mass, then Sat. dinner or Sunday breakfast.

We have even done Mass on Saturday night, technically the vigil of Sunday, and then attended the "Scout's Own" on Sunday morning.

Now the tough part. For the past six years one of the "Ctholic" units has hosted a Catholic Mass at a major district event. When our unit was not responsible another troop made arrangements or our local "Catholic Committee on Scouting" would arrange for a priest to attend. Many Non-Catholic units attend & they are welcomed, but to my knowledge there has never been an open non-denominational service at this event. Both of the last two years the planning committee invited leaders to plan a non-denominational service -- no one stepped up.

Catholic teaching is that we share in "real presence" when we take "Communion" and that one who is not a baptized (christened) member of the church or is in a state of serious sin should not accept the invitation to Communion. Some priests make a point of addressing this before counting out hosts, communion wafers, at the beginning of the Mass. I'm sure that some scouts don't understand & I suspect that some leaders couldn't or wouldn't discuss it w/ their Scouts.

As I mentioned earlier I make a point of sharing reverance w/ other scouts scouters at vespers or other nondenominational services but I'm saddened by the thought that leaders might encourage / allow their charges to attend a religious celebration without the boys understanding the significance of the ritual.

I'll check back later & see if anyone has comments.

Good Morning!

I fielded a call this am from a leader who is looking for

Troop Planning Video (AV-02V010)

The Nat'l Scout Shop in our council has told her that it is no longer available, our professional staf is in conference, and the suppport staff blew her off. Anmy ideas? I'm headed to the nat'l site website to check resources now.

Thanks, Bob

Perhaps it good that its too late for me to start a serious search but if I', not mistaken Khaki at one time referred to the fabric & not the colour. Nope not misspelled this time -- just ask Eamonn.

The point being that I think the discussion is centered on the green and/or tan. But my father would be pleased that I dragged that bit of trivia up.

Anyone have a really good online dictionary?

Bob

Hi,

While a call to the DE will probably get you an answer if you have a Unit Commissioner assigned... a more appropriate contact would be you District Commissioner. ( I know you'll have to call the DE to find out who that iS -- hee heee.)

But seriously folks, adults who are new to scouting should be intropduced to the Unit Key 3, and when appropraite the District, Council or Natioanl Key.

Basically...

the De is the "Paid PRofessional" & like it or not he (or she)is a sales person, a customer servicce rep and sometimes an invaluable resource! They might be the person in your district who knows the most about the program, but they might not know your districts particulars twists or turns.

... the District (Committee) Chair is a volunteer who coordinates other volunteer in a variety of areas. (Advancement, campning, fundraising, FOS-Friends of Scouting-, programs, training -Kinda.

... the Distirct Commissioner leads the Commissioner Staff in providing servcice to the units. In reality there can be a lot of crossover between the commissioner Staff & the training sub-committee of many districts. For example many district roundtables are driven by the Pack, Troop or Crew Roundtab;le Commissioners & spend a little time on District/Council events & emphasize training.

The best Commissioners are often natural mentors or counselors... they won't solve your (unit's) problems, but they are great at asking the right questions. You know, the questions that point you in the right direction without "telling" you what to do.

I'll give you my thoughts on the Unit Key 3 another time!

Please take time to remember all those who served our country as you celebrate the Memorial Day holiday.

Bob

Hi Laurie,

I'm sorry that your IH and/or CO didn't realize that they owned the program, but I'm not surprised. I'm very glad that the unit was still functioning when you came aboard. I think that many DE's, Dist Chairs, and Dist. Cmmssnrs have found this to pop up over the years. Regardless of the type of organization if the DE doesn't remind IH's of reselling their ownership the program d/ his annual visit the point gets lost somewhere. It might be the re-assignment or resignation of a pastor, the election of new leadership at a service club, or just the "march of time" as the units founders move on.

DE's often work with an institution to create a new unit & provide approved leadership, but sometimes boys & leaders are "just looking for a meeting place." In any case the first few years can be very important in building & maintaining the unit, but if the Chartering Organization starts out "just doing a favor" the Unit needs to develop the relationship through service (or at least generating some GOOD PR for the CO!)

Last Fall we had a pastor panic when our commissioner contacted him regarding a shrinking pack. Fortunately he recognized that this could eventually effect the 50 yr "veteran" troop that everyone was taking for granted. A former DE had established the pack about 10 years ago & the old leadership had carried on after their boys crossed over to Boy Scouts. Now that they were "aging out" of Scouting even the pack committee was falling away. Pastor _______ was not going to be the one to see the troop fold so "Shazam!" he gave Cub Scout Recruiting a priority!

I worry when I read that units don't have regular Commissioner Service and I sincerely encourage any who is committed to Scouting to take an interest in Commissioner service. Not everyone has the knack for it, and certainly not everyone has the time for it, but Commissioners can truly be a "unit lifesavers" on oacasion. (Personally I'd rather see them make 'house calls" once in a while & keep the units out of the Emergency Room all together!

Sorry, next time we can play "Sports Metaphors!" instead of "Doctor."

Bob

"Campfire Ashes" - the boys compete for the honor.

But I like Henry V (N, not "I'm Hen(e)ry the 8th!")

Our local scout shop sells the blanks -- don't know if they're breaking rules but it works for those w/ permanent parkers or the fancy sewing machines that were mentioned.

Bob

The 3 Rivers District is gearing up for its inaugural 5K on Saturday, May 22, 2004. Anyone interested in running / walking is invited. (There is even a 1 mile kids "Fun Run.) Over 14yrs. $20, Scouts under 18 $10. and 14 & under a canned good to be donated to the Delaware Food Bank on the day of the race! Prizes for top 3 runners in 10 categories.

First race at 8:30am pretty much limits participation to those in northern Delaware, northeastern Maryland, southeastern PA & nearby South Jersey.

For details check:

www.boyscout5k.org

Excellent!

Thanks - Bob

Sorry, that was a bad link.. I'll check some more!

Bob

It never occurred to me that he wasn't flesh & blood, but then I grew up reading Boys Life in the sixtes/ seventies. My guess is that there were other scouts who thought their own leaders were cool but that Greenbar Bill would be "Excellent!" Hi monthly column was always interesting & often offered a different side of scouting.

The following link is from a Scouter netcompass search. I haven't checked it out yet.

Bob

Category: compass/Scouting History/People/William Hillcourt

http://pinetreeweb.com/godollo.htmem

BS Advancement records larger than I remember but with full descriptions of requirements.

Be a First Class Scout" #33482B $.20

Upward to Eagle #33430A $.19

Have agood one.

Bob

I'll be back at the Scout Shop this afternoon & check on an item # for the cards.

When I started this thread I was hoping others might add what they think are most useful methods.

Bob

FotoScout, I can agree w/ not stirring a family pot but will pass along his concerns?

We recently had a 60 yr. old troop endure 2 years on the bubble while thge Chartering Organization formed committees & debated one "issue". The majority of the congregation quietly supports Scouting, a few vociferously oppose Scouting & the pastor values the program & his job. (The bishop and local & hierarchy, is

"anti-discrimination".)

I encourage you to give the district or council a heads up. Perhaps the DE should make an early IH visit.

Bob

Bob

Me again... I'm considering Oh the joy!

Notes to self.

I am a Scout & a Scouter. (No comments re age, please! & if Eagle Scouts are forever so are Star Scouts.) In Scouting & life I hang my hat on character development, citizenship, and physical fitness. It my personal goal to foster the program if that's one scout or one unit at a time so be it

I value the methods of Scouting for their usefulness in "delivering the promise" of scouting.

I am personally commited to being properly uniformed, but everyone really can't afford to jump in head to toe. (Yeah I wear Official Socks.) When asked why I wear the whole thing I refer to my unit, position & training patches & relate them to the boys uniforms.

Our kids pay $35. per season to play sports - our troop charges $35 a year for reg., Boys Life, insurance, QU strip, troop neckerchief & first World Crest. (Camping runs 5 to 20 per month- Avg really is @10.) Our Pack, Troop & Crew all contribute to our uniform closet, but we quietly let it be known that the loan of the uniform is to ease the pain not provide the uniform. Most boys stick with us & those who leave are reminded to return the experienced uniform. I can't remember anyone borrowing a second (larger) uniform, butb I can pass on the satisfaction of the boys take pride in contributing a second uniform when they keep on growing.

Uniforms really can encourage advancement-- peer pressure isn't always our enemy!

Did someone recently metion taking the handbook into the pool? I've kept my pocket advancement cards from the 60's & 70's (and yes, one of them needed to drip dry after a canoeing trip.) I didn't always have my handbook when working on requirements, I shared one w/ my brother, and I'm not sure that everyone in the old troop even shared one, but I (and my leaders!) did a good job of tracking advancement using those pocket cards. Several leaders in my district who "require" handbooks thought the cards were "lost & gone forever" until I passed them around along w/ instant recognition kits at a roundtable last year. Yeah I also mentioned Individual record sheets, (wall) posters, & "computer programs". Then I had a talk w/ our training chair!

I'm going to resist the temptation to continue to pick off the methods one-by-one but I invite any comments as to which methods really work? (Especially since they vary by program.)

Okay, I think I've got it out of my system.

Let's start again. When I attended Commissioner's training one of the presenters told an interesting story. Briefly, he was asked to assist with an Interest Meeting for parents (and boys!) at a brand new Troop. During the course of the evening he made a point of reminding the 20 or 30 parents that "this is a uniformed orgaization and your sons NEED uniforms." (His empahsis!) As he tells the story the new scoutmaster called him to tell him that every one of the twelve boys who came back the next week had uniforms. That's where he ends the story.

I was raised w/ manners, but I am not blessed w/ a poker face. I kept my mouth shut by spending the next few minutes skimming through my notebook for a distraction. To this day I wonder... how many boys never joined? did any save the money & join "when they could afford it?"

Sorry, I'm not always argumentative but I tell the parents of our cubs that they should check out Cub Scout pants before they buy another pair of blue dress pants for their son. (Yes, I tell them the school pants will be fine until the boy grows out of them.)

I'm afraid I might needd to spin off a new thread.

Bob

Could the "Rare Old Mountain Dew" be the Patrol Yell (Song), or is it a different XXX?