King Ding Dong

I like those numbers BD. How does work when push come to shove. If Mom shoves you a check every year, will National allow you to drop them ? It bugs the hell out of me that a sports team can require attendance, but the BSA does not.

Um, those pics show at least one non-white guy. Maybe the only one, who knows. Conservative, evangelical Christians do come in many colors. Not a fan and certainly many are racists, but not all, and I have not heard any of the typical code words yet. I also have to admit non-whites are severely under represented in the Cub and BS programs from what I have seen. Time will tell, the Tea Party couldn't hide their true colors for long and this group won't either if that is on their agenda. How one can expect to build good citizens by only associating with those of the same religion in this country is the major flaw as I see it. This is a problem within many BSA units as well.

We have "registered" 16-17 year old in the troop who has shown up a couple times announcing his eagle project. Last week he had his signup sheet out and asked for help, wasn't even in uniform. My son, just 11, is begging me to let him help. Ug, I reluctantly let him signup up. I wanted to tell him, "What has this boy done for the troop since you joined ? Has he been on a campout or troop meeting and given you leadership ? He wants something from you and has no intention of ever contributing to your scouting experience. Why should you help him ?" I didn't and guess I did the right thing. It still bugs me. Which of these two boys would make the better Eagle candidate ?

I agree the red are by the book, however some units switch shirts at Webelos II and in that case I would allow the parents to use green if they wanted to. I prefer a proper uniform, but my position code is not UP (uniform police). The SM at the troop still has the red numbers from his time as the CM. Encourage not chastise is my motto now.

Bookemdano, I think you missed the point. The reason to go for the pin is they already earned the belt loop. Now the issue is the requirement says to earn the the belt loop as a Webelos. One of the requirements of the Baseball pin is to play 5 games, the beltloop is 1 game. It is hard to fulfill the requirements of the pin without also fulfilling the requirements of the beltloop. Therefor if the Scout chooses to earn the pin instead, because in a previous year he earned the belt loop, I don't see why that wouldn't satisfy the requirement.

Lol. My Scout is a geek, so I don't have to deal with the "cool" factor (yet). He still thinks I am COOL. He would rather be in the Old Goats Patrol. I have to kick him back all the time.

"Reading between the lines" or "code" difference without a distinction. Their creed has nod been "finalized" Proposed Membership Standards for Trail Life USA Membership in the program has both youth and adult elements. Youth membership in the program is open to all who meet the membership requirements, and is currently designed for biologically male children under the age of 18. The adult applicant must also be at least 18 years of age and subscribe to and abide by the statement of Christian faith and the Oath and Creed of the program (currently being finalized). While the program is undergirded by Biblical values and unapologetically reflects a Christian worldview, there is also a clearly defined inclusion policy for youth. Accordingly, all boys are welcome irrespective of religion, race, national origin or socio-economic status. Our goal is for parents and families of every faith to be able to place their boys in a youth program that endeavors to provide moral consistency and ethical integrity in its adult leaders. Charter partners own and operate local groups, selecting leaders and admitting members as they deem beneficial to their group and within the parameters of the national policy. The basis for the program’s ethical and moral standards are found in the Bible. In terms of sexual identification and behavior, we affirm that any sexual activity outside the context of the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman is sinful before God and therefore inconsistent with the values and principles of the program. Within these limits, we grant membership to adults and youth who do not engage in or promote sexual immorality of any kind, or engage in behavior that would become a distraction to the mission of the program. We welcome boys whose parents are seeking a faith-based outdoor adventure program that places an emphasis on character development, leadership, and moral purity, and who aspire to live in accordance with the values expressed in the program’s Oath and Creed. - See more at: http://www.traillifeusa.com/who-we-are/values/membership-standards/#sthash.RsdnyAkJ.dpuf

How in heck can they see that little screen from 300 feet away ?

"“We believe that there is One Triune God – Father, Jesus Christ His one and only Son, and the Holy Spirit – Creator of the universe and eternally existent. We believe the Holy Scriptures (Old and New Testaments) to be the inspired and authoritative Word of God. We believe each person is created in His image for the purpose of communing with and worshipping God. We believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit who enables us to live a Godly life. We believe that each individual is called to love the Lord their God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength; and to love their neighbors as themselves. We believe that each individual is called to live a life of purity, service, stewardship and integrity.†- See more at: http://www.traillifeusa.com/who-we-are/values/statement-of-faith-values/#sthash.Kdqe9V9S.dpuf

I thought they did some kind of missionary or religious study for that donut year, that is why there is no Second Webelos year in LDS. Yes, it sounds crazy to many of us non LDS folks. LDS used their power and money to get concessions from the BSA that no other religion or organization has. If you want to take on the power structure of your Church, I will be your cheerleader. I learned a long time ago to never tell a woman she can't do something. I suggest you look into the whole LDS scouting program, it is not regular Boy Scouts. I think they are only in it for a short time and then are moved to Varsity Scouts at 14, then off to Venturing at 16. Google will be your friend here. I will warn you there are several sites out there that will be very critical of how the LDS does things. Especially when it comes to earning Eagle and the Eagle Projects. (Cleaning carpets in the Stake and such). So don't go looking if you won't like what you find.

If you look at baseball for example it is pretty hard to earn the pin without covering all the beltloop stuff unless you refuse to play an actual game. What kid is going to want to do all the drills without playing ? The pins may be to involved for your purposes and time frame. I always felt they had the belt loops and pins backwards.

The entire reason Trail Life USA was created was because they are sick of liberalism, multicultralism, political correctness and alternative lifestyles "being shoved down their throats." Who is left after they alienate the Hispanics, African-Americans, Jews, Asians, Mormons, Hindus, Sikhs, and Catholics? Someone here attended the formation conference. How many non-white, non-Christians were in the room? Wasn't Huckabee there ? That pretty much tells you all you need to know.

Same idea but not on such a grand scale. But even if they did I wouldn't endure the endless crafts and popcorn sales just for a fancy playground. My old council had nothing, just primitive camp. Do they charge to use the playground ? Mine charges for cub pack overnights comes out to about $5 a tent. Remedial training for the good stuff with maybe some character education along the way. And PWD. They do half the stuff in school anyway.

First you do realize that B-P explicitly stated several times scouting is not the Military, right? Second, all for seeing someone develop a new award. But if your going to call out an organizations uniform standard as not high enough and then intend to implement "shoulder cords" in contradiction to those very standards I think your a hypocrite. I also need to observe that this program is about Knot tying, a skill so basic to scouting that not being able to tie them means one does not advance in rank and you think people should be given uniform decorations for that? Third, If you like fancy uniforms, and the idea of the Knot Ninja program, take a look at the Sea Scout program. It is challenging, more structured than Boy Scouts and it has a variety of Uniforms. I don't remember the qualifier "only Friendly, Courteous, and kind to those who deserve it".

Remember my solution for the Cubs complaining about the hot scratchy uniform collars ? Silk Ascots. It fits perfectly. Very British, very military, all the cadets wear them. You guys will look dashing. Different colors for your ninja levels. Best of all it won't violate current BSA Guide to Insignia. (At least I don't think so) Or you could just have a poster board at your meeting place with everyone's current rank. I have heard of a attaching your landyards and beads idea to a carabiner off the belt, that would probably work also.

Your Troop seems to be lax on teaching the Scout Oath and Law also. Perhaps you should have them implement a new award where they stop you once a month, and have you prove you know what they are, what they mean, and that you actually do try to live by them. Unfortunately, from your comments here, you seem to be sorely lacking in the Courteous part, along with a few others. Young man, being on an internet board, and feeling that you are "immune" to consequences, does NOT excuse the above behavior. Especially on a Scout forum, from someone claiming to be an under 18, Boy Scout, and a leader in his Troop. BTW - I HAVE read both - the Charter and Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America (pub 57-191), and the Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America (pub 57-492). Please show evidence that anyone insulted you, until you started mouthing off at them.

Like BD, this scout does not have a sense of humor. I suspect his troop sits around a campfire all constipated tying knots instead of having fun.

Agree with you BD on smoking. You are way past the danger zone with BBQ. But I don't want to cook my steaks, chicken or brats one degree past what is necessary. Just like you don't like dry turkey. Ever smoked one ? Last year I used apple. Might try pecan this year.

I disagree those are reliable indicators. How many scouts can really use these field tests with any degree of reliability ?

I agree with you to a point. Maybe I am unique, but as a parent I did not invest/investing in 5 years of Cubs just for the sake of doing Cubs. I only did it with the intention of moving to Boy Scouts. If I knew my boys would have no interest in Boy Scouts I never would have endured the "never-ending 5 years of indoor crafts called cub scouts". The membership issue's relevance depends on your perspective. I really was not aware of the issue until a little over a year ago and I was really uncomfortable with the possibility my son could get kicked out if he was gay. From the perspective of some having gay leaders in cubs is a real issue to them. The sooner that bandaid gets ripped off the better.

Some would not be comfortable with the "Heavenly" or "Father" part.

Digital, Pastafarians use RAmen. So would that be OK to use ? Probably not. Why ?

Well in that case, you have my permission to skip out. Is this troop in the same 3 block ward or whatever so they can all walk to the meeting ? Biweekly can mean twice week or every two weeks. Why would you embarrass the Webelos ? You are their leader. And yes, talk to the SM. Can one of the Webelos Parents go in your place ?

This is just my opinion, but if she is trying to steal the Pack number I would raise hell with the District executive and scout executive. That is a real cost and pain to all the members of the pack.

Brew, I think we can now add gullibility to his list of attributes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gullibility