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Brian85

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Posts posted by Brian85

  1. I was never in the band, but I did do competitive chorus, madrigals, plays and musicals. Very complex stuff. I was also number two in my class(wood shop killed my GPA), Class President(x3), Student Body President, State Student Council Treasurer, a National Merit Scholar, All-State in two sports (FB(3 years) and Wrestling), Academic All-American in Football (Division I recruited and played), National Merit Scholar, and I had a job. I earned twenty-two varsity letters in high school(FB-4, Wrestling-4, Baseball-4, Track and Field-4, Academic Team-3, and chorus-3)Did I mention that I earned my Eagle at 14.5 and continued to earn Palms until I aged out. I proudly wear the three Silver Palms on my NESA Life Member square knot. My parents were neither coaches or scout leaders, in fact it was my responsibility to get myself to meetings and camps for sports and Scouts. I drove myself to my Eagle BoR. I missed a holiday wrestling tournament to go to my EBoR.

    What does that have to do with playing in the band. Nothing. But it does go along way in saying what kids have time to do.

  2. I still have my therm-a-rest from 1983. It is about 20x48x.75 and it works as well today as it did back then. I have three original items from my days as a youth: Eureka Timberline-2 tent, a JANSPORT Duffel bag, and my therm-a-rest. Everything else has been replaced(even my SVEA 123 stove, circa 1985, but it still works). The tent has over 1000 days of camping, the duff has been around the world twice(most recently two months ago), and the therm-a-rest has been on every camp-out, plus it has made every(11) deployment over my military career.

     

    You get what you pay for.

     

  3. The basics...Swimming, First Aid, and Camping. Lifesaving builds on swimming, Emergency Prep builds on FA, and Backpacking, Hiking, Cooking all build on Camping.

     

    I don't want to see skill awards again, they were an unfortunate experiment that lasted way too long. I will say that I enjoyed earning all twelve as a Scout, and it really established the core level for future events.

     

    Other than local units encouraging completion of certain MB progression, is there any movement afoot to bring in the basics?

  4. Lifejackets usually fall under the "10 Percent" rule, i.e. you must be 10 percent smarter than the equipment you are operating for it to be safe.

    What are there 5 classes of life jackets? Type I, safest, bulky, off-shore type; II in-shore, less bulky than I, in-shore, orange horse collar type; III ski-vest type, called a "flotation aid", most comfort for extended wear; IV throwable type, life ring and floating seat; V called special-use, usually air-inflated, comfartable and convienent, only USCG-approved when worn continuously.

    Someone more knowledgeable than me can ring in on this one...Aren't each merit badge stand-alone programs? Swimming MB is not a pre-req for Lifesaving, Personal Fitness is not a pre-req for Backpacking, etc.

  5. Camp Orr on the Buffalo River was a favorite of our trrop in the early 80's. It used to have the traditional merit badge offerings for first year scouts, PLUS hiking, backcountry backpacking, AND canoe floats. I seem to remember hiking to the highest waterfall of some sort, and spending several hours playing and resting in amazingly cool water pools under the falls...memories.

     

    Our troop also did houseboating. It was a Corps of Engineers lake in southern Kentucky, Laurel River Lake??? It was awesome...

  6. The BEST ever response I was given to the question...

     

    Older Scouter, original uniform (mid 40's),whispered hush voice, "it's been 40 years since I have been to an OA event, two wars and two wives..." I stopped him after that, gripped his hand and said "Welcome back!"

     

    P.S. I think the Kingsman passed the rites onto Metallica. Metallica very cleverly spread information throughout the Master of Puppets album. I used to listen to the album in its entirety prior to any OA event.

  7. OA ordeals are VOLUNTARY. The expectations are established up front and the candidate may back out at any time. Now, as for the TAPOUT ceremony, that is a whole different pickle. Each eligible candidate has a reasonable expectation that selection can occur with the requisite votes. They attend the tapout ceremony not knowing (wink,wink) they are to be tapped. I still have the arrow that was broken over my shoulder from my selection ceremony.

     

    We may not want to agree, but the older, more experienced Scout has a level of influence over the younger Scouts that we as adults will never have. The younger Scouts cannot always see what we see in the different aged boys. The older boys have a position of trust with the younger Scouts. They abused that trust. The abuse of trust is why we have predatory problems within our organization. The predators prey on the naive and innocence of the young Scouts. Criminal intent does not have to occur to have a crime.

     

    I completely forgot to address the question by asm1429. The answer is yes. Even if the Scout did not drink, they could be charged with intent to commit. IMO, it would more than likely be thrown out due to LOE, but in the hands of a nifty DA, it could at least get a headline and get picked up by a national network. The court of public opinion is more vicious than any court of law will ever be. So, if bad PR is the goal of a nifty DA, he wins without ever having to open a single code book.

     

  8. So let me get this straight...filling a bottle with urine, passing it off to another with directions to make a third party drink the urine is...a...prank. Seriously? You guys are just pulling the new guys leg right?

    I always thought that putting someones backpack into a bear bag, then hauling it up the highest tree was a prank.

    I know the last few camps I have attended, the lunch on tuesday was set aside for "birthday" celebrations. No one was called out directly, just anyone having a birthday this week. Now, if you take your friend to dinner on their birthday, it is not beyond reasonable expectations that being sung to by the staff UPON REQUEST is not unreasonable. Now, if it is not that persons birthday and malicious intent can be proven, then you might be able to argue that it is hazing.

     

  9. Almost forgot...The ARRA of 2009 expanded the applicability of HIPAA statutes to all business entities irt PHI. It could be very easily argued that BSA is a business entity that uses the PHI provided in its medical forms to protect its exposure to liability litigation.

     

  10. "HIPPA does not now nor has it ever applied to the BSA."

     

    Not...nor...ever is very firm. The original Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 did not originally apply, but amendments to that law have made some changes to the original act. The biggest change that everyone is the disclosure clause incuded in the Protected Health Information clause of 2003. The BSA Medical Form is a legal document that can be used as evidence in insurance claims cases. The BSA uses the medical form to mitigate issues and limit liability exposure for all the activities that units perform. The GTSS has the list of what is and is not allowed. If a unit violates the GTSS then they are not covered by the group insurance provided by the BSA. The gray area occurs during an event that is allowed by the GTSS. If the medical form provided by the participant does not match the form on record with the health insurance provider, guess what?

     

    So, does HIPAA apply? Yes. The protected health information clause is very applicable. The prescription drugs taken by your youths is PHI. Have any of you been given medications to provide to youths by the parents? We are not legal guardians, and most are not licensed medical people, able to retain medications for distribution. Imagine if you got arrested for possession of controlled prescription drugs for one of your Scouts. Another great headline...

  11. NOT HAZING!!!! (YES, I AM YELLING.) Are you out of your mind? It is a textbook case of hazing. The older boys didn't even own up to the SM that they were involved. You have multiple victims and several bullies involved.

    I would argue that this incident be reported to the Council Executive IMMEDIATELY.

     

    There is a tipping point where boys being boys is no longer acceptable behavior. The law decides what is juvenile behavior and what is adult. The line is being lowered daily. Our private organization is open to criticism from every outside group that disagrees with our views, that is why we need to police our own ranks. This is the point where adult leadership needs to step in and take the reins from the "boy-led" and take definitive and prompt action. I challenge you to write the headline and spin it into a positive light. We are continually tried in the court of public opinion based on following the Scout Law.

     

  12. The difference between practical jokes and hazing is your position. If you are the victim, then it is hazing. If you are the practical joker, then it is just that.

     

    I would suspend the involved individuals until a BoR can be held and the incident be reviewed fully. The CoR would be invited, as well as the DE. The seriousness is not to be diminished and needs to be addressed in a formal enviroment. The CC, SM, and the boys parents need to understand the seriousness. You may want to bring up the issue in South Carolina. Continuance in the program is the decision of the CoR to decide.

     

    Thirty years ago, "playing doctor" was noted as just play. We know were this has gone!

  13. What organization doesn't have "secret" files? The military has warehouses full of personnel files that document past errors and personnel issues. Tens of thousands of files on discharged individuals and reasons. All of it is private and is covered by the privacy act. I bet that even the Fed has private "perversion" files that we will never see nor hear about. Our public officials have access to young interns and pages and low paid staffers. How many of them have had public background checks? If they did have a background check performed, how many of those have been presented to the public? Tax cheats, abusive relationships, and others are all well represented in our elected halls. It seems that voters tend to overlook the crooked as long as they keep the gravy thick and flowing in their states and districts. How many companies discuss the background of their prized employees and big finishers? NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA, and the NCAA are not exempt either. Some of our favorite coaches and players lead lives off the court that is not very imitatible. Anybody hear these rumors about Tiger Woods? What about the quarterback for the Steelers? Do you think these very public high profile stories are all that occur? I bet the NFL has an entire group that conducts brand protection from these public events, especially from lower level people associated with teams. It is not too long ago that even MLB has gotten bad press about some type of drug use of a group of players.

    It should come as no surprise to any of us that we are a group of volunteers that are associated with an organization that prides itself on its Law and Oath. The single moment that a single person violates that Oath and Law, the entire organization is compromised. No matter how many Silver Animals are given out to great people, all the good work is crushed by the registered parent in middle america that has a relationship with a 16 year old boy. Our organization is predatory grounds for people who are on the prowl for victims. They seek out the drop-off kids. They volunteer to give groups of kids rides home and to campouts under the guise of helping out that single parent that is over burdened. They have a level of trust backed by the history of the BSA over the lst 100 years.

    I have to end my rambling, but it is something that really raises my ire.

  14. Same thing happened in 1985. Numerous units had scheduled treks way in advance, but changed plans due to the National Jamboree for the 75th Diamond Jubilee. My unit had decided late that we wanted to return to Philmont, and we got a prime date for our trek. I kind of regret not going to the Jamboree as a scout, but I will never forget my trips to Philmont.

    Don't feel bad about choosing other options, plenty of others are waiting in the wings to take part in the great programs at any of the high adventure bases.

  15. It sounds good.

     

    Just follow the rules of the camp. They may have a no compound bow rule. There are different scoring options for using either a longbow, recurve, or compound bows. The compound requirements are:

     

    Option B - Using a Compound Bow

    Name and point to the parts of the compound bow you are shooting.

    Explain how to properly care for and store compound bows.

    Show the nine steps of good shooting for the compound bow you are shooting.

    Explain why it is necessary to have the string on a compound bow replaced at an archery shop.

    Locate and mark with dental floss, crimp-on, or other method, the nocking point on the bowstring of the bow you are using.

    Do ONE of the following:

    Using a compound bow and arrows with a finger release, shoot a single round of ONE of the following BSA, NAA, or NFAA rounds:

    An NFAA field round of 14 targets and make a score of 70 points.

    A BSA Scout field round of 14 targets and make a score of 90 points.

    A Junior 900 round and make a score of 200 points.

    A FITA/NAA indoor* round I and make a score of 90 points.

    An NFAA indoor* round and make a score of 60 points.

    Shooting 30 arrows in five-arrow ends at an 80-centimeter (32-inch) five-color target at 10 yards and using the 10 scoring regions, make a score of 170.

    As a member of the NAA's Junior Olympic Development Program (JOAD), qualify as a Yeoman, Junior Bowman, and Bowman.

    As a member of the NFAA's Junior Division, earn a Cub or Youth 100-score Progression patch.

    * The indoor rounds may be shot outdoors if this is more convenient.

     

    These are not easy, but not impossible either. The most important part here is the finger release method. No mechanical devices are allowed. The best you can use is the finger tab to prevent finger fatigue and blisters.

     

    Good Luck.

  16. I bought 4 Garmin eTrex handheld GPS receivers for my Pack to use. I have not got involved in any geocaching events yet, but I am looking forward to some events this season. BTW, most auto units can be used in walking mode, which allows them to be carried when hiking. The only drawback is that the really colorful screens on most suto units will drain the battery in very short order. My eTrex units have a battery life of about 16 hours continuous use.

  17. I like upside down pie...

    1. PECAN

    2. Cobbler, any and all.

    3. mince meat

    4. Breakfast Pie (pie crust filled with sausage, bacon, chunked ham, and scrambled eggs, then topped with a flapjack. That then gets a small amount of maple syrup.

    5. ...taking apps...the sho fly sounds good.

  18. The World Jamboree is coming up in Sweden...Why not go with Denim pants, beaded cowboy shirt, leather belt with BIG buckle, brown cowboy boots, and a 'Hoss Cartwright' Stetson? It would be awesome to see that at the WJ. After the first two days, when all the participants have traded for the USA uniform, we could go back to something more comfortable.

     

    TAKERS?

  19. Excellent OGE.

     

    It is interesting that you have now confirmed my suspicions that "doctors" are the good guys and "physicians" are the bad guys.

     

    I haven't had time to read the entire thread, but I will have to ask the opinion of all about which group is worse: the insured or the insurers? I have been on active duty for over twenty years and have never had to ask for medical care. It is just one of those things that was there, like a galley. As I have aged, I am beginning to wonder though, how much have I been paying into support the medical program. I have begun asking how much my appointments are costing. My annual PHA is coming around, so I will ask what the cost to the government will be for that trip to medical.

    I have also begun to agree with one of my old buddies that used to say you get what you pay for. He was also proud of the phrase, it is not good medical, it is free medical.

  20. Is it an unreasonable request? No. Maybe he is trying to imply that a little bit more leadership is required. I don't know what the project is, what your son has done in Scouting, etc. maybe, just maybe the 100 plus years of Scouting might be prodding for more leadership.

    I recently saw a project completed by an individual that was a huge fundraiser to allow him to hire some heavy equipment operators to establish a diversion for runoff from flooding a city park. Where was the leadership? I don't really think he led the equipment operators, nor the foremen. Being a general contractor is not leadership.

    The Eagle Project is not just a requirement, it is the capstone piece that defines a Scout's career. It is a culmination of the aims and methods of Scouting all wrapped into one simple requirement. If the TC and SM want a little more, call it phase two, call it whatever, it is true leadership. Good luck and keep the push. At least your not asking what Scout Spirit is all about!

  21. I agree with Eagle 92 completely. The hardest job in Scouting is the TCDL. If you find a TCDL doing everything they are supposed to be doing; record keeping, planning, advancement, dealing with kids AND PARENTS every week...it is a very busy job. Even if the TCDL is delegating activities, it is a tremendous responsibility. On top of it all, who is the TCDL? A former CM, ACM, CC, or experienced DL??? No, it is the newest, most least trained person in the entire program. Sometimes a young Mom, multiple younger kids, and she gives her one hour per week...

    But the question is how do we improve the WEBELOS program. I think the real question is to ask what the expectations are for advancement. It took 72 years to develop 1 million Eagles, then with declining membership, it took only 27 more years to get to the 2 million mark. The percentage of Eagles produced has skyrocketed. We have had exponential advancement growth in the last 30 years, but even with all the changes, the program has really changed very little. Like Eagle92, I am not a big fan of the 'Venture' patrols nor do I like 'New Scout' patrols. I was the junior Scout in my patrol and I moved up the patrol ladder by doing it all, until eventually I was the Leader, with my own new Scouts to lead. I still remember all of my scout idols, Chris, Scott, Mark, Marshall, Harold, and the list goes on. They were all my Scout Mentors, before mentorship was the buzzword.

    I would love to see a National Campaign using successful Americans in everyday life, stopping to say, I'm a Boy Scout. Maybe even throw in some everyday people, between the 'stars.' How about someone making a list of the first female who earned Ranger or their Quartermaster? or what about a video showing a coed Venture unit with the tagline, Boy Scouts of America, it's not just for boys!!!

  22. What are others doing??? That was your question.

     

    You stated that the fast growth has overwhelmed you. I have to ask how you did that? I am trying to units to increase membership by 25-30% yearly and you have had a 500% increase!!! WOW!!! With a unit of 10, what was your adult/youth ratio? Was it 4/10? something better maybe? Your leadership must have grown by at least a factor of 5 to support the growth. so a TC of 20 may be necessary to support the troop. Assume you have 5-6 patrols of 7-8 boys, an SPL, ASPL(or two), TGs, QM, HST, SCR, LIB, etc. Each patrol could have a ASM (plus a Scout Parent for two-deep), Leadership Corps another ASM and a SM. That is 8 adults, not including a solid and active TC. So how many are enough?

    Just as I was writing this, I have to ask if it is a financial concern about registering an extra 20 adults? That can be a significant obstacle for small troops, but you are no longer a small troop, and need to look ahead to big recharter expenditures to support your program. Hopefully someone will take a look at your future growth of boys and look for future growth of adults.

  23. All of the advice is great.

     

    The boy is going to understand the policy and will live with it. I hope it does not have any later advancements and the final goal of Eagle. If it doesn't, cya when its done.

     

    The much harder sell is going to be Dad. I hope Dad did not go out and buy a real no kidding bugle. Trumpet, cornet, or bugle can be used to perform as a bugler. I know, I used a cornet. Dad has been fed his son's version of the story, and that is going to be the obstacle.

     

    I wonder if we look at the POR forum if there is a Dad asking about what is and is not allowed and how his son has been assigned as the Bugler for 6 months and now he is being told that he can't advance because he hasn't been performing as the bugler like the SM thought he should have been, blah, blah, blah...

     

    Best of Luck to you.

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