KevinPMajka

14 hours ago, skeptic said:

Also, in relation to the West Knot, it is often given to someone in honor of their service by others or in honor of someone in the family or group.  I was presented with two in honor of two past scouts that were killed as young adults, both for whom I was SM.  I received a third one from a retired Scouter friend for my seniority in our council and our work together.  He was recognizing many of his Scouter friends with them in his retirement, probably gave at least 8 to 12 before he passed away with his own 50 plus years.  I wear one knot, and I know what the honor is that is attached, two Eagle Scouts and a fine dedicated Scouter friend who gave to Scouting as his own family.  I admit though that initially when the first one was given to me, I did not wear it, as I had not been the one to give the dollars and I felt as if I was being a bit dishonest.  It was pointed out to me that I was not honoring the memorial of the Eagles by not wearing it, and so I do.  I suppose that since then I may have earned my own dollar version with donations to the local camp fund, but that does not matter.  

The giving ones are my favorite ones. One of the reasons why I did mine was to foster a sense of giving. I could say, let's all chip in for this guy/gal since a few of those folks saw me receive mine. 

I've seen it given as recognition as a thank you to an outgoing lodge chief, scoutmaster... etc. 
I've seen it given in honor of someone who has passed away. 
I've seen it earned by a group - an OA lodge, a woodbadge staff, camp staff, etc. 
 

I have two shirts in my closet with West knots. One for me and one for my wife. Are you all seriously going to troll a family that gives to Scouting? 
We decided to do it while we were in our 30's so we could see what the council does with the interest (the part they get to spend) for 30+ years.

We don't make bank at all. We made a choice to do a Payment plan for them and sacrifice a little to help grow the endowment fund to ensure a future of Scouting. Like the great leaders I had before me, and the people who donated before them.... 

Where in the Scout law is it to be turds to the people that support the program with money? It's important. Most people give time. Most people give treasure. Some give talent. Some give 2 of those, few give all 3. I don't crap on any giving of any kind. We need more of all 3 of those. 

Bringing this old thread back.... Sorry! 

has anyone seen this Staffing the District Committee course in My.Scouting? 

Please let me know. I'd like to actually go through it for two reasons - I need to recruit for some positions and need all the help I can get, and it's the only thing stopping me from my Scouter's key at this point. I haven't been able to take it for a couple of years due to it not being offered locally. 

Thanks!

I'm a former Council V Pres. I enjoyed it. It's a month to month job and by the time you are done - it goes by fast. Just go for consecutive good months of work. We had a good group - if it's a start up VOA - go slow and steady. Getting people in the room is a win, expand from there. Don't go too fast on the change.  You want to make sure that your gains continue after your term. Lean on your advisor and say no to too many opportunities! It's ok to say no sometimes. 

I'm pro Green background knots on Venturing uniforms. I wear them official or not. Silly to be in photos with tan knots on a green uniform. I had facebook comments that the knots look dumb by non-scouts. So I was happy to discover the green ones. 

I think the West award as a recognition is fantastic. If you want to purchase it - that is fine too. Scouting costs money - hopefully that endowment money gets back to the council it was donated at. My old OA lodge used to do West awards if the budget allowed for it. To see a dedicated youth or adult arrowman recognized when they already have the Vigil Honor or the Founders Award was nice.

While I don't have the West knot, I don't see any problem with it. I enjoy seeing them on Professional uniforms because it means they are contributing too.

My crew had polos with a crew logo/venturing logo... and I've seen one crew with overalls/lots of denim - model rail roading! Pretty awesome.

It's a youth program - I find the patches tacky - but if that's how they want to identify great. Polos were nice because they were good for activities and out in the public for bowling nights and such.