DuctTape

Not just a driving issue. Two friends (one a 17 scout and the 18 asm) hanging out together by themselves would be a violation.

I do not think the names of the councils have anything to do with the problems we face; nor will changing them have any real effect. The Titanic did not sink because of her name.

Your mention of retention decreasing has piqued my curiousity. I am curious if there is a chart which tracks retention? It would be interesting to see how this has changed over the many years similar to the gross membersip chart shared previously.

The Chartering Organization is under no obligation to continue. I would think service to the CO, while not "required" seems like a good way for the scouts to maintain goodwill with an Org which provides space, support, and likely $. Also a provides a means for scouts to demonstrate living a primary value of scouting as stated in the Slogan and Oath. Lastly participation in service checks off advancement requirements. I think this situation is ripe for the SM to sit down with the PLC and pose the question, and provide some guidance. Personally I would "seed" the conversation by spinning relevant yarns at a prior meetings using my SM minute. I would probably do at least 4 or 5 with the same theme.

I have watched a few of his videos. He claims he only puts out the facts and leaves the opinions to the viewers, but what I have seen is little facts or cherry picked ones to support his opinions. If a viewer does not know much about the topic, this is easily missed.

I would expect that response as I have heard it before. If the claim is fundraising is necessaryto provide service to the units, there should still be a measureable service to the units as a result. Fundraising may be a means, but it is not the end. The metric for success is the ends; service to the units. If this metric is not met, the funds raised are not being used, or used improperly. I would be happy to go toe-to-toe with any council executive.

Some good suggestions @PACAN. I would add a change to the mission of the Councils and Districts to solely be "support the units". Nothing else matters. All metrics used to assess performance of Councils, Districts and their staff should be based only on their support of the units.

No spare clothes for the day. I have my hiking clothes, and my sleeping clothes. I do bring an extra pair of socks. Camp shoes are not necessary, but some people like them.

Every time I see reference to the refresher course, I picture Chevy Chase in Fletch. I apologize for the drift. Back to real discussion.

Yeah. With such a focus on advancement and eagle, our slogan has taken a back seat. Many years ago I used to do a SM minute relating the slogan and motto. I wish I could find it, but the gist was Our slogan and motto are not separate ideas but intimately intertwined. This is not by accident. Be Prepared is the more common phrase used to describe Scouts, and often it is in context of tools, knowledge and skills. Do a Good Turn Daily is how we are recognized as scouts through our deeds. I challenge us to think of how Be Prepared and Do a Good Turn Daily are not exclusive ideas, but are the flip sides of the same coin; the mindset of being prepared on one side and the action of doing a good turn on the other. Phrased in question form: Have you prepared to do a good turn today?

The other day I was in the grocery store doing my regular shopping. As I walked in I noticed another gentleman look my way. Not sure if he knew me or just saw me wearing hiking clothing. He asked if I was in Scouting and was shopping for a campout. I said, yes I am in Scouting but if the scouts were going camping THEY would be doing the shopping, I would just be the driver. He nodded and said, "good man". Anyway, thought I'd share the story here with you all.

Club and travel sports are beginning to hear a backlash from parents. So far it has not changed participation but that would be the next step.

Over the decades I have heard many youth exclaim "i'm gonna kill you", and never was it an actual death threat. Heck my little sister would say it to me when I teased her. It was/is a common expression kids use. It might not be appropriate, but calling it a death threat is over the top.

I do keep my paper records. I was only half joking about having a physical Scouter Handbook, not just for sign-offs but also to say to others, "see page 42".

I wish I could get a Scouter Handbook to have the trainer "sign off" on my trainings as the official record.