DenLeader2

In the latest edition of Scouting Magazine Robert Gates was lauded as the great savior of the current BSA. The quote that really made me raise my eyebrows was "that BSA is the finest organization for building character.....and live their lives based on the principles of the Scout Oath and Law. I would have to ask Mr. Surbaugh how he defines character regarding Sec. Gates actions while the National President. I would argue that Sec. Gates bullied the membership of this organization into accepting his view of how this organization should look. He sacrificed the innocence of the youth in

Duplication in part of Paws of Action (required for Bear Advancement) and Elective "Forensics" in Bears Handbook. The requirements for the Emergency Preparedness Award as a Bear is very intensive versus the requirements for the Webelos. Overall the new program is ok.

I think the problem with reaching some communities is expense. This program is supposed to be for all boys, but in reality it is for the ones who can pay to play. I agree that the Cub Scout Program was supposed to be improved. It is more organized into fewer leader books and guides, but takes a lot more planning to accomplish the adventure loop requirements. One complaint that I have is apparently earning the religious symbol prior to Bear doesn't count toward the "Duty to God" requirement #1.

I'm a Tool and Die Maker for a large electric motor manufacturer. Senior Member in Civil Air Patrol specializing in Emergency Services Communications. Prior service in the US Army Reserve, 13B Canon Crew Member. 44E, Machinist. Leader in Royal Ambassadors

Thanks for the info and link

Someone had a link to an unofficial Adventure Loop Cross Reference. It showed the similarities of the Adventure Loop Activities from rank to rank in the new Cub Scout Program. It was posted as link in a topic and I can't remember which topic it was. Any help is appreciated.

Bad Wolf in my opinion the whole "Duty To God" is so watered down that it is meaningless. I really don't like the group hug moments when this comes up. I feel uncomfortable telling others about GOD because some folks are so easily offended when GOD is even referenced in the most watered down way. BSA doesn't want to really be serious about "Duty to GOD" in light of the most recent changes for the better of BSA. It seems that BSA is really saying to the membership do as I say and not as I do. I am referring to the GOD of Abraham and Isaac. The Creator of the Universe.

Skeptic, I don't think you will find a written program to push vocal religious organizations out of BSA. There actions seem a lot like a plan to get rid of pesky vocal religious groups and people. If the religious folks didn't speak up about allowing gay leaders would there be any debate or turmoil? The religious groups and folks are being pushed to the side in the name of progress. Let progress move forward. I realize what National thinks of religious COs and folks. I will move on. The BSA has ticked off the LDS, by accident? I don't think so.

Perdidochas, Finally, the new resolution to be passed by the BSA clearly affirms that homosexual acts can be "moral, honorable, committed and respectful." The above statement was part of a Trail Life USA assessment of the impact to religious organizations when BSA votes to allow gay leaders Of course we now know that the measure passed.

I see a discrimination lawsuit soon. That didn't take very long to have someone not allowed to join/rejoin.

It seems outside pressure groups and Mr. Gates in lock step with those groups have made the decision for the BSA. Let the packs and troops fall where they may and congratulate National for a great job. I don't think this organization, lead by Gates, and calls homosexual behavior....moral...has any character or integrity. He will get the organization that he wants by his actions. Sad for scouts. Gates has fixed BSA.

It seems to me and has been stated earlier, maybe not in this post, that the BSA wants all religious affiliated COs out. They can't be that inept and short sighted to not consider the fallout with the LDS and Catholics, etc.. I'm taking my money and leaving after this year in Cub Scouts. I will work with the boys in my den to get them through Bear.

If started today I wouldn't give it a second look. To expensive and to many politics. I realize that now after two years into it with my son.

Gentleman, I'm not dumping on BSA. Putting accurate information out there about RAs. Some members on this board may not have any knowledge of this organization. I mentioned that RAs is NOT an alternative to BSA. It is older than BSA and is a beneficial organization on its own merits and goals. If a Catholic boy wants to join an RA Chapter then that is possible and ok. The one thing I would tell any parent joining an RA Chapter is the boys will be taught about missions (taking what the Bible says about salvation to people of the World) and being a missionary from the Bible. We wouldn

Your son doesn't have to be a Baptist to a member of an RA Chapter.

I thought the LDS has stated that homosexuals are okay in the church aside from the Scouting issue, so there statement comes as a surprise to me. Regarding National's position on faith based CO, it wouldn't surprise me if that was there plan. It might be time for faith based COs to move on. I believe that "the Duty to God" idea is not taken seriously at least, or is outright ecumenicalism. Royal Ambassadors is a Southern Baptist Ministry to boys in grade 1-6. It is older than BSA. It's main focus is teaching boys about missions and being a missionary. It also has an outdoor skills

Maybe other organizations will realize that the Scouts don't have a lock on outdoor skills and will start or update some of their own activities for boys. Good luck to the Scouts.

Hi. Haven't been here long. I have agreed to be a den leader again for my son's Bear Den. Won't be coming back to Scouting as of next May. We graduate the boys in May. The National Politics have reached a tipping point for me. I will use my time, money and energy somewhere else.

Got a good deal on a SVEN Saw (folding bow saw) Found at a yard sale for $3.00. Looks like it was never used. The Lodge Dutch Oven I mentioned in my original post needed an adjustment with a grinder to get the lid to sit flat and make a better seal. It worked great when making a pizza. Did anyone else buy one recently that had an ill fitting lid?

I was looking for the trophy. Thanks for the website link.

It is a 2011 printing. I bought it two years ago at a Pow Wow.

Technically, the belt loops can be earned and awarded as long they are available. I was told that until the end of 2015 belt loops and the old rules for the Super Nova can be followed. I assume that the powers that be have enough belt loops in the system to last until the end of the year. My 2 cents.

Gentleman, They have feet/legs and have the lids with the rim. Lodge calls them camp ovens. In our council, St Louis, this size of dutch oven is the standard. It is 12 inches in diameter. It is the deep version. I thought you might want to get one at the low price. What size do you all use for main course meals? Thanks

8qt. Lodge Ditch Ovens on sale at Walmart.com and Amazon for 49.xx .FYI

In the Sports and Academic Handbook they have a picture and order number for an actual Sports and Academic Trophy. I was looking for that trophy to give to my son who will earn all the loops and pins by the end of the year.