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numbersnerd

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Everything posted by numbersnerd

  1. It sounds like the Pack has some bylaws regarding a relationship and shared resources with the Troop that are sponsored by the same organization. I agree, these types of things need to be transparent and fully explained if families are expected to fund these arrangements. *IF* I were to guess, it would likely be something like borrowing and use of Troop gear for the Pack camping events, or something similar (storage unit shared by both.) I've seen that happen, but couldn't understand why simply loaning out gear if not otherwise in use wouldn't be acceptable unless it was damaged or destroyed.
  2. Is it a turf war of some type preventing leaders from the older age units going to the troop level and leveraging the experience and talents there? I mean, same things at play, just a uniforming difference. Just surprising to hear, especially if the same CO is sponsoring both.
  3. We got our uniforms at the local independent department store. In the men's department, not children's (good marketing psychology?!) Gear was in sporting goods. This was the same town as council headquarters, but no Scout shop. When I was in the market for a dutch oven, did I go to the Scout shop? No! BassPro. Where I was surprised to discover Lodge brand, BSA logo'ed ovens and skillets. Too bad BSA didn't ask Johnny Morris for some more advice. Who knows where it would have gotten them. I think you're right about the emphasis on branding over experience. They probably concluded it w
  4. You've never said WHAT your objection to the practice is. Because it's no good? What is the definition of that? What's the reasoning behind that conclusion? Because it's no good for your kid? OK, but does that mean it's no good for all kids? Here's the thing: Everything in Scouts is voluntary. Nothing is mandatory. But when you take options away, you lessen the experience. There are other fun things in Scouting that not everyone enjoys. Should we get rid of those, too? Some kids are terrified of the water. Is anyone making them swim at Scout functions? Should swimming be eliminated i
  5. New Age leadership doesn't really care about what the boys want. What seems to be more important is finding new witches to burn and congratulating themselves on making things 'safer'. While it may indeed be 'safer', it is also less fun. And less fun translates into fewer Scouts. Rinse and repeat.
  6. I'm fairly sure that a fair majority of those eating in the dining hall had a fork as well and didn't use it that way. So yes, it IS the person, not the object.
  7. Then you probably haven't seen a school lunch recently! Most of it doesn't need it. It's either hand held or so soft cutting is needless. I'm amazed at the lack of table manners and utensil ability I see on display by kids (say, 8 and up) and this discussion made me realize the food trends we have gravitated to are probably a big reason why kids are dumbfounded when confronted with 'traditional' eating scenarios.
  8. In short, Cub Scout camping is exhausting on many levels.
  9. Agreed. My oldest provided feedback in his Tenderfoot BOR about hamburger fatigue. Now there are Dutch oven cooking contests incorporated into the camping schedule and a some interesting culinary forays as a result. Not everything is successful, but they're learning. And I heard that cleanup is now easier as a result!
  10. Please discuss then. Who said leaders HAD to put their hands on Scouts for this?
  11. If that's a deal-breaker, then maybe Scouting, and many other things as well, can be summed up by the phrase: "It isn't for everyone". What is regrettable is that changes made to mollify a few incessant hand wringers results in a detriment to many others seeking fun with their boys. Now I'm not saying that the upside-down Bobcat tradition was necessary and its demise was the death-knell of the program, but by eliminating it, a little bit of fun and joy in a specific situation is no longer an option for a far greater number. Traditions don't have to be codified to be important. S'mo
  12. I remember it as one of the most fun parts of getting the badge. And a good intro into Scouting. Pride AND fun at the same time when getting recognized? This was in the 70's. As with most things fun, it's in how you approach and present it. We loved it. Dads would hold us upside down, Moms would pin it on quickly, everybody giggling. Bonus: when we looked down at our pocket, we could see it from the regular perspective, oriented to us. Those who consider it hazing or abuse obviously aren't doing it or presenting it right. Those who consider it "adding to the requirements" are wr
  13. This is how I used to do my surplus Army down bags as well. Would wash on gentle cycle, can't remember the soap we used, but NO SOFTENER. Then let it spin. Hung on a rack until dry, maybe a couple of days. Only then would I put in the dryer on no-heat tumble with tennis balls. Fluffed right up.
  14. The fact that you are here asking question indicates you know how important Scouting is to them and that you appreciate what they do. So a note to that effect in addition to whatever you get is always appreciated. If all else fails, a gift card to Cabelas, REI, or other quality outfitter with a note saying you wanted to help them continue serving Scouts, but knowing how personal 'gear' can be, you wanted to give them the option of getting exactly what they want/need. Sounds like the easy way out, but with the right note attached it really changes the tone and reception.
  15. For me, this was the funniest part!
  16. As an at-home CPAP user, I have to agree that providing the ability to use the devices at summer camp is ill advised. If you TRULY feel that your health would be compromised by not using the machine for the duration of your stay at camp, don't go. Many leaders don't subject themselves to potentially dangerous situations for a variety of limitations and health reasons, you can be in that group. No shame in that. If you are so acclimated to its presence that you cannot sleep comfortably without it, that's on you. You don't bring the adjustable frame Tempurpedic either, do you?
  17. In summary, one person's opinion is justifiable and not disrespectful. A subsequent opposing opinion is construed as stifling. With this example, do we really need to ask the question again about anxiety surrounding females having a greater composition in BSA membership? I find this hilariously stereotyped exchange a prime example of one of many landmines that many Scouters and Scouts are loathe to encounter in the future.
  18. The intersection of Courteous, Kind, and Reverent.
  19. We are truly in trouble if question marks are interpreted as hostility. If the stewards of the program cannot weather some questions without such accusations, then there really isn't much fortitude on display or in practice. Isn't there another thread regarding modeling behavior? Or is that too brusque?
  20. District wanted to do a Cub Scout overnighter in the new jail facility once (BEFORE it was put into actual use!) Didn't think that promoting a night in jail was the best message to send.
  21. Maybe the CO has said, do NOT talk about this. For whatever reason, if the CO doesn't want this discussed, it won't be discussed. At least not without the potential for consequences. Also, privacy issues are not about the public figure, but rather for the citizen attendees. Personally, if I went to something like this and them my kid or I was on the news because she wanted to "get this out there", I'd be PO'ed. The fact that the mother purposely posted the video and made a big stink about it says more about her and her family than it does about the unit.
  22. It is unfortunate that your suggestion has been twisted and distorted into a WAY too specific line of questioning. The premise of youth membership having a voice in the program is valid and I, for one, would like to apologize on behalf of far too many that appear to be attacking that suggestion. It's that type of "welcome to the real world" treatment that breeds apathy. As for the behavior of some persons, observation over time has shown to me that there are some here who will defend their position with no stronger facts or logic than that forthcoming from National. They defend it on the m
  23. Pretty sure there's more to the story than this. Although it's not like the media to leave out relevant facts or not do more investigation before publishing a story. It's rare (but not impossible) that a kid of this age is going to run with this line of questioning. Really suspect the parents behind this. Very likely (yes, based on my opinion) is that the parents have some kind of political crusade and scripted the questions in furtherance of their agenda. Wouldn't really surprise me if this has happened before with this family. Some other questions: The program is supposed to b
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