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numbersnerd

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Posts posted by numbersnerd

  1. 5 minutes ago, carebear3895 said:

    Or maybe we could remember the Scout Oath and Law when commenting on a Scout Forum

    If you can point to any violations of either, please do so.

    I find it interesting that someone brave enough to stand by their convictions and say so is considered un-Scoutlike. While others will consistently downvote people they disagree with without engagement. Not surprising, just interesting.

    • Upvote 1
  2. 10 minutes ago, FireStone said:

    You might be right. Morality isn't a one-directional straight line. Morality is different for everyone, and different issues fall in drastically different places in each of our own views on what is immoral and what isn't. So how does a national organization have any code of morality when we will all define that differently? 

    Having defined rules and enforcing them with boys is already difficult enough without introducing moral relativism.

    • Upvote 3
  3. 4 minutes ago, Eagledad said:

    I can understand that you disagree or that you believe it's over the top, but I don't believe it was intended to be a personal attack at the readers.  I read it more as venting. Legacylost, and many many others believe that the changes by the BSA could be more harmful to boys than before. While I wouldn't express myself in the same manner legacylost, I find his post refreshingly honest.

    Barry

    Agreed. I NEVER assumed that any of his posts were directed at any specific person. Despite that, he was basically tarred and feathered for having an opinion. And the response he received here is likely the reason others that may feel similarly don't say anything. And then silence is equated with acceptance. And so the false assumption that there is a majority or  consensus is then entered as fact. 

    There's definitely a danger to the "shout your opponent down" tactic. You get surprises like the Nov 2016 election. Instead of honest discourse, you create your own ambush.

    • Upvote 1
  4. Simple solution: don't use texting. It's called SMS (Simple Message Service) for a reason. It's not a secure nor foolproof method of communication.

    There are services such as Remind that are better at submitting messages through SMS that have distribution lists and archival options. That is, if you insist on mobile communications.

    Email would be a better way to go if truly concerned about YPT (or CYA, however you want to call it).

  5. Will preface this by saying I think the current styling of BSA uniforms is about the schlumpiest mess you'll see on a collection of youth and adults. I don't think there is anything more depressing than seeing a bunch of adults willing to devote their time and efforts in service and then making them don what poses as uniforms. It's the saddest sack of ---- collection of OD wrapped lumps when they get together. I think it   actively sucks out a measure of enthusiasm from anyone wearing them. I refuse to buy official pants and shorts because they fit so bad and if you happen to find a pair that fits, it's an anomaly. I sincerely wonder if each individual pair is made by a different manufacturer.

    That said, this appears to be a turn for the worse. Even more non descript  wrappings with ill conceived "features". And designed to be untucked? So much for pride in the uniform and personal appearance. But then, if forced to wear those, that ship may have already sailed. 

    Too bad they can't get Eddie Bauer or Columbia designers to help with design and Johnny Morris to help with marketing.

     

    • Upvote 3
  6. On 5/5/2018 at 9:38 PM, MikeS72 said:

    DE.  It was not said in a 'this is what happens if you don't take girls' manner, but rather to state that if the Pack that normally host the school night at that particular school will not be taking girls, they will try to find a nearby pack that is going to have a girls program attend school night, thus giving those family an alternative.

     

    Well, if this happens to is, we'll be asking what schools those packs recruit from and  recruit there ourselves. Because to be fair to all of those families, if they want a boy-only option, we should be there to present them with one. That's fair, isn't it?

  7. 46 minutes ago, ianwilkins said:

    So, basically, your CO is yet another person that doesn't understand what the changes actually are, i.e. separate boy and girl troops?

    From a lot of the hoo-haa I'm seeing on facebook, I think BSA have over estimated peoples capacity to read further than the headlines. It should have been front and centre "we'll be starting girl troops" not "we're accepting girls now and there's this name change and here's the reasons and this and that and oh by the way they'll be in their own girl troops". That bird has flown now, horse has bolted, and there's a shed-load of confusion out there. That confusion will persist for years, decades.

     

    Except that this CO sponsors a Cub Scout Pack, not a Troop. So your point is not valid as Packs will be co-ed.

  8. 2 hours ago, Eagle1993 said:

    Agreed, and council should back off.  I’m fine with DE’s reaching out to COs (Id prefer they also include unit leaders) to discuss the option.  I think it’s fine to even explain it further if the CO is debating.  Once a CO says not interested council should say thanks for what you do for scouting and back off.  If the CO wants to have AHG instead that is fine.   I think the BSA has done enough disruption now and should really let COs (and units) decide how they want to proceed.

    I think that's what rubs everyone the wrong way. Council staff calling CO's and not including the volunteers (who have a vested interest in the discussion.) A completely classless move. The IH asked if we had talked to them and was genuinely puzzled by it all. Definitely made a bad impression. At a minimum, if they are going to do this, they should have the courtesy (hmmm, why does that word sound familiar?) to include those delivering the program in the discussion at the outset. I was honest and told the IH I was not happy about what had happened. We actually have our act together, this little scenario shows that the BSA does not.

    I could honestly see some CO's throwing the towel in, not because of the change, but because of the behavior of the "professionals". But then, I have yet to meet a pro Scouter that has impressed in any measure.

    All said, after introducing confusion and basically trying to cut our legs from under us, I have to admit I love the irony of it: by pressing the issue, they may have helped the 'competition'.

  9. Echoing others above, yes DL's should be in the Comm meetings if you are wanting to implement a cohesive and successful program. Too much happens at the den level to not consider and include them in Pack planning. Pack events and activities should complement what the dens are doing and that can't happen without their input.

    Transparency is your best tactic in avoiding any conflict or suspicions of less-than-noble behavior. Any and all parents are open to attend our meetings. Even though they typically do not (which is fortunate as the room is already pretty full!), knowing they can has allayed any concerns from families.

     

    • Upvote 1
  10. The pastor of our CO called me (current CM) after receiving a call from someone at District or Council (he's not sure which) pressing him for a decision on BSA4G within the next week.

    There was irritation all around. Me because of the unilateral approach to the CO without including unit leadership. Which, OK, I guess they can do, but it's bad relationship management. Who do they think the IH and CO staff are more familiar with? Local volunteers or a detached voice over the phone?

    Him because he's fed up with the social engineering aspect of effected changes. Evidently he gave the pro an earful.

    His questions followed the majority of those I've encountered: if girls want these activities, why doesn't the girl-focused organization offer and promote them? Why is the BSA changing what has succeeded for the last century? Where are boys going to find their own space in a society that increasingly marginalizes them? He definitely sees the need and value of a boy-only program and environment.

    His fear is that being pro-boy is seen as anti-girl (which he is not as he has only daughters.) He has other valid reasons for maintaining a boy-only unit sponsored by them also. I'm afraid that if this becomes too political of an issue (as in, the blowback and perceptions if we don't want to offer a co-ed program), we'll lose our CO. I explained that maybe this was his and other CO's opportunity to make their opinions matter by maintaining boy-only units. And that they could dispel any perceived bias by going further. I shared my opinion that in my experience the best mirror for Cub Scouts was American Heritage Girls. Now he is considering sponsoring an AHG unit. I've made work for myself trying to get them connected, but I'll willingly do it.

    So now we are going to have a meeting next week with the pastor, COR, CC, myself and the incoming CM. Even though we all knew we were in alignment, this will give all of us an opportunity to get unified in our approach and responses to the changes and questions headed our way. In retrospect, getting that call, as irritating as it was, might likely be the best thing that could have happened for our Pack, CO, and potentially a girl-focused program.

    I'm just curious if this is going to be a common-enough reaction by CO's across the country that it dampens the girl enrollment in BSA and directs them instead to other programs.

    • Thanks 2
  11. 1 hour ago, Hawkwin said:

    *psst* Someone might point out that our country was also once founded on the idea that only white males mattered too but then we evolved.

     

    1 hour ago, Hawkwin said:

    The United States Constitution did not originally define who was eligible to vote, allowing each state to determine who was eligible.

     

    Ummm...Whut? Thanks for doing the research to invalidate your opinion on the matter!

  12. 24 minutes ago, Eagle1993 said:

    I’ve never heard of parents being banned from activities unless there is a court ordered restraining order.  As a Pack, I don’t believe we would have that right unless the parent was disruptive or we were aware of any safety concern from our scouts.  That said, as he is not the legal guardian or parent then there is likely a higher bar.

    In fact, multiple people (including my sister) with felonies have been approved by BSA as leaders.  I think it depends on your council, DE and CO along with what the conviction is for.  

    I have had parents barred from activities. Even though *I* personally had little doubt that it would be a problem, we have policies for a reason. That's why I call in District and Council to handle things. Follow policy and get backup. It keeps it from getting personal and everyone is clear about what the situation will be.

  13. You asked the leader a question and got an answer about an individual with a documented incident. That's the framework under which he can participate. And to be honest, it's not that unreasonable. Not being a parent or legal guardian of any Scouts leaves it up to the discretion of leadership as to how they can participate. We don't allow anyone that is not a family member to attend overnights, and like your situation, they are not allowed to participate in any activity without two-deep supervision. It's CYA for everyone. It is leadership's  duty to take whatever steps necessary to protect ALL the youth in the unit.

    You being upset about it and demanding all sorts of reciprocal checks without proof would likely be seen as petty and vindictive. If you are willing to generate that kind of ill will, that's your choice, but I see no reason why you would want to cast a pall over the Scouting experience of so many others. You can always find another unit and try there, but be prepared for a similar answer. And if you try to participate without disclosing this and later get found out, be prepared for harsher restrictions. Trust is easier to destroy than to build.

    • Upvote 1
  14. Good concept, might take a bit more structure to work across a wide user base.

    I've thought about this type of solution as well. Maybe form based with all the requirements by rank provided to be checked off/filled out/initialed. Then attach a photo of the relevant BSHB page. Conflict or questions about completions? Photo takes priority.

    Using something like Google Forms also creates a database of the info so it can be used for purposes such as tracking, status updates, verification of group activities, etc.

    What would be interesting to see is how quickly someone could put something more applicable together for Troops compared to all the promised but yet unrealized developments in Scoutbook.

    • Thanks 1
  15. 2 hours ago, Eagle1993 said:

    There is no program change.  Same program, just accelerated.  Note that this will only occur this spring due to early adopter rules.  That was a requirement for early adopter Packs.  Other requirements include minimum of 4 girls, YPT female adult present at all meetings/outings with girls along with a few others.

    Offering an accelerated advancement opportunity is a requirement. Sounds like a program change to me.

  16. 3 hours ago, Eagle1993 said:

    It definitely can be done.  I don’t recommend it as you don’t have time for any of the electives and the focus is simply completing required adventures.  Some items require a bit more “homework”.  Normally we wouldn’t push to have scouts who join at this time to advance, just enjoy the game Pack meetings and gain a few adventures during the den meetings.

    So girls are allowed to join and a program is created that let's them earn rank advancement in 2 1/2 months?

    All those who predicted program changes due to this were right after all.

  17. 2 hours ago, Eagle1993 said:

    Our council has interpreted the rule as March 15 is the deadline as all girls added now should rank advance by the end of May.  Other councils have interpreted the rule as the last date early adopters can start.  

    So 2 1/2 months to complete a program we are told should really take the better part of 8 months? :huh:

  18. @Eagle1993

    Planning? That mainly consists of cutting noodles and buying supplies. We already have a gutter raceway  built. Two 15 ft lengths sealed on the ends, mounted on a frame. They sit on sawhorses. 

    Day of? I allow 2-3 hrs for the event. A come  and go affair. We also set up our air rocket launchers for additional fun. It's more of a mixer than a competition. Returning Scouts reconnect, new Scouts and families see our group and get an intro to our Pack.

    • Like 1
    • Thanks 1
  19. I find it interesting when the boys that were really into it don't return. We use recharter as an excuse to contact them even though we know they aren't coming back. It's usually along the lines of, "Jimmy didn't think it was fun". Which we interpret as, it isn't fun for the parents as we ask them to invest themselves into it as well. 

    Then there is sports. Select teams seem to be the norm in this area, requiring hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars and thrice weekly practices in addition to multiple games every weekend. Makes me shake my head and wonder why parents one-dimension their kids so much or leave so little time for being a kid. Especially in light of the statistics of kids in sports past the age of 13-14. Their choice of course. But being a stud ball player at 9 doesn't mean much to me, but so many people bank on it for some reason. 

    The most ironic excuse is, "I can teach my kid all that stuff on my own". Which may be true. But most of the time I later encounter them and the kid is nothing like our Scouts. Which leads me to the conclusion that Ma and Pa can't/arent teaching them that stuff, not doing it the way Scouting does, and in addition to missing out on the group environment.

    Then there are the ones it just isn't for them and they aren't into it. It's not for everyone. I understand and respect that. Especially when you are honest and tell me that.

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