ALongWalk

Happy New Year everyone! Thank you all for your service to youth and Scouting. May 2021 serve as a time that our movement turns back to a more positive time.

Posting this here because it might lend some inspiration to a Scout struggling to get a crossed the line with advancement: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2020-12-14/what-is-it-about-you-that-makes-you-so-special I saw it in a Talk About Scouting Facebook post.

Welcome to the forum and thank you for your insight. We all love Scouting and, I think most of us, now realize that horrible things that have happened to too many Scouts in the movement’s past. If the program is to survive we need to understand what happened, do everything in our power to help those injured, learn from tragic mistakes, and move forward. I am so sorry that this happened to you....my prayer is that the BSA does not let it ever happen again.

My son is going to be an election worker tomorrow....I am very proud of him.

I hope this is ok to post. I saw this on Facebook: https://bowmansauction.com/lots/view/1-3OIZDN/1975-murray-official-cub-scout-bike-new-tires-in-working-order?fbclid=IwAR1dT30wFXExSzFSgL0MO7tRXJbkAUi2hKp8HD4pwuWi5LiI4PprMgR1BqM I was a Cub Scout around that time but I don’t remember this bike.

Thank you for working to have an effective Lion Den during these crazy times! It is so cool to read how folks are working through the pandemic to help Scouting to be meaningful for our kids. Regarding Band, I have not used it for Scouting related activities but my son’s school used it last year to communicate with seniors and their parents about graduation related issues...pictures, gowns, key dates, etc. Honestly, I was underwhelmed. It just seemed a jumbled mess to me. Maybe I didn’t invest the time to learn it like I should. Also, it also seemed to be a place where people complained

I think it is great that you are including those in your B&G! Best wishes for a great event and thank you for being a Scouter during this difficult time.

Looks to me like these folks are working hard to save and improve the movement. I appreciate their work.

A former pro from my council was one of those who was let go. He is truly top notch and I have to believe was a net positive for the organization. I just feel really bad for him and his family. He is a high quality person and will land on his feet but I know the stress must be incredibly high for him right now.

My condolences to you for the loss of your father. I am so thankful that Scouting has had so many men and women like him who give so much to the movement. Is there one place related to Scouting that he truly loved? If there is, maybe have a memorial service there with his fellow Scouters and Scouts invited.I will be interested in reading other responses.

I can’t give any better advice than has already been given but I wanted to say “Welcome” and thank you for your service to scouting.

I really believe, from a finance standpoint, councils have to develop a robust endowment. A string endowment, properly managed with a mission focused withdrawal system, could make if possible for pros to truly focus on program instead of FOS. I would like to see an element of the “minimum standards” focused on that.

It is all very frustrating, I agree. But, the most important thing is the youth. I know it is easy for me to say but please keep focusing on your unit. At the end of the day that is where it truly matters. Thank you for ALL that you do.

This is so true. I have long thought that our pros focused on the fundraising at the expense of the program. Fundraising is important but the Director of Program should be more important than the Director of Developement. If we really invested in Program pros we could have folks accountable for helping/guiding/training volunteers. We could also have folks who make sure our camps are used year round. We could make sure our units have affordable access to great outdoor adventures. Just my thoughts.

The district that I live in has about 30 units and covers a county. We are fortunate to be in a mid tier type council that consistently has good pro, board level, and unit level volunteer leadership. That being said....lots of adversity coming our way.