HelpfulTracks

There will indeed be discussions about optional ceremonies without the Native American regalia going on at NOAC, but nothing I have heard about requiring such a move. If that were to occur, it will come as a huge surprise to many, as about half of the sessions revolve around the traditional induction ceremonies, AIA and creating regalia. NOAC attendance is down from 2015, not surprisingly since it was the 100th anniversary, but pulling the rug out from under thousands of attendees would do far more damage than letting us know in advance of any moves toward doing away with Native American theme. I would be shocked if there was anything more than offering an alternative, and perhaps a discussion of long term possibilities.

I am sure National does. I read an article a couple of years back that stated only about 300 had been awarded nationally at that time. That sounds a little low but probably not too far off based on how many awardees I have seen personally.

In the good news column, the last session of OATC, which starts 7/13, is still on. In fact they are trying to expand and invite youth from earlier trail crews that were canceled. If the youth cannot attend in that time frame they are looking to get them on at one of the other high adventure base crews.

Funny, I have spent the last two weeks writing personal letters to each of my children as well as my wife. I will quietly leave the letters for them to see when they wake Sunday. I would not be a father without them, and they are the greatest gift I could hope to receive.

I see a good deal of opposition to girl units because some organizations will not follow policy and have coed units. Yet when organizations don’t follow policy in other areas (advancement, boy-led, patrol method, uniforms et al.) most argue they should be corrected rather not having that standard. I have seen units extremely lax with advancement standards. It doesn’t make sense to drop advancement from the program because some units won’t follow policy. Just as it doesn’t make sense to oppose female troops because some units will ignore policy and become coed. I support the new policy, but I am absolutely opposed to coed troops. I will push back on th parents that try to impose coed troops just as forcefully as I push back on parents that try to treat troops as cub packs.

Short answer, yes. Long answer, I’m to tired for a long answer.

I don’t know. Our troop and crew have same CO, COR, same meeting night, same meeting location (different rooms). We share equipment, but usually have different dates four outings, but not always. Sometimes we share programs or service projects. We have different Committee’s, different unit leaders and different youth leadership. The youth work out the logistics. Sometimes we have improvise on equipment. Our focus has been on providing the best program we can for our units, less about reasons we can’t.

Surplus army canteen (plastic) with cover is nearly indestructible and insulated. I still have some aluminum ones, but they are pretty banged up from years of use. I have several Nalgene bottles, 32 & 48 oz. I have never broken one yet. They work great and are easily sanitized. Not a fan of Hydro Flask. I have had 2 that allowed detergent to seep into the seam and could never get the taste out. Camelback or similar bladders work great if your pack accommodates them, or you use water packs.

I love neckers and routinely wear them. Over the years I have garnered quiet a collection. After a while a few of my Scouts began to wear them because they liked how they look. Eventually, they voted to wear them as a unit and created a custom necker for the troop.

I cannot speak to The Latin Scot’s plans, but I have spoken to a number of LDS Scouters that are planning on staying involved with Scouting. Refardless of his plans, I have no doubt he will continue to serve others, which is fully within the spirit of the OA.

That pretty much sums up the experience. Very happy I had the opportunity to experience it.

After a decade of being closed Treasure Island Scout Reservation may actually have a future for Scouts again. It is not exactly the same, as it has been sold to a private developer who plans to open it as a commercial campground, but the deal will allow Boy Scouts to camp there for free. For those that do not know, Treasure Island is where the Order of the Arrow was born. After a couple of floods, it fell into disrepair and was closed. It has been for sale for some time and most previous potential buyers were looking to develop it for something other than camping. The original OA circle has been moved in whole to the Summit, but it is nice to see a piece of Scouting history may still have some Scouting life left. https://patch.com/pennsylvania/newhope-lambertville/former-boy-scout-island-delaware-river-reopen-campground

And giving to Scouting is not tithing. I find a level irony in your views. On the one hand, you have consistently argued for the complete obedience of the unit (and Scouts and SM) to the CO, since the CO owns the unit (fiscal interest). On the other, you are jaded and cynical about others with fiscal interest being recognized.

I use a combination of battery packs and solar to recharge my packs. I like one large, multi-charge battery, and 2-3 batteries that I can get a few charges out of each. The large pack is my go to, and the smaller ones can get a complete charge faster.

Is there a way to merge these two threads? I thought I was having Deja vu all over again.