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Jameson76

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Everything posted by Jameson76

  1. Pretty sure we know the answers. Surveys are taken to justify and support decisions already made
  2. So reading the referenced "Pack Overnight Campout Site Appraisal Form", assume you can camp in your backyard, if it's astroturf like the Brady Bunch and nobody is throwing a ball. Anywhere else would be tough. Wonder what the actual definition of "hazards" may be. Would a footbridge, lake, or hill be a hazard?? 1. The camping site is clean and safe from hazards. __________ __________ 2. The site is not located near any natural or manmade hazards. __________ __________ 3. Campsite areas are available for tents. __________ __________ 4. Facilities are available for proper sanit
  3. BSA seems to be going all in on the surveys...wonder if they are learning anything
  4. Agree it could be a cause for concern. Our troop charges $100 annually for dues (no fundraisers), then pay as you go for outings. 9 regular outings that run about $15 each, 1 winter trip that runs about $50, 2 summers camps, each about $350. If a Scout attended all events, it would be $935 annually. Note that most of our leaders contribute the gas used for outings. Meals for outings would be extra. That being said the Scout would have 15 to 16 nights camping for weekends, 12 nights camping at Summer camps. It is a good value. Admittedly if the National Fee goes up maybe
  5. Current is $33. Estimates for the new rate vary widely from $45 up to $100. So maybe we start an over under pool In speaking with a DE we mentioned maybe a $20 increase, and he sort of shrugged and said or maybe more.....
  6. You are assuming the male leaders identify as male...one cannot assume in the this brave new world. I do actually wonder how that would play out. All female troop, one male leader identifying as male and one currently biological male that identifies as female; is this in compliance with YPT?
  7. That is an interesting sentiment. Is the world really that dark? A predator behind every tree? If YPT guidelines are followed there should not be any issue. With all the gender inclusiveness it should be "youth" and then "adults (over 21)" End of story.
  8. I wonder if he had worked at the local Auto Parts store if his employer would have been included in the story? Many Scouts and those that work at camps do not realize they are in fact held to a higher standard. Forgot about that one, sort of read like a Grateful Dead experience.....
  9. The possibilities are endless: Prettiest Fish caught Cutest fish caught Slimiest Fish caught Most fish dropped on the ground Falling in the lake award Dropping rod and reel in the lake award Most hooks in your clothes award Most worms/bait lost to fish Furthest cast Shortest cast
  10. Surprised it took this long for the issue to be acknowledged by the Wizards in Dallas and "shocked face" they made an exception. His claims of gender bias is spot on and will not stand for much longer. I found this quote, that was attributed to Jeannine Szatkowski, who writes the Scouter Mom blog fascinating "Girls may have issues they only feel comfortable talking about with women, so it’s important they have a leader to go to, she said". Not saying it does not have validity, but Wow, can you say double standard? 2 women can lead a boys den, but 2 men cannot lead a girls den. Can you
  11. Yep I made this observation years ago, the groups that do not like the BSA will not be pleased until there is no BSA. The organization is operating from the viewpoint that there will be compromise and we will move on with the program. Many who advocate for "change" do not want the program to move on and continue, they want it gone. The groups do not in fact have the same goal. The basic concept is that an organization should never attempt to please everybody; it’s simply impossible. They should try to please your constituency, your fans, your close friends; they will win over the
  12. Funny part is we sort of do that. When the Webelos cross over in the spring they have a new scout program April and May. Then summer camps, when we start back to regular meetings in August they are rolled into the existing patrols. For our troop we have found success in keeping a set number of patrols then add new Scouts to these as needed as they older Scouts age out. That works for us and provides continuity and encourages the older and more experienced Scouts to actually work with the new Scouts. They sort of wanted a guarantee of keeping them together, making sure they were lockst
  13. Are any other units seeing the Web III syndrone as you have Webelos come visiting troops? We had the some come visit, the parents wanted assurances that their den (patrol??) would be kept together and "allowed" to progress together. They have been friends since whenever blah blah blah We had a conversation that in our unit we roll the new Scouts into the patrols, this helps them become part of the troop and function within the troop. As they work with the more experienced Scouts they will learn Scouting Skills, group dynamics, etc etc. We explained that while they will work with their
  14. You learn something daily, I thought their motto was ABC; Always Be Closing (cookie sales that is...) Just kidding, please, no GSUSA lawyers hunting me down
  15. When National raised the rates last time (by $12) our annual dues had always included BL for all Scouts. Moving forward we kept the dues the same and let the Scouts choose Y or N for an additional $12 if they wanted BL. Not sure if any of the Scouts take BL any longer
  16. But but...we've been told that Scouts Canada is the success story that Scouts BSA is following?? Was the entire story not revealed?
  17. Also BSA may have issues with these activities Firebuilding - which contributes to global warming Citizenship in the Nation - which continues to support the capitalistic dogma the country was founded on Knife basics - which promotes use of (yikes) a knife Fingerprinting - Which supports the overreaching police state Swimming - which promotes class separation as not everyone has equal access to a pool Automotive Maintenance - which also promotes class separation as not everyone has equal access to a car
  18. I would take it one step further in why the ethical decision making will be tossed onto the scrap heap, and @Eagledad nailed it with the note of "challenging a scout". If we as leaders (adults, youth troop, youth patrol) challenge a youth on his decisions; not only ethical but practical ones on an outing; are we not potentially bullying the Scout into our way of thinking. The concept of bullying has evolved into one being made uncomfortable by someone else. I would also say that this statement while optimistic, is rose colored glasses. As BSA morphs from what is was to what
  19. Oh yeah. But with a CEO SE that makes close to $500 grand and a Deputy SE, other various directors, multiple development directors. multiple field directors, it is pretty obvious who calls the shots. Council President changes every 2 - 3 years, so the continuity lays with the pros.
  20. But, make no mistake - volunteers and senior paid staff largely make the big decisions in a council.  Fixed your last part
  21. Popcorn sales...more popcorn sales. That stuff isn't shilling itself. It takes a well trained professional to actually believe and convince others that the Chocolate Lovers Collection is worth $60 and a Large Bag of White Cheddar Cheese popcorn is a GREAT value @ $20. Let's not forget the 18 pack of microwave popcorn for $20 (which is $1.11 per pack) while a Pop Secret package for a box of 30 can be had for $13.50 (which is $0.45 per pack). The salesmanship lessons led by the dedicated DE are something to behold
  22. The challenge may not be stay or quit, but get started. For current Scouts, if it gets North of $50 many will reconsider. For NEW members, especially Cubs, you need to sign up little youth PLUS yourself. Fee is $50, to sign up you, your kid is $100, plus uniforms, books, possible pack dues; you could be looking at $250 - $300 to get involved
  23. Agree that Scout Me In was not great. Seemed to be more focused on younger youth, not really resonating with the older youth. Though honestly BSA seems hell bent on being a Cub Scout group, I guess they feel that is where the members may come from. Not sure the "Family" focus will get what they want either. Year Cubs Scouts V / Exp Members 1960 49% 44% 7% 3,783,000 1970 52% 41% 7% 4,683,000 1980
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