Jameson76

Do a run to Texarkana as the boys are thirsty in Atlanta...may be too old school though

Replace the SPL and drive on. As with many things, some SPL's are waaaay better than others. Sort of like trendy craft beers. Some are great and some are terrible, but you keep trying them and hope is eternal

Get to get asked "who are you" when the elusive UC is spotted at an actual unit meeting

SM Minute, Lower the flag, dismissed

I think JTE is a good start, but maybe not the whole story. Also as it is self declaratory, could be some fudging (on my Honor yeah yeah). Though at least to get Gold you will have to camp out and go to longterm camp Since it is self reporting, that is where the benchmarking and hands on can come into play. Go on some outings with the "best" troops, go to meetings, go to Greenbar meetings. See what a thriving troop is doing and how they do it. Real institutional issue is that those that are making decisions on possibly how to improve Scouting are NOT working in the units. Most of them likely have not been on a camp out with an actual troop or dealt with an actual scout in years. Gotta get your hands dirty and sleep in the rain to really grasp the current state of the program.

The real question is why is the BSA not benchmarking these successful troops. Success might be X number of years of growth, or X years of sustaining the number of Scouts. Also should be other real unit metrics like Scouts at camp, nights camping, advancement, etc If BSA looked at the 10 - 15 most successful units (and yes that could be very debatable) in a number of councils, then likely there would be some similarities or common threads. With this information you would have some indicative evidence on what can or should be working. Then you could structure engagement and training to work towards growth. Not saying do surveys, or have focus groups, I am talking down in the mud actually out with the units and seeing what is happening.

We have about 75% of our scouts in hammocks. Recent outing that was maybe 40 of the 50 scouts, they were strung out in the woods everywhere. At summer camp it is closer to 90%, with the tent used for storage Main one used is the Eno. Also some have the Hennessy and other brands. Variety of rain fly options, including the rigged rain fly, then a hammock, then a hammock under the hammock The Scouts do classes maybe once per year on hammocking. What size trees to use How tight to make them Alternatives to the higher priced rainfly Straps Making a hammock village Accessories (lights / storage containers)

Sort of seems that the North Star Council (sorry...do not want to create any confusion over what is meant by “council” as apparently there are many types of councils) is trying to distance themselves from the BSA as they expand into other areas. Wonder how that will work out. Also sort of confused by this statement - supports our growing programs for members and nonmembers How can you have a growing program for nonmembers? If they are in fact not members, then they would not be in any program.

GSUSA - youth membership is stated as 1.8 million BSA - youth membership is stated as 2.4 million

It's madness that we even have to have these laws. One must be vigilant no doubt, but the perception of the danger is worse than the actual danger Abductions in perspective: Number of children age 2 – 14 killed in car accidents, as passengers: 1,300 Number of children killed each year by their family members and acquaintances: About 1,000 Number of children abducted in “stereotypical kidnappings” (kidnapped by a stranger for ransom or for sexual purposes and/or transported away) in 1999, the most recent year for which we have statistics: 115. Number of children killed by their abductor: About 50. Murders of children by abductors constitute less than one half of 1% of all murders in America. Stranger Danger? Of all children under age 5 murdered from 1976-2005: 31% were killed by fathers 29% were killed by mothers 23% were killed by male acquaintances 7% were killed by other relatives 3% were killed by strangers Moral: Your safest bet is to leave your child with a stranger.

Not exactly the same. Based on the laws in my state I am not allowed to have a choice on seat belts. I doubt the referees would allow play without the required gear. In some cases a helmet may be recommended (rock climbing for example) but it is your choice. I however can choose to wear plaids and stripes together, I can choose to not wear a jacket and be cold. I can also choose to carry a backpack that is too heavy on a hike, not bring a rainfly, and forget a sleeping bag. Through errors and omissions those life lessons are taught. If you do not turn things in on time, likely you will not get credit for the work done, next time you may be on time

Do you mean another organization that is within the first sub-organization that used to be more secretive that is within the original organization and is part of the larger original organization that sprung from an organization across the pond that was brought to the new country in an effort to sell magazines?

But the girls flag has to have glitter......

Isn't that sort of what we do in the BSA? Let youth make decisions and bear the consequences of those decisions?

Interesting The advancement challenges and some troops stumbling over themselves to have the first Girl Eagle will be an interesting situation The scrutiny by girls is an interesting topic, specifically what happens when there is no local BSA4G troop linked or otherwise for them to move into. Especially if there is a robust Boys troop at the CO..those outside of BSA will ask "heck can't they just join that current troop??" Seriously....shared Troop numbers? That will end well The depth portion may be a challenge (needing a female), especially to have meetings and do activities and as some units move to coed sorry Linked troops, that may present an obstacle

Maybe she is a Disney / Stephen King fan

But this is new in that it goes into the backcountry, no doubt crossing with "core" program treks As examples: ROCK CLIMBING This is a day-long session beginning with a mild hike from Cimarroncito Turnaround to Cimarroncito Backcountry Staff Camp. Once there, you will receive a safety briefing and climbing demonstration followed by a chance to climb several different routes on natural rock. Inspiration Point Hike Guided by a Program Counselor team from the Philmont Training Center, you will have the opportunity to hike as a family to a spectacular view on the side of Urraca Mesa. A trail lunch will be provided in lieu of lunch at the dining hall.

In case you missed it...Scouting is ALL about FAMILIES!!

GREAT - It's FAMILY EXPERIENCE in the BACK COUNTRY Philmont has jumped the shark Philmont Family Adventure

You can look on their site and there are many many slots throughout 2018, waaaay more than I have seen in years past Many literally any day this summer

Saw this and wondered what could be the big announcement Hopefully they are not watering down treks or adding family back country camping foolishness to the ranches offering. That would be really disappointing.

Correct and good point. For the Webelos visitation we have had Dads, Moms, Granddads, older brothers, aunts, etc and what we have termed Adult partners. The expectation is they are there for that one Webelos (on in case of a Cub campout) that one Cub. They are not leaders, they are not planning or directing. Now if the the conviction / probation may preclude being around youth, if the Unit leaders are made aware of that they would be within bounds to have them leave or not attend

You need to have 5 youth and I think 5 adults, though if they are in multiple units not 100% sure how the money works. There is an $40 insurance unit fee and maybe a $6 council insurance unit fee If you have insomnia below is the link to the 33 page Recharter handbook http://www.ncacbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2017-2018-Charter-Renewal-Handbook-170908v9.pdf