an_old_DC

I "wood" love to see some Scout-made caskets.

Thanks. ...and I understood

I get a down vote for reprinting part of a CBS article? LOL

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/08/10/girl-wants-to-join-boy-scouts/ Ireland says her main reason for becoming a Boy Scout is to receive the Eagle Scout ranking, which she believes will help her get into a great colleges, and help her get jobs she otherwise wouldn’t be able to get without the ranking.

From the webpage for the law office of Gary Ireland: Boy Scouts of America: Assistant Scoutmaster Troop 414 Spearheaded successful national campaign to increase membership by including girls and young women in all levels of scouting in the U.S. Girls will be fully integrated into scouting beginning in 2018. He also provided support for the integration of the LBGTQ community into Scouting through resolutions and personal advocacy. Gary is active as Staff Member for Woodbadge Adult Leadership Training, providing training for national youth leaders.

Also from the Outside magazine article, and you can make of this what you will, but to me, this is much of the problem: "Like a lot of troops, 414’s scoutmaster is one of the moms. She submits Sydney’s applications for membership and rank advancement to the BSA every time, despite knowing that each will be rejected."

In an opinion piece in the Washington Post, she also claims to have earned merit badges and been a PL. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/im-a-girl-ive-been-part-of-the-boy-scouts-for-years-its-time-i-become-a-member/2017/08/25/a6d61ea8-89c1-11e7-961d-2f373b3977ee_story.html?utm_term=.20430216a7aa "With the Cub Scouts, I went on camping trips, built my own wooden car for the pinewood derbies, learned about what firefighters do and even earned the highest award, the Arrow of Light. With the Boy Scouts, I have been able to learn and teach first aid, earn merit badges, earn lifeguard certification, complete the mile swim (twice) and even take on the role of patrol leader at camp. These opportunities were available to me because of the Boy Scouts, and although I am not yet officially recognized as a member, I would not have been able to learn or teach these life skills without the program."

No, that's not true. She has always been in rogue units which encouraged this nonsense by "unofficially" awarding her rank. This has been documented repeatedly, but here is one citation: https://www.outsideonline.com/2196356/why-girl-wants-become-boy-scout “I really don’t feel different,” Sydney says. She’s been camping with the Boy Scouts since she was four years old, when her brother Bryan joined the Cub Scouts. Once she was old enough, she joined, too, unofficially. She even achieved the highest rank, the Arrow of Light, also unofficially. Sydney completed the requirements but was not granted the award, because she’s a girl. Today, she still goes camping with Troop 414, where the other kids and their parents accept her as a member, even if the organization itself does not. In fact, Sydney will soon sit in front of a board of review and ask for approval to move up the second rank of Boy Scouts, to Tenderfoot. Of course, that’ll be unofficial, too.

@HelpfulTracks you are spot on.

@sst3rd, No I have not heard anything like this. My chapter’s Ceremonies Team continues to use regalia, and to the best of my knowledge, the other chapters do as well.

You forgot the Professionals. I thought I heard that at a region meeting, every single SE in attendance was in favor of opening doors "to the whole family."

My council isn't saying anything about Venturing either, and yet National continues to ask us to go to Summit the Venturing birthday bash

This family is BSA's version of the Kardashians or the Balls (for any NBA fans). Young girl just keeps asking to be a Boy Scout (and now Eagle Scout) while father continues to bad mouth BSA--all the while orchestrating a steady stream of photo ops and interviews. She could go to Jambo as a Venturer--with no drama. But, no, now she wants to go to Jambo as a Boy Scout.

Who the first Eagle Scout was is tremendously important to any Scout working on the Scouting Heritage MB, anybody who visits the museum at Philmont or anybody who treasures Scouting heritage in general.

The Herald article reported one kindergarten-aged girl, a second grader and three fourth graders. The National stipulation is four girls in a girl den...as early as Jan. 15. Interesting that while there are some feel-good quotes from parents, there are no quotes from any Professional. My hunch is it’s a rogue unit and the CC is good at generating PR.

Rogue pack? National indicated January 15 is the earliest date a council can initiate a “soft launch.” Secondly, this pack does not have the National-stipulated minimum membership of four girls per den (unless that has already been changed or waived).

I completely agree. I am no longer with a troop but I have heard SMs in my district talk about “paper girl troops.” I have brought this up before at Council meetings and the topic is quickly changed, so it seems everyone is aware of the possibility.

Ok, if you want to get granular, the entire position description reads: Everything that the Cubmaster does is aimed at helping the individual boy. Qualifications: Is at least 21 years old and is registered as an adult leader of the BSA. Should be a leader who is able to communicate well with adults as well as boys. Should be able to delegate responsibilities and set a good example through behavior, attitude, and uniform. Preferably a member of the chartered organization. Responsibilities: The Cubmaster's responsibilities are to: Complete Cubmaster Fast Start training and leader position-specific training. Attend monthly roundtables. Plan and help carry out the Cub Scout program in the pack according to the policies of the BSA. This includes leading the monthly pack meeting, with the help of other leaders. With the pack committee, develop and execute a year-round recruitment plan for recruiting boys into Cub Scouting. Know about and use the appropriate and available literature, including the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, the Webelos Leader Guide, and this resource. See that the pack program, leaders, and Cub Scouts positively reflect the interests and objectives of the chartered organization and the BSA. Work with the pack committee on program ideas, selecting and recruiting adult leaders, and establishing a budget plan. Guide and support den leaders. See that they receive the required training for their positions. Help organize and encourage graduation into a Boy Scout troop by establishing and maintaining good relationships with Boy Scout troops. Maintain good relationships with parents and guardians. Seek their support and include them in activities. See that Cub Scouts receive a quality, year-round program filled with fun and activities that qualify the dens and pack for the National Summertime Pack Award. See that the responsibilities specified for the assistant Cubmaster are carried out. Help the pack committee chair conduct the annual pack program planning conference and the monthly pack leaders’ meetings. Work as a team with the pack committee chair to cultivate, educate, and motivate all pack leaders and parents or guardians in Cub Scouting. Take part in the charter review meeting and annual charter presentation ceremony. Request den chiefs for all Cub Scout dens and, after selection, see that they are trained. Recognize the den chiefs at pack meetings. Conduct impressive advancement, recognition, and graduation ceremonies. For Webelos ceremonies, involve Scoutmasters and other Boy Scout leaders. Meet with the unit commissioner, Webelos den leader, and Scoutmaster to establish plans for the Webelos Scouts’ transition to Boy Scouting. Encourage high advancement standards from all Cub Scouts. Help bring families together at joint activities for Webelos dens (or packs) and Boy Scout troops. Support the policies of the BSA. note that the description, while stating “See that the pack program, leaders, and Cub Scouts positively reflect the interests and objectives of the chartered organization and the BSA,” also includes “Help organize and encourage graduation into a Boy Scout troop by establishing and maintaining good relationships with Boy Scout troops,” [note, plural troops], as well as “Meet with the unit commissioner, Webelos den leader, and Scoutmaster to establish plans for the Webelos Scouts’ transition to Boy Scouting.”

The first line of BSA's position description says it all. Everything that the Cubmaster does is aimed at helping the individual boy.

Sadly, I had a very similar experience...and that's why I don't counsel MBs at Pow-Wows or MBUs anymore.

I received a "Happy Holidays" email yesterday from the Scouting Wire PR group but nothing from the Key Three.

Yes, @HelpfulTracks nailed it.

Yes, that is the only “official” OA knot I know of. Although some people have made unofficial knots that are novelties and not for wear on the uniform.

OA knots? What do they signify?

That's a key question (for the parents and Webs).