Setonfan

Very inspiring.  What a great Eagle Scout!

Did anyone get a copy of, or hear the Scout Executive phone call with the CSE today?

Always curious when this topic comes up, how National is de-emphasizing adventure-  Maybe it's just me, but with all of the new programs at each of the High Adventure bases, councils doing everything from cave exploring to climbing, whitewater, mountain biking, not to mention pistols, ATV's PWC's, ziplines, etc.  What exactly has National taken out of the program?  Other than sending patrols of boys off on their own for camping (while there are those that say it destroyed the patrol method, frankly, my troop in the 70's didn't allow that, and I haven't found any of my peers who have said their troop or parents were Ok with it either). 

Thought the video and accompanying document were well done.  I like the fact that the BSA continues to take the high road and remain positive about all other organizations, including the GSUSA.  There have been a lot of negative things thrown at the BSA from their leadership and Board, but at least from our side, nothing but positive talk.  Good to see us stick by the Oath and Law on this one. 

Regardless of name, the girls who are really excited to join in February 2019, will likely join no matter what.  They are looking for the program and I think they are pretty savvy consumers.  Many girls in Venturing are proud to call themselves “Scouts”, even sometimes “Boy Scouts”.  It’s really all about the program.  

If you go to the facebook page “Girl Scouts are you listening?”, you will see how GSUSA leaders feel about the lawsuit.  I know some may feel differently, but I really find it hard to imagine how with the application and all the discussion that occurs at a sign up night, that parents could possibly be confused and think they are signing up for the Girl Scouts.  

Do we really think parents are truly confused that both organizations exist?

Just showed this to a few girls in the Scouts BSA age range, they were very positive.  They loved the music and the adventure scenes.

I did attend NOAC, and saw a lot of regalia on display, as well as dance competitions, ceremonies, etc.  Very visible.

The report from National last week showed around 50,000 girls registered.  My understanding is that is strictly paid registrations received from Councils.  Do you think National is not accurately reporting those numbers? 

Wonder how long it will take our BSA culture to transition from “wow, girl cub scouts”, to “wow, cub scouts”?  

I think Venturing and all the girls joining Cub Scouts now seems to support that there are a lot of girls who enjoy the same activities.  I met a number of new girl Cub Scouts recently who have made pocket knives one of their first Scouting gear items.  Fire and knives are a sure winner for almost all kids (safely of course)!. 

Carebear, do you have any metrics to back that up?  There have been a number of mergers where program quality and service have increased when the infrastructures have been combined and duplicate services have been eliminated.  But, you may have more information than I do.

Just to clarify, the number listed above are actual paid registrations at National and do not reflect any in the "pipeline". 

39,840 girls registered as of Friday, 9/28 at noon, CST.  Guess they are coming from somewhere and not all in the pipeline.  I think that now represents just in a few weeks a membership larger than American Heritage Girls.  Now up to packs to provide a great program to keep them!

I had the same thought and wanted to get it done before the weekend.  Would think that will be a lot of traffic on one site.

FWIW, I took mine yesterday and have to disagree with Carebear the DE and some others.  I thought it was excellent.  Well presented, flowed well, and a little long, but there was a lot of material.  While watching, I tried to think of comparisons with other youth serving organizations programs (not church sponsored programs).  Who has one that is anything even comparable?  4-H, YMCA, YWCA, Campfire, GSUSA?  Sorry, I think the BSA still is setting the standard for quality in this arena.  Lastly, I wish all parents could take this.  It is really sad to see kids being abused today in situations that occur that the BSA put in preventative steps long ago to help parents keep kids safe.  I've seen churches, schools, etc. go on co-ed and single gender outdoor activities that make any BSA volunteer cringe when you see the risk presented.  Just my .02. 

I certainly respect the Church's decision to have a program for all it's youth around the world.  Makes sense as it can be more consistent.  But, I'm still puzzled that the perception is the drive for it comes from the BSA's acceptance of gay youth, adults, etc.  Everything the Church official leadership has said is that is not the case.  At the BSA National meeting, two of the apostles were highly complimentary of the relationship and I know many LDS Scouters are planning to continue their involvement.  Lastly, if it really was the "issues" that caused the split, one thing that I don't understand is why then has Canadian Scouting been the only other official LDS Scouting program?  Canada has had gay leaders and a fully co-ed program for over 20 years, but the Church continued to maintain it's relationship.  If it was really over the social issues, the Church has 200 or more other programs around the world, it would have been very easy to end the relationship with Canada sometime over the past 20 years.  I guess I believe what those who do speak for the Church have to say on this. 

32,000+.  A 7,000 girl increase in one week.  Heard numbers of new boys and new adults also up across the board.

National as of today has registered another 7,000 girls this week, taking the total to 32,000+.  Maybe the surveys were more accurate than some have speculated.  Seems they have called the market accurately.  

Do you think the program content will be the same for boys and girls?

Based on the variety of opinions expressed here, and seeing what governments and sports organizations have gone through struggling with this- it seems the BSA did something pretty rational.  Just let the parents and local leaders work it out.  If half- or some significant percentage of doctors and parents feel strongly either way, with no particular expertise (or business) taking sides on this, why would BSA want or need to weigh in?  Actually the BSA never actually had a “policy” on this, and they never asked for the birth certificate to be presented in the past 108 years.  So all they really did was say they will accept the gender the parents indicate.  I think they just want to serve kids and families and frankly, it doesn’t seem to make sense to expect the BSA to be the only organization in the world to come up with a perfect solution to this one.

If the results are similar to those here at Philmont who came from all over the country for the museum dedication, there are a lot of girls joining and generally more new boys than before as well.  Enthusiasm is pretty high from this crowd of about 1000 on that topic.

Or maybe National is serious about making life easier for volunteers and reducing some of the huge infrastructure that’s been built up.  Everything might not always have a hidden evil agenda.

Just attended ribbon cutting and opening of new museum at Philmont.  All I can say is WOW.  Truly outstanding in every way.  1000 people or so here to see it, Governor of New Mexico was keynote.  Very enthusiastic crowd.  A great day for Scouting.