Mrjeff

Well, there have been a few replies that are closer to some of the outcome of Scouting. Build character, good citizen, horrible paperwork are all great examples of the results of being in Scouts but I have never heard a kid use those to say why they want to be a Scout. Wicked adventures, get outside, have a knife, build fires, camp out or go hiking are closer to the mark. Those other things are interjected by adults to help form the positive results of being a Scout. Sadly, its the result of well meaning adults that we been required to wash much of the fun out of Scouting. For example, bu

You win that one🤣🤣🤣

Can anyone provide a TWO WORD statement answering the question why have Scouts? Not one word, not three words, TWO WORDS as to why have Scouts. As I have said in the past I have never heard a youngster say that they wanted to be a Scout to learn lessons, gain maturity or become a leader. I did hear one say that he wanted to go to the US Air Force Academy and needed to put that he was an Eagle Scout on his application. Scouts is there to let kids have fun, period. It's so good to stand in the background and watch kids have fun. Watch them play, ride bikes, try new things and see new place

Ouch, that is indeed a problem. I can think of countless and legitimate situations where an adult Scouter could inadvertently find themselves in this predicament. I have seen adults pull the "YPT COMPLAINT "like a loaded pistol. I would hope that any investigation into this was complete and thorough and done by someone without a vested interest. Best wishes in the future.

I couldn't agree more! But the more people just through up their hands and point out all of the negatives, the worse things get. To fix these problems, a [...] lodge advisor who has a good relationship with the CE, and who gives support to the real LEC is a must. That Advisor along with the CE need to stand fast when good intentioned adults want to interfere with the business of the LEC. National Committee? Who are they and what do they do other then to stir [...] people off. Try talking to one of them and see how far it gets you. The leadership within the lodge should focus on all of th

It seems that a lot of folks put the cart before the horse. I think the real issue is why someone who has completed the Ordeal not want to be in good standing. The OA has a lot to offer a young person especially when they get a little older and would like to be involved in Scouting leadership that really does let the kids run the show. It also keeps them involved in Scouting after earning Eagle. This is only possible if the unit supports the lodge by encouraging active participation. If a policeman does not get his required annual training no one is going to say "that's OK, well take ca

Thats incorrect but do as you please. Everything in scouting nowadays is only a suggestion and it really doesn't matter what suggestions are followed or interpreted. As long as noone gets a bad feeling and gets an award for showing up everything is fine. I would encourage you to research the origins of the customs and traditions of the OA and that organization has the same rules concerning membership status and dues.

Its not my place, but I apologize for the confusion created by the election team. Unfortunately its common for new members to take on tasks that they aren't really prepared for and can only duplicate their own experience, weather right or wrong..

Ok, its a pretty simple train to follow: attend the ordeal, complete the ordeal, remain active by paying dues, attend events, wear Sash. Or attend the ordeal, complete the ordeal, don't remain active by not paying dues, don't attend lodge events, no Sash. Obviously I did read the post and perhaps you should read the mountains of literature available explaining the purpose and mission of the OA. In fact it's now impossible to register for an event like NOAC unless you are an active member of your lodge. Should I continue?

I'm not sure where some of these points come from, but several are incorrect on so many levels. For example the OA Sash is only worrn at OA events or while conducting OA business. You can breathe because your correct that ones first responsible to their unit and just like most things in life a person gets out of the OA to the level they contribute. The OA should work in conjunction with the units to enhance the Scouting experience and not compete with each other. Oh well, that's enough for now.

Thank you so much for that reply!

AMEN!!!!

Perhaps its time for a change of command. The incoming unit leader could focus on the fun and not worry about "what these boys need to learn is...." The adult leadership in the OA should learn that the lodge doesn't belong to them and what they did is irrelevant unless it aligns with what the voting members want. Jezzzzzzzzzz.............what happened to just having a good time ?

In order for a youth to be elected they must have Scoutmaster approval. The election team really has no idea who is eligible and they rely on the list provided by the SM. This approval or disapproval MUST be exercised before the election and its really that simple.

Again I have to ask, what does a national committee know about the successes or failures of a local lodge? I would wager that it ain't much. Make suggestions, provide help if requested, worry about NOAC, but leave the workings of the individual lodges to the local councils that are not owned or administered by the national organization. Their words, not mine.

How about trustworthy, loyal, brave, clean and reverent?

⁹0The national committee should mind their own business. If a lodge can come to an agreement with their local Native Americans then leave them alone. If not give advice concerning alternatives. But don't issue cease and decist directives where there is no problem.

I heard this rumor too, but could not substantiate it.

This is wonderful, but I can find a tribal pastor to say the exact opposite so who do we listen to?

Ok guys, I am a lodge advisor and my support of youth leadership is unwavering. If a national OA Committee made up of mostly youth members the decisions that they make would be more palatable. As it is that committee is made up of adults. These far reaching choices should be made by the kids who are affected by these choices. If the pieces keep getting chopped off, soon there will be nothing left, and to me, it looks like that may be the goal.

I guess that my major concerns are these. The OA started out as a way to honor a few outstanding camp staff members. It then became a society of Scout Honor Campers and then the Scouting National Honor Society, all the while focused on service and camp promotions. The trappings and ceremonial movement are very close to those of another ancient and respected organization and my fellow travelers know exactly what I am talking about. If those specific things were removed there would be no Order of the Arrow. Youth leadership is supposed to be the groundwork of the OA but the many decisions e

This is really awsome and displays just how easy it is to do a Google search and cut/paste one article to substantiate your opinion, for which you are completly entitled. However; it does not negate the fact that I have never met a First Nation citizen who has any negative thoughts or issues with our current Order of the Arrow practices or customs.

This is really awsome and displays just how easy it is to do a Google search and cut/paste one article to substantiate your opinion, for which you are completly entitled. However; it does not negate the fact that I have never met a First Nation citizen who has any negative thoughts or issues with our current Order of the Arrow practices or customs.

This is really awsome and displays just how easy it is to do a Google search and cut/paste one article to substantiate your opinion, for which you are completly entitled. However; it does not negate the fact that I have never met a First Nation citizen who has any negative thoughts or issues with our current Order of the Arrow practices or customs.

I think that you have identified the issues! We have turned into a culture that accepts good enough rather then quality. Everybody who shows up gets a pass no matter how they participated. Everything should be available to everyone and everyone's rights and feelings are more important then your own. Thomas Payne stated that if you are afraid to offend you cannot be honest. I would venture a guess that if you asked, your Scouts wouldn't even know who Thomas Payne was. Perhaps the BSA and all of its goals,nstandards and traditions has run its course, outlived its usefulness and should just