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InquisitiveScouter

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Posts posted by InquisitiveScouter

  1. Hello @Ironfoot, and welcome back to the forum after a good break 😜

    I have not seen any comparison of these to any other routine.

    BP's exercises seem to me to just be a brief stretching routine to get ready for the day, or an activity.  I would not call them a "workout".  Instead, these are good movements to do before you start a workout or activity.

    Any stretching routine will do, as long as you work the major muscle groups.  And, BP's routine does that... chest, shoulders, back, arms, abdominals, and legs.

    Enjoy!

    • Upvote 1
  2. 23 minutes ago, Smokediver said:

    This CYA attitude is what may have led to this once-respected organization's downfall, Reminds me of the corporate culture of OCP from "Robocop" .

    This attitude that everyone is guilty no matter what the courts say is ridiculous and even though this is a private organization they still should allow for due process , I believe that if a person is found responsible in a court of law then they should be removed from the program, but if there are only accusations and unfounded criminal investigations then the person should be allowed to resume their Scouting activities.

    It is all about protecting the salary stream, my friend...  keep the trough in good shape so we can continue to feed.

    See the numbers for yourself: https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/BSA-2020-Form-990.pdf

    Section VII

    And that is just for National... how many councils are there??

  3. 8 hours ago, AwakeEnergyScouter said:

    doesn't mean that I should voice that opinion in my role as a scouter.

     

    8 hours ago, AwakeEnergyScouter said:

    opinion is backed by a lot of emotion and a feeling of having a stake in the outcome.

     

    8 hours ago, AwakeEnergyScouter said:

    So I try to avoid the topic in order not to embarrass myself with a tirade I shouldn't be delivering.

    Sorry, not taking the bait 😜 Have a nice day.

  4. 19 minutes ago, AwakeEnergyScouter said:

    n armed conflict is that the first aid kits don't take any sides in a war the way the bracelets did.

    Sure they do, if the council sticks Ukrainian flag on it.

    Do not get me wrong... I personally fully support Ukraine, and kicking out the Russian invaders, but this smacks of "taking sides" by the council that did this.  I know there are refugees from the conflict who are Russians as well.  They need humanitarian aid and first aid kits, too.

    I think in the case cited, making a bracelet that advocated peace between the sides would have been a much better choice.

    https://www.etsy.com/listing/1598608568/peace-in-gaza-bracelet-50-of-profits?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=israel+palestine+peace+flag&ref=sr_gallery-1-4&sts=1&organic_search_click=1

     

  5. On 2/24/2024 at 8:17 AM, scoutldr said:

    Sounds clear to me.  But in all fairness,  BSA has similar fundraising rules.  The name and trademarks of the BSA is not to be used in fundraising for other organizations, regardless of how righteous the cause.

    Except for Eagle Scout Service Projects?

    Or a council selling FAKs for Ukraine?  (and keeping a slice of the pie, btw)

    https://padutchbsa.org/a-scout-is-helpful-ukraine-first-aid-kit/

  6. 12 minutes ago, Timbuktu said:

    Sorry to resurrect this old thread, but I'm not the first one to resurrect it after a few years!

     

    Compared with 20 years ago, it seems like a LOT more parents/adult volunteers are employed by Fortune 1000 companies who offer corporate giving options.

     

    For the big employers in our area, it usually involves two aspects:

    (1) Dollar-for-dollar matching (eg, if the employee donates $50 to a BSA council, then the company will also donate $50)

    (2) Volunteer hours. Eg, if an employee volunteers for 5 hours, then the company will donate $50 to a cause of the employee's choice (even if it's not to the specific entity where the volunteering took place)

     

    We're in a big council with several mega companies. Right now, a handful of troops appear on these websites because they're their own 501c3 (by whatever method; see above debates from several years ago) but most do not...even if their CO is a 501c3 church.

     

    Our council does NOT publicize this except it's buried on the website that if you log your volunteer hours, the council will give your unit a 10% credit at the trading post (eg, if one of your adult leaders logs 100hrs, the council would get $1,000 and then give your unit a $100 credit at the camp trading post).

     

    Seems skeevy to me, but I understand councils would want a monopoly on this and I understand a lot of COs/churches, even if they bother registering for these companies (the one used by Kohl's, Boeing, etc is "Benevity.org"), wouldn't necessarily use those funds specifically for their scouting program. 

    What the councils do not want you to know is that the corporations will make a donation to your Chartering Organization (CO) as well.  All you need is the Employer Identification Number (EIN) of your 501 (c)(3) CO.

    As long as they are a registered non-profit, the company will (most likely) make the donation to them.  Have the employee check their company policies.  The donation then goes to your CO, specifically for your unit.

    We asked our CO is we could do this, and were met with a resounding "Yes!!"  Some of our parents worked for a LARGE pharmaceuticals company.  They all took time off to volunteer with us, some even going to Summer Camp as additional adult leaders.  It was quite a windfall for the Troop.  You would have to follow up on each donation and make sure the money made its way through the CO to the unit.  I recommend you discuss this thoroughly with the Committee and CO.  Heck, even if you did a 50-50 split, you'd still get more for your unit program than if you let it go the council.

    When our Council Finance guy found out about it (that is another story), he was livid, but there was not a thing they could do about it. (Ethically speaking, that is.  Unethically, though, they did take action to remove a person we had on District and Council Committees for "not supporting the council.")

  7. 12 minutes ago, scoutldr said:

    I'll even pull the applicable verbiage out:

    "Members should make every effort to keep their uniforms neat and uncluttered. "

    "Jackets and Their Insignia

         Multicolored jackets are available for optional wear by youth members and adult leaders. The universal emblem should be worn on the left pocket or, in case of a jacket without chest pockets, in the same area. The Philmont bull emblem is especially designed for the red  wool jac-shirt to be sewn on the left side above the pocket.

         On all jackets, Philmont Scout Ranch, Philmont Training Center, or high-adventure  base emblems may be worn centered on the right pocket or in the same relative position if there is no pocket. The Order of the Arrow has adopted the jac-shirt as its official jacket, and members may wear the 6-inch national Order of the Arrow patch centered on the back.

         The large Philmont, NESA, jamboree, National Camping School, and international participant emblems are approved to be worn on the back of the jacket. Only one such emblem may be worn at a time."

    • Upvote 1
  8. I know a Vigil Honor member who was accused of murder, convicted, and exonerated on appeal.

    It was appropriate that they put him in the IVF during the trail and after convicted.  But once exonerated... ???

    They will never re-instate him, even though our justice system cleared him, and expunged that record.  I think because there is now an easily accessible electronic history of news articles, and that would make people nervous.

    BSA considers him "damaged goods".

  9. 6 hours ago, skeptic said:

    This is one of the numerous judgment calls from my perspective.  The Insignia Guide notes certain limitations, but ultimately, they are not absolutes as long as the owner can field objections by the Uniform Police.  So, do what is right for you and deal with the nonsense as able.  Not worth a serious verbal debate.  JMHO of course.  And, since I no longer am able to wear mine due to girth, I guess I could just turn it into a hanger brag rag of some sort.

     

    If there are no patches on it, wanna sell it?  I give these as gifts to awesome Scouters...

  10. 9 hours ago, Smokediver said:

    This happened to me 4 years ago just as the COVID pandemic began. After being a member of the BSA for 39 years I was summarily dismissed based upon a false accusation of sexual misconduct  from a former romantic partner in retaliation for ending our relationship. She was found guilty of perjury in another matter and there was a criminal investigation by the police and nothing came of the investigation.

    Now IF it was PROVEN in a court of law that I was responsible for criminal sexual misconduct that would be something I would accept,  but just an accusation is not a good enough reason to be removed from the organization, especially given the context surrounding the accusation. This whole situation sounds like what happens with red flag laws.

    17 years later...

    Welcome to the forum @Smokediver!

    Sorry to hear this happened to you.

    BSA professionals are very much more worried about image than reality.

    This is why the head-in-the-sand (or should I say hiding the dirty laundry?) tactics of dealing with child sexual abuse within the ranks have come back to bite them.

    You are a victim of the pendulum swinging too far in the opposite direction...

    Thank you for 39 years worth of service to Scouting.  If I had the power, I'd re-examine the details of your case, and re-instate if warranted.

    BSA will most likely never do that, unless you are a big money donor, or well-connected in the C-suite.

    In their eyes, you and I are expendable, and easily replaced...

    • Thanks 1
  11. Agreed...

    But, perhaps the reason they have bumped this up is because of the level of fundraising he needs to do.  Project costs more than $2500, right?

    Didn't you say fundraising that amount needed district approval where you are?  Well, only professionals can approve fundraising projects, I believe.

    Form says  needs signature by "Authorized Council Approval*" and then "*Councils may delegate approval to districts or other committees according to local practices."

    We do not know what your local practices are...  

    Please talk to someone on the phone.  Dithering over email is not getting anyone anywhere...

     

  12. Just now, Ojoman said:

    Some folks will always be resistant to change. That's their opinion and at the present time those folks can continue to run single gender programs. World Scouting has been co-ed for many decades and it has worked out well. The BSA is a Johnny come lately on that score. There have been hundreds of girls now that have earned Eagle or been elected into the OA and who have held leadership positions. I think that is GREAT! The folks in favor of this are many and that is a good thing. 

    There is absolutely nothing wrong with gender separation, when it is by choice. 

    This is a basic right called freedom of assembly (association), guaranteed by the First Amendment.  I may associate with whomever I choose...

    You don't like it?  Then work to get the Constitution re-written.  Once re-written, I'll support you 100%.

    I do believe the current BSA model is neither well thought out, nor sustainable.

    "Separate but equal" is a bad idea.  Chartering Organizations should have the option to have a single gender Troop( or Troops), or a blended Troop.  Both have pros and cons.  I do not believe there is "one size fits all" for what we are trying to accomplish.  Give Chartering Organizations, parents, and Scouts the options to choose what program they'd like to participate in, according to the dictates of their conscience.

    And, it is not working out in reality.  Many B & G Troops under the same CO are really "blended" troops just doing all their stuff together.  And I am fine with it. 

    Yes, it is against BSA policy, but I believe the freedom of assembly right is a higher ethical standard.

     

    • Upvote 3
  13. 34 minutes ago, fred8033 said:

    100% agree.  BSA requirement is for the scout to have the skill to advance.  There is no requirement for the scout to be instructed.  Heck, an ideal scout owns their own skill development by reading or learning thru any method they can.  

    Is your process egregious?  No.  Will it be a huge red flag?  No.  ...

    It escalates as an issue when scout / troop conflict exists.   I saw this every year.   Scouts would escalate advancement issues to the Council Advancement Committee requesting approval to pursue Eagle beyond age 18 because the troop delayed the scout with extra hoops that added weeks / months of delay.  ...  I don't know if it would happen to your troop, but it does happen to other troops.  ...  A good CAC would can find in favor of the scout giving the scout a few months to six months because the troop did not do right by the scout.  

    Concur... the only pertinent step in the advancement process is that a Scout "learns".  And that can happen in many different ways...

    A Scout can learn the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace on his own.  When he feels he is ready to be tested to "Recite the Leave No Trace Seven Principles from memory." , he asks.

    If he passes the test, great... sign him off.  If he does not pass the test, he goes back to learning, until he feels he is ready again.  You can offer instruction, but not require it.

    • Upvote 2
  14. 25 minutes ago, mrjohns2 said:

    Is it a requirement to have a youth sign off before the adult does? If so, then you are clearly adding requirements. Cut and dry. Plain and simple. In this can, plain and added complexity. 

    The youth is not "signing off" the requirement.  The youth (or, we should call them the Instructor) is simply using a column already printed in the Scout Handbook to indicate instruction is complete, and the Scout is ready to be tested.  (The check mark column on left side of requirements lists.)

    However... if the Troop is "requiring" that this column be used, and is holding up a Scout from being tested or advanced because of it, then that would be adding requirements.

    I did not interpret the explanation as saying this "must" be done... just that this was a way to communicate it had been done, and that the Scout was ready to be tested.

    So, @KublaiKen, do you "require" that this left check column be "signed off", Or can a Scout simply present himself to a Scoutmaster-approved evaluator and say "Jimmy just finished instructing me, and I am ready to be tested!"??  If the Evaluator says, "No, your instructor did not sign in your book.", then you are violating advancement protocols.

    I can see the utility in the method if there is some time/space between instruction and testing.  Say, Scout gets instruction at a Monday Troop meeting, but there is not time built into the meeting plan for testing.  So, Scout gets the instructor check in the book (or checks it himself and maybe writes in instructor info), and then on Saturday, during the camping trip, he grabs an SM-approved evaluator and gets tested.

  15. 14 minutes ago, MYCVAStory said:

    I appreciate your honesty.  BSA National has not required Local Councils to have a Survivor on each Council's Board.   They have jusrt "recommended" it. I don't want to get into a debate over "cherry-picking" such requirements or the legality but I will offer this; if you are dedicated to the future of Scouting AND the safety of youth, DEMAND that your Council has a Survivor on its Board and do what you can to make sure that his/her voice is heard by the leaders of EVERY unit.   As Santayana said " Those who forget their history are condemned to repeat it.”

     

    Do you think it needs to be a survivor of abuse from within Scouting? Or someone with that experience in any arena?

  16. Just now, MrJZhu said:

    @InquisitiveScouter got any ideas for scripts I should say?

    Yes, don't use a script.  You are really selling yourself, not some tickets.  Just know your stuff and talk to people. Connect with them.

    Or, come up with your own script.  You can do it.  Here's a teaser...

    "Hi, my name is Zhu, and I'm a Scout in Troop 4321 here in Malibu.  We are putting on a great breakfast for Mother's Day!  If you do not have plans already, the breakfast will be at Camp Josepho near Crestwood Hills, at 9 AM on Mother's Day.  Tickets are $10 per person, and it is all you can eat!  After that big breakfast, you can take a nice walk with your Mom to enjoy the outdoors in our camp.  Would you like to hear what's on the menu?"

    • Like 2
  17. Oh, and 9) if you are not attending, you'd better have a good excuse.  Like, you don't live with your mother, or something like that.  If a potential customer asks if you are taking your Mom, and you just say "No", you will probably lose a sale.  If you offer a valid explanation, they may be more sympathetic and open their wallet.

    So, 10) go out and earn a little money to help your family buy tickets for the event, if you can go.

  18. OK, stop saying "fined."  You are not being fined for anything.  1.  Having the right attitude is the first tip for selling your tickets.

    2.  Know your product.  What are the menu options?  What time does it start?  Is it a buffet, cafeteria-style, or served at tables?  Is it kosher, or are there vegan or vegetarian options, or some other menu specialties (gluten free, allergy free)? Is it open to non-Scouting families?  Will there be alcohol served?  (Should be "no", but make sure you know the answer, in case someone asks you.)  Are there flowers, gifts, keepsakes, pictures, mementos, included for the Mom's?  How much are the tickets?  Is there a limit to the number of tickets (or seats at a table) that someone can buy?  Do you have a flyer you can hand out?  When is the deadline for buying tickets? How can someone pay you? (Cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, etc ??) How will you handle donations?  (that is, if someone does not want a ticket, or cannot go, but donates $5 to you instead, how will you handle that??)  Etc, etc, etc, Find these things out...  the more you know about what you are selling, the better salesman you will be.

    3.  So, your market is people who are willing to take their Mother to a breakfast for Mothers Day, under any constraints you find in #2.  Find those people.  They are all around you.  Contact them!  The best way to sell something is face to face.  Email, texts, etc. are going to have a very bad return.  For example, if your event is open to all families, then ask your neighbors or friends at school if they want to take part in this wonderful opportunity to do something nice for their Mom on Mother's Day.  And all they have to do is show up!  Make them understand why your product is good for them!

    4.  Be polite and courteous.  If someone says "No, thank you!", then you say "OK, thanks for your time, and have a great day!"  I have seen people change their mind based on salesman's courteous reaction to their "No."  Doesn't happen often, but it does happen!

    5.  Find out if you are allowed to wear your Scout uniform.  If yes, then wear the best uniform assembly you have... shirt, pants, belt, socks, the whole nine yards...  You WILL get more sales if you are in uniform.  Be clean, showered, hair reasonably tamed, fingernails clean, etc.  Look people in the eye, and smile.  Some people may even buy tickets from you with no intention of going, just because they want to support you.

    6.  Tickets will not sell themselves.  You will have to get out and do it.

    7.  If your mother and grandmother are still with us, find someone in their lives who would like to do this for them (Dad, grandfather, brother, sister, aunts, uncles, etc. ), and ask!

    8.  Ask your teachers, coaches, tutors, Scout leaders (who are not trying to sell tickets themselves).

    Best wishes!!

     

    • Upvote 2
  19. 1 minute ago, MrJZhu said:

    @rememberschiff the fine is the cost I would have to pay if I failed to sell the amount of tickets to cover the dues covered by the fundraiser.

    Then, it is not a "fine."  A Scout is expected to pay his way... so pay your way, either through the fundraiser, or with the buy-out. 

    • Upvote 1
  20. Welcome!

    Who, what, when , where, how, why??

    "Fine" is probably a "buy-out" cost.  That is, for the Troop fundraiser, there is an expected amount each Scout will raise to offset unit expenditures.  If you do not raise that amount, you must make it up.

    This is normal, and helps prevent someone from taking advantage of the diligent fundraising efforts of others in the Troop.

  21. 15 hours ago, RememberSchiff said:

    Related, leadership position self-assessment. Reflection can be powerful.

    "This self-evaluation is a tool to help you reflect on your effectiveness as a Troop Leader and to help your Senior Leadership team and Scoutmaster improve supporting these positions. Please complete this form and return it to the Scoutmaster. The completion of this evaluation is MANDATORY in order to receive credit for having served in this position."

    Troop Position of Responsibility Self-Evaluation

    https://bsatroop713.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Troop-Leader-Self-Evaluation.pdf

    Excellent.  And as long as the Troop is consistent in applying this for all Positions of Responsibility, then I am all for it!

    A good leader communicates, confirms understanding of, and enforces expectations 😜 

  22. 25 minutes ago, swilliams said:

    It's making me a little crazy that our unit/district/council can't just follow what is set by National.  It leads to so much confusion.  Sometimes I feel like the adults around here like to stick their fingers in the pie a little too much, even as they say "scout led" with their mouths full of pie.  Maybe it's fine that younger son wants to quit.  Less headache all around.

    "Rules for thee, but not for me."

    Unfortunately, we have to work very hard to avoid these kinds of people.  Yes, it is less headache all around.  But, it is also a life lesson, as you will NEVER be rid of them.  Sometimes, you have to feed the dragon.

    As for me, my tactics are to learn all the rules, and try to think about why they are in place.  Then, I find ways to work within the system to maneuver around those people who do not know/follow the rules and just want to have their own fiefdoms.  There are times when you win, and times when you lose.

    Some of the greatest warning phrases you'll hear when you are encountering these folks are:

    "That's the way we do it here."  (The message here is that "We know better." and "We are above the rules.")

    "That's the way we have always done it." (Versus an explanation and justification for the rule.  It's just plain lazy thinking...)

    "That's the way I was taught." (Well, maybe you were taught incorrectly??  What does the book say? What is the reason for the update?)

    Asking you "Why?"  (instead of asking themselves "Why not?")

  23. @swilliams,

    Another point...

    Are you prepared to fully fund this project now?  Doing a GoFundMe, or soliciting donations from anyone outside your family will require additional paperwork which will further slow things down.  That paperwork DOES have to go to council.  But, only AFTER the Proposal has been approved by Council or District Project Approval Representative.  See Fundraising Application Page A  (did he already get signatures on this one, too??)

    If you have the ability to fund the project, do it.

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