InquisitiveScouter

If you look for offense, you will always find it

What have I done?

About as much as an unladen swallow?

This is getting heavy. Oh, weight...

Insofar as I understand it, in Buddhism, if there is a "god", then you are it, or it is you, or both. https://www.learnreligions.com/gods-in-buddhism-449762 If you read through the eight beliefs of Buddhism, you will see they are in harmony with the Scout Oath and Scout Law. https://mysticalbee.com/beliefs-of-buddhism-religion/ And nothing in the DRP prevents you from claiming that you are the "god" you believe in. The Dalai Lama called his local pizza joint. When they asked him what he wanted, he said, "Make me one with everything." (Hope my tongue-in-cheek does

I love this hat. I have the same one since the early 1990's. Yes, it is hot in the summer. Also, it bleeds some color when it gets wet or sweaty. So, mine is a little faded and sun-bleached. As a first time Scoutmaster in the 90's, I bought this hat for each Scout when he reached First Class. Troop funds paid for his First Class pin. They loved them. This was also the time when Scoutmasters could let a Patrol camp without adults. My standard was, a Scout had to reach First Class before he could go on such a camping trip. They worked hard for that rank, and wore those hats pro

Uncanny! It's almost like you know me! Lol... I have been asked to serve on five separate council committees because of my experience and belief in what Scouting can accomplish. Yet, because I do not support FOS, our SE has denied my positions on those committees. I only suspect this because our SE has never told me he has denied my participation, nor why. I only hear the negative from the volunteers who have asked me to serve. Was also asked to serve on a neighboring council WB staff, and a regional and national committee, only to be later told "thanks, we're full". I suspect my

In search of Scouting? There it is!!! Thanks @RememberSchiff

I do not believe it has "run its course." Rather, flip the script...Is there a need that Scouting fills? Or better yet, in the big picture, What is the problem we are trying to solve with Scouting? BP saw a problem in the structures (or lack thereof) that society used to bring youth into full adulthood, with the physical, spiritual, emotional, social, fiscal, (and more?) accoutrements (aka character) necessary for a well functioning society. He thought Scouting could address those problems. https://infed.org/mobi/robert-baden-powell-as-an-educational-innovator/ Do those selfs

HICO, you are fighting physiology there...the point is, that part of the brain isn't done growing in yet...they do not have the physical structures needed for that kind of "adult" thinking. But, what we can do, is train them in the processes and form the habits of planning, forecasting, and leading. Eagle94, please do look for that! I'd like to read that one (as a lifelong learner ) Qwazse, right on! Even BP said " First-class Scout A BOY does not really get the value of the Scout training until he is a First-class Scout. The Second-class is only a st

Concur, Barry. OA has definitely lost its luster.

I understand the desire, but the science isn't there (pardon the phrase.) I would advocate that we need to extend their youth. We know that the brain is not fully formed, with the seat of executive function not being developed until about 25. Historically, young men had to rise to the challenge earlier because of life expectancy. That, and the needed skill set for a 15 year old to succeed was not as great or complex as it is today, imho. As a commander in the military, guess which age cohort I dealt with incurred most judicial punishments, substances problems, domestic violence or

David, Are you really comparing finger-painting to the skills, service, and leadership you must learn and demonstrate on your way to Eagle? Facetious. Bigger and better things? Isn't that what Scouting promises? We come up with bigger and better things for our Scouts all along their path. And the adults who accompany on the outings and activities we do with our older Scouts often find great challenge in what they are doing, and are satisfied with their accomplishments. Many of them have never done them before. Why not recognize their efforts and progress as well? Part of

Not just you...my circumstances for staying in fit your description to a tee...and most of my friends in Scouting as a youth simply left the program when they "aged out." It is sad that we even have this phrase... Scouting should have no age restrictions. How many men out there are full of regret at not earning their Eagle? I know at least a dozen who would come back in a heartbeat to finish their goal. As an Eagle Scout, I would welcome the accomplishment from any person, regardless of age. What would your unit look like if there were patrols of different ages...or lifelong pat

Can't imagine how much Camp Pouch on Staten Island is worth....

You aren't overthinking it, brother ...that is the purpose of open, non-attribution discussion. Discussion gives us the chance to work out our own thinking, articulate our ideas, get input from others, and modify the framework of our thinking to strengthen it, or get rid of it for new thinking. Enjoy!

Thanks! I learned something new today! Didn't know this had "changed." I find this a bit disturbing...all assets should belong to the CO, period. It is their program, and they get to decide what to do with the stuff. This also has tax implications...for example...Scout unit does a fundraiser (..."in the name of Scouting?") to buy, say, a trailer to haul gear...if someone donates to that cause, it is the CO's EIN that records the donation. That is, if the donor asks for a receipt for tax purposes, it is the CO's EIN (federal IRS Employer Identification Number) that is listed as

Hmmm...not quite. What I have seen is SM's doing jobs outside their lane (including me!!) because of lack of support from the Committee. The huge job of putting on a good program for the Troop is not the Scoutmaster's job. It is the job of the Troop Committee and the Scoutmaster corps, in toto. Too often I run up against the mentality that I, as the Scoutmaster, am THE leader of the Troop. People want to look to one person on whom to "stop the buck." It is not the Scoutmaster. It is the triumvirate, the Key 3. As a Scoutmaster, I identify critical needs and timelines to the Committee C

Concur, but that is why they call it the "Introduction to..." Is there a BSA course for adults to learn these skills in any depth? Not in my experience...even went to National Camp School twice for Scoutcraft (back in the day). It was better, but still didn't hit the mark. It wasn't until I started reading my Scout Handbook and the merit badge pamphlets, putting together the materials and skills so I could teach them at Scout camp...(served on 15 camp staffs in various disciplines.) I have taught many IOLS classes...and too many people are looking for the "easy" answer or some

Did you actually read the article you cited?

Not years...perhaps a few hours, maybe even days... But your thinking, and behavior, is wrong, friend. The facts (stubborn things) and statistics don't support you. https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding Plan ahead, far right lane, cruise control on the speed limit...let the real hazardous drivers pass you on the left.

or a painter?

7. Don't hike alone in cougar / bear country. 8. After the encounter, wipe.

There are a great deal of rules in flying. It is an extremely complex activity. That is also one of the complaints you hear from volunteers as they peel the curtain back on Scouting...the rule set is complex. But that is as it should be...it, also, is a complex activity (or should we say a collection of complex activities) with OPK (other people's kids) Unfortunately, in both flying and Scouting, breaking the rules, intentionally or not, can have catastrophic consequences. https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/ The best pilots, and Scouters, first know the