Cito

Probably add "friendly" to the list. I just tend to filter through the replies looking for the info that I'm looking for.

Now, with that said, I'll also say that there is a core group of posters that keep this forum alive and I respect that while they have strong opinions, if they did not post, the forum would shrivel up. I know that I come and go, but the Senior Forum members are fairly consistently here and deserve us reading what they have to say, even if we don't heed the advice. I have a feeling there are plenty of lurkers with little opinion but that doesn't make a forum happen.

Yes, I'd agree with second class, wear the uniform right, get other adults on board and the boys will follow.

So I'm curious, how often do boys not get their awards on stage?

Which of the "requirements" for uniforming is the biggest issue?

I grew up in West Texas, didn't own a pair of scout pants, scout shorts all the way through.

Now I did encounter a rule in the orientation for my upcoming woodbadge that they told us "no white shoes". I'm happy if I can get people to halfway uniform, so are these over the top rules common?

Just got it in the mail. it's a whole different type of patch with what feels like a separate backing only held together at the edges. I need to take a pic when I get back to the house. Small but well designed.

WalnutDC, I appreciate that. I think our district has made great strides in the last two years with regards to both unit commissioners and proper uniforming so I'm picking my battles. Our district chair doesn't seem to have a pair of scout pants either...my big concern is about the units that receive little support and really need it. As usual a lot of that comes down to having enough volunteers.

Thanks, so its just a skinny badge and not a tall badge.

Nothing wrong with a sensible size, patrol dining fly, good to have in fact. Just find a way to get away from the car and I doubt anyone will want to carry the 600 sf fly.

We have one who I see at roundtable and at least a couple pack meetings each year. We copy him on the emails. Honestly we need a lot less help than other units in the district, so he should be out working with the underperforming ones. I think the ratio in our district is about 6:1.

No uniform inspections for our UC, he's not in uniform pants or silver shoulder loops.

I would suggest a campout that precludes the fly and the toilet tent and all the other trappings. Backpack or canoe or somehow get further from the cars. Obviously the boys need to make that decision but you're free to drop a hint.

I'd rather hike for 40 minutes than setup a fly for 40 minutes. Good luck

I noticed that the 2013 jamboree has a very tall badge. Has anyone seen one to know the dimensions? Seems like it could be a challenge on smaller shirts.

I like the bookbinding mb idea.

No idea about the current ones but I know in the 80's I ended up needing one for signatures and one for daily use. Not sure what book can survive 5 years of camping.

My issue is all the silly binders that are more common now. What scoutmaster carries a three ring binder? Give me a book small enough to go in a pack. Binders invite pages falling out and it never going anywhere.

Not useful for creative ideas but a story I think you'll enjoy.

The COR for our pack did his Eagle project about 60 years ago in Florida. He loves to tell the story that his Eagle project was shooting alligators.

You would think that an advancement chair would have at least a rudimentary understanding of the uniform. The colors are as regulated as any other part of the uniform.

With that said I've seen troops create their own, like neckerchiefs, but it is incorrect. Like wearing jeans with a scout shirt.

I grew up in Buffalo Trail Council and you'd be surprised just what a quality camp they have in the Davis Mountains. Its hot but a unique and beautiful place. Just my plug for BTSR.

Lot's of quality camps in Colorado and New Mexico. Been to Tres Ritos, Wehinahpay, Alexander, PV and obviously Philmont. In the end, let the boys choose but I'd suggest not going to the same place more than once every 2-3 years.

One of the first times I've noticed something get moderated out. Good job.

Sally Ride was a real pioneer, an inspiration to a generation, an American hero and I'm sorry to hear of her passing too soon. I know they weren't written for her, but are appropriate "ride, Sally Ride".

Not sure how to label it, but I think its also important to have a DE who wants to make a real go of it. I want someone who will stay long enough that we can build a relationship. I like them to have a vision.

Next up, being accessible. The current ones at least pretend they are interested in talking to me.

I guess I don't know the politics of the question, so I wouldn't read to much into my reply.

I don't really like the move to all the devices. I might own them, but they'd sit in a drawer. With devices you have to get right up to someone to know what program they earned the key in.

I was thinking about putting together an additional uniform and wondering are any of the patches are actually required? We talk a lot about people putting the wrong stuff on the uniform, but is there any issue with not putting stuff on?

I've have a shirt without knots (Eagle, AOL) and I've had a couple people call me out on that.

I'll obvious put on the council strip, unit number, POR patch before I wear it, but is it actually incorrect to not have them?

I'm currently doing the Cubmaster thing with my 7 year old, so no current troop. The last troop I was part of, the SPL was not a member of a patrol. No ASPL.

I would imagine that it will still come down to rarity and desirability, not just being discontinued.

For instance I know the Pikes Peak Council down the road just put out new council strips, but they replace ones that they've used for decades and printed tens of thousands of. I have a feeling they'll be worth $2 or so.

At the same time the Denver Area Council prints a new strip to commemorate everything that happens. While they are all relatively rare (100-1,000), there really isn't a lot of demand by collectors.

Being a discontinued council, they can't be worn, so the value is only for a collection.

Anyway, to make a long story short, I'd say go buy one for the patch blanket/jacket and a couple to put in a box.

I worked 4 summers at Philmont in the fairly recent past, also taken my share of treks. I was not a ranger but I got pulled into a couple PhilSARs. I have a doctor friend who volunteers in the health lodge every summer for a week or so. This is what I know:

The do review forms and they do own a scale. They look at blood pressure, smoking and other health issues. Some are easy to see and some are easy to hide.

Health forms can be up to 12 months old so there is room for some movement in 12 months.

There is an absolute max weight, I think its 300 lbs. Below that, the more you weigh, the longer it will take to haul you to a health lodge vehicle.

Before they had weigh limits you had a person or two die every year and its probably about the same now. Weight limits are not just about death.

If you are out of shape or have health issues you will have less fun and it will burden your crew. You'll most likely survive, but the better prepared, the better the trek for everyone.

There are plenty of people who get pulled off the trail. If that means you don't have enough leadership, you put the crew in jeopardy. Yes, they'll likely have a ranger hike to replace you, but I guarantee it will mean your crew missing out on something.

Finally, Philmont is worth doing whatever you have to do to go. Lose weight, exercise, pack light and enjoy the experience.

IWGBTP

Its really hard to guess, it depends so much on where you are. Around here it's a big issue with people, in many places it's not worth discussing.

I'd say another half a generation, 15 years or so.

My approach is to say its required. With the cub uniform consistent for so many years there are many options for obtaining one. You really want to get to uniformity.

Funny, just hand my orientation for wood badge today and it was specifically called out that adults do not wear patrol patches. It was mentioned with quite a few other reminders about the uniform.