DeanRx

BobWhite - I see what you mean. I agree 100% that the program (as it is intended) has been refined over many, many years (almost 100 now) and many of the issues faced today have been addressed in earlier years in other forms. I can also understand how a seasoned scouter might be quick to become frustrated with a new adult leader who is unwilling to take advice / mentorship. I just hope as my time goes on, I can find more of the, "Let's help each other - let me show you how this can be done in a positive way..." type of attitude and less of the, "Gee, another newbie that doesn't

Scouter760 - Your attitude is EXACTLY the issue I am raising. First of all, I never once said I object to being submitted to a background check - I understnad WHY they have the policy, just not why its hammered on relentlessly all the time. But, thanks for questioning my personal integrity, just the same. I'm sure you know me - so you have every reason to be suspicious of me and my intentions with the youth! Its this very type of environment I find troubling. Where we've gotten to a point in society (especially within the BSA) when if someone voices concern because of an over-zea

Basementdweller- Are you sure we're not in the same district? Sounds just like the RT I went to last week. The district dinner sounds about the same as well. As far as RT goes I want a coulpe things out of it: 1) Very short announcements about upcoming events. This can be done via a one page newsletter. I don't need it read to me by some crusty old scoutmaster who's sone was an Eagle 15 years ago... 2) Have a "buffet of ideas" for program events, skits, songs, run-ons, etc... help the Packs / Troops to build their ideas for meetings. Usually one idea is sent up the

Ok... looks like I started a little tempest here... BobWhite - you are correct and I agree with you that the BSA program is not the hinderance. Followed correctly and in the correct spirit, it is a time tested and enjoyable program. However - my beef is specifically with the INTERPRETAION of many (to include many of the PAID adult leaders in council and district positions) that cause a hyper-vigilant attitude. In my expiriences thus far, that hyder-vigilant attitude pertains to three areas in particular: 1) YPG. Because of the sins of the past - it has run amok in BSA now

Thank you all for your input - especially Calico's at the end. I was a bit harsh as I was VERY frustrated last night and it was later than I normally stay up. Probably should have slept on it one night and then posted. My overall point (societial changes aside)... Is that since I have become involved with scouting as an adult leader, there seems to be a pervasive "Thou shall not...." attitude in ALL trainings I've attended. I go to get trained for 2 reasons and in order of importance: 1) So that I can provide a better program for the scouts. 2) So that I can have th

OK - so two back to back posts - and I admit its late, I'm tired and feeling a little less than positive at this point... Is it just me, or has this actually happened? In the 15-20 odd years between my last acts as an active scout and my entrance as a leader, it seems the organization has lost a good amount of the "adventure" portion that BP intended. The list of activities a cub can engage in is shorter than the list they can NOT do. Look at the G2SS - its FULL of DON'Ts. We preach things like self-reliance, self-discipline, honesty, and character to these boys, but everythin

OK - so its time for the salesman in all scouts to be "born again"... I have a question resulting from an issue last year in our Pack. Like many packs, we do a "show-and-sell" weekend to kick off the popcorn sales. This is done at storefronts (with store owner permission - of course) and we file local tour permits for each location (pack sponsored event / etc...) Now - last year after the initial show-n-sell a couple of cubs got together and did their OWN selling in front of a local supermarket. They HAD approval from the store manager. However, some on our committee got bent

First - sorry for your loss...it does make you wonder about someone that would rip off the scouts. Alas, these are the wrongs we are trying to "right" in our scout activities. I totally agree with Gern about the media coverage... I know of a Pack that lost all their gear in a fire at the storage facility where they rented a garage. It took a press release in the local paper (be sure to coordinate / get OK from your local council) and the outpouring of donations swamped them. They had to actually tell some donors, thanks, but no thanks b/c they would have wound up with more stuff t

I might be speaking out of turn as I am still involved at the cub level, but did a good amount of pioneering in my scout days. I have also seen (and my son has participated on) several pioneering structures at council sponsored events... 1) The G2SS is just that - a GUIDE !! While it gives great info, common sense and prudent saftey must rule the day. This is a direct quote to me on several occasions from my DE ! Just because you built something to G2SS protocol doesn't absolve the adults from providing oversight, discipline and saftey. 2) I was ALWAYS taught that ANY structure

Hello all- Yes. I am that person who stood still while everyone else took one step backwards I'm an old scout by my son's standard (but he's just 7). Was active as a boy and now leading a new generation in the adventure. I began as a Tiger Den Leader last year and somehow now find myself as the Cubmaster of a very active and growing Pack. Its hectic, its fun, its exhausting and I wouldn't trade it for the world. The kids are the best, the adults in our pack are exceptional and we marvel at how much our boys grow in a supportive family scout environment. Hopefully,

Hey - I'm new to teh forums, so might as well just in the deep end with both feet !! Anyways, am I the only scouter that felt a twinge of "that's not right" when their son received the latest issue (Sept 08) of Boys Life? Tom Brady and "Almost Perfect" on the cover... Now, I will not begrudge the fact that Mr. Brady is an outstanding athelete, he's one of the best QB's to ever lace up cleats. But I have a couple issues with BL using him on the cover. First - Given his off-field romances and out-of-wedlock fathering of a child, is he REALLY the type of role model BL and BS