desertrat77

Many folks have a uniform "itch" Some folks satisfy theirs with the minimalist approach. Others like to wear every authorized accouterment. The main question was already posted by others: regardless of their uniform, what are they doing for the scouts? For me, the fewer doodads the better. But I know wonderful scouters who feel just the opposite. And I think it's okay to wear the uniform as often as wearer wishes, as long as he/she is registered and is not a situation that would bring discredit upon scouting.

So we are making leadership decisions based on gender? Interesting. I just checked the calendar, to see what year this is...yep, it's 2009. For a minute, I thought it was 1909. The decision to hire a woman as ASM should be made on her maturity, intelligence and other such qualities. There are 18 yr old men and women that aren't ready for ASM duties. Other men and women are. Making assessments on what we perceive the scouts might perceive is rarely accurate. Making blanket assessments based on age and gender plays into stereotypes. This is another example of we

Best wishes Kudu, you have certainly given me food for thought, and provided a much needed chuckle now and again.

I had the patch trading bug for a spell when I was a teenage scout...when I went to the 1979 NOAC, that broke the spell. I realized that my efforts were paltry compared to the patch trading titans that I witnessed there. Several years ago, I focused on collecting 1 of each of the old black and red patrol medallions. Last count I have approx 55 different medallions. Missing 6 or so to complete the collection...the odd ball ones that might cost a fortune. I'm not too worried about it these days. I've been in four different lodges. I watch the efforts of the obsessive compulsive

BDPT00, as an Eagle scout, I would be okay with the ladies who earned the Gold Award to wear a knot, whether it be the Eagle Knot, or a special BSA knot that acknowledges the Gold Award. For that matter, I would be fine with girls earning Eagle. And letting them join the BSA at age 11! No, I'm not some crazy who wants to destroy heritage. I love our scouting history...heck, I'm the guy who still uses a Yucca pack on campouts, and a canvas BSA Miners tent. Here's my frame of reference. As a 25-year vet of the USAF, I have seen the progress women have made in the armed services.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here, I learn something new every day. Welcome and best wishes.

Sctdad, I'm glad to hear your daughter is in an outdoor-focused GSA unit...it is a very rare thing indeed. Best wishes, DR77(This message has been edited by desertrat77)

Nick, good questions. It would be very challenging, in my opinion, to stay involved in your old troop while in college...1.5 hr drive is quite a commitment for anyone. It would broaden your scouting experience to join a local unit when you start college. Granted, it's tough to say good bye to the old crew, but you'll learn alot from the new crew and they from you. Plus, you'll have the benefit of meeting people who share your values in your new town...invaluable fellowship that will help you through the ups and downs living in a new place. As for rejoining your old troop after college

Vigil, greetings and the advice above is spot on. Once you head to college, your education is duty number 1. The desire to stay involved is great, but your education, and the degree, will benefit every aspect of your life, and the lives of others. You may also face this challenge as your career progresses. As a career military guy, there was a stretch of approx. 15 years where I could not be involved in scouting due to military duties. The key is to know how much you can handle personally as a volunteer. I'm in awe of the folks that can juggle a career, family, and a do

The rules are clear but I'm not sure of the reason for the distinction between earned and unearned...after all, aren't merit badges earned?

Wahooker, I think I typed National to district level...I meant to suggest that I would leave the troops/packs/crews/ships alone. Sorry for my lack of clarity, should have added the latter in my original post. If hiking and camping are going to run off folks, let it be at the district level and above, as this will make room for men and women who like the outdoors and will focus their energies on the best aspects of our scouting movement.(This message has been edited by desertrat77)

Mike Rowe is an excellent choice. Articulate spokesman and he's clearly not afraid of anything outdoors. How cool would it be to see a CSE, or DE, or the upper echelons of the commissioner staff, in the outdoors hiking in the rain, building conservation projects, etc.? This happens I'm sure, but it's not the norm. Too many indoor/cubicle people, paid and volunteer, occupy our highest positions in scouting. Not inspiring.

Speaking of neckerchiefs, I'd make them all full size square ones again, so you can actually use them for something. Require all registered scouters, from National to district level, to have a camping and hiking log, with minimum annual requirements. I'll stop now as I'm one over.

Too bad it's not true (at this point). There would be quite a rush of girls wanting to join Venturing. GSA can't compete with the BSA on many levels, and girls know it. My daughter refuses to go back to Girl Scouts ("all we do is glue popsicle sticks") and is counting the days till she's old enough to join Venturing. I've been a volunteer leader in both organizations. The girls want to experience the same things the Boy Scouts do. And they are up to the challenge. Unfortunately, they have to wait till they are 14 to participate. dg98adams mentioned changing the name to "Scouts"

ASM59, sorry to hear they didn't call. I've been a UC in three councils...one, was treated with extreme indifference (big commissioner staff festooned with uniform doo dads but little interest in helping the troops); second, was brought into the fold quickly ; third, and present, good rapport overall. I like being a UC but frankly, once I retire from the military and hopefully gain some stability in life (own a home, establish a hometown, put down roots), I'll look to serve at troop level as an ASM or committee member. For the present, being a UC has more flexibility and I can still fulf

wchormicle, welcome and thanks for the wonderful post.

Our very best selling points are downplayed every day by red tape and the worship of dull management theory. Adventure in the outdoors, our rich scouting heritage, leadership, service to others--these things draw people. The man or woman that can capture that will succeed. At some point, indoor people took charge of scouting. The outdoor people must regain and refocus scouting. Our new scout handbook is a step in the right direction.

Eagle92, that's a great example of servant leadership...the willingness to work hard and share experiences really opens doors. As a UC, I'll go on camp outs with the troops I work for...spend at least one night (in my old canvas BSA tent, great conversation starter), chop wood, wash dishes, etc. It's not much but it builds closer bonds that just visiting the troop meeting once a month. Standing around the campfire with a cup of coffee is where great conversations begin. Narraticong, you are spot on. The folks that welcome newcomers with open arms are ones that get things done.

There is a difference between hazing and poor manners....

Is the salary too high or too low? Either way, you need a qualified person for a job that complex, and they generally don't work for peanuts.

Just picked up my copy today from the council store.... Sat in the truck for awhile, leafing through the pages.... I'm impressed. National really made an effort to showcase scouting through the decades, and it's darn good. Got a chuckle seeing some of the art work from "my" scout handbook, Eighth Edition, circa 1974, "New Scouting/let's throw out the baby, as well as the bathwater and tub." Can't recall anyone liking anything about that edition, aside from the complete requirements for all MBs. But it was a good chuckle, brought back memories. PS Tie a tie? I was on

Nlorey, I'm not suggesting that you pretend like you didn't earn it. Be proud of it. But there is a balance. Your service to others as an Eagle, over time, transcends the award itself. If you've got strong opinions, that's good. You've come to the right place. Just be willing to accept the fact that others have strong thoughts too, and honing your communication skills (and humility) is a good thing. Pencil whip is a phrase we are all familiar with...in scouting and on the job. Are there Eagles out there in the world that didn't earn it correctly? Yep. And there will b

I think it's a sign of the times. I'm in the military, and sometimes it's like pulling teeth to get folks to keep commitments. Sure we can get almost everyone to fulfill their official duties (as you know, there are always a few that don't get it). But when it comes to professional organizations and volunteering for fundraisers and the like, people sign up with great enthusiasm and then no-show in droves. Same with parents and rsvp'ing for birthday parties...if they bother to rsvp at all, it's still a gamble if they will show up. Scouting is a reflection of society. And we have s

Eagle1977, got a chuckle from Jimmy Carter memory...my card also bears his signature. Twocubdad got me thinking...I don't think I showed my card to anyone...it stayed in my wallet for years. Got it tucked away in a footlocker now. PS Got a certificate and a card(This message has been edited by desertrat77)

I appreciate everything the long-term, dedicated scouter brings. I wonder how many people off the street can arrive with that depth of scouting spirit right away? They have to start somewhere, right? As a guy who moves every couple years in the military, I gotta admit, it's not easy to join a new council. For every scouter that welcomes you, there are several more who let it be known you are An Outsider, A Wearer of the Silly New Council Patch That Only New Guys Wear, etc. This is a tough bunch to get to know. They aren't bad people...they are the old scouters and like any club, you