desertrat77

Same with my lodge. Shower, change into full uniform, dine, relax for a bit. Mind, body, and spirit thus restored, it was the latter part of dusk when we lined up. Upon arrival at the ceremony site, it was officially night. I'll never forget it.

Agreed, he'd be a great choice. But he's smart, confident, and he has opinions that often run contrary to what is considered "acceptable" these days. In a word, he stands on his own two feet. He'd never make the cut at National.

This made my day, thanks!

Very nice knot, Tahawk...can I go ahead and sew one on my uniform? PS. I failed to ask what I need to do it earn it. The carrick bend is not a knot to be taken lightly.

We need more knots!

@@MattR, well said. As I reflect, the lodges weren't culturally appropriating anything. Rather, it was cultural appreciation. None of the lodges nor the individuals said "this clothing, these dances, these traditions are ours." Everything was done with acknowledgement and respect to the originating Native American tribe.

I'm all for a leaner council. I still see the value of the council, but I do not approve of their expensive tastes (not all councils, but definitely some). Salaries. Bloated/inefficient staffs. Edifices built for themselves, and then they ask the volunteers to pay the bill. Without previous consulting the volunteers regarding their opinion on the matter. Some council staffs are already cut to the bone and working day/night. Bless them. The others: they know who they are Exception: I'm all for raising DE salaries, or at least paying them a decently hour wage that reflects how many hours they really are working. True, not all DEs are stars, but the ones that are deserve every penny they earn. I'm shocked at how poorly some DEs are treated by council staff. Thankfully, real scouting happens at the local, volunteer level. We'll be okay.

I'm sorry to say, you are in good company re your observations and experiences. When I was still on active duty, I moved a lot. One location, I was there 1.5 years. Served on the district staff. Though I asked several different folks, not one of them would tell me how to become a member of their lodge. The big brush off every time. From what I could see, they didn't do much other than operate as a social club/patch designing society anyway. Still...! The location previous to that: signed up, paid my dues...then radio silence. No events, no news, nothing. Until it was time to pay dues. I paid but didn't sew on the lodge flap.

Eagle, kudos for the patch designs...those are traditional/time honored patches for fitting occasions. I was referring to the trend of having 27 current/cutesey different lodge flaps for every reason under the sun.... I too want my old OA back, but I'm afraid it's gone. Unless it is reincarnated as something else. OA is now suited for the indoor crowd.

The OA is a shadow of its former self. "Honor society" does not resonate. As Cchoat stated, "Society of Honored Campers" meant something in the past. Alas, no more. This is the natural result of watering down a formerly challenging program. Sign of the times: it is longer an "ordeal." Instead, it is an "experience" ("The Fall Experience"). On the upside, if you like lodge patch collecting, this is truly the golden age. I've never seen so many variations. But it doesn't mean much. I'd rather have the old plain patch that actually meant something than collect about a dozen fancy current ones. (Ordeal '76, Brotherhood '78)

David, this concept is a new one to me...and I must admit, I like it!

Interesting...has it impacted the units in any way?

Fall of 1977...I recall a charge or an oath or something of the sort at our ceremony There were six of us, and the narrator read the charge/pledge in bite size chunks. We recited it back at the appropriate spots. Don't recall the wording, but it indicated that we were now expected to be role models, etc. In retrospect, seemed a bit redundant. But it no doubt added to the pageantry, so I guess it was of some value.

I too seem to recall an oath or charge at my ceremony, late 70's.

Good morning Qwazse, A half hour ECOH would be a welcome and relatively quick ceremony compared to some I've attended--an hour plus. Usually due to the word-for-word reading of multiple congratulations letters and the extra oaths. The panel format is a great idea--newest Eagle, oldest, etc, answering questions and offering insights. I'd find that very interesting.

I'm all for presenting Eagle at a regular troop court of honor. The new Tenderfoot, proud of his new rank patch, will remember that he was part of the same ceremony as a new Eagle--a scout he looked up too. Motivation. The coronation-style ECOHs may actually tarnish the rank a bit in the eyes of some. Too much hoopla. And to commit further heresy, why does the new Eagle need a fancy pledge, oath, charge etc? The scout oath and law suddenly aren't good enough? To me, the rank of Eagle doesn't need to be gilded. It speaks for itself. So, if the family wants a separate gala after a troop COH, that's fine. But let's start bringing the Eagle rank back home--to the troop. The BSA would be miles ahead by treating all of its alum as peers.

Watched this with my Venture scout daughter...we both thought it was a great video. Really liked the speed building of a very tall signalling tower!

If it were illegal, why would the township planning commission even entertain the request for a permit? Seems that an illegal request would be denied immediately and perhaps referred to a prosecutor and/or law enforcement for further action.

Thanks for the insights...interesting!

I would take the concerns seriously if a Pablo Escobar-type kingpin set up operations next to the service center. Some out of control "Tony Montana" Scarface dude running dope and dealers 24/7. Then something should be done. But the proposed facility is in fact a legal one. The product will be distributed to people with valid prescriptions. I can't think of a single reason why the new facility can't proceed as planned.

Service centers are usually used for: - Office space and not processing your paperwork - Meetings/training (almost always adults) - Scout store (maybe) Meetings/training aside, everything else usually takes place during normal business hours.

An enterprising troop could sell the heck out of some popcorn....

As the father of two daughters, I concur 100 percent.

LOL, that's great! My Venture Scout daughter receives Boy's Life. I too thought some of those BL jokes looked awfully familiar!

Howdy! Proud former member of your lodge, '77 - 81, Western AK Council, Anchorage. Great OA experiences!