Double Eagle

Great that a scout is taking interest in your troop.  As for your question about letting the other SM know, I think it is up to the scout to decide that.  As the scout may be looking at other troops, not just yours, their decision to shop is theirs.  If the scouts' current unit is not "delivering the promise", than I can see the reason for shopping for a new unit.  If the scout decides to change units, I would encourage the scout to let the old SM and CC know why.  It may be for a really good reason like competing night activities, family is in the other unit, closer to home, or just likes the new unit's program better.  The scout should be "brave" enough to leave without burning a bridge. 

A precursor to the pinewood derby could be a "hotwheel" derby where each scout brings in a hotwheel car and races it or just uses a track.  Many households have hotwheels and tracks, so set up and use is pretty easy and less time consuming. 

So that group of directors or such is the generation that will give away a BSA treasure.  What a shame.  So much for the Norman Rockwell painting of Philmont.  Soon the yellow KOA signs will be bordering Raton and Cimmaron. 

And Michigan was selling off camps this summer.  Better get your virtual headsets and prepare for "Camp-ins" as we lose our treasured camps.

So this is turning into a cold weather camping tip thread...ok.  I was lucky enough to do most of my youth camping in the winter.  A few things changed since then.  A dirty dozen of tips. 

1.  Don't leave anything outside you don't want covered with overnight snow.  It makes a heck of a time finding it.

2.  The hot water bottle in the sleeping bag is a must.  The dirty "water" bottle in a tent is a must.

3.  Not sure how you will manage this one.  Check "snow flowers" to check hydration of scouts and tell who is drinking and those holding out. 

4.  Most parkas have inner chest pockets for a reason, use them to deter freezing.

5.  Keep scouts from kneeling on hot coals while maintaining their fire ( usually a big smoldering mass).

6.  Check for frostbite and frostbite often.

7.  KP is the best job in winter, there is always warm water to enjoy.

8.  No cotton clothing during the day or while sleeping.

9.  Scouts will do almost anything to keep warm,  stress no candles/candle lanterns, flames, or liquid fuels.  No bare skin fuel handling.

10.  Avoid getting anything wet as it will soon be an icicle.

11.  Stress warm fluids like soup, broth, or hot chocolate.  Never run out of it.

12.  Retention cords (used to be called dummy cords) are great with knives, compasses, and things that may fall in the snow and not be found until spring.   

I've seen bikes in summer camps since about 2002.  Helmets were always an essential.  One great story is how one of my late scouts was going fast, hit a rootball and tumbled downhill right into the first aid merit badge class.  He turned into a crash test dummy and practical exercise.

One thing our current camp decided is no bike riding at night.  If you have a bike during hours of darkness, you have to walk it.  See previous paragraph for reason, compounded at night.

And this is for DesertRat77, Did my time near Colon and JOTC as well as Ft Clayton in Panama.  The Panama Canal Council was great.  Machetes and the occasional black palm thorn through any glove or in a leg.  Not to mention, NEVER SLEEP ON THE GROUND!!!

Since it was brought up, I'm a knife nut.  I usually have a few on me and even a machete when camping.  With that said, the council-owned property rules in writing say no sheath knives.  I'm ok with that as long as can bring my machete.  The down side of sheath knives is the weak pleather sheath worn in the front with a "western 628" type in it.  As a paratrooper we had our jumpmaster knives on our legs without stabbing ourselves.  Just a quality sheath worn the right way to be safe.  And, machetes still rock! 

Exactly what 69RR said.  I see woodbadge snobs, just like uniform police.  In our council, woodbadge will cost $250 each and some just don't have it in them right now.  Then there are the WBers working their ticket and should get support from the wogglers. 

WB is good for the person when the time is right and they are ready.  No one should be pushed, ridiculed or looked at for whether WB or not.  Then there are the staff (3 beaders), and 4 beaders that have hierarchy.  Just use the program as you need it.  I wear my beads often, but the woggle and WB neckerchief less often.  

But, I still have to support my patrol critters...now that is just Darwinism as nature dictates.    

As an scout with a frayed neckerchief and faded pack, I watch new scout adults on campouts and cringe at some things.  The one thing I try to suggest politely is state the desired act, not what you want changed.  Example:  I heard a lot of adults yell "stop running" versus "walk or slow down".  It is a small thing, but those young minds process much differently than mine.  I have to stress what I want them to do rather than what not to do. 

Kind of like homework options:  What homework do you want to do first rather than the adult choosing. 

Value everyone for their uniqueness.  As everyone is cut from different cloth, find the best, not worse, about a person.  I don't need more just like me, I need others to show me ways out of my-box thinking.  After many personality tests over the years and finding what type I am (more than just introvert or extrovert), I need and like to see other types' ways and thoughts.

Our diversity is our strongest link or nothing would ever change.

Like I tell scouters with challenging units...some are kings and queens, and some are 2s and 3s.  The 2s and 3s are usually wild.

Which goes to a look at the troop chaplain and chaplains aide roles.  Too often, the plain old Phimont grace is used even though no one knows what raiment is.  We would be in lot of trouble without raiment.  In the bible belt of the south, I've only heard a free-form, or "in your own way, by your own beliefs" we now have a minute for a blessing.

As we ease into the new scout year with new scouts and dens, I'm not seeing many den or patrol flags.  At one time we used to make patrol flags around the time we selected our patrol names.  I've visited a few cub packs and don't see any den flags, if there are any, they are the ones provided by the scout shop.  Has the patrol and den flag concept moved on a back burner or died all together?  I've also encouraged the adult patrol/den to create there flag too.  In woodbadge, we had one that was awesome and very well protected from other critters experiencing jealousy.

Interesting company the BSHB has.  I have to review my version tonight to see just what would be dangerous.  I'm hoping it was banned due to the survival and camping tips.  When I used to visit narcotic-dependent patients, I used to give them a BSHB and a bible.  I told them they were the two book I would want if I only had two.  I used to carry a few BSHBs when I did international scouting too.  A scout is thrifty and I would only trade them.  I was probably selfish when it came to trading, but I always thought I made the better deal. 

As I'm seeing other posts and reading about camps closing across may councils, LDS separating, negative BSA legal commercials during prime time TV, and price increases, I have to question what is going on with marketing, protecting the scouting legacy, and whether scouting is on the downslope.

Long gone is the public support of scouting like Waite Phillips donating Philmont to the BSA.  We need some of our wealthy folks in or out of social media circles to save camps too.  My  beloved Silver Trails Scout Reservation in the thumb of Michigan just announced a buyer for that camp.  Crossroads of American Council is doing the same with one of theirs.  Most scouts will never attend a national jamboree or high adventure base, but will spend their first summer camp at a local camp and carry those memories forever.  I only wish the wealthy could see the value of our program and help protect it.

The last greatest marketing push came from "are you tougher than a Boy Scout in 2013.  Hard to think its been that long.  Most of my scouts from that year watched every episode and even put some adults through our own unit competitions.  We had quite a membership increase in my units in 2013/2014.  I wish Scouts BSA could get the same positive attention rather than watching useless reality match-making shows and crazy wife shows in cities.  I guess they have their place, but I can't find anything useful in them. Wide-world of Sports and American Sportsman would be great about now.

The prices just keep climbing and it shows.  Whatever the reasons: protection lawsuits, china-made scout knives, uniforms you don't want to trash on campouts, but for indoors scouting, or scout shop Osprey backpacks that cost you fortune, or just paying for big camps and programs, the cost is driving away all, but well-off families.  We get asked to sell popcorn (which I hate doing), and raise scouting member numbers only to see lawsuits and sticker shock around the BSA.  I don't know how low income unit areas manage to pay $6 for a raingutter sailboat with two tiny pieces of balsa, $6 neckerchief slides and $15 books and hats. 

Rant over.  Please share your ideas whether you agree or disagree.        

There are a few hacks people use for thermacell replacements.  Some spray regular bug spray and even permethrin on the exhausted scent pads and reuse them.  There is also the dangerous backyard butane refilling of the fuel cell that no scout should attempt.  There are two alternatives to the small butane fuel: a ""thermacell backpacker repeller" butane fuel canister (8oz or 16oz) some of us use with our tiny pocket stoves, or thermacell "radius zone" now as a rechargeable USB type fuel source. 

To keep this on a lighter side, I had to laugh when they mentioned the meth items found in the trailer.  I can just imagine the discussion when a troop/patrol quartermaster handed out a bong while digging out cooking gear.  A new parent would flip and need CPR.  And unknowing scouts would say Mr Scouter fell over after seeing a flower vase.  Funny!

Glad they got it back and neighbors could ID it by the markings on the side.

I was at D-A for a couple of campouts.  That was one camp that had great fishing and you could ride horses and enjoy a ranger type program.  Seemed like a long way from Jeddo, Mi, and was another council.  We tended to support our council and the BWC's one camp.  D-A was closer to the bigger cities and the funds flowed there.  Seems you are loyal to D-A as much as I am Silver Trails.     

Looking at the Tiger handbook today, there is the usual placement of items listed in the book like we always see in handbooks.  Some of us used to hand sew items on uniforms and still take pride in placing things correctly.  While traveling around the US in a scout uniform, I've been approached more times than I can remember, I get asked about the program and find most former scouts always recognize uniform items. 

I would hate for us to get so relaxed with the uniform that we get mistaken with other organizations.  A scout uniform has been known by Americans since it began, with only the big change from OD green to the tan uniform in 70s, we've been the same. 

Come to think about it, I can't think of any organization like ours that has a uniform so recognizable.  That's why I try to wear it correctly.

My youth was at Silver Trails Scout Reservation as part of the Blue Water Council.  As staff as the Asst Aquatics Director, we had a canoe pond off the main river.  They had a old tree bent around in a circle called the "#9 tree".  This was the camp symbol for years until it finally fell and the "9" was cut and placed under cover for everyone to see when they arrive.  During the 70s and 80s, Ranger John C. Hardy was the camp ranger.  He was great and made every scout feel at home.  In the 90s, they offered weekend 3D archery shoots and had teepees you could stay in.  As Chickagami Lodge 180 called it home, our OA was flourishing with our section conclave from EC-2A.  Centrally located in Michigan's thumb, it would be a couple hours drive to another camp.  Shame this is endangered. 

The memories from that council are priceless as this was often the only camp scouts would attend in their youth.  I wish we had a Waite Phillips around today that could preserve area camps like he did with Philmont.  Every sale from a Phillips 66 Station has input into protecting Philmont, too bad we couldn't protect more.    

I have found for adults and scouts to pay a set fee up front and set the budget for food based on that.  Once they have collected the funds, they have to go buy the food items for the meals.  Menu and budget first and then buy.  It teaches the scouts about budgets and bargain hunting.  I always like to keep the adults with the same amount as the scouts.  The adults often have better cooking skills and prepare meals the scouts wished they made.  By keeping the fund the same amount, no one eats ramen noodles while someone eats steak.

I like to see patrols cooking and not the troop cooking like I'm seeing more and more.  Large numbers do work a better budget, but you lose some of the patrol method.  I like to see different patrols use their imagination and see what they can do.  I still think a dented, blackened, and rough mess kit is better than a big propane grill parents use. 

If someone has a specialty like dutch oven cooking, as I like to use my 5 dutch ovens, it comes out of their pocket mostly.  It may not be part of the patrol camping menu, but things like this are offered to everyone.  A burnt foil dinner is terrible, but a warm cobbler makes up for an empty stomach. 

And I frown on poptarts, soda, and a ton of candy.  Bug juice and cracker barrel are awesome.  If scouts want coffee, first the parents have to approve prior, and second they have to drink it.  I'm sure that will get some one the site fired up.

Ok, I will try to keep this short.  I would admit the child to the program.  There are a couple of issues that are unknown right now in regards to the doctor.  Is the doctor still practicing medicine?  Lost any medical credentials or limited in the profession?  You mention most of the charges are dropped, are some still pending litigation?  If so, the COR should suspend any scouting contact until an outcome is reached.  I don't think this doctor is a registered sexual predator with limits or a conviction.  Until the court decides that, a suspension while charges are pending and warranted, and the unit's treatment of the situation will be judged by many whether silently or publically. 

Regardless of the manner of charges of anyone, an open discussion with the person and COR should happen.  Ideally, the doctor would excuse themselves until the outcome is reached.  I know of many adult leaders that drink heavy (not at events), cuss like a sailor/trucker, and do many "unscoutlike" behaviors.  They are still welcome in their units.  Heck, even parents that get speeding tickets to scouting events (yes it happens) don't get removed.  If we have faith in the system of due process, then let it work.  Since this is cub scouts, we still have time to work with the scout no matter what is decided.

I have seen an accused person in a similar situation, not a sexual type.  After everything was cleared, the person thanked those that treated them with dignity and respect, and had little to say to those that "threw the first stone".  He later told me it was probably more uncomfortable for him as everyone knew, than the adults that felt uncomfortable that thought they knew pieces, but judged.   

I've always leaned on the "create your own" rather than buying a kit you won't like.  Pre-made kits are expensive, look cool, and have lots of items you don't need.  You can get as elaborate at a backboard, neckbraces, air splints, or keep it simple for cubs in your pack.  Most packs with their activities won't experience broken bones, severe trauma, or life-threatening injuries.  You will need the normal over-the-counter, household essentials of alcohol wipes, peroxide, triple anti-biotic cream, benodryl and itch cream, a SAM splint isn't a bad idea.  Swabs, needles, duct tape (for cactus thorn removal), instant ice and heating packs, and elastic bandages.  Tailor your kit to your activities.

In regards to moleskin, I've always had a terrible time with it.  It rolls, is ok, but KT tape is the way to go.  At Philmont, a roll of KT tape is excellent for preventing and protecting blisters from multiple heavy pack days on trail.  I won't use moleskin again.  KT tape saves a lot of tears.  

But Rambo sewed his arm with only using the other hand.  A skill useful to any Bear (we know they get their knives then), and Tenderfoot as you know a knife is the first thing get.  If too hard for a new MB, how about adding it to First Aid, perform self or buddy stitches following an axe yard event.  All this is in jest BTW.

As a district type person, I don't see any problem with any CO national-type symbol on a neckerchief.  If the wearer has an issue with the symbol, they may want to transfer to another unit.  If the CO is in good enough standing with the Scouts BSA to be a CO, there shouldn't be a problem with it.  If there is a local goofy or offensive symbol that discredits the program, then it should be a lengthy discussion. 

Many overseas units even wear local and that country's symbols.  Take a look at the Transatlantic Council website or even the Kandersteg International Scout Center sites.

From the sounds of this thread (pun intended), we need a 139th merit badge of "Sewing", and make it a required one.