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Question: Don't all three pictures show them not paying to go see the game? (stealing) While everyone paid for their seats.

Because of the military support, I was able to be a cub scout when I loved in Portugal. It was the same for my son when we lived in Germany. I think that having a connection with the military is of great value for Scouting and for the military. My son is an Eagle Scout and has been selected for a 4-year NROTC Scholarship next year when he starts college. Although I left scouting as a Boy Scout because of the troop when I moved to Mississippi - the troop was less about camping and more about uniform inspections and being in Ranks. I was not looking for a military experience (although I retired form the Navy after 30 years in 2021). So, I can understand why Scouting America made the decisions it did - Cit Society has been sacrificed for bigger, more important priorities to the program. But as the Cit Society MB counselor in my troop, I am concerned that there will be a cost. After two years teaching the Merit Badge, I learned from the scouts as we talk about the requirements. The scouts never had issue with them, only the parents. The scouts did not understand what the issue was - which really makes confident in the future generations. I disagree the argument that there is no value since elements have always been there. Can we use the same argument to get rid of cooking since it is in every advancement requirement to First Class and in Camping MB? Same with First Aid? Since that argument does not work, what is the actual pushback on the Merit Badge?

I am definitely not a fan of the current administration, but I think everyone should keep these changes in prospective. 1. I find few scouts who advocate for our current list of Eagle required merit badges. We have far too many citizenship MBs and most of them are already covered in school. I didn't have an issue with Citz in Society, but I also found little value with the badge. You can still guide your troop in the spirit of the badge. 2. Transgender scouts are still allowed in the program. I was scoutmaster of a troop with a transgender scout and there are various challenges you have to navigate. I didn't allow them in female bathrooms, I made sure they were in a three person buddy group, I didn't let them tent with a female, etc. I still made sure they could participate and told them to let me know if anyone gave them crap. The changes would essentially align to how I ran the troop which I think is appropriate. 3. I don't think anyone would argue against the military benefits. Perhaps they would like to push further but so far, I think scouters should move on to figuring out how to keep meetings fun, how to encourage scouts to fully embrace the patrol method and the other key aspects that scouters engage in every day and week.

Breaking people out into different groups does not solve the problem. Since the beginning of the movement we have used things such as uniforms to make it easier for everyone to blend in together. We're supposed to be on the same team; however, it would appear that we're not. Special interests have been trying to create special sub groups for a long time and it has repeatedly floundered or outright failed. We've had all these other groups, and all these other groups are barely hanging on. If all the trans kids wanted to be separate they could be, over in Rainbow Scouts; if all the hardline religious scouts wanted to be separate they could go join Trail Life or one of the other church based youth groups. As bad as things are in Scouting America, the other groups are worse and they are all an example of how division into sub-groups only weakens the opportunity to youth. We don't need separate groups, what we need is equal opportunity and a focus on the true mission of the organization. Notice that no one is being kicked out of Scouting America; Hegseth didn't demand it, Roger Krone didn't say anything about that in his letter. What is clear is that in order to maintain millions of dollars of support from the military we have to re-align towards the military; that is what was clearly said by Hegseth and Krone. I think that's the real problem here, that's what people are really angry about but too cowardice to state. The scouting movement is born from Western military tradition, and scouting in America just got it's wake up call.

That's simply untrue. In Hegseth's own words:

The main issue was that this was another classroom badge, do it in at Merit Badge U in a few hours. Overall it was an empty suit. While nothing egregious against basic goals, it was not challenging and was a check the box. Nothing to accomplish, no measurable items, just feel good writing. It was smoke and mirrors to say "Hey, look how progressive we are". Remember the requirements: 1. Before beginning work on other requirements for this merit badge, research the following terms and explain to your counselor how you feel they relate to the Scout Oath and Scout Law: identities, diversity, equality, equity, inclusion, discrimination, ethical leadership, and upstander. Lot of buzz words here, no real meat or challenge, no actual answers, and if challenged one might be cast as racist or worse (not sure there is worse) 2. Document and discuss with your counselor what leadership means to you. Share what it means to make ethical decisions. (a) Research and share with your counselor an individual you feel has demonstrated positive leadership while having to make an ethical decision. (It could be someone in history, a family member, a teacher, a coach, a counselor, a clergy member, a Scoutmaster, etc.) (b) Explain what decision and/or options that leader had, why you believe they chose their final course of action, and the outcome of that action More here, but lot of feel and again, no real challenge here, it is basic writing and rote answers 3. Consider ethical decision-making. (a) Think about a time you faced an ethical decision. Discuss the situation, what you did, and how it made you feel. Share if you would do anything differently in the future and if so, what that would be. (b) List three examples of ethical decisions you might have to make in the future at school, at home, in the workplace, or in your community, and what you would do. Share how your actions represent alignment with the Scout Oath and Scout Law. (c) Explain to your counselor how you plan to use what you have learned to assist you when that time comes, and what action(s) you can take to serve as an upstander and help other people at all times. Again, lots of touchy feely - feel good stuff , but as with all the requirements, no real challenge here, it is basic writing and rote answers. I am sure the ChatGPT answers were great 4. Repeat the Scout Oath and Scout Law for your counselor. Choose TWO of the following scenarios and discuss what you could do as a Scout to demonstrate leadership and your understanding of what it means to help others who may seem different from you: (a) Scenario 1: While at camp, a youth accidentally spills food on another camper. The camper who gets spilled on gets angry and says something that is offensive to people with disabilities; their friends laugh. What could/should you do? (b) Scenario 2: Your friend confides in you that some students in school are making insulting comments about one of their identities, and that those same students created a fake social media account to impersonate your friend online and post messages. What could/should you do? (c) Scenario 3: A new student in your class was born in another country (or has a parent who was born in another country). Your friends make rude comments to the student about their speech or clothes and tell the student to "go back home where you came from." What could/should you do? This is a basic HR opinion test recycled or really bad training video out take, not overtly terrible, but if this is our core mission, these items could be included in other existing merit badges 5. Document and discuss: (a) Ideas on what you personally can do to create a welcoming environment in your Scouting unit. (b) An experience you had in which you went out of your way to include another Scout(s) and what you did to make them feel included and welcomed. (c) Things you can do to help ensure all Scouts in your unit are given an opportunity to be heard and included in decision-making and planning. Not a terrible requirement, but again, could be included in other existing merit badges 6. With your parent or guardian's approval, connect with another Scout or youth your own age who has an identity that's different from yours. (This means a trait, belief, or characteristic different from you.) (a) Share with each other what makes the different aspects of your identity meaningful/special to you (b) Share with each other ONE of the following options: (1) Option 1—A time you felt excluded from a group: What was the situation? How did it make you feel? What did you do? Did anyone stand up for you? What did you learn? Would you do anything differently today? (2) Option 2—This imaginary situation: You're attending a new school and don't know anyone there yet. You notice they dress very differently than you do. At lunchtime, you decide you'll try to sit with a group to get to know other students. People at two tables tell you there is someone sitting at the currently empty seat at their table, so you end up eating by yourself. Discuss: How would that make you feel? What could the students have done? If that happened at your school, what would you do? (c) Discuss with your counselor what you learned from the discussion with the other Scout or youth. The weakest requirement, as if used in the broad definition "who has an identity that's different from yours", basically that is anyone that is not in fact you. We each have a unique identity. The MB writers could not bring themselves to actually challenge Scouts to find someone of different gender, race, or nationality. 7. Identify and interview an individual in your community, school, and/or Scouting who has had a significant positive impact in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. If you feel your community, school, or local Scouting group does not have such an individual, then research a historical figure who meets these criteria, and discuss that person with your counselor. (a) Discover what inspired the individual, learn about the challenges they faced, and share what you feel attributed to their success (b) Discuss with your counselor what you learned and how you can apply it in your life. Self promotion and shameless support of the DEI cycle, let's applaud the program we are stoking 8. With the help of your parent or guardian, study an event that had a positive outcome on how society viewed a group of people and made them feel more welcome. Describe to your counselor the event and what you learned. Not a terrible requirement, but again, could be included in other existing merit badges 9. Document and discuss with your counselor three or more areas in your life outside of Scouting where you feel you can actively provide stronger leadership in: (a) Making others feel included. (b) Practicing active listening. (c) Creating an environment where others feel comfortable to share their ideas and perspectives. (d) Helping others feel valued for their input and suggestions. (e) Standing up for others. A feel good requirement, no actual measurements, just self promotion and support of the DEI cycle 10. Discuss with your counselor how stereotyping people can be harmful, and how stereotypes can lead to prejudice and discrimination. Share ideas you have for challenging assumptions and celebrating individuality. A feel good requirement, no actual measurements or documented achievements, just self promotion and support of the DEI cycle 11. Scouting strives to develop young people to be future leaders in their workplaces, schools, and community environments. As you look at your current involvement in school, your family, Scouting, your job, and/or community, think about how you can have a positive impact in diversity, equity, and inclusion. (a) Describe your ideas on how you can and will support others with different identities to feel included and heard at your school, workplace, and/or social settings in your community. (b) Explain how including diverse thoughts and opinions from others with different identities can: Make your interactions more positive. Help everyone benefit by considering different opinions. (c) Give three examples of how limiting diverse input can be harmful. d) Give three examples of how considering diverse opinions can lead to innovation and success. As with Req 7, basic self promotion and shameless support of the DEI cycle, let's applaud the program we are stoking

I have no problem with having the Merit Badge. I did have a few issues when this all started: 1. It was a knee-jerk reaction to the George Floyd episode. Without having all the facts about what happened, BSA glommed onto the hysteria that developed in our country. And, in doing so, I think BSA diminished the standing of Scouting in the eyes of most. 2. The original leaked requirements were ideologically (and thus politically) charged agendas, and not appropriate for Scouting. These were, thankfully, revised to the current product. 3. They could have taken the revised requirements and sprinkled them into other existing merit badges or rank requirements. Or simply expounded upon current requirements in the program which, if emphasized, would address the issues at hand in a more fulsome manner. Were the real issues at hand getting watered down in other aspects of BSA's program? Yes. But, there was no need to create a new merit badge. And, in doing so, (creating a new badge), the real message BSA sent was that our program was not sufficient, and that it somehow had to change. Bad message, in my book. 4. They made it required to become an Eagle Scout. Again, the hidden message in doing this was that the Scout Oath and the Scout Law were not good enough. I count it a great victory for common sense that this has been axed. As a counselor, I, too, guided many Scouts through this, and made it a worthwhile endeavor for them to focus on some issues that all societies face, and how we as Scouts and Americans can help to strive for a "more perfect Union." I'm going to have a beer to celebrate. P.S. I would support keeping it as an optional badge, with a name change...

Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Discontinuance | Scouting America

The mistake was getting involved in the debate. Introducing this a few years caused frustration without gain. Now, removing causes frustration without gain. ... Scouting needs to focus on paddling a canoe and cooking over an open fire; not the politics of the left or the right.

I might add to your comment the concept of true service and community involvement, often integrated with that outdoor element. It often seems some of the most laudable services revolve around outdoor protection and rejuvenation, along with access improvement.

HUGELY AGREE ... I almost wish there was a opt-out if we know the scout already had it covered in school. ... Wasting scout's time kill the program. ... Doing a MB on a topic covered in school makes scouting look 2nd rate (and wastes the scout's time). ... Citz of society was the 5th badge if you count Family Life as Citizenship in the Family. ... There are just too many class room badges and not enough active badges.

I really question that statement. Is it fully true or only true within boundaries? ... If I read the explicit requirements, I really have little problem with them. If I read the larger societal discussion of DEI, I begin to have larger issues. My two big issues are ... #1 the badge was reactionary to a specific place-in-time and the content is redundant with the whole scouting program. The whole concept of the badge was at the heart of scouting. We did not need an explicit badge that was a known larger political firestorm. #2 In my 20 years of troop scouting, the number one criticism scouts had of merit badges was wasted time. Four citizenship merit badges? Five if you count Family Life as Citizen in the Family. Sure scouts didn't have issue with the content, but I'm pretty sure they had problem with their time being wasted. The lesson learned here is BSA should avoid short-term politics and focus on the long-term goals. Scouting teaches character and responsibility thru outdoor adventures. That has never changed and it's hard to argue. Leave the political stuff (membership, orientation, gender, politics, etc) to our character partners. Scouting has an outdoor structure to develop youth. The rest is outside world noise.

Or it could be that standards for advancement have been lowered? Once upon a time, the standard was "master the skills" and "the badge represents what a Scout CAN DO (sic) not what he has done." Those come from old handbooks and advancement guides. Now the standard is "A badge recognizes what a Scout has done toward achieving the primary goal of personal growth. " Sadly I have been to a camp, where they gave away MBs. Best example were the Scouts given Canoeing MB, but could not paddle in a straight line on a troop trip to save their life. I had a Scout's family member tell me they bought the MBs by going to that camp. Or how about all the MBUs popping up where you sit in class and get a MB? Sadly my own kids, after they aged out, told me some of the stuff they didn't do for MBs they "earned" from MBUs. And don't forget the online MBUs. What FL council awarded over 18000 MBs during COVID from online MBUs?

Our Scouts lose by not going through the requirements of the Citizenship in Society merit badge. Let's go through a few of them (quoting from https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/citizenship-in-society/ ) This exercise requires Scouts to learn the denotations of each of these terms so to become a better human being: Identities (this is not just pronouns; it also has to do with religious and ethnic identities as well) Diversity Equality vs Equity (they are DIFFERENT) Inclusion Discrimination Ethical leadership (a fish rots from the head down, as does an organization and a government) Upstander (we don't have enough of people doing this) Image source: https://www.diffen.com/difference/Equality-vs-Equity I'm not sure of anywhere else in the Scouting program makes Scouts think about these particular scenarios. I grew up with classmates making fun of disabilities with jokes like "What do you call a man with no arms and no legs who floats in the water? Answer: Bob". Our current President ridicules women ("Quiet piggy!", "grab them by the p*ssy", "she had blood coming out of...whatever", "we're going to have to bring the women's team",...need I go on? ). That "go back home where you came from" statement...gee, why does that sound familiar? These scenarios force a Scout to mentally prepare for situations where they WILL come up in the future, making it easier to do the right thing and stand up for whomever is being attacked. We ask Scouts during Boards of Review what they'd like to change about the Troop. A few times now a Scout has mentioned that older Scouts are not always being welcoming to the younger Scouts. Requiring Scouts to THINK about welcoming in newcomers -- and making sure all Scouts feel they can be full participants -- is very important for the cohesion of the Troop. Or to quote Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird: This is why I feel Scouting America's executive leadership has sold out to the current Presidential leadership. By removing the Citizenship in Society merit badge -- and not transplanting these requirements into other merit badges, the Scouting America executive leadership has effectively stated that the requirements of the merit badge HAVE NO MERIT. And that's just wrong.

Yeah, this is really bad (if true). If you're going to solicit large donations for an endowment, there's a professional and moral obligation to ensure they're protected to the fullest extent. Beyond the endowments, there has probably been a working-class family in every council who gifted their own modest estate in order to have a new health lodge or shooting sports range built at their favorite camp. And now that camp is gone. I'm just glad they're no longer here to see their life's work squandered.

The knee was already bent with the membership changes and Citizenship in Society merit badge. Now it's being hyperextended the other way. In between it filed for bankruptcy. Let's face it, we're really limping along here.

In 1973 the Scouts saw the issue with the change in requirements and the Improved Scouting Program, were you an old Eagle or a New Eagle. Those who all the various policy changes and enhancements handed down from on high over the years have impacted clearly see through the fog. The Scouts saw CIS for what is was, corporate foolishness. Never underestimate what the youth see and understand. Do not assume that since they were earning the MB they did not see the fallacy in the CIS MB

If you are a front line leader we talk to Scouts all the time. About many many items, some intentionally and some as casual conversation. Reminder we are all volunteers. The Cit is Society was a knee jerk reaction to a societal event. We can talk with Scouts about these particular issues, but again, we all have a variety of biases and experiences. There are in fact no right answers to any of the CIS requirements, what is covered is all based on some MB counselors life experiences which may or may not dovetail with the Scouts and their families experiences and beliefs. That could be good or bad. The issue with CIS is it was ill conceived, a trendy MB to satisfy elements in society who don't like Scouting anyway, and honestly would be instructed solely based on the MB counselors beliefs. No objective criteria no objective evaluation, no real requirements. Best this is a MB be put aside and the organization moves on.

For me the issue was a two point problem. First of all the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge requirements for Merit Badge Counselors were the most stringent and only MBC leadership requirements universally enforced in scouting. To council the merit badge you had to have your MBC training complete prior to the special MB train-the-trainer session, and you had to sign a special contract above and beyond the MBC requirements attesting that you would not add to, remove from, or steer, or alter the merit badge materials. A fine process; however, no such process for any other merit badge. The fact that national knows that the merit badge program is compromised with unqualified and incompetent councilors and did nothing to improve or ensure quality control on the rest of the merit badge program pissed me off. Second of all the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge itself is the only merit badge without a test of knowledge or skill. As structured the merit badge simply did not have the legs to stand on to be considered a merit badge and never should have been in its structure and condition entered into the merit badge program. This is the weak minded straw argument of the left. No one, not even Hegseth or any of choogy boys have said they want to kick girls out. What has been stated publicly and everything that has leaked has literally only been about concerns about political indoctrination and deviation from the true purpose of the program. Trans kids have always had this dilemma. Scouting Americas policy has always been that registration must align to gender within the confines of the state and federal laws governing the geography of the area of the unit. This argument is a nothing burger, this is a no change. NOTHING IS CHANGING in regards to this for anyone in Scouting America. This right here is actually part of the problem that Hegseth and his toadies are rallying against. The mission statement of Scouting America has somehow deviated quite a bit from our congressional chartered purpose [which is]: That the purpose of this corporation shall be to promote, through organization, and cooperation with other agencies, the ability of boys to do things for themselves and others, to train them in Scoutcraft, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues, using the methods which are now in common use by Boy Scouts. Our membership is down to 1946 levels. 50 years of experimentation and deviation from the core mission of the program led us from a membership peak of 4 million scouts in 1970 to 821,000 scouts in 2026. With the doors open to male and female scouts our membership should be at a new record level, not collapsing towards mediocrity. Trying to push all of these other things, secondary mission statements, tertiary vision statements, derivative after derivative after derivative; all these watered down straying from the roots things are what are killing this organization.

So you want to kick all the girls out? Maybe you'll get your wish. Scouting America bent the knee and now we can only wait and see how they'll pay for it. Today's demands aren't the end of the list for Hegseth, and Scouting America showing this kind of weakness only opens the door for him to demand more and more and expect to get his way. I guess when that happens, we'll see if there is any bravery left in that building in Irving.

The scouts never had issue with them, only the parents.

This is directly connected to the letter I received earlier today in my email. " Scouting America and the Department of War Scouting Family, Today, Scouting America and the Department of War finalized a commitment to strengthen our longstanding partnership with the U.S. military. Over several months, we engaged in dialogue with Department leadership to align on how we could deepen our service to military families, while making programmatic updates to comply with Executive Order 14173. Throughout our discussions, we remained true to the core commitments that define our organization—our name, our mission, and our promise to serve all youth in our programs. Those commitments are unchanged. We will continue to deliver stability, mentorship, and opportunity to the children of those who serve our nation. What This Agreement Delivers Continued support for Scouting on military installations worldwide Ongoing Department support for National Jamborees and other events New benefits for military families, including waiving registration fees for children of active-duty, Guard, and Reserve families Launching a new Military Service merit badge, developed in cooperation with the Department Memorializing our existing practices for membership registration and safeguarding youth As part of Scouting America’s commitment to comply with Executive Order 14173, we will be discontinuing the Citizenship in Society merit badge. While this change complies with the Executive Order, the lessons found in this merit badge are found throughout the Scouting program. Scouting has always taught respect for others, leadership, and consideration of diverse perspectives through the ideals enshrined in the Scout Oath and Law. Scouting America’s mission remains unchanged and is reinforced across our advancement, leadership development, and outdoor experiences. Our emphasis on duty to God, duty to country, and service to others is strengthened by this partnership. Scouting’s values have not changed, and they will not change. Why This Partnership Matters Since 1910, Scouting America has played a strategic role in strengthening our nation’s military readiness. More than 130 million Americans have been Scouts. Millions have gone on to serve as military leaders, first responders, educators, and civic leaders. For military families navigating deployments and frequent moves, Scouting has long provided a steady anchor during times of uncertainty. Service to Military Families In our discussions, we affirmed Scouting’s deep commitment to military families. To that end, we will waive the national registration fees of all active duty, Reserve and Guard troops. Your support in this effort is critical – and we encourage you to make a donation to support Scouting families. Click here to give today. How to Communicate Locally When speaking with families and volunteers, lead with confidence and clarity: This agreement provides continuity for military families It supports Scouting on military bases and support for events such as National Jamborees Fee waivers will be available for active-duty, Guard, and Reserve families Program updates were made to comply with Executive Order 14173 Our mission, and commitment to serving all youth remains unchanged Membership registration and our practices to safeguard youth remain unchanged Scouting America works constructively with every administration—always focused on serving youth. Our Resolve For more than a century, Scouting America has endured because we are resilient, principled and unwavering in our mission. We remain committed to developing leaders of character. We remain committed to service and our nation. We remain committed to the principles enshrined in our Scout Oath and Scout Law. Thank you for your leadership and dedication to Scouting America. Respectfully, Roger A. Krone Chief Scout Executive President & CEO Scouting America Copyright © 2026 Boy Scouts of America. All rights reserved. Scouting America 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane Irving, TX 75038 I am pleased that those within our leadership in Washington have stepped up and worked out the wrinkles a little. For me, the MB was never needed, and it was always just, as some of my naysayers locally have noted, a woke response to things. The elements covered in the MB always were there if one paid attention to the concept of Scout Spirit, so we have untied one unneeded knot, or so I hope.

Your understanding is incorrect. They did not “vote to contribute”, the corporation told the court the OA and NESA endowments were protected. They they were not subject to the bankruptcy contributions to the trust. The other side said show us how you did proper record keeping for the funds inputs and outputs. They had no records and had just comingled the funds in the general funds. Thus, they were ordered to contribute the funds. Thus they need to “recapitalize”.

Nope Citizenship was taught pretty well for decades primarily in the outdoors

You can do this through means other than sitting and discussing or visiting web pages. The issue is that as constructed, the program continues to add Eagle required MBs that are classroom style, including Citizenship in the Society. Just look at UK scouts, many of their requirements begin with take part in.... Compare to BSA citizenship badges. I've been scoutmaster for over 15 Eagle Scouts, my dad is Eagle, I'm and Eagle Scout, my son is an Eagle Scout. Overall, I believe in the program but we need more focus on aspects of the program that make unique and less on being school 2.0

I think this is one of the problems with scouts. Adults are more oriented towards what kids "should" know and "should" do vs. what they want to do, or they are stuck on nostalgia for the way things used to be for them -- how they experienced it, how they led it. As the outdoors program continues to wane in importance and variety, adults are boring youth out of the organization.

Not necessarily. I see a local team play and there are outfield grass you pay to watch from. You watch through a chain link fence.

And they are watching people playing a competitive game where the best players have been selected based on their abilities. Everyone does not get to play, because everyone is not equal in that endeavor. How ironic...

Noone was move vocal then me concerning the re-develement of the ceremony aspect of the OA. I just watched the national presentation ( you go Emma) concerning the new Ordeal ceremony. I admittedly changed my mind. The national Chief and Vice Chief have a great plan to introduce the new material and I think it looks pretty good. I am personally excited th participate in this endeavor and put my whole support as this transition moves forward. Sure I'll miss the AIA aspect and will have fond memories but I encourage all members get on board and support the positive changes.

So my understanding is that the West Point Camporee is a go but we don't know much except that the formal sponsor has changed to the cadet association (from what I have heard). It is also my understanding that the military is going to continue its support of the national jamboree. There are not clear military membership numbers from what I can see at my level; however, I have some visibility into the European Command and Indo-Pacific Command memberships because of the special BSA councils set up to support the accompanied families. My hypothesis on the free memberships for military families is this: The DOW basically told Scouting America that the DOW costs to support just the jamboree were SO high that they want something back for the military if the partnership was going to continue. Part of the give back is the free memberships for military families. I estimate that BSA is going to give up around $638,000 in membership fees each year; however, I also estimate that the cost of the US Army providing a 9-line to the national jamboree (just that 1 line item of support) is going to cost the DOW $880,000. I am thinking that this was all a money issue of "Give us something or you can go out and pay for what we give you for free". I will say this, the free memberships for military families is a great thing. There are a lot of junior enlisted families that have ZERO disposable income to put towards a program like scouting for their children. BAH and BAS barely cover living expenses for married junior enlisted. There are E1s out there trying to cover all other living expenses for their families on pay lower than what McDonalds flunkies get paid.

One of my local Scouters posed a good point to consider. BSA went to court to avoid militarism in the early days and pushed many early groups out, absorbing them or just letting them dry up, so to speak. But, the cooperation of the Government and military with Scouting has been a mainstay of the program ver the years, and not just at Jamborees. Support for many early Sea Scout groups was directly related to naval bases and the Coast Guard. But it was mostly symbiotic in that the Scouts got contact and excitement, and the military groups got opportunities to work with larger groups in organization and staging, and so on. Indirectly, the selling of War Bonds was part of this as well. Of course, most interactions were peripheral much of the time. Tours and on-base campsites were often available at larger installations. Our troop, for years, camped annually at Edwards and also went to Air Shows there on those camping weekends. All went away with 9-11. A concern has been noted that we need to seriously consider what a merit badge for Military Service might entail, but it is a bit dicey on the surace, and I would not want to see something that could put pressure in some manner to join.

Read this and see if you agree with your previous statement. https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2014/12/03/individual-scout-accounts/

If giving away 2 million in free memberships is cheaper than paying for things like the West Point Camporee and JAMBO it's still a win for scouting. Not really, there is no such thing as "ball in our respective courts" in a franchise based organization. Councils, districts, and units either align to the national program and directives or eventually get burned. I would suspect that if the national debt is retired at the end of 2028 as planned we will see significant changes in how national responds to all of these rogue councils doing their own thing. Right now national is too busy trying to keep the house from burning down to worry about the outhouse.

This was my biggest issue. It catered to one side and felt very reactionary. I'm not thrilled about the roll-back either for the same reasons. The damage is done. There are no winners.

Well, I guess you have my number and are the acknowledged expect on all things scouting. I like how you attempt to blame me for bringing personal attacks. Back to my first statement, we agree to disagree. You decided to make ad hominem bards at me. I’ll pass. There is no value, it adds nothing to the conversation, in fact they stop any conversation. Well done.

This all comes down to quality control. District Executives need to have enough strength in their spine to kill the charters of known bad units. Reading what you wrote makes me think Scouting America needs some sort of relegation program where unit review (JTE or whatever) is mandatory and the worst unit gets de-chartered every year. In my area, all of the little Lord Farquaads would soil their pants with fear of losing their fiefdoms and actually get trained and run the program as designed. To both of these statements I can only say that there are a lot of things in scouting that are not scouting. People want slingshots, and trebuchets, and yadda-yadda but we really need to figure out why we can't do back-to-the-basics things like pioneering a watch tower (which goes back to BPs original program). I am not advocating for an anything goes pioneering program like in the movies but I think we should focus on fighting for things that have been safetied out of the program that really are part of the program.

terms you use to refute the value of the MB are "feel good requirement" and " no challenge." The mission of Scouting America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Its vision to make people good citizens. Understanding people makes them good citizens. It does not need to be hard, but knowing how it see others from thier point of view is a mature and effective tool to be a good citizen. You think there are no answers to the terms and that they can make you Racist. There are definitions. They are in the training that the MB Counselors have to take: Key definitions included in the materials: Identities: Traits that make up who a person is, including race, gender, age, religion, and ability. Diversity: The presence of a wide range of individual identities. Equality: The state of having equal status, rights, and opportunities. Equity: Providing resources tailored to individuals to ensure fair access to opportunities. Inclusion: Active efforts to create a sense of belonging and participation for all individuals. Discrimination: The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people. If a scout does not understand them, then we talk about them. Maybe you can explain now they are racist.

I can read this two ways. The first is one where you are both condescending and dismissive. It is at best patronizing. It tries to shut down any conversation by dismissing my comments, implying I do not know what I am talking about and pretty much "shut up and color. Yet you include: ""A Scout is courteous. A Scout is polite to people of all ages and positions. He understands that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along. Being courteous shows that you are aware of the feelings of others. ..." "A Scout is kind. A Scout treats others as he wants to be treated. He knows there is strength in being gentle. He does not harm or kill any living thing without good reason. Kindness is a sign of true strength. To be kind, you must look beyond yourself, and try to understand the needs of others. Take time to listen to people and imagine being in their place. Extending kindness to those around you and having compassion for all people is a powerful agent of change to a more peaceful world." Should I write a response in the same manner that you did. Should I imply that you know nothing about scouting and then sign of with a similar line - like "get on board or leave?" You make a great case that Scouting America does not need a merit badge that discusses empathy, how to work with other, see things from their point of view, and how to understand what you see (or read) is not the whole story.

Or all the above??

Argh. This is where my judgement of BSA is harshest. Originally, my judgement was harsh on poor legal review. As times changed over the decades, better-than-average youth protection practices needed to be updated to protect both youth and BSA legally. So many things failed there. Now reading the last comment makes me question BSA respect for those donating money. If OA and NESA donations were solicited as endowments, BSA had a responsibility to the donor to respect the donation and handle the endowment properly. What I'm reading instead is that OA / NESA endowment donations were really just another way to solicit general fund revenue. It's either poor accounting, poor legal judgement or outright misrepresentation.

Yes, any thing with a counterweight is banned. Catapults are under heavy restrictions as it was classified as a shooting sport, and has to follow those regs. And those regs have become event tighter. Page 14 states it requires a NRA Range Safety Officer to e present Page 77 - 79 gives details.

One of our most popular activities was the annual Pumpkin Chunkin with homemade trebuchets. Apparently hurling 10 pound orange projectiles 100 yards was too much for the lawyers.

When it went to everyone, it's no longer an honor; it's just a checkbox on your way to Eagle. The point that no one is talking about is that the youth view it as a joke. Look at the youth membership that renews for a second year.

Per the OA website: Once contributed, the funds will stay in perpetuity within the OA Endowment, whose spending policy allows for the growth of the funds to provide support to key leadership development initiatives within the OA. 1915 Society | Order of the Arrow, Scouting America

I would be interested in where the funds go and for what purpose? How is this different from FOS or the James E. West fellowship? Do I get another square knot? Or knot?

I like the OA. I've got lots of good memories from my youth and the admonition has stuck with me as an adult. That said, I wouldn't be upset if it folded. Lax membership standards and concerns over Native American cosplay have left the OA in rough shape. One underrated benefit of ending the OA program would be a boost in Venturing participation. Right now, they function as parallel senior scout programs, but a strong chapter could easily function as a Crew and continue providing service to its district and local camps. If the OA were to continue in present form, I'd consider eliminating elections in favor of a universal standard such as: 50 Nights of Camping 50 Hours of Community Service Star Rank Completion of Ordeal

More to participate in the endowment donation program.

If they only want you to wear it to official OA functions where only Arrowmen would be present, it doesn't seem to really help advertise to increase participation. They could have just gone with a "years of service" type pin to attach to a sash IMO, rather than whole new sash. That would be far more subtle than this.

A conversation with the scout might yield some pertinent information.

First time posting about a specific trip we've taken, but this one is worth mentioning in case anyone in the area is looking for ideas. We're Central/North NJ, so it was a 6.5 hour drive for us (not including stopping for gas and food), but well worth it. We stayed at Mount Norris Scout Reservation in Eden, VT. The camp director, Eric Bouchard, was down sick, but still repaired a door in their trading post so we could change our reservation and add people to our trip. When we arrived late Friday night to 5 degrees F, he had the lights on and the heat up and the parking lot freshly plowed. The scouts spent quite a bit of time just playing in the snow in the field near the dining hall. https://www.scoutingvermont.org/mtnorris.html Saturday we drove to Catamount Outdoor Family Center, in Williston. It's about an hour from the camp, but again, worth it. They rent cross-country skis, snowshoes and a limited number of fat bikes, and have a sledding hill. Due to thawing and refreezing prior to our visit, the scouts weren't able to ski or sled, but we did bike and snowshoe. For biking, there are sections of trail that are manageable for anyone who is a decent biker, but there are also some very technical sections. The four of us who biked all have mountain biking experience, so we did hit some of the more difficult sections and it was a blast! Catamount offers group rates and day passes, along with seasonal. They had a nice fire going in the field outside the office and rental building. Our scouts on snowshoes took out the trail stoves and cooked at the 'Cliffs of Insanity'. https://catamountoutdoor.org/ Sunday, just a ten-minute drive from camp, we visited Eden Ethical Dogsledding. I can't even tell you how much fun this was. The kids enjoyed the sledding, but it was the time spent with the dogs that was the biggest hit. If you've never walked into a house and been surrounded by twenty dogs, you're missing out on a wonderful experience. The scouts just hung out with the dogs, eating popcorn and warm cookies, for about 40 minutes. They then helped put harnesses on the dogs, hook them to the traces on the sleds, and afterward un-harness and feed the dogs treats. Jim and his staff had hot chocolate waiting for us afterward, and in an unexpected twist, brought out the Arctic Cat to rescue one parent who got turned around (lost-ish) and ended up in a ditch. All around top-notch visit. https://www.edendogsledding.com/ All three (Camp, Catamount, Eden Ethical) are open year-round.