Eagle92

Both you and dad need to butt out of his ticket. It's your son's not either one of yours. As for the disagreement between father and son, I think both son and dad were wrong. Your son was wrong by saying the trailer didn't count. And dad for allowing QM to just dump stuff in a building that was already organized, teaching the QM that all he needs to do is dump stuff on others. there is a better way to solve these things. On another note, what do you mean the troop is out for summer? Please tell me your troop is not a 9 month troop? Scouting is year round, and some of the best trips are over the summer.

Minor mistake, got OA on the mind. Temp insignia like the LNT award goes on the right POCKET, not POCKET FLAP. Sorry for the confusion

'Fish, Webelos are still CS, their program just begins a transition to BS. CS Outdoor Activity Award is worn on the RIGHT pocket flap still, and if he earns it as a Webelos, he gets the paw print pin in lieu of a 2nd patch. The LNT Award is temporary insignia, and if he decides to wear it, it goes on the RIGHT pocket flap. Also the patch is suppose to be diplayed in a diamond appearance, so the square pocket holders don't work for it. Me personally I 'ld put it on a patch vest or blanket Here are two uniform resources I use alot. #1 The insignia guide can be found here http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Media/InsigniaGuide.aspx #2 Scoutstuff.org had a documents page that provides links to inspection sheets, new scout and leader uniform info, etc. http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/forms.aspx What I did with my TC Den and pack leaders, and will be doing again in the fall,is print one copy of the sheets, mark out what they do not need ( some of the info is off still after I've contacted National about it, i.e. leaders needing MB sashes) , and passed out copies. Hope it helps.

My thoughts. There is a time and a place for tech. For example. I love my MSR whisperlite stove. I think it's awesome. BUT I know how to build a fire, cook over a fire, and have fun in the form of a campfire program. Can't really do skits in front of a stove. BUT when there is a burn ban, or there is nothing but wet wood, the stove is the way to go. Should scouts know how to use a stove, absolutely. BUT they also need to know how to make tinder, kindling, and fuel for a wood fire. Another example, I like my weather radio, esp after I and my packed bugged out of a campout b/c rumors were flying about bad weather approaching, hence the reason I got it. But I try to keep it on only when concerns of weather are about. otherwise it's a PITA as it is loud. But knowing the weathr forcast before hand, adn what to look for help tremendously with out the use of the radio. I really don't like cell phones. But some of them do have internet capabilities and you can surf the net for weather info when needed. Also there are GPS apps. And finally when there is an emergency, you can call for help if ya got a signal. Like I said their is a time and a place for tech. Gameboys, ipods, etc. the time is at home.

'96, From Infoscouter's link, the current WC was created in 1955, adn BSA scouts first earned it at the 1956 WSJ.

In referecne to the International Activity patch, it has been around since at least 1987, as a group from my troop did a Canadian trip that year and all got the patch, hat, necker, and slide, and there are no national requirements for the IA stuff as each council sets their own criteria. Oh and they all also earned teh WC. Some councils use the old WC criteria for the IA stuff b/c for a brief period of time (maybe that's where everyone is getting 1991 date from?)nothing was created to replace the WC requirements. Other councils will sell it to anyone. In fact the coucnil I work in is oneof those if anyoen wants a patch The item that replaced the WC nationally is the International Youth Exchange Emvblem and info can be found here http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/International/Highlights/22-323.aspx and Macscouter has an image here http://www.usscouts.org/advance/IntYouthExch.asp Nice patch BTW, I picked one up

variety of board games. Storytelling Songs magic tricks Also look into the How To book as there are tons of ideas. GOOD LUCK!

AM, Please understand that these files were created in a time before computers, with the intent to prevent folks that do not conform to BSA membership guidelines, or are suspected of not conforming, to become leaders again. The purpose was to protect scouts, and I agree with that. The safety of our kids is paramount. When in doubt....

Gold Bond Powder.

This post is in referecne to the World Crest. Since August 1, 1989, all members of the Boy Scouts of America have been authorized to wear the WC to show being apart of WOSM. prior to August 1 1989, you either A) had to visit a forieng country on a scout function for a minimum period of time, or B) host a visiting scout on for a minimum period of time. I earned the WC in 1987, and would have earned it a 2nd time when we were told in the middle of Canada trip that BSA was now letting everyone wear it. Lots of upset scouts on that one. Luckily the contigent made up for it: insead of the American version, we all got the Canadian version which has a velvet background. I beleive that the WC goes back to the 1950s in it's current form. EDITED: Someone beat me to it, but the Wiki article has the incorrect dates, as well as the source it's comign from. I've emailed Black Eagle about that a few times.(This message has been edited by eagle92)

AM, Yep the BSA has dismissed leaders for hearsay, which is one reason why they will not release the info without a court order. My understanding is that the court order protects them from libel suits since they are being ordered byt he cours to release that info. I'll give you two examples of that. One example was the leader who was has his membership revoked b/c he "took his scouts in uniform to a bar." This guy was in the files temporarily while his appeal to national, which he won, was was in process. The reason why he took scouts to a bar: bus broke down and the nearest place to make a phone call was a bar. Scouts stayed outside, while he went inside, in uniform, and made phone calls. One of the patrons coming in saw the scouts outside, saw the leader inside, and called the council on him. This case was sometime in the 1940s to 60s, and the info was released in a previous case, and used in a book on this topic. Another case I know of invovled a leader coming back from the showers and sees a scout out after hours upt to mischief. leader tries to correct scout and get them back to the campsite. Scout accused the leader of improper conduct and leader was dismissed. Knowing both the leader and scout personally, I side with the leader's version of the story, but national's goal is to protect the youth. But I must admit I am biased; the "scout" lied about me and 2 other leaders about an event at a NOAC. Only after his 3 buddies admited to lying did he 'fess up. In that case, leader was so ticked off, esp. since this was after the incident with me and 2 other leaders, they got fed up with the BSA and didn't appeal it. The leader was very well respected in scouting: DAM, SB, and was supposed to undertake the Vigil untilthis occured. No one was happy.

Forgot the most important part, spotting. My recommendation is two spotters, one on each side. hands up and eyes locked on the walker, basically yuor standard COPE spotting position. Now if you could get them to learn the proper COPE commands, that would be totally awesome.

Perdidochas, Soemtime between '96 and 2000, Monkey bridges began requiring a COPE director to inspect prior to use, and if over a certain height, I beleive 5 feet (it's been a while, old age getting to me) required helmets, harnesses, and belay lines. Don't know if they changed that or not,(apparently they did looking at the G2SS rules) but my troop was very glad I was a COPE Director and they could still build them, albeit at a lower height since we didn't ahve access to harnesses and belay lines. Now the bosun's chair set we use to do at scout shows, we had to stop doing b/c it violated that policy. Lots of upset scouts and parents on that decision as it was FUN! best recuriting tool we had, esp without a feeder pack.(This message has been edited by eagle92)

SM, you keep mentioning Lions, are you in one of the pilot councils for Lions? how is does that work? Benefits and drawbacks? not trying to change the subject, but I am very curious about Lions.

Interesting, I never knew that. Some speculation on my part as to why the change. #1 Lifeguard courses require paying additional fees. #2 Lifesaving MB was designed by ARC lifeguards to teach basic skills. #3 Lifesaving MB still requires skills that are no longer taught in Lifeguarding courses, i.e. holds, escapes and releases,(as far as I know. Last I taught a YMCA Lifeguard class, topics in requirements 9 and 10 would not have been covered as you NEVER go without equipment...RRRRIIIGGHHHTTTTT [sarcasm off] Hopefully this has changed as I know I and other instructors haev complained about this when it came out)

"Fish, That's b/c us CPR instructors teach the RNs and MDs basic life support, aka CPR.

International trips are AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! My first HA trip was a 64 mile canoe trip in the Canadian Wilderness. had some scout from a local troop as guides. Took approx 18-24 months of prep work, i.e. savin up the money, doing several prep trips to earn Canoeing MB and learn other skills, fundraisers, etc, but worth it. And if you have any young Scouters/ older Venturers who want to do a trip on their own, the European Camp Staff Program is one I recommend. Free food, free shelter, and 1/2 your travel expenses reinbursed. Only go tot commit to working a scout camp for no pay for 6-8 weeks. I did 11 and loved it.

Have to agree with Beavah, CS who are classified as non-swimmers, or in my son's case never took a test, can go rowing in a rowboat with an adult swimmer. Did that this past April, he wanted to go rowing, not archery or BB guns, at a council event. Lots of lifeguards present, BSA NCS certified Aquatics Director present, and I know a few ex lifeguards were around. Tiger Cub son had his PFD on and off we went. Only time I saw any rescues being made that weekend were during the swim tests. Shepards hook and LGs in the the pool handled it.

John,. respectfully disagree with your opinion on First Aid for First Class. In my experiences, whenever someone knows there is a Boy Scout or Scout Leader around an emergency, they automatically defer to them until paramedics or a MD show up. It is automatically assumed that they know first aid, even if they are an 11 yo brand new Scout as was my first experience. And I had that same experience, being placed in charge of an emergency, several times as a youth, and the only reason why i was put in charge was b/c I was a scout. That's my reason for making it required again for FC

Eng, Quick question, what is your son's swimming capability? Can he pass the 75 yards strong forward stroke, 25 yards backstroke, and float? that is the minimum standard, and it is there for a reason. And in all my years in Scouitng and dealing with water activities, the only times I've ever made a rescue or seen a rescue was during swim tests. thankfully I've never made a rescue during a boating activity, other than the practice ones needed to learn the skills to do it as required by the MBs and/or trips I've been on. BSA does take aquatics safety very seriously. Edited: They are so serious about aquatics safety, that you take a swim test every year, even BSA Lifeguards (This message has been edited by Eagle92)

OGE, If memory serves, it was stated somewhere that no one can find a copy of the original agreement. grant you I am shocked since that is a public record and should be archived, but no one can find it.

Oustanding replies by both!

I forgot about WW b/c it didn't exist in the stone ages. You are right. I would also add FAMB for all the boating ones as well. Also I would make FAMB required for First Class, like it was back in the day. I've been involved in accidents as both a youth and adult, where once folks realized I was in Scouting, I was in charge of the FA situation, including one time as a brand new 11 y.o. Tenderfoot scout who had recently crossed over into a troop!

Brian You are correct, Swimming MB is no longer required for Lifesaving MB. Show's how long I've taught that one. Now Emergency Prep still requires First Aid MB, 1. Earn the First Aid Merit Badge.. I remember back in the day not being able to take Swimming b/c of not passing the swim test. Rescheduled classes so that I took EP and First Aid back to back. Counselor joked that he couldn't sign me off on EP until I passed my FA test the next period.

Try the Pamlico Sea Base outside Washington, NC. http://www.pamlicoseabase.org/ They do sea kayaking along the Outerbanks; sailing trips; an Ironman program of hiking, cycling, and kayaking; scuba diving; and can customize a program for your unit. I believe, stress believe, they are part of the personal watercraft pilot program going on with the BSA. It's either PSB or the neighboring camp, Camp Boddie (formerly known as Camp Bonner) which is also part of the East Carolina Scout Reservation. Be advised there are restrictions to this program. Best thing is this: a lot of troops will bring the entire troop to the camps. Younger guys go to Camp Bonner and older guys got to PSB. Hope it helps.