EagleInKY

No offense, Hops. But why? If a scout has his Firem'n Chit, then there should be no reason for him not to be allowed to work with the fire. In fact, it's a good opportunity for you to back off and provide coaching to him in what he does. Then, he will be ready to stand in your shoes someday.

Eamonn, Welcome back. I think your experience is relatively accurate across the BSA. Obviously, I haven't visited every district (or more than a few for that matter), but I generally hear the same thing whereever the issue has come up. The only difference is that it sounds like your cub scout roundtables are at least interesting. I don't think that is true across the board. I wish more scouters would go to RT. I was never able, as Cubmaster, to get the den leaders to go. They saw it as another hour to give to scouting. I tried to encourage them saying that the hour spent would save them time in coming up with ideas. But I got nowhere. Part of the problem was that our RTs were typically a 50/50 proposition. 50% of the time they were awful, 50% of the time they were okay. Seems like every time I got someone to go, it fell on the awful side. Go figure. As for Boy Scouts RT, I believe you hit it on the head. SMs feel like they know it all. After all, BP himself taught their woodbadge course. I go about half of the time (job or other commitments seem to get in the way a lot). Most of the time is spent getting updates on activities. There's usually a subject for the month and we spend some time sharing ideas. I go for the same reason I come here - to get and share ideas. I wish more would do the same.

The main reason I see is that companies have these big UW campaign drives where they encourage, arm-twist and darn near threaten you to give money to the organization. Those who don't give (in some companies) are labeled negatively, as if there are no other ways to be philanthropic.

Its not any different than the present uniform except it is all tricked out with jamboree patches, troop number, patrol etc, is it? That's my understanding. Current field uniform, with Jambo troop #, patches, etc. From what I understand, participants are encouraged to purchase a new uniform for the Jamboree. Many then convert them to their regular uniform after the event. If a new uniform is forthcoming, it would seem to be less expensive on participants to have them buy the new uniform. But that may be too logical.

A DE told me that he's been hearing a lot of noise about a new field uniform coming after Jambo. One rumor is that the new uniform will be unveiled there. It would seem to make more sense (and cost less money) to make the new uniform be the Jambo uniform.

Good luck OGE, hopefully you and Hops will be able to ward off any more hijack attempts. (This message has been edited by a staff member.)

Hey Neighbor. Up until this year, CCC used a form ('passport') instead of blue cards. They started using blue cards this year. LHC recognized the passports are legitimate, so it would never be an issue. We keep them on file, just as we would do a blue card. They do have the counselors signatures on them. They also were willing to do blue cards for out-of-council troops that needed them. It's a moot point now, we're doing blue cards, so there shouldn't be an issue going forward.

ESTP(J) here. (My P & J scores are nearly even). I find the MBTI an interesting concept in any human interaction. However, it's very difficult to guess the true personality types of others. That is partly because people often mask their true personality. It's even more difficult with kids, because they are often more reluctant to show us their true selves. (Except at Summer Camp, over six days, the truth will eventually come out). Good luck with your interactions. It's always helpful to gain a better understanding of those you work with.

I've had dads do it, but never heard of a scout doing it. Sounds like some policy revisions... (1) must have permission to leave camp (parental and camp director), (2) must sign-out and sign-in at camp office.

Have fun Mr. Ed. I hope yours goes as well as ours did.

I, too, received a note from the 3 headed troll. But, it wasn't nasty. I guess he didn't blame me for his banishment, even though I did expose several of his lies. As for Bob & Eamonn, I hope they'll return as well. I disagree with BW on a lot of things, but I like getting a variety of perspectives. I usually find good advice when I blend all the responses together.

You guys are correct. UW sets it's donation amounts and it does not matter what targeted donations come in.

I believe it was an SNL skit, but I don't remember who.

No, "Its Me" has been around a while. Unlike some of us, he doesn't feel the need to weigh in on every issue. Hey, BTW, you said you weren't going to post any more, then you've posted two more times. Terry - I'm for closing this thread too. It was based upon a false premise - a guy in Wyoming who owned a high adventure store.... Dude (and I like this name better too), you still don't get it. You're here detracting from what we really want to talk about - SCOUTS. Instead of making up ficticous stories about your son and his buddies, we would rather help someone who is dealing with a real issue.

Posted: Wednesday, 6/16/2004: 2:19:17 PM ---------------------------------------- Well I just got a call from a troop and they said they will not allow me in their leadership unless I have a boy old enough to be in their troop. Do you remember who said this: "Always tell the truth; then you don't have to remember anything."

I really don't care where you live, and don't ever plan to visit. You've proven to be deceptive over and over again. Your first post as Jason OK said (my emphasis added): Now 27, married with 2 daughters (yes I am a Mr. Mom) I find myself day dreaming about what life would have been like if I would have got my Eagle. Not that I don't love my wife or children. I just need some testosterone in my life. Actually one thing I think about is when I went to Philmont....took my camera.....lost my camera...hahahahahaha I have seriously been thinking about joining a local troop (as an adult leader) but how do you go about doing that when you know no one nor have a child to take. I can only imagine the hurtles I might have to overcome..... (is this guy a perv?) lol Thats what I would think. I considered girl scouts for my older girl but I got a hold of their scout law ......the phrase "I will try" I believe sets them up for failure so I decided not to go that route. Besides, Boy Scouts is so much cooler! Well what does this 27 yr old Mr. Mom (going through his early life crisis) do? Now, after getting kicked out, you return under a new name and lie about your background. Note the emphasized parts. I own a High Adventure Store here in WY.....and I have decided to start my own version of scouting. I think the BSA has gotten stagnant. Our uniforms are in the works. Patagonia has decided to get in and help us. Cargo Pants with Puckerware shirts (Class A) Instead of a Scout Oath and Law we are going to be more like a fraternity with skill courses. We will be based on code rather than law or oath. Each member will have to bring a role to their crew. We are only in the beginning stages. My son works with me here at the store and he has lots of friends interested. Dude, you scare me. I come to this forum to share ideas and get advice from fellow scouters. You're posts are cluttering up the board and adding very little value. I felt for you at first, when you talked about trying to get involved with scouting and feeling rejected by the troops. Now that I've seen your actions, I can understand why they didn't let you in. A Scout Is Trustworthy.

Okay Dude, you're scaring me. First you're JasonOK, then you're "Old Fart" and now you're "The Dude"? Am I getting this right? Clear it up for us please. And, do you live in Oklahoma or Wyoming?

I still don't understand. Freedom from what? BSA offers some very helpful guidelines and rules that will help keep you out of trouble. And, if you follow the rules, they have the legal support to back you up in case something happens. Add that to an existing program - camps, high adventure bases, special programs... Sorry, I don't get why you wouldn't leverage it. Unless you're balking at the God or gay issues? (Oh please, let's not open that up again).

Thought I'd do my part to bring the discussions back around to why we're really here - the kids. Update on this situation. Last week at Scout camp, this lad passed his BOR for First Class. He's still far from perfect - but aren't we all. He's come a long way in six months. It shows what Scouting can do for a boy, if the program is followed. I expect it will take him a while to get to Star. He has to demonstrate more leadership before he'll be elected/appointed to another position. But I think it will happen eventually. This is the type of advice I come to the forum for. Not that Issues & politics stuff.

we used wrist bands at Webelos Resident camp. After 3 days I was ready to get rid of the thing. I would hate to wear them for a week of scout camp. Our camp that is used for Cub Scouts and WRC added a new shower/bathhouse 2 years ago. Private stalls for both showers and flush toilets. It was a big hit. It is shared by several hundred, so there is a line. Our Boy Scout camp has a two-holer + urinal in every campsite, plus a showerhouse for every 4 campsites. A campsite probably holds about 50-100 people. The showerhouse contains one toilet and 4 showers for boys, and one toilet and 4 showers for adults. This year they put up walls between the showers - that was a big win for the boys. (It's amazing how private boys have become).

Maybe the WHEELs came off. ;-) Seriously, the only thing that may have gotten hurt was his pride. I haven't heard that rumor, however. Most of the serious scouters in here are not mean. Unfortunately, some baiting goes on that suckers some people into hot debates. I wish we would focus on helping each others out with Scouts, and would limit our activity to that.

Paul - We have counted some things like that as service projects or activities. That one came to mind because it's not really anything done officially. I would say that most (all?) of the scouts that go have brothers in Cubs. They mainly go to play and launch their own rockets, but usually get drafted to help.

From Scout camp last week: Watching two scouts finish the mile run for Personal Fitness, and then go back and run the last 1/8th with their buddy who was struggling. Watching boys who could not lead a horse to water last year, take the reigns and run the troop this year. Seeing scouters come to the aid of a boy who fell and broke his leg. The concern and the care they gave was touching. Seeing scouters come to the aid of a fellow scouter who injured his back, and how his scouts rallied around him for support. Having a boy move into the area, join our troop and go camping with a bunch of strangers - only to leave a week later with two dozen friends. An impromptu campfire - complete with skits and goofy stories. Why? Just because we were there. Being with my son for a week - no TV, no video games.

We use them for every outing. They serve multiple purposes. The least of which is the actual permission. My understanding is that they have limited legal value. Ours our a 1/2 page form (out of Troopmaster), with the other 1/2 page containing an overview of the activity (where we meet, when we meet/return, what to bring, etc.). It also has a place for adults to check whether they are attending and able to drive. This helps us with our overall trip planning.

Hey Dude. You're probably not going to get a lot of great advice here, since we are mostly all pro-scouting. Scouting is stagnant? Not where I live. That has to do more with the program that is being offered at a local level. Sounds like your plans are closer to Venturing than Boy Scouts. Have you looked at that as an option?