evmori

Dedicated Dad, No need to apologize. I'm glad to hear you don't agree with PC (I made a rhyme). PC is one of many things that makes the hair in the back of my neck stand up. I'm going to check out the link you placed now. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1

"Politically Correct is belief system that recognizes people are diversely equal, and we rejoice in this equality by treating people differently based on their equal individuality" Politically Correct is not a belief system. Recognizing that people are different yet equal and treating all people as equals is respect. Politically correct has nothing to do with respect. Politically correct in most cases is the opposite of respect. "If it feels good, do it!" "It didn't hurt anyone, so it's OK!" "It's OK for me!" Respect and being politically correct are not the same. Ed Mori "Not PC" Scoutmaster "Not PC" Troop 1

Mike, Right on the money! I took my Troop backpacking once & they loved it! I have to make the effort to get this back on our calendar. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1

Dedicated Dad, Ho Ho Ha Ha! Good one! I forgot about that! PC also stands for pastel color! Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1

Rooster 7, I love a good debate! And yes boys need to learn to shoot straight! And yes Scouting accepts many beliefs! And yes as a Christian my beliefs are probably very similar to yours. But ain't it fun to stir the pot once in awhile? I have done this with the Scouts in my Troop from time to time. It gets them thinking! Keep it up, Rooster! By the way, I think PC should stand for "Please Cease" Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1

Rooster 7, Beliefs are not always truths. Believing in something doesn't make it a truth. If it did, the Tooth Fairy would have to file a tax return! Scouting accepts many beliefs. As a Christian, I believe the Jesus is the Son of God & died for our sins. I don't believe, as the Jews do, he was just another prophet. Is either of these a truth? To me, my belief is. To the Jews, theirs is. So, does that mean I am right & Jews are wrong or visa versa? Based on each belief, yes. We won't know the answer to this question until we die. So the truth is virtually unknown until then. I believe my belief is the truth. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1

OGE, My district uses 'God Bless the USA' as part of the opening ceremony. I used it for my son's Eagle Court of Honor. We have a slide show that goes with it. I have never been able to keep a dry eye form the 1st time I heard it. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1

eisely, Thanks for the post. What a story! I think execution is teh wrong punishment. He deserted his country, so his country should revoke his citizenship. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 "I'm Proud to be an American," "Where at least I know I'm free" "And I won't forget the men who died," "And gave that right to me" "Cause I'd gladly stand up next to you" "And defend Her still today." "Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land" "God bless the USA"

Rooster, I enjoy your banter. Probably because you and I think alike. There are times to restrain & times to let loose. I don't feel any of your non-restrained posts have been inappropriate. Have a Blessed New Year. I look forward to more banter from you Ed Mori The "Not PC" Scoutmaster Troop 1

Not using the term retarded didn't come from being PC. It came from common courtesy. It's the same as the n word! Ed Mori (Not PC) Scoutmaster Troop 1

OGE, I detest the term PC. To me, being PC means "If no one gets hurt & it's not illegal, then it's OK." PC does not belong in Scouting. I am a swimming merit badge counselor & for years I have used the acronym PADBALLS to teach the Scouts safe swim defense. Recently in our council, we were told that that acronym can no longerbe used because of the word balls. Absurd? I think so. PC? Sure! PC does not belong in Scoutin! I'll get off my soapbox now. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1

sctmom, Excellent post! In my Troop, all my Scouts know that Scouting is an extra curicular activity. Family, faith & school come 1st. And YES their shirts must be tucked in. I also tell them no hands in the pockets when they are participating in any ceremony. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1

I have 2 Eagles who are now ASM's. They participate when they can since they are both in college (one is my son). I let them watch from the sideline & learn. They have few responsibilities since they are new at this. I feel these guys need to "be part" of the adult leadership but not really do much in the beginning. It's not unlike getting a new adult & letting them take it all in before giving them any power. Naturally, these Eagles must attend Scoutmaster Fundamentals. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1

Kevin, Great! Scouting needs professionals with experience. The one thing you MUST remember is the 1st word in Boy Scouts is Boy. That is important. I have seen some professional Scouters forget that. Good luck! Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1

andrews, I enforce it by giving them minimal latitude in authority in the Troop until they have attended Scoutmaster Fundamentals. In my opinion, if they aren't properly trained, they can't properly lead the Scouts! I have lost a couple leaders because of this, but I feel it is necessary. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1

Here is another view from the Boy Scout side. 2nd year Webelos should visit at least 3 different Troops. This way, they will find out how different Troops operate. The Troop should be boy led with good adult support. The Scoutmaster should spend time with the Webelos parents explaining how the Troop operates & the SPL should be the point Scout for the Webelos. Watch for chaos. Controled chaos is the norm. Look at the Scouts. Are they having fun? Do they have respect for the Scout leaders? adult leaders? Id there 2 deep adult leadership? What does the Troop have planned on their calendar? Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1 Troop 1

I was on my district training staff for 5 years & was the Scoutmaster for one of the Scoutmaster Fundamentals course. I went through the course 10 years ago & really enjoyed it. It seems to me if this type of training is done at the district level, it can be more informative & relavent than at the council or higher level. I also went through Woodbadge (NE-V-120 Eagle Patrol) and found that this was a problem solving course geared to Scouting. I loved it. Did I learn anything? Yes. Would I recommend either course? Yes. I require all my new leaders to complete Scoutmaster Fundamentals. This way, they have an idea what the Scouts are faced with. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1

My Scouts get to the Troop meetings about 15 to 30 min. early & usually come up with a game on their own. Lately it has been a version of soccer/dodge ball. I know games are important, but I think if this is becoming a focus of the Troop meetings, something is missing. In my opinion, Troop meetings should be used to work on advancement, prepare for upcoming camping trips, etc. Games are extra as time permits. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1

Showering merit badge! Great idea! Can one of the requirements be not wearing a swimsuit in the shower? Also one of the requirements should be how to keep the shower clean!

dan, If your Troop only requires the uniform shirt for Scouts who are not in a position of responsibility and there is one of these Scouts who wear the uniform shirt AND pants, this would be exceeding the standard. Yes, the uniform inspections should be done at the Patrol level by the Patrol leader. He should be reporting his finding to the SPL who should be keeping the SM informed. If it's a small Troop, the SPL should be the inspector. I also feel that a Troop uniform inspection once in awhile is good. This helps insure uniformity in the Troop. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1

dedicated dad, Not a bad point. There are a lot of similar merit badges that have similar requirements. However, the ranks requirements are similar, too. I feel new merit badges should expand on existing ones. Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1

What's your point?

eisley, Great post! sctmom, My community is similar to yours. It has always been like that. A blessed Christmas to all! If it wasn't for Jesus, we wouldn't be doin' this! Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1

By all means! Long live the patrol method! Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1

dan, In my opinion, uniform inspections at every Troop meeting is overkill. Plus, when a uniform inspection is done, why not point out the Scouts who are meeting or exceeding the standard or those severely below the standard? Who cares about being PC! That only leads to being wishy washy! Ed Mori Scoutmaster Troop 1