FScouter

I'm not sure what a uniform police is, but I guess there is nothing to worry about unless you're a uniform scofflaw.

Please respond in the established thread with the identical topic: "why is scouting shrinking?"

If the requirement was that the individual had to be a current registered member at the time of death, that would pretty much eliminate all youth members. It's not likely youth die in the service of their country while still an active member of BSA. It seems unlikely the stars would be limited to adult members only.

You can go the the Walmart and get green "uniform" pants for a buck 99 or a red coat for 2 fifty. So what? Why buy anything, just wear what you already have.

In my company, managers requesting capital expenditure funds are expected to present a case supporting their project, not unlike what we expect in the Eagle project workbook. I've seen and reviewed many corporate projects requiring 10's and 10's or even $100,000 that would pale in comparison to the most basic requirements set forth in the Eagle workbook. It would seem our Eagle candidates are already 10 steps beyond what we require in the corporate world.

You sound like you've done a lot of thinking. Scouting can always use a lot of that. I'll respond to your item #3. Boys, particularly younger boys, generally don't think about how Scouting is important, or how it may benefit them in the future. They are looking at the here and now. Years later they will see the bigger benefits. So, for now, while they are Scouts, stress rather how much FUN the next event will be, and that they will want to be there for the FUN and ADVENTURE they will have. Now, deliver on that promise. The long term benefits will fall into place.

Boy Scouts is for boys up to 18 years old. After 18 his only option in a troop is to register as an assistant Scoutmaster. Committee members must be at least 21. It would be innappropriate and risky to let him simply hang out.

A surplus of 25% is not a windfall, its more of a poor budget plan. Either that or a thinly veiled plan to turn a camporee into a money-earning event. Id be not happy if our unit paid an extra $2 a head simply so that the a event director could cover his fanny. In fact the final report for the event should have a long detailed discussion about why the final income and expense results were so far off from the budget.

I'd consider the passage you quoted as being destructive to Scouting in that it legitimizes adults assuming control. Read through the Scoutmaster Handbook, PL and SPL Handbooks. The troop characterics you find there I think you will find are far better than alternative personal opinions pulled from the internet.

What is a non-scouting event?

The nice lady at the council office is responsible to look over the tour permit for evidence the unit has not adequately planned its outing. The absence of DL numbers and insurance info tends to indicate not. It is the responsibility of the unit committee to approve drivers and to ensure that they are licensed, insured, and drive safe vehicles. A driver that wont provide insurance info and a DL number may not be a person you want driving the kids under your care.

Camp 15 nights in the last 2 years?

Since the camporee is over and done with there is little argument to say you need a piece of equipment for an event that is finished. If the equipment was truly needed for the event, the way to handle would be to include it in the budget that is written and submitted before the event takes place. Of course there must be enough income budgeted to pay for all the budgeted expenses of the event, including items that may have use at future events. Then buy it, hold the event, turn in all expense receipts, and all income.

You could instead ask drivers to submit a current state department of motor vehicles report of their driving record. They could black out the number if they don't want to disclose it. The point is, you don't want entrust somebody else's kid to a driver with no license, suspended license, or a string of moving violations.

I suppose any comment about a 35 year old uniform piece could be considered timely regardless of when the last comment was made.

What is a "UP officer"? It sounds (surely I'm mistaken) you're attemping a put down to fellow Scouters?

I also got excited when Bobo Brazil would come into the ring and put Freddie Blassie in his place with a crack of his hard head. He was one of the few "good guys".

I too observe the "on time vs. late" phenomenon in and out of Scouting. When an event is announced to start at 5 PM, it should start no later than 5:01. When we delay the start waiting for latecomers what we are really saying is that the real intended start time is 5:15 or later. People learn that posted start time really means add 15-20 minutes and schedule accordingly. The solution is simple: Start at the stated time.

You can read about the standard BSA policy in the Scoutmaster Handbook, chapter 3 "The Boy-Led Troop".

He did start a museum and opened it by appointment only. He closed it in 1998 after 12 years. After his death, his family donated a portion of his collection to the council with the understanding it would be auctioned and the proceeds used for permanent improvements to Camp Josepho.

PBS has been my mainstay for several years but I find its becoming more annoying. PBS has real commercials now. And the program content has minutes shaved off, with teasers filling the last 5 minutes of the hour. Eamonn mentioned Masterpiece Theater. When I was a kid my mom would watch that program and heaven help anyone that interrupted her during that hour. I watched it last Sunday night and was really disgusted. It seems they couldnt tell the story without it revolving around the sexual escapades of the characters. The hero had to have his way with a loose woman, slammed her up against the wall and when he was finished shoved her out the door and threw her clothes after her. As seems to be the way these days, there wasnt much left to the imagination. Of course she loved it. Then there was the sexual encounter between the captain of the ship and the parson, resulting in the parsons death. I cant help but feel my mother would be shocked and disgusted at the filth put forth as entertainment these days, even on PBS. As am I.

The answers to all those questions and more may be found in the Cub Scout Leader Specific Training syllabus #34875A. It comes with a CD Powerpoint presentation that follows the syllabus, plus a load of handouts and other reference material. The Webelos section is about 40 pages. There also is a 15 page section on various ways to present the training material. There is also a video that goes with the syllabus, #AV01V01, and a set of posters #34876. All of this should have been given to you by your district training chairman weeks ago. Or you can buy it at the Scout Shop. (Save your receipt and turn it to the training chairman for reimbursement.)

The Western Los Angeles County Council will be holding an auction of memorabilia collected by a longtime Scouter who passed away and left his collection to the council. Bids by mail and fax will be accepted. http://bsa-la.org/fundraising/Phil_Parlett_Auction.htm

Anyone the Scoutmaster has asked may sign a boy's book. If that is a boy, it's recommended that the boy already have earned the rank for the requirement he is signing. Obviously the SM must monitor this closely for quality control, including (especially?) other adults he has authorized. I've found boy leaders to generally be more attentive to ensuring the Scout fully meets the requirement than other adults.

new post ...