Fuzzy Bear

It may be that some are not really Scouts or they don't know how they come across in the printed word. Generally, when it is pointed out there is complete denial. It is like a glass of water being spilled and nobody can stop it from hitting the floor. Moralizing doesn't appear to work. Warnings sometimes makes them back off. A thirty day suspension only brings them back with a slow burning vengeance and then there is the total cessation of their presence which sometimes brings them back with another pen name and/or location. It is like an addiction without a cure.

I joined Boy Scouts in 1960 after completing my Webelos badge. My first camp was in Dallas, Texas in chilly 10 degree weather. I was warm snuggled in my sleeping bag made of a quilt and an army blanket lined with newspapers. We had a two man wall tent that three of us slept in that night. It was the Golden Anniversary of Scouting Camporee so we received a special patch. The next day it warmed which made the activities bearable. A policeman that was a local TV personality taught us how to say "Boy oh Boy" in Donald Duck speak. That is all of the DD I can speak to this day. In our supply, we had several Army issue tent halves that buttoned down the middle. We tried several times to use them but there was always some problem, probably a lack of experience. We trenched when it rained which meant that we would only get soaked because the tents leaked if you touched them or you didn't, one could never remember because of being so cold and wet. We also had two fire buckets that were one gallon bean cans with coat hanger wire handles, generally filled only half way. If a tent caught fire, we would have one gallon of water to put out an inferno that would burn for no more than two minutes tops. Nothing kept us from camping on a monthly basis. GBB always had a BL solution that we would try when we didn't have the money for the right equipment. That never worked either. We had a great time. FB

Let me pose a similar question. Ask a Scout about their duty to their Country. It is a complex question for a youth. The individual is not old enough to vote. They may have only vague ideas about the laws of t he land. The majority does not drive and if they do they are beginners. They have not served in the Armed Forces. They do not pay taxes and most do not work full-time jobs or own homes. History may be a subject only about the olden days and government may have been a course they were forced to take in school. We teach them to say the Pledge of Allegiance and to salute the flag. We may sometimes speak about duty to country during a SMs Minute. Unless they are a legal alien and are taking Citizenship classes, there is little systematic indoctrination. Of course, most are legal citizens and there are not many choices when it comes for people to deny their citizenship. If a Scout had an unusual idea about duty to country, would we be as quick to pull the plug or would we want the youth to explore further with those over his charge? As much as we speak and debate about ones duty to God, we do not appear to be as concerned about the other 11 points. Is it because the other 11 are simple and easily mastered or is it because they are so complex that they are too difficult to teach? It appears that the concern over ones religious duty is of primary importance in Scouting. It may be better that we simply point the way and allow Scouts to make their own decisions. FB

LH, I failed to communicate effectively, so let me try again. The mundane items are the everyday tasks in Scouting that people ask about, such as, BsOR, sash wearing, hat selection which can be compared to the discussions about the economy, the war, the national debt which are less common subjects in Scouting. My target idea was directed more at the reason behind the questions that people ask no matter what type. Their inquiry may really be deeper and more meaningful than what is on the surface, such as needing, friendship, small talk, interaction. When a person rushes to reply with a quote, then it may be that they are viewed as being high handed, unfriendly, unwilling to share a little extra time. Judging the subject matter by the use of a quick answer may result in being dismissive when a establishing a level of trust first would have brought about the needed reply. So, answers may not be as important as the process. FB

Ollie was carefully chosen as a factional mouthpiece to distort not to exhort the truth. Many are attracted to his style of sensationalism. The public trust was never a consideration. His style, appearance and personality was his presentation. Mickey Dugan proudly wears his Ollie North tee.

Long Haul, Our sincere prayer is that the bad things reported from Congressional doodlings are the exceptions and not the rule because lurking just beneath that is a deep and abiding fear that it is just the tip of a large an implacable iceberg. Selling out such a Country as ours for a few thousand bucks goes far beyond treason and has little to do with being on the fringe of criminal behavior but is rooted deeply within a walking pathological nightmare. All it takes is one quick look around the world to see what the other fellow has chosen to compare with what we have set as our standard. If that one look is not enough to set one's hat on straight, then nothing will fix it not laws with teeth of steel or harsh and unusual punishments. The best that could be done is to set them free in another land that equals their own behavior, and plenty exist. As for those of us attempting to live within the existing laws and reaching for a measure of sanity and order, it is a full time job. Character is not a voyage that we can sail merrily along but seems to be a constant tempest and storm confronting our every move. If we are honest enough to roll up our sleeves, we can compare the scars and share the stories of those trials. There are many shortcuts through the thicket of character that have been trod over time, so it is little wonder when one is found idling along on one. It is the choice that we make after being caught that tells us how much strength remains and if we are worth the salvage. You are right that some of the things that we speak about here are mundane, things not worth much time. What I expect is that most are looking for an answer or seeking something that has little to do with the question. So, it is important that we look beyond the surface and take a little extra care in providing a solution, one that enters the heart. FB

I want to reference the recent departure of Kahuna and some of the things that were stated about how people present. I will attempt this by using summarization and analysis of each statement, all of which I thought to be insightful. I didn't quote directly and I am sure that meanings, both large and small were missed, so forgiveness is requested and of course, responses and additions are welcome. Rulesmongering reminded me how much nicer Scouting used to be and isn't now, so I am leaving the Forum-Kahuna Title: The value and the method of making Reasonable Arguments/Disagreements in an electronic medium or in a large group: More frequently we process verbal communication but when we read we lack most of the cues that we normally expect. So, reading anothers words may reduce understanding and create problems, such as, running people off from the Forum.-purcelce Most of what is discussed in this Forum are rare negative topics with little ensuing consensus; this is true even if the topic happens to be a daily issue. It is much easier to solve these kinds of things in a small group setting in the Scouters own unit or District.-Oak Tree The problems of how we relate in this Forum are vexing; creating a desire to escape but there is a push-pull effect that increases the attraction. Underlying this is the thought that a good argument will effect a positive change but it seldom does. Knowing these things, then we must assume that it is like an addiction and help will be needed to change it.-campcrafter When writing, do so only after reviewing the Scout Law and then present your views clearly, politely and with conviction. Use common sense when giving advice, rather than immediately quoting the BSA policy, or suggesting the use of the Commissioner Corps.-KC9DDI When an individual asks for advice, dont tell them to merely follow the rules.-Oak Tree In written form rule enforcing appears to be closer to bullying than trying to share information.-Double Eagle Pontificating ones position is viewed as being rude, arrogant and "greater-than-thou". Disagreement, constructive criticism, and unique perspectives, helps to recognize faults and leads to improvement.-KC9DDI So, there is value in the many constructive disagreements of this Forum.-Oak Tree Increasing ones reason in this medium is related to amount of ones involvement or time allotted.-Kudu Taking a vacation/break allows one to share wisdom rather than the opposite.-Trevorum Read without replying or pick a few topics to reply to and then only after thoughtful consideration.-Double Eagle If we do leave, then we should remember that all of the good we have done in Scouting remains.-t158sm The Council Commissioners (Leaders) role is not one of enforcement but to advise when asked. Little is to be advanced when a relationship has not acquired a level of trust that allows one to do so.-Kahuna In your own unit or District, enforce rules when there is a safety violation; that is acceptable. Other rules can be dismissed during a private conversation which reduces the accompanying emotion. But, giving advice in the Forum should be tempered with more kindness than information and that is the real key to success.-purcelce Remember, many are sincere in their desire to help and be friends and they want to be appropriate and are willing to forgive and ask forgiveness.-campcrafter How should we act when we know that we will not be heard? We take the little that we have and slowly make our way along listening for God in spite of the silence. Aquila calva When you do hear Gods words and accept Gods love then quickly give it away to everyone. It is only with this kind of care that we will harvest the fruits of friendship. Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ Thanks to everyone for your words that have added to my own understanding about a difficult topic. FB

Knowles, an English artist, painted during the early part of the 20th century. This picture, not confirmed by a rapid search from misplaced boxes in the attic nor from a faulty memory, as being a BL cover but it looks like it could have been. Although a beautiful picture, the WWI English BS uniforms worn might not have been acceptable by J. West, known for his control over such things. I will also say that the patrol colors on the right shoulder, too small for accurate identification, may belong to the Bear patrol, as it should be and as I am prone to point out. Others in the Forum may have much better information. The blending of the American flags with English things is confusing but historical accuracy may not have been the intent. Since these are children and dogs on parade, the point may be that children are less discriminating and highly excitable. Lastly, it may be that there was great excitement about America entering the war and that it was seen by all as being remarkable. America had ended its' self imposed isolation to begin the great crusade against the Hun. A war that had dragged on too long with the usual cruelty, staggering death tolls and new barbarisms was about to end. Hope abounded. FB

I suppose asking about the validity of the 1.2 million membership count would miss the point?

Kahuna, I respect you and the time that you have spent here and your many contributions. You are most likely leaving the Forum for possibly all of the right reasons. You may also be taking a much needed vacation or you may simply need to seek other vistas. Most here seemed to have experienced something meaningful whether it was opinion, fact or emotion, so I assume treasure is being carried away. I believe that this place is a good place to camp, of course it is not the only one and camping is not the only activity, even in Scouting. Since I first began writing in this forum, I was once accused of being the reason for all of the bad things in Scouting, so with a label like that it kind of makes me an expert on the negatives. I have also had run-ins with a couple of other fellows here and neither time was it a red letter day for me. I wish I had held my peace, had reason to reach for patience, and/or sought guidance from above but the small earthly things appeared more important and were fed by an over abundance of pride so I held to the lesser road instead. My wife, a person rich in insight, love and resilience has on numerous occasions fell victim to a husband who is also possibly the reason for things being bad elsewhere. She has shown courage in the face of bad argumentation and indifference to reasoning that falls far short of significant. As I have learned from her over the years, the outcome of such conflict is nothing more than a red face, an apology, forgiveness, a renewal for a search for alternatives, forgetting of the reasons of the initial conflict and a closer communion. That relationship has come to be my understanding of marriage. In Scouting we are not married to each other but we take an oath of friendship. We may also camp together on the tops of mountains and view sites that defy words and that can rarely be captured in pictures but the opposite experiences are also often the case. Our circle of friendship remains in spite of differences and because we are destined to have them but we are still bound together. I hope the best for you on your impending voyage and will be hoping for your safe return wherever and whenever that may be. FB

Kahuna, I respect you and the time that you have spent here and your many contributions. You are most likely leaving the Forum for possibly all of the right reasons. You may also be taking a much needed vacation or you may simply need to seek other vistas. Most here seemed to have experienced something meaningful whether it was opinion, fact or emotion, so I assume treasure is being carried away. I believe that this place is a good place to camp, of course it is not the only one and camping is not the only activity, even in Scouting. Since I first began writing in this forum, I was once accused of being the reason for all of the bad things in Scouting, so with a label like that it kind of makes me an expert on the negatives. I have also had run-ins with a couple of other fellows here and neither time was it a red letter day for me. I wish I had held my peace, had reason to reach for patience, and/or sought guidance from above but the small earthly things appeared more important and were fed by an over abundance of pride so I held to the lesser road instead. My wife, a person rich in insight, love and resilience has on numerous occasions fell victim to a husband who is also possibly the reason for things being bad elsewhere. She has shown courage in the face of bad argumentation and indifference to reasoning that falls far short of significant. As I have learned from her over the years, the outcome of such conflict is nothing more than a red face, an apology, forgiveness, a renewal for a search for alternatives, forgetting of the reasons of the initial conflict and a closer communion. That relationship has come to be my understanding of marriage. In Scouting we are not married to each other but we take an oath of friendship. We may also camp together on the tops of mountains and view sites that defy words and that can rarely be captured in pictures but the opposite experiences are also often the case. Our circle of friendship remains in spite of differences and because we are destined to have them but we are still bound together. I hope the best for you on your impending voyage and will be hoping for your safe return wherever and whenever that may be. FB

O.T. I will bite. I do not follow the speed limit all of the time. I do follow it when I don't want to worry about getting stopped or when I have started early for an appointment or when Scouting. I went to court once for getting out of a traffic line that had signage three miles prior to a construction zone. I didn't see any barriers nor any construction. Since I had used the road before, I knew that the exit was around the next curve in the road. I put on my blinker and pulled over into the empty lane to exit. What I didn't know was that around that next curve were several policemen waiting for just such an incident. Even though I put my blinker on and safely reentered the line, I was spotted and fined. Just before I was to appeal to the heartstrings of the judge, I listened to a similar story told by another perpetrator. He and I were both astonished to hear his judgment which was that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and deserved the $200. fine, no options allowed. I turned on my heal and went out and paid the fine. What did I learn from this? Even if a person makes an honest attempt at following the rules and believes that he is doing things correctly that he can still be judged to have done it wrong so be careful to follow the rules and do not approximate them. Should people follow common sense and not follow the rules in Scouting? My advice is that a judge will be more prone to listen to a person that was following the rules when an incident occurred than his common sense. I also have it on good advice from an insider that the B.S.A. will be more prone to back a leader that was following the rules when an accident occurred than otherwise. My question regarding accidents is when will they most likely occur? Murphy has it that accidents will happen when you are least prepared and least expect it. Common sense generally has those two elements as a common denominator. I know. It has already cost me $200. FB

I work daily with a policy and procedures manual that has state and federal guidelines/rules for working with people with disabilities. I have also worked in school systems where we had state and federal guidelines/rules for the same. There are far more than 7 rules and/or pages to try the limits of one's understanding. Problems appear frequently and they stem from personal perspective, background knowledge and experience. Generally, it is not in the way the item is written but in the way the person perceives it. A federal monitor that has far more insight on the interpretive background will also put their own spin on a rule, meaning that the next monitor may reverse the previous dictate (*so get out your eraser). When this happens, most will exclaim how stupid the previous person was but the image that always forms in my mind is the one about the three blind men defining an elephant by touching a different part of its anatomy. In their own way each is correct but together they may even be more correct than they were alone or they may all still be stumped. The Cub Scouts have the right idea. FB

I went to a Summer Camp every year from 11 until I graduated. There were rules but I was never harangued for an hour by anyone. Rules were given in short order and we were expected to follow them. As an adult, I staffed and ran Camporees, Cuborees, Cub Swim and Scout Swim lessons. I have taught in and managed Cub Day Camps, Resident Camps, Scout Camps, Camps for the Disabled. Rules are reviewed quickly and the action begins. Sessions, depending on the camp, may not even be an hour in length, so I am not sure what kind of camp or Council is involved with the rule overload. As a former shop teacher, if the class was two hours, thirty minutes was for lecture and response, then we spent and hour and fifteen minutes working and had the last few minutes to clean up the area. I question authority where I see abuse or am unclear about a rule. My son does the same. If he perceives an injustice, he reacts. My students were encouraged to do the same but they needed little encouragement because they were the ones who generally broke them. Rules are a good counter balance to ensure compliance with a safe environment where fun can and should be paramount. There is a standard that should be used by any director or teacher. If the student/Scout runs to your class, then you know they are expecting to learn and to have fun. By the way, running in the hall is not allowed. It is unsafe, so if you see somebody doing it, just remind them to slow down. FB

The Scout Oath is a goal with several parts, none which is more important than the other and is aspired to but seldom obtained by its' practitioners. Most of the development is done by the individual in solitary thought, thinking about the lessons imparted by the leaders and related experiences. There are but a few times in the life of any one Scout that a lesson is driven straight home for the Scout to accept. There is always freedom to think through the high ideals and morals that are learned, taught and demonstrated. Scouting is a game where reason is paramount and forced acceptance of dogma is generally not the key method, unless there is immediate danger. Scouting is not a religion and should not be treated as such because the leaders are generally not professionally trained in the religion, generally do not have a degree in the religion or the teaching of it and the participants do not come there for religious training. The very idea of God is difficult to understand or to accept, unless a person decides that they can instantly arrive at Good Works as well as a solid Faith in a being much higher, stronger and more knowledgeable than themselves. It takes time to emulate such a Being and it is a lack of time that appears to be a problem in such cases as this. FB

PS, My boys and I loved the TB song. gwd Two stories: 1. As a Scout, my best summer camp memory was when our SM had us pack lightly for an overnighter. We departed directly after supper in canoes and paddled across the lake to an island. Before dark we played games in the canoes and in the water. We then threw our sleeping bags and ground cloths down and slept beneath the stars and a bright moon. It was cold but we were tired and slept hard. The early morning return trip to a hearty breakfast was even better. That extra trip cost nothing to the program but was worth more than all the rest. 2. I don't fish but once every twelve years and only then by mistake. Scott, the youngest and smallest Scout in our unit came up to me after dark on Wednesday night and confessed a little home-sickness. As SM, I wasn't sure of the depth of his feelings but I listened to a few of his stories about his Dad and how he had gone with him and the other boys in their family to the lake. They had fun times over simple and silly pleasures worth a great deal to Scott. Something was said about fishing, so I agreed to go. I also confessed that I didn't have a fishing pole and that we should not infringe on the program. Scott lit out to his tent and soon returned with a fishing pole for me and one for him. Along the way he also picked up two other Scouts that were equally excited about the impending outing. I agreed to get up at 4:30 A.M. and go when the "fishing is good". That morning came awfully early and with it was about six or so Scouts along with Scott. Down to the lake we all went where we began baiting and throwing in our lines in all manner of ways and directions. Of course, mine got tangled with another Scout's immediately and we spent the next half hour untangling our lines and all the while there was chattering expectations being hurled all about us. The next thing I knew amid all of the laughter, jokes and funny things was that it was about 7:30 and time to get cleaned up for breakfast. Nobody had caught anything or even come close to a fish but that fishing expedition was well remembered by all. A few weeks later, Scott came up to me with his Dad and they both thanked me. A few years later, I spoke to our unit as a former SM. I recounted a few stories all having to do with great adventures and the Scouts that were in them. Scott's fishing trip was one. Scott was a Junior Leader in the Troop and his Dad was with him. I felt a little home-sick. FB

Being able to decide what is right is not always the easiest position to have in life. Ethical decisions can begin with a body of knowledge that is based on local authority, meaning that the group decides what is correct. Correctness may be a mirror of what a family believes to be right or a church, etc. Some may choose to defer to universal truths, such as the Ten Commandments, the Golden Rule, or the Constitution. Others may look to role models that have shown the way for others to follow or shown others how to live. Some may want rules simply to reduce hurt, harm or violence. If the decision comes down to two parties taking the opposite side of an issue and one party decides the path by force, then morality takes on an absolutist position. Yet, others may try to balance all rights of all parties by using a centrist approach. Then there is the situational approach that allows the environment or the situation to decide what is right and wrong. There are those that believe that correctness is based on safety, protection of the weak, empathy, fairness, consent, trust, and knowledge. Whatever the decision that is made, it must be made in the light that people have studied and argued for centuries without arriving at a fundamental conclusion on the best method. It is without a doubt that politics is the least harmful and not always satisfying method at arriving at those conclusions that we have today. FB

Regarding training programs available for its' membership and the BSA, the BSA not only compares with any other organization but surpasses most if not all. Generally, the problem is with the indivdual volunteer refusing to partake of that which is offered and refusing to follow the program that they were trained on. The next link is the non-existent quality control and then lack of follow-up and lack of use of the Executive to police the problem once it is recognized. This doesn't take into account CO's that know nothing about birthin' and supporting that which they have delivered. The big problems do get attention but all of the rest is swept away with the wind. FB

I deal with this issue almost daily in a State Agency. We require that a person with a drug habit complete a recognized Rehab. program and be clean and sober for six months prior to us taking an application. The reason I share this is that it is a good policy, one that works. If they meet the criteria, then we keep the door open for periodic drug checks for another six months. We request that they be in a follow-up or maintenance program as well. The problem that occurs frequently is affected reasoning and a decision to continue with past relationships. There has to be a significant break with past habits for an individual to keep with their new decision. It is a recovery process that they need and you should be aware of instead of simply casting a weary eye in their direction. What I have stated is not the BSA policy but drug/alcohol habits are difficult to change and recovery is not automatic. I also agree that the Committee Chair and the CO be made aware of the possible problem. To give it little credence is to possibly invite a larger problem. Boys don't keep secrets and all it takes is one to bring it out into the open. Once the parents have the information and find that the issue was not addressed, or worse, kept secret, then it may develop into an issue of mistrust for the leadership. FG

My parents read to me very little and I had just a few books as a child. The two that I remember were Mother Goose and H. C. Anderson's Fairy tales; both the stories and the pictures made me sick. As I learned to read, it was and remained a school chore until the nineth grade. During that fateful year, a young lady lured me into the library to become an aide so that I could get out of study hall. She was cute and funny so we worked side by side, usually hiding far back in the shelving units to talk and laugh while pretending to put books away. One day it happened. You know what I mean. We were getting close to each other and I accidently put my hand on the wrong thing. It was bound to happen with that much contact. I had finally put my hand on a book; one about the sea and I began to read. I was carried away into another world of adventure. I read it twice. It was so good that that I actually believed that someone had put the book into the library by mistake or had done so as a wicked act. I was never sure which it was but it certainly did the trick. I didn't change overnight because I had been jaded by this cruel and unusual act. Once I had been exposed through "literacy knowledge", I knew that a person could actually write something that was exciting. Nobody asked me to write a book report on it but I could have done that and/or put on a three act play in front of the class, if only the requirements and the opportunity had connected. There was so much more to high school than sports, social activities, running around and visiting with my many, many friends. I also learned to put in the minimum amount of study time and only then when forced by a deadline. I graduated in the bottom third of my class, which made my parents so proud of me and, of course, put the colleges scouts into an absolute frenzy. I sent off the results of my Entrance Exam to three colleges and the one with the lowest entrance standards won the day. They sent me a letter proclaiming that I could enter on a probationary status. So, for the next two years, I struggled against all odds to live up to my reputation. As my study habits began paying the expected dividends, I found myself out on the street. After working at a couple of entry level jobs over the next two years, I discoverd that there was more to me than met the eye. I returned with renewed interest. I had somehow learned to study. I sat near the front of the class. I read my assignments. I wrote my papers. I was on time. I studied. I finished several degrees and certifications. I have several book shelves full of books and once per year haul off several boxes. My sons have their own library of books and we go regualrly to the library and read books every evening. They have books stored in their closet so that as their ability increases in reading and have more difficult questions, we can move up the level. I agree that Video games are addictive and the pay-off for the time spent is noteworthy. Most people that attend college fail because they find other things to do with their lives like working minimum wage entry level jobs. This allows them plenty of time to move up to the next level in the video game of their choice. Books helped me find a career and a life and for that I am grateful. FB

Upon recruiting another Commissioner, we discussed, "Were you ever in Scouting?". His reply was, "Yes, I was a Life Scout." He also commented on how irritating it had always been to him that he had never reached Eagle. That got me to thinking about how many young people over the years that Scouting has affected. We think we know the numbers from year to year but it is not a straight forward addition problem. Maybe we should only count those that have a connection to the Scout Oath and Law. It is by these standards that we measure our thoughts and actions in or out of a Scout uniform. If we have done our best to achieve these goals, then obtaining a badge would no longer be an irritation. If we change our method of accumulating data to include only those that have been affected with the Scouting Spirit, then I am sure there would be far fewer numbers than we now see but it would serve as a reminder that quality program should always be our primary guide because without it, we would miss the boat entirely. FB

Historically, Cavalier was a derogatory term that showed what the typical English Parliamentarian thought of the Royalist side, capricious men who cared more for vanity than the nation at large. One Lords prayer has been remembered in, O Lord, Thou knowest how busy I must be this day. If I forget Thee, do not forget me". It later took on the image of a contemptuous overbearing swashbuckler or swaggering gallant. Even later, it became a pejorative propaganda image of a licentious, hard drinking and frivolous man, who rarely, if ever, thought of God. Edward Hyde, one of the Kings men, said that he "would, without hesitation, have broken any trust, or done any act of treachery to have satisfied an ordinary passion or appetite; and in truth wanted nothing but industry (for he had wit, and courage, and understanding and ambition, uncontrolled by any fear of God or man) to have been as eminent and successful in the highest attempt of wickedness as any man in the age he lived in or before. My sincere hope is that this does not apply.

FS, We had a guy here for a while that could quote the chapter, verse but he was more political than any of the politicians that you now read. Getting an answer to a Scouting question is tricky because of the heavy personal baggage we all lug around. I think you do what you just did, which was to add up all of the responses and divide by the number of respondents and hope the average is not mean, pun intended. FB

Whenever a person looks backward in time and attempts to piece it together using the records, there is a distinct probability that the report will be measured using today's standards and not those of the original. This is like the Monday Morning Quarterback replaying the game without so much as being in the stands or watching on T.V. Take some of the present day events in our world and try to make sense of them. Wait fifty years and then see how right or wrong you are on those issues. Judging B.P. by drawing historical assumptions and mingling present day standards is to take a compass bearing on an individual that is assured to miss the mark. Most in Scouting accepts that B.P. was fully human and that what he did was exceptional in spite of his humanity. His legacy stands in spite of those that wish to besmirch one individual's life that was outstanding by any measure. The author of the article would also benefit from looking further into Scoutings history. There have been changes over the years and several have tried to make it more relevant. Some of the changes have lasted and some have been a disaster. We have yet to see a time that Scouting hasn't changed something. There are people constantly calling for changes within the BSA at all levels. Visit your local District Committee meeting and get involved deep enough to hear the continual drumbeat of change. It is always there but change doesn't occur overnight; it takes time. The basic standard of Scouting is the Scout Law. It was changed in the U.S.A. early on when James West added the last three points of the Scout Law. Today, we feel that the twelve points of the Scout Law embodies all that is necessary to be prepared for life even though B.P. thought that ten was enough. I imagine that several of us here would be willing to add a few more if only we could and if given the chance. We don't know what will happen in the future much like we have a difficult time knowing or appreciating what went on in the past. We just hope that when it comes our time to make changes that we have the wisdom to know what is right and what will keep us on course. FB

Troop_Dad, Let me rephrase. Have everyone camp 1,000 yards apart with their hands in plain sight so everyone will remain moral. I am sure this will do it. FB