Gonzo1

I think it kinda ties in with the knot tying and Tenderfoot stuff. You just never know when you're gonna need the skills. Whether it's knot tying, saving a life in this case with first aid or any other basic scout skill, the basics just make a lad a better, more prepared person.

Hopefully, a compromise can be reached and hold the course somewhere between the two locations.

Sometimes the scout (or former scout, particularly and Eagle Scout) is expected to "perform" at a higher than average leverl. for example, about a year and a half ago, my church had a campout. i couldn't attend due to Army Reserve duty, but Mrs. gonzo took the kids, had fun and got wet when it rained. Nearly everyone in the group got wet, except the Eagle Scout who happened to be on the trip, slept in an improvised shelter and made fire from wet wood. As I understand it, he kept everyone fed too. The kot tying is important as are other basic skills like lighting fire by flint and steel, batteries, knots, cooking, etc. You just gotta love this stuff.

My son returned from summer camp last week, I stayed for 2 nights, I had a good time and I know he did too. There seemd to be this rush to get the the parade field, hear "enrighments" and wait, wait and wait some more. The excuse for these troop method summer camps is how efficient it is. Hog wash, I could have cooked and cleaned in the same time and probably had better chow than what came out of the slop chute. Patrol cooking seems to REINFORCE the patrol method. Don't worry dad (and moms), scouts cook for you, their ration includes the proper amount for boys plus adults.

I've looked on several websites to find a summer camp with patrol cooking. I know that the mess hall can be convenient, and the argument about not having to clean up and do dishes and that mess hall camps allow for more time for badges. I've seen camps like Camp Freeland Leslie (in Wisconsin) have patrol cooking and still offer 5 or 6 merit badges and Camp Shands in florida offer patrol cooking at a reduced rate back in the mid 90's. So, where are the summer camps in the Southeast with patrol cooking AND what was your experience like? Thanks, Gonzo

Kudu, I usually agree with your posts. However, there is some competition. There is Royal Rangers, Royal Ammbassadors, YMCA, several denomination related groups, U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Young Marines and so on. I'm sure some of these groupd are good, I've worked with the Sea Cadets for 2 years, I enjoyed it. However, in my opinion, there is no finer organization for young men and boys. Besides, if you ask the Royal Rangers and Royal Ambassadors, they'll say "it's just like the Boy Scouts" (laugh) (This message has been edited by Gonzo1)

It'sMe I would say knot tying has to do with character development as knot tying ability helps someone be self reliant and be prepared.

Nessmuk, I often use the same example of other people in uniforms, especially youth athletics. I suggest that the kid go to the football game in pads, helmet jersey and cut of jeans and of course they say they wouldn't be allowed to play. Blue jeans parents will complain if junior gets a burn mark, stain, hole or some other damage to his $40 jeans. I explain that such a mark on his scout pants is a "badge of honor" and he'll recount the story of how it got there with pride. Gonzo

Rain is one thing, lightning is another. As someone who has been struck by lightning, I have a greater respect than most people. But, if it's just raining, break out the ponchos and move on. Remember: It doesn't rain in the boy Scouts, it rains ON the Boy Scouts.

As Oak Tree points out, the physical size is shrinking. In about 40 years, it may down to a post card. I actually like Boys Life, but I wonder, does the vacuum cleaner motor powered hover craft really work?

Sorry Fred, no offense intended. Gonzo As far as being "infallible", I think Mother Teresa is about as close as one can be, aside from Jesus.

Mel4Scouts, C'mon, you're asking some to boot leg a copy? A scout is trustworthy. Open the wallet, spend a few bucks and buy the movie, it's well worth it.

Indoors or parlour are not methods.

Pardon me Ed, but I'm jumping in here. FScouter, BSA was wrong IMO when they changed to the Oscar de la Renta uniform. Elvis collars, Captain Crunch shoulder loops, ill fitting shirts and pants. The uniform of the 70's was great. We never had a "class B", because it wasn't needed. Shirts stayed tucked in, the uniform held up well against dirt, laundered well too. Bringing in the current ball cap with the red bill-board in front. Goodness, that thing is awful. I believe that BSA was wrong when it decided to allow (duck!, here come the arrows, stones and other ammunition) women as SM's and ASM's. I know and appreciate the valuable contributions women have made to BSA over the last 20 years or so, but as a youth and young ASM, I NEVER saw a woman in a Boy Scout uniform, not at the troop, district, OA, nothing. I know in today's world where the "home for un-wed mothers" no longer exists and being a "single-mom" is actually glorified, woman have played an important role in BSA. Ladies, before you try to beat me up, realize that I will support BSA's rule and welcome the service and role that women make and provide. I'm just saying that I may not exactly agree 'whole-heartedly' with it, but I support it.

I like the idea of using signaling flags as a neckerchief, but.... that would ..... mean some .... sort of .... connecton to, the uh , um, outdoors. EEEK! I wonder ...... Orange and white signal flags would make a nice neckerchief, folded into the triangle, rolled and worn, but someone will fold it the wrong way, wrong the wrong side and wind up looking like a soup sandwich! Hey national, lose the Elvis collars, bring back quality uniform items, upgrade as necessary. G

Maybe some of the kinds of articles found in Backpacker Magazine. Gear reviews, how-to's, tips and tricks, etc. Spotlights on cool destinations. Gonzo

I remember the collarless shirt too. But, I also remember the same era with lightweight shirts and all we did was tuck the collar under and put the neckchief on top. That looked even better than putting the neckerchief on top of the collar. gonzo

I think a cotton / polyester blend is OK. Our troop currently uses a pre-made neckerchief from supply that is embroidered around the edge with the BSA emblem on the back. I recently saw a trop that took the same neckchief and had it customized with the same color thread by adding the town name and troop number. When I was a scout, we had our own neckerchiefs made by a lady in town and then had the troop sew on. When a new scout joined, he was issued a plain blue neckerchief, but, when he became a Tenderfoot, he traded the plain one for the one with the patch. Screen printing may be cheaper, but may not last either.

Is uniforming important? Of course! Is it worth losing sleep? No! I don't think I consider myself part of the UP, but the things that bug me the most are when people wear things on the collars. A female ADC in our council wears an eagle pin on each collar because her sons are Eagle Scouts. She admits it's wrong but does it anyway. I jokingly call her "Colonel". I'm glad that we have active scouts in our troop and most are wearing the shirt and neckerchief, some wear pants, belt, shirt and neckerchief.

Packsaddle, I agree. I didn't commit the "prank", it was another patrol, but a "prank" I had seen. The SPL had searched long and hard, he re-traced his steps, looked everywhere. I'm a jokester, but I wouldn't actually go that far. Besides, you know me, I mean, you actually know me. I'm a funny guy, but I'm not cruel. I only knew one of my staffers before I had attended WB, so I would not be inclined to pull pranks on someone I don't know. And before you ask, I won't pull any pranks on you. Gonzo

Our SPL had his favorite coffee mug with him at all times. One of the tan, military issue mugs. It had his totem, some engraving, etc. a real nice mug. Well, someone had seen it laying out one day and "threw it in a campfire." All that was left was a melted chip of blackened tan mug and burnt leather that once held the totem. He was heartbroken, he almost cried. But later, the original mug turned up, the one in the fire was an imposter.

Gern, I assumed that not believing in creation meant not believing in God. I don't believe man crept out of the water and onto land. Otherwise, a non-verbal reponse: (Shoulder shrug and facial smirk)

Gern, I'll conceed that there are two sides to this. Make retirees continue paying for school taxes and private school vouchers. There's a growing home school approach going on too. I don't like Uncle Sam meddling, period. When I was a lad presented with "evolution" in public school, I decided, not my parents, that i would be present for class, but not participate in the class. I didn't take the exam for that secto, took the failing rade for the exam and my parents supported me. >>> Yeah, I feel the same way when the bible thumpers want my child to say their prayers in school and be taught creationism as an equally competing theory to our origins Can I assume you don't believe in creation? don't believe in God? I also don't favor forced school prayer. My kids have a "moment of silent reflection" at the beginning of the day.

Gern, I didn't mean to suggest not having compulsory education, but rather, not state run schools. My kids attend a public school, a good one too. At the PTO meetings, they actually begin those with prayer, I led one there once. I don't like that my retired neighbors have to pay for public schooling. Complusory education is fine. In fact, we could lower the drop-out rate by raising the mandatory age for school attendance to 21 or obtain a high school diploma, whichever comes first. When competition exists, quality goes up. Since there is little competition with public schools, the (overall) quality is not as good as it could be. I have heard recently that some public schools out west make grade school children watch Al Gore's mockumentary about the environment. Complete waste of taxper money having valuable school time taken up with that nonsense. But, Al gore is a topic for another day. Happy Father's Day.

J Dawg, > but since your just a small little life scout, I don't see you as an authoritative figure This is when the SPL could have said something like 'I AM the authoratative figure, I'm the SPL. Please ask your scout to put away his knife or I'll ask a staff member to' On the other hand, the immature adult could have thanked you for pointing out an usafe condition and then the scouters could have noticed a deficiency in their training.(This message has been edited by Gonzo1)