jackmessick

Once inducted into the Order of the Arrow, you are a member for life. However, you must join the lodge associated with your local council. This is done by providing some sort of evidence that you were in Order of the Arrow (old membership card, or perhaps your old council can verify your membership for you). If you completed the Vigil Honor, you should have a certficate to that effect. On the uniform, only active (i.e. dues-paying) members of Order of the Arrow may wear the ribbon and the lodge flap.

If you can find a nearby log home construction company, or someone who makes rustic log furniture, they might give you a lead as to where to find such poles. Look in the yellow pages. Out here in Idaho, we actually have a couple of retail stores that sell poles for the hobbyist as well. But then, we have a lot more forest out here. jack

I think that part of LNT was a reaction to the early 70s, when it seemed tents were made in only one color -- international orange. I remember my troop having huge four man tents with flys, all of it made of the "new" ripstop nylon, in international orange. Each patrol had one of these, plus the international orange tarps. You couldn't NOT notice us from a distance. (Of course, the noise of teenage boys would have given us away anyway!) That "fluorescent" orange material was even used for backpacks (take a look at the official BSA "Rayado" pack of the 1970s) by just about every camping equipment manufacturer (even for sleeping bags!). I just don't see the red jacket as being quite that garish. And like others have mentioned, sometimes you may want to be seen (such as hunting season and when lost). jack

"We did not attend summer camp for the last two years, because we didn't have the boys to attend. Our only boy who is Eligible for OA, has attended NYLT (out of council, since ours didn't get enough boys registered) and Jambo." Wow. If our council operated this way, most troops could never go to summer camp. Troops sponsored by the Latter Day Saints are typically not much bigger than 6 scouts (they use Scouting for their male youth group program). Why are small troops penalized this way? Is it just a matter that because you have less than 10 boys, the adults can not go for free or at a reduced rate? I would suggest finding another small troop and reserve a campsite together, if 10 is the minimum. And a minimum number of boys in a troop should not be a requirement for NYLT. I think a minimum rank, a minimum age, and at least one long-term camping experience (more than 3 nights) is appropriate. Sounds like some ridiculous things going on in your council, or you are getting the wrong information. As far as Order of the Arrow: Local Lodges are allowed to determine a season for elections. The national OA guidance suggests a letter written to each Troop about the elections, but does not require it. I think typically these elections are held in the late winter and early spring, so that the Ordeals can take place prior to summer camp. This is so that the work projects can be performed prior to the summer camp season. Then, as others have mentioned, sometimes there is a fall ordeal weekend to catch candidates who could not attend the spring Ordeals. However, not every Lodge is as rigid as that. The council I am in now has four ordeal weekends, and you can go to any of them. I find it a little strange if your local lodge has its election season in the fall, but that could be the case. Also, there is no minimum time between an election and attendance at an Ordeal. Finally, the Jamboree and NYLT experience your 15-year-old has had qualify him for the "long term camping" requirement for OA; it does not have to be a council summer camp week. It could be your own troop's long term camp, done at a place and time of your own choosing. The OA lodge should have some sort of elections committee chairman, a youth, who should be able to arrange for an election in your troop. An election team should show up at a prearranged time. They will give a presentation on what the OA is and will ask your Scoutmaster to verify that at least half of all active troop members are present. They should run the election, and the results passed to the Scoutmaster. He can either announce who got elected or can keep it a surprise until the "call-out" ceremony. I believe the rule is that the candidate must attend an Ordeal within 365 days of his election. The next election must occur at least 365 days later and not before. As far as the Lodge Advisor, if you continue to have problems with him, contact the professional scouter in your council who is responsible for monitoring and oversight of the Order of the Arrow program (usually an additional duty for a District Executive, or whatever they call them now). jack

I am a Scoutmaster, so don't know a lot about Cub Scouts. However, a co-worker of mine mentioned that his two boys are entering Tigers. At the first Pack night, the parents were informed that there was an annual fee, including registration, of $40.00 per boy, plus they would have to buy uniforms, and finally, the boys were given Popcorn ordering sheets to raise even more money. So, maybe not the best time to fling that at people brand new to Cub Scouts (all they do is raise money?). But the $40.00 fee per boy seems like an awful lot. There is no guarantee that this will be the end of paying for things such as the Pinewood Derby. So I am just trying to find out if that is pretty normal for Packs to charge that much up front for registration, or should they find a different Pack? jam

The application for the USA contingent has been posted online. You (the Adult) must get approval from you local council prior to sending the application on to National HQ. You must also provide a check for $500.00. There should be a council World Jamboree chairman. You can get the application, in PDF format, from this web site: http://www.scouting.org/jamboree/world/ go to the bottom of this page for the link to both applications. I didn't read what boys need to do. The above rules apply only to adults, as far as I know. jack

I went to the Jamboree in 1977. I recall bringing two shirts that had the sleeves altered to reflect the Jamboree troop (that is, I changed everything on the sleeves and left the pockets alone, although I sewed the jamboree patch above the right pocket). I think that would be a pretty good rule. Frankly, I would think the jamboree OA flap is optional. But I also brought one uniform from my "real" troop. No one kicked me out of the jamboree or sent me home early. No arrests from the uniform police. However, he MUST hold on to the jamboree ID card and carry it with him wherever he goes. It is the only way to prove he is a "paying" member of the Jamboree, and entitled to participate in all activities. jam

You didn't mention where in the country the camp is. Here in Idaho, you will need long pants in the morning, and then can wear shorts during the afternoon. When it comes to the shirt, we have the boys buy one short sleeve shirt. In the mornings in summer camp, or during cool weather in the autumn or spring, the boys wear a long-sleeve t-shirt underneath (usually a red long sleeve T with our troop logo) the uniform shirt; the boys stay warm and still have the uniform appearance. If the camp is only 7 days, I would bring a pair of shorts, a pair of long pants, and a short sleeve shirt. Then bring enough underwear and socks that fits the boys personality (if he's a "Felix Unger" about things, probably a change for each day; if more Oscar Madison, maybe half that).

The same thing happened in the 1960s; there were 5 years between the 1964 and 1969 Jamboree. The reason for this was that America hosted the World Jamboree in 1967, and the BSA needed two years between events. Earlier posts have mentioned the 2007 World Jamboree, which is certainly a consideration. It will be held during the 100th anniversary of Baden-Powell's Brownsea Island experiment, in late July and early August. To sign up for more information, here is the web-site: http://www.scouting2007.org/english/register.php I would assume that, within the next 6 months, the BSA will announce plans for its American contingent (how many troops, pre-jamboree training, cost, etc.) jam

This is why the mothers in our troop have modified the sashes. They add a buttonhole, or a piece of cloth with a buttonhole on the inside of the sash, so that the sash can be buttoned to the epaulette on the right shoulder. jack

try http://www.meritbadge.com whoever keeps this site going does a great job. jack

Reference ScoutNerd's question about "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington". The group Jefferson Smith (James Stewart) leads is called the "Boy Rangers," an allusion to Boy Scouts.

The concept of the "Weather Burro" probably is a spoof of the word "Weather Bureau", which is what the federal National Weather Service used to be known as prior to 1970. So it is kind of a joke that doesn't work except with older generations. The weather rock was what I saw a lot as a Camper and on Staff at Scout Camp. It is a lot simpler than a complicated burro. Just lash up a stout tripod and hang the biggest rock you can get from the top of the tripod for the best effect. At my Youth Leader Training (called TLD in those days), they used a "Weather Brick", which was a lot easier to mount. jack messick National Weather Service, Pocatello ID

Some troops have bands of a dozen or more. I don't think the Musician badges are worn much by anybody. Parades used to be a form of entertainment in small towns during my "good old days" (1960s and 1970s); nowadays you just don't see them. I think they were also used for boy-run marching bands at National Jamborees. Your three musicians would probably be better served by awarding them bugler office badges.

I don't think it has changed, but I believe your son should, at least to regular troop meetings or parades in which the troop participates, wear the hat decided on by the troop (hopefully the boys got to vote on it). If he is attending other things by himself (such as Junior Leader Training, Order of the Arrow lodge/chapter functions), he could probably wear the campaign hat. Perhaps the troop has not decided on headgear; in which case he is probably OK as well. jack

Actually, the BSA adopted the latest U.S. Army headgear in the Campaign Hat. Most Anglo-armies had such hats shortly after the turn of the century. B-P's hat was different in color and slightly different in shape from the BSA's headgear. After WWII, the Overseas Cap was adopted by the BSA after it was adopted during WWII by the U.S. Army. In the 1970's, after the military started having some elite units wear a beret, it came into use in the BSA (until confusion of the bright red beret with youth gang colors and associations such as the Guardian Angels ended it sometime in the mid- to late 80s). Online, I have found a the military surplus campaign hats for anywhere from 24.95 to 44.95, depending on whether used or new, and availability of sizes, etc. Buy the Hatband combination from national supply for about another $25.00, and you can save quite a bit of money, though it is still pricey for headgear that can wilt in the rain. I think the BSA hat is a little higher quality, but in the end the two look very similar. jack

The Venture Patrol structure is discussed in the latest Scoutmaster Handbook. The requirements are the same as for the leadership corps of the 70s: 14 years old or older, First Class Rank. There is a tan and red "VENTURE" strip they can wear above the "BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA" strip. Venture Patrols still wear red "fruit loops" on their shoulders. Green are only for Venture Crews. The Scoutmaster Handbook recommends an Assistant Scoutmaster be made the chief adult adviser to the Venture Patrol. Venture Patrols cannot be co-ed; only separately charterd Venture Crews can be co-ed. It is interesting to note that in the Scoutmaster Handbook of the late 1940s, they recommended having an "Explorer Patrol" for the senior scouts. Of course, the Explorer Patrol idea was later expanded into the whole Explorer program. Similarly with Venture Patrols and Venture Scouting. So for the past 50-60 years, there has always been a "senior" Scouting program, just by some other name, whether Explorer Patrol, Senior Patrol, Leadership Corps, or Venture Patrol. Of course, there is also the Varsity Program now, though I am not too familiar with that. jam

I tried this once with some council strips. What happens is you get this semi-translucent white coating on the patch, and it looks terrible. Plus it still has puckering if the patch has been washed and there is any twill exposed (that is, the patch is not 100% embroidered).

OGE: I used to think that the recidivism rate was nearly 100%, as you did, but the newspaper article I mentioned gave a recidivism rate of 3.5%. And some psychiatrists say there are 4 types of pedophiles. Others disagree. So what the Sam Hill are us laymen to do!!?

The channel 6 news story does not fully capture what went on. The in-depth reporting was done by the Idaho Falls Post-Register. http://postregister.com/scouts_honor/part1.php I will say this, the Scouts were told a number of times that Mr. Stowell was "cured" of his pedophilia by Mr. Stowell's counselors. Sadly, the people who knew about his previous problems didn't even give the subsequent new camp director any idea of this. The newspaper article also indicates that there are still psychiatrists who say that pedophiles can be rehabilitated. However, I think it wise to not hire anyone with this in his background; I hope other councils learn from this. A civil suit of undisclosed amount was settled out of court with the victims (there go the FOS dollars!). Even sadder--was that the boys weren't believed. This should reinforce to all adult scouters, whether paid or volunteer. Report immediately to both Scout Executive and the Police. Let them do the investigation.

Just a follow up with everybody. I hate to say it, but Mike F. was right. We emphasized, twice, that if you don't know everybody, you should abstain, and that there was nothing wrong with that. But I think these boys were excited about being able to vote for something, and they all voted for boys they knew from school. I wasn't sure of the school affiliation (I'm just an ASM), but our Scoutmaster was, and he figured it out from the results later that night. His desire is to void this election, since the earliest Ordeal is still months away, and let the boys get to know each other better, at least for more than one month and a one overnight camp. I am talking to the local Lodge adult leadership now about this, but am not too confident this will be an option. While I would not recommend Mike F's not allowing boys to vote, future recommendations are 1) have an election before any influx of new boys (I always thought that happened more in September than in February/March, but I guess that is no longer the case). 2) have the election 2 or 3 months after the influx. sadder but wiser, jam

There is the honor Patrol award, described in the Patrol Leader Handbook. The requirements occur over a 3 month period, I believe. And the patrol is competing against a standard, rather than each other. For individual games, you might want to hand build a simple trophy that gets passed to the patrol who wins the game at the troop meeting or at the camp. Perhaps the winning patrol has to add something to it. Any contests that last over 3 months get tiresome, and usually one patrol is way ahead of the others, and the other patrols are inclined give up.

We will be having Order of Arrow elections in a couple of weeks, the first one ever for the troop (currently I am an adult leader and the only one in the troop that is an active member of O.A.). But just last week we added 8 new Scouts from a local Webelos den. So I should think that they wouldn't feel comfortable voting for people they barely know. But if they vote for nobody, then it makes it tougher for the candidates to get elected. OR, can the new boys abstain and have the vote neither count for or against? I don't have a Lodge Officer and Adviser's guide, so I am not sure what the accepted rule is. jam, a.k.a. Klamachpin

I would like to speak up for that Purell stuff, and stuff like it. In my work, I have been sent to camps for forest fires at a wildfire incident. They basically operate a dining hall facility, and for the last 6 years or so, they have made washing stations filled with Purell mandatory in the camp area. Usually it is the first part of the serving line for meals. Even the portable latrines must have a small version of the wash station with this Purell anti-bacterial stuff. The end result: the usual "camp crud" virus that appeared 4 to 6 days into the incident no longer happened. That means more fire fighters available for work rather than under the care of the medical officer for a cold/sore throat/cough/fever. I should think that if it works for wildland firefighters, it should work for Scouts. jack messick

I would like to speak up for that Purell stuff, and stuff like it. In my work, I have been sent to camps for forest fires at a wildfire incident. They basically operate a dining hall facility, and for the last 6 years or so, they have made washing stations filled with Purell mandatory in the camp area. Usually it is the first part of the serving line for meals. Even the portable latrines must have a small version of the wash station with this Purell anti-bacterial stuff. The end result: the usual "camp crud" virus that appeared 4 to 6 days into the incident no longer happened. That means more fire fighters available for work rather than under the care of the medical officer for a cold/sore throat/cough/fever. I should think that if it works for wildland firefighters, it should work for Scouts. jack messick