bacchus

I would really love to see you guys at camp and sit around the fire talking about this stuff. For one thing it would tone everybody down a bit, but also we could discuss these things reasonably. Although I doubt there would be many people saying, "I know Obama has us $50,000 per person in the hole with this national debt thing, let's let him string us along a little farther," or "I don't mind not having a job as long as it's for the good of the country." Just joking there, but it would actually be kind of cool to meet you guys and find out what makes everybody tick.

Calico, "In other words, you got [sic] nothing, you got [sic] nada, to support your contention. If I were you, I'd sue your school teachers for not teaching you the skills needed to prevent you from embarassing yourself in public like this." George W. Bush and his father both appeared at jamborees. That's more than "got" nada.

Me, "he is definitely more supportive toward scouts than the current president." Calico, "Now would you care to explain what exactly President Obama has done that makes you think he doesn't support the Boy Scouts?" The first thing that comes to mind is skipping the Jamboree. Calico, "Please be specific about actions and statements directed at the BSA he's made, and not extrapolate based on unrelated policy statements that you think show a lack of support." So you are looking for an actual quote? Not sure he had a hot mic at the time. Skeptic, "They cannot give you anything of veracity; just the made up stuff thrown all over the net, and the negative opinions about such things as his not actually attending the Jambo in 2010. I for one was glad we did not have to deal with the security issues that would have caused; but his taped presentation was supportive, just as much so as others." It looks like you two are trying to cover all the bases. Skeptic, "Choose the lesser of the evils, so to speak. Unless we can find some way to get the professional politicians out of control, not much will change, IMO." Well, we have a professional politician now. It has put us in a pretty deep hole. A businessman is running against him with a great amount of past success. Let's give a non-politician a try.

Interesting disputes around the web. Whether he is or not, he is definitely more supportive toward scouts than the current president.

Santorum suspended his campaign April 10, 2012. Why?

It's funny that the "Honorary President of the BSA" is running against the guy who can become the first Eagle Scout elected as "Honorary President of the BSA". I know, Ford was an Eagle too, just not chosen by the Electoral College.

What Tokala said. Only adults are to discipline the scouts. Otherwise I believe they call it hazing.

Congrats!

I'm not Catholic, but my suggestion is pretty simple. Get it out there front and center so the youth see it and have a chance to build a desire to earn it. Assuming there is an adult version, have the adults earn it, and wear the ribbon (if there is one) every chance they can. Ask the youth recipients if they would please wear the ribbon or pin whenever it is appropriate - Board of Review, Court of Honor, public appearances, etc. The religious awards (actually working toward earning them) has to be one of the more important functions of a scouting program and helping a young man grow into the responsible and ethical adult he should.

Tahawk, you may or may not be right. Even on this board, nobody can seem to agree on what's best for scouts. If the "helicopter parents" find a unit they are happy with, but it is the wrong way to raise boys, they will either figure it out or suffer the consequences in the long run. They've made their bed, let them lay in it. We don't need to heap insult to them on top of that.

"The family involved after some discussion has decided to move on. They and five other families are leaving. We wish them well. They have a different ideas of scouting than the rest of the troop adults. (Webelos III) ring a bell. Not a bad thing, just not for our troop. When they realized that the SM was not going anywhere and that they where not going to get their way they decided to move on." Actually this is what I would have suggested in the first place. Sometimes there are personality conflicts between scout leaders and either the scouts or their families. There are enough scouting units out there that the scouts and families can find something they like better.

"it will definitely be embarrassing for Romney." It still looks like this is the primary motivating factor.

Seattle, My concerns are still the same, but good answers. So what do you think of the #WarOnDogs and #ObamaDogRecipes ?

Cool, I love discussing politics too, but so many people take offense with just a question. The running joke now is, "How do you make a Democrat squirm and become defensive? Ask him why he is voting for Pres. Obama this time." Anyway, I'm a bit confused as to why Paul and Gingrich are forming a coalition (Is Santorum still in it?). Paul and Gringrich have nothing in common, considering Paul is a Libertarian trying to get some of the support from Republicans. Which is mostly don't mind because I'm kind of a Libertarian at heart - except for the foreign policy part. What I really think the plan is, is that Santorum (who hasn't endorsed anybody once he stepped aside), and Gingrich are running for the next nomination - 2016 or 2020, whichever it may be. That's kind of the pattern in Republican nominations. But that's the root of the problem - if Santorum is running for the next nomination, it's to his advantage if Obama gets re-elected so that Santorum can get the nomination in 2016. Because obviously if Romney gets elected, he's also the nominee for 2016. In fact, if Romney gets elected that sweeps in a whole new crop of Republicans and Santorum might even move farther down the list of next-in-lines. Note that when I say Santorum, I also include Gingrich. They are setting up a nomination fight for 2016. So I see a real conflict of interest in Santorum and Gingrich continuing the nomination fight past where Romney is the obvious nominee. Paul? He's not a serious contender anyway. He's going to stay in the race to the end just to spread the Libertarian gospel, like he did 4 years ago. The shock to me if true, is that his followers are joining forces with two big-government guys.

This is all so interesting how the delegates are chosen, and more specifically WHY. I have so much to say, and to ask, but you might feel like it's an attack. I heard that some guy in Oklahoma got some Democratic delegates so that at the Democratic convention he can protest the party's stance regarding abortion. So my related question to you is, why is there going to be a slate of delegates at the Republican convention that does not support the nominee? I'm sure there's a good reason, but nobody has explained it to me yet.

I see very good points here, so let me add to it. I've reviewed the T-2-1 requirements a number of times, with a number of boys, and believe that if you don't do all of that on an annual basis, the boys are not getting the full program. Those requirements are the basics, the foundation, of what they need to be successful older scouts. I would NOT suggest making an advancement sheet that they, or you, check off for them to earn the ranks. This will make their "fun" seem more like schoolwork, and we know how that ends up... Furthermore I have noticed that the boys who have not earned 1st Class within a year end up progressing very slowly throughout the remainder of their youth in scouting. I'm not sure why, it has just been a trend I have noticed. Whether you want to hold the boys back by not signing off on something until they have mastered it enough to teach it to somebody else is another topic for another thread.

Kidsntow, "Thank you all so much for your insights. It has helped me a lot. I think I will go ahead from here and just do my best with the few things we have left to do. I'll make extra sure they they have the handshake, oath, etc down. I want them to stand proud and feel confident. Indeed, the boys the boys have done all that has been asked of them. I've talked to their next scout master and he seems very gung-ho and organized, so I think they will be in good hands as they move on." Best solution.

In some of the training I received I remember this being an issue that gets handled by the Committee. The CC may not want to take the torch on one hand, but on the other hand he is obligated to perform (or oversee) the Committee responsibilities. That includes recruitment of a new CM. Thinking you have to do it all is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I'll always be shocked at the price. $2000? Why does the BSA need a $100,000,000 profit? How about reduce price so the average scout can attend.

I get the switchback pants from Bass Pro Shops. They have colors to match both Scouts and Venturing.

"Personally, I've been trying to steer my youth towards Kodiak, but they aren't biting." Great idea! By the way, you can attend Kodiak CDC and turn your next crew Trek into a Kodiak It isn't as difficult as it sounds, and is very rewarding.

I read the "hate" post first and now this one. Is this the one that it was referring to? Considering that the official language of the United States under the US Constitution is, hang on a minute let me look. Hold on still looking. Oh wait, somebody on this board is trying to change the Constitution to add an official language? I'm just confused that at this modern age we are still fighting over whether somebody's language is inferior to English. Get over it and work with the diversity that you learn so much about in Woodbadge.

I think the best way to deal with hate is to take the first step; the leap of faith. Also, getting together with someone or a group that you think hates you and providing well-needed service for a third group does wonders for tolerance and understanding.

I don't like that the scouts in your scenario are returning with blue cards.

Venividi, Sure, a SM can "hold back" the boy if that's what they think is best. I won't even argue with you about whether it is best because you are in a better position to know about your scouts. I know that in my council, the Merit Badge University is run by very reputable scouters who put on a very good program at a local college. They actually have college professors teaching Engineering, Robotics, Law, etc. to these scouts. When the scouts leave the activity, their adult leader is given a paper that shows who completed which merit badge, or which items are left for the scout to complete that merit badge. Nobody is given a blue card, and all the information is given to the unit, which takes care of turning in any unit advancement reports. So if you have a scout who wants to participate, what about letting them participate and get a taste of the merit badge training, but withhold merit badge credit? That way they can still meet with a local counselor for individual training, but they still receive the enjoyment of socializing with other scouts, and at least get the base of knowledge that the other scouts are receiving.