Narraticong

BadenP, take a deep breath, slow down, and once again go back and read my earlier posts. You will find I am not a Republican and have no use for their tactics any more than I do for those of the Democrats. I believe both parties are equally to blame for the mess we are in. But you do an adequate job of making my point. Mr. Obama claimed his administration would be different. Bi-partisan? Not happening. No lobbyists in his administration? The exceptions to the rule keep growing. No pork? I don't see Mr. Obama taking the tough stance and getting out his veto pen. He is very quickly proving to be no different than his predecessors. Maybe his intentions were good...maybe. But he is not making good on the promises he made. As to listening to PBS for truthful news, that really gives me a chuckle. As a matter of fact, I do listen to PBS every day. Along with local AM radio. I also read USA Today, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and both major metro dailies in my city. One is left leaning, one is right. I watch ABC, NBC, Fox, CNN, and MSNBC. You see I am somewhat of a new junky. I guess it comes from having a BA in Journalism and working in the newspaper business for over 25 years. So, maybe it's a crazy idea, but I tend to listen to stories from all sides. Then if it interests me, I do a little of my own research. In the end, I may develop my own opinion on a subject. I am a conservative, but not a Republican. I am against abortion, but equally against the death penalty. But I will hang on to my guns and use them against those who threaten deadly force. in other words, I make my own decision on each issue. Nobody on either side of the fence makes my decisions for me. Be careful how you judge those you don't know much about.

I hope everyone will take the time to read the second paragraph of the original post very carefully. Then read it again. Then print it and put it in your wallet. These few words speak to the heart of what Scouting is all about. This boy was obviously struggling with his home life. Scouting was providing him with the stability he did not have at home. Probably some good male role models. Probably some close friends who love him as he is. Probably some activities which take him away from an unhappy home life. Probably some leadership and advancement opportunities which help him see his self-value. As leaders, we need to be aware of just what Scouting can mean to our boys. And what we mean to the boys. We may be the best role model they have. It's a big responsibility. But it is also a wonderful privilege we have been granted. Every time I see a story like this I think of one of Norman Rockwell's great Scout paintings. It's called "The Scoutmaster". I'm sure most of you other "seasoned Scouters" (old guys) remember that picture. It's the one with the Scoutmaster standing alone, late at night, outside a row of tents filled with sleeping scouts. That painting expresses perfectly what responsibilities we Scout leaders carry. Every time you do a Scoutmasters Conference, take the time to let the boy know that you care about him. A friendly hug, a pat on the back, a sincere smile, a heartfelt "good job", may just help save a life.

And then, take a marker and cross out the "Boy" in Boy Scouts of America. Absolutely insane.

Well...since Detroit has already been brought up, and it has been mentioned how we suburbanites just don't understand or care about all the troubles in the big city, let me clue you in. I live in a suburb of Detroit, just across the infamous "Eight Mile". The high school my daughter attends is a "school of choice"- meaning students unhappy in their own district can come to school in ours. Being next to Detroit, with a school district which is corrupt and in shambles, many parents opt to have their children come across the border. Two days ago, a boy was assaulted at gunpoint, inside our high school by a young man armed with a gun. Nobody was hurt due to the perfect timing of the bell which filled the hall with students. Three young men have been arrested in the matter. At this early stage it is believed they are students who live outside the district boundaries. Our school has several security personnel and a full time police officer on duty. None, including the officer, are armed. Had this become a shooting, inside the school, how many innocent people may have died before the armed officers could arrive? An armed officer on the scene could quickly assess the situation. Officers are trained to determine the correct way to react- shoot / don't shoot. But at least that option would be available. Somehow, some way, a shooter must be neutralized, and that may just mean shot dead. But so be it. When a person carries a gun with intent to do harm, the value of his life drops well below that of the innocent bystanders and victims. Yes, many of us who live outside the city, but who have to deal with it closely, have little sympathy for those who choose to live outside the law. My father grew up poor during the depression and never found it necessary to rob or shoot anyone. Let's be honest, few serious crimes are committed by the seriously destitute. I would venture a guess that more are committed by just plain thugs. They need to be dealt with.

BadenP, I think you need to go back and read my post a little closer. I didn't mention Rush Limbaugh at all. I don't listen to him. I also certainly did not show support of the Republican party. Actually, I have little use for the current leadership of that party. What I did say, was that Mr. Obama made some grand promises of change during his campaign. But what it appears he wants to deliver is more of the same old, tired, Democratic tax and spend. Although he promised a bipartisan government, he either can not, or will not, deliver on what he promised. The key point is that he made a promise that will likely go unkept. Whether they are Republicans or Democrats, our country can not continue to exist with the current style of elected leaders. Our federal government needs to go back to no more than the basics needed to maintain the union. There is no reason for the Federal government to big "Big Brother".

The fact that many of these skills are not properly explained in current BSA publications shows why it's a good idea to keep pre-1972 editions on hand! As always WWGBBD? Yes, Bill Hillcourt is my Scouting hero! Last week we had a Totin' Chip class for our entire troop. One of our Scouts is really a master presenter of this material. Full size axes and hand axes were discussed. It was taught that most times you could likely save energy by picking fire wood off the ground rather than cutting down trees or cutting up huge logs. But we also remember that Scouting should be fun. And as long as axes are legally sold, Scouts will want to use one. But they were taught the time and place for these tools. The word tool is interchangeable when discussing knives, axes, and saws. Use the right tool for the job. You wouldn't use a sledgehammer to hang a picture on your wall, so why use a double bitted axe to make tent pegs? Our troop meets in a church. Some boys questioned whether they could bring a knife into church. All I asked was whether their knife was intended to be used as a tool or a weapon. They are sharp boys and caught on quickly. I think the purpose of the GSS should be to help Scouters accomplish the mission of Scouting in a safe manner. But your vision of safe and mine may be different. Your level of expertise and mine may be different. That is why they are guidlines. In most cases they are not hard and fast "rules". Accidents in life are going to happen. We can prevent more by having our Scouts get together once a month and watch a movie about the outdoors, or maybe read a book. They would all quickly be obese , bored young lumps with no sense of purpose in life. But they would be safe. Or maybe we could take them for a hike, but only on the paved paths at the local park...as long as they don't go near the possibly rabid squirrels. Now there's some High Adventure for you! Or we can teach them outdoor skills properly, with respect for their tools, nature, and fellow Scouts. Yes, I also have a scar on my leg from a long ago knife accident. But I wouldn't trade the experience for all the video games in the world!

Several folks keep stating that Republicans / Conservatives need to cooperate and work with Presdient Obama and the Democrats to get this country back on its feet. Mr. Obama promised bipartisan efforts. But it has become clear that by bipartisan cooperation, Mr. Obama means "The election was in November, we won, now get over it". I don't think non-Democrats in government were allowed to have any meaningful input into any of the recent legislation. So, of course they are screaming. And yes, they are getting just what they dished out when Republcans were in the majority. They were equally adept at onesideness. The difference today is that a majority of Americans bought into a promise of "meaninful change". But what we are seeing instead is just more of the same. Change is what this country needs. But we are not seeing it now as promised. And I don't see it on the horizon from either one of our current political parties.

As a Scout in the mid 70's, the "Leadership Corps" of our troop was informally named the "Moon Patrol". Sometimes amid our late night mischief, there were six or seven pale moons shining at one time. But I think nearly every member made Eagle. And I think we all became productive, responsible citizens! Today my son is Patrol Leader for the Square Root Patrol. Our other patrol is Patrol X. Go figure.

FScouter got me really thinking on this one. I am the Scoutmaster and often believe the "old ways" are the right ways. This means no electronics on campouts. But my son and the other boys live in a new time. Unknown to me, my son once brought his game machine on a campout and was playing it during downtime. I was questioned about it and had to have him put it away. Similar to FScouter, I received the dreaded question "Why?". I was able to work through the situation and there was no problem. But this discussion gets me thinking. Who does the program belong to? Why should the adults make rules that just suit ourselves? We encourage books for downtime entertainment, even board games. Are we just out of touch? Once again going back to Green bar Bill, my job as Scoutmaster is to provide an exciting, stimulating program. If I do that, much will be accomplished and electronics will not be a problem. And if that happens, who cares if they use electronics during free time?

Many denominations have Scouting organizations. Check with yours to see if they offer any appropriate awards. The National Lutheran Association on Scouting offers some beautiful award certificates which they will personalize and word for whatever your need might be. I imagine other denominations may do they same. These might be just what you are looking for.

I can vouch for the bugles at Scoutbugle.com. I ordered one for my son. I think I paid less than $50.00 with a soft case. It works just fine. Not a fancy instrument, but I'm more comfortable with that being in the field than an expensive trumpet!

I'll jump on the Alps bandwagon. We have used our Taurus tents down to about 10 degrees with no snapping of the fiberglass poles. You flat out won't find an equal quality tent at the same price. The folks at Alps are very helpful and pleasant to deal with. It is a family owned company. We have boys who use the Zephyr model in warm weather. Lightweight and good quality. Easy in and out, full flies. I have one question...why do some units need giant tents for the Scoutmaster. I'm a BIG guy and I often sleep in a 1 man tent, on the ground. Lead by example?

ScoutNut is right on target! As an Eagle Scout and Scoutmaster, it is my privilege and responsibility to know every boy in my troop. If you do not already know what makes this boy tick, then find out. You put your boys to the test to see if they knew the meanings. Now put yourself to the test to see if you can put the words into action! We don't always have success and you can't save every boy. But even if you think you fail today, your words and caring actions may come back to him in the future. We are in this for the boys, and especially for the difficult ones.

Our president said he would bring change. Specifically there would not be the same old Washington insiders and their ways. But that is exactly what we are getting. And yes, Lisa, neophytes with spotless records might be a wonderful thing, real change! I'm tired of those same old insiders who "get things done". A big part of the problem is the way in which they "get things done". It's called "pork". And speaking of neophytes, wasn't that how Mr. Obama sold himself to us? As not being a Washington "insider"?

In an earlier post I mentioned I attended a crossover Sunday with several of our Scouts. The boys handled the crossover as I stood in the background except to shake hands with the new Scouts and parents. Yesterday my wife had her car in for service. The service manager has a younger boy in the Pack. He told my wife that if (when!) his boy joins Boy Scouts it will surely be to our Troop. He said it looks like we do things the right way and that the boys are having fun. So people do take notice of how we do things. I had made it a point to tell the boys to socialize at the Blue and Gold Banquet rather than to sit stiffly at our table. I wanted people to see that Scouts have good manners and could behave as gentlemen without being watched over. These were my Patrol Leaders! Of course I had confidence in them. And the casual comment of an observer proved me right!

When my son was a Cub, our pack started a new tradition involving the crossover bridge. The planks are made of 2 X 4's and there are probably about 15 of them. The near end of the bridge says "Goodbye to Cub Scouts" and the far end says "Welcome to Boy Scouts". Both ends have appropriate symbols. The first Webelos den to crossover took off the first plank a week or so prior to their Blue and Gold. Each boy then signed the plank, as did the leaders. Webelos Den name and symbol went on, too. An adult then either routed or wood burned the signatures into the plank. the plank was then urethaned and placed back onto the bridge. There was now a permanent record of those boys crossing over. It has been about five or six years since that tradition started. Yesterday, the current crop of Webelos crossed over the bridge and saw the names of those who had gone before them. Some of those names belong to the Boy Scouts who welcomed them at the other side. The last plank on the bridge is reserved for any boys who earn Eagle who once belonged to the pack. Within another year or so, names will be going on that plank. It's inspiring to watch the bridge fill up with names every year. I think it gives the boys a sense of history.

Have had a dozen for several weeks now. They take about 6 weeks to receive. I think they look really sharp on the new shirts.

Did a crossover at a Blue and Gold yesterday. As SM, I stood in the background during the ceremony. At the end, I shook hands with and welcomed each boy and his parents. I think that is appropriate. But the boys were obviously in charge of the "Scout side" of the bridge. We used our two Patrol Leaders and the Scout who served as Den Chief for the Webelos Den. We don't have enough new Scouts this year to form a new patrol. In talking to our Patrol Leaders, they came up with an interesting idea. They figure it will take a couple of weeks for the boys to "earn" their Scout Badge. During those first several weeks, the new Scouts will not be assigned directly to a patrol. Older Scouts will help them as they work on Scout Badge. After those several weeks, the new Scouts and the Patrol Leaders should have a good idea of who will fit well in each of our current patrols. I think it's an idea worth trying. And it came from our 11 and 12 year old PL's!

My personal beliefs bring me down solidly on the side of anti-abortion. That is, until you start making me think about the real world. I'm the father of a 14 year old daughter. She is a great kid with sound morals. But there are a lot of temptations in the world. What if one day she makes a mistake? I made my share and may be lucky to be alive. Would I be able to turn her life upside down? Or would an abortion be the lesser of two evils? We would still have to live with the thought of having committed that murder? But life, and college, and career, could go on. It's an easy question to answer when you don't really have to deal with it. I pray I never have to.

Our Scout Executive has done the same and I think it's a great idea. More people will see the sash and ask about it. A perfect opportunity to make our lodge better known. Remember, there should be "mystery", but it should not be a secret. Our troop will be receiving three new boys at a Blue and Gold Sunday. I'll surely wear my sash.

In my long ago, much younger, much thinner, and better looking days of youth, I often served as a model for BSA publications. During the late 1960's through mid 1970's my neighbor worked in the publications department for BSA. Whenever they needed Scouts for projects he would come get the boys from our Pack and Troop (we lived under a mile from HQ in New Jersey). They did their best to make sure we were fully uniformed, but I'm sure somethings weren't perfect. We basically just showed up in our uniform, as is. One picture I've always regretted is in the 1973 edition of the Fieldbook. To be "up to date" with the new program, they gave me one of those silly red berets to wear. That is the only time one of those ever touched my head!

My impression is that BSA wants volunteers to improve our training. And especially in current economic times, I'll bet the PTC is not overflowing . I had been invited one year and could not attend a session for Commisioners. A couple years later I found a differnet course I thought might be useful. I let our Scout Executive know I was interested and within a couple of days he had cleared the way. At that time I was not even well known to our SE. But he was very enthusiastic about a volunteer wanting to attend PTC. So my advice to you would be to just let it be known you want to go, and ask!

Couldn't tell by your original post just what your familiarity was with current gear. Tents have changed a lot since I was a kid in the 70's and I have had to do a lot of research and experimenting. This has led to me basically being a "gear junkie"! But it's fun. I also have several of the old military shelter half tents. My son and I used one of those tents on a weekend campout when he was a Cub. It's a lot of fun, but I wouldn't want to use it all the time. Too many times I have seen parents or Scouts show up with inappropriate gear. If (when) something goes wrong with it, somebody will have to double or triple up with them. Better to have decent gear to start with. Many of us here could go on for hours about all of the problems waiting to happen with a cheap single wall tent. Leaks and condensation are primary. A-frame is also does not offer much head room if an adult plans to spend a rainy day in the tent. Domes have much more space in relation to footprint. No, you don't have to spend a lot on a tent. I'm particularly anti-"brand name" when buying gear. But I'm confident that at some level, "you get what you pay for" comes into play. But have fun, and enjoy your time with your kids. That's what is really important!

I highly recommend the Alps Mountaineering (purchase only through Scoutdirect). Personally, I own five of their tents and have bought several dozen Taurus 2 man and 4 man tents for our troop. I can tell you they withstand weather very well. They are quality gear at a manageable price. Eureka is also nice and I own a Timberline 4 Outfitter. I love it and it is a great four season tent. But is also more than $200 to purchase. Service by ALPS is outstanding. They are small and family run. Campmor is also very good. You may find better pricing than Campmor, but not better service. And they carry everything you could ever want. Be sure to get a catalog!

Packsaddle- I agree that I don't think things will get better any time soon. I believe our country is in a spiral that will result in some very major changes of SOME type. I have no idea what they may be. Many people will be put in a terrible situation. But please don't be so sure that I am going down with you. Many people in America are prepared and capable to survive the coming changes, be they economic, political, or whatever. And there is also the question of whether this is the Apocolypse. Only God knows when those final days are. But I'm hopeful my Christian Faith will carry me through those tribulations should that be the case. Americans have proven themselves to be survivors. Our parents and grand parents survived the Depression. Some of us are capable of surviving another, even worse economic downturn. As Scouts, we learn to "Be Prepared". For that reason, I think I have an edge over some people (Merlyn?). We shall see what the future holds and do our best to be ready. Me and my household? I shall put my Faith in God.