NealOnWheels

"Backpacking in wilderness recreation areas has a federally imposed limit of 10 per group. If your hike plan takes you to the interior of the area (which, with trained venturers, it probably will) you need to be prepared to split up in an emergency. So you need 4 adults. That leaves space for six youth. Boils down to a ratio of 2:3." Really? Where in the Guide to Safe Scouting does it say 4 adults are needed? I have filed tour plans several times for backcountry trips with only two adults and was never denied.

Procedural answer: The chartering organization selects the leadership (they will sign off on the charter). Political answer: You mentioned this person's spouse is now the president of the chartering organization. The spouse will have ultimate authority over the charter. Practical answer: What does it hurt to have this person on the charter? Perhaps a few dollars for a registration fee. Other than that no damage done.

packsaddle wrote: "What's this about un-married men not being allowed in leadership positions?" Yes, Calico, do tell.

Fehler, It most certainly did happen. The guard was not standing at attention - he was leaning toward the offender. His weapon was not at attention - it was at his side directed toward the offender. He had taken one large step off the mat. In any case the presence of the guard and the solemness of the ceremony was enough to command respect for me.

The discussion of showing proper respect at memorials reminds me of an incident our Scout troop witnessed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery just recently. The area around the tomb is called the plaza and is roped off to keep people out of the area. Tourists wait around this rope to witness the changing of the guard every 1/2 hour. While they are waiting they watch a single guard slowly march from one end to the other, turn about, pause, then continue to the other end repeatedly until the time comes for the changing of the guard ceremony. The only sound you here are his shoes as he walks and turns. The guard does this to precision and seems not be distracted by the visitors. Apparently while we were there a tourist was sitting by the rope and extended his feet under the rope. All of the sudden the guard breaks his routine, lunges toward the offending tourist, points his bayonet tipped rifle at him, and yells "Please remove your feet from the plaza!". The guard waited in that pose until the feet were removed at which time he resumed his march. At the time I thought the poor guy must have been humiliated and I was glad it was not me. That certainly is more effective than taxes or fines.

Nice idea Beavah! I wonder if the Council office will approve the Money Earning Application. hmmm

I read through a few comments on their page. I found this response by the owner of the page very interesting: "I'm pretty sure the next one will be how to teach the Personal Management merit badge using video games!"

BadenP, Are you a psychologist too?

Wow, only four Boy Scout Summer Camps for the entire lower peninsula and none in the southern area. Our Council (from Indiana) operates a Summer Camp in the southern area. I imagine there will be a lot more units attending our camp next summer. I wonder what impact that will have on the quality of our program.

Are they meeting the needs of the units? If any of these events have weak attendance then that should be a signal that it should be eliminated or changed in a manner that would bring better attended. If it is strongly attended then it should be kept as is.

That's a good one Merlyn. That is exactly the feeling I get about this 11 member special committee.

You can't cross county lines with firewood here in much of Indiana and Michigan. Scrap lumber is ok so that is what we use. The state parks around here do not allow collection of any firewood even if it is on the ground. So if we want a fire (what scout would not) we must collect scrap lumber at home before we go.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygamy Merlyn, I think you would approve of what wikipedia calls a group marriage and not with polygamy or polyandry.

Look at the last 3 pages of this document... http://www.baltimorebsa.org/openrosters/DocDownload.aspx?orgkey=749&id=112992

There are federal regulations on food packaging - nutritional information for example. The individual packets probably do not meet those regulations. Not sure if a Scout group could do that but a grocery store certainly could not.

It's the Scoutmaster's call on rank and the Counselor's call on the merit badge. If I were either one I would say no.

Beavah you are absolutely correct. I know of a Scouter who was arrested for abusing a scout. The police obtained a search warrant for his home to gather evidence. During the search they came across a journal written by the Scouter detailing the abuse with that scout and other scouts. It was very strong evidence to the man's guilt. However during trial the journal was allowed because it was not on the list of items contained in the warrant. And because the prosecution had publicly announced the existence of the journal and the details in the journal the judge spent considerable time deliberating whether or not to dismiss the case. Fortunately the man was eventually convicted on other evidence. This case could have been dismissed or led to an acquittal. If that had we would still have the responsibility to keep this person out of scouting.

Thanks moosetracker, The news articles are much more specific than the statement on the website.

I see nothing in that statement that indicates they would allow a gay leader. The only time sexual orientation is mentioned is: "Scoutings commitment to its members, leaders, employees and the community with regard to ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, age and/or sexual orientation." That is not even a complete sentence. It conveys no information.

If it weren't for that last minute I would never get anything done.

When I was a Scoutmaster the PLC planned a campout over Mother's Day. Wow, that did not go over very well with the mother's. I did not realize Mother's Day was so sacred. Every other year after that I suggested the PLC not plan anything for that weekend.

"he thinks the image and colors on it look cool" Then he definitely should wear it.

Regarding the PLC meeting two deep leadership is not needed. Two deep leadership is needed for trips and outings. Two deep leadership is not required for meetings. But the one-on-one rule would apply to meetings.

I did not know there was an off season for council camps. None of the camps around here do.

That is odd Deaf Scouter. I don't know why a district would mandate 100/300/100. Or a council for that matter. Distance has nothing to do with how much liability insurance you should have. You buy enough to protect your assets. Even the 50/100/50 on the tour plans is a recommendation. The only requirement is that it meet state law.