OldGrayOwl

Show me in the handbook or in the requirement book where it states that they MUST be in full field uniform. It doesn't, does it. If it was required, then it would be stated in the requirement listing. It is suggested to wear the uniform, but it is not a requirement, so why refuse the youth? I give my Scouts a SMC when they request it, none of this once a month stuff. The troop meeting is being run by the SPL, correct? Why does the Scoutmaster have to be in the complete troop meeting? I also give them on campouts. What a better time than that?

You can take a look at Camp Bayport in Virginia. It is located close to Williamsburg.

I have a situation where there is a scout transferring into my troop from another because his parents moved to a different state. The scout amassed over $800.00. and his original troop refuses, stating that they would, but it is the property of their charter org. It isn't like the scout has a choice, what with the parents moving 1500 miles away. Do you think the parents should contact the charter org?

Yes, it probably would be, but the floor rusted out of it years ago and I got rid of it in the early 70's. My brother was looking at purchasing a 1961 Corvair van. That was a neat van, but the guy sold it before my brother could get back to buy it. Oh, well.

A 1962 Corvair Station Wagon. That sucker got 28 mpg!!! It had a horizontally opposed 6 in it.

I ALWAYS wear mine at Eagle Courts of Honor. It is the only time I wear mine. What would happen if you wore yours at your son's? Would the Badge Police come and rip it off of your shirt? I can't think of anything more formal than an ECOH, especially your son's. Go for it. OGO

Here are some tips that I have come across with my many years of camping: Camping Tips: Get even with a bear who raided your food bag by kicking his favorite stump apart and eating all the ants. A hot rock placed in your sleeping bag will keep your feet warm. A hot enchilada works almost as well, but the cheese sticks between your toes. The best backpacks are named for national parks or mountain ranges. Steer clear of those named for landfills. While the Swiss Army Knife has been popular for years, the Swiss Navy Knife has remained largely unheralded. Its single blade functions as a tiny canoe paddle. Modern rain suits made of fabrics that "breathe" enable Scouts to stay dry in a downpour. Rain suits that sneeze, cough, and belch, however, have been proven to add absolutely nothing to the wilderness experience. You'll never be lost if you remember that moss always grows on the north side of your compass. You can duplicate the warmth of a down-filled bedroll by climbing into a plastic garbage bag with several geese. The canoe paddle, a simple device used to propel a boat, should never be confused with a gnu paddle, a similar device used by Tibetan veterinarians. When camping, always wear a long-sleeved shirt. It gives you something to wipe your nose on. Take this simple test to see if you qualify for solo camping. Shine a flashlight into one ear. If the beam shines out the other ear, do not go into the woods alone. A two-man pup tent does not include two men or a pup. A potato baked in the coals for one hour makes an excellent side dish. A potato baked in the coals for three hours makes an excellent hockey puck. In emergency situations, you can survive in the wilderness by shooting small game with a slingshot made from the elastic waistband of your underwear. The guitar of the noisy teenager at the next campsite makes excellent kindling. The sight of a bald eagle has thrilled Scouters for years. The sight of a bald Scouter, however, does absolutely nothing for the eagle. Lint from your navel makes a handy fire starter. Warning: Remove lint from navel before applying the match. Bear bells provide an element of safety for hikers in grizzly country. The tricky part is getting them on the bears. When using a public campground, a tuba or a drum set placed on your picnic table will keep the campsites on either side of you vacant. In an emergency, a drawstring from a parka hood can be used to strangle a snoring camper.

How about building a tower out of logs (the same design that is in the Pioneering Merit Badge book), and then not being allowed to climb on it? Let's just have the youth build a simple bridge out of logs crossing NOTHING, placing it on the flat, level ground, that way if one should slip while crossing it, he won't get a scraped knee.

What about the overbearing parents?

One thing that you can tell them is "Since you are SO unhappy with me, why don't you go and contact the Charter Organization and tell them not to PAY you for the last X number of months (be sure that you tell your COR this first). Maybe when they realize that you are doing this not because of the big bucks, but out of your love for the boys, maybe they will back off.

I had some scouts "earn" the badge at summer camp. They scouts said that they would not receive the badge until fall 2010 when it was officially released by national. Now are you are saying that it won't be released until fall 2011?

The name that they tried was Susquehannock. National disapproved it because it sounded too much like Susquehanna, which IS another council name.

I like what was the interim name: the Keystone-York-Adams Area Council, or in it's shortened use: KYAC or kayak.

Yep, It includes Gettysburg. That city is located in Adams county in PA. It still doesn't sound like much of a Boy Scout council name, does it? I just got word from our District rep about the name. I mean they could have called it the South-Central district. That would have made more sense that this one.

True, but since the rank patch is for the youth, we adults wear the knot. People can tell an Eagle Scout, even without the patch.