OldGrayOwl

Here are a couple of our troop favorites: Coca-Cola Chicken in a Dutch Oven 8 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves 3 cloves garlic; minced 1 can Coca-Cola (not diet) (or 1/2 can coke and 1/2 can Mountain Dew) 1 Tbs. Salt 1 tsp. Fresh Ground Pepper 1 Tbs. Onion Powder 1 cups ketchup 1 Tbs. Chili Powder 1. Arrange chicken breasts in an oiled 12" Dutch oven. 2. In a large bowl add remaining ingredients and stir to mix well. 3. Spoon sauce over chicken. 4. Cover oven and bake using 8-10 briquettes bottom and 14-16 briquettes top for 60-75 minutes or until chicken is cooked through basting with pan juices every 15 minutes. Serves: 8 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Then for Dessert: Troop 27s Award Winning Dutch Oven Ice Cream Ingredients 1 small package instant pudding (any flavor) (The flavor of the pudding will be the final ice cream flavor) 2 cup heavy cream 1 cup milk cup sugar 1 egg tablespoon vanilla teaspoon lemon juice 1 can evaporated milk Directions 1. Mix together pudding, 1 cup heavy cream, & milk. 2. In a second bowl mix sugar, egg, vanilla, and lemon juice. 3. Add 1 cup heavy cream and evaporated milk, stir until smooth. 4. Add about 2 of crushed ice and rock salt into either a tub about 18 to 20 inches in diameter or into an ice chest that can hold the Dutch Oven. 5. Put the lid onto the oven. 6. Put the Dutch oven into the tub or cooler and fill the sides of the tub with more crushed ice and rock salt and leave it sit for about 5 minutes to chill the Dutch Oven. 7. Mix in the pudding mixture and pour into a 12" Dutch oven. 8. Fill the lip of the Dutch oven lid with crushed ice (NO ROCK SALT ON THE LID!!!). 9. About every 5 minutes or so remove the lid and stir and scrape mixture from the walls of the Dutch Oven using a rubber spatula. It will begin to solidify and freeze in about 15 minutes. 10. After it has frozen to a point where it is very hard to stir, let it sit and continue to freeze. 11. Total freezing time is 45 to 60 minutes. Hope you enjoy Dutch Oven Cooking OGO

Scoutfish DID ask, that's why I responded about the gas-fired crock-pot.

If you want to buy something designed for slow cooking, check out: http://tinyurl.com/CampingSlowCooker (I am not a seller nor do I selling this equipment, just for info) I think that a cast iron dutch oven over a slow fire would be easier. OGO

Here's one we came up with: The World's Worst Job A Scout is lying on a cot when his alarm clock goes off. He reluctantly gets up, shuffles over to the mirror, sighs a lot, acts like he is getting dressed, and goes to the office (a table with a phone on it) and sits at a chair next to the table. He pauses and the phone rings. He answers it saying "Hello? Yes. (pause for about 1/2 second) Yes. (pause)Yes. (pause)Yes. (pause)Yes. (pause) (this goes on for about 10 - 15 seconds, then he starts getting upset) YES. (pause) YES. (pause) YES. (pause) YES. (pause) (louder and more upset)YES. (pause) YES. (pause) YES. (pause) (REALLY LOUD NOW)YES. (pause) YES. (pause) (starts hitting the phone) YES. (pause) YES. (pause) YES. (pause) (slamming the phone now) YES. (pause) YES. (pause) YES. (pause) YES YES YES YES Why can't you ask something else? YES YES YES YES STOP IT STOP IT YES YES YES YES (Kicks his chair) YES YES YES YES (screaming it now) YES YES YES YES YES (one final scream and runs off stage. Another Scout wearing horned rimmed glasses and a dark trench coat comes on and holding a cell phone to his ear asks "Can You Hear Me Now"? (dress it up how ever you want. It takes practice, but it goes over really well)(This message has been edited by OldGrayOwl)

Thanks for your replies. Since this is a public place and not a camp, then the G2SS doesn't apply, so we are going to on from there.

My troop would like to do some swimming at our local YMCA. How do you handle Youth Protection at a public place like the YMCA?

It is not up to the troop's Advancement Committee, since it has NOTHING to do with advancement. Contact your council office and bring along the paperwork and statements that you have. Let them submit the data to National. OGO

Pete, you almost hit the nail on the head, except the Scout Oath goes: On my honor, I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight. Let's strive to be a bit more accurate in our quotes, OK? The Scout doesn't only promise to do his best, he just does it (I WILL). He also helps other people at all times. I can see where you were going, and it is true. What some people have said are the "unwritten requirements", really ARE written. They are contained in the Oath, Law, Slogan, Outdoor Code, etc. If the Scout has met the other written requirements, but fails to keep the Law and Oath, that is reason to keep him from advancing. Check out this link: http://www.usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/bsoathlaw.asp OGO edited to add link.(This message has been edited by oldgrayowl)

John-in-KC: How about the classic - Hardware Wars? John

How about a musical - 1776? It is about the times leading up to and including the beginning of the American Revolution .

Did anyone here see the movie "Meet the Parents"? Did anyone here see the movie "Meet the Parents" and then use an ice pick on your eyes and ears!!??? One of the worst movies that I have ever had the misfortune to wast money on. True, It had it's funny moments, but I certainly didn't care for the language in it. OGO

Here is the response that I got from my DE: "Jamboree visitors can only visit and see the exhibits..the merit badges can be earned only by the participants." Thanks

Are the merit badges that are at the Jamboree only available to the scouts that are part of the Jamboree or are they available to the general public scouts as well? This is a discussion my troop is having right now. Thanks, OGO

How about an old-fashioned method of attaching two pieces of cloth together temporarily? Something that is still available? Something that is called a "Safety Pin"? You know them, they are (or were) used to hold diapers together. That way it won't matter if you have the old shirt or the new one. You can still attach the temp. patch to the pocket without a chance of it easily falling off.

It sure does sound like "double-speak". If the SM turns down the scout at the SMC, all the scout has to say is "I had a SMC, now I want a BOR" and we have to grant him one. But in the SM's training, it is up to the SM to defer the Scout from advancing, right? How do you keep a scout from advancing even if he has done everything according to the "book", but has negative scout spirit, doesn't help out at all within the troop, etc?

How about when they get up to go home, the rest of the troop does the same. Pack up early, with this cub type scout helping, wait for them to leave, and then have planned a fun activity on the way home WITHOUT him.

How about instead of Pornography (which is against the law for anyone under the age of 18, Beer is found? A some kids try it (not a lot, but some), and according to xp, that will be OK. No sense in notifying the parents with that one either, and why make them drive 1K miles round trip for something as minor as that? Where do you set the limits, XP?(This message has been edited by oldgrayowl)

Here is what we give the parents that decide to go with us on campouts: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ What Adults Do on Scout Campouts Here is some information we try to give parents on their first campout or one of their first campouts with our troop. Camping is the heart of Boy Scouting, so please take a few minutes to read this sheet. Boy Scouting is absolutely different from Cub Scouting or Webelos! And while parents (and sometimes whole families) sometimes accompany the Scouts on campouts, the Scouts camp with their patrol and not with their parents and family members. Policy Summary Here is a summary of the Troop (and BSA) policies, followed by the reasoning for the policies. There are exceptions, but these policies are in effect on most outings. Scout Tenting & MealsScouts tent with their patrol in a patrol site separate from the other patrols. Patrols plan their own menus, and cook and eat together as a team. In general, adults do not eat or tent with a boy patrol. The SM and ASMs might eat with the patrols as a (surprise) guest. Adult Tenting & MealsAdults tent with the adult patrol in a patrol site separate from the other patrols. We plan our own menu, and cook and eat together as a team. In general, adults do not eat with a boy (Scout) patrol, and NEVER tent with them. Adult/Boy TentingBSA youth protection policies forbid an adult and a boy sharing the same tent. BSA classifies an adult as anyone over the age of 18. This means that while a brother of another Scout is less than 18, they may tent together, once that Scout turns 18, he may no longer tent with his brother and other Scouts in the same tent. While youth protection policies may not apply to a father and son tenting together, it is troop policy that boys tent with boys and adults with adults. If a father tents with his son, it has been our experience that the boy will lose out on many opportunities to make decisions and be part of the patrol team! [Yes, you are probably the rare exception, but it would not be fair to the other adults to single you out.] Smoking/DrinkingDrivers may not smoke while Scouts are in the car. Adults should not smoke or use tobacco products, nor drink alcoholic beverages during a Scout activity. Adults, who feel that they must smoke or chew, must do so discretely out of sight and downwind of the Scouts. (They know who smokes, anyway, so why do it in the first place)? Boy LeadershipAdults should not interfere with the functioning of youth leaders, even if they make mistakes (we all learn best from our mistakes). Step in only if it is a matter of immediate safety or if the mistake will be immediately costly. If possible, involve a uniformed adult leader first. (Uniformed leaders (SM, ASM), are the ONLY adults that are allowed to have direct interaction with the youth). Boy GrowthNever, NEVER do anything for a boy that he can do himself. Let him make decisions without adult interference, and let him make non-costly mistakes, even if it means telling him NO, go ask another Scout for help first. If your son keeps running to you for help, he will not learn. Please, tell him to figure it out for himself, or direct him to his Patrol Leader, or to the Senior Patrol Leader. This is the hierarchy in the Troop. The Scouts learn by doing, not by watching. (This can be very difficult for some parents. We know that you have been doing for him since birth, but it is time to let him stand on his own two feet.). Adult Training & ResourcesThe Boy Scouts of America provides an outstanding handbook for adults, and an excellent training course to help us understand the goals of Scouting and how to attain them. The adult manual is called the Scoutmaster Handbook, and it's worth your time to read it. The training is called Scout Leader Basic Training, and is offered in our area at least twice a year. It's also a good investment of your time. Our troop gives our uniformed adult leaders a copy of the Scoutmaster Handbook, and requires that they complete Scout Leader Basic Training. We encourage other adults to follow suit. Rationale: Boy Scout camping activities center on the patrol, where boys learn teamwork, leadership, and most camping skills. It is important that adults not be in the middle of patrol activities such as site selection, tent pitching, meal preparation, and anything else where boys get to practice decision-making. A key difference between Boy Scouting and Cub Scouting/Webelos is leadership. Look for the word "leader" in a job title, and you will begin to appreciate the difference. The responsible person for a Cub/Webelos den is the adult Den Leader. The responsible person for a Boy Scout patrol is the boy Patrol Leader. This isn't token leadership. A Patrol Leader has real authority and genuine responsibilities. Much of the success, safety, and happiness of six to ten other boys depends directly on him. The Senior Patrol Leader is the one that is in complete charge of the troop. He is the one that the Scouts are to go to BEFORE going to an adult. The only person that the SPL has to answer to is the Scoutmaster. Yes, we know that it is hard to believe that someone as young as 11 can be in charge of a group of Scouts older than himself, but he was elected to be their leader, so please respect that. Our troop considers the SPL, ASPLs and the JASMs to be junior adults. That is to say that since they are in charge of the troop and since they have the responsibility of the troop and not part of a regular patrol, we have them join us (the Geezers) for meals. The meal then becomes a working meal, with the SM and ASM being able to talk with the youth leaders as to what is going on during the campout, any problems and what is going to be coming up. The JASMs (Junior Assistant Scoutmasters) are sort of like Assistant Scoutmasters in training. This position gives the Scouts first hand training on how the Assistant Scoutmasters work with the Troop. Boy Scouting teaches leadership, and boys learn leadership by practicing it, not by watching adults lead. So what do we adults do, now that we have surrendered so much direct authority to boys? Here are our troop's guidelines on the indirect, advisory role you now enjoy: (no kidding, you should enjoy watching your son take progressively more mature and significant responsibilities as he zooms toward adulthood). The underlying principle is never to do anything for a boy that he can do himself. We allow boys to grow by practicing leadership and by learning from their mistakes. And while Scout skills are an important part of the program, what ultimately matters when our Scouts become adults is not whether they can use a map & compass, but whether they can offer leadership to others in tough situations; and can live by a code that centers on honest, honorable, and ethical behavior. Boys need to learn to make decisions without adult intervention (except when it's a matter of immediate safety). Boys are in a patrol so they can learn leadership and teamwork without adult interference. One thing to remember is what Baden Powell used to say: There is no record of a Scout dying from not eating on a weekend Scout campout. Sometimes we get Scouts that just do not like what has been placed before him. Please do not go and get him something else to eat. He needs to learn to eat what the Patrol has decided for the meals. Please do not let him bring a lot of candy or snacks with them. For one thing, there is to be no food of any kind in their tents (the wild animals in the area can smell the food and will go into the tents to get it). Another thing, if they have this extra food, they will not be inclined to eat the proper food. Being an adult advisor is a difficult role, especially when we are advising kids (even worse, our own sons). At least twice each year, the Boy Scouts of America offers special training on how to do this, which we expect our uniformed adults to take. And any adult is welcomeand encouragedto take the training (see the Scoutmaster or the Committee Chairman; the dates are in the Councils annual calendar). If a parent goes on a campout, you are an automatic member of our "Geezers" (adult) patrol. This patrol has several purposesgood food and camaraderie (of course), but more important is providing an example the boy patrols can follow without our telling them what to do (we teach by example). Since a patrol should camp as a group, we expect the "Geezers" to do so also; that way, adults don't tent in or right next to a boy patrol where your mere presence could disrupt the learning process. Quite simply, our troop requires that the adults to cook, eat, and tent separately from the Scouts (even dads & sons). We are safely nearby, but not smotheringly close. Sure, go ahead and visit the patrol sites (not just your son;s), talk to your son (and the other Scouts), ask what's going on or how things are going. But give the guys room to grow while you enjoy the view. Show a Scout how to do something, but don't do it for him. Avoid the temptation to give advice, and do not jump in just to prevent a mistake from happening (unless it's very serious), and NEVER criticize your son in front of or within hearing of his peers. We all learn best from our mistakes. And let the patrol leader (even if he is your son), lead. Your job is tough, challenging, and ultimately rewarding, because your son will be a man the day after tomorrow. "Some parents are curious as to what camping or attending the Troop meeting with a scout troop is all about and would like observe it for themselves. Others are thinking of becoming an adult leader in the troop and would like to start learning about the program first hand. Some just love to camp and will take any opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and the fellowship of other adults. These are some of the right reasons why a parent would want to camp with the troop. Unfortunately, there are some parents who want to camp or attend the Troop meetings for the wrong reasons - without even realizing it. 1. Do not go if you feel your son will spend more time with you than with his fellow scouts. He must learn to rely on them and his Scoutmaster instead of you. 2. Do not go if you know you are the kind of person who must be in control of things to maintain order or you get frustrated when you see others not performing to your standards. Your son and the rest of the scouts need every opportunity to make decisions (right or wrong) on their own and practice their leadership skills. 3. Do not go if your son says he will only attend if you go too. You must foster your son;s self reliance so he can take his first steps towards adulthood. Give your son the courage to take that first step. 4. Do not go because you are uncomfortable leaving your son with strangers. Take the time to get to know the Troops leaders beforehand. You must place your trust in their years of experience and training. You must realize that from the adult leader;s perspective, you are the stranger.(This message has been edited by OldGrayOwl)

So, JoeBob, how would you handle hard core porn at camp, or a phone full of sextext's pictures? Would you be willing to risk your charter because you didn't want your troop to appear "up-tight" about porn? Sextext pictures of under age youth are illegal (they are considered to be child-porn), and being an adult on the campout you would be responsible. How about if this material is found, have a SM conf with the Scout(s)(MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE ANOTHER ADULT WITH YOU), have the Scout delete the material and then confiscate the devices, and return it at the end of the campout (or meeting). Teach that this sort of material is not proper for youth to have and ask a simple question like "how would they feel if their sister or cousin or someone that they knew were in those pictures?. (Don't they have to lie and state that they are 18 or older to get this junk?)

Eagle1982: "Interesting, do you get any kind of metallic or oil taste in the ice cream? " Nope, none at all. 'Course the oven we use is a well seasoned one.

I'm glad you asked. Here is a copy from the troop's web site: Award Winning Dutch Oven Ice Cream Ingredients 1 small package instant pudding (any flavor) (The flavor of the pudding will be the final ice cream flavor) We really like French Vanilla) 2 cup heavy cream 1 cup milk cup sugar 1 egg tablespoon vanilla teaspoon lemon juice 1 can evaporated milk Directions 1. Mix together pudding, 1 cup heavy cream, & milk. 2. In a second bowl mix sugar, egg, vanilla, and lemon juice. 3. Add 1 cup heavy cream and evaporated milk, stir until smooth. 4. Add about 2 of crushed ice and rock salt into either a tub about 18 to 20 inches in diameter or into an ice chest that can hold the Dutch Oven. 5. Put the lid onto the oven. 6. Put the Dutch oven into the tub or cooler and fill the sides of the tub with more crushed ice and rock salt and leave it sit for about 5 minutes to chill the Dutch Oven. 7. Mix in the pudding mixture and pour into a 12" Dutch oven. 8. Fill the lip of the Dutch oven lid with crushed ice (NO ROCK SALT ON THE LID!!!). 9. About every 5 minutes or so remove the lid and stir and scrape mixture from the walls of the Dutch Oven using a rubber spatula. It will begin to solidify and freeze in about 15 minutes. 10. After it has frozen to a point where it is very hard to stir, let it sit and continue to freeze. 11. Total freezing time is 45 to 60 minutes. Enjoy

One thing our troop like to make is ice cream in a dutch oven. Always raises eyebrows at camporees (you CAN'T make ice cream in a dutch oven!!!)

How about instead of relying on cell phones in an emergency (not really a good idea anyway, storms take down cell towers and then the entire network goes down), how about using something called "ham radios"? They have a much greater range than cell phones (their power output is measured in WATTS instead of in milliwatts), the people that use ham radios are trained in emergency procedures and have regular drills as what to do in any emergency situation, etc. It is a radio service that the Scout has to earn the privilege (read that as getting a ham radio license) and having one can help in getting the Radio Merit Badge. Ham radio operators (Amateur Radio Operators) are vaguely similar to CB radio operators, but they are a lot more civil on the radio. If your troop is camping more than a few miles from home, just who is the Scout going to call anyway? When he is asking for help on the ham radio, the people that he would be talking to will be local and in a better situation to render aid than mommy or daddy hundreds of miles away. Just my $0.02 OGO

Thank you my master, OneHour. Remember I your words of great strength. Give them to my Scouts, will I, in the form of a Scoutmaster's Minute. Yoda Style Scoutmasters Minute "Remember, a Scout's strength flows from the Scout Oath and Law. But beware. Anger, fear, aggression and fumes. The dark side are they. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny. Scouts, Scouts... do not... do not underestimate the powers of the 3 Ws or suffer your father's fate you will. Scouts, when gone are we... the last of the Scout will be you. Scouts, the Scouting force runs strong in your family. Pass on what you have learned, oh fine Scouts." OGO (edited for spelling)(This message has been edited by OldGrayOwl)

Thank you my master, OneHour. Remember I your words of great strength. Give them to my Scouts, will I, in the form of a Scoutmaster's Minute.