PBCampisi

I completed the application for both my son (as a cub) and myself (as a leader) without providing the number. I did not encounter any problems. I am also of the belief, that it may be illegal to require the number under the circumstances as it is not payroll related or at the request of the government. As a matter of practice, I do not provide this number to anyone except in the instances that I have noted above.

Sorry for your problem. Yes, I said your problem because I've been there and done that. I had a similar incident and invited the DE to a parent's meeting. At the meeting, the DE said we were doing the right thing and would support our pursuit of the scouting values. A special committee meeting was subsequently called to order and I was thrown out. Imagine that, an Eagle scout with 20 years of scouting experience was remove by the CC who was in his second year of scouting. And the DE sat there agreeing with the CC. Since then, our scouting family has found a new Pack and couldn't be happier. Meanwhile the old Pack continues to fall apart with the boys and its leaders leaving scouting altogether. So my only advise to you is to be careful of what the "professional scouters" say, and keep your eyes and options open.

Sorry for the confusion. The district and council offices are one and the same. When I asked, they asked me to send them whatever I find. I am a 25+ year veteran of BSA, but am new to the current council. I have never experienced the lack of information, mis-information, and breach of trust at the DE level as I am currently seeing. It also appears the Cub Pack is in turmoil (bad leadership resulting in boys dropping out), which is why I am doing everthing I can to help our Den. But, I keep running into roadblocks when seeking information. Any thoughts on any activities (with rewards) that will help keep the boys interested in the program?

Thanks for your help. I will check out the links. As for my District office, they were of no help.

Does anyone have information on trails or other activites in the New York/Connecticut area? Do these trails/activities offer awards (patches/medals)? Any help would be appreciated.