Red Bird

Please say a prayer for the Scouts and families that have been touched by this tragedy. http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=113864&ran=17936

Many years ago, when I was a Staff Member at the finest Boy Scout Camp in the nation, I was lucky enough to serve with a number of budding thespians and hams. If a song could be enhanced by live action, we did it. "Clementine", "Three Pirates" and "Patsy Orey Orey" were far more fun because of the group dressed in costumes and acting out the song. Some of this acting was not very PC (the pirates were drinking wine, taking gold and chasing the inn keeper's daughter) but it was harmful to no one. As time went by, I became one of two or three guys that would play "the girl" no matter the skit or song. The guys that played "the girl" were, to a man, broad shouldered and hairy legged. We had a wardrobe that included wigs, various dresses and even a Girl Scout uniform. "The Girl" always go the big laugh for her "beauty". The only time that it got disturbing was when a younger, skinny guy volunteered to be "the girl" because none of the regulars were available. He was just a bit too feminine and was not asked to play that role again. Bottom line is this: No skit or song should be banned. As long as the Scouts know where the line is drawn, everything will be fine. We never crossed that line, though we of worked right at the edge of it.

Julie, good to see you guys are Scouting again. Shoot me a PM when you can. Jim K