RememberSchiff

IMHO, earning a historic trail hiking medal is part of a fun scout program. I earned the Jocky Hollow Trail Medal back in the day. Guide: https://www.ncacbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Baden_Powell_Hike_Challenge_.pdf Related story: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/wayne/sections/arts-and-entertainment/articles/wayne-boy-scouts-earn-the-baden-powell-hike-medal-during-whirlwind-dc-tour

https://www.scout.org/news/calling-on-governments-businesses-climate-action

12/14/2023: The bankruptcy plan appeal will proceed..."the Third Circuit said, rejecting preliminary arguments from the organization and its settling insurers that transactions underlying the plan can’t be undone." https://news.bloomberglaw.com/bankruptcy-law/boy-scouts-insurers-lose-preliminary-bid-for-appeal-dismissal Order: The foregoing motions come before us while the appeal is in the midst of briefing and an outstanding motion to stay is also pending. The Appellees’ (Boy Scouts and settling insurers) arguments leave us unpersuaded at this preliminary stage that equitable or statutory mootness apply in the particular circumstances of this case. Therefore, the motion to dismiss is hereby referred to the merits panel in accordance with 3d Cir. I.O.P 10.3.5. D&V (Dumas & Vaughn) Claimants’ Motion to Permit an Overlength Consolidated Response is granted." Judge Kent A. Jordan of the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit sources: https://aboutblaw.com/bbVh

As mentioned in that Forbes article, it will be fundraising with a purpose The CEO emphasizes the importance of effective fundraising to retire debt and invest in BSA's core programs. And hopefully reduced membership fees? At first read, I was very concerned that his technology connect with alumni could be a repeat of the NESA/Harris Connect postcard effort some years back, i.e., asking for money from alumni who questioned the current program. I think Mr. Krone realizes that as revealed below. He (Mr. Krone) expresses a commitment to making every Boy Scout proud of their affiliation. “Part of my job is to make people proud that they were a Scout. I’ve told many people, ‘I think it’s great that you were a Scout. If I sent you a bumper sticker, would you put it on your car?’” he says. As BSA went through bankruptcy, there was less enthusiasm to affiliate with the organization, and Krone has made it his mission to raise BSA’s profile to the point where all Scouting alumni feel proud to advocate for the shared values of Scouting, such that they’d be proud to put a BSA bumper sticker on their car. Imagine if Mr. Krone could bring back (on the NEB?) Bill Gates, Michael Bloomberg, Stephen Spielberg,... in ads holding their bumper stickers and then talking about today's scouting program with tech integration. my $0.02,

Dec 12, 2023 Forbes brief interview: Roger Krone’s Vision: Transforming Boy Scouts Of America Through Technology And Innovation https://www.forbes.com/sites/heatherwishartsmith/2023/12/12/roger-krones-vision-transforming-boy-scouts-of-america-through-technology-and-innovation/?sh=123aac942ca3 Speaking of technology, I'm still waiting for that two-way fireside chat with unit volunteers in the field.

"there are ads all over the internet for some very small system.($100 to 200) " Even less than that. "...a foreign exchange student and aspiring actress ...alleges that while staying in a West Virginia home and still a child she was surreptitiously recorded in the bathroom using a camera disguised as a clothes hook, which she says was purchased on Amazon. The man alleged to have been responsible is facing trial." Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-67652317 Additionally, the victim is suing the seller Amazon and manufacturer "John Doe". There is some description of the Amazon process towards becoming an Amazon Prime item - Product Safety Team, Dangerous Goods Team, Amazon Fulfillment Centers,... https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.wvsd.235914/gov.uscourts.wvsd.235914.10.0.pdf Amazon's failed dismissal attempt. https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/west-virginia/wvsdce/3:2023cv00046/235914/24/

[Sixty years ago] "I thrived in the woods. I loved being there so I wanted to hike, I wanted to cook, I wanted to canoe. I wanted to learn how to do it in a really good, professional way. I loved the swimming. I wanted the lifesaving. I wanted to do whatever it took to retain a high proficiency in the woods. Scouting gave me an opportunity to do all of that but more. I wanted to learn how to live in the woods. And so I kept after every merit badge that took one to the woods. I acquired the rank of Eagle Scout, but the organization wanted a different prototype for their first Eagle Scout, and I was the first one for Troop 147 in Rochester. They wanted to have someone who had a family that was a father and mother and children. That wasn’t my family, nor was it the prototype family of those who lived in the projects. So emotionally I shut down on the notion that I had made Eagle, because in my mind what they were asking for was a family that we weren’t in." Read the rest of I'm a Lutheran Samuel L. Jone's Eagle story at source: https://www.livinglutheran.org/2023/12/im-a-lutheran-samuel-l-jones/ Scout Salute Commander Jones.

New Holiday Greeting from our new President and CEO Roger Krone.

Our previous CEO Roger Mosby claimed membership would double. I am unable to verify that the new BSA CEO, Roger Krone also stated this. Mr. Krone did say that he planned to "reverse the trend of declining membership". What that plan will be remains to be seen. Reorganization? At the National level, that remains to be seen too. Will Mr. Krone shake-up the National Executive Council? There has been a downsizing of the Executive Board from 72 or 73 members to 48 (still too large) but not many new young faces. Some staff layoffs. Bylaws and org chart are more convoluted than ever (recall Judge Silverstein just shook her head). We have had a new YP Executive Director for 7+ months but whether he has a staff or established a YP Committee ...well remains to be seen.

Update Dec 4, 2023: "WAYNESBORO- On behalf the Washington Township Supervisors, Chairman Stewart McCleaf presented a certificate of appreciation to Boy Scout members who constructed the Owls Habitat in Antietam Meadows Park earlier this fall. Scouts who were able to attend the presentation answered questions about owls they’ve seen in the area, when they expect it to be occupied and how they would periodically clean it out each year. They said they would share the award with other members of their troop who participated in building and installation." More at source including photo and comments by Washington Township Supervisors Chairman Stewart McCleaf and Supervisor Dan DeDona: https://localnews1.org/2023/12/04/boy-scouts-receive-certificate-of-appreciation/

Microsleeping... For sleepy scouters, nodding off can be inconvenient—say, during a scoutmaster conference—or even downright dangerous, say while sitting around a campfire. ... "But for Antarctica’s nesting chinstrap penguins (Pygoscelis antarcticus), these seconds long bits of shuteye known as “microsleeps” may help them survive. These mininaps net the birds about 11 hours of sleep per day, potentially offering them a way to rest while remaining vigilant over their eggs and chicks, researchers report today in Science. The work could shine a light on how different animals adapt their dozing to cope with stressful circumstances." "Penguins live in a high-stress environment. They breed in crowded colonies, and all their predators are there at the same time," said Daniel Paranhos Zitterbart, who studies penguins at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts and was not involved in the study. Microsleeping is "an amazing adaptation" to enable near constant vigilance, he said. Sources: https://www.science.org/content/article/antarctic-penguin-sleeps-11-hours-day-few-seconds-time https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/national/penguin-parents-sleep-for-just-a-few-seconds-at-a-time-to-guard-newborns-study/article_94cbd4c6-9092-11ee-ac98-4343b405b629.html

North Dakota: Jackson Sperry's Eagle Scout project will provide safe nests for mallard ducks. Sperry and fellow scouts are using 14-gauge mesh wire rolled into circles, and clipper together with an insulating straw wall to produce a nest. (When completed)... “We’re going to wait until the water freezes over so we can walk on top of the ice, and then drill a hole. And then use the pole driver and drive it into the ground. And then connect the T-pole on top with the nest portion already in,” said Jackson Sperry with Troop 123. More at source including photo: https://www.kfyrtv.com/2023/12/03/bismarck-scout-troop-working-project-mallard-birds/

@EagleScout95 welcome to scouter.com

@Armymutt Did your scouts have fun with the other, closer pack this weekend? Did you have fun? RS

Perhaps instead of problematic trailers, how about Scouts helping (exercising animals!) at a designated emergency network of existing brick and mortar animal boarders, shelters, and vet clinics? Somewhat related, a pet food pantry challenged Scout troops to collect donations. On Nov. 18, Golden Wings Mobile Pet Food Pantry launched its first pet food drive that continues through Dec. 8. In typical Tony Blount fashion, he decided to make it fun and use the drive to help an additional cause – Boy Scouts. Scout troops from Cheney, Rosalia and Spokane’s South Hill are competing to see which troop can bring in the most pet food by weight. At a fundraiser at the Harvester Restaurant on Dec. 9, the winner will be announced with $1,000 going to first place, $500 to second and $300 awarded to third. Justin Fuchs, scoutmaster of Troop 588 in Rosalia, is delighted to have his troop participate. He said the mission of the pet food pantry aligns with the values of Boy Scouts with the added perk of a cash incentive. “Anything to help our scouts get to camp this summer,” he said. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/nov/30/call-for-help-gives-nonprofit-a-new-direction/ My $0.02

11/27/2023: The Maryland Forest Service and the John S. Ayton State Forest Tree Nursery have completed a successful seed collection to grow the next generation of native trees and shrubs in the state. The collection brought in thousands of pounds of seeds, berries and nuts, from white oak to witch hazel, for planting in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ state nursery in Preston, Caroline County. The nursery grows those seeds into bare-root tree seedlings, which are then used in tree plantings across the state. Volunteers collected large hauls of seeds and berries from across the state. Residents, Boy Scout Troop 945, and staff from Forest Service and the Frederick County Division of Energy and Environment harvested more than 250 pounds of plum in one day in New Market. Frederick County Girl Scout Troop 37025 collected, cleaned and sorted more than 50 pounds of chestnut oak acorns. More at source: https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2023/11/27/maryland-forest-service-wraps-up-successful-seed-collection/

A new inspection team will check if local UK Scout groups are following national policies, while an independent panel of abuse survivors will make sure victims get the right support and counseling. The Scout Association says the £2 membership fee increase will help pay for what it calls a new UK assurance function. While half of the money raised will be used to invest in the new safeguarding measures, the other half will cover rising operating costs. It comes after the survivors' campaign Yours in Scouting was highlighted by a BBC investigation. More at source: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-67496727

Found this from March, 2023. Perhaps needed repairs were funded by county grant. The Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners approved the distribution of just under $400,000 in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to a trio of entities around the county. The county will provide a $325,000 grant to the Boy Scouts of America's Lake Erie Council for improvements to the Beaumont Scout Reservation. Commissioner Kathryn Whittington said the funds will be used to improve the bathhouse at the camp. "Their bathhouse currently does not fit COVID guidelines, new guidelines," she said. ... Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/commissioners-distribute-arpa-money-132100582.html

"We needed to upgrade one of our ovens," said Susquehanna Council SE Dennis Dugan. "There was an opportunity to use matching funds received from other foundations combined with the $20,000 from Union County to purchase a $38,800 Combination Oven. It can do many things: bake, broil, and air fry, which allowed us to remove our deep fryer, making our food healthier for the young scouts and the leaders we serve. It also could be used to keep food warm if there was a delay in scouts getting to meals on time." "The committed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will be used to enhance the Camp Karoondinha experience as well as improve overall operations now and in the future," said Commissioner Chair Jeff Reber. "Identifying projects like this one that embodied a long-term benefit to the community was a primary goal of the allocation process. With one purchase, the camp replaced several outdated, and/or unable to be repaired appliances, while producing healthier food options and lowering utility and maintenance costs. It is a much needed upgrade to the camp that serves thousands of meals each year and I am thrilled that we can support the Boy Scouts in this effort." In addition to the Susquehanna Council, the local Girl Scouts use the camp for one week during the summer and the Mifflinburg-based Camp Koala hosts a weekend for youth who have suffered the loss of a loved one. Union County has received $9 million of the $6.15 billion federal funds allocated to Pennsylvania. Since Oct, 2022 the county has awarded approximately $8 million to 26 local municipalities, organizations and projects; $905,000 remains. More at source: https://www.dailyitem.com/news/boy-scouts-upgrade-kitchen-with-arpa-funds-from-union-county/article_63d8cb6c-88b8-11ee-be67-9b7bbf66b69d.html

Nov 21, 2023: Arkansas It was announced Quapaw (3400 scouts in 39 counties) and Westark (2800 scouts, 17 counties) Area Boy Scout Councils will merge to form the Natural State Council. Sources: https://nwa.pressreader.com/article/281827173508349 https://www.kark.com/news/local-news/quapaw-westark-area-boy-scout-councils-announce-merger/

2023 BSA Roger Krone Thanksgiving Message Nicely done. Thank you.

Update Nov 20, 2023: In a superseding indictment handed down last week, Shores now faces seven total felony charges: Three counts of attempted child enticement, three counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of distributing child pornography. The indictment alleges the offenses took place between July 2020 and August 2023. ... The Boy Scouts cut all ties with Shores upon his arrest. Anyone with information about Shores, or who believes their child or another child was a victim of Shores, is encouraged to contact the FBI at 402-493-8688 or submit information online at forms.fbi.gov/johnc-shores. More at source: https://omaha.com/news/local/crime-courts/former-omaha-boy-scout-leader-faces-five-new-felonies-related-to-child-enticement-pornography/article_4771fe28-87c6-11ee-b232-279ca4840a08.html

Married, with three grown children, Tom Andrew is making a major transition at the age of 67 — from forensic pathologist to Methodist deacon. Deacons are ordained clergy who serve beyond the walls of an individual church and find their own ministries. Andrew said working with the Scouts was a natural fit for him, given his own experience as a Boy Scout. "I want to be part of giving a marvelous scouting experience to the kids who are in the program today," he said in an interview. ... Now, as a chaplain, he says his focus is less on preaching and more about being a "non-judgmental listening presence" for young Scouts. "If you can point them in a certain direction and help them find their own way, all the better," he said. "But it's by and large a ministry of presence and listening." Andrew's new avocation is also about helping the living, after a career as a forensic pathologist, studying the dead. Trained in pediatrics, he went on to spend 20 years as the chief medical examiner for the state of New Hampshire. There, he witnessed up-close the grim toll of car accidents, gunshot wounds, poisonings, assaults and suicides, and runaway drug addiction and deaths. He said it was a job that gave him a particular appreciation for the fragility of life. ... Andrew continues to do consulting work as a medical pathologist, but said his passion now lies with ministering to the Scouts. He said all the effort to become a Methodist deacon will be worth it if he can help kids — maybe even save one of them from making bad choices about drugs. ... "If you're passionate, if you're energized, then I think you use that passion and energy in a way that not only extends your own life, but you might be able to share something with someone else," he said. "And that's exciting." Good story by Anthony Brooks WBUR, more at source including photos: https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/10/23/boston-career-reinvention-tom-andrew ... Added some more background ~RS Nov 7, 2017: Former medical examiner heads to seminary New England Conference, United Methodist Church Dr. Andrew was raised in the Presbyterian church. While he respected the “dour but very warm and nurturing – those two aren’t mutually exclusive – Calvinist towering figure” who was pastor of his home church, it was the “young, hip” Methodist pastor at the church where his Boy Scout troop was chartered who inspired him. The Rev. Joel Baer gave him his first ministry opportunity when he asked a 14-year-old Andrew to preach the sermon on Scout Sunday. “My confirmation classes certainly convinced me that Jesus was my savior, and that there was a way to live one’s life to try and reflect his glory,” Dr. Andrew said. “But as far as reaching other people with it? That never dawned on me until Pastor Baer put me up in front of this congregation, and I felt that sort of magic that occurs when you’re connecting. … I do remember the feeling as if it were yesterday. I think it’s fair to say that was the beginnings of an inkling of a call.” ... Sources: https://www.neumc.org/newsdetail/former-medical-examiner-heads-to-seminary-9909572 Oct 7, 2017 , As Overdose Deaths Pile Up, a Medical Examiner Quits the Morgue New York Times: After laboring here as the chief forensic pathologist for two decades, exploring the mysteries of the dead, he retired last month to explore the mysteries of the soul. In a sharp career turn, he is entering a seminary program to pursue a divinity degree, and ultimately plans to minister to young people to stay away from drugs. “After seeing thousands of sudden, unexpected or violent deaths,” Dr. Andrew said, “I have found it impossible not to ponder the spiritual dimension of these events for both the deceased and especially those left behind.” ... Every day, he said, a pathologist faces the fleeting nature of mortality. The people on his examining table could have lived a lot longer “but for a few millimeters of cholesterol in the wrong blood vessel, a second of inattention by the driver of a car or the lethal potency of a drug obtained on the street.” And after a while, he said, one is bound to ask, “What’s all this about?” His plan is to become an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church, with two goals: to serve as a chaplain for the Boy Scouts of America, and to join the Appalachian Trail Chaplaincy of the United Methodist Church so he can minister to troubled hikers, at least on the 161 miles of the storied trail that cross New Hampshire and its White Mountains. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/07/us/drug-overdose-medical-examiner.html

Apple today announced it is extending free access to Emergency SOS via satellite for an additional year for existing iPhone 14 users. Source: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/11/apple-extends-emergency-sos-via-satellite-for-an-additional-free-year/

Spirirt of Adventure Council (MA): https://www.scoutspirit.org/fema/ July 21, 2023 Spirit of Adventure (Council) Newsletter, Spirit of Adventure Community Emergency Response Team Train the Trainer Course Completed https://myemail.constantcontact.com/This-Week-at-Camp--Membership-Kickoffs---FEMA-CERT-Training.html?soid=1139808170475&aid=VyyvRshSVoQ FEMA: April 4, 2023: https://community.fema.gov/PreparednessConnect/s/article/Partnership-with-Scouts-Promotes-Preparedness