RememberSchiff

Plus push notifications that MB requirements have changed or corrections have been made to pamphlet. Green too.

Can't say that I have heard of any scouts getting booted from the BSA or being denied Eagle because they were gay n the past year or so.

I think National has seen that single-sex youth group memberships have declined continuously for years - Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, while coed youth groups like Boys & Girls Club, 4-H have increased.

Assuming you have money trees around... I would purchase an arduino (or raspberry pi 3) starter kit or two, buy some protoboards (connect components either parallel or series,) and extra parts kits (leds. jumpers, motors, buzzer, sensors, switches,..). Boy scouts would do the programming and Webs would wire protoboards accordingly. https://www.amazon.com/Arduino-Ultimate-Starter-Circuit-Learning/dp/B00BT0NDB8 https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B01KFQE29S/ezvid02-20 https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B01EWNUUUA/ezvid02-20 https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B01CS6UMKQ/ezvid02-20 https://www.sparkfun.com/products/retired/12001 http://www.robotshop.com/en/arduino-kits.html https://www.adafruit.com/ Google and you will find tons of stuff. This approach while expensive could be re-used for merit badge work and it draws in the techie parents. Plan B: use the protoboards and components above but manually connect a battery to power circuits. My $200,

"What is best for my child" is often confused with "What my child needs most". At 18, childhood ends with no redo. Are you prepared if your son says "I was in scouts and wanted to earn Eagle but my father..." My $0.02

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/columnists/johnklein/john-klein-zbase-in-skiatook-will-join-elite-national-group/article_d907dcce-d61e-5a80-b62e-a03176f516e6.html The Jack Zink Adventure Base (ZBASE) may soon join an elite list of nationally significant adventure camps for the Boy Scouts of America. “That’s the plan,†said Scott Thiessen, assistant director of support services for the Indian Nations Council. “We think this adventure base will eventually draw Scouts from all over the country.†The Indian Nations Council of the Boy Scouts of America recently completed a $28 million fundraising campaign to build a premier outdoor base at the Zink Scout Ranch near Skiatook Lake. “This is going to be a different type of adventure camp, a unique approach for us,†said Indian Nations Council Executive/CEO Bill Haines. “We will make this a camp with a very diverse type of adventures. We want this to be a place where youth can have a lot of different experiences.†... ZBASE, which potentially will join the BSA HA group, plans to be a far different adventure for Boy Scouts from around the country. During the weeklong adventure at ZBASE, Boy Scouts will rotate through about 11 different adventures located on the ranch that has about 30,000 acres. About 13,000 acres will actually be in use as part of the base. The programs include: aerial adventure (sky trail, climbing), ATV course, base camp (jet skis, sailboats, scuba, kayak, canoe, fishing), cable wake park (wake boarding), extreme wilderness survival, mountain bike course, Native American adventure (Native American culture, horse riding), racing center (high-speed go-kart racing), sporting clays challenge, treehouses, ZBASE Ninja course (based on the “Ninja Warrior†television show) and Turkey Creek Canyon (a Western village). Campers will travel between the various adventures by ATV, canoes, boats, bikes and other modes of transportation. When completed, the base will include the longest zip line in Oklahoma, a 50-foot climbing wall, the largest wake park in the state, one of the most challenging wilderness bike trails in Oklahoma, a go-kart race track complete with pits, an 18-station sporting clays course, three treehouses connected by a ropes course, black-powder muzzle-loading firearms and sarsaparilla available in an Old West town. Kids will be housed in various facilities including yurts, treehouses, Adirondacks cabins and a western village. Located less than 30 minutes from downtown Tulsa, (An hour from Tulsa airport!!) ZBASE is expected to attract not only Scouts but also adult leaders during yearlong educational programs. ... Hmm $28 million fundraiser, how much did Summit cost?

You missed my point. What if your kids like the program and new members, you would force your kids to leave? Often with parenting, seemingly simple black and white decisions are more complicated. My son enjoyed Venturing, I endured it for him.

I follow where my kids interests are. I was not keen about Venturing, but there I was.

NJ, would green work for you? https://www.amazon.com/America-Tri-Spinner-Fingertip-Gyroscope-Focusing/dp/B07121Y4D1

@@RobbyC welcome to scouter.com. Interesting, well-researched video post, he even speaks of "back in the day".

Besides Camp Bradley in Snake River Council, Idaho, there are also three campgrounds in Grand Teton Council, Idaho available to the public during eclipse weekend, Aug. 18-21. Scout Hollow near Rigby, Treasure Mountain in Teton Canyon and Camp Little Lemhi in Swan Valley. The eclipse will be visible at all three sites. Scouting executives also are considering opening Island Park Scout Camp during eclipse weekend. “We can provide places where people can go have a nice camping experience in a family-friendly atmosphere,†Brown said. “And if people are worried about tree cover and stuff, we’ve checked out where the sun will be and there’s clear areas where people can watch from those sites.†Each campground includes water and garbage access, bathrooms and bear boxes. Scout officials also will provide instructions for safe camping in bear country. Grounds are oriented toward tent camping. There is limited RV space, but no RV hookups, Brown said. No alcohol is allowed at the campgrounds. Camp Little Lemhi and Treasure Mountain offer lake access where campers can fish. Canoes and rowboats likely will be available as well, Brown said. Camping is $25 per person per night, or $35 per person for the entire weekend. Campsites can be reserved at eastidahoeclipse.net. Those interested also can call Director of Camping Services David Widdison at 208-709-1158. “We’re not trying to gouge the public. We’re trying to keep prices in a place where most families can afford it,†Brown said. There also will be an Eclipse EXPO event open to the general public at the Scout Hollow campground. Astronomers will be present to educate attendees on solar eclipses. Booths with space-related activities and games also are expected. The event will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. the day of the eclipse, Aug. 21. Tickets are $10, and can be purchased at eastidahoeclipse.net “The event will have a Scouting flavor,†Brown said. “If a local doesn’t want to camp, they have an opportunity to go do something eclipse-related that’s fun and family-friendly.†http://www.postregister.com/articles/solar-eclipse-news-todays-headlines/2017/06/20/scouts-offering-eclipse-activities

Apparently BSA approved. $6 each https://sfcbsa.org/events/scout-spinners-sale/

The North Florida Council LFL webpage states 25,000 LFL participants in Duval County alone (news article states 30,000). Duval County is the 7th most populated of 67 counties in FL. North Florida Council is one of 9 BSA Councils in Florida. So maybe 150K LFL members in Florida. Agree, the article could be clearer. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_counties_in_Florida https://www.nfcscouting.org/learning-for-life

Agreed. I was surprised by number in Florida 150,000. According to wiki, LFL nationwide membership is 418,484 so that would be a membership drop of more than a one third? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_for_Life Disclaimer: Not counting Explorer units, I have not seen any LFL activity.

Update: The El Paso County medical examiner’s office ruled Scout Reid Comita's death caused by heatstroke. A record heat wave has now moved into the West. The teen was working on his last mandatory merit badge, the camping merit badge, when he died while on the hike, his family said. His Eagle Scout project was to build a playhouse and landscape the area for The Gatehouse, a home for women and children in crisis, in Grapevine. That project will be completed in Comita’s honor by several members of the North Texas scouting community and friends. More at source link http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/northeast-tarrant/article156989659.html

http://news.wjct.org/post/after-school-boy-scouts-program-jeopardy-after-losing-state-funding Boy Scout North Florida Council CEO Jack Sears said Scott’s veto of nearly $2 million jeopardizes the program for 150,000 students across nine school districts statewide. “We are in communication with the governor’s staff in an attempt to help identify possible alternative funding in order to continue the program,†Sears said. He said the program will not continue if funding isn’t secured before July 1. Sears said Learning for Life helps public schools meet a state mandate to include character development in their curricula.

http://www.valdostadailytimes.com/news/local_news/former-commissioner-coming-home-after-transplant/article_dd59b268-aa68-56bf-851a-6d38225dba46.html Lakeland,Georgia Boy Scout Troop 415 will be back at Lake Irma next weekend, putting the finishing touches on fellow scout Seanesee Richardson’s Eagle project. And hopefully helping their friend accomplish his dream of becoming an Eagle Scout. Sean Richardson, 16, was a Lanier County High School sophomore, a trumpet player in the school band, a Life Scout with Boy Scout Troop 415 at Park Avenue United Methodist Church in Valdosta, as noted in a May 21 article in The Valdosta Daily Times. On Dec. 12, 2016, his life changed. While changing a tire, a van fell on his chest. He was unable to breathe properly for nearly an hour. He suffered brain damage in the accident. Prior to the accident, Richardson had earned all of the necessary merit badges and served the required leadership roles to earn the rank of Eagle. He had even presented the proposal to replace rotting wood and paint fences and benches around Lake Irma in Lanier County. Last month, his fellow Scouts undertook the work outlined in Richardson’s Eagle project. Richardson was there in his wheelchair, with mom Kimberly Richardson. Scoutmasters believe Sean Richardson has completed all of the necessary requirements and should be awarded the rank of Eagle. On Saturday, June 24, the scouts will return to put finishing touches on the project, said Stephen Findlay, an assistant scoutmaster with Troop 415. “Then the project will be submitted to the Alapaha Council by the end of June for the Eagle board on July 18,†Findlay said. “Then the board’s results will be submitted to National. If necessary, we will append a letter describing the situation for review by National. I think if our local board approves the Eagle for Sean, then National will probably follow suit. This is our plan.†Scout Salute

welcome to scouter.com @@Beery

Thanks @@NealOnWheels, that is a good read.

As a private club, the BSA was/is exempt from ADA which does seem odd if the club has members with disabilities. http://www.scouting.org/filestore/designdevelop/pdf/D-013AccessibilityConsiderations.pdf “Are Boy Scout facilities subject to the federal law?†Federal law imposes these requirements on public accommodations, which is typically a commercial operation such as a store or restaurant, and public facilities, such as libraries and city hall. Private clubs are one of the few groups that are exempt. Scout facilities such as camps and offices used exclusively by Scouts (or at least 90% by Scouts only) qualify as private club facilities and are exempt from the federal law. However, if Scout offices are leased to other organizations, or meeting rooms are rented out to the public, or the Scout shop sells a significant portion of camping supplies to non-Scouts, then these facilities may be considered “public accommodations.†More in link above, so installing accommodations was a BSA decision based on business model (who the rented to) and doing the right thing. Camp Sno-Mo Easterseals NH and the Daniel Webster Council, Boy Scouts of America work together at this nationally-recognized, residential camp program, sponsored by the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association to create a life-changing experience for campers. Located in Gilmanton Iron Works, NH, children and young adults with disabilities and special needs, ages 11-21, can inclusively participate alongside Boy Scouts in a wide variety of activities including water sports, team sports, hiking, archery, a ropes course and crafts. http://www.easterseals.com/nh/our-programs/camping-recreation/camp-sno-mo.html

Welcome to scouter.com , an interesting first topic.

Silly? I doubt the added membership came close to repaying the ramps ( a lot of ramps), bath and shower facilities and yet it was done. The BSA decided it had to be done. I would not be surprised if the expense of handicap ramps and rails alone exceeds the cost of new bathhouse. As I said before our Councils had to upgrade to meet state health codes. Why not Summit-level toilet and shower facilities at all local camps?

I tend to cut new members some slack. Let's refrain from name-calling and over passionate ranting.

https://www.engadget.com/2017/06/16/girl-scouts-cybersecurity-badges-fall-2018/ The GSUSA has partnered with Palo Alto Networks to release new cybersecurity badges over the next two years, the first slated for release in September 2018. They won't just be about minimizing hacking vectors: Younger Scouts will also learn about data privacy, cyberbullying and how to protect themselves online. Badges for older ones will focus on developing coding skills, learning about white hat hacking and creating firewalls. While preventative training has been erratically present in Scouting for some time -- the Boy Scouts, for example, have had the Cyber Chip youth internet safety certification since 2012 -- the Girl Scouts' new set of badges looks to span a respectable breadth of online issues and opportunities. If you're surprised the Girl Scouts have a new badge teaching important tech literacy, you haven't been paying attention. Back in 2011, the organization added ones for Computer Expert and Digital Movie Maker followed by an attempt in 2013 to introduce one for video games. Following the release of a badge dedicated to nurturing science, technology, engineering and math interests in 2015, the Girl Scouts partnered with Netflix last October to encourage young members to pursue STEM careers.

The high-in-dietary-fiber-verse?