RememberSchiff

Thanks. IMO this is a humorous story about Cub Scouts learning about their government and their citizen responsibilities. Everyone usually has an opinion. I like their letters, but do Cub Scouts only go as far as expressing any opinion? CP makes a good point about obtaining and discussing the facts so citizens and representatives can have informed and fair opinions. I wonder if the Cubs were aware (I wasn't) that Illinois is the #1 grower of pumpkins? Maybe a follow-up "fact-finding junket" to Libby's canning plant (I bet that is huge), a bakery (a pie slice a la mode!), or a farm (later in growing season)? Food for thought.

Nope, Cub Scouts

Well I suppose Feigenholtz could have used the recreational marijuana decriminalization bill as an example or did the Brownies already munch that.

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20150303/lakeview/these-boy-scouts-really-hate-pumpkin-pie During a visit with students on Monday, Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) spoke with the youngsters about the legislative process. To demonstrate how a bill becomes law, she showed them House Bill 208, which seeks to designate pumpkin pie as the official state pie of Illinois. But when Feigenholtz explained the bill to the third and fourth grade students, she got more responses than she bargained for. ... In letters to the bill's chief sponsor, State Rep. Keith Sommer (R-Morton), the Boy Scouts offered alternatives to pumpkin pie like "bluebarry," "penut butter choclite" and "key lime." Basically, anything but pumpkin. "NO Pumkin pie. I said Nooooooooo pumkin pie. You heard me Noooooooooooooooooo pumkin pie. Sincerely Connor," wrote one impassioned future voter. What next, popcorn as the state snack?

Scout Chief skips meeting on Camp Russell http://www.uticaod.com/article/20150228/News/150229367 Steve McEwan, Boy Scouts of America Revolutionary Trails Council executive, decided not to show up to a Wednesday night Save Camp Russell subcommittee meeting after he learned late Tuesday it was not a troop meeting. I had printed some handout materials for the meeting, McEwan said, explaining he initially thought he was meeting with Ilion Boy Scout Troop 9. At the last (Save Camp Russell) meeting, 80 people were there. My little 8½-by-11 handout would not have done very well. Since the Revolutionary Trails Council voted 17-4 in December to sell Camp Russell and its Cedarlands property, McEwan and other council representatives have been traveling to various troops and compiling fact sheets to explain why they made the decision. To date, though, they have not attended an event hosted by Save Camp Russell, the 3,000-likes-strong Facebook group that started a change.org petition asking the council to keep Camp Russell open. The petition can be viewed online by visiting www.change.org and searching for Camp Russell. ...McEwan declined the invitation, writing: While I am still very willing to attend a meeting of Pack 9 committee or a parents meeting, I am not incline (sic) to participate in a meeting of the Save Camp Russell group. Do not sell Camp Russell & keep it open to Scouting https://www.change.org/p/steven-mcew...en-to-scouting 2,431 supporters with 69 more needed to forward change.org petition

Seek legal advice from a reputable personal injury attorney. Depending on the facts and which court and which state, you may possibly obtain a restraining order. Different states have different names, e.g., a civil harassment order (civil court) or a criminal protection order (criminal). Agree with Stosh, seek expert counseling from experts. My $0.01

There are lies, damn lies, and perhaps mind-boggling/intolerable/get-fired lies depending on the experience of the liar and the perspective of whoever is judging. As you likely know, our secretary of Veteran Affairs Robert McDonald falsely claimed to a homeless veteran that he served in Special Forces. When exposed, the West Point graduate and former US Army Ranger admitted to his mistake and promised to “do better†and further said, “My biggest motivation was to connect with the veteran,†Mr. McDonald told reporters Tuesday, referring to the homeless man. He said he had never before claimed to have been in the Special Forces, and insisted that throughout his life  from Boy Scouts to the present day  “integrity has been one of the foundations of my character.†Some grant forgiveness, some wish him luck "doing better" in his next job. Who should decide? Those from within the Beltway and Proctor&Gamble, or a panel of veterans who were all Boy Scouts, West Point graduates, and served in Special Forces, or veterans of all backgrounds, or...?

Found this San Bernardino, California http://cms.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/MediaCenter/SheriffPressReleases/PressReleasesfor2015/February/BigBearBurglaryBoyScoutCamp022315.aspx On February 23, 2015, at approximately 11:15 a.m., Deputies Montbriand and McCracken from the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station responded to a burglary in progress at the Holcomb Valley Boy Scouts of America Campground. The deputies arrived at the location and contacted a male subject, later identified as Geoffry Brister. Brister did not have permission to be at the campgrounds and was found near several buildings that had been burglarized. Brister was armed with a .22 caliber rifle at the time he was contacted. The investigation showed the suspect had broken into several buildings on the property and was in the process of stealing numerous items belonging to the Boy Scouts of America, including firearms used by the campers for target practice. Brister was found to be on felony probation for carrying a loaded firearm in public. Suspect Geoffry Brister was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Big Bear jail on felony charges of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and ammunition, Burglary, and Vandalism, as well as misdemeanor charges of being in Possession of Methamphetamine. Brister is being held in lieu of $60,000 bail with an arraignment hearing set for February 25th at San Bernardino County Superior Court. No news regarding the firearms stolen from the McDowell County,NC scout camp, meanwhile as weather permits, the McDowell County 4-H Shooting program is in full gear. https://www.facebook.com/pages/McDowell-County-4-H/254212425404

+1 BSA should stick to the knotting.

Hoky may be appropriate. Explorer posts can pick their own uniforms. As I understand, Explorer posts specialize in a civilian careers field - fire, ems, medical, aviation, engineering...and not military as scoutldr mentioned. For example, I have heard of CAP units also being Explorer Posts but only for those cadets who wanted dual membership. The Explorer Post was focused on aviation and CAP military. Is the "parent organization" of an Explorer Post the BSA or the hosting entity - the fire department, hospital, CAP, USSC,...?

It's parent organization, United States Service Corps (USSC), is also short on details. Wonder how much money the BSA sends their way?. http://www.usservicecorps.us/ http://www.usservicecorps.us/missions-and-goals Finance. The USSC is a volunteer military type organization. There is no general requirement for a budget to cover such costs as salaries, facilities, equipment, training, travel, and general and administrative expenses. While states are not required to budget for SDF type activities there are ways in which the USSC can obtain support funds or equipment: Establish a chapter supporting the State Guard Association of the United States. Approximately one-half of the SDFs have such a chapter. Since these chapters are IRS 501©(3)-certified, they can seek donations and grants to provide a variety of support for the USSC Maryland has such a chapter, as well as its own dedicated 501©(3) foundation, which has proved immensely useful. We can also Petition the National Guard for access to surplus equipment, training material, and training facilities. We can Prepare grant requests for special purposes, such as medical supplies and equipment, training material and audio-visual equipment, communication equipment, youth Drug Demand reduction, or a trailer to house a disaster mobile communication center. We can also establish a working relationship with selected state agencies requiring technical support that the USSC can provide. Under these conditions the USSC can use the agency’s material and equipment for itself for the duration of their working relationship. We should also consider an associate with a local Medical Reserve Corps, or first responder group receiving visibility, recognition, and temporary additional medical staff and needed medical resources. ???

Can't say that I have ever heard of a documented Learning for LIfe program in my area until now and this program is news to me too - the Army Explorer program. Looks interesting, seems more active in Southwest, parts of the South and Northeast. Anyone familiar with this program? http://www.armyexplorers.us/current The United States Army Explorers (USAE) is a registered not for profit youth career exploration program for teens both Males, and females ages 13-20. It is also the Cadet side of the United States Service Corps, a military organization that is training personnel to serve the US States in Emergency Management, Disaster Relief, and other services that states may need. Our Program exposes cadets to what career opportunities in the military are like, and provide them first hand knowledge and experience in the many military occupational skills. We are the fastest growing army cadet program in the country Our program is a part of the Learning for Life Explorer program with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), with strong links to the US Army, Army Reserve, Army National Guard, and State Guard Forces. However, our adults and explorers are not members of the armed forces by virtue of their membership in the United States Army Explorers. All of our staff members are non-paid professionals who bring a rich and varied background to the program. Army Explorer cadets receive similar training to that which regular soldiers receive. Army Explorers participate in the regular Army Physical Fitness training and testing, Drill & Ceremony, Military Customs and Courtesies, CPR and First Aid, Land Navigation, Radio Communications, Aviation, Leadership, Marksmanship (handguns included! ), Search and Rescue, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, Field Exercises, and much more! The Explorers National Headquarters is an approving authority for the Military Emergency Management Specialist(MEMS) Badge. The United State Army Explorers is the only Program that allows teenagers to earn the MEMS Badge outside of them having enlisted in the State Military Reserves/ State Guards/State Defense Forces. The MEMS Badge is a military badge authorized at the State Military level and utilized by the State Military Reserves/ State Guards/ State Defense Forces and their Parent Organization: the State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS).

Officially nobody knows. State officials say the process is going through "growing pains" - a rough translation "we didn't think this out". Here's an example http://www.dailyitem.com/news/child-...f3013cd83.html "In the audience were students as well as teachers and administrators, but also business owners who take part in job shadowing programs. Those programs are a concern to John Kurelja, Warrior Run School District superintendent. “We send our eighth-grade students out to businesses,†he said of a successful job shadowing program that gives students a look at various trades and careers. Do those employees need background checks? That’s not clear. Another big issue is the law’s potential impact on the Little League World Series, Culver said. This annual international gathering in Williamsport relies on hundreds of adult volunteers to operate. State Sen. Gene Yaw, R-23 of Williamsport, is expected to meet Monday with league officials to work on the issue." Enforceable? I think as with most things that an incident will be reported and the investigator(s) back-track to see if the correct procedures were followed. With the vagueness of this law, e.g., medical personnel and ages of volunteers, the chance of missteps is there. Not to say, that some spot audits might be done. Works for the IRS and a state trooper pulling over a trucker. Full Faith and Credit clause? I think this only applies between states and somewhat selectively, e.g., marriage licenses. PA would be asked to accept my out-of-state BSA council's private background check not my state's background check which may or may not have been done within the last 3 years. Would be nice but I don't see that happening. Some state "privileges" are reciprocated, some are not. A drivers license I think is one of the few universal examples. Fishing permits no. Firearms permits some no, some yes.

PA 2014 Act 153 http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/...sInd=0&act=153 Clearances (how, where) http://www.dhs.state.pa.us/findaform/childabusehistoryclearanceforms/ Meanwhile abuse reports and background checks are going swimmingly at the Dept. of Human Services. The state had promised to process background checks within 14 days. Not happening, even with an enlarged staff, mandatory OT of up to 5hours/day, and new computer systems. http://www.pennlive.com/politics/ind...ing_child.html Feb/Mar, my unit makes our summer reservations. With moderating gas prices, our unit was considering a trip to Gettysburg/Valley Forge but that appears dead. No response from our emails to DHS and the thought of paying an additional $50/adult is a trip killer. When you consider the number of non-PA schools and youth groups which have traveled to PA historic sites, museums, sports venues, Little League World Series, Hershey...., it is apparent not much thought was given to this law and its implementation. Volunteering is becoming quite the revenue source.

Update 2/20/2015 Herkimer County legislature passes resolution against the sale of Camp Russell. http://www.herkimertelegram.com/arti...News/150229926 The (Herkimer County) Legislature also passed a resolution opposing the sale or closure of Boy Scout Camp Russell, noting “the camp's rich history has been an asset to Herkimer County for 97 years providing traditions that carry on long after the last scout has been served.†Certified copies of the resolution are to be sent to the Boy Scouts of America office in Utica. The resolution recalls that the camp was founded in 1918 when Samuel T. Russell of Ilion, an industrialist businessman and a prominent local citizen, offered 15 acres of his property on White Lake to the scouts of Ilion, Utica and Rome. The new camp was named Camp Russell in his honor. In June of that year, he led a group of 12 men from Ilion to construct a building for the camp. The camp eventually grew from 15 to 300 acres. The Boy Scouts of America Revolutionary Trails Council voted in December to sell Camp Russell and its Cedarlands property, which hasn't been used as a camp since 2011, due to declining enrollment. Camp Russell is to remain open for the duration of the 2015 camping season however.

So a PA volunteer may face this process. 1. State and Federal background checks with no required YP education 2. Charter Organization, e.g. a Catholic Diocese, requires their YP training and background check. 3. BSA requires their YP training and a LexisNexis background check (where BSA asks for Social Security Number). What if a new volunteer, says "Look I paid and cleared Step 1 which is good for 3 years., I will NOT give you my SS# nor submit to redundant background checks."? I think the silver lining may be shifting background check liability entirely to the State of PA. The CO's and BSA just do their specific YP training which will have the PA "mandatory reporting" segment. The membership application for a PA adult would need to be change too.

It looks like you can transfer the background checks (which you likely paid) within an organization, which could be tricky. Say you were heavily involved with youth programs at your CO - scouts, youth ministries, CYO basketball. It seems you should get your clearances for your (employer) CO and not BSA. If you are involved heavily in Scouts with multiple units and venues - troops, district, camp then get your clearances for your (employer) BSA council. But what if your PA council is HQ'd in Maryland or New York? Might resurface the old wisdom, that council boundaries and their camp assets should be within one state (topic for another thread). From a PA Dept of Human Services, undated and unsigned Fact Sheet (which has no force of law) http://www.psp.pa.gov/Documents/Publ...ployees%20.pdf Can lear Can clearances be transferred? Any person who obtained their clearances may transfer or provide services to another subsidiary or branch established and supervised by the same organization during the length of time the person’s clearances are current. NOTE: when an employee begins employment with a new agency, institution, organization or other entity that is responsible for the care, supervision, guidance or control of children new clearances must be obtained This is similar to Obamacare in that in had to be passed to learn the implications. But Schiff predicts Act 153 = PA Attorney Monetary Gift Act of 2015

A almost identical memo from the Mason-Dixon Council which has two districts in PA and one in MD. Their additional questions are noted in blue italics. http://www.mason-dixon-bsa.org/openr...aspx?id=146718 As we mentioned earlier, we have a very long list of questions and clarifications. Just a few of these questions include: If a volunteer has to obtain clearances for another organization, can the clearances be transferred to Scouting? Does this extend to unregistered parents who attend meetings, go on outings, or want to go to summer camp with their child? 14 year old Den Leaders, Merit Badge Counselors required as well? Do we deny BSA membership if an adult does not provide the background check or remove them if certification expires How do we maintain the data base for hundreds of volunteers? How will this affect Venturers between age 18 and 20?

http://padutchbsa.org/memo-on-pa-act...council-key-3/ Memo on PA Act 153 from (Pennsylvania Dutch) Council Key 3 by Mike on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 To: Unit Leaders, Unit Committee Chairs, Chartered Organization Representatives, District Volunteers, and Council Board Members From: Rupert Taylor, Jim Troebliger Ed Rasmuson Council President Council Commissioner Scout Executive Re: PA Act 153 of 2014: Requiring Comprehensive Criminal and Child Abuse Background Checks Dear Scouters, As you may or may not be aware, PA Act 153 of 2014 went into effect January 1, 2015. This law will have a direct impact on paid employees working with children and unpaid volunteers in Pennsylvania, including those involved in Scouting. This law requires that every person responsible for the welfare of youth obtain and keep on file, comprehensive and regularly updated criminal and child abuse background checks. This new PA law is applicable to any person “responsible for the welfare of a child or having direct contact with children.†The Child Protective Services Law defines “direct contact with children†as “the care, supervision, guidance, or control of children or routine interaction with children.†This new law affects every Scout Council in Pennsylvania. The PA Dutch Council has been monitoring this legislation and has been awaiting further guidance from our National Council. Like many of you, we have a very long list of questions and clarifications related to this law that we are seeking answers to. We, and every Council in Pennsylvania, are working on getting these questions answered so that we can provide the best information and directions possible to you. In the meantime, we felt it important to communicate with you what we do know at this point. While many community-based programs like Scouting, schools, youth sports programs, and religious organizations have long required background checks for volunteers, Pennsylvania law now provides very specific directives on the timing and type of checks required. The background checks performed by the Boy Scouts of America, because they are done through a third party service, do not meet the requirements as outlined in this new law. Going forward, PA law now requires that volunteers working with children obtain the following background checks and clearances (these must be completed every three years): PA State Police Criminal History Record Check ($10 fee) PA Child Abuse Clearance ($10 fee) Fingerprint-Based FBI Criminal History Record Check ($27.50 fee) Certain volunteers (those living in PA consistently for the last ten years) can be exempted from the FBI Criminal History Check Background checks and clearances will have to be obtained according to the following schedule: Beginning July 1, 2015, any new volunteer must submit clearances prior to beginning service. By July 1, 2016, currently registered volunteers previously not required to obtain clearances must submit clearances. Clearance fees will have to be paid by the volunteer. As we mentioned earlier, we have a very long list of questions and clarifications. Just a few of these questions include: If a volunteer has to obtain clearances for another organization, can the clearances be transferred to Scouting? Does this extend to unregistered parents who attend meetings, go on outings, or want to go to summer camp with their child? How will this affect Venturers between age 18 and 20? Again, the purpose of this letter is to inform you of what we know so far. We will provide further communications once we have our questions answered and can provide a clear, concise set of directions as to exactly what a volunteer will need to do and how to do it. Please wait until we are in communication before having the volunteers in your unit obtain any of the checks and clearances discussed above. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact the PA Dutch Council Service Center (717-394-4063) and ask for either Ed, Chris, or Mike.

Employers (school districts, scout councils, camps,...) must keep records that their employees and volunteers have successfully cleared said background checks. Failure to do so for those employers is a third degree misdemeanor - a fine or year in jail. This record keeping requires personnel and some filing/database system. Will there be inspections by the state to verify compliance or will compliance be checked after a report? Penn State scandal? These background checks would not have stopped Sandusky at Penn State as he had no record. Another new PA law, the "mandatory reporter" law, with 0 costs may have (well assuming one does not fail to report). Coach Mike McQueary's report on a shower room assault would have gone directly to police not Penn State. I am not arguing against background checks rather their implementation and cost. Why are background checks so much quicker when I board a plane, buy a firearm, and hypothetically get pulled-over by the police? http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/ind...ld_protec.html

Yes big question. I found no requirement that the state of PA complete the background checks within a certain time or a contingency procedure if they do not. I wouldn't be surprised if suddenly a temporary waiver could be purchased for $$ from PA. Ka-ching.

From another thread: http://www.acacamps.org/sites/default/files/images/keystone/PA_Background_Checks_Act_of_2014.pdf State of Pennsylvania Comprehensive Background Checks Updated 1/30/2015 As of December 31 2014, Pennsylvania Act 153 of 2014 requires that new employees, volunteers, and those with expired clearances who have direct contact and care for children must obtain three clearances which are then valid for 3 years. They would need to be re-attained after 3 years. This law also applies to persons over the age of 14 working paid positions, revealing information if the minor had been convicted as an adult. Beginning July 1, 2015, all persons who are, “responsible for the welfare of a child or having direct contact with children†are to complete the clearances below prior to the commencement of service. Clearances obtained before January 1, 2015 are not valid . The required background checks include: 1. Criminal History Record Information obtained from the Pennsylvania State Police ($10 fee) 2. Child Abuse Clearance obtained through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services certifying the applicant is not named in the statewide database “as the alleged perpetrator in a pending child abuse investigation or as the perpetrator of a founded report or indicated report of child abuse.†($10 fee) 3. Federal Criminal History Record Information obtained by submitting a full set of fingerprints to Cogent Systems for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation ($27.50 fee) Volunteers are not required to complete the federal criminal history check (#3) if they have lived continuously in Pennsylvania over the previous 10 years and are working an unpaid position. However, they must swear or affirm in writing that they are not barred from volunteering due to a conviction or offense under § 6344 © . Unpaid volunteers committed to less than 30 days can provide clearances from their home state or county. Those volunteering longer than 30 days must obtain clearance through the state of Pennsylvania. The law does not require employers to pay for their employee’s background check fees, and camps may front the costs for the background checks, and then deduct the fees from the employee’s pay if an agreement exists in writing as part of the employment contract . All three background checks are initiated online by the employee. As the law stands now, an employee must complete new background checks for each new employer. Employees cannot use existing clearances to begin employment with a new employer, even though the certificates are valid for three years Will this kill or just cripple Scouting in PA?

PA's new background check laws have other twists. It is the prospective employee/volunteer responsibility to obtain and pay for his/her background check not the employer. Depending on whether it is direct youth contact and the volunteer's length of PA residency, this could be 2 or 3 background checks: child abuse, state police, and FBI. Sure the BSA could do it's LexisNexis on top of those checks and maybe a year or two later, the volunteer is cleared. About $50 for all three PA required clearances which must be repeated every 3 years! Unclear about the age of a volunteer? Would a 15yr old CIT need to obtain a background check? When you consider that few people will pay for the privilege to volunteer their time, this may be the end of volunteering.