RememberSchiff

"The Mid-Iowa Council, BSA STEM action committee is excited in your interest in this event. It is a unique opportunity for the Ankeny School District and the Boy Scouts of America to work in tande m within the community. At the event we will also have information about a potential new Ankeny STEM Club that would do STEM activities once a quarter. We hope that you and your child are planning to attend to learn more about the growth of S.T.E.M. programs and education in our community." Exporing STEM in Ankenny March 7, 2015 http://www.ankenyschools.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/694384/File/Announcements%20Docs/STEM%203.7.2015.pdf

"For any and all Scouting activities, all participants must complete Part A and Part B. "All participants" includes parents, guardians, siblings, youth, staff, and unit leaders. " Out in the real world, our unit's conventional wisdom is this: All members of a scout unit must supply their current Part A and Part B forms to their unit leader. Form C and High Adventure may also be needed depending on duration and venue. These forms are securely managed and carried along to all unit activities by the unit leader or alternate. So which "non-registered's" need to supply a med form. Dads running a Pinewood Derby? No, even though he will likely self-administer two aspirin. A mom who volunteered to help drive scouts to weekend campout? No An adult working in the kitchen of a scout fundraiser? No Parents and siblings visiting the Family Campfire at scout camp or troop meeting? No A scout famiily going along for a day trip - No A non-scout sibling accompanied by parent - No and they MUST be accompanied by parent! A policeman giving a DARE presentation at a troop meeting - NO but I dare you to demand the officer do so. SAR personnel presenting at a summer camp - NO A parent staying overnight at a campout - Yes Let's not hassle the few adults who help with unnecessary paperwork and an intrusion on their privacy. I do not know of any other youth group that requires informal adult volunteers to submit medical forms for a casual helpful presence. Other youth groups assume their adults to be responsible and liable for their own health management and risk assessment. My $0.02,

https://www.facebook.com/STEMScouts most recent post as of Feb 16, 2015 "The Vortex and the STEM Scouts team made it home with great news. The National Executive Board approved expanding the STEM Scouts test pilot into additional councils! In the coming days, we will have a great deal more information to share. Thank you all for the warm wishes"

Please take this statue discussion to its own thread.

I am sorry to hear that your Scouts' freedom of religion upset your Scoutmaster.

We still don't know the CM's "hike plan". But for a Cub Scout hike the total distance is limited to what 3 miles? So from their trailhead draw 1.5 and 3.0 mile radius circles as we also don't know if they planned to return to the starting point. What are the points of reference, points of interest, terrain, evac points, water, bathrooms, dangers.. A cursory look - Pacific ocean, cliffs with steep trails, world's largest nude beach, gliderport If the CM was using this map http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/657/fi...eserve_map.pdf the nude beach, Black's Beach, to my understanding is south of Flat Rock and off paper. Also south and off map is the gliderport. Hmmm? The nudity issue is one of permission with parents and CO as surprisingly the BSA was no explicit rules against this. So is that the take-away here, if ALL parents and CO are ok with hiking past a nude beach then ok, this hike is rated PG-13 for occasional nudity? Personally, I have no problem. Back in the day, my troop's winter swim was bare butt at the indoor Y pool. "Going Commando" was not yet in the lingo but was an apt description. What does concern me is the navigation mistakes with presumably a map in hand, such prominent and proximate points of reference in a familiar area. My $0.02

San Diego-Imperial Council and parents' (unsigned) response in support (2 pages) http://www.utsandiego.com/documents/2015/feb/04/response-blacks-beach-cub-scout-incident/ http://media.utsandiego.com/news/doc...sBeachHike.pdf

--Are there any grade requirements to remain in good standing in the Boy Scouts? No, though but I would expect Band would have such requirements. There merit badges that may help, in particlar, Scholarship merit badge, perhaps you can become a merit badge counselor for Scholarship merit badge. There is also a Reading merit badge http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Scholarship --Would it be a good idea to take a break from Scouts, even for a week or two, to refocus other areas of life? Absolutely.As you pointed out this is a critical time. He needs to consider his future, improve his grades, SAT/ACT, college visits, develop good relations with teachers for recommendations, etc. I would not set the break based on time but rather on goals, otherwise he will just run out the clock on you. 'We will take a break from scouting until we have completed these academic goals - grades, test scores, college visits'... and maybe earn Scholarship merit. My older son missed several weekend scout outings to SAT/ACT test prep classes. I wish we had done it sooner. --Is every single weekend camping trip mandatory? I'm sure they'll have more in the spring, which is when he will need every bit of time he can get for finals and standardized tests. No. His troop may have set attendance requirements, e.g., 'you need to go on these to attend the summer trek'. In my household, the expectation was firmly set - school came before scouts. Homework not done, no scouts. Homework got done. I also had some talks with the the scoutmaster to get him with our son's overall life program. He's a good kid but is going through some trying times, academically and elsewhere, and I'd like to approach the parents in the right way if I make the recommendation to scale back on activities. Any advice/answers to my questions? Determine his personal goals, responsibilities, and interests. Prioritize and balance! From what you described his scouting experience seems a fun escape from schoolwork which is a shame as his scouting experience should be much more. It should be teaching him the same life skills you are teaching him now - map out a destination for yourself, learn new skills, develop solid relationships with adults (teachers). This has not happened for whatever reason and time is ticking...childhood's end. Good luck and thanks for helping a scout. My $0.02

True. They were within their council so the BSA does not require one. Does that make sense is another topic. It would be interesting to know if the Charter Organization, which I think is a Presbyterian Church, was part of the "Pack leadership" which said proper protocol had been observed, etc. If not, there may be more to come.

Somehow I think the cover-up spin, "Nothing to see here, let's move along." will only lead to further exposure of leadership problems. Another $0.02

Where do we draw the line in the sand? Cub Scout outing at a nudist beach!! What next, boy scouts giving breast exams? And who will judge in California? If the soul is darkened By a fear it cannot name, If the mind is baffled When the rules don't fit the game, Who will answer? Who will answer? Who will answer? Alleluyah! Alleluyah! Alleluyah! Jimmy Fallon or Jon Stewart?

“During a planned hiking trip at Torrey Pines State Beach, a local Cub Scout Pack encountered some individuals who were inappropriately dressed. This outing, involving both parents and adult volunteer leaders, was quickly rerouted to protect the youth. Following the trip, both San Diego-Imperial Council and Pack leadership met with parents to discuss the events and determine if further action was needed. Together we concluded that proper protocol had been observed and appropriate steps were taken in this matter.†Karl Shelton, San Diego Imperial Council spokesman So did the Cubmaster have an approved Tour Permit? Isn't this "covered" in YP training? http://www.cbs8.com/story/28006852/p...o-blacks-beach And I wonder why National doesn't trust the judgment of unit leaders...

Same state, Massachusetts, and another council, Annawon, is currently being pressured to merge. There is less transparency in this case, e.g., is National denying a charter to Annawon Council due to ...? Anyone have more info? Annawon does have a symbiotic relationship with Narragansett Council regarding summer camps. Annawon runs a resident Cub Scout Camp Norse for both councils while Narragansett runs a boy scout camp for both. Seems practical but some pro's see it as a reason to merge. I don't necessarily agree. Boston Minuteman gets into similar resource and activity relationships with neighboring councils and then a year or two later there are merger talks, e.g., Yankee Clipper Council. In my experience, merger talks seem an irresistible force that rarely meets any object (transparency and informed, engaged CO's), sort of like an IRS audit. Suddenly everything is about merger, resistance is futile, you will be absorbed. Meanwhile the program is sidelined and we have MBA-bobblehead talk - "establish a dialog with stakeholders to establish best practices..." http://www.annawonbsa.org/annawon-co...ansition/57228 The Annawon Council finds itself facing an unforeseen situation, having been told by BSA National that we must merge with a nearby council. So far, the Annawon Council's Study Committee has met with both of our neighboring councils -- Narragansett Council to our south and Old Colony Council to our north. Each council presents a variety of opportunities for our scouts, staff, and volunteers. Both councils provide rich programs and training for youth and adults. Both councils have excellent facilities. Both councils have great leadership to continue the Scouting experience that we know and love. And we have much to offer them too.

I remember a swine flu outbreak at summer camp. http://www.scouter.com/forum/summer-camp/15517-swine-flue-at-summer-camp

This merger study lasted 18 months - time and money! After this stunning merger rejection, some "spinning" is going on- "Well hrrrump, this study did identify areas where... and was hence worthwhile", but 90% of these issues were already known before the study. May the pro's with just MERGER on the mind leave both councils. For those pro's remaining, this paradox, Recruiting does not increase membership, program does. If we build it, they will come - quality units (not Excellence nonsense) and local camps both with cool scout adventure programs. Another $0.02

A scout is CLEAN, in part meaning he does not spread disease. Communicate this year round and before food handling. Quarantine the infected. If a person is sick - coughing, running nose, nauseous, achy, running a temp - the early stages of just about everything. SICK? STAY HOME. Don't go to work, school, scouts, travel, or Disneyland. Common sense but not money sense, as there may be no one or way for a parent to stay home with a sick child. Got hotel and plane reservations to Disneyworld and sick kids, they're going. My $0.01

NASHUA VALLEY TURNED DOWN THE MERGER! Mohegan Council had been pushing for a merger, which many in Nashua Valley Council saw as having zero or negative benefit. It was not stated (very disingenuous) which Council office and store would close but it was likely NVC. http://www.mohegancouncilbsa.org/201...wn-the-merger/ "Well, got some surprising news last night from the Nashua Valley Council. At their Council meeting by a vote of 31 to 26 the merger resolution was defeated." Great getting the COR's out to vote as unit leaders or committee chairs had NO vote in this.Though their input on a new Council name was welcomed! The Nashua Valley Council executive board had voted previously 20-8 in favor of the recommendation. Q: What is the total number of active members, and what is the quorum requirement? What type of vote is required? A: The total number of active members as of January 9, 2015 is 118. The council bylaws specify that a quorum for all special meetings of the council shall be 10% so the quorum for the meeting on the 28th will be 12 people. A simple majority is required for all votes at meetings of the council. The above came from a FAQ from Nashual Valley, very revealing (meaning it may disappear) http://www.nashuavalleybsa.org/cm/in...swers#finances Hooray! Now both councils can focus on program which as they are suppose to do and not the following %$#& nonsense: [TABLE] [TR] [TD]February - March 2015[/TD] [TD]Nominating Committee recommends new board of directors and officers Implementation committee develops new bylaws Selection committee interviews and hires new Scout Executive Recommendations accepted for new council name[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Early April 2015[/TD] [TD]Council members approve new name, bylaws, board of directors and officers[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]April - August 2015[/TD] [TD]Committee chairs appointed and committee integration work begins[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]September 1, 2015[/TD] [TD]New council formally launched[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

Ed Whelan in the National Review writes http://www.nationalreview.com/bench-memos/397444/california-supreme-court-versus-boy-scouts-ed-whelan "I wonder how long it will be before the California supreme court prohibits judges from allowing their sons to belong to the Boy Scouts, from taking part as non-members in Boy Scout events, or from providing any material support to the Boy Scouts."

Boy Scouts donate new wheelchair to 5-year-old student on Scoutmaster's bus route "...the scoutmaster ... suggested that his scouts use part of their Christmas tree stand proceeds to buy Ayden a new, larger wheelchair. The scouts have been selling Christmas trees outside of the Forest Grove Safeway as a troop fundraiser for about 30 years, said Jef Dalin, an adult leader with the troop (and mayor of Cornelius.) Each year, 10 percent of the proceeds are reserved for a community donation. In prior years, the money has gone to breast cancer research or the local animal shelter. This was a chance for the boys to see the direct impact their donation could make..." Full story at this link http://www.oregonlive.com/forest-gro..._wheelcha.html Good job.

Agreed. Add Den Chief cords too if the scout is no longer a den chief.

Honor guard is a temporary,as in one day, duty assignment, so if this is needed, it should be a removable armband or perhaps some Velcro attachment. I understand this was a scout suggestion and will leave it at that.

Frederick Burnham rarely gets credit either.

The fault is not in our wiki but in ourselves. Didn't we have a scouting museum somewhere in the US that made no mention of the contributions to scouting of Bill "Green Bar" Hillcourt?

http://www.threeharborscamps.org/#!about1/c6wa "The task force found that each of the four properties is in need of significant capital investments at a time when camping participation is declining, leading to excess capacity at northern Wisconsin Boy Scout camps. “The need to maintain a dedicated council-run camp in the Northwoods of Wisconsin is minimized due to the heavy concentration of well-funded, well-run camps in the area with excess capacity,†the task force reported. “To offer a summer camp experience of similar quality would require more capital than can be justified.†In addition to $1 million in deferred maintenance that would be required for accredited camp programs at the northern camps, another $12 million would need be to be invested to achieve a “Blue Ribbon†status based on new national standards for Scout camps." ?? Not all camps need to be "upgraded" , why not leave them primitive and limit program to scoutcraft. Never hear of a "Blue Ribbon" status is that a 4-H cow camp with heated barns?