RememberSchiff

From Charleston Gazette "There's already talk that Bridge Day festival organizers might be interested in leasing the Boy Scouts' new stadium for concerts. But the Scouts can't lease out the amphitheater and other facilities to outside groups without jeopardizing its tax-exempt status. McGowan said the Summit would host only a small number of public events -- mostly concerts -- each year. The Scouts also may temporarily lease out other Summit facilities, including camping sites, a "Leadership Excellence Center," "Better Body Health Center," and technology center, McGowan said." More info http://sundaygazettemail.com/News/201208140245

Ha you got me , pre-coffee posts are offten subjeck to tpyos... I heard some local group(s) had some interest in booking rock concerts at the Summit's 80,000 seat "amphitheater on grass. But some stupid with a flare gun, Burned the place to the ground. Smoke on the water and fire in the sky. (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

To maintain tax-exempt status while renting Summit facilities, including an 80,000 seat stadium, to non-charitable groups, the BSA would need an amendment to the West Virginia Constitution "Current state law would only allow charitable institutions to use it for a charitable purpose. A bill calling for a vote on a proposed constitutional amendment passed the state Senate earlier this year but was not taken up in the House of Delegates." http://www.wvmetronews.com/index.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=54357&type= IMO, it is a stretch to get it both ways when it comes to taxes, particularly when you start competing with tax paying businesses, but maybe we'll see Monster Trunks Derbies at the Summit?

In general is it worthwhile to ask about camping on military bases? To whom should such an inquiry be directed? Definitely, particularly if there is an airshow or other public base event that weekend . Usually one contacts the base Public Affairs Office. (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Back when I was a kid, I often watched an early morning tv show called "The Big Picture". Here's a 28 minute episode "U.S. Army and the Boy Scouts" that I watched more than 50 years ago, about the time I joined Cub Scouts. Very cool back then having soldiers and West Point cadets teaching rifle shooting.

"A generous contribution from the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation has made it possible for local councils to present selected Eagle Scout candidates with a $100 prepaid gift card to be used toward their service projects." More details and link to application form here http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/trailtoeagle.aspx

I doubt anything happens but I do not know for sure so I used "former?". I would hope their medals and sashes are stored as the future always holds the promise of reconciliation. Ignoring these letters would be discourteous. God forbid, their returned medals and sashes are sold on Ebay ... now that would be a PR disaster. Another $0.02 (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

An online list of 100+ turn-ins and their letters. http://eaglebadges.tumblr.com/ I sincerely hope each former? Eagle receives a personal response letter from National. My $0.02

Agreed. Those interviewed were uncomfortable and their comments guarded. It is what it is, McCollin (SE) said. Every local council has to deal with it as best they can, based on the makeup of their constituents and customers. Were trying to do the best we can here. Like politics, scouting is local. My $0.02

from Barre Montpelier Times Argus http://www.timesargus.com/article/20120812/THISJUSTIN/708129867

No claim by Glenn. Because of his "Boy Scout" character, many just assumed John Glenn had been a boy scout. He wanted to join Boy Scouts but there were too few boys thereabouts so he and his buddies formed a club called the Ohio Rangers. They even used an old Scout Handbook. In the media, I have heard Congressman Ryan referred to as a Boy Scout though I have not found any mention of a scout background on his website or wiki bio. I hope he was scout. My $0.01 for rambling

Why? Do you think there is some sort of conspiracy? No, I just want to be more accurate about Congressman Ryan than I was about Senator John Glenn.

VP Candidate Paul Ryan was an actual Boy Scout, http://www.scouting.org/About/FactSheets/Congress.aspx Not disagreeing, but has anyone found info on Congressman Ryan's scouting background? I only found mention of YMCA summer camp. Along with about 200 other congressmen, he cosponsorrd Peter Session's House Resolution 716 - the designation of a National Eagle Scout Day Aug 1,2012 to commemorate the contributions made by Eagle Scouts of the Boy Scouts of America. As I understand, it got stuck House in Committee on Oversight and Government Reform as Aug 1,2012 slipped by.

I would like to read the letter. Can anyone here transcribe it? If the tone is intimidating that would just be counter-productive to the source. Retirees could just comment off the record as apparently one did for the article or anonymously blog. Even if in place, anti-disparagement clauses become difficult to enforce. I too bristle whenever I hear a talking head use corporate-speak words like "stakeholder"... seems out-of-place in Scouting to this old scouter. And don't call me a stakeholder. My $0.02(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/2012/08/boy-scouts-hq-does-not-want-retirees-talking-to-reporters-about-controversial-issues.html/ Aug 2, BSA retirees received a letter from Stephen Medlicott, National Director, The Marketing Group (I thought he was Director of External Communication ???). Retirees were asked not to talk not to reporters regarding certain issues. When the above reporter questioned if this was intimidation, Deron Smith, the BSAs public relations director, responded Scouting takes all issues surrounding youth protection extremely seriously, and therefore, as part of our standard operating procedure, we engage our stakeholders by keeping them up to date on relevant developments, Corporate policy or bullying your own retirees? My $0.02

Apparently just one adult, the 4 scouts & asst. scoutmaster were tubing down river. The attack occurred about 2 hours before the scheduled pickup point with scoutmaster. Scoutmaster was back at camp. Some gripping detail here about the scout response. http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2012/08/10/news/doc5024686ddb810044721518.txt?viewmode=fullstory

And at least one church says they've broken ties with the council due to this policy - "After the Tribune report emerged, Rev. John Echert, pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in South St. Paul, Minnesota, told LSN that he immediately broke his churchs ties with the Twin Cities group" I could be wrong, my understanding is that was Father John's first response but then he learned that inclusion was by local option and not compulsory. See my earlier post of his church bulletin Aug 5 REFLECTIONS PARISH SCOUT UPDATE, page 8 of this post.

Unless there is a related drop in membership or $$$, why would National mess with Northern Star's success now? Father John's statement shows that CO's can still control their scouting program and set their own membership policies (inclusive or not) and scouting goes on.

Holy Trinity Church bulletin Aug 5,2012 page 4: From Pastor Fr. John Paul Echert of the Holy Trinity Parish, South St. Paul, MN REFLECTIONS PARISH SCOUT UPDATE Last week I briefly noted a conflict of policies between the Boy Scouts of America, which is the national organization overseeing scouting programs, and the North Star Council, which oversees much of Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Specifically, the policies regarding the matter of whether or not openly homosexual individuals are excluded from leadership positions and membership in the scouts or whether they are welcome. The national BSA recently reaffirmed its longstanding position that the organization does not grant membership to those who are open homosexuals or would engage in a behavior that would distract from the mission of the Boy Scouts. Despite intense pressure from homosexual lobbyists and activists and some pressure from within the BSA itself, the national organization held the line. By the way, their stance on this issue was legally affirmed years ago, when the BSA was sued over its exclusion policy; the court determined that as a private organization, they had the right to set their own standards. Subsequent to learning of the BSA reaffirmation of its policy on this matter, I learned that the local North Star Council does not adhere to this national standard. In a recent article that appeared in the Minneapolis Star Tribune on this topic, it was clear that the NSC follows a practice of "inclusive leadership selection. I acted upon this information immediately, to determine if the article accurately reflects the policy and practice of the North Star Council, under which Council our parish Boy Scout and Cub Scout programs geographically fall. I communicated to the leadership of the NSC that as pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, I could not in good conscience allow this policy and practice to apply to our parish-based programs and that I was prepared to sever our decades old parish relationship with the Scouts. The NSA leadership did respond to my concerns and have assured me that as pastor, I have the prerogative to set the moral standards for the scouting programs in our parish and to determine its leadership as well. While I disagree with the NSC in their inclusive policy, I appreciate their willingness to work with us to resolve the potential conflict that could have ended our outstanding programs here. That being said let me formally articulate our policy and practice here at Holy Trinity with regard to this moral matter. We will continue to follow the unchanged policy of the national organization of Boy Scouts of America, which does not grant membership or leadership positions to individuals who are open or avowed homosexuals or who engage in behavior that would become a distraction to the mission of the BSA. We can add the additional condition that we do not grant leadership or membership positions to individuals whose lifestyle or expressed views are contrary to the mission of the Catholic Church as well. This is the same standard we apply to our employees and volunteers within the parish, including our parish school program. Meanwhile, there remain issues unresolved with regard to the Girl Scouts at the national and state level. As reported in the Star Tribune article, Both the state and national Girl Scouts of the USA allow lesbian members and troop leaders in its ranks. Beyond this there is credible evidence of collaboration between Planned Parenthood and Girl Scouts USA and a growing element of radical feminism. I will continue to investigate this and explore alternative programs. Pastor Fr. John Paul Echert www.staugustine-holytrinity.org/bulletins/bulletin8-5-2012.pdf (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Should these scouts be considered for the Heroism Award?

Printed in NY Times on Valentine's Day 1988 The National executive board in a meeting in Washington, D.C., voted to allow women in leadership positions, including scoutmaster, ending a male-only policy "Many positions in the Boy Scouts were already open to women, said Barclay Bollas, national news editor for the Boy Scouts. Of the 1.1 million volunteers within the program nationwide, about 500,000 are women, he said." "For 12 years, the Boy Scouts had successfully defended legal challenges over its policy of allowing only men as leaders but decided to drop the restrictions because the court challenges had become too costly, said Ron Phillippo, executive director of the Indianhead Council, which includes eight counties in eastern Minnesota and four in western Wisconsin." http://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/14/us/boy-scouts-to-allow-women-to-be-leaders.html

Meant to send out wishes for a quick recovery to Troop 32's ASM, by no means am I making light of an attack by a rabid animal. Yes, Jimmy Carter was a former scoutmaster, troop committee chairman, and explorer advisor...now whether he was attacked by a swimming rabbit well... http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/RTN/History/Carter.aspx More detailed info on beaver attack http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/48536136/ns/local_news-new_york_ny/#.UCBYmfV0mUk(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Troop 32 from Elizaville, NY was on a camping trip to the Delaware Water Gap National Park in Pennsylvania. Suddenly their assistant leader felt something biting him, a beaver was attacking his hands and chest. "The animal clung onto the leader and wouldn't let go even when the troop dragged him to the shore. Not knowing what else to do the scouts killed the rabid animal and then ran to get help." http://www.myfoxny.com/story/19203146/rabid-beaver-attacks-scout-leader Anyone remember another former scout leader out on the water who was allegedly attacked by a rabid (Republican? ) rabbit.

Slusher: In 1972 at age 19, he abuses scouts at a Boy Scout camp in Germany, BSA sends him back to USA, police are not notified in Germany or US though a "file" begins. In June, 1976, BSA re-registers him (Why???) though local councils says he cannot be a SM. Slusher apparently becomes SM in two troops (Huh???). Molests at least 8 scouts. In Feb, 1997, when BSA finally reports to Authorities, he is arrested, pleads guilty, convicted in May, 97 and imprisoned (away from kids) until paroled in 1984 (why?). In 1990, outside of scouting, he ran a pornography ring involving young boys, is reported, convicted (3 counts plus convicted as habitual offender), sentenced to two concurrent 25 year sentences and one consecutive 25 year sentence. He has lost one appeal after another and remains in a Colorado prison. Only beef I can see with the Authorities was a parole release in 1984 (7 years of a 10 year sentence?).

Yes horrifying. I just skimmed through the documents on one abuser - Slusher. Came back to be a SM in two troops??? http://documents.latimes.com/boy-scouts-paper-trail-of-abuse-documents/