RememberSchiff

Have him read "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" to his parents. I would wish him happiness and success on HIS trail to HIS life goals. My $0.02

He succeeds Robert Mazzuca, who is retiring at age 65 per the charitys bylaws. At age 63, Mr. Brock, who will take over in September, is approaching the age limit for chief executives. But Wayne Perry, a businessman who has been named the organizations national president and who served on the hiring committee that selected Mr. Brock, said trustees would vote to make an exception to the bylaws so Mr. Brock could serve until he is 67. In an interview with The Chronicle, Mr. Brock said he would focus on increasing the groups membership in the short time he has. What that does is put pressure on me to do it faster and not waste any time, he said. http://philanthropy.com/article/New-Boy-Scouts-CEO-Makes/131942/ I hope so, here's some advice for your two year term; no extension if membership does not increase. 1. local CO option on "eligibility" for membership and uniform. 2. bring back the scout adventure - we educate them and trust them. Managed risk, no adult patrol outings, and wheelbarrows allowed. Add Eagle project option - solo patrol trek. My $0.02

Everything is just fine. Here is Wayne talking about "National Council Effectiveness" For more 2 minute Wayne video blogs on youtube videos search WBtv Wayne Brock If anyone needs me, I will be outside hitting my head against an oak tree. My $0.02(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

In NH International Mountain Climbing School http://ime-usa.com/imcs/ Eastern MT. Sports Climbing School http://www.emsexploration.com/climb/amga-single-pitch-instructor-course/ In Maine http://www.acadiamountainguides.com/professional/prof.html

I hear ya. We have some Webs shooting 12 gauge semi's on a local ATA trap team. A few hunt turkey with their dads. We have Cubs who own and shoot their own 22 rifles (Cricket, Mini Bolt 14, CZ). BB at camp is a yawner, they would rather be back swimming at the waterfront.

My cubs would be doing 1 and 2 safely and having FUN. As a pack, we safely do shooting sports outside of scouting. Ditto with the troop which attended a CMP class. Never had a safety issue as none of the NRA or USA Archery instructors or our unit leaders would stand for any nonsense on the range. When other kids are safely doing activities which parents and adult leaders approve but National prohibits, we lose the whole scout family and worsen our chances of attracting more boys to scouting. My $0.02,(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

The American Hiking Society (AHS) and the BSA have put together this Volunteer Vacation to work on trail stewardship projects the week of Sept 22-29, 2012. Size: 24 participants Cost: $245 (AHS member) $275 (non AHS member, so if BSA you pay more???) - food included. No mention of BSA medical which seemed odd, but maybe outside groups attending Philmont set their own rules (hmmm...). Less fuss? Registration form: http://www.americanhiking.org/uploadedFiles/2012%20Registration%20Form%20Philmont.pdf?n=9415 Thought I would past this along.

I read Feuer's measure, Assembly Concurrent Resolution 128 that Merlyn mentioned. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_0101-0150/acr_128_bill_20120313_introduced.html I like it. My $0.02 Might as well cut and paste it BILL NUMBER: ACR 128 INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Assembly Members Feuer, Atkins, Dickinson, Monning, and Wieckowski MARCH 13, 2012 Relative to Boy Scouts of America. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST ACR 128, as introduced, Feuer. Boy Scouts of America. This measure would recognize, congratulate, and commend the Boy Scouts of America on its 102nd anniversary, and encourage the Boy Scouts of America to accept for membership and leadership positions qualified boys and men without discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or religious belief. Fiscal committee: no. WHEREAS, Since the founding of the Boy Scouts of America, millions of Boy Scouts have taken the experience of scouting and gone on to contribute great things to society; and WHEREAS, A Boy Scout can be followed, as he is a leader in his troop and community, regardless of the scout's race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or disability; and WHEREAS, The list of former Boy Scouts includes diverse role models and leaders; and WHEREAS, A Boy Scout lives honorably, not only because honor is important to him, but because of the significant example he sets for other scouts; and WHEREAS, Loyalty to his troop and brother scouts makes him "pitch-in" and carry his share of the load, recognizing the devotion to his family and the community in which he lives; and WHEREAS, A Boy Scout's courage means standing up for what he believes in without compromising his own beliefs; and WHEREAS, A Boy Scout looks forward to each day, seeking his share of the world's work to do; and WHEREAS, Honor, loyalty, and courage are hallmarks of scouts who admirably represent the community, council, and troop in their daily lives; and WHEREAS, A Boy Scout is helpful in service and will always "be prepared" to put forth his best; and WHEREAS, The character traits represented by Boy Scouts are symbols present in the Boy Scout badge, worn proudly on the uniform, by youth in this state and across the country; and WHEREAS, It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people, and in other ways to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential; and WHEREAS, The values that the Boy Scouts of America strives to instill are found in the Boy Scout Oath and Law; and WHEREAS, Boy Scouts are required to abide by the Scout Law and Scout Oath, which proudly uses such terms as "honor," "trustworthy," and "loyal"; and WHEREAS, Many Boy Scouts have been forced to hide their identity in contradiction to the Scout Mission, Law, and Oath, and Boy Scouts and scout leaders who were open about their sexual orientation have been expelled from scouting; and WHEREAS, The policy of the Boy Scouts of America to bar from membership or leadership positions otherwise qualified individuals solely on the basis of their sexual orientation or religious belief causes harm to the innumerable boys and men such as James Dale who, regardless of their hard work and merits, are denied the opportunity to participate in any way in the Boy Scouts of America; and WHEREAS, Many former Boy Scouts have left scouting and formed their own advocacy organization, Scouting for All, in an effort to bring the values of scouting to youth without discrimination; and WHEREAS, The discriminatory policy of the Boy Scouts of America is contrary to the policy of the State of California; and WHEREAS, Other similar organizations such as the Girl Scouts, Camp Fire USA, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America serve as role models for the Boy Scouts of America because they do not discriminate against youth and adults; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature does hereby recognize, congratulate, and commend the Boy Scouts of America on its 102nd anniversary; and be it further Resolved, That the Legislature encourages the Boy Scouts of America to accept for membership and leadership positions all qualified boys and men, without discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or religious belief; and be it further Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution. (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

For us it has varied depending on scout interest in their destination troop program, anywhere from Jan to Feb Blue & Gold. The Jan group were eager to prepare for a spring vacation troop trek. If the troop program (spring and summer activities) is so uninteresting that scouts want to stay Webelos longer, then look at another troop. My $0.02,

My guess the Bear Titan Youth Recurve simple, fairly rugged, cheap starter bow $35-50 (usually green color limbs) wraparound arrow shelf so lefties can use the same bow too (usually shelf wears down) one bow with bow length, draw length and weight are in the right average range for age group look like Cub Scout bows to older scouts Jump up to the $80-100 range - takedown recurves - Polarisl, Mohegan, maybe PSE Junior - cooler looking - becomes an inventory issue. Need separate RH and LH bows, different limb lengths, different draw weights But as mentioned finding the deal is key. You should google "archery kits school program" as there was/is a group NASP or USArchery that gave a good deal on a kit of bows, arrows, targets... Qwazse - I like your ideas! My $0.02,

Back to the OP, imagine if Ms. Tyrell resided in West Virginia instead of nearby Ohio and was removed as den leader and booted from the BSA. Would there have been a public outcry by the citizens of WV to the Governor and State House to intervene, perhaps curb state support services for the Summit? Would any council board members resign there ( as I understand one did resign in Ohio)? Would economic forces have prevailed over any other considerations? Or something else? I wonder.

While a few adults are making excuses not to act, it was a refreshing to read of scouts jumping into action. Yes this was dangerous, but they used their heads. and likely saved lives - what scouts do. Boy Scouts help at collapsed house ... saw the building collapse on a man in a white shirt...the group started using two-by-fours and cinder blocks to pry up sections of the collapsed building and help those inside to escape. ...positioned cinder blocks so that another man could move his head. It was hard. There was a lot of frustration. It was really heavy too, said Libordi. Ive never seen a building collapse like that before. It was crazy. Mitch Cornish said the men trapped under the rubble were having a difficult time breathing. They (3 victims) were in pretty bad shape, said Cornish, assistant superintendent of Public Works in Hornell. We couldnt move them. I think their injuries were pretty bad. Property owner Harold Hill (no not the Music Man) was demolishing a section of the single-story, multi-family apartment complex with a backhoe and was on the west side of the building when it collapsed toward the east side. I saw it starting to come down, but I didnt notice the people inside until I turned around and got there. I heard Noah say there were guys inside, and I started getting my adrenaline going up, said Argentieri, 12. The scouts estimated they were at the scene 10-20 minutes before emergency personnel arrived at the scene. (No they did not just call 911 and sit safely off-scene and wait for adults to come!) http://www.eveningtribune.com/features/x272274779/Local-Boy-Scouts-help-at-collapsed-house-in-Mt-Morris My $0.02, Good job Scouts!(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Rainbow, yes that makes more sense. Thanks for the correction.

I wonder what the BSA response would be if supporters of gay scouting wore pink (or other uniform color) neckers or some other symbol at the World Jambo?(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Perhaps old news but good news From KVAL news ALBANY, Ore. - When Troop 99 needed a new bugler to wake Scouts with "Reveille" and end the day with "Taps," Eriq Thompson volunteered. "We needed a new bugler," he told KVAL News. "I said I can do that. I know the trumpet and know music really easily." His fellow Scout, Corey Clemetsen, caught the bugling bug, too. "I'd listen to Eric or I'd listen to who the bugler was and then I'd start printing out sheets and learning the music," he said. Now the two First Class Scouts - Thompson, 15, is also the troop's senior patrol leader; Clemetsen, 14, is the assistant senior patrol leader and trooper scribe - will represent Oregon at Arlington National Cemetary in May for a celebration of the 150th anniversary of "Taps." "It's a great honor. My grandparents know people that are buried there," Clemetsen said, "and not very many people get to play there. We're going to be, as we know of, the youngest people." "And we're not military, so that's even bigger," Thompson said, "because usually only the top high quality military people get to play there. "We're just regular Boy Scouts going there bugling, so that's going to be pretty cool." Some great photos of both scouts with bugles, trumpets, and sash with Bugling MB http://www.kval.com/news/local/Were-just-regular-Boy-Scouts-going-there-bugling-144443325.html?tab=gallery&c=y&img=9

A uniformed scout attends a town meeting to fulfill a requirement for Citizenship in Community. The discussion turns to whether the town should spend money on a new jail or education. The council favors the jail. The scout comes forward and asks to speak. "If it takes a 12-year-old kid to come up here and tell you we don't need a new jail and we need better education, then that's pretty sad. Here I am, an A, B student in my school, and I have to come up to," he said, pausing to count aloud, "nine people just to say we don't need this new jail. Bye." And then the Scout Executive got involved http://www.nvdaily.com/news/2012/04/public-hearing-entreaty-gets-boy-scout-in-hot-water.php I am very puzzled by the SE's statement "It's never the BSA's policy for a scout to show up in uniform and take a stance at a meeting, Williams said. He said it's a direct violation to use the uniform to try to wield influence, he said." I have had quite a few uniformed scouts appear before many town boards to present their Eagle projects. Their presentations were more respectful than this young 12 year old scout but the passion and persuasion were similar. Some of those board members can be hard to win over. Good learning experience for young Jacob, something he would not get at summer camp. My $0.02

Wrong turn. Observe what tools boys are safely using around the home, farm, school, FIRST robotics and some of the cool things they are doing. When we tell a scout the BSA will not permit him to use the tools that he can demonstrate safe and proficient mastery, we become less than we were and likely LOSE that scout! At 14, my son has safely already used all those tools banned (except wood chipper). He even worked up a 20' ladder to help old RS install gutters and paint. Shocking? All stuff I did back at 15, except with less safe gear. Oops, he has already used a lathe which I did not until later. Yeah had to think SAFETY - am I safe, is the tool safe, what happens if I slip, are the blades sharp,... My Cubs use my drill press to polish PWD axles and my band and scroll saw to safely cut car outlines and I was right there with them. Cool stuff. I saw that a pocketknife was listed as okay but there is no mention of an ax. Maybe the Committee is still deliberating that one. BP must be spinning. Our job as adult leaders is to teach kids how to safely use tools not shelter them from tools. My $0.02

This goal was stated in the 2006-2010 and again in the current 2011-2015 National Strategic Plan, but it has not been reached yet despite selling camps and merging councils. Where does the money go and is spending money the only approach to reverse membership decline? If so, I don't think it is working. Getting real numbers (budget, fundraising, donations, salaries, membership) is rare. This article "Des Moines Boy Scouts battle debt after years of borrowing" is an exception, still I am baffled by some of the numbers, decisions made and who did not know what. http://dmjuice.desmoinesregister.com/article/20120423/NEWS/304230019/1001/NEWS Wonder how much Philmont and Summit treks will cost through this council?

Another good choice. Perhaps if Saint Christopher had been a soldier or "slew a dragon" like Saint George, BP may have chosen differently.

"...St. George is typical of what a Scout should be. He epitomized the qualities of selflessness and both moral and physical courage which Baden-Powell saw as being among the aims of Scouting. Lord Robert Baden-Powell had made Saint George the patron Saint of the Scouting Movement. Baden-Powell had a favorite rhyme about our patron Saint: My warmest good wishes I am sending to you And hoping that the winter is through You will start out afresh to follow the lead Of our Patron Saint George and his spirited steed; Not only to tackle what ever my befall, But also successfully to win through it all And then may you have an enjoyable spell Of hiking, and jolly good camping as well. " more at link: http://oblatesosbbelmont.org/2012/04/23/8693/

What kind of man do you want your son to be? Spend time with your son and teach him the character values that F-troop is not. My $0.02

Has anyone started it? How is it being received? Too difficult? Yes! "It was a lot of fun, Boy Scout Patrick McKeon said. MIG welding is a type of welding with a welding gun and wire, and you move the wire in close proximity to the gun, and it starts an electrical arc that heats the wire, which allows you to weld. Here's a photo and newspaper article of nine scouts (including one female Venture Crew member) who recently earned Welding merit badge. http://www.telegram.com/article/20120414/TOWNNEWS/120419747&TEMPLATE=TOWNPORTAL

IMO, the survey questions are not sufficient in scope or consideration to answer the study question/purpose. There are really no questions about family, though there is one question about how close you are with family, neighbors, co-workers and the last question "If you had a son would you want them to be a member of the Boy Scouts" is as weak as its grammar (professors?). There are many goal questions but none family specific. No question about continuing education or involvement in your child's education. No questions about military service... No questions about current involvement with Scouting (very odd) also if you were not a scout do you wish you had been. No questions about driving record, criminal record, drug use or other risky behavior other than alcohol. And on it goes... Seemed weak to me. My $0.02

Interesting story of husband and wife leaders of a special needs troop. http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_20357368/boy-scout-troop-leaders-inspire-special-ed-kids

I have been replacing high usage bulbs with LED bulbs. For indoors, over the past 2 years I have compared Home Depot EcoSmart and Phillips and FIRST (robotics team fundraiser) e-watt LED bulbs. All were dimmable, same price $20, and are still working. The FIRST e-watt bulbs were brighter and suitable for both work or hallway areas. I prefer the winter white spectrum color myself. For outdoors, the HD EcoSmart LED floods (~$40) have logged long hours in all weather without replacement; the previous GE halogen floods would have been replaced at least twice in the same period. I did this experiment last summer with a dual floodlight fixture on the west side of our house. I replaced bulbs - one GE 90 watt halogen and one EcoSmart LED (i think a 15watt but 90W equiv) - dusk to dawn operation. The halogen ran much hotter with a warm sunlight color while the LED was a cool moonlight. The latter definitely cast more light. On the house in the morning, the species of moths on the halogen side were different than those on the LED side! And these same results repeated through the summer. Pretty cool. By fall, the halogen burned out and I replace it with a LED. Both LEDs are still working. If this forum was the "same" as others I would not be here. I've shared what little I know, opined some, and learned much from the many posters here. My $0.02