RememberSchiff

Steel wool comes in many grades. I prefer Chore Boy Stainless Steel scrubbing pads, hot water. For old rust that will not scrub away, I have used Coca Cola to remove rust. Rinse with plenty of hot water, dry, reseason with thin coat of vegetable oil (upside down but catch dripping with bake tray, 350deg oven, 15-20 minutes). I have not heard about olive oil or beeswax, thanks for that tip. My $0.02(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Just to clarify, The Valley Forge Pilgrimage, a Saturday historical walkabout event, is at Valley Forge National Park. The winter camping for that weekend, "The Valley Forge Encampment" is NOT at Valley Forge National Park but nearby. Scouts are then bussed to/from Saturday's Pilgrimage event. As to the original question, the Cradle of Liberty Council should have camping info. An overnighter on the Battleship New Jersey could be a possibility. Troop 50 in very nearby Devon rents their campsite and cabin http://www.devon50.org/rentjarvis/rentjarvis.htm Another $0.02 (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

So your question is does the color of your underwear matter? No. Officially? No. Now the name and perhaps the day of the week labeled on them might matter, particularly for Cubs. My $0.02

It is about the "activity" of Scouting and not any scouting organization, at least according to this article. (I believe it was released at our 100th as a way to increase sales). http://www.antique-stamp-collection.com/TB/?P=2401 "Stamp illustrator Craig Frazier loves seeing his work in the mail or rather, on the mail. I never get tired of seeing my stamps on an envelope. Its thrilling, he says. Theres something very official about it. Therein lies a challenge for the U.S. Postal Service. As Frazier recognizes, commemoration on a stamp is a nearly universal symbol of arrival into national significance. Yet how many worthy organizations might deserve such recognition? Many. How many slots are available? Not many. Back in the 1980s, pressure to recognize different groups grew so great that the Postal Service had to issue a blanket policy: We dont do organizations. But occasionally, they will do activities things like scouting. We chose to do a stamp about scouting because it so deeply embraces the culture of our country, says Terry McCaffrey, manager of stamp development for the Postal Service. Scouting runs deep in our national consciousness. Many people treasure the scouting experiences of their own past, or that of siblings, parents, or friends. Whats more, scouting calls to mind the simpler times of a nation shaped by the frontier. Although the unveiling of the Scouting stamp also coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts, the stamp will celebrate far more. Its not only Boy Scouts, but its Girl Scouts, its Camp Fire USA, McCaffrey says. Its all the organizations that embody the ideals of scouting. ..." That's their explanation anyway. My 2 stamps,

"If the board of review is for rank advancement, the board will satisfy itself that the Scout has done what he was supposed to do for that rank and will review with the Scout the requirements for the next rank. The board of review is also a way of reviewing the troop's progress" If a scout cannot tell me anything about what he has done, if he gives me the impression of across the board confusion - his scouting experience is a blur as you put it, then it is time for a PAUSE. The scout needs some help and maybe the program too. Opportunity missed. Scout and troop not served. My $0.02,

Well, did the BOR (you?) tell this scout that he is not ready or did he get the rubberstamp so the problem can grow?

I often use the pseudonym "Scout Tommy Jones" when teaching scouts and a friend sent an e-mail titled "Scout Tommy Jones is Real" with the following news attachment. I googled and found out about the medical bills and scout insurance questions and decided to post a reply to this topic. I too would like to learn how scout insurance helps this family. My friend is right, Scout Tommy Jones is real. http://www.chagrinvalleytimes.com/NC/0/2215.html Scouts, rescuers commended after fall from cliff Tom Jones Jr., 17, of Bainbridge is being hailed as a hero for his actions in an incident at the Quarry Rock picnic area in Bentleyville. He and other members of Boy Scout Troop 102 in Bainbridge were walking on a trail July 14 overlooking the Aurora branch of the Chagrin River in the South Chagrin Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks off of Solon Road. Scout Nick Mannochio, 11, was in front of Tom when the narrow and muddy path collapsed. "I grabbed him by his backpack, and the earth gave way," Tom said. That's when both went over the side, falling 40 feet down a cliff. On the ground below, Tom's foot was in one direction, and his leg was in another. "I felt the pain immediately," he said. Nick was also in pain and hyperventilating, according to Dale Olson, Scoutmaster of Troop 102. Mr. Olson had been leading the group and had come to a halt because the trail had ended. He saw them hit the ground below, he said. The Scouts were on a practice hike before going on the Appalachian trail and were walking north. They were on the west bank of the river, opposite the Quarry Rock parking lot. At that point, Mr. Olson's son Matt, 17, also a Scout, repelled down the embankment, and Scout Pat Hanlon climbed down, grabbing a tree branch to steady himself. Scout Jarrad Gold also reached the bottom of the incline. First on the scene, they were able to administer first aid to their fallen comrades. Nick's father, who was on the hike, made it down the hill, as did another father, while Mr. Olson called 911 at about 8:40 p.m. Matt was able to calm Nick. The three Scouts held Tom's hand, talked to him and made him as comfortable as possible. Chagrin Falls Fire Department rescue workers arrived and crossed from the east side of the river. They were called about 8:40 p.m., and the rescue operation took about 45 minutes, according to Assistant Fire Chief Mark Vedder. Tom and Nick were placed in neck braces, strapped in stretchers and placed in baskets. Rescue workers brought them up the 20-foot embankment to the waiting rescue squads. Despite his pain, Mr. Olson said, "Tom was in good spirits." The injured Scouts were taken to Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights. Nick was examined and released. Tom had a broken tibia and fibula in his right leg. A rod was inserted in the tibia. Now, after four surgeries, he is recovering at his home in Lake Lucerne in Bainbridge. He is using a walker with a boot on the broken leg. Much of the surgery work had to do with assessing muscle damage, his mother, Sue Jones, said. A skin graft was done to close the wound. She said Chagrin Falls Fire Department rescue workers "were wonderful with Tommy." Mrs. Jones said a fund has been set up at Fifth Third Bank in his name and the funds will help with medical bills that the family faces. "The support has been phenomenal," Mrs. Jones said. "We're very blessed with thoughts and prayers. We have received meals and many cards, from the community, the troop and friends." She said her son has a great attitude. He has never complained, and is doing all that the doctors have prescribed, including exercise. He will undergo outpatient surgeries now involving skin grafts, she said. Even with his injuries, Tom said he is planning to start his senior year at Kenston High School later this month. He has been active in the school's drama program and has been in six productions, he said, and is looking forward to the spring play. Tom is just a project away from his Eagle Scout award as well. He was planning to rehab the playground at Kenston Intermediate School, but now he will have to find another project. In reflecting on the incident, Mr. Olson said, "The fire department did an excellent job. You just don't realize how fast things can happen. We were fortunate to be in an area where there was easy access." Chagrin Falls was assisted by the Solon Fire Department and the remaining 13 Scouts and four leaders were guided off the ledge on the west side of the river. One of the problems in the park involves the lack of information on the trails, Mr. Olson said. "You can't tell where you are at in the park," he said. They would not have been on the trail has they known its condition and that it was a dead end, he said. "Tommy was a hero to risk his life to save Nick," Mr. Olson said. And the three Scouts who reached their fallen comrades are to be commended for their actions as well. They used first-aid procedures learned as Scouts, he said. They checked for other injuries, talked to them and kept the victims focused, according to Mr. Olson, who is certified in advance outdoor emergency care. "First aid is something I stress," he said. "It really paid off this time."

Here's a story where you have to ask where is the BS insurance. http://www.cleveland.com/chagrinsolonsun/index.ssf/2010/08/medical_bill_mounts_for_bainbr.html

A Council returning unspent funds to participants of one of their Philmont or Jamboree treks would be something I would like to see. I would settle for a full accounting of funds. My $0.02

If scouts and scouters wanted to express their opinions in a political rally, they should have removed the uniform first. Which brings up an interesting irony straight out the Scout Guide for Jamboree 2010 that scouts were required to read and follow. http://www.bsajamboree.org/filestore/jamboree/pdf/410-153.pdf Page 20 "18. Adult leaders and youth leaders must instruct youth to avoid confrontation with groups, demonstrators, or hecklers, and must assume a passive reaction to name- calling from individuals or groups. Units or groups must be removed from the area of potential conflict immediately." Walt Kelly (Pogo comic strip) was right. "We have met the enemy and he is us." My $0.02 (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

"Tab goes to the scouts" Huh? Maybe we need to bring in a newly former HP CEO to speak about "It Happened to Me". So should an third party audit of Jamboree expense reports be done? Or did Scout professionals learn from the Orange County Council partying of 3 years ago? http://www.ocregister.com/articles/baron-68925-council-orange.html Why would Scouting professionals need to leave Jambo (the 100th Jambo!) to party, eat, sleep,...? Or did I misunderstand?

From Scout Guide Jamboree 2010 http://www.bsajamboree.org/filestore/jamboree/pdf/410-153.pdf Page 18 "Participant Statement of Understanding and Code of Conduct Statement of Understanding: All participants (Scouts and leaders) are selected (note it does not say entitled) to represent their local councils based on their qualifications in character, camping skills, physical and personal fitness, and leadership qualities. Therefore, all adult and youth participants and their parents or guardians are asked to read the Code of Conduct and Statement of Understanding as a condition of participation. It is with the further understanding that serious misconduct or infraction of rules and regulations may result in expulsion, at the participants expense, from the jamboree. Ultimately, we want each participant to be responsible for his or her own behavior, and only when necessary will the procedure be invoked to send the participant home from the jamboree. The units adult leaders (Scoutmaster and assistants) are responsible for the supervision of its membership in respect to maintaining discipline, security, and the jamboree Code of Conduct." jump to next page "7. Cheating, stealing, dishonesty, swearing, fighting, and cursing may result in expulsion from the jamboree or serious disciplinary action and loss of privileges. The jamboree headquarters must be contacted for the expulsion procedure to be invoked. There are no exceptions. 10. I will demonstrate respect for unit and jamboree property, and be personally responsible for any loss, breakage, or vandalism of property as a result of my actions." So the rules seem rather clear, the enforcement less so.

SOLD OUT! Waiting list closed. "The United States Mint finally placed the proof 2010 Boy Scouts of America Centennial Silver Dollar on official Sold Out status weeks (if not months) after many had anticipated the event would occur. This closes the final chapter on what has been an interesting roller-coaster for the commemorative coins that celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America. The proof coins launched on March 23, 2010, along with their uncirculated counterparts, to overwhelming demand. In fact, ordering in the first few hours was so intense that the U.S. Mints online store and telephone systems experienced significant issues reminiscent of the troubles that occurred during last years Lincoln Coin and Chronicles Set release. 200,000 Boy Scout Silver Dollars were sold during the first four days of their release, accounting for well over half of the maximum 350,000 mintage allowed by law." Full story http://www.coinnews.net/2010/08/05/2010-boy-scouts-silver-dollars-sold-out/

YES, it should be a privilege! You may be surprised at how many experienced scouts decide not to attend Philmont, Jambo, even NYLT out of concern that their expensive, week+ trip would be "ruined" by those not ready or interested in the adventure. Councils seem more interested in filling slots than in screening applicants. My $0.02,

Agree this is not appropriate at scout camp. I don't think that we as adult leaders should ever ask for cash donations (or candy for that matter) from youngsters. In church, sure youngsters drop donation that Mom or Dad agreed to. I mean what next FOS after their camp photo? Cash donations from adults to whatever cause can be collected elsewhere. My $0.02

"...That's because your member number changes when you change councils." Incredible. When a scouter registers anywhere he/she has to submit a SS# for a background check. From an IT perspective, that should become a hidden database secondary key from which one and only one member id primary key is generated for that scouter whether he signed up as Bob Jones, Robert Jones, R. Jones,... in whatever council. That member id is yours forever! When you register for a course, you should be asked for your scouter id. If you forget, it would just be a matter of contacting Council with your name and SS# and retrieving it (akin to driver licenses). When attempting to correct Council records, I get tired and insulted (ain't I trustworthy?) when Council asks me to produce proof that I took their courses taught by their instructors. Imagine a university that could not produce a transcript for their graduates. Maybe we should withhold payment until AFTER our transcript shows we completed that course! Sorry for the rant. My $0.01

I collected those "Top Ten" reasons from talking with some male Venture Scouts who were former Boy Scouts. They mentioned more than 10 reasons as I did not list uniform options and some others that I forgot. As to acco40 points, there was a common complaint that their troops were not scout run and an honest assessment that there wasn't anything they could do about it other than leave. Luckily, they did not leave scouting. I am glad Stosh has a "scout run" troop, but to follow-up on some his comments. 4. Easier on adults who want to help, i.e., it is far easier to become a Venture consultant than a Boy Scout merit badge counselor. "Not if you know what your doing.... It is obvious that anyone making that statement doesn't know much about the training and qualifications necessary for a successful program. If one thinks that all they need is an adult lacky that will let the crew run wild, then yes, that statement will hold up everywhere except in court." Their comment was not about Venture advisors but about Venture consultants. They are correct. The BSA makes it much easier to become/recruit Venture consultants than Boy Scout merit badge counselors. I think as Boy Scouts, some of them had to venture outside their district in search of merit badge counselors, so that was where they were coming from. 3. We can shoot pistols. "Yep, that'll get the kids knocking down the doors to sign up. Of course, that's a biased sarcastic remark, but may hold up if one has an inner-city troop where a walking stick and buck knife might not be sufficient gear to hike with." Hard to believe, some scouts prefer pistols over walking sticks. Maybe they were denied water pistols in Cub Scouts. Anyway, follow a Crew to three gun competition or cowboy shoot and you can understand their interest. 2. No more little kids. "Spoken like a person who knows little or nothing about true leadership. Only a ego-centric personality will ignore the fact that the age difference between 11 and 18 (troop) is somehow not the same as 14 and 21 (crew)." I don't think so. Most of these Venture scouts had been den chiefs and NSP PL's so from their perspective they had done that challenge (leading 10-12 yr olds); it was now time to move on to bigger leadership challenges in older age groups capable of more intense outdoor activities. They are growing to lead men. My $0.02 (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

"Luckily big ticket enough though that I would think you would have someone vouch for you if need be." John is TRUSTWORTHY. He doesn't need any vouchers.

"But if the desire is to have an all male Venturing Crew for boys under the age of 18 what is the point? Why not have a Venture Patrol and run the troop the way the BSA intended it to be run?" Depends on the troop, here are the Top Ten from our field office in Wahoo, Nebraska. 10. FINALLY we can become a scout-run unit. No adults planning the same program year. Thankfully those adults reliving their boy scout days tend to stay back in boy scout troops (Oww, the truth hurts). 9. No Advancement Method. No adults on our back about badges. Have enough pressure with SATs, college entrance ... We learn, help, go on adventures, and have fun. 8. No attendance pressure. Fewer, BETTER meetings and outings. We can now do it all - School, Sports, Jobs, and Scouting without "participation penalties" (which of course are illegal) 7. No camp (and only camp) outing every month mentality. We decide our own interests and plan activities accordingly to fit our schedule. 6. More fun to be in a small group of similar age, interests who want to be there than a large troop of 11-18 year olds who mostly don't want to be there. Have not met a Venturer yet whose parents made him/her join. 5. At MOOTs, Quests, etc., we give adults something to do - usually training. It can be anything really - "Survival tootbrush - Fraser fir or Balsam fir?" add free coffee and a patch and you can keep them busy for hours. Meanwhile we are COPE, rock climbing, or shotgun shooting. 4. Easier on adults who want to help, i.e., it is far easier to become a Venture consultant than a Boy Scout merit badge counselor. 3. We can shoot pistols. 2. No more little kids. and number 1 1. Girls A collection of penny thoughts, not entirely from me, so ring it up $.10

Mike Rowe - YES! The BSA definitely needs a respected and recognizable "Follow Me Boys" adventure leader to our movement. In the spirit of July 4 and without regard to the political realities of the cubical encampment at Irving, LDS, etc. Some suggestions for the new BSA program consultant team (after the Irving Temple is cleansed): Bill Nye, "The Science Guy", I think he is now with NASA. He was a Boy Scout and often gives credit to his former scoutmaster and Astronomy MB counselor. (Develop interest in science) Sally Ride, former girl scout, astronaut, now has her own company specializing in teaching science. (Add women leaders at National, develop interest in science and adventure) Yvon Chouinard - born in MAINE! rock climber, fly fisherman, environmentalist and outdoor industry businessman (founded Patagonia). In 70+ now, as is Royal Robbins (former scout and alpine climber). Need expertise on equipment, hell National can't bring to market a decent scout shirt! Jamie Foxx - former boy scout, athlete, actor, musician, comedian. Scouting could use more creativity. Many more candidates are out there. We need National leaders in the forefront who can say without a script, this is how scouting helped me and others then and now, this is how scouting can help you and other today and tomorrow. Straight-shooting, no BS talk. My $0.02

AC? maybe 12. Buys the various badges, awards, ... from Scout store.

Yes. The "star" designates that the wearer, a Cubmaster is this case, received the Unit Leader Award of Merit http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-003_WB.pdf Why this is done when there are "square knot" awards is a mystery to me. My $0.02 (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Good points Sherm and BP. As I recall back in the day, OA membership was also open to male Explorer scouts. It was and should be Scouting's National Honor Society. As stated, Bronze Award should be sufficient prerequisite for Venture scout (male or female) to be elected. My $0.02(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

http://bands.army.mil/music/bugle/calls/taps.mp3 (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Inventing merit badge oline requirements http://www.scouting.org/jamboree/sitecore/content/home/boyscouts/advancementandawards/meritbadges/mb-inventing.aspx Related article with link to above http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2010/06/inventing-mb.html