RememberSchiff

An impressive, well-considered Eagle project, Scout Salute. Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/montevideo-boy-scout-dog-park/

Related, but to be facilitated by a local council... Mid-Iowa Council Youth Safety Summit Nov 9, 2024 in Des Moines, IA Glen Pounder will lead panel discussion which includes Mary Wangerin from National's Special Needs Committee. Mary Wangerin co-chaired the Northern Star Special Needs and Disabilities Committee and has been very involved in neuro-diversity training for the BSA. She co-authored with Roger Tate the BSA Inclusion Toolbox for Special Needs and Disabilities. She has been a production editor of Abilities Digest and website AbleScouts.org. https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34059(24)_WB-Inclusion-Toolbox.pdf Unknown if this Youth Safety Summit will be streamed or recorded. Source: https://scoutingiowa.org/safetysummit/ Content and Schedule: https://scoutingiowa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Youth-Safety-Summit-At-a-Glance-UPDATED.pdf

Building confidence to overcome anxiety SAVEs another ... Nine-year-old James, who struggles with anxiety, says his recent training in Boy Scouts allowed him to overcome his fear in the moment, call 911, and save his mother's life. “I wanted to join because we have been camping and fishing and doing a bunch of cart racing stuff, and it's a lot of stuff that I like.” After quitting Scouts several times, James decided to come back, and it was at the right time when he learned a life-saving technique just weeks before he would use it. “We practiced calling 911, and they would give us scenarios, and we would kind of say what we would do if that actually happened. Then, a couple of weeks later, my mom had the allergic reaction, so I kind of knew what to do.” And he did. Both James and his Mom are ok. Scout salute, More at source: https://www.cnycentral.com/news/local/nine-year-old-overcomes-anxiety-to-save-mothers-life-with-skills-learned-in-cub-scouts

Update 10/19/2024: "After discussion with the more than 800 delegates, the National Council approved the new price of membership dues at $65 for girls. Dues will remain at $25 for the next year, then rise to $45 for the 2026 membership year and to $65 in 2027, the organization said. Adult membership dues will increase from $25 to $30 in 2026. ... In 2022, GSUSA lost a trademark infringement lawsuit filed against the Boy Scouts of America, which expanded its reach in recent years to counter a decline in membership. It allows girls, openly gay boys and transgender youth to join. The change fueled concerns in the Girl Scouts that its appeal to girls would be undercut as it was forced to compete for the first time with the larger Boy Scouts for recruits." Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/girl-scouts-to-increase-dues-to-65-over-two-years/ar-AA1sBiqA

IMHO, this has some possibilities: 1. We will see how scouting membership is impacted by a single variable - registration dues. No pandemic, no legal/bankruptcy complications. 2. Price parity with BSA/SA might lead more girls to consider joining us. $85, should I choose GSUSA or BSA/SA? Ooops, I guess I just added a complication to analysis in 1.

On Saturday, the 900 delegates of the Girl Scouts of the USA’s National Council will vote on whether to raise dues for the first time in eight years. The GSUSA Board has proposed raising membership dues from $25 dollars a year to $85 per scout – a hike of 240%. “The proposals are directly tied to supporting our local councils and improving program delivery for current and future members,” a Girl Scouts of the USA, or GSUSA, spokesperson said in a statement to CNN. Membership dues are the Girl Scout’s largest source of revenue, generating $38 million in 2023 from its nearly 2 million total members. But the organization is losing money, projecting operating losses of $5.6 million this year, so it’s looking for cash. ... The Boy Scouts of America’s membership fee also rose to $85 in April, but that increase was just $5. More details at source: https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/18/business/girl-scouts-to-vote-to-raise-fees-to-usd85-from-usd25/index.html

CBS News Texas report with comments from Trustee Barbara Houser.

12 Simple Words by John W. Kennedy - 160 pages, release date Oct 30,2024 “This book offers my vision of the powerful personal resource these 12 words hold, and it also incorporates the input of over 50 successful people from different walks of life, including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, adult leaders and more,” said author Kennedy. “I’m thrilled that this book has finally been compiled." Next paragraph is a review from Amazon which resonated with moderator me. I recommend Read Sample on the Amazon link below. "One of the things that drives John W. Kennedy the craziest and increases his personal cynicism is the fact that we do not communicate anymore. This sounds odd in a world full of communication devices, but 'talking at' is not 'talking with' others. We always look to find someone to blame instead of listening and trying to understand another's POV. Most of the time, blame is never the answer needed to act, but something to deal with after the solution is found. Debate and arguments have value when they do not become personal. He has changed his approach many times in life, when someone convinced him of a better solution. We must stop making broad assertions and assumptions based on factors out of one's own control. We need to decide that groups are made up of individuals that have differing life experiences. We can embrace and learn from many." Sources: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/randolph/sections/community-happenings/articles/meet-local-author-john-w-kennedy-at-county-college-of-morris-author-of-12-simple-words-to-sign-books-5c3c6f22-411b-4603-821c-bc8a392086e3 https://www.amazon.com/12-Simple-Words-Foundation/dp/B0DG7ZGD3S

Troop 12, Hollis, NH Travels to Kauai for Biennial BIG Trip Senior scouts of Hollis Troop 12 returned on August 2 from their “Big Trip” to the island of Kauai. The trip, which began on July 23, was the result of two years of research, planning and preparation. The scouts were joined by seven Troop 12 Eagle Scouts who recently “aged-out” of the program when they turned 18, but became adult leaders. The troop established a base camp at BSA Aloha Council’s Camp Alan Faye on the borders of Koke’e and Waimea Canyon State Parks. Summer camp for Kauai scouts was not in session at the time, so Troop 12 had the camp all to themselves.... (see link below) Troop 12 has been conducting a “Big Trip” every two years for almost 30 years. Scouts independently select potential destinations, research them, and formally propose them to their peers over the course of a school year. At the end of that year, the troop votes to select the next destination. Detailed planning is then conducted by participants during the next 12 months for the following year’s Big Trip. In addition to selecting appropriate camping spots and daily high adventure activities, scouts have to plan for their meals and all other logistics to support the trip, including equipment lists, emergency services, cell service coverage and dead spots, grocery store and gas station locations, parking and backcountry permits, and duty rosters. More trek details and photos at Source: https://hollisbrooklinenewsonline.com/troop-travels-to-kauai-for-biennial-big-trip-p8815-166.htm

Two troops from same town. One treks to Alaska, the other to Mt. Katahdin (Maine) In July, 11 Scouts and 5 adults from Hopkinton, MA Troop 1 spent 10 days backpacking and canoeing in southern Alaska. The troop organized the trip through the Northern Lights High Adventure Base, which is associated with the Midnight Sun Council in Fairbanks, Alaska... ...Despite the challenges, Troop 1 looks forward to its next trip. SM McDaniel says he hopes to take his Scouts to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico in 2026. “We try to do high adventure [trips] every other year." Note: Planning uncertainties which includes weather, but now add Microsoft. (~RS) In early September, Troop 4 Hopkinton hiked Maine’s highest mountain as part of a revolving series of hikes. Troop 4 runs a “six highest peaks of New England” program to give Scouts more hiking opportunities. “The program was started in 2018,” said Troop 4 assistant Scoutmaster Charusmitha Ram. “We want every Scout to have an opportunity to complete these [hikes] through their course to Eagle Scout.” For each hike the Scouts do, they receive a patch for their uniform. The other mountains included in the program are Mount Washington, Mount Mansfield in Vermont, Jerimoth Hill in Rhode Island, Bear Mountain in Connecticut and Mount Greylock.... More trek details and photos at Source: https://hopkintonindependent.com/hopkinton-boy-scout-troops-venture-to-alaska-mount-katahdin/

I suppose, as PL, you would report your patrol missing. In case of a missing Scout or a fatality, notify the council Scout executive after notifying local authorities and emergency medical services.

Update: "Heritage’s November 15 American Art Signature® Auction will include 25 landmark works from the Boy Scouts’ collection. Among the historic lot: Norman Rockwell’s Homecoming and Beyond the Easel (the latter a self-portrait placing the artist among his Scouting students); Joseph Christian Leyendecker’s Boy Scouts Signaling with Flags, a Saturday Evening Post cover from September 1911; Monte Crews’ Boys’ Life cover 1939 World’s Fair and Joseph Csatari’s 1976 Scout Handbook Eighth Edition cover. ... In total, Heritage will offer 59 of Rockwell’s most beloved Boy Scouts pieces, all of which were included in the BSA’s collection during a lengthy exhibition at The American Scouting Collection at the Medici Museum of Art in Howland, Ohio. Over the summer, those works were transferred to Heritage, which will continue offering additional artwork from the Trust in future auctions." Source with photos: https://intelligentcollector.com/auction-of-boy-scouts-art-collection-to-benefit-survivors-of-childhood-sexual-abuse/

Yes, I am not criticizing his preparation. It would not have occurred to me.

Changes... IMHO, the Outdoor Method seems to have disappeared from Hiking MB. It seems more of a Walking MB. My younger son completed his 20 mile hiker by walking round and round the high school track! He convinced it was safer (plenty of buddies, early sunset but field lighted and no cars), for a good cause (it was a Cancer walkathon), and his distance and time would be "official" . His MB counselor pre-APPROVED his hike plan. I read this article below which lead with a troop 20 mile hike to the St. Louis Arch. As a scout or scouter planning a hike, it would have never occurred to me do as their assistant scoutmaster did: “I called every police department of the neighborhoods the Scouts would walk through ahead of time and had two backup drivers in case anyone fell behind, “ Back in the day, I carried a dime to call Mom or maybe my SM. https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/local-scout-troop-marches-to-the-arch/article_5864c7cc-8713-11ef-b972-9fa6e6d82af7.html

"Adventure Point is located on 30+ acres adjacent to The DeVos Family Center for Scouting in Walker, MI – just 5 miles northwest of downtown Grand Rapids. The campus features an outdoor 35’ Climbing / Rapelling Tower, Zipline, BB, and Archery Range and a Low COPE Challenge Course. Combined with 2 miles of groomed woodland trails along Mill Creek, and 5 modern Yurts for Camping – Adventure Point offers Fun, Adventure, and Outdoor Education for all ages." I found little mention on Adventurepoint's separate website of Scouting or its parent Michigan Crossroads Council. But I did read this story regarding Adrian College with Michigan Crossroads Council/Adventurepoint offering 3 college credits upon completion of the Summit Leadership Course. Your transfer credits may vary. Is this the future for BSA/SA facilities - more mainstream, catered, compressed outreach of scouting program strengths outside of Scouting ...Mini-courses? An observation at this point, not a criticism.

..."The most frightening call police, fire and EMS can receive is a report of a school bus crash." The Mahopac Falls Fire Department (NY) and Troop 371 scouts conducted a mock school bus accident using a 65-passenger bus and a wheelchair accessible van provided by Mahopac School District. Fire personnel praised scouts as “fantastic partners, learning first-hand about safety protocols and gaining valuable experience in emergency situations. Their enthusiasm and teamwork were truly inspiring.” Source: https://midhudsonnews.com/2024/10/12/firefighters-and-scouts-team-up/

Recently, National hosted a Safeguarding Youth Symposium in Las Vegas. Both David Chadwick, CEO and Founder of RealResponse and Ju'Riese Coln CEO of U.S. Center for SafeSport spoke among others (see above link). Recall @mrjohns2 informed us of SafeSport in the wandering topic BSA Lifeguard Program To Be Discontinued. I do not know if there are online recordings or transcripts of their presentations.

Oops we ( me?) forgot! Smokey turned 80 on August 9, 2024, but scout Case Shockley did not.

10/9/2024 Greenwood, AR - a group of trees planted years ago as part of Eagle Scout Tyler Coble's project were removed during a recent construction project. Local Eagle Scout Drake Brandon spoke at the Greenwood City Council's meeting Monday on behalf of fellow Eagle Scout Tyler Coble. Brandon said a group of trees (15), located near the new Mercy Clinic in west Greenwood, were removed as part of the ongoing roadwork in the area. "Along that trail, there were several trees planted, and that was a project for Tyler Coble and he couldn't make it here tonight," Brandon said. "I don't really have a plan, I just was curious about what the city would be willing to do to make it right." Greenwood Mayor Doug Kinslow said he wasn't aware before the meeting that the trees along the trail had been removed, but said he was willing to do what was needed to replace them. "I promise you we will put them back," Kinslow said. "I actually have some funds that I can use. I label it 'trees' every year because I am a bit of a tree guy myself."...Kinslow joked that Coble could replant all the trees if he wanted. The mayor did note that doing so would not make Coble a double Eagle Scout. More at source: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2024/oct/09/greenwood-city-council-to-help-restore-trees/

10/9/2024 For the second year in a row, the Township of Little Falls received the NJ City Green Dig In grant. This year's grant will provide the township with 3,000 daffodils and 10 native trees, continuing its efforts to beautify public spaces. Last year, Councilwoman Christine Hablitz spearheaded the initiative, securing a similar grant that resulted in the planting of 5,000 daffodils and 10 trees in various locations around town. The Borough of Woodland Park was awarded the same City Green grant this September and will host a “Dig-In” event on October 19. With the help of the Little Falls Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, library garden club, and DPW, the flowers and trees will be planted in various locations around town. The Township is looking for volunteers to assist with planting from the end of October through early November. More at Source: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/passaic-valley/articles/little-falls-receives-city-green-grant-for-second-year-seeks-volunteers-for-fall-planting Question: What flower did Baden Powell use to symbolize Scouting and why?

10/9/2024 More than a hundred scouts from the Minnesota side of the St. Croix River spent the better part of Saturday collecting seeds in the native prairie behind the New Richmond headquarters of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) St. Croix Wetland Management District as part of a project for Conservation Day. USFWS staff joined volunteers from Friends of the St. Croix Wetland Management District (WMD) and student volunteers from the University of Wisconsin River Falls (UWRF) in instructing participants on how to locate, identify and harvest seeds from lead plant and prairie bush clover. Greg Scheder, membership chair for Northern Star Council Scouting was responsible for organizing the seed harvesting opportunity. He particularly appreciates the educational opportunity it represents. “It’s always a fun event,” Scheder said. “When you have a higher volunteer to participant ratio it’s good from the educational aspect. The kids get a lot more information about what they’re doing than they would if it was a larger group. It’s also an opportunity for them to see something they’ve never seen before.” More at source: https://www.hudsonstarobserver.com/news/what-area-scouts-did-for-a-conservation-day-project/article_47e176ca-85f6-11ef-aaa1-c75d07e6e6c2.html

10/9/2024: Like Scouting UK Dwayne Fields, our new Recruiting Ambassador David Montgomery's Scouting experience helped him through a difficult childhood. From wiki David Montgomery , Eagle Scout and Detroit Lions running back: Montgomery had a difficult childhood. He does not know his father, and his mother moved the family numerous times around Cincinnati due to economic hardship. He remembers using the oven for heat, and boiling water collected from gas stations in the bath tub when either was disconnected. He has a brother who was incarcerated for drug trafficking and murder. After scoring a touchdown, Montgomery frequently holds up a "V"-sign in memory of a high school teammate and role model who was murdered during a home invasion.[69] While he was with Iowa State, Montgomery was chosen as a semi-finalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award for his efforts in befriending Hunter Erb, a 6-year-old who was born with multiple congenital heart defects, and orchestrating a team visit to Marshalltown, Iowa to help clean up after a tornado. Scout Salute, Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Montgomery_(American_football)#2018_season

Eagle Scout David Montgomery who has played football for Iowa State, the Chicago Bears, and presently the Detroit Lions, has now has been named our National Recruitment Ambassador. “David’s never been even tempted to do something wrong,” his mother said. “He watched several of his friends do the wrong things, but David kept himself around positive people. “Football’s always been his go-to. It was something he’s always been good at. It was about all he ever even thought about until I got him into the Boy Scouts.” “David’s inspiring story showcases the valuable impact Scouting can have. Because of the skills David learned while part of his local Cincinnati troop (772), he was able to reach the pinnacle of Scouting, and also his athletic career. We appreciate David’s leadership on and off the field and we’re excited to have him share the Scouting story with a new generation of youth.” remarked Scouting America CEO Roger Krone. “While Scouting took me outdoors and helped me discover a lifelong love for camping and fishing, it also taught me valuable lessons like developing a strategy and executing a plan, as well as how to be accountable for others than myself,” stated Montgomery . “These skills helped me both in Scouting and also taught me how to be a better athlete on the field.” Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Montgomery_(American_football) https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/college/iowa-state/randy-peterson/2017/08/03/david-montgomery-iowa-state-football-randy-peterson-eagle-scout/536269001/ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1087088/2019/07/22/scouts-honor-bears-rookie-rb-david-montgomery-has-left-a-mark-everywhere-hes-played/ https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/high-school/high-school-sports/2024/10/09/david-montgomery-detroit-lions-eagle-scout-ambassador-from-mt-healthy/75593785007/ https://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/press-releases/star-running-back-david-montgomery-encourages-families-and-youth-to-participate-in-scouting-america/

My first train ride came as a Boy Scout in a Philmont contingent travelling by bus. Enroute, we stopped at snow-topped Pikes Peak in Colorado. We wore our summer uniforms - shorts and short sleeve shirt with a light red jacket and a straw cowboy hat. More costumed than uniformed. Excited to ascend, we loaded onboard the Cog Railway passenger car. My adult advisor tapped my shoulder and quietly advised "Your fly is down." Oh, I attempted to remedy, but my zipper was BROKE! Worse, my other pair of shorts was on the contingent bus at some faraway parking lot. Too faraway. Leadership in crisis. My solution was to wrap my jacket around my waist. Mostly, I froze. More sensibly attired tourists remarked that I should put my jacket on. At the Peak, standing in the back row against a snow bank, I temporarily wore my rumbled jacket for the requisite group photo. Every scout knew my situation. Some older scouts kindly reassured me not to worry. We will get this fixed so I would not have the same problem at the Mt. Battie Cog Railway. Patrol Method at work. Somewhere between there and Cimarron, the zipper was repaired. Surprisingly, there was no cog railway at Philmont or at least then. With my patrol, and my fly closed, I hiked up Mt. Battie filled with unaware confidence. All was right, well except where we could see those spinning tornadoes out on the distant plains. I was prepared but payment would come due. Battie would claim my pocket knife. Later back home, for some reason my face appeared blurred on the Pikes Peak group photo. My parents assumed fidgeting, a common scout malady. RS

"... 3. If you are not comfortable conducting the session, consider contacting a local community expert to help, like a child psychologist, your local health department, a school social worker, or another mental health professional. " Our local schools here host multiple sessions through the school year - during school, after school, large groups, small groups, with parents, without parents. Attendance at two sessions is mandatory for students. Usually there are 3 to 5 seasoned professionals from various fields guiding the very interactive session discussion. On the surface, these sessions appear to be just informative but they are more trust building - there are people in the community who care and we here are are just some of them. Our troop committee is comfortable , nah gratefully enthusiastic, with those outside professionals conducting these sessions and teaching our kids and us laypersons how to recognize warning signs, successfully intervene, and find help. My $0.02,