RememberSchiff

"A fun snowball fight is a fun snowball fight." https://www.cbsnews.com/video/wisconsin-town-sets-the-record-straight-on-snowball-fight-law/

In my experience, scouts may be somewhat involved with the troop program budget and the equipment budget (e.g., quartermaster requests or scouts already have our own tents). The PLC plans the activities for the program year and then there is some thrifty back and forth with the Troop Committee as to what is feasible. The thrifty back and forth involves networking for bargains (e.g. stay at someone's cabin, borrow tents), fundraisers needed, dues, etc. Some units prefer pay as you go while others prefer fundraisers to have a cash on hand to fund the coming year. In the former, a scout pays his/her expenses for activities, gear, and awards and a share of common expenses like recharter and unit gear. At the patrol level, the meal budget for an outing is scout run. My $0.01 for rambling.

Peace on Earth .

Good point. The difference in council mindsets between then and now.

OLD TOWN, Maine — When a fire ripped through several downtown buildings earlier this year, the destruction affected more than just the people whose homes burned down or the business owners who lost their investments. It also touched the members of Boy Scout Troop 76, who were just starting to learn about emergency preparedness when the fire broke out. Ironically, the troop members found themselves ill-prepared to handle the devastating aftermath. That’s when it occurred to Troop Leader Chris Kelly to introduce a hands-on activity to teach the boys about emergency preparedness by collecting donations for people who survive fires or natural disasters. More at source https://bangordailynews.com/2019/12/24/news/bangor/in-wake-of-downtown-old-town-fire-local-boy-scouts-help-those-affected-by-disaster/

A puzzling discussion, as if freedom to explore 100+ merit badge topic areas and associate with adult experts was contrary to aims of Scouting. What of those scouts who earn elective merit badges and have no interest in rank advancement as they find some of those required merit badges a waste of time and money? I have a few of those, they have found their joy in scouting. My older son was one. He didn't earn Eagle or even Star, so what, the aims of Scouting were more than fulfilled with him without the Advancement Method. In my misspent youth in Scouting, I earned Woodwork, Chemistry, Home Repairs (should be required), Metalwork, Metallurgy, Marksmanship, Archery, Electricity, Electronics (first year offered), Atomic Energy (no I'm not that guy), Geology, Coin Collecting, Stamp Collecting (don't judge). None of these were earned at summer camp or Merit badge universities, rather MBC home, front porch, garage, sportsman club, or place of business over 3-6 meetings. Later, one of these counselors, wrote a college recommendation for me. The number is not 8 but 18, as in age 18. My $0.02,

I am still wondering who knew about this and when. Looking at our Federal Charter, hmmm, the entire BSA National Executive Board has 72 to 76 members, 2/3's would be 48 or more consenting? Sec. 30904 Powers General. - The corporation may - adopt and amend bylaws and regulations, including regulations for the election of associates and successors; adopt and alter a corporate seal; have offices and conduct its activities in the District of Columbia and the States, territories, and possessions of the United States; acquire and own property as necessary to carry out the purposes of the corporation; sue and be sued within the jurisdiction of the United States; and do any other act necessary to carry out this chapter and promote the purpose of the corporation. Limitations on Exercising Certain Powers. - The corporation may execute mortgages and liens on the property of the corporation only if approved by a two-thirds vote of the entire executive board at a meeting called for that purpose. The corporation may dispose in any manner of the whole property of the corporation only with the written consent and affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the corporation.

December, 1910: Wilhelm Bjerregaard read "If you want to be a Scout, you go and make up a patrol and go out scouting.” from a book given to him by his brother that Christmas. In the new year , Wilhelm became a scout. Years later, he would restore Scouting by teaching scouts with his books how to make up a patrol. In the coming year, may all scouts make up their patrols and go out scouting. ~ The moderators of scouter.com https://www.nytimes.com/1979/02/04/archives/new-jersey-pages-a-work-of-love-for-boy-scout-78.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Hillcourt https://web.archive.org/web/20080225035616/http:/www.scouter.com/features/0290.asp

You are fracking me up.

I dunno, Woodbadge? IMO, Council should have clothed a velociraptor instead of a plant eater. My $0.02,

For the second time in less than a year, the Black Hills Area Council Boy Scouts of America has been the victim of a burglary. "What they stole is probably worth a few thousand dollars," he said. "But the value to our organization is much greater." Davis said some supporters had offered to make donations, which will help, but getting the stolen items back would be far more beneficial to the group. The items taken when the security locks were cut off of the storage shed behind their headquarters at 144 North St. included the uniforms they use on dinosaurs in front of Sinclair gas stations to increase interest in scouting each September along with custom-made table toppers that they use for banquets and other functions. https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/boy-scouts-robbed-for-second-time-this-year/article_57050dab-f33e-5bc4-829b-6537063d97bb.html

@Cburkhardt , source link please. Does 150,000 include the previously enrolled female scouts in Venture Crews and Sea Scouts?

Update 12/18/19: A jury of seven men and five women has convicted Thomas Murphy, 60, accused of driving drunk and killing a Boy Scout on Long Island last year. He was found guilty on all nine counts. He was charged with two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, second-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault, two counts of second-degree vehicular assault, two counts of third-degree assault and reckless driving. Murphy faces 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison. "This was a completely unnecessary process for us to have to go through, a million times worse," mom Alisa McMorris said. The process was made that much more difficult because Murphy passed up a plea agreement, which guaranteed the painful trial. "He backed out," Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy Sini said. "That's the kind of person he is." His defense unsuccessfully attempted to argue that the Boy Scouts weren't supervised properly that day and were not walking on the side of the road when Murphy swerved into them. Defense attorney Steven Politi vowed to appeal the verdict, potentially dragging on the family's agony longer. "This is the very beginning," Politi said. "And we'll be appealing all of them." The family says they are haunted by Murphy's lack of accountability and what became a quest for justice. ... https://wcbs880.radio.com/articles/news/jury-convicts-thomas-murphy-in-boy-scouts-death https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/jury-finds-dwi-driver-who-killed-ny-boy-scout-guilty/2243491/ https://abc7ny.com/man-who-ran-down-boy-scout-while-drunk-convicted-on-all-counts/5766121/

I looked into this. I found some surprises - the National Flagship came from BoatUS, an outside group, and uses JTE albeit as an initial qualifier. Hmm, I like troop drills, competitions, Troop Scribe keeping a Troop Log... a rising tide lifts all boats. https://seascout.org/national-flagship/

I agree with @Eagledad earlier comment about fudging numbers, so imaginary numbers might be another mathematical characteristic. 😃

This raises the controversial question , what is "regular coffee".

IMHO, if the BSA goes Chapter 11, the BSA appointing an outside, "responsible person" * as CEO (CSE) will not fly. Following the Bankruptcy Code, a court will appoint an independent Chapter 11 trustee. This may explain the year-long "considering bankruptcy", BSA executives are trying to maintain control (organization destiny and their jobs) during bankruptcy. All companies want to do this, but ... You can't always get what you want. But if you try sometime you find. You get what you need. * Who is Responsible here? "Responsible Persons" in Chapter 11 Cases https://www.justice.gov/archive/ust/articles/docs/2008/abi_200805.pdf My $0.02,

But they are marketing Family Adventure Camps. ..How will you Philmont? https://scoutingmagazine.org/2019/12/philmonts-family-adventure-camp-lets-everybody-in-on-the-fun/ P.S. Pawning Philmont does not appear on article "A Philmont Timeline".

Update 12/16/19: The 22-year-old Wisconsin man charged in the hit and run that killed three Girl Scouts and a mother was found guilty after pleading no contest in Chippewa County Court Monday. He will be sentenced in March. https://www.nbc15.com/video?vid=566262252

IMO, this would make a great commercial for the time of year and time of need. Might help boost morale and get some people thinking. Scouts singing with Salvation Army Scouts sending cards and packages to those serving and protecting us while away from their families Scouts helping with Wreaths Across America Scouts collecting toys for Marine's Toy for Tots Scouts selling and recycling Christmas trees. Even Scouts working in Santa's workshop. https://www.newsherald.com/news/20191214/boy-scouts-help-build-bikes-for-salvage-santa It just would not be Christmas without Scouting. My $0.02,

Remove chairs, turn down heat, ...

Agree. Conclude with a call for all volunteers to be vigilant with a discussion of a Rogues Gallery (names included) . Douglas Smith, BSA’s former national director for youth protection Thomas Close (Aqua Joe) Michael Kelsey (Hakuna Matata) Thomas George Seifert - (failure of the Ineligible Volunteer List) Ronald Rowcliffe - (failure background check) Coleman Leonard (camp staff) Robert Adams (drunk driving at scout camp) ...unfortunately there are more My $0.02,

"...arrested Friday, Savannah police said. Tommy Callaway, 43, was charged with misdemeanor sexual battery, Bianca Johnson of the Savannah police department confirmed to CBS News. " "Thomas Callaway, 43, was arrested after turning himself in, Savannah police confirmed to NBC News Saturday. He was released on $1,300 bail. Online jail records show that he was charged with sexual battery, a misdemeanor in Georgia that is punishable by up to a year in jail." https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tommy-callaway-man-accused-of-slapping-reporter-alex-bozarjian-bottom-on-live-television-is-charged-2019-12-13/ https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/runner-accused-groping-reporter-during-live-tv-broadcast-charged-sexual-n1102146

I am losing track of what scenario, real or hypothetical, that we are discussing here.

The legal outcome would likely show gender difference matters: Tommy slaps Jenny's butt. Jenny calls police. Tommy appears in court. Jenny slaps Tommy's butt, Tommy calls police. Prosecutor considers offense trivial and does not file charges. I like to think with the BSA, gender would not matter and the disciplinary actions would be the same. My $0.02