RememberSchiff

People who were allegedly molested by scoutmasters or other volunteers when they were Boy Scouts in Massachusetts may have an opportunity to sue the Boy Scouts of America, under a recent law enacted in New Jersey, where the organization was based between 1954 and 1978. The new law, similar to one recently passed in New York, allows for time-restricted windows of opportunity to seek justice regardless of current statutes of limitation restrictions. Similar legislation has been passed or is pending in California and Pennsylvania. The New Jersey law provides victims nationwide who were sexually abused during the 25 years the BSA was headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey, an opportunity to sue under a two-year window that begins Dec. 1. Michael T. Pfau, a Boston College graduate and a Seattle-based sexual abuse attorney who represents 200 Boy Scouts cases nationally, is working with New Jersey attorney Jay Mascolo, to bring cases under New Jersey’s new statute-of-limitations window. “We intend to hold the Boy Scouts accountable under this New Jersey law because the organization knew for decades while its headquarters was based in New Jersey that thousands of Scout leaders had used the position to groom and sexually abuse children. The Boy Scouts not only failed to implement adequate policies and procedures to protect young children, but it actively swept egregious sexual abuse under the rug,” Pfau said in a statement last week. More at source https://www.telegram.com/news/20191008/new-jersey-law-may-offer-worcester-area-boy-scout-abuse-victims-hope @NJCubScouter

Indifference uses ignorance as an excuse. Buy local produce. I like the apple drops idea, you can also get some "ugly" potatoes and other veggies for cheap or free or field labor exchange. Use ziplock bags to "Mix your own (individual or patrol)" gorp, oatmeal , pancake mix,... informs scouts what is in their food while addressing allergies and saving money. Frugal food safety. Bulk buying. Seemed like a good idea but we ran into storage and spoilage issues. One bad apple ... My $0.02,

Brice Fundell has discovered he loves to construct and create, so the high school junior decided to take on two projects instead of one in his quest for an Eagle Scout badge. (Yes two. Twofer 1 Eagle! ~ RS) This year, while seeking his Eagle Scout project, the La Salle-Peru Township High School student asked people at his former grade school, Tonica, what they’d like to see built. They requested a border for containment of pea gravel around the grade school playground equipment, and he quickly offered to create that border by using railroad ties. But he also decided to lead a project to provide some shade and shelter from the elements outside of the school. Family members, friends and fellow Boy Scouts last week attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new shelter over two picnic tables. In keeping with requirements for Eagle Scout projects, Fundell sought permission, planned and gained financial support and donations for the venture. Fundell then led a crew of helpers to get the jobs done. More background at source link ... something about a Tardis time machine? https://www.newstrib.com/2019/10/07/one-eagle-scout-project-just-wasnt-enough-for-this-l-p-boy/an2itae/

I saw a follow-up report on CBS news this morning about this young engineer and his company DroneAId. IBM backed him and now employs him. Perhaps the BSA can work with IBM and sell the iconic rescue signal mats that the optical recognition software uses. Be Prepared, Helping Other People, STEM... https://www.cbsnews.com/video/how-drones-could-improve-disaster-relief/ https://developer.ibm.com/blogs/droneaid-visual-recognition-helps-hurricane-victims/

Was he the last Eagle remaining in Trump administration? So historically, this administration had the most Eagles at the start but none served a whole term? As OP, my interest here was not the politics but an opportunity to generate scout interest in future elected government service. Hasn't happened...yet.

4-H cabins? http://oregon4hcenter.org/facilities/cabins/

Oct 4 EEE Update from Southern New England Narragansett Council. All overnight camping at Council properties is canceled until the first hard frost. This includes tents, cabins and shelters. Activities during daytime hours (after dawn and before dusk) are allowed. More details at source: http://www.narragansettbsa.org/EEE

You're right. Any "fee" would be passed along to the scouts taking the classes. Have any former BSA corporate sponsors who pushed and left over our membership returned? Have they moved to other charities, cutback in overall donations, or turned away by the abuse lawsuits? Our scouts are those corporations future customers and employees, a win-win partnership should be possible.

Old Guy? The BSA is becoming No Scouting for Old Men, particularly for those learned in scouting from back in the day. Next stop working with Habitat for Humanity or joining a Men's Shed or maybe enjoy what are they called, oh yes, a hobby.

I see tech stores, outdoor stores, stables , whitewater companies, etc. running their own merit badge classes. Does the BSA charge a fee to those businesses?

Update 9/16/2019 ... a growing service provided by K-Valley District Commissioner Chris Bernier and Goodwill. So far, Bernier (a commissioner for K-Valley District of the Boy Scouts) and Goodwill NNE has outfitted more than 650 children in Maine who needed uniforms. All year, the Waterville (Maine) Goodwill store sets aside donated uniforms for Bernier, who then washes every uniform and rips off every award badge by hand, according to a news release from Goodwill. Bernier started by serving Waterville children, but now he gets calls from all over the state asking to help outfit Scouts in need. “So far we have served over three dozen communities in Maine with some traveling as far as Topsham, Pittsfield, Bath and Bangor,” he said, according to the release. “There are many people who are deserving who can’t work or can’t afford a uniform for their child, and that’s what this is about. It’s about changing the future, changing the next generation, helping kids be better than they can be and building a better citizen.” Bernier has approximately 200 uniforms that Goodwill NNE collected for his cause in storage, ready for Scouts. The only requirement for a child to get a free uniform is that they register for scouting or is already a registered scout. The program also allows for Scouts to trade in their uniforms when they outgrow them or change ranks — when they give back an old uniform, Bernier will give them a new one, according to the release. Anyone who would like to donate a uniform can drop it off at the Waterville store. Parents should bring their Scout’s registration form as proof. Scouts also will be able to register at the store during the drive. “I’m a one-man show,” Bernier said, according to the release. “But we’re just getting it started. We’re working on becoming a nonprofit, we’d like to expand it. We’re trying to make it needs-based. We serve kids who can’t afford to go to the council store and get a brand new uniform.” More at source: https://www.centralmaine.com/2019/09/16/goodwill-bernier-to-host-boy-scout-uniform-drive-giveaway/

Oct 3, 2019: A 16-year-old Eagle Scout has been sentenced to five days in a juvenile jail and 18 months of probation for threatening to shoot up his Catholic school in South Carolina in a group chat where he also sent racist videos...The judge also ordered the teen to attend a wilderness camp to help with behavioral and social skills. The guns in his parents' house must be given to relatives approved by the sheriff's office. http://www.startribune.com/teen-gets-5-days-in-juvenile-jail-for-racist-videos-threats/562071922/ In my experience, we adults cannot agree what constitutes bullying and the measures that should be taken , yet we all seem to agree the potential threat level from bullying is higher than ever. My $0.02,

Update Oct 2, 2019: The family of a 13-year-old boy who was injured in the left eye by a catapulted potato during an overnight troop camping outing in Santa Clarita in 2017 agreed to settle a lawsuit brought on the boy's behalf against the Boy Scouts of America for $90,000. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Laura Seigle is scheduled to decide Friday whether to approve the settlement, which will leave the Valencia boy with about $59,300 after his medical expenses, attorneys' fees and other costs are paid. During a Sept. 20 hearing, the judge asked for some additional documentation from the plaintiff. She also said the money the boy will receive must be placed in a blocked account and that all withdrawals will need court approval. According to the suit filed May 30, Boy Scout Troop 499, operated by the Western Los Angeles County Council and sponsored by the Greater Santa Clarita Optimist Club, had an overnight camping event, dubbed the Troop 499 Zombie Overnighter, at Hart Park in Santa Clarita on Nov. 4. 2017. Several activities were planned for the scouts and for the Cub Scout Webelos who were invited to attend and all of the events were under the guidance of a scoutmaster, who was in charge of the troop's activities and the safety of the scouts, according to the lawsuit. One activity planned for the overnighter was the catapulting of potatoes using a makeshift slingshot, according to the suit. The troop's scoutmaster, who was in charge of coordinating the event and was responsible for making sure it was conducted safely, failed to take reasonable steps to protect the scouts, such as obtaining protective eyewear and the plaintiff was struck by a potato in the left eye as a result, the suit alleged. The suit alleged "the plaintiff suffered, and continues to suffer from physical and emotional injuries, including disfigurement." https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Scout-Hurt-by-Flying-Potato-Agrees-to-90000-Settlement-562026701.html

July, 2017: National Jamboree theme "Live Scouting's Adventure". May, 2018: "Scout Me In " BSA marketing campaign (Family Scouting) begins. https://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/press-releases/scout-me-in/ July-Aug 2019: World Jamboree theme "Unlock a New World".

The Catholic Church and Boy Scouts are lobbying against child abuse statutes. This is their playbook USAToday Oct 2,2019: The Boy Scouts also opposed the Pennsylvania legislation (extending the civil statute of limitations for sexual abuse survivors). The Scouts and one of its local councils spent $486,505 from 2016 through 2018 on lobbying in Pennsylvania, disclosure forms show. From 2011 to 2017 the national organization spent about $2.5 million on lobbying across the country, according to IRS records. https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/investigations/2019/10/02/catholic-church-boy-scouts-fight-child-sex-abuse-statutes/2345778001/

Well now...feel free to pay a subscription to scouter.com if it makes you value the postings here more.

Yes definitely, a wealth of knowledge among our forum members. Forgive me for a seriously incomplete list. Anyone put their patches on an old 10-X shooting jacket?

Good question, how do we wear our hard-earned marksmanship patches. @ShootingSports @JoeBob @Oldscout448 @Sentinel947 @Eagle94-A1 @Summitdog...and many more will likely have ideas.

My understanding, the bottle deposit locations and amount are by state: ME, VT, CT, MA, NY, IA, HI are a nickel. MI and OR are a dime. The purchase state is marked in the label bar code. So Pepsi bought in NH would not scan for a deposit refund in those above states. In MA, the original reason was to reduce bottle (just soda?) littering, broken glass in our towns, recycling was an afterthought or maybe an after-forgot.

Angelica’s 16th annual Civil War Weekend, an event hosted by The Allegheny Highlands Council Boy Scouts of America and the 136th New York Volunteer Infantry, “The Ironclads", originated as a Boy Scout camporee. There was a large scout presence in the town as hundreds of Boy Scouts set up camp in the Allegany County Fairgrounds for the weekend, attending education stations and even participating in a large mock battle of their own with the assistance of reenactors acting as officers. Saturday morning, area Cub Scouts were able to join in the fun as well, as several hands-on education stations were set up around the fairgrounds. The scouts learned about Civil War era rations, games, the role of the railroad and much more. Source which includes a photo of scouts and scouters pointing firearm shaped objects (FSOs). http://www.oleantimesherald.com/news/allegany_county/civil-war-weekend-opens-in-angelica/article_bda7b7da-296f-506a-92c4-80e001a4f8e6.html It gives a parent pause to learn that "between 250,000 and 420,000 boys under 17 were involved in the American Civil War, for both the Union and the Confederacy. It is estimated that 100,000 Union soldiers were under 15 years old. Given the large number of young men in the American Civil War, compared to the number of older men, one author stated that it might have been called The Boys’ War." IMHO, if Boy Scouts existed back in the 1860's, many scouts would have been in The Boys' War. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_soldiers_in_the_American_Civil_War

If a $100 per person then Alex, I'll take No Adults on Patrol Outings for $50. P.S. Disney+ reportedly launches in Nov. at $70/year.

9/28-29/19: Andy Hamilton’s interest in Native American culture began with the Boy Scouts. After being inducted into the Order of the Arrow honor camping society within scouting, Hamilton of Cranberry Township, Venango County, was invited to his first Native American ceremonial event. He was hooked from the start. “I became a big part of (the culture),” Hamilton said. Hamilton, who went on to join the Children of the Earth group, helped organize the fifth annual Honoring Mother Earth Pow Wow. The event began Friday and continues today and Sunday at the Mercer County Grange Fairgrounds. The pow wow features Native American dances, songs, drumming, archery, storytelling and other activities, along with vendors and raffle auctions. “We’re trying to keep a dying culture alive,” Hamilton said. “We come from everywhere and all walks of life.” In addition to hosting the annual pow wow, Children of the Earth also does demonstrations for schools and other groups interested in learning about Native American culture, Hamilton said. Blacksmith Joe Graham of Hilliards, Butler County, said this is his fourth time attending the event. Graham, who demonstrates flint-knapping, said he is willing to share his knowledge with anyone who’s interested in learning. More details, photos at source: https://www.sharonherald.com/news/local_news/conveying-the-culture-annual-pow-wow-honors-native-american-heritage/article_ea74e2dd-559c-5fd4-b263-7355dc39d13e.html

Learn history by doing... ANGELICA — Angelica is a ‘Town Where History Lives’ and no better way to fulfill that motto than to have a reenactment of one of the most significant historical events in this country’s existence, The American Civil War. It’s not just about muskets and cannons but an up-close look at what it was like to live in the 1860′s during a time of war. The Allegheny Highlands Council Boy Scouts * and the 136th New York Volunteer Infantry “The Ironclads” have teamed up again this year to provide this spectacular event. Reenactors from across the region make camp right on Main Street where they’ll eat, sleep and breath Civil War-era life. Dressed in period attire, they will battle blue against grey complete with cannons and muskets. The scouts will be camping at the Allegany County Fairgrounds just up the hill from Angelica and observe several skirmish reenactments and then participate in a mock battle of their own, using imitation muskets and gaining valuable insights into Civil War life. In addition, local schools are invited to attend on Friday to talk with and observe the reenactors throughout town. Battles of 1864 will be the focus of the 2019 Reenactment, Sept. 27-29. Angelica is uniquely suited to provide the backdrop for Civil War Reenactments with battles occurring directly on Historic Main Street. More details and photos at source: https://www.the-leader.com/news/20190926/civil-war-invades-angelica-this-weekend/1 * No battles on Friday ( a school day).

Here is one camp, please post others. Camp Yawgoog (RI): In the final Sunday Dress Parade of the summer at Yawgoog Scout Reservation, $25,735 in scholarships were awarded to 23 members of Camp Yawgoog’s staff, all enrolled in higher education institutions around the country This scholarship program, funded by Yawgoog Alumni and benefactors and facilitated by the Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America, is designed to retain top caliber staff members annually while also promoting higher education and vocational training. 10 scholarships were awarded, ranging from $240 to $2,500. “We are fortunate to have such dedicated staff at Camp Yawgoog each summer, we were thrilled to reward their hard work with support for their educational endeavors,” said Tim McCandless, CEO of the Narragansett Council. “Our camp staff are important role models for Scouts, we are proud to send them back to college this fall to continue their studies,” added McCandless. More including photo at source: http://warwickonline.com/stories/camp-yawgoog-staff-recognized-for-service-with-scholarships,145734

Maybe the key S'mores ingredient will soon be required from a jar and not a campfire. Goodbye Campfire Marshmallows hello Fluff.