Sarge

"If we expect the youth to be proud of being a scout and their achievements, why shouldn't we?" I also agree with OGE. We are supposed to lead by example, including via uniforming. If we don't take pride in our appearances or accomplishments, why should they? But I do think there is a point where enough is enough...

Can I just say you guys are KILLING me with these abbreviations. I can figure many of them out, but with some, I'm left scratching my head. Is there a thread somewhere on here with definitions?

I like the concept of the Eagle giving a token of appreciation to the SM. Doesn't have to be anything large, but something that can sit on a mantle or shelf that can serve as a reminder of the individual Scout they helped. Seems a little more personal then just adding another notch on a belt.

I concur. An oversight of 1 day that was made 2 years ago should not be made an issue for the boy. If everything else is in order, and he passes the BOR, the subject should be dismissed. But it should always be remembered so as it never happens again...

Greetings and salutations.

Gunny, that is very good advice. Then again, sometimes, that's half the fun in this type of setting...

Has anyone thought about the top brass in Texas? Now, I don't know any of them personally, but judging their ages from photos and video clips from the on-line training, I don't think a lot of them are 'young' enough to have boys in scouting... Whether or not someone has a son in scouts should not be a reason to exclude them from being a leader. Some men can't have children. Others enjoy teaching young minds positive values for the future long after their own kids have grown and left the nest. Obviously, there could be cause for concern for motive. But I agree. The kids are the best judge of that.

My son is not a typical 7 year old. He's already pushing 5 feet tall. He weighed in at 92 pounds in the nurses office for his second grade physical. Not fat, by any stretch. Well proportioned. He wears 14-16 cloths in general and wears bigger shoes than my wife. He wore my Bear uniform when he was a Tiger. The blue cub pants I bought him this year are cinched up several notches. (Thank heaven for adjustable waist clothing.) When grandma hemmed the legs, she left them long enough to extend when he grows even taller. But I'm noticing that the leg bottoms have developed a whitish line at the crease where they are turned under. Obviously, this would show if we extend the legs later on. He will be able to wear the upper portion of the pants for years to come. But I am concerned with the appearances of the legs in the future. Does the BSA sell JUST the lower legs for the cub switchbacks? Or will I be SOL - stuck with a pair of shorts and be buying another set of pants down the line?

Oh, not quite yet. The real snow doesn't get here until January or February. Just a dusting a few days ago. Then again, 6-8 inches is considered 'just a dusting' to us. Like I said, I'm a rookie Assistant Leader. I'm interested to see different perspectives on different topics. The whole 'What color numbers on the new uniforms' subject is a prime example. I'm picking up my uniform Friday (also read as: pay day) and wouldn't know which way to go if not for this site. Even my local Council, Scout Shop and Pack leadership didn't know what to say.

Did you try calling the Camp Ranger? He/she or a member of their staff might be able to give you that information. They should be the ones to know. After all, they're the ones that have to set the thing up every year before the summer sessions get under way, right?

Ironically enough, this is the very question I was searching for an answer for. As a new leader, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one confused on the issue. I can see the argument for Cub leaders wearing RED like the Cub scouts, but overall I agree with the wearing of the new color numerals on the new uniform. Leaders are Leaders. There should be some universal standard. For people that were complaining about the 'cost of new numbers', they're a $1.19 apiece. That's $3.57 for a standard 3 numeral Pack (i.e. 554). Is three and a half bucks really going to break the bank? Come on... And for those who ordered the custom 3 digit patches in red, save them for the kids that join your group in the future. That way, they're not wasted. No loss. I'm not a fan nor am I a member of the Uniform Police, but as new standards come along, we must adjust. Were you the same people that complained when the BSA changed the Tiger program to where the Bobcat Badge was earned first? Or when cyberbullying awareness was made part of the First Class Scout regiment? Times change. We must change with them or be left behind. Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.

Remember you said that next time you open your heating bill...

My name is Steve. I just completed my leadership training a week ago and am already the assistant wolf leader for my son's pack. I joined so I can get ideas to help my kids pack have fun.