scotiacat

Wow!! Someone else in the same situation as us. I am glad this came up as a topic. After getting raked over the coals for my comments about the uniform in "Pants: dorky & uncomfortable" and "scouts in limbo", this is exactly our problem. Why are we so many concerned about the uniform when the ENTIRE Scouting program isn't being offered by packs? Which is the bigger crime? Our situation is this, our pack will not buy the beltloops, "too expensive" is what we were told. Also, no temp patches as well, that includes the 75th Anniversary patch. So, when my son completes the World Conservation next year and doesn't get recognized, then what? He already qualifies to earn the 75th Anny patch but won't get it because of the same situation, "it costs too much money"? My son has qualified for 5 beltloops but can't receive them, this is silly to me. He is one requirement (on two different loops) shy of earning two more, at a Tiger rank no less! Should I buy them? I have voluntered to do so for him and some other boys. Imagine when the boys went to the District Pinewood Derby meet and saw the other boys with their loops.

>>>>>What do you mean "Electives are out as they have already reached their rank?" Electives, if I'm not mistaken, can be earned at any time after the cub has earned his tiger badge. A boy earns one Tiger Track bead for every 10 electives he completes. Since they have not finished 1st grade nor are they 8 years old, Tiger's electives are still fair game! I should have been more clear in this statement, sorry. The boys have earned a minimum of 7 yellow beads (lowest of bead numbers in the group). They would like to do something new. >>>>>That's where belt loops and the various electives at the end of the handbook comes in. Alas, a number of Packs don't participate in this as the cost of the belt loops are expensive. I was at the Council Office and they confirmed there are a number of Packs who don't participate for that very reason. So what are we to do? I know uniforms are a HOT topic, that Scouts follow the rules and wear the correct uniform etc, etc.. But how about the Packs and Councils offering the program fully to the Scouts.

I hope this is being posted in the right category. What do you do with Scouts who have earned their badges and are ready to move up in rank? Our Scouts have earned their Tiger and Bobcat ranks, but are unable to advance to Wolf and begin working in the book until June 1st. What do we do to keep them interested for the next month? Electives are out as they have already reached their rank. I scratch my head on this because I read where some Packs have Scouts make rank in February in time for the Blue & Gold. What do they do for the next four months? Any help and/or ideas would be appreciated.(This message has been edited by scotiacat)

Our pack has done the same thing, refers those new people joining not to buy the pants that is. They tell them jeans are fine. Beside, it is cheaper to buy the dress blue/Dickies/Chinos or whatever you call them at Wal-Mart, agreed. Sweat pants are NOT allowed. But here is something the boys in the pack have taken a liking to. A good number of them have bought the khaki colored cargo pants. Worn with the blue shirt, the boys look awesome, better than being in all blue. While nothing has come done from the leaders, it seems like that color really has caught the attention of the boys. What started as one or two boys wearing them, turned into 5 and at the last pack meeting, there were 8 boys present in them. Even the parents commented on how "professional" they looked in them. It will be interesting to see how many show up at the pack next time.

Flag etiquette states the blue field should ALWAYS be to the top left when it is displayed. When hanging on a shirt, that would be to the rear on the right sleeve as you look at it, to the front on the left sleeve. If it was hanging down, as on a house or building, again the blue field is to the top left corner. A Google search for "flag etiquette" will provide the proper displaying of the flag and explain when and how to display the flag in various situations.

I am curious, are you doing this to satisfy a requirement for the 75th Anniversary Award? Our requirements don't list playing games of 1930 as one of the requirements needed to earn the patch.