scoutldr

I'm a YP instructor and have not seen this in any of the materials. I agree this is probably an urban legend. If it becomes policy, many of us will decide it's just "too hard" and will declare that the parents have to provide their own transportation. Maybe one of the pros can call Irving and get us an answer?

NEWS RELEASE from the United States Department of Defense No. 139-03 (703)697-5131(media) IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 22, 2003 (703)428-0711(public/industry) TROOP SUPPORT MAIL POLICY STRESSED To bolster force protection, the general public is urged not to send unsolicited mail, care packages or donations to service members forward deployed unless you are a family member, loved one or personal friend. On Oct. 30, 2002, the Department of Defense (DoD) suspended the "Operation Dear Abby" and "Any Servicemember" mail programs due to force protection concerns. Although these programs provide an excellent means of support to friends and loved ones stationed overseas, they also provide an avenue to introduce hazardous substances or materials into the mail system from unknown sources. Unsolicited mail, packages and donations from organizations and individuals also compete for limited airlift space used to transport supplies, war-fighting materiel and mail from family and loved ones. Recently, DoD has become aware of organizations and individuals who continue to support some form of the "Any Servicemember" program by using the names and addresses of individual servicemembers and unit addresses. These programs are usually supported by well-intentioned, thoughtful and patriotic groups who are simply unaware of the new risks facing deployed military forces. Some individuals and groups publicize the names and addresses of service members, ships or units on Web sites, with good intentions. The result, however, is a potential danger to the troops they wish to support. DoD cannot support creative and well-intentioned efforts that defeat force protection measures, but can instead recommend alternatives to mail and donation programs. To show support to troops overseas, the following are recommended: * Log on to the following Web sites to show support, to include greeting cards, virtual Thank You cards and calling card donations to help troops stay in contact with loved ones: http://www.defendamerica.mil/support_troops.html http://www.usocares.org/home.htm http://www.army.mil/operations/iraq/faq.html * Visit Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and nursing homes. Volunteer your services to honor veterans who served in past conflicts. Mail from family members and loved ones has always been encouraged and the military mail system will continue to work hard to get that mail to servicemembers overseas. Web version: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Mar2003/b03222003_bt139-03.html

http://n2zgu.50megs.com/IRAQ.htm

Is there a separate prayer wheel for the American Military Woman?

My understanding of the literature is "do what works best in your troop." Only about 50% of all troops use the "Venture" patrol method.

May God have mercy on our souls and keep safe those who are about to go in harm's way. God Bless America! Amen.

2003 is the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' flight at Kitty Hawk, NC...how 'bout an Aviation theme?

What's a "Congressional Award" and does it have anything to do with Scouting?

A poster I saw recently: "Perhaps the purpose of your life is to serve as a bad example for others". At the risk of dating myself, does anyone remember the GREEN wool jac-shirt? Green was for youth, red for adults and Explorers.

Some thoughts on the subject from Baden-Powell himself: "Moreover, there is only one standard by which a boy is judged as qualified for a badge, and that is the amount of effort he puts into his work. This gives direct encouragement to the dull or backward boy-the boy in whom the inferiority complex has been born through many failures. If he is a trier, no matter how clumsy, his examiner can accord him his badge, and this generally inspires the boy to go on trying till he wins further badges and becomes normally capable." So, unless the handicap is severe (and there are units for those, as well), I think the Scout would benefit from being with those his own age. I worked with a Troop of Down's syndrome scouts at summer camp one year...we all learned a lot of lessons.

Looks like I need to find a new route to the Scout Reservation...one which doesn't take the scouts past cow pastures, lest their tender little minds get perverted.

On the issue of obsolete uniform parts, I think the intent is that COMPLETE uniforms are still acceptable. I don't think it's acceptable to mix and match parts from different eras. So, if you can assemble a complete uniform, including tie, from 1965, and it is still "serviceable", you can wear it. We have an old gent who still wears proudly his vintage uniform. Don't know how old it is, but he wears his 1937 Jamboree patch on it....and he earned it honestly...he was there!

As I recall, the only items to be worn on the shirt are the universal BSA emblem on the left pocket (comes with it), the Philmont Bull on the left shoulder (the Jac-Shirt originated as a Philmont-only item), and a SINGLE back-patch such as OA or NESA. As with other BSA items, they've become outrageously expensive, making them out of reach of most youth.

That's what I've always understood, too, and my DE agrees. But as has been stated in other posts, "if that's what the BSA meant, they would have said it." Can the pros shed some light on this? If it's just a typo, that's one thing, and the BSA should put out an errata notice, but as I have been recently told, "a Trainer ought to know this stuff." It's hard to tell a class of new SMs "18" when the book in front of them clearly says "21".

KS, if you find one, let me know! Us "big-heads" need to stick together. I prefer to think that the size is due to the gray matter, not skull thickness!

I once heard that Trails End is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BSA and that they have no other market. True? The fundraising got so out of hand at my place of employment that the boss put a stop to all of it, regardless of the cause. The parents sell more than the kids do. Again, where's the lesson in that? If it's really about teaching leadership and self-sufficiency, then let's tell the parents to butt out and let the kids do it...or not do it...and then they live with the results. Want to go to camp? Sell popcorn. Don't sell any, then you don't go. Now there's a real lesson in life. But I suspect that won't happen, because it's not about teaching values...it's about the money. That's why Councils push popcorn and don't like to see units do their own thing...because then they don't get their cut. Now before everyone jumps down my throat, I understand the need for Council operating funds...I just wish they wouldn't task the children with that responsibility. Kinda reminds me of the last time I visited Tijuana...and having to run the gantlet of professional beggars, most of whom were under the age of 10. It's a tough dilemma running a non=profit organization. I don't know what the answer is.

Perhaps the previous posts were not clear. Scouts do not attend with their Troops. A "Jamboree Troop(s)" will be formed up consisting of individual scouts from your Council (contingent). They are given a new troop number and usually a special Jambo Council Shoulder Patch (CSP), troop flag, equipment, etc. Similar process to the way our Council goes to Philmont. Depending on the number of slots available, not all who apply will be accepted. Best thing to do is contact your District Commissioner, District Executive or ask around at Roundtable to see how your Council is planning to do it.

Perhaps the previous posts were not clear. Scouts do not attend with their Troops. A "Jamboree Troop(s)" will be formed up consisting of individual scouts from your Council (contingent). They are given a new troop number and usually a special Jambo Council Shoulder Patch (CSP), troop flag, equipment, etc. Similar process to the way our Council goes to Philmont. Best thing to do is contact your District Commissioner, District Executive or ask around at Roundtable to see how your Council is planning to do it.

From page 3 of the latest version of the Scoutmaster Handbook (2001 rev): "These are the minimum requirements for becoming a Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster: - be at least 21 years of age." Is this a typo or a policy change that slipped by me? My understanding is that SA's must be at least 18 years of age, not 21. Thanks.

http://n2zgu.50megs.com/IRAQ.htm

No more offensive than a "snipe hunt". Oh, wait...we're not allowed to do that anymore, either.

http://www.bc.scouts.ca/

Keep in mind that filling out a Scouter application does not cancel our first amendment right to be stupid in public. I, for one can tell you. Where is the Commissioner staff? I believe that the DC or UC should have a chat with the "gentleman" and remind him of BSA policy of gender inclusion and that, by filling out the application, he agreed to uphold. If not, the DC should offer to help him recruit his replacement. Does this make him an "avowed" sexist? HMMMMM.

Ask your Scoutmaster when the next Junior Leader Training Course is going to be and then go to it and earn your "Trained" strip. Congratulations and good luck!

Right, Bob. I said I was a new trainer, but not yet a know-it-all. The know-it-alls in my District wouldn't volunteer for this job, so they're stuck with me. Maybe after 20 years in this job, I will know everything, but for right now, I have to dive for my references (or this forum) when I have a question...which is what I just did. And guess what, the references (Venturing Leader Specific Training Manual) tell me you're wrong. Male Venturers may indeed continue to earn Boy Scout recognitions (Star, Life, Eagle, Merit Badges) IF they became first class while registered as a Boy Scout (and the ones I;ve seen wear their ranks proudly). There is no requirement that they be concurrently registered in a Troop, as with OA, and the Venture Crew Committee conducts the Board of Review. So it just does not make sense that the "rules" are inconsistent, and to allow a Venturer to continue earning rank, but denying him the honor of OA is just ludicrous. And I don't believe for a minute that the OA does anything unless National knows about it and agrees with it. So it appears to me that Venturing is having an identity crisis...they want to belong, but they want to be separate. They need to decide which they want and then get off the fence and go for it. Yes, as a trainer, I spout the party line. What I don't agree with, I work to change if I think it's wrong. Forgive me, but I was under the impression that this forum was for the free and open exchange of ideas and discussions....NOT to be a cheering section for National policy. I have witnessed many changes in the program since 1962, some I agree with, some I don't. But I suspect none of the changes would have happened unless people like me questioned the status quo.