Scoutndad

I had an earlier post about "District indecision" and was very concerned about this same topic. As the Webelos II leader or my Pack, I was concerned that my current District was not providing enough resources to help me make this year, a good transition year. Before anyone gets on their soap box about whose responsibility it is, feel free to read my other thread. But bottomline, I offered my services to my District (volunteer basis) to coordinate a Webelos Transition Committee that helped coordinate Troops with Cub Packs so that names, numbers, and activity dates could be exchanged so the boys could get a feel of what Troop life was about and get excited. This makes a great deal of sense and while I will not take any credit for this fantastic idea, I think each District needs to look at this role. It may not (nor ever) plug the leaky pipeline, but it sure will help solidify the pipe joints and start indicating the weak joints that time and effort need to be focused upon. (Side-note:District STILL has not responded back to my offer-oh well-we do what we can)

Thanks for the great thread...now I'm not sure if I'm more worried about my son's Boy Scout camping trips or my daughters growing into teenagers...or worse Blue Eyed Pom Pom camp at Northern Tier (cue shuddering nightmares)...

I wasn't sure which forum to post this under, however, a family within my District has suffered a great loss. If nothing else, please keep this very young family in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. (Written by Ted Feuerstein-Apollo Dist. Webmaster) The Saranac Lions Club Cub Scout Pack 3071 recently lost their Cubmaster. The Rev. Phillip M. Rauch, age 30, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, June 12, 2005. Phil was a good Cubmaster and very active in Saranac and his death is a great loss. Phil leaves behind his wife Kerry and three children: Katrina age 13, Mason age 10 and Kayne age 9 and they have quite a challenge ahead of them. Phil was the pastor of a very small church in Saranac and his passing has left his family in great need financially. Several families from the pack have set up a memorial fund for Kerry and the children. Anyone who feels led to help in this situation may make a contribution to this fund. Financial donations may be made to: Rauch Memorial Fund, Kerry Rauch @ Independent Bank, 29 Church St., Box 5, Saranac, MI 48881-0005. Questions may be directed to Carol Lomas at 616-642-6917 ext 102. Thank you for your support.

I just gotta say that Juris may not be much of bias commentator but he is one heck of a fisherman... Just like KurtB and I'm sure others of you noticed, Juris signed in one day, hit 5 or so forums and then vanished...sounds like someone was on a fishing expedition and by our replies, he sure landed some big ones... I would be surprised if he was an adult..the syntax of his speech and use of arbitrary opinions with lack of credibility certainly sounded like an immature Scout wannabee that wanted to see what kind of actions he/she could elicit and we did not fail... Time to hit "ignore" and move on to members with real substance...

ok fine..you got me on private movie (good argument on how corp america not only sponsors conservative rhetoric)...we can go back and forth on this issue til the cows come home...but just to make my point...how about Rather's coverage(60 minutes) on Bush's service record...can't get much more scripted than that...

Just glad to hear that no one was hurt (assumption since you did not mention it)

I also agree with Prarie's assessment and Dug's statement on media objectivity...but then it got all "mussed" up with an abritrary statement about Republicans scripting and airing news reports (unbstantiated to a large degree unless you count the political ads - THEN you make a great point)... If you were to agree with the idea that extreme statements are standard in order to get the attention of the people and media biasness is based on payroll...how can one conclude that one or the other party is extorting view points or scripting news reports WITHOUT expressing an example on how the other side is doing the same (Michael Moore's documentary), otherwise you perpetuate the stereotype that we are sub standard intellects that will only make a decision based on "scripted news reports" instead of the quality, conviction and character of the candidate (I could not type that without laughing) ....however I do like the PURPLE idea that JD had...could be interesting...but I was thinking more of a TEAL....

I'm not sure that we could ever call politics civil in this country...never has been and never will be (can anyone say Burr v Hamilton)...but I agree with the observation that in our information age, it is hard pressed to "not know" about an event. Instant information results in immediate reaction...the longer it takes for information to reach the general populace, the less effective it becomes (WWII v Vietnam). Media sources today are more interested in getting out the story instead of verifying the facts behind the story (can anyone say Newsweek)..and to answer OGE's original post...the outrage should be directed to the media since it is directly responsible for feeding the intellectual appetite of the world. So forget Howard Dean for a moment and pony up possible presidential candidates...

Can't be outraged when you look at the source (lacking credibility), regardless of party affiliation... Certainly some great postings...anyone have info on current politicians who were Scouts?

if your an EMTB then no use throwing away your money on a Gall's pre-stocked bag...from the sounds of your posting you probably have not... However I noticed a sports medic on the field the other day and he had a pretty great looking bag that looks like a fanny pack (slightly larger) but it has compartments and firm sides. Thought it was pretty cool and it was the perfect size for most of your "traveling" supplies needs...it would not hold a BVM, o2 or defib but certainly would carry most of the other necessities. One note up here in Mich (not sure in VA) is the administration of epi pens...as of this Spring, First Responders and EMTB's need approval from MEDCOM (or central medical control) to administer epi pens vs. EMTS and Paramed's can still administer at their discretion. Probably a huge consideration at camp but thought I might throw that out there in case you need to carry a cell phone with MEDCOM on speed dial... Last tip...make sure you read up on all of the current AMA remedies for the infamous "slushie" headache...I hear it afflicts more campers than any other illness...have a great time!

Thanks for the service OGE

FYI...i sent my offer to help fill or assist in a Webelos Transition position/Open house (good for Brotherhood Award as well) to the District Leaders this morning. Thanks to all who helped me down this path.

More importantly Seattle, the postings within this forum have helped me realize that while there may be shortcomings within my immediate future, long range planning and involvement at a District level may be more beneficial. Oddly enough (or perhaps not), our Pack continues to promote the leaders with their dens. I have been the leader for the past four years and started at the Tiger Level and will retire as the Webelos II leader after 5 years. So I have no one to train but will offer my resources to the mother that is handling the new Webelos (I still cringe since she does not enforce uniform requirements). I have a great time and have seen boys come and go until I ended up with 9 strong and able Webelos. That's why I had a fit with the lack of District support since I feel my boys should be "scouted" for the scouting abilities but will not wait for that to happen. They have worked too hard and it would be a disservice to them if I did not ask for troop involvement myself. Since I won't be maintaining my Webelos Den Leader status, I will indeed have time for other volunteer functions. One of those roles will be for the District and the other will lead me down the path of Campfire USA for my daughters. I look forward to the years to come becoming involved with the BSA and hope that all your words of encouragement and suggestions will help me better understand what I can do to continue the BSA's efforts.

Wow...what a great idea...I had no idea that such a creature existed...Webelos Transition Coordinator. Thanks for the great advice and if I can get someone to listen from our District, you can bet that I will volunteer to help make this happen. THANK YOU!

Congrats on the position... Try your local fire dept and ask them what they would recommend in a "crash" bag. First aid kits are great but these guys can tell you what you might want more of and then go purchase separately and more inexpensively at a medical supply store or drugstore. You can also use your experience for your supplies and stock up on ice paks if you have seen more heat related injuries or bumps and sprains. If you see more open wounds, stock up on gloves, 4x4's, tape and band-aids (flourescent band-aids work great for the boys-almost like a "badge of courage"). Let experience be your guide and it sounds as if you have plenty of it. By the way, buying some of the little pouches that hold gloves and attach to the outside straps of your crash bags are great..you can run to scene while putting on your gloves without rummaging through your bag and having items fall out.

Thank you for your responses Eamonn - where did you say your district was again???lol As was suggested, I may try to become involved at the district level since many of the points you made are the same issues that have really bothered me about our district. And as madkins pointed out (and others) it is not critical to the function of the pack or troop, but then why have it... Eamonn I was hoping to hear that someone had an outstanding District that they could brag about. It helps me to aspire to become that District that challenges others within the council to become more active and establish great relationships. Your operational strategy is similar to what I had hoped for from mine, but again, while I can be a bit upset by our District involvement, I am as guilty as any for not attending the Roundtables (but not for a lack of wanting) and allowing the deterioration. My Webelos II are a force to be reckoned with as well and while other dens gloss over requirements, I strive to have my boys set examples for other young scouts to follow. They will be ready to cross to Boy Scouts next year and trust me when I tell you that they are ready. And as madkins pointed out, I was hoping the some Troops would seek us out, but that is vanity speaking. If they did, they would want all of my boys... Thanks for the vote of confidence in ascertaining that there are inherent values of having a supportive District.

Well said Scoutnut...I guess maybe I don't need much from my District that I can't provide for myself or from other Districts...

I have stated the reason that I can not attend. As a den leader, I can only suggest that someone else attend from our Pack. I do receive our Council's newsletter and they do a fantastic job of publishing other District activities and the roundtable meetings (I provide this info every parent meeting). As for contacting the DE...I will have to try that...it's a darn good suggestion... From what I'm hearing maybe I should take the collective recommendation and just deal with a bad situation since we created it (rhetorical)... But what about the Districts responsibilty to coordinate with the Packs and Units? The whole idea seems to be synergistic and the quality of the units and packs should not be dependent, but they are. Fledgling den/pack leaders NEED the District for guidance and training. I can't speak from the unit side... Yeah sure OK volunteers make the organization from top down, but who monitors this and determines the effectiveness?

Well GN, thank you for your frankness and am not offended... To answer some of your thoughts... I agree with the WE not THEY mentality. There are many things that I could feign ingorance in and nothing that I could do to defend that ignorance. You are absolutely right about the round table discussion and my lack of participation...unfortunately, my kids take precedent and the meetings occur on a night when I am simply not able to attend...HOWEVER...I make it a point to attend most parent meetings for our Pack. This is the forum I use to ask for a better representation from our Pack to attend and coordinate with our District. As for the District division...when I said dividing line...I'm here to tell you that it is a dividing line...if I used the map through the council, we belong to the OTHER District...but we are registered through our current District. I agree with your philosophy on not pointing fingers and did not single out one individual within the District-I may however, take your suggestion and at the conclusion of my den leader position, choose to spend that time a the District level which I had not considered before your posting...thanks. To answer NJ, we do have IMHO some large districts. I also agree with your assessment on the effectiveness of leadership within the District but I could also leave this issue alone, continue on my merry way and have all of my Webelos II transition beautifully. But then I am no longer WE or THEY but ME.

Here's the problem, our Pack sits on a dividing line between two districts. The district that we chartered with and have always been associated with, has had very limited involvement with us. The other district has a substantially larger area and is more proactive with their Packs and Troops. The District Commissioner is aware of this continuing oversight but I have seen little in the way of having someone come out and speak with us and involve us in District events. I have also asked that our Cubmaster (or a designated attendee) attend the monthly roundtable meetings but to no avail. I have also suggested that our Pack Committee chairperson and others, strongly look into the possibility of aligning with the other district just from the Scouting invovlement side. My term is up in '06 unless they asked for my continued involvement, but I can't help think that without aid of a strong District, we may lose the interest of young scouts to come. To emphasize this point, as the Webelos II leader, I recently sent out requests for a list of local Boy Scout troops and contact names to both Districts so I can begin to schedule visits and interactions in our area. The District we do not belong to, responded back promptly and provided great information. The District we belong to has been absent with info. I am bias with my thoughts so I decided to bring it to the forum and ask for any helpful suggestions on what to do about District indecision...any thoughts?

Great questions MMH...I encourage and support any effort to help advance scouting whether it be screaming from the rooftops or IMing on LAN lines or Blackberrys... You are right and I think you are posting rhetorical questions...the answer is positively "yes" to all with understanding that this is in addition to all of the Boar War stuff (cant learn to use an ax or whittle a stick on a pda). We also need to be sensitive to those without the technological resources. I have one family that is kicking and screaming about all the emails that I send to make sure everyone stays informed. They prefer hard copy and do not have a home PC, so I adapt and oblige for this one family. Otherwise, I will wait with great excitement while insane develops the plug in rope thingy do hickey....

Cubs said it best...as long as your son continues his current faith pattern, there is no Pandora's box. I wish you the best in your role as Akela and hope you and your son have a great time.

Welcome Hoomeye... You sound similar to my agnostic mom and I wish you the best (she truly is a great parent to have in the Pack and encourages all the boys every time she gets a chance). I believe you will be a strong Akela but as a fair warning, when your boy goes into Boy Scouts, there will be a whole new Pandora's box awaiting him and his beliefs if he decides to become agnostic as well. This is not my humble opinion, just a small dose of reality. In the meantime, have a great time in Scouting.

Can't help but think that this digressed into the other forum in the blink of an eye. IMHO...as long as the rules are spelled out, and the youth has had a chance to review the rules or is told where the rules can be found, then we as leaders need to show the youth that regardless of prioritzation or "ranking", rules can and will be broken with consequences and that responsibility for ones own actions must be met accordingly. On the other hand, we should also mentor these same youths and answer their questions about the rules in the best possible manner so that they understand why the violating these rules will be dealt with regardless of the innocence of the act (ie forgetting to remove a pocket knife after a campout) A leader could never emphasize enough the importance of proper application of obedience to rules and the ramifications of the infractions. Not sure why one would compare a uniform violation to a YP violation other than to dramatize for effect...both would be an infraction and both may be met with their due consequences.

Pack - very nice editing! Only took 3 posts, but I finally agree with your last line BW. OK...so...now you have explained the rules, the scout thinks they are stupid and then BLATANTLY BREAKS the rule in front of you to see what happens...now what? I have no good answer for this but as I indicated in my last post, I lead by example and teach my scouts to be responsible for their actions and to deal with the rewards(good actions) and consequences (bad actions). What do you do?