skeptic

How things change with the times. As Eamonn says, we go looking for issues where there like are none. We are a society that glorifies certain elements of physical features and considers sexuality okay in the public, yet we are prudes in so many ways. Our schools no longer require showers after P.E. in the schools, as public showering "might" cause someone embarrassment or occasional teasing or taunting. Many gyms and pools have separate areas for youth and adults for similar reasons; or completely separate times. Most of us over 40 or 50 grew up okay while sharing the locker rooms and even occasionally skinny-dipping. There are photos of scouts swimming in the teens that "show nothing"; but they are obviously in the buff. Keep it out of common view and use common sense. This should apply to just about anything that could pertain to personal privacy. It only becomes an issue if you make it one somehow.

Thinly Read: Earning Eagle Scout rank says much Submitted by SHNS on Wed, 06/03/2009 - 12:51. * By BEN GRABOW, Scripps Howard News Service * lifestyle One way or another, people eventually find out you used to be a Boy Scout. Maybe you show a preternatural ability for complicated knots. Or maybe you can't resist the urge to Do a Good Turn Daily. But once people find out, if they have any knowledge of the scouting enterprise, they'll always have the same question. Everyone wants to know if you earned your Eagle. It's an oft-touted statistic that only 2 percent of all Boy Scouts make it to the Eagle rank. It's the pinnacle of the scouting world and it holds a certain cachet for everyone else, from the overall community to the corporate workplace. This prestige may seem strange to some and downright surprising to those who were Scouts themselves. Especially those, like me, whose scouting experience involved finding new and exciting ways to set fire to ourselves and to others. Using propellants from bug spray to powdered coffee creamer (you read that right, and don't try it at home), my less-advancement-minded friends and I made weekly Scout meetings a trial for our long-suffering adult supervisors. Though many of these friends gradually drifted away, I stuck with scouting. I stuck with it for the backpacking, the caving and various other pursuits unavailable to the average suburbanite. I stuck with it all the way through high school, earning ranks and Merit Badges in spite of myself. But the Eagle rank required more than just showing up. In addition to a set amount of Merit Badges, the Eagle requires an Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project. This is something you do to better your community, from painting a building to organizing a fund-raiser. It's a volunteer effort requiring a team of other Scouts and a great deal of time. According to one scouting parent, there are three things that keep an average teen-ager from his Eagle Project -- cash, cars and (ahem) chicks. The Eagle must be earned before a Scout's 18th birthday. And, at 17, a good job, access to a vehicle and a steady girlfriend hold far more sway than another patch on a uniform you'd never wear in public. In that way, my story is similar to those of all other Scouts who got right up to it and never earned the Eagle. By the summer that I was 17, I was more interested in dating than painting an outbuilding. But 10 years since that summer, I think I understand the value of that final patch. To earn your Eagle requires planning, some sacrifice of your free time and, above all else, commitment. At 17 (or younger), you have to commit a significant amount of time and effort to one thing that is not a car, a job or a girl. There are not many teen-age boys who are willing to do this. These days, there are not many grown men who are willing to do this. I myself didn't get around to this level of maturity until my mid-20s. To earn your Eagle is to show your community, your family or even a prospective employer that, as a teen-ager, you were already prepared to make a serious commitment to your future. One way or another, people will find out you were a Boy Scout. And for those 2 percent, it means more than a knack with knots. (Ben Grabow writes for the young, the urban and the easily amused. Contact him at thinlyread(at)gmail.com.) (Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)

Interesting last comment; it seems someone took not at Tahquitz from Long Beach Area Council. They are offering Venture specific program at their camp, along with an already very advanced high adventure program, horses, and COPE. Camp is more laid back, and seems to have a strong draw for older scouts due to looser structure and more opportunity.

Kind of odd; I had just composed the following for a possible letter to the editor locally after having a parent hint that his committed older scout may not go to camp because he may not have enough to do and some friends dropped out that have been going since we planned it. Every year it has gotten harder to get any real commitment on many things. And it is not just in the troop. Perhaps a spin off, or just related? "What has become of commitment, the giving of our word that we will do something, or participate in an activity? Working within a youth organization, or any other type of group that plans things based on participation and schedules accordingly, has become a best guesstimate endeavor. How are we to adequately plan anything if the numbers change constantly, or when the people committed to bringing material or helping with transportation suddenly have something come up that is more important, or seems more interesting or enjoyable? What are we teaching our children, when we adults seem to feel little or no responsibility to follow through with our commitments? There are always going to be legitimate reasons for something to change that will make us unable follow through on our participation in an event. But, most of the time, it seems to simply be that we are no longer interested due to that something better that has come along. It appears to me that this is just one more example of the me first attitude in todays society. There was a time when our word meant something. Too often now, that no longer appears to be the case."

Don't know; would swear I did it right; but it worked later. As one of our locals says; "I'm having an attack of 'old-timer's disease".

Thanks Kudu; that is the link. Gives a bit of info anyway; will be interesting to see the whole thing.

I tried to get into the OA restricted area with the admonition, and it says I am unauthorized. What is wrong? I double checked the spelling. Thanks.

I reviewed a link from a Scouts-L posting that gives an introduction to the new book. Like a dummy, I forgot to save the link, and I deleted it from my email. Maybe someone here saw it and was brighter. It was kind of interesting; included an index, and a few of the pages, as well as photos of the cover and so on. Keeping my fingers crossed someone has it.

"everyone "should get a shot at that."" Is he carrying the shotgun??

"Is it possible that SOME parents have completely out of the box unrealistic expectations?" Yes!!!!!!!!!

In 1958, I had to pass the California Constitution test to graduate 8th grade. Most of us in scouts used it as the basis for the Nation merit badge at the same time. The test was very intensive, as some on this board may remember. In high school, we had social science and history as separate classes. In social science we studied civics type of things for one, including voting importance, poly sci, geography, and so on. We also spent an entire quarter on income tax preparation in that class in my senior year; we were given raw data with which to prepare a long form then in use. We also studied banking issues and simple budgeting. Four years of history, four of social studies, 4 of math, 4 of P.E. (and you had to actually perform and deal with taking a public shower); 7 periods total every year. Campus was closed, and parents had to have a really valid reason to take you out of school; and when they did, you were not only responsible to catch up, but often were assigned a special report if the reason was some kind of trip. That was back when California was almost the best system in the country of course. It also was before personal responsibility was held in high esteem, and "honor" actually meant something. Ah, the good old days.

Or you could simply review all the old "Jaywalking" tapes.

Thanks for the clarification Eamonn. The "do my best" part is always part of my intro to a new scout and my expectations. I try to make it clear that they ultimately are their own judge of how well they live up to the various components of the Scouting guidelines. My observations and comments will be guided by how well I feel they may be doing based on what I have grown to understand about them, and they will become greater as they advance and grow in the Scouting program. The back of our troop T says "Live the Twelve", and they are spread throughout the landscape depicted as the coast of Ventura. The same phrase is atop our blackboard in block letters, soon to be replaced with a carved wood version they all have worked on to go above the board. With luck, they occasionally take that personal measure.

Last night our council had its annual Eagle Recognition dinner, and we had the privilege of having Alvin Townley as the key-note speaker. He really connected with the audience, and is extremely friendly and focused. Our council arranged to have every attendee receive a free copy of his new book (do not know, but probably taken from the budget for the event), and he patiently signed every one that requested it. I was able to visit a few minutes afterward with him, and felt he is truly attempting to highlight the best things about scouting, rather than spotlight the few things that make the movement so controversial. I look forward to his continued authorship of works that advance that goal.(This message has been edited by skeptic)

Embarrassing story from years back. We went on a training hike in the San Gabriel Mountains. We went in near Wrightwood, and our goal was to hike to the head water area of the San Gabriel River. As we prepared to leave, we dutifully spread our topo map on the hood of one of the vehicles to double check the route. It took us two or three minutes to realize our error; and it was a couple of the scouts who pointed it out as we "experienced leaders" scratched our heads trying to figure out why nothing looked quite right. Looking back, all I can say is duhhhhhhh! At least having an unseen nail in a table top makes more sense.

Not sure about the comment regarding Tates? Link did not work for me. Often, when the poles are reversed, it has had contact with something that caused it. It may have been fine until then. I have one that got stored too near a large metal source and it reversed. I gave it a solid tap and it went back, sort of like the little trick magnet toys. Of course, maybe you just got one meant for the southern hemisphere.

Has something changed with Spielberg? He cut all ties after the Dale decision. Has he had a change of heart?

Ditto! Something I wrote after visiting before the 85 Jambo. ARLINGTON A hush hangs silent on rolling hills, verdant green and shade trees, monuments of aging granite, myriad rows of crosses interspersed with stars and wheels. Crowds throng, walk softly, speak with quiet voices, though subdued laughter still is heard above the guides dull drones. At the Unknowns Tomb The hush is dense; hundreds watch the changing guards salute, blank faced, in perfect rote, the simple stone sarcophagus. A wreath is laid; a bugle sounds; Taps echoes, somber, wrenching notes rising hauntingly past half-staffed Flag towards heaven. Below, the Eternal Flame flares, flickering before the grave of a generations shattered dreams; in front, chiseled on an arcing wall, his challenge; Ask not what your country can do for you; but, what you can do for your country! Crowds stand reading. Above it all Arlington House stands, the Custis-Lee mansion, a joining of North and South. A squirrel chatters; birds sing and warble; God blesses this quiet place of Honor, a silent tribute to Freedom. 8-2-85; edited 5-25-08 (This message has been edited by skeptic)

It appears that this is still in BETA; but look forward to it being open for comment from rank and file, not just those with BSA credentials. Saw some really good ideas on there, and some I am not sure which planet they live on. Still, everything needs to have a glimpse to find what fits. One I particularly like is the suggestion to have a National team to work closely with councils in trouble, not just criticize or send them paper orders and suggestions. I actually suggested that for camp problems in councils, as every camp lost is another nail in the coffin of keeping "Outing in Scouting". Time will tell.

For me, it must have been canoeing. I flunked it. I can still remember two things about being on Jenks Lake next to Camp Arataba in the San Bernardino Mountains in summer of 1959. The swamping requirement found me talking to a row boat of girl scouts about how I did not need help. As a 15 year old, it was a bit embarrassing; but looking back just humorous. But, for whatever reason I could not master the j-stroke, and so could never paddle a straight course. I have tried over the years, but still for whatever reason cannot do it consistently. Now, I just laugh and zig-zag as needed. Of course, unfortunately, today in many camps they would have passed me I am afraid.

Don't you have to have an international letter of some sort to take scouts outside the country? Or is that only required when going places not connected to our borders?

We have our church van listed separately with the church's insurance info. Then annotate to indicate driver(s), their licenses, and their insurance info. Good luck.

Okay. If OGE says it was "overwhelming" to close the thread, so be it. However, I find it particularly odd that the attacks made on myself and others in these threads by a few are allowed, but when a pattern that dates back a long way is verified and pointed out, then it is somehow wrong to point it out. Mr. Westley: (corrected name) I apologize for hurting your feelings. I will try harder to live by the "live and let live" idea that I have tried to follow. More importantly, I will try to do a better job of living the scout law, specifically "friendly", "courteous", "kind", "cheerful", and "reverent (reflected in turning the other cheek in my beliefs, while accepting your right to disbelieve anything)". Mr. Kroh: My name is Wes Fish. You may Google me all you like, as I have nothing to hide, unless you feel liking Rod McKuen is somehow weird, as some do. Sincerely, Skeptic; AKA Wes Fish(This message has been edited by skeptic)(This message has been edited by skeptic)(This message has been edited by skeptic)

http://www.myreader.co.uk/message/1486544.aspx This saga is from back in 2005. Looks like we are not the only recipients of this nonsense. If you do a bit of Googling, you can find numerous similar things in bits and pieces. And very often, our buddy starts calling people liars. Oh well, guess everyone needs a hobby. Just kind of sad that this one is so negative.

Calico; At least in the larger cities, it is the latter. Many stores no longer have real display windows; and few are willing to give up space to a display of something they do not sell. With many larger retailers, the fear of PC backlash is likely a factor too. I know that at least was part of the reason that JCPenney Co. quit selling scout stuff;they got threats from certain groups about boycotts and negative publicity. I worked for them in middle management for years, and inquired directly when I could no longer even get stuff in catalog.