skeptic

Yep; and they are on file already with the state teaching department. So, since that is the case, simply addend them from the teaching file to the BSA/Volunteer file? No additional prints then need to be done. Of course, I may also have prints from my short time in the Peace Corp, and not sure if they printed us in the military.

https://mandatedreporterca.com/training/volunteers I thought I had posted something, but cannot find it. We were notified in the last day or two by council of the new law, and I have already taken the online certification and received the official coverage from the state. Working out the connected fingerprinting is still in limbo. The law does not appear to allow for them picking up already printed individuals from other mandated areas, such as teachers. I had to be printed as a credentialed teacher, in order to work. So you would think that file could be appenede, but currently they are looking at a separate method. Seems not only poor planning, but also it is annoying, as there is of course an expense involved. Fingerprints do not change normally, so why not just marry the files, especially ones like mine that allowed me to teach for two decades or so. What do I know, other than governmental processes are often bloated and poorly designed.

We too often jump to conclusions in judgment with these types of things, forgetting that Scouts, and Scouters are actually real people. They are not somehow less prone to mistakes in judgment or foolish decisions to "see what happens", or "what it is like". I still remember why I chose years ago NOT to smoke, even though was surrounded by smokers. My mom made the first strike by giving me a cigarette to light when I was maybe 13, as I kept bugging her to let me try. Once my eyes stopped running and I had enough water, the negative experience stayed with me until I though one more try, when I found apack of cigarettes in the parking lot of the Foster Freeze that I cleaned before school. I decided to try it again, "now that I was older". The same basic experience transpired and that was it, other than a few ventures during my 1960's "rebellious " time. They did not last long. Similarly with alcohol. A few bad experiences put me off of it very early, though I do on rare occasion still drink something; a six pack of ale or hard cider sits in the fridge for weeks, and even months. Had my beer period while stationed in Germany, and that may have helped later, as our more local fare leaves much to improve. The point here, is that those withing the program are also part of the larger society and simply the human race. And they can, and do act at times like others around them. Hopefully they recognize and do not become addicted or lost in a temporary "adventure".

Please move to where ever it may be better. Just a note to say that California now has a new state law that means all volunteers working with youth have to take a state certified course and have it on file. They also will need to get fingerprinted as part of the process, and they will not take already on file prints. So, once they figure out the prints process, I will need to get it done again, even though on file as a teacher. Already took the online course and have my certificate. Frankly, it is not a hard course, though a bit long. I think YP is more detailed, personally. Am now a madated reporter it appears, or will be once the fingerprint part happens.

Like this new word; "disapparated". Can we get a definition please, or should we all come up with our own? Disappear and dissipate merged?🧐

Because many units still adhere to the "old boy" standard. And, as is obvious on these various Scouting sites, there are still many mired in the past and some that are still misoginistic. Sad, but true. Half of the leaders at summer camp now are female though, and t that is still mostly boy units. I personally, even though some might think I would be in the past "attitude" hope National will climb out of the dark and realize that coed units for Scout age are practical and also will lend themselves to growth. Many small units could add a patrol of girls, while still maintaining proper leadership for YP. But it could salvage the unit that is struggling for members, like our own. JMHO of course. Happy New Year soon.

This specific piece seems to almost offer a challenge to the larger society to follow certain well established guidelines seen in BSA's basic tenets. Do we, or can we, as an organization respond today to this challenge, as once we did. Are we going to allow the misguided directions of much of our larger society to cancel our important contributions? Can we take the indirect challenge the author seems, to me, to be making? Take a look. You might expand to other elements of the site from which this comes, as it appears to have some really important discussions offered. https://www.intellectualtakeout.org/three-steps-toward-raising-tough-kids/

Another skit that has fallen to the arrows of misdirected offence.

Mean while, I observed that the hype for this is still going strong on TV, along with similar campaigns to milk the public with temptation to claim "stuff" for possibly large money. Watching lame holiday movies and such all afternoon and evening on Christmas, the channels were flooded with comeons for not just BSA Abuse, but the Catholic Church of course, and generic ones not specific to one group. On top of that were the long running other big suits for chemicals, asbestos, various medications, baby powder, and any "possible" damages related to an accident of some sort. DO NOT try to tell me that the legal system is not messed up. I somehow do not think that all these lawyer groups are paying these big bucks just out of the concern for others.

Doing troop and council history search. Our first troop Eagle, Harry Dudley is noted in this clipping. He became Eagle the next year. But, the detail in the article fits this discussion, or so it seems to me. Note especially the comment that this program was run entirely by youth.

It is in response to the link on Purdue, though that likely should have been seen. But, I can not ever make some individuals look beyond their own bias and darkness. Still, IF you believe in something, I still offer you too a Merry Christmas where we in theory celebrate the birth of a Love most of us struggle to emmulate. 🎅

Well, that just churns up the silt some more for me. I can see connections in the discussion, but it really is not the same thing at all, other than a massive attempt to solve a wrong without really solving anything. And BSA is a NFP entity, so the damage really mostly affects those that BSA serves, the youth. No such thing as a "fair" outcome in reality. Some will never be satisfied, few if any victims will be made even close to whole, and unless we learn something, as a society, little will change. Back to "lady justice" with her scales. Merry Christmas.

From my perspective, that realization should bee part of the mentoring. Far too many units have put Eagle as the ultimate success, and often pushed other out that were more in it for the adventure or fellowship. So, when they did not advance fast enough, or at all, they became ignored for the most part. Yet, I have been priileged to have a number of youth stay to and past graduation, never going beyond First Class. But they were great scouts and leaders, and they encourage younger scouts to work on advancement, even as they chose not to. A couple had physical issues that they chose to either overcome or not do some things, and at least one just could not deal with swimming, but refused to use it as an excuse. He, ironically, became a carreer army officer, but he is also the one that di the mile swim using the elementary backstroke, since that was the only one he could do well. Character development and learning to roll with difficulty. Thats the ticket. If Eagle is included, great.

Should we be surprised? From the outset, there have been predators, from the legal system, preying on victims, including causing some, perhaps many, who have learned over time to deal with their personal demons to relive the pain and suffering at some level. And mostly, this was more for money than real concern for victims. JMO of course. But, to me, it is part and parcel of the messed up legal system that preys on victims with hype and promises, not caring if it may cause renewed emotional trauma, or affect others that in reality have little or nothing to do with the original trauma. Far too many "lawyers" that play the system, not for real justice, but simply with avarice, caring little if anything for the actualities of their action.

That really lies in how well existing youth leadership groups alread established do their missions. The OA is, nor ever was, supposed to be a broad youth leadership group within BSA. Originally it was honorary specificlly to promoting the outdoor program within units and setting public examples of outdoor respect. It was an adjunct, not supposed to be a Scout/Scouter honor group, but only an honor "camping" group with a connection to Native American outdoor respect The fact that it somehow turned into something broader may, in itself, be why many lodges do not function ideally. In my view, the ideal youth group for council, or National level input would be as this idea appears. It asks for those chosen to participate a unique input from a peer interaction, bringing their concerns and ideas to the fore. And if done as intended, it would do much to prod the program to more viability. That means adults not simply brushing things aside as coming from inexperience or lack of maturity. Youth as young as five or six often have some interesting ideas, even ones that can be molded to reality with proper attention and regular reexamination. Too often, we adults tend to be wearing blinders, or have put up mental barriers against new, and exciting ideas just because they may be non traditional, or require serious effort to develop. Even expense is no absolute excuse to not do something. And, we go on a great deal about challenging our youth, then too often poo-poo their attempts or NEW angles. Afterall; the best and most imaginative Eagle projects would never have happened if we had not allowed the youths the opportunity to try, even if it initially went awry.

Almost all the separate congregations that are, and have been involved for decades likelfile as requested. I know locally that every church with a unit or more was specifically asked to file the needed documents early on.

Well, if he is/was, they did the right thing. Yes?

While this item was shared with me from a former scout who has a daughter in the Virginia GS council, I found it interesting. It seems that we might well look at this type of arrangement, with some alterations of course, for our councils. It certainly puts the opportunity with the girls, IF the adults pay attention. We all likely have seen the youth come up with great program options and then get shot down of course. The best troops already do this of course with well run leadership and program work. Anyway: GIRL ADVISORY BOARD (GAB) CHARGE MISSION: The Girl Advisory Board (GAB) allows Girl Scouts who are 14 or older, the opportunity to serve as an advisory team providing programmatic input to the Chief Executive Officer. By lending a voice to our movement that wants, needs and values girl-led contributions, these young leaders will play a significant role in shaping the ongoing work of Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital. PURPOSE: The GAB will work as a team to determine priorities of Girl Scouting in the areas of programs, girl activities, girl engagement, trainings, and social trends and such other areas as determined by the CEO. GAB members will also be exposed to governance opportunities and be able to represent the Council at various activities and events throughout the year. By facilitating the girl-adult partnerships, these leadership opportunities will allow GAB members to influence and have their voices heard in programmatic activities in the Council. GAB members will also have the opportunity to make recommendations, and share their ideas. In order to gain understanding of the governance process, GAB members will be invited to observe a board meeting. GAB ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND TIME COMMITMENT: The GAB will be comprised of up to 15 girl members. Girls will be selected to participate in the GAB as provided under the Selection Process described below. Girls selected for the GAB will be asked to make a minimum one-year commitment to participate on the GAB. The one-year term runs October 1 – September 30. Girls can serve up to two consecutive one-year terms on the GAB with the term of a high school senior ending on September 30th of the year such girl graduates from high school. GIRL ADVISORY BOARD MEETINGS: The GAB will meet with the CEO at least three times a year in person or through webinars. The meeting dates and times will be established based on the availability of a majority of girl members. REPORTING TO THE BOARD: The GAB will prepare a report for the Board of its activities annually and make recommendations to the Board. The GAB will select from its members several girls to present the report, share the team’s ideas, and respond to questions from the Board. SELECTION PROCESS: Girls age 14 or older in grades 8th through 11th who are registered members of the Council may express their interest in serving on the GAB in the following year by completing the self-nomination form on the Council’s website every year https://www.gscnc.org/en/council/our-structure/Governance.html The form (which is the same form for applying for a Board position) should be completed and submitted no later than December 15. In January, the Nominating Committee will interview all the teen applicants, usually on a Sunday afternoon at our main Girl Scouts office in Washington, DC. The committee will select up to 15 girls to participate in the GAB for a term of one year and make every effort to select Girl Scouts that represent the rich diversity of the Council and the geographic region.

Not that I am aware of. But, I am simply me, and I do not have the power of omniscience.

An absolutely accurate comment, even for those of us that feel the process has to have some type of "balance", for lack of what seems to be a better word. There is no absolute cure; again, beat to death. There is a way to recognize past errors in judgement and societal responses, and to make efforts to stop those as often as possible, given the propensity of some to not pay attention or trust, even when the indicators are there. I do not feel that the survivors should not be helped and given recompense. But that cannot be limitless, and it should not be built on the backs of other innocents. Hopefully most will find a way forward. And, as noted more than once, final recompense to the true predators is not in any of our hands, but I believe a higher power will make that judgement. Merry Christmas, etc. to all.

And you would be wrong. But I also have no idea how to come up with a number for the damages, especially since so much is emotional and has no accurated way to measure. As I said to TN; good luck and I truly hope you find some way to deal with your personal issues beyond casting blame and insinuation on others. As I noted, the help is far beyond me, or anyone pressing this. Judgement is not mine, it is greater than any of us. Merry Christmas to you as well; please find some comfort in the real message of the season.

Well, miley is of no interest, and we will view the mess differently. I pray that somehow some lessening of the burden happens, but just not at the expense of the, as we have said again and again, the total destruction of the largely great program. Ill feelings also are beyond most our pervues, but the level is not mine to judge. You and others have that right, and if I had the way to do it, I would somehow take it away. Again, I do not have that power, and so again, I wish you well and hope you might find some kind of position closer to peace. Good luck, and Merry Christmas or whatever perspective of the season you may favor. And thank you for any positive things you have done, or continue to do, for Scouting. No reconciling that picture for me though, as the larger goal does not seem aimed at its best interests.

It cannot fully compensate, or cure, or fix. We reach the point of punishing the innocent at the expense of an impossible goal. They could give you all a billion dollars, and you still would still not be made whole; and the hate and enmity would still be there. That lies in the realm of powers that supercede this whole mess.

Well, I would say that at least makes a picture that makes some sense, though is really still apples and oranges to some extent. Also, far too many questions arise as to how many valid claims there may be, and also the categories in which they fall in the continum devised by the "experts".

That is something that I cannot explain. Just compensation that completely ruins an overly very positive community asset is, in my perspective not just at all. I have no issue with fair compensation, just with finding the most dollars, even if it means destroying BSA and its mostly positive outreach. I have noted that paying for real pain and whatever counseling may be needed should be part of it; but simply ignoring the effects on others, especially that had nothing to do with it, is just as unfair, or out ow balance. It comes from a different perspective or something. A psychologist might offer some clarity, but that is beyond the average person that sees the larger world. And that does not even address the likely other decision makers that "may" have made poor decisions based on the time and family or societal approaches.