skeptic

Years ago now I subscribed to the actual Scouter Magazine connected to the Forum. Look what I found hidden in a box.

Are we speaking of the COR or the CC? COR's are the link between the charter organization and the unit and would normally not be overly involved in much of what you note? You should be able to get the things you need, but that is not saying you will if she is stubborn or something. Good luck, either way.

When scanning some of the historical graphs and data I noted that a number of badges show an almost immediate precipitous drop as soon as they were dropped from Eagle requirements or options. That includes the conservation badges that were options in the fifties from "group" choices. You needed at least one. I had two, but that was more to do with thinking I would work on the Hornaday award, but then we moved and I started high school and while staying in, kind of got dragged in other directions, including working. Until the late forties, early fifties (have to check the dates for changes) Bird Study was an Eagle badge. It then was replaced by Nature, and now Environmental Science or Sustainability. Swimming and Life Saving were for a long time pretty much non-optional as well. Safety held on for a long while, longer than Public Health, Firemanship, and Citizenship in the Home. Of course, it is obvious what happened to the farm-related badges; people left the farms. Similarly, some of the trade type badges were more common due to the need to simply know some of those skills. Today, most people will pay to have stuff done and do not care to learn to do it themselves. Home repairs was very common when I was a scout, but today, you almost need to twist their arms. Not sure what happened to the mainstay "gimme", Fingerprinting. Again, many of the more school related badges were popular until the late sixties, early seventies, as you often could arrange to have your teacher be the counselor. In the fifties, most credentialed teachers were accepted almost without question as counselors. As such, Reading and Scholarship were far more common, though reading was simply more of a youthful pastime then, as many of the detractions today did not exist. Thinking back a little, I think in some respects the needed merit badge system of the late forties and through the fifties, with the "groups" challenged more widespread sampling of what was offered. Every Eagle needed to have at least two or three badges they likely would not have considered other than needing one from that group. I wonder how much that was determined by the similar wider range of "general" subjects for college graduation. Today, the very basic college curriclum seems thin on classes that simply broaden your general knowledge. Change is always happening, and we very likely may see another major one once the Scouts BSA moves into full gear. Females may have interests in some subjects that prior to this were not broadly considered. Time will tell. Meanwhile, we just keep trying to focus on the basics and the end result of better youth and citizens.

While backpacking for me is pretty much no longer likely, unless I have a lot of time and it is very short, it is because of age and health. But, I wonder how much of an effect the fire issues have had on it, especially in the West. Half of our local trails have been off limits for most of the past five+ years, or only available for a few weeks if we are lucky. Even drive-in sites have been restricted. Add the increased cost factors, as most sites that we could go to that were free, or really inexpensive, are now being "run" by vendors, and the cost is often restrictive, as well as the number that can use it. Then add in charges for extra vehicles, and it is even worse. It will be interesting to see if locally this spring and summer we have more units out, assuming the rain damage does not perpetuate the fire danger issues with a new face. I do know that there are a number of trails reported basically gone or so badly damaged that they are not going to be viable. We do have some option if we can arrange to actually go in on some of these and work with the FS to repair them. But, often the work is limited to the older, more experienced scouts and scouters. I wonder if similr issues apply in other areas of the wilder country.

Since I have not seen any indication in a while that Terry Howerton is actually still involved with this forum, I am simply curious as to if he is. I tried making a direct contact through another lite/email related to entrepreneurship, but the mail was bounced. Thanks for any update.

Once again I wonder if we may soon see an in depth biography of William "Greenbar Bill" Hillcourt? Now that it appears that whatever prejudices might have taken his importance off the front page of National, it would seem time.

This is heavy on the "deep pockets" theme. Is the family suing the vendor? Are they suing the family of the youth that is alleged to have shot the arrow? As long as we allow our society to be one of uncontrolled lawsuits and lack of personal responsibility we will see this. Every day almost I see lawyers advertising on TV about this or that; "did you have an accident? You have rights, and we can help you." "There is a class action lawsuit and you may be able to get some of the action. Call us now before you miss out." Papers and magazines very often have ads for "legal" representation for the unfair or awful thing that happened to you, even if the responsible party took responsibility or insurance covered it without a fight. Unless we, as a country, have the backbone to put on the brakes, it will simply continue to get worse. But I would not hold your breath, as ego and money are stronger much of the time than personal ethics and responsibility for our own actions.

This is from an auction listing for an upcoming auction through Heritage Auction House. I find the comments in the shared part of the letter from the auction site to be reflective of how often B.P. offered specific, well-reasoned comments on youth issues during his era. Robert Baden-Powell Typed Letter Signed "Robert Baden-Powell". Two pages, 8" x 10" (sight), London; May 30, 1921. Printed on Boy Scouts Association letterhead and addressed to an unknown recipient, the letter graciously declines an invitation to write an article about films, but offers an opinion on the future of cinema. His letter reads in part: "...the selection of the character of the films really rests neither with the proprietors, nor with the Public Censor, but with the public. If the public shows its preference for good dramas and interesting instructive pictures, instead of the silly films that are found to play in certain countries, the manufacturers will naturally be guided by its taste. When educationalists and other people complain of the nature of the films they should direct some of the blame on those who are responsible for the character training of the young people – and there you have a problem!...it is in order to do something in this direction that the Boy Scouts and the Girl Guide Movements have been started and are already making headway." The letter is framed with a portrait of Baden-Powell to the overall size of 37" x 21.5".

Here, from the on-line copy of Camp Standards from which all resident camps are judged each summer is the fire section. Note: both the Fireguard Plan and No Fire In Tents wording is mentioned. So, at least in BSA accredited camps these things should be in effect. And some of the general info might be good for non BSA property, especially in much of the Southwest. STANDARD: Adequate provision is made for fire detection and protection. Camp properties Day camp Family camp Resident camp Trek camp Specialtyadventure camp Highadventure camp FIRE DETECTION AND PROTECTION Specific Requirements of the Standard: All subparts must be met, except as indicated. A. Campwide. A camp fire protection plan is in effect that addresses campsite, building, and area fires. Camp staff training includes specific instructions related to the staff’s roles during a fire emergency. Campers and leaders are oriented in the fireguard plan, and a campwide drill is held within 24 hours of arrival in camp. Central firefighting equipment is neatly placed and is in good condition, ready for immediate use if included in the fire plan. Examples of such equipment include hoses, back pumps, rakes, shovels, and mattocks. B. Buildings. 1. Fire extinguishers of an approved size and type commensurate with the hazard are required. Extinguishers should be mounted near a doorway or adjacent to specific hazards and at approximately shoulder level. Current inspection tags will be evident on each extinguisher and inspection will be performed by a professional trained in their maintenance in accordance with the requirements of local codes. Refer to the current edition of NFPA 10 and OSHA 1910.157 for required placement, type, and size of extinguishers. 2. All doors on buildings comply with local codes. Generally, code requires doors in buildings that serve 50 people or more to open in the direction of escape travel. 3. Operating smoke detection is required in every enclosed permanent structure where people work, gather, or sleep. The quantity and location of detectors shall be in accordance with recognized national and local codes (NFPA, local fire codes, etc.). 4. Carbon monoxide detection is required in every enclosed permanent structure where people sleep and there is a device fueled by an energy source that produces carbon monoxide. The quantity and location of detectors shall be in accordance with recognized national and local codes. C. Kitchens. Kitchens will have approved fire extinguishers commensurate with the hazard. If a fire-suppression system is used for cooking hood(s), these systems along with extinguishers will have current inspection tags evident, and inspection will be performed by a professional trained in their maintenance in accordance with the requirements of local codes. FA-703 FA-703-2 Applies to: (Revised January 1, 2015) Camp properties Day camp Family camp Resident camp Trek camp Specialtyadventure camp Highadventure camp FIRE DETECTION AND PROTECTION D. Tents. 1. All camp-provided tentage used in the camp meets or exceeds fireretardant specifications by the manufacturer (CPAI-84). 2. At resident camps, “No Flames in Tents” is marked on, or adjacent to, each camp-provided tent. Where unit- or personally-supplied tents are used, the campsite displays a prominent “No Flames in Tents” sign. E. Bulk flammable storage. Bulk containers of flammable liquids are properly located, vented, secured, and connected in accordance with the supplier’s recommendation and local codes. Fuel pumps are locked; all flammable fuels are safely stored in approved containers that are locked or located in a controlled locker area or facility. Fire extinguishers will be provided in accordance with Section B.1 above. F. Signage. “Danger—No Smoking” signs are posted at fuel storage locations where required by code or established by council policy. INTERPRETATION: The primary requirement is that the camp conduct a risk assessment for fire and carbon monoxide risks and develop an appropriate fireguard plan. The camp fire protection plan should be coordinated with the emergency plans addressed in Standard AO-805 Emergency Procedures. Where smoke detection is a problem due to hot work such as welding, local codes may provide for alternatives such as heat detection. Backpacking-type fuel bottles and consumer-use propane and LPG cylinders up to 30 pounds used for grills and lanterns are not considered to be bulk containers for purposes of this standard. VERIFICATION: • Visual inspection and check of inspection tags and signs

Camp tents usually have the stencils on the tents. And we are required to have the Fire Guard System in place in camp. That is water and sand at the two corners, and in our camp critter sticks in the water. Also every camp has a long hose which is supposed to hooked up and coiled for immediate use if necessary.

We not longer have a legal snipe season. Snipe hunting is hazing and we simply cannot have what might actually be a fun and growing experience, even if it is well supervised and all participants are protected from actual danger. Modern emotional membranes have become too flimsy it seems.

Please, can we simply move on. This will never go away for those of us closest to it, and few would question that it absolutely pushed every limit and bent every rule, to the point of local protests and National actually being involved. It overwhelmed unit leaders and district volunteers, to the point of some throwing in the towel, and touched at least 6 units counting cubs. Far too many mistakes and "just make it go away" issues, always with the subtle threat of a parent who is a lawyer and lived vicariously through his kids. The Scout actually had lots of promise, and I am not sure that even he today, entering full adulthood very soon, will want to have a serious discussion of how badly this went down. Even at the time, I know that he would not look me in the eye when it finally came to the end where the video shows. I still harbor a little hope that he will at some point face this personal demon and find a way to feel actually good about it. Just about the classic example of adults taking the Scouting experience away from their children and then setting a very poor example as to how to circumvent or bend by ploys and threats. I can assure you that those of us near, or peripheral to this not only took a lot of deep breaths, But, as I said, let us not again beat this horse. Thank you.

Now Barry, you need to stop poking us with your stick of rational reasoning. Some of us are fragile you know😩.

Having spent the teen Scout years in 29 Palms in the fifties and sixties, I heard a lot of interesting stories and saw some odd things in the sky. But, even though I slept on our porch during the summer and watched the sky for hours, I never saw something that could not have a fairly simple explanation. On the other hand, there were a few pretty bizarre light activities that were obviously NOT from the marine base activity, mostly out over Joshua Tree and should I suggest it, the direction of Giant Rock. On backpacking trips I have definitely seen a meteor shoot along the horizon, and scouts were weirded out by things at times that were a little unusual, though not impossible to suggest a cause. But, I for one am not so egotistical as think that we mere humans are the only possible "intelligent (?)" life in the universe. After all, I am sure I am not the only one to have noted that photos of the extreme depths of space and the edge of our own galaxy is like looking at a closeup of our own eye's depth. So, perhaps there are bigger and deeper eyes into which we may sometime stare. (play Outer Limits)

"This is the generation of mediocrity." As aptly stated, this is a problem not just in Scouting. In relation to this discussion, there are fewer and fewer of us that even remember the "old" OA and how it had special mystique and actual Honor. Today, due to the "mediocrity" or dare we say it, tendency to overly "protect" them, our youth are being shortchanged. The meaning of WWW is known by most members, as it is told to them and they theoretically actually have review their handbook. The idea that kids would not choose to join because all they do is work, is hopefully a misunderstanding, though it is not as far fetched as it might be. But, as has been tossed back and forth in other discussions, it is a world where for some reason actually challenging a youth is looking on with suspicion or judged to be too harsh. Grades often are no longer actually given for quality of work, but just for doing something. The once dependable bell curve for grades is pretty much a thing of the past. Honors and AP classes somehow seem to automatically require A's and B's, rather than real weighted distribution. We give those "participation" trophies. As far as OA is concerned, if we went back to policing the ordeals "fairly" to avoid black balling, but actually held the candidates accountable, we might have a stronger Order. And while certainly allowing parents to understand the purpose and normal activity, removing the mystique has taken the heart out of it if you ask me. But what do I know as I often state? I am one of those old "red jackets" from an outdated time.

I am not a CPA and certainly not proficient in Corporate Tax issues. So, perhaps someone can clarify for me if a corporation made a form of donation to charity issuing coupons of some type saving a customer money in their business, how would that have been handled prior to 2018 and how is it handled under the new codes? Our primary hook for our local Scouting "camp card promo" has dropped out, and it will be far more difficult to sell the cards now. I have to wonder if this may be due to the way the corporation is allowed to handle this as a donation to charity? If the withdrawal is directly relevant to their tax issues, it is a negative for charities in general it would seem. Input would be appreciated.

So, here we are on the edge of history, in a position to move forward in postive ways with long existing challenges that have simmered for years, in reality. Do we put our best feet forward, or do we drag them while we kick and scream about how terrible changes are and how unfair to those in the past, and maybe even some in the future? If we go back and examine the specific example that is causing most of the uproar, we must, if we are honest with ourselves, admit that the young woman likely did far more than many young men in achieving the standards overall. From all that I have seen, she overreached on many of the requirements, either because that is her approach or she wanted to make "sure", or she was thinking it would strengthen her cause. So, reality says other than the time frame and so on, she DID do the requirements, and really surpassed many of them. Also, from what I have read over the past year or two, there may be a small number of others that did similar things, but with far less success and/or support. So, then the complaint now is that she seems to have been given credit by her new unit leader immediately, rather than making here go through all the time frames again. Aside from her, how many similar young people/women would actually have met that standard and have the verification? Few, I would think. So, how to respond? Nobody with an ax to grind will be satisfied most of us will recognize, and a few without axes too. But, on the other had, do we continue to push the image of fair versus unfair in the public view, or do we work through it as calmly and the best we are able? Two or three years hence, will it really matter? And, as far as Sydney being recognized as Eagle, I can honestly say that from what I have seen and read she may be far more qualified in many aspects than some of whom I know. Any of us around for a while have seen our share of "they met the requirements barely" candidates. So, can we work on bringing down the curtain on the over the top acting and simply make the best and fairest decisions and move on? We come back to our definition of Scout Spirit. From my perspective, some of us still struggle with it in some instances. Again, from what I have read in many and varied BSA and world related sources, BP would be likely standing on the side of young Sydney. So, let us go back to our unit and local trenches and work the program to the overall betterment of Scouts BSA and the young people for whom it is intended. ⚜️

Well, they do have electricity, or possibly propane lanterns or candles still. 😉

It is the "first" official day folks. I am with another poster in hoping this will not turn into more than it needs to and get "discussed" to death. We have continuing programs to deal with as well. This is just one more opportunity for some of us directly, and all of us indirectly. How we respond reflects on us as Scouter, and how we adhere to our basic foundational standards. YIS

And this has what application to BSA accepting girls? Unless they were to attempt to be added to the Guiding group, which is not likely, this should have no significance. What am I missing?

I have read and reread the article, and I do not see anything beyond a "loan" of the art. That is a very common thing between museums, especially art. What is the intent of this posting? Can we maybe reconsider perpetuating misleading stories and poorly constructed articles that "may" intentionally have ulterior motives? That is what this seems to me, but I may be missing something.

Ahhhh; now we can move on and work out the kinks perhaps. Thanks.🤐

And other than pointing out that some of the basic ideals of Scouting might be helpful, possibly on both sides of this contentious encounter, what is our reason for it being here? It is becoming a bit more likely that there was some attitude by both the kids and the elder and that calmer heads were not stepping in when they likely should. The look on the teen's face was disrespectful for sure, IMO, but could the native group have deviated slightly from the other protest? Could the pro-life group have let the indigenous group pass through? Probably yes on both counts, but for whatever reason, it turned into a poor display of civility by both groups and specific parties. And now back to trying to help build our youth into better and more respectful citizens. 🙉🙈🙊

Other than the metal awards that slid onto the web belt making some older boys feel like they were still in cubs, the award requirements were well thought out for the most part and made some skills easier for many scouts, maybe because of the way they were presented. It is only an opinion, but I think it is not the SA itself that turns people off, but rather that it represented a very disappointing period of Scout here. Not only did they fool with much of the outdoor requirements, but they also changed Eagle around, more MB's, put a MB requirement in First Class, first aid and removed cooking from the Eagle list. Would have to go back and look at the specifics, but there were some other odd changes implemented both for lower ranks and Eagle. They also discouraged MB work for younger scouts. Other elements of the time were the berets, designer uniform, and smaller neckerchiefs or even the option of none. I know I was startled by the changes as I returned as a commissioner in 1977 after not being able to get attention from the OCC for volunteering there. GWC, now WLAC grabbed me quickly though. I had been ASM in Germany on a base troop in 66-67 but then got out and went back to school and so on. Anyway, it was an odd introduction.

Actually, I would suggest that the skill award requirements could make some decent modern troop meetings. One of the best I still believe was the "city hike", either in the Hiking SA or possibly the Citizenship one. Have to look it up. If you did the hike as noted, you had a better grasp of your town or city.