skeptic

Someone is always going to be offended, just to be offended. It is in their building and they are your CO; it should not even be an issue. No one is asking the observers to change their beliefs. They are simply representing the Catholic Church.

As noted, it is available on eBay. It was one of the pieces put out by National Supply in Rockwell prints. Big challenge is getting it at a conservative price. Good luck.

Obviously not in the west.

Over the years I have found a number of real ones at flea markets for under $20. While obviously worn, they were presentable. Found a brand new one in an antique store years ago, still in its shipping box from National supply, for $25. That is the one I use most of the time, though only for formal stuff or assemblies at scout camp. Otherwise, mostly a now beatup floppy brim from an outdoor vendor with a 60's version SM patch attached to the front. The last campaign hat I bought was last February, in a press, for under $30 at, of all places, our annual memorabilia live auction. Small council with sparse attendance, so many things go for good prices.

Ultimately, we define ourselves. So, sometimes we may want to take a careful look in a mirror or into our past actions for reevaluation.

Scouting is not a list of experiences to be ticked off as quickly as possible. Scouting is not a foot race to the finish line of achieving Eagle. Scouting is a progressive journey that leads a boy from stage to stage with his parents, his family, his fellow Scouts, his community, and (perhaps most importantly) himself.

" a society so afraid of itself that it has become socially stagnant with PCism." Like this description Stosh; but watch out, some do not believe we have such issues.

Heaven is not a vague something somewhere up in the sky, but is right here in this world in your own heart and surroundings. - B.P

Tomorrow is election "daze". While the reality is that nothing substantially constructive will come from it, you still should be sure to exercise your right to VOTE. Even though the gridlock will likely continue, there may be a small chance that change may begin somewhere, at least on local levels.

Aside from an optional Eagle merit badge, sustainability appears to be an important part of the forward looking BSA plans. Wonder how many local councils will work towards these types of goals within their own councils and connected properties. Certainly most camps likely have some opportunity to move to more sustainable programs and facilities. http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/blog/bsas-first-sustainability-report-creates-roadmap-for-future-efforts/

LeCastor Because they like where they are, and the son of the parents that started it originally for their daughter is in the boy scout troop there. They also are tired of fighting the strictures of the AHG group. Our local GS council is trying to improve their outreach, so they are giving it another try, especially now that the daughter and her friends ar bit older. ​

We have had a well functioning AHG here for about two years, and they just lost their charter because the central organization did not like the sponsoring church's beliefs and welcoming attitude. So, obviously, they are sticking to their guns. But that will surely make it never get very big. Fits a need for some, but not the powerhouse group some hoped it might become. The local unit is now rechartering as a GS unit.

Here is a link to the National transfer form which is still available. This has been in existence for many years with little change. http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/524-401WB.pdf

Original Fieldbook from 1944; still one of the best reference books on outdoors ever compiled.

Policy states that no parent or legal guardian can be stopped from observing BSA activities. I believe they can be barred from staying at long term camps without proper vetting. Am surprised that the use of SSN by the military was not noted. When I joined the AF in 1965 I was given a military number; about half way through my enlistment, they deactivated it and replaced it with my SSN. Do not know if that is still the case now. I also have my SSN as my Medicare id. Caution with all types of identification is important, but reality is that even those most vigilant in this regard still sometimes have problems. Be careful, but do not be paranoid.

My observations when in public with scouts in uniform is that they are still perceived positively and engender fond memories in many adults, even ones in their 20's and 30's. We do get an occasional negative confrontation, usually related to the PC nonsense. But, the understanding of the program itself is not nearly so clear to many because the media no longer chooses to have much on Scouting unless it is political or negative. At least a couple of times I have had young people mention they had seen an Eagle project in a public place and was impressed; and when we are out helping on Memorial Day and such, people go out of their way to say thank you. Personally, I think the mostly unheard public is a lot more supportive of Scouting and general morally directed groups than many might realize; but they no longer feel comfortable letting it be known because of the very outspoken and often rude opinions that a few have.

Not that I have seen. But, if rechartering and it will expire before the charter takes effect, it needs to be done. "I have been told" they will finally simply not recharter anyone without current dates at the start of the charter.

"With this in mind, I recommend we all go camping as soon and as often as possible." And let's be sure we sleep under the stars in a group and have a generic discussion of the infinite universe we are gazing at.

Not sure too many would want to partake of "raw poopy seed oil" drinks; but that is just me.

It appeared in the San Diego case when one of the lawyers used those terms; but it was later clarified as not being accurate, and the broader non sectarian position was put forward. Of course the media and others have continued to use that public comment as proof of some sort, even though it has since been repudiated a number of times. Careless language never goes away.

Well, I have stayed quiet, but since a number have weighed in now, I will ask my crazy question. If I understand it correctly, adults are not elected. They are to be nominated by the troop committee and approved by the lodge. So, if that is the case, how could this have even occurred? As far as this situation is concerned, it appears to have been badly mishandled, but once it occurred, I would hope the unit and OA lodge would work on a fair solution. If the scout was eligible but simply not properly elected, but then called out, I personally would hope they would simply let it ride, then investigate. But embarrassing the scout was not the best action, even though it was not likely the intent.

Not sure where some posters continue to get this idea that somehow BSA is pushing Christianity. I do not see any such thing. And, yes there is a broader definition of reverence than many seem to be able to understand. This will continue to be subjective. Will some make it more difficult than it should be? They already are. Do we know the complete approach yet? No, so quit reading stuff into it before you even get the details. Then, use your brain and simple common sense, and work with it, while trying to be as flexible as possible. You likely will find very few instances that cannot be worked with.

Philmont officially has some competition now it appears. If I was younger, I would love to take one of the proferred training courses, or take a crew to one of the adventures. Take a look. http://summitbsa.org/registration/

I just do not see it happening anymore than it may already. And as always, individuals may find a unit with which they are more comfortable if they choose to. But again, maybe the new guidelines will actually be written to try and mitigate these very issues. Until we see them, it is simply a non issue. There are over the top people in every group environment, and you can learn to cope or find a more welcoming group; or you can work within the group to fix the problem.

Why should it; especially since we really do not know what the guidelines may be? But, Scouting is not Christian, nor have I seen any indication that the "duty to God" element would suddenly be focused on Christianity. Such personal insecurity is more something to fear it seems to me.