skeptic

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.

Until we see the actual final (?) wording we likely should not read too much into it. My perception is simply that they are trying to strengthen the spiritual element of the program that has always been there, but in many groups is pretty much ignored or an afterthought. It is a fine line, but the fact is that "some form" of spirituality is part and parcel of Scouting, and has always been so. I know there are some that feel it should not be, but if they believe that, then we are back to "why" are they in the program? There are many other options for similar overall activities that do not include the spiritual element. Many of the problems that seem to arise within this forum, and elsewhere seem to be caused by individuals either not understanding the foundational blocks of the program, or choosing to ignore them completely. Also often looks as if a certain amount of either fear or lack of self confidence pushes "leaders" to abdicate certain parts of the program as too hard or someone else's responsibility. The fact that individual units are given so much latitude scares some; they need exact detailed guidelines, or it is not possible. The idea that "failure is not an option" enters into the mix to some extent too, even though overcoming obstacles is part of the growth of the participants on all levels. Subjectiveness also tends to stymie some when it comes to the interpretation of the Oath and Law. But it is that very subjectiveness that allows the separate unit to function within itself to best serve itself and the CO's purpose. Meanwhile, those of us that actually continue to work within the units and districts need to simply focus on giving the youth the best program we can within the guidelines we have without undermining the foundation of the Oath and Law. Most importantly, lets try to keep the politics and related hype out of the mix.

The info is taken directly from the most current Eagles' Call, the NESA quarterly magazine. You can find it under NESA on the National site, but the 2014 issues are not yet archived, and they do not appear to have recent or the current one on the site. If you are not an Eagle, or a member of NESA, you still can subscribe it seems. The magazine has improved dramatically in the past couple of years. At one time it was more or less a newsletter.

While nothing on the level of Cubbing or Ventures, it appears there are some significant changes according to a summary in the latest NESA Eagles' Call. "Tweaks to the requirements will add emphasis on physical fitness, healthy living, outdoor ethics, and weather safety. Community service will be required for each rank (with a conservation project required for Life), and duty to God will be incorporated into the requirement to show Scout Spirit. 'Scout' will also become officially a rank, rather than simply a joining badge. Specifics will be announced at the 2015 annual meeting, and most will take effect January 1, 2016. So, mostly positive from a general view, but surely we will see some good discussions going forward, and of course a few doom predictors and such. Suspect the Scout Spirit change will be a clarion call for some "the sky is falling" group. And some will have problems for some reason with emphasis on service and more physical fitness, though why I have no idea. The Scout change is basically nothing more than a fix-it thing.