Stan Riddle

Thanks Mike. I finally got in.

I've tried to access the Wood Badge forum, but can't seem to get in. Am I doing somthing wrong?

We have several boys who use Frisbee's. They're tough, have a good lip on them, and double as a "free time activity"!

I received a package from Philmont on some leader training that they offer during the summer and fall. Training sounds pretty good, and I would love to see the place ( could never make when a Scout ). However, it's a LONG way from North Carolina to Cimarron. Have any of you been to these courses? Are they worth the drive? My wife has NO interest in staying in tent cities. Are there any hotels and attractions in the area? Thanks in advance!

I can't quote B-P chapter and verse, but I believe the quote is "Scouting is a game with a puropse". Does anyone else know for sure?

With all due respect, organizations who choose to align themselves with Scouting may do so, but that doesn't mean Scouting aligns with them. I do not personally agree with homosexuality, but I am not so dull as to believe that there are no gay men or boys in Scouting. I do not discuss my sexual orientation around the campfire. Scouting is not the place for that, regardless of a person's sexual preference. I realize that I reflect my sexual preference, since my Scouts know I have a wife and son, but I cannot control that. I beleive that most gay Scouters are in fact in Scouting for the betterment of boys, and are not pedophiles. If however, a gay Scouter made his orientation known, I would be concerned. If he were so vocal so to push an agenda on homosexuality, I would either take my son out, or ask that leader to step down. I would also take my son out if that man were a Klansman, Nazi, Freeman, or any of many other organizations I do not agree with. This is a difficult issue. Now that it's out, no one is going to win. Scouting will be perceived as hatemongers and homophobes, and gay rights leaders will be branded as much the same. My religious convictions take precedence over Scouting, human rights, ar anything else, and that is what I must teach my son. I must also reflect that with others I come in contact with, but that doesn't mean I "teach" it to Scouts. I do believe I'm taking a moral, as well as a Christian stance, to oppose homosexualtiy, without opposing homosexuals. Many of you may dislike my stand or opinion, but I must answer to a much higher power that public opinion or the BSA.

Our small twon will be celebrating our 150 anniversay in conjunction wiht Veteran's Day. Our troop will be conducting the flag ceremony for the opening of the celebration. It's a wonderful way for Scouting to give back to the community, get some much needed positive exposure for BSA, and get some requirements in for our youngest Scouts.

Yes it is a pass of fail scenario. Now might be your last chance to help this young man out. Lay it on the line with him. All through his advancement, one of the things he has had to complete was "show Scout spirit". Has he done this, and suddenly changed? Is he burning out? And don't take this personally, but are you sure it's all his attitude, and none of yours? Talk with your staff, your committee, and your Unit Comm. about this. We all need to get back to making Eagle something for the boys to work for, not just a tenure advancement.

Don't be afraid to "let your hair down". Have some fun with it. You may want an assistant to handle the "public" end, if you're uncomfortable, and you handle the administrative duties. There's more than enough for work two in most packs. By all means, get the training. All the way up to Scoutmaster fundamentals, and Train the Trainer. Each one will haelp you to be comfortable speaking in publc. And remember, they're just kids, if you treat them with compassion and respect, they'll love you for it, regardless of how "polished" your public persona is.

Drive or not, I wouldn't continue to expose my son to such a poor example of Scouting. If the committee, sponsoring organization, or council won't correct what is an obvious problem, it's time to move on. One last thing, what do the other parent's say?

Scouting not cool? Mountain biking, backpacking, rock climbing, white water, wilderness survival ( like the new TV show )... you must be kidding? What kind of idiot wouldn't think Scouting was cool? Believe me, I understand only too well. I got out of Scouts in the mid seventies, because I didn't think it was "cool". However, the "cool" people at that time thought drinking, getting stoned out of your mind, and sitting around wasting yourself and your life was "cool". I agree with many points the previous respondent made, however your first job is to demonstrate that Scouting IS cool, not only to your Scouts, but to their friends as well. Are you doing the outdoor activities that are cool, like mountain biking? If you're not, START! Don't push the unifrom issue too much at first, push the cool stuff. Let the boys decide on some activities ( as thay should be doing ), and let them know why you want to prove that Scouting is cool to their friends. They are still your best resource. Who knows - you may actually recruit some boys who don't now think Scouting is cool. And for the pot heads and losers who won't come to Scouting - some day, they'll be working for the ones who thought ( and still think ) Scouting is cool!