T165Scouter

I can't help but think the reason for decline is that Scouting has forgotten why they are here...the boys! My council WILL NOT invest in putting on first rate programs that attract boys. Our now non-existent camp had program equipment that was held together by rubber bands, duct tape, and band aids (I kid you not)! When the focus is on the money and numbers, program takes a nose dive which we've certainly seen locally. Boys figure out real quick where they rate in the scheme of things. They will go where they are wanted and appreciated.

Fuzzy Bear brings up an excellent point about the focus of BSA. I would say BSA National along with my own council is "hyper-focused" on the 12th point of the Scout Law to their own detriment. I've often wondered what has happened to the other 11...did they all of a sudden go out of style? Where was I when that happened? As a Scoutmaster, I will NEVER ask a boy if he believes in God. That's his own business within the confines of his family and their view of what God is or isn't. Asking for belief confirmation invariably leads to other areas of one's belief system that I will not tread into. My Scoutmaster Conferences focus on leadership aspects, the outdoors, goal-setting...stuff that I and the boy can readily sink our teeth into.

We're not as fortunate as other councils are in terms of the number of scouting properties owned. Old Ben is it. Camp Pahoka used to be THE site for summer camp and other activities, and I don't even know if the council still owns it. I doubt it. Meeting the BSA Standards for long-term camping may very well be the downfall of this effort. There is a meeting this Thursday evening with supposedly a council representative present. He's supposed to answer all of our questions, with the main one being "Is this even possible?". T165Scouter

Wow, so much good stuff here in this forum. You've all given lots of food for thought, as well as immediate action needed on some fronts. I certainly understand all the emotion involving the cancellation of a Council summer camp program. I love our Old Ben Scout Reservation, and the realization that our program has been done away with is PAINFUL. Summer Camp goes to the heart and core of Boy Scouting. The task before us is daunting, but it can be done as we have many excellent volunteers in the district. I think we can put on a great camp, despite the Council. As far as National Camp School certifications go: Shooting Sports is covered, Aquatics Dir and Health Officer are in question, Camp Director is a NO. Does the camp director need to attend a week of Camp School? Anyone know? We're supposed to have unrestricted access and use of all camp facilities. Logistics is a big question on many fronts and we have upcoming meetings where this will be addressed. There is also the concern with upkeep and maintenace of the camp property throughout the year. The on-site camp ranger was a casualty in this round of cuts by the Executive Board. Inevitably, this will fall to the volunteers to keep the buildings, campsites and other facilities going. What a job... And finally, someone asked why is summer camp supposed to be a money-making venture? Good question. A balanced budget when it comes to camp I can understand. Even going into the hole, in my opinion, is acceptable because it's supposed to be all about the boys! This is a sore point with me as the Council had millions to build our recently constructed Council office building/Scout Service Center, but they didn't blink an eye when it came to axing our summer camp! What a contradiction...something I can't rationally explain to my sons. I can't explain something I don't even begin to understand. I feel Buffalo Trace Council has lost their vision, and in the process are turning away boys who want and need Scouting! Jim T165Scouter

Thank you both for the input. Seattle Pioneer: You mentioned the "merit badge mill" concept, and I agree that it is very appealing to get away from that. The idea with this camp is to have only the adults teach merit badges (which I like). To many times in the past I've seen boys teaching boys, and the level of knowledge, skills, and maturity is just not there. I have seen boys who are excellent merit badge instructors, but they seem to be few in number in my area. The two Scoutmasters who are heading this effort up are EXCEPTIONAL leaders. They do have a reputation for getting things done, and making things happen. Proud Eagle: Yes, I'm from Buffalo Trace. I didn't realize I was that transparent! :=) I see that we're "neighbors". The Council has agreed to let us use Old Ben as long as we cough up $1500 for a "rental fee". Today at our troop meeting there was a very positive response from the boys (and the parents attending) about being a part of this. I quite honestly didn't think that would happpen, so now I'm more postive about going with this. Right now, I will ask lots of questions and be realistic about this endeavor...it's going to take a LOT of work on the part of many people. The hope is for about 100 boys for the week at $15 a head. It's a bargain, and only because it's ALL VOLUNTEER. Thank you both for your thoughts on the subject. Jim T165Scouter

Our troop is facing going outside of Council for the first time for Summer Camp. The reason being is that our Council Executive Board decided to eliminate the entire summer camp program. They said it was a losing money-making proposition. The Council has a Scout Reservation where camp has always been held, and a couple of Scoutmasters in our district want to head up putting on our own camp program. I see this as being fraught with problems. Have any here experienced something similar, and what challenges, problems, AND successes have you had? I'm personally in favor of going elsewhere but I want to keep an open mind on the subject. I'll be assuming SM duties after the start of the new year, and I don't want to be in over my head helping to plan a week-long summer camp program. I'll be busy enough with my own troop program. Any insight that you could share would be appreciated. Jim T165Scouter "I used to be an Owl..."

Pround Eagle...just a note about Old Ben Scout Reservation. I would encourage you to come back, as many improvements have been made just over the past couple of years. I'm at Old Ben quite a bit for different activities and am amazed at the positive changes I see every time. The Camp Director and Ranger at the site are first class...they know what they're doing. Improvements to camp sites, cabins, trails, and the waterfront are being made all the time. Summer Camp was a blast! In fact, just last night my son told me he can't wait until this year's camp gets here! (Something is obviously being done right when I hear things like this). If you're interested in finding out more about the current state of the camp, please go to www.buffalotracecouncil.org and click on the Old Ben link. There's some contact information there, but no pictures (why, I don't know).