TAHAWK

It would not be, as I have clearly said twice. If it clearly is not, then it is not whether it suits the party line or not.

So someone argues with a straight face that religions whose religious awards are specifically recognized by BSA are about to be pitched out of BSA? I get the "view with alarm" business, but do you expect others to get all wound up over the possibility that pantheists and Buddhists are going to be pitched out of BSA? I spent a third of his life in urban southern California, including twelve years in a troop that was almost all military dependents of vets from the Pacific. I have spent the rest in urban northern Ohio staffing Baloo training, among other places, in a Buddhist temple in Euclid. Probably looks different from,say, Georgia.

You just KNOW that is must be "boorish" even if all the kids are having fun? You just KNOW that the kids who were deliberately "losing" items so they won't be left out - every Scout in eight patrols and all the Staff -- were, nevertheless, "victims"? You just know they were "humiliated" - even if they deny it and none of the dozens of Scouters present could see it - and were "cruelly" joining in with all the Scouts..(Yes. "I'm a Little Tea Pot.") Singing in public voluntarily is, ipso facto, a Bad Thing? You know what is in our hearts better than we do? Was the fraternity experience not positive for you?. (I spoke for the affirmative at U.C.L.A. Student Senate on the topic "Resolved: fraternities, on balance, should be abolished." My team won, but they kept frats.) Because a thing may be bad does not make it bad. It takes actual behavior to do that, and our job is about shaping that behavior. If the singing is bad, shame on us. If it is is prohibited, shame on whoever promulgates such a rule. Next. Eagle Scout expelled for having 2" pocket knife in survival kit locked in the glove box of his locket truck in northern Minnesota in winter.

Norges Speiderforbund

Blankets?

Or 143,000 years ago. No money-back guarantee.

I attended the "feast" at my old council's NYLT a couple years ago, and the entire troop and staff ended up singling for "lost" items. I was told that all started in 2008 when the uber-popular ASPL-Program started singling and dancing with those who had "lost" things. The next year, he was SPL, and it has gone on since. When I staffed Summer Camp in 1957,59, and 61, owners of lost items were invited to "sing with the staff" at lunch. The prospective camper participants were interviewed in advance by the camp SPL to be sure they were OK with it. We had 600-800 kinds a week for eight weeks and three -- out of hundreds - opted out. Adequate rules are in the Law. If it violates the Law by being unkind - as I have witnessed, it should not be done. If the Scouts are happy singling for a lost item - as I have witnessed, it does not violate the law. Or we can have more zero tolerance rules on the theory that someone not present knows -just KNOWS - in advance that a given thing just has to be done badly. Guidance, on the other hand, may help.

Very good point. It's on the Scouting blog and might be published in the magazine. I wonder if Roundtable Commissioners are being urged to feature the changes in their programs ? (Sadly, the council-mandated reorganization of half of our council into a district was accompanied by throwing most all the incumbents under the proverbial bus, and we have had zero roundtable staff for three years.) And who are the biggest offenders? I suspect it's districts with merit badge "fairs" and councils with the same plus the never-sufficiently-denounced merit badge mill summer camps. Problem with the last is most of the paid personnel know they are violating mandatory rules and do not care: "Lot's of badges fills camp." "Your actions speak so loud that I cannot hear what you are saying."

Too bad there is no new language about how BSA will be acting to enforce the rules.

Actually, the "troop leader" has discretion, subject to appeal, to refuse to award the MB. I quoted the 2013 GTA a few days ago, and the 2015 version has the same language: "7.0.4.7 Limited Recourse for Unearned Merit Badges From time to time, it may be discovered that merit badges could not actually have been earned. For example, a Scout who returns from summer camp or a merit badge fair with signed blue cards for an extraordinary number of badges could raise concerns. If, after consulting with those involved in the merit badge program—such as an event coordinator, the camp director, or a merit badge counselor—it becomes plainly evident that a youth could not have actually and personally fulfilled requirements as written, then the limited recourse outlined below is available. It may result in a decision that some or all of the requirements for a badge could not have been fulfilled, and thus, that the badge was not actually earned. After such a consultation, the unit leader, in a positive environment similar to that of a unit leader conference, discusses with the Scout the circumstances under which a merit badge in question was approved. A parent or an assistant unit leader should attend as an observer. The young man shall not be retested on the requirements, but a conversation with him can reveal if he was present at the class and actually and personally fulfilled all the requirements. Such a discussion could cover who taught a class, what sort of activities took place, where and when they occurred, how testing was done, what the Scout might have brought home from the class, and other similar process-oriented details. In most cases, with a fair and friendly approach, a young man who did not complete the requirements will admit it. Short of this, however, if it remains clear under the circumstances that some or all of the requirements could not have been met, then the merit badge is not reported or awarded, and does not count toward advancement. The unit leader then offers the name of at least one other merit badge counselor through whom any incomplete requirements may be finished. Note that in this case a merit badge is not “taken away†because, although signed off, it was never actually earned. Just as we avoid penalizing Scouts for the mistakes of adults, it should be a rare occurrence that a unit leader finds the need to question whether merit badges have been earned. This procedure for recourse is limited and reserved only for clear and evident cases of noncompletion or nonparticipation. For example, the recourse could be allowed when it would not have been possible to complete a specific requirement at the location of the class, event, or camp; if time available was not sufficient—perhaps due to class size or other factors—for the counselor to observe that each Scout personally and actually completed all the requirements; if time available was insufficient for a “calendar†requirement such as for Personal Fitness or Personal Management; or if multiple merit badges in question were scheduled at the same time. This procedure is not to be viewed as an opportunity for retesting on requirements, for interjecting another set of standards over those of a merit badge counselor, or for debating issues such as whether a Scout was strong enough, mature enough, or old enough to have completed requirements. Unit leaders who find it necessary to make use of this recourse must act quickly—if possible, within 30 days of discovery. It is inappropriate to delay a Scout’s advancement with anything less than a prompt decision If a Scout or his parent or guardian believes a unit leader has incorrectly determined a Scout has not earned a merit badge, or more than 30 days have passed without a reasonable explanation for the lack of a decision, they should address their concerns with the unit committee. They should first, however, develop a thorough understanding of the merit badge requirements and that each one must be passed exactly as it is set forth. Upon encountering any merit badge program where BSA standards are not upheld, unit leaders are strongly encouraged to report the incident to the council advancement committee, preferably using the form found in the appendix (see “Reporting Merit Badge Counseling Concerns,†11.1.0.0)." To the extent that BSA sincerely wishes to avoid "penalizing Scouts for the mistakes of adults," it should stop councils from running merit badge mills. That would be more efficient than setting the "troop leader" as the fox in the hen houses of fraud being operated by council "professionals."

Aluminum foil beanies with grounding cable?

http://www.sbc.net/resolutions/899 WHEREAS, Since its founding in 1845, the Southern Baptist Convention has been an effective instrument of God in missions, evangelism, and social ministry; and WHEREAS, The Scriptures teach that Eve is the mother of all living (Genesis 3:20), and that God shows no partiality, but in every nation whoever fears him and works righteousness is accepted by him (Acts 10:34-35), and that God has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on the face of the earth (Acts 17:26); and WHEREAS, Our relationship to African-Americans has been hindered from the beginning by the role that slavery played in the formation of the Southern Baptist Convention; and WHEREAS, Many of our Southern Baptist forbears defended the right to own slaves, and either participated in, supported, or acquiesced in the particularly inhumane nature of American slavery; and WHEREAS, In later years Southern Baptists failed, in many cases, to support, and in some cases opposed, legitimate initiatives to secure the civil rights of African-Americans; and WHEREAS, Racism has led to discrimination, oppression, injustice, and violence, both in the Civil War and throughout the history of our nation; and WHEREAS, Racism has divided the body of Christ and Southern Baptists in particular, and separated us from our African-American brothers and sisters; and WHEREAS, Many of our congregations have intentionally and/or unintentionally excluded African-Americans from worship, membership, and leadership; and WHEREAS, Racism profoundly distorts our understanding of Christian morality, leading some Southern Baptists to believe that racial prejudice and discrimination are compatible with the Gospel; and WHEREAS, Jesus performed the ministry of reconciliation to restore sinners to a right relationship with the Heavenly Father, and to establish right relations among all human beings, especially within the family of faith. Therefore, be it RESOLVED, That we, the messengers to the Sesquicentennial meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, assembled in Atlanta, Georgia, June 20-22, 1995, unwaveringly denounce racism, in all its forms, as deplorable sin; and Be it further RESOLVED, That we affirm the Bibles teaching that every human life is sacred, and is of equal and immeasurable worth, made in Gods image, regardless of race or ethnicity (Genesis 1:27), and that, with respect to salvation through Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for (we) are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28); and Be it further RESOLVED, That we lament and repudiate historic acts of evil such as slavery from which we continue to reap a bitter harvest, and we recognize that the racism which yet plagues our culture today is inextricably tied to the past; and Be it further RESOLVED, That we apologize to all African-Americans for condoning and/or perpetuating individual and systemic racism in our lifetime; and we genuinely repent of racism of which we have been guilty, whether consciously (Psalm 19:13) or unconsciously (Leviticus 4:27); and Be it further RESOLVED, That we ask forgiveness from our African-American brothers and sisters, acknowledging that our own healing is at stake; and Be it further RESOLVED, That we hereby commit ourselves to eradicate racism in all its forms from Southern Baptist life and ministry; and Be it further RESOLVED, That we commit ourselves to be doers of the Word (James 1:22) by pursuing racial reconciliation in all our relationships, especially with our brothers and sisters in Christ (1 John 2:6), to the end that our light would so shine before others, that they may see (our) good works and glorify (our) Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16); and Be it finally RESOLVED, That we pledge our commitment to the Great Commission task of making disciples of all people (Matthew 28:19), confessing that in the church God is calling together one people from every tribe and nation (Revelation 5:9), and proclaiming that the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is the only certain and sufficient ground upon which redeemed persons will stand together in restored family union as joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).

You never heard of the Orange Goths?

How do I judge that a man is moral or ethical? I only have my personal beliefs, neither the most authoritative or objective of standards. That they are largely based on how I understand the Book is neither here nor there as I am only what I am. Others relying on the Book have lowered "heretics" slowly into barrels of boiling pitch or burned them at the stake. So what one takes from the words of men trying to convey the message has some importance. My cousin the CB had an atheist Corpsman crawl into a beaten zone to treat him and then pull him to safety. If his actions are a measure of the man, try as you might to convince him that the Corpsman was not a moral person, I doubt that you would have much success with my cousin - or anyone else here. To me, the Corpsman was another example of the Good Samaritan. I think God loves him at least as well as any professing Christian. Again, that's just me. In the NYLT syllabus in "Making Ethical Decisions," the Boy Scouts of America teaches that ethics come from our "family and society." I am familiar with that unit as I have delivered it twice. The Ethical Decision Checklist in the NYLT syllabus does refer to The Golden Rule. In that spirit, may I respectfully suggest less animosity and more respect and understanding?

In the current (2013) version of the Guide to Advancement The BSA has specified a process to prevent the award of unearned Merit Badges. "7.0.4.7 Limited Recourse for Unearned Merit Badges From time to time, however, it may be discovered that merit badges could not actually have been earned. For example, a Scout who returns from summer camp or a merit badge fair with signed blue cards for an extraordinary number of badges could raise concerns. If, after consulting with those involved in the merit badge program—such as an event coordinator, the camp director, or a merit badge counselor—it becomes plainly evident that a youth could not have actually and personally fulfilled requirements as written, then the limited recourse outlined below is available. It may result in a decision that some or all of the requirements for a badge could not have been fulfilled, and thus, that the badge was not actually earned. After such a consultation, the unit leader [i.e., the Scoutmaster], in a positive environment similar to that of a unit leader conference, discusses with the Scout the circumstances under which a merit badge in question was approved. A parent or an assistant unit leader should attend as an observer. The young man shall not be retested on the requirements, but a conversation with him can reveal if he was present at the class and actually and personally fulfi lled all the requirements. Such a discussion could cover who taught a class, what sort of activities took place, where and when they occurred, how testing was done, what the Scout might have brought home from the class, and other similar process-oriented details. In most cases, with a fair and friendly approach, a young man who did not complete the requirements will admit it. Short of this, however, if it remains clear under the circumstances that some or all of the requirements could not have been met, then the merit badge is not reported or awarded, and does not count toward advancement. The unit leader then offers the name of at least one other merit badge counselor through whom any incomplete requirements may be finished. Note that in this case a merit badge is not “taken away†because, although signed off, it was never actually earned. Just as we avoid penalizing Scouts for the mistakes of adults, it should be a rare occurrence that a unit leader finds the need to question whether merit badges have been earned. This procedure for recourse is limited and reserved only for clear and evident cases of noncompletion or nonparticipation. For example, the recourse could be allowed when it would not have been possible to complete a specific requirement at the location of the class, event, or camp; if time available was not sufficient—perhaps due to class size or other factors—for the counselor to observe that each Scout personally and actually completed all the requirements; if time available was insufficient for a “calendar†requirement such as for Personal Fitness or Personal Management; or if multiple merit badges in question were scheduled at the same time. This procedure is not to be viewed as an opportunity for retesting on requirements, for interjecting another set of standards over those of a merit badge counselor, or for debating issues such as whether a Scout was strong enough, mature enough, or old enough to have completed requirements. Unit leaders who find it necessary to make use of this recourse must act quickly—if possible, within 30 days of discovery. It is inappropriate to delay a Scout’s advancement with anything less than a prompt decision. If a Scout or his parent or guardian believes a unit leader has incorrectly determined a Scout has not earned a merit badge, or more than 30 days have passed without a reasonable explanation for the lack of a decision, they should address their concerns with the unit committee. They should first, however, develop a thorough understanding of the merit badge requirements and that each one must be passed exactly as it is set forth. Upon encountering any merit badge program where BSA standards are not upheld, unit leaders are strongly encouraged to report the incident to the council advancement committee, preferably using the form found in the appendix (see “Reporting Merit Badge Counseling Concerns,†11.1.0.0)" NOTE: Reporting "concerns" to the Council running a Merit Badge mill has not proved to result in any reduction in violation of the provisions of the Guide to Advancement, and, thus far, BSA refuses to use its power to correct the systematic violation.

People can be rude, as I know I have been. I believe that no one can "insult" you against your will, just as no one can "make you mad." An essential ingredient comes from you. I acknowledge that most of what I think of as "ethics" is found in the Book, along with a great deal that I believe must come from human error . But I find the same lessons elsewhere. I have experienced ethical and moral behavior from atheists. I have listened to atheists, like the Dalai Lama, speak on how one ought to act, and believe that I hear people with the highest moral and ethical values. Someone tried to teach us about valuing the good in people not of our faith and about not judging.

Sec 7.0.0.2 Guide to Advancement, Boy Scouts of America, 2013 (current version).

And what do you do with Ginko, Bald Cyprus, and Dawn Redwood? Isn't it enough that they are trees without inquiry into the specifics? Do we kick them out because their leaves are not "faithful ever"?

They probably simply forgot to change the wording from when there was a rank requirement.

The bureaucratic tactic is to send out a survey then ignore it if you do not like the results.

I get 90% of my MBC business from two troops - the one in which I am registered and one other that has added me to their "troop list." I am not registered as a "troop only" MBC, but those on such lists dominate the market for MBC's in my 2.5 councils. Few Scoutmasters understand what is supposed to be going on.

NJCS, I would never forget carelessness as a possible explanation. In fact, "careless" is polite. Look at the January Scouting article that endorsed the Adult-run troop method when a troop's experiment with Boy Scouting did not produce the well-oiled machine.

"Adult Association" means being around men who model the values of Scouting. That method does not speak to who directly leads the patrol and troop. The "Patrol" method speaks to that topic. The Scouts lead. The adults train them in leadership and act as resources, coaches, counselors, and mentors. But you clearly know. Now what could BSA do if the Patrol Method it was actually important to BSA? There are bright people there. I am sure they could come up with something - say in the form of positive recognition. Here's a semantical start: the word "leader" to be used in official literature for the Scout and Venturing programs to refer only to youth, an adult in those programs to be called a "Scouter." This change would, among other things, replace the current BSA practice of referring to a Scoutmaster as "the unit leader."

Here is the response from a Scouter who works for National - the Eagle son of an Eagle Scoutmaster and father of three Eagles: "Wayne is talking about the overall methods of the Scouting movement in the US. They are modified slightly in each phase of the program to meet the delivery of that program. Cub Scouting has seven methods, Boy Scouting has eight, and Venturing has seven. But they are generally the same, perhaps in a different order or in the case of Boy Scouting one is split into two. The eight Boy Scouting methods have been the same for as long as I can remember. I recall a change from “adult male association†to “adult association†in the 80s. Cub Scouting is dropping an eighth because of the move to the Scout Oath and Law in June." So we still have something to work towards. ""Unless the patrol method is in operation, you don’t really have a Boy Scout troop.â€

He was right, dead right, as he sped along, But he's just as dead as if he'd been wrong. Burma Shave.