Tampa Turtle

Fine we'll send the Girl Scouts to do the RNC so they can get booed too.

Never did Summer Camp there...imagine it will be hot as heck. Seemed nice enough. We camped in the primitive "adventure" area because of our size. Had some vehicular traffic through our campsite. I mostly recall walking a mile to get a decent cell phone signal to call my wife.

We have all been there. It is tough to walk away. When I was a student architect I was lucky enough to get my very first commission for a detached garage apartment. Not only was I fortunate enough to get it built but it was in my own neighborhood so I could see my handiwork everytime I walked the dog. Gave me a deep sense of satisfaction. Owner sold the house, new owner came in and knocked it flat to build a new garage! Didn't even last 12 months. Still got to walk by it. Then I realized that most of what I do won't last, even the pyramids will wear away some day far in the future. I now try to invest in relationships and none other is more important than your own child. So, like the others have said, pat your self on the back, pass on any tips and remember it is no longer your baby. Have fun in Tigers.

Yes I was low pressure --it was the depth of the recession--and we had our best year. I asked that everyone please try to do something and most everyone did.

I do not like UW and I was a coordinator. However the original concept was that having one combined drive was less disruptive than a lot of little ones in the workplace and more efficient administratively. It was started by churches. I used to run a non-profit and raising money is expensive--I wouldn't say UW is a rip off. Yes they had the abusive 1982(?) William Aramony scandal and donations dropped. Some folks still hold them against them--but do we hold that same standard for BSA for abuse? At my workplace you had to turn in a card --mine was for $0-- but did participate in putting in some sweat equity in other fund raising events. The local chapter wanted 100% feedback -even if it was "no". You could direct your amount. There was no retribution at my workplace but I know of department where there was a lot of arm-twisting. That is the part I did not like.

While I dislike Merit Badge classes there are many MB activities that make for good activities even if boys are not going for the MB. For example we had ice skating as part of our meeting. (there was a temporary rink downtown around the holidays). There was an Occupy Tampa encampment at the same park and some of the lads enjoyed talking to some of them--it was a "spirited exchange" but led to good discussions of citizenship. A Tampa Police officer joined as well. Cops, Fire Depts, Military-type visits are fun. Emergency drills, building safety inspections, auto repairs, all these can be parts of meetings if the boys want them. If they do we adults will let them make the arrangements as much as is practical.

So was my Grandmother....cousin! Miss her Malasadas. Yeah I say get to know the guys. Folks got their reasons. Need all kinds to make a Troop go, from adept paper pushers to outdoorsy types.

We do what Acco40 commented on. I think the screening is to deal with any boys not in good standing due to "incidents" that the SM kept in confidence.

I hope that is not a slur on the maritime tradition of my proud Portuguese people, sir! Vasco da Gama was a snappy dresser.

Also like the others have said it is supposed to be a conference. As an ASM I have discussed items with boys and sent them away to try again buy always in a friendly way.

I would say no. I hate the worksheets. I am starting to teach MB's and I have the hardest time getting the boys to understand that the WORKSHEET IS NOT THE MERIT BADGE. (sorry for shouting) It is a study aid nothing more. Filling in the blanks is not doing the work. I think this partially due to schools being heavily reliant on worksheet exercises these days. Also easier for Lazy scouters to hand out worksheets and give out the answers. Lord forbid they do anything hands on. I admit I used one at a campout for Scout Rank review--I needed one as a ref and the Boy Scout Book was a little light on the subject.

- Back up the SM. (He is continually under pressure from parents. Stand behind him publicly and disagree privately) - Cheerfully help out on the Adult camping chores. (The more experienced ASM's will be busy and you really help by making coffee, cooking, etc. We have even helped set up the SM's tent because he is always too busy) - Set a good example for the boys. (Be collegial to the other adults, shake hands, be helpful, wear the uniform, Train up, learn the T-1 skills. - Be patient with the boys. (I am working on that) - Help facilitate the boys activities by being there (driving, safety, making reservations, etc) - Keep the boys safe but let them fail. - Have fun! - Volunteer and follow through (if you agree to be the Popcorn person don't say you'll do it and flake out)

Sounds good. I am sure a few dads will try to game it anyway but it seems pretty fun for the boys.

We always let them. We held ours on a Sat and a lot of families had conflicts. I think District allowed it as well. Of course they missed all the fun and winning if you were not there was very anti-climatic.

Vote for the TMP! An Eagle by 14 is too late!

I too have noticed a disproportional number of our Eagles going to the military.

In our Troop I have noticed that the last 3 SPL's have been pretty good former PL's. Also that they treated the younger guys kindly; the "soft spoken" types win over the "bullying" type. As we have a big Troop being a bit of a politician (in the best way) also helps. Where they sometimes breakdown is in their appointments. I think a SPL in a large troop lives or dies over his ability to recruit a good team.

Ann. God Bless You.

Girl Scout sister walked into the middle of our Troop meeting last night with a bunch of cookie boxes. Sold em all out.

None of this is relevant. I know for a fact that we slipped into a tear in the space-time continuum on January 26, 2003 and we diverged from reality.

Heard we got 2 dozen new scouts coming. Would be thrilled with half that number. We shall see tonight.

We had a pretty good UC and had no problems the last few years with the Pack. He kinda just stood there and only made comments to the CM later. All the DL's helped do the inspection. We made gentle corrections (hat straight, tuck in shirt, let me show you how to do the kerchief) and long as praise and encouragement. The little ones are really proud of the uniform so you don't want to be a harda$$ with the cubbies.

We just made up our own Troop Polar Bear Patch. Looks pretty cool. Since we are from Florida there is a lot of pain and suffering involved when it is below freezing and we have a hodge podge of gear. Agree there is a lot of good surplus gear out there. The European armies are dumping a lot of stuff out there as they downsize. Had good luck with Swedish, Swiss, Austrian gear. I call it "the not quite NATO-compatible collection".

Alabama, Great! I go on most of the camp-outs but have sat a few out as well. I would cut back a little more if we had some more adults step up. As my boys get older they want to camp as a family more which is nice.

I would think some of our Patrol guys would be flattered to have the SPL along--kinda of a mini-celeb. As long as he knows he is not acting as an SPL. I hope they put him to work.