Tampa Turtle

Well I hope some of you are happy. Every time I go camping the Snipes are over-running the place. I can only hope when they hit the Everglades the giant pythons eat them.

Kudu, Eammon --weigh the same as 16? I hate you.

I usually (in addition to what I am wearing) 1 more pair wicking anti-microbial uw. 1 more extra shirt 1 extra pair shorts 3 pairs socks. (I cut out the extra uw before the socks)

Thanks everybody. I think most clergy is pretty busy these days. I figured I would need my C.O. approval anyway.

Agree that advancement and behavior two different problems. Advancement is a hassle but a job best done by an organized person. Have leaders email you the requests by a deadline, get your unit to get an account at the scout shop, generate the shopping list, and package. If you have a big unit it is a lot of work but doable. The behavior issues are deplorable. I do not think this guy should be in a leadership position; you just can't do that!

We keep going back to Woodruff SR in GA. The adults like the facilities but the reason is the older boys felt that the staff teaching the MB's was more engaged. That was why we go back. Now we are getting feedback that the Mountain Man (what they call their FCFY program)was pretty dull. But that may be a byproduct of cram school. I would like to rotate camps but folks felt like it was a good experience. Our Council camp is Flying Eagle but no one really wants to do summer in Florida when you can go to the mountains.

I am considering stepping into the Chaplain position. I am a layperson in good standing in the same denomination as our CO. I am trying to read up on my resources as I want to do a good job. When looking at some of the BSA material it seems that the Chaplin position was designed for an ordained person. Is a layperson unusual? Our position has been vacant for a couple years. I surveyed several Troops around us (based at a Methodist, Roman Catholic, and Presbyterian churches respectively) for advice--none had an active Chaplain. Anybody have any observations or advice?

(Mind you I have only seen photoss) Mostly paint. No words. But it was the most lovingly cared for Patrol box.

That is what I suggested.

Here is the situation: During a meeting an unknown boy sneaks into the hut and defaces another Patrol's Patrol Box. Who should discipline the boy(s) the SM or the SPL/PLC?

My mom is no longer here but I was just thinking of an old picture of her in the Blue Den Mothers Dress and Hat teaching cubs how to pound in nails. I don't think I ever saw her use a hammer any other time in her life. Must be in the blood.

We usually give them a Troop T-shirt; especially if we have a cool one.

I echo Dan's requirement rewrite. As for service hours I hate the requirement and would prefer it folded into scout spirit.

Hammock. I still get a lot of looks. I love how fast it is to take down. Runners up: -Leatherman Micra-thing is amazing. -Swiss Army Gas Mask Bag-Really versatile. Hang it on a pack, a belt, has a strap. Perfect size and it is waterproof. And my dry-box fits exactly in it. -Walking Stick. Got a cool looking one.

I will not jump on the Girl Scout bash-wagon. I think it is a good thing that girls can choose between GSUSA and AHG. Let the market decide.

I think the garrison cap looks as snappy as a beret.

I have corresponded with a few much more experienced folks and got some help from a couple which was very very appreciated considering my Scouting inexperience. The discussion I have here has helped me frame issues better for our Troop scouter and committee meetings. Even when I don't agree. I am one of those "on the one hand but on the other hand" guys.

Anyone going to Woodruff SR week of June 18th?

Prank or Hazing? Are we talking about Romney now?

Mom...Dad, stop fighting!

We have notice much as others: Sports and other conflict. Band seems to be a scout killer. Repeating the same campouts and locations year after year. Mixing newbies with older guys; i.e. watering down the adventure for the older guys loses the older guys. Yeah the older guys help the younger guys but they need time away too. IMHO. Too much emphasis on advancement and MB and not on fun and adventure with advancement and MB a happy byproduct. Cost. Competition with other events. Downtown Tampa does 250 large events a year, plus Pro football, baseball, hockey, concerts. And we have beaches, fishing, and boating nearby. Some guys are off on a fishing trip in the gulf with their families. Poor Patrol cohesion. Bossy or overbearing adults. As many have said before to grow attendance work on the quality of the program, add fun, get the patrols to do as much work as possible, be boy-led. Parents are a whole other story.

Sad reptilian creature, indeed. Oh yeah...the Turtle thing. Yeah I was honestly pondering. I totally agree with the fact that deeds not words set the example. My wife complained last night about her very-fundamental minister "divorce is not an option" friends who then get divorced. I do not think the next generation will be more sincere. They will just find different issues to be hypocritical about. And so it goes.

I is always a judgement call. I am doing Emergency Prep with some boys. "Prepare a personal emergency service pack for a mobilization call. Prepare a family kit (suitcase or waterproof box) for use by your family in case an emergency evacuation is needed. Explain the needs and uses of the contents." The last MB counselor made them bring it in. I let them take a picture and show me them. I then make them talk about it. I can tell who did the work and who had "Mom" do it. I keep reminding me the intent of the requirement as well as the letter. The intent was to have them learn how to assemble one (and there are many kinds), have the family one for their preparedness, and they to have their bug out bag. It can be a fun discussion. I wont be telling them to test the waterproofness of the container though I might do that as a demonstration at a meeting. I might encourage but not require certain things.

"For those who do not prefer the whole house to smell of beef jerky, put the whole thing outside" Or attracting cats, dogs, and raccoons.

Kudu, You must have that stuff ready to cut and paste!