Bob58

The camp is not in our council. The candidates did meet the reqs. Our council's lodge has approved the election and the boys being tapped out at camp (out of district) but is insisting that the ordeal must be conducted by our council lodge. This is only coming from one person -- the first one that we've talked to. But the boys are in the middle of setting their summer camp schedules and need to know if they can/should do the ordeal this summer.

OR... can you undertake your ordeal at summer camp under the guidance of another lodge? I understand the "ties that bind" and the building of fraternity but we've been told by the camp that we're attending that our boys can go directly from a campfire to an ordeal. At least one of our local lodge people says they would have to repeat the Ordeal under our local lodges supervision. These guys are very involved in the unit and their schools, (varsity athletes, Model UN, Student Gov. & even shows or band.) Can they undertake the ordeal outside of their home lodge?

Help! I'm not a member of OA (yet!) and just caught a call from my Scoutmaster because of my commissioner status. Our unit leaders recently attended a summer camp orientation at which they were informed that provided we held eleections (with the supervision of our local lodge) our candiudate could undertake the Ordeal during camp this summer. We think its a great idea. The chosen will leave the campfire and not return to their units until the Ordeal is completed the next day. When we contacted one of the people in our district who is very involved w/ OA. We were told the ordeal would be invalid since it was not conducted supervised ?)by our local lodge? What's the scoop? Our guys are ready to give up some great activities this summer to become active in OA, all are prime eagle candidates and all three are active in several extracurriculars at school. We haven't broken the news yet that at least one advisor says, "our way or the highway". What can we actually do?

As an aside, for Cub Scout Day Camp according to p. 23 of the "Frog Book" (Cub Scout Day Camp, An Admin/ Guide for Local Councils, pub. #33815.) "The den chief shall be a First Class Scout at least 14 years old, capable of serving as a den chief. He shall: - Assist the den leader and carry out duties as ssigned. - Assist with the Webelos overnighter. - Evaluate." I don't have a copy of BSA's latest version of this guide. With new cover art it has become "the Pizza Book" instead of "the Frog Book." I understand that it is the practice in some districts to allow a younger scout to assist w/ a den if their parent is the Den Leader. Has anyone one done Day Camp School this year? (My certificate has just about run out!)

First, I'm really enjoy the exchange of ideas. A few observations. We have a good core of four mother's who have recently crossed over to the troop, they had decided to wear the red activities shirt as their uniform when their son's were cubs and continue to do som. As several other posts noted expense is an issue for some I'm sure, but from where I sit they wear "their uniform" diligently with pride. At this point I'm not sure how many of the boys would expect these women to wear khaki. Second, I was offended at a recent training opportunity for leaders in camp when one of the staff repeatedly mentioned that "their leaders always wear full uniform." The four units that I have been associated with have never worn the full uniform in camp ( exceept for flag ceremonies or religious services.) This is very common in several districts in our council and certainly at camporees' or resident sumer camp. I guess I just want to remind all to "Do you best," to take pride in the program, to adhere to our nat'l policies, and to remember the oath and law even when dealing w/ leaders and uniforms.

OGEagle, I was recently told that a blue card was good for 6 months. It sounded like a "troop policy" but I haven't taken the time to follow up w/ the leader in question. Your note that all work is valid to age 18 presents hopes and hurdles. Did I start something I can't finish? (when just to young) or Can I just walk away and try again later? As a new ASM I'd like to encourage wise choices in which MB's to begin.