Bob58

Hi Paul, I found the following by searching "experienced uniforms". At one point someone else checked & thought prices looked good. Can't vouch for quality. (No insult intended "Experienced Uniforms".) Sounds like you've made quite a commitment. Best wishes on the health front & "Keep on Scoutin'!" Bob

Greyfox, Lots of luck figuring that one out! Although I've done my own ironing & sewing for years I should drop My Loving Wife a note w/ the word Love spelled out. Sorry, that could be a grey area! Does anyone remember the name of the recent thread on the abbreviations (wrong word but you know what I mean...) Bob

I really like Shmgren's take. I keep my unit uniform unit patches & a nice temp. insig on the right breast pocket; my Commissioner's shirt has all the trappings including anything that I can use to encourage training or participation (still by the book.) Does anyone think that there is a downside to "overdecorated" district staff? (trainers / commissioners etc.) When I threw this quote out a while ago I thought it was attributed to B-P himself, my mistake... "While Scouters may wear the insignia to which they are entitled, a 'total display' may not be in the best taste if theuniform looks overdecorated. Unauthorized... The Scoutmaster who wears only his Scoutmaster emblem, council or community strip, troop numeral, and service star on his uniform is never guilty of poor taste." (p. 153 -- Scoutmaster handbook, 2001)

I really like Shmgren's take. I keep my unit uniform unit patches & a nice temp. insig on the right breast pocket; my Commissioner's shirt has all the trappings including anything that I can use to encourage training or participation (still by the book.) Does anyone think that there is a downside to "overdecorated" district staff? (trainers / commissioners etc.) When I threw this quote out a while ago I thought it was attributed to B-P himself, my mistake... "While Scouters may wear the insignia to which they are entitled, a 'total display' may not be in the best taste if theuniform looks overdecorated. Unauthorized... The Scoutmaster who wears only his Scoutmaster emblem, council or community strip, troop numeral, and service star on his uniform is never guilty of poor taste." (p. 153 -- Scoutmaster handbook, 2001)

Goood Morning! Picking up on your comment that your leaders wouldn't "implement any such activities, ideas or programs nor provide exhaustive details. Rather, we would offer up some general ideas to the SPL and let him decide what to do. If necessary, I might offer up leading questions to help guide the planning process..." You've got it! Start with the Program Helps in this months "Scouting" magazine and punch it up with material from the "Scoutmaster Handbook". Trailhead 5 is troop meetings and is a good introduction for new troops but Trailhead 6 is Program features with a months worth of sample meeting agendas & an outdoor activity for hiking, citizenship, first aid, and camping. I realize that this might seem to be for "new troops" but if our Junior Leaders are new share this resource with them. From his post I think that Mark's new leaders have a pretty good idea of what to expect and what is expected of them. (This doesn't mean that we or he is doing anything wrong just that a annual plan like that can really help the boys lead. The boys can draw on the past and (with leaders guidance) put their own stamp on each year. Lots of new ideas, anticipation, excitement and meetings that lead to outdoor experiences. Keep the boys involved in the planning. (Good luck, I struggle w/ a Committe Chair who doesn't understand boy leadership. He wants to let the JLC pick the destinations and then HE plans to the nth degree to make sure that the boys have a good time. Sometimes we even do things that the boys want to do! Sorry mini-vent!)

Point(s) well taken. Have a great week. Bob

Mano'steel woulda' flown that flag to the top.... Super DE would recognize a glaring invitation for publicity.... Have you written to the local papers thanking your anonymous donor? Send them a photo of the Ladder Crew. If not the "public" newspapers try local religious publications or Advertising supplements that one finds at supermarkets. (Next how do we get him to join the District/Council committee?) Sorry way to much fun for a school night!

I'm very sorry that I missed this post in March. We had a similar situation this year and in consultatuon w/ the boys parents placed him in the Pack w/ the emphasis on a Bare bones Arrow of Light. We knew that he could meet the requirements by the end of this summer and he has become an inspiration for some of the younger boys. He has camped, visited other units and knocked out 10 Activity badges. (ALL Quality work!) The young man has chosen to attend Cub Day Camp this summer and complete some more work instead of crossing over & attending resident camp w/ the troop. (I think he is looking forward to one last Court of Honor w/ HIS Pack!) This was a win/win solution for the BOY, our pack & the troop. Bob

Got it! Now I've to get tmy 14 yr old to get online & let me know what he'd like to see! ( It can all be my interests.) Thanks again.

My son & I'll be attending a weddding in Kilkenny, Ireland this summer -- does anyone have an Irish scouting connetction...

This reminds me of a great PeeWee Harris from the 70's when the theme for Scout Sunday was "Scoutig Rounds A Guy (Scouter?) Out!" Ithrow an emial out locall tpo see if there are any recently retired large pants out there. Also I know that its not uniform but one of our committee women is having a skirt made... I 'm not sure where the material came from but... she tell sme that it is official. Best wishes for a happy & healthy pregnancy & little one. Bob

I recently posted this link to a thread from a Committee Chair who was working on a memorial service. I believe that I found it through a Methodist link. It offers parayers / reflections / stories from a variety of faiths. A Scout's Duty to God and Country 1998-99 http://usscouts.org/scoutduty/index.html

Sorry, I realize that the last three lines "... Stand up... Speak up...." Really don't belong at the end of Prayer service! Bob

Good morning! I posted a private reply but offer the following Scouts Own & resources from last year's Webelos Woods. ooks long but can easily be done in 15 min. ( I should link to that other thread that went by...) Bob Each scout here tonight shares the Cub Scout promise to do their Duty to God and as Webelos weve learned from Boy Scouts & leaders that a scout is reverent. Being REVERENT means that we recognize that there is someone or something in the world that is greater than each one of us; that created our beautiful world and therefore gave us SCOUTING! Our parents or grandparents may have spoken many different languages and so we might call this force by different names but as scouts we pause to honor this Great Spirit. We will share three short reflections tonight. Each comes from a different part of the world and we will pause after each to think about what has been said. Then when I raise my hand please respond, I will do my best. As scouts and Scouters of many faiths: Let us each now say a silent prayer For our brother on our right.... For our brother on our left... And now for our brother Scouts around the world. Leader raises hand Webelos: I will do my best! Master of the Universe Grant me the ability to go outdoors each day. May I express there everything in my heart And may all living things awake at my coming, To send the power of their life Into the words of my prayer So that my prayer may be joined to the life and the spirit of all growing things. Adapted from Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav (1722-1811) Leader raises hand Webelos: I will do my best! Be Thou a bright flame before me, Be Thou a guiding star above me, Be Thou a smooth path below me, And be a kindly shepherd behind me, Today, tonight and forever. -Gaelic Prayer Leader raises hand Webelos: I will do my best! O Great Spirit! Watch over us as we end (begin) this day. Protect us as we live in you care. Give us bounty and hold us from harm. We are your children and wish only to please you. We hold our Mother Earth close to our hearts and wish her goodness. We thank You for your love. -A NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN PRAYER Leader raises hand Webelos: I will do my best! May the Great Master of all Scouts be with us till we meet again. Amen This concludes our service. Thank you for you attention. Being a true scout means sharing new experiences or ideas without complaining and learning from those around us. A last idea for the leaders: If you want to be SEEN STAND UP! If you want to be HEARD SPEAK UP! If you want to be POPULAR SHUT UP! Bob Murray, 3 Rivers District Webelos Woods, RSR, Northeast, MD 10/12/02 Original sources A Scout's Duty to God and Country 1998-99 http://usscouts.org/scoutduty/index.html OTHER PRAYERS, INVOCATIONS & CALLS TO WORSHIP1. WORLD SCOUTING PRAYER Let us each now say a silent prayer for our brother on our right.... For our brother on our left... And now for our brother Scouts around the world. 2. FROM THE JEWISH SERVICE OF THE HEART May the time be not too distant, O God, when all your children will understand that they are brothers and sisters, so that, one in spirit and one in fellowship, they may be forever united before you. Then shall your kingdom be established on earth, and the word of your prophet shall be fulfilled: " The Lord will reign forever and ever."3. A HIKING PRAYERThis Hiking Prayer has been used frequently as a final benediction to close services. Its message is one of the most fitting for Scouts in its view of the outdoors. Note that the author, a Chassidic Rabbi, lived in the 18th and 19th centuries.Master of the universeGrant me the ability to be alone;May it be my custom to go outdoors each dayAmong the trees and grass, among all living things.And there may I be alone, and enter into prayer,To talk with the one to whom I belong.May I express there everything in my heart,And may all the foliage of the field(All grasses, trees, and plants)May they all awake at my coming,To send the powers of their life into the words of my prayerSo that my prayer and speech are made wholeThrough the life and the spirit of all growing things,Which are made as one by their transcendent source.Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav (1722-1811) 4. GAELIC PRAYER Be Thou a bright flame before me, Be Thou a guiding star above me, Be Thou a smooth path below me, And be a kindly shepherd behind me, Today, tonight and forever. 5. PSALM 100 Come let us sing unto the Lord: Let us make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands. Let us serve the Lord with gladness and com e into His presence with singing. 6. FROM THE BAHA'I WRITINGS Blessed is the spot, and the house, and the place, and the city, and the heart, and the mountain, and the refuge, and the cave, and the valley, and the land, and the sea, and the island, and the meadow where mention of God hath been made and His praise glorified. 7. O Great Spirit! Watch over us as we END (begin) this day. Protect us as we live in you care. Give us bounty and hold us from harm. We are your children and wish only to please you. We hold our Mother Earth close to our hearts and wish her goodness. We thank You for your love. 8. A NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN PRAYER O Great Spirit, make me sufficient to my own personal necessities. Give me the strength to mind my own business at all times, and to lose no good opportunity for holding my tongue. When it is appointed for me to suffer, let me take example from the dear well-bred beasts and go away in solitude to bear my suffering by myself, not troubling others with my complaints. Help me to win, if win I may, but -- O Great Spirit -- if it not be that I may win, make me at least a good loser. 9. ANOTHER NATIVE AMERICA INDIAN PRAYER O Great Spirit, show me the way of wisdom, and give me strength to follow it without fear. 10. A NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN INTERPRETATION OF PSALM 19 The Great Father above has shown His power by making the stars of the heavens; and the brightness of the lights in the sky is wonderful. His voice is the voice of all nature, and His wisdom shows even in the darkness of the night. The whole earth is filled with the melody of God. In the days of creation He sent forth the great sun shining like the brightness of the face of a lover, and His strength warms all the world. The law of the Great Father can do all good things and His words bring wisdom to simple souls.

Once again you draw me in... I love the neckerchief. Its one of the things that most easily distinguishes units in out didstrict / council. I believe that over half the troops have custom ones that are present at crossover or scout rank. And I've mentioned before that I've a couple "blank" ones that I throw a patch onto to create some chat when something special is coming up. I'm a teacher (parish sponsored k-8 school) & while I've never worn just my neckerchief to school with a regular dress shirt I have worn I have worn my scout bolo ties. The kids all know that its a western look from scouting. Someone mentioned in the uniform thread that there are so many options there really is no reason to complain or not find what is right for your unit. Be positive! (No, not I'm positive that the uniform...)

This is the wrong thread, but I've gotta say it. 2 years ago this month I attended a Cub-o-ree. After we lined up for the Sat. morning assembly the leaders hemmed & hawed & finally got started. First item was honoring The Colors. As the leader with his back to a bluff that falls away to the bay started the Pledge of Allegience first one & then a second bald eagle soared into view behind him. They circled twice and then flew off upsteam. He had no idea why everyone had stopped. Yet to be honest I don't think that we could have scheduled a fly by any better. One of the leaders who could see what had happened prompted him to start again & the boys let everyone hear the second time!

I can't see any objections to that last post. Hang in there -- let one or two of the parents know about the work involved in your "uniform bank" Perhaps someone will offer to help or run with it themself! You are 100% about the measure of success being the boys' willingness to invite friends. They don't need grief from strangers.

Okay, this one might fall back on the volunteers 1000 e-mails w/ accurate info would be best but.... Hey professional types, can we check into the 5 W's of the showing in Utah and actually get something going here? If this was a re-mastered film they didn't do just one copy or if they did... who actually owns it? apgoodb, it might be up to you to make some calls and get this rolling.

I just checked my "Scoutmasters Handbook" (2001 rev.) and found that the minimum req age for a Scoutmaster or an Asst. is "be at least 21 years of age." p.3 while p. 101 of "Program Resources" states A commissioned volunteer Scouter, 18 or older, who helps the Scoutmaster.... Help!

I'm definitely w/ Kassie on this one... haven't checked out the hobo stove page, but my recollection is from an activity in one of my sisters' GS handbooks (1950-60's vintage.) I thought that they were made from 40 oz. juice or 1lb coffee cans. The sharp end of a kitchen ( but I'm dieing to say "bar") bottle/ can opener was used to make a few "triangular" vents in the side toward the bottom & then a few more holes were punched in (or near ...) the top. A smaller can might have held the coals. Never did make one... not sure if my sisters did either. I'd keep a close eye due to all the sharp edges. The pepsi can stove would definitely be beyond some of our Webelos.

Right, that was one or two leaders from each unit. There could be a whole lot of confusion if 2 leaders and an SPL or two were the only ones to get the updates! 8:45 & obviously past my bedtime!

Here "tween the Bays" every district or council event that runs through a weekend is kicked off w/ a "cracker barrel." As noted earlier often light refreshments are served at this meeting for 1 or 2 unit leaders and the SPL (Sometimes ASPL) to review the schedlue & ground rules for the weekend. Generally scheduled for 9 or 9:30 kickoff so that all units are in camp before it starts and pretty well set up when the leaders return w/ updates. Many of our campmaster crews also conduct one on regular camping weekends to update units on their special presentations, activities or opportunities on a given weekend. That's it soup to... nuts.

Ouch! I stand corrected. I agree that we should always be cheerful and "Do (Y)our Best!" I would hope that committee chairs are working their exec's for extra copies of anything (& everything) they can use to help promote the program. I know that that we do have many fine volunteers and professionals out there and hope that we all make it as easy as possible for those around us.

Thnanks to Eisely for reminding me of a nagging question -- how much of your volunteer expenses do you record & report. I track any that is not directly expended in my son's involvement. (Obviously I don't claim mileage for taking my son to his meeting. Oops, Should I?) I do record any additional expenses associated w/ District work, including mileage, publications, (limited) office supplies & uniforms. Bob

Sounds as if Eamonn has the ticket. The district committee should be soliciting nominations for annual presentation. Our training chair checks records, but most of our apps come from units that are pretty good about training & recognition. (so they know the drill.) I was told about the process when I took Cub Leader basic years ago but no, I never checked the reqs until I joined district committee and my trainer asked why I had applied. Now as a DCmmsnr when I stress the value of an active unit committee I remind leaderw that everyone needs a job -- tracking training is important in light of leader turnover. Not all units enjoy the service of long term leadership.) AS Scoutldr noted many won't be recognized unlees its by by others. I'm bothered by the thought that one might need to talk nicely to their District leadership. If its up to the volunteers to deliver the program that our chartered partners signed up for we need to build strong districts as well as strong units. That takes good volunteers at all levels; District Committe / Commissioner staff is there to serve. Sorry, I think I need to review any Commissioning /District / Professional threads or start one!