OldGreyEagle

So, the council had a combined Advancement Committee Meeting last night. One of the topics was a representative taking a shot at the District I serve concerning "quality" of Eagle Projects from one District to another. He reminded the committee that a long time ago, like 7-10 years the Council Advancement Committee said they wanted to see 40 hours of time put in by the scout planing the project. I said they couldnt do that, it was contrary to National Policy and was told I was lowering Eagle Standards. Then another District wanted to require scouts to appear before Eagle Boards of Review in perfect uniforms or be turned away. I said you can't do that as the BSA does not require scouts to own a uniform. So, again I was told I was lowering standards, I about lost it and was lucky enough to leave before saying and doing things I would have regretted. I sometimes wonder why I get so passionate about scouting, I am not sure its worth the angst, certainly not worth my whole body shaking in anger as I walk to my car

Wouldnt that depend on the conditions of the lease?

Thats OK Pack, nobody is perfect, something I prove everyday much to my chagrin

Unfortunately Moderators may only move threads from one section to another, not specific posts in threads to other threads.

Actually, it may be fun to compile a list of "services" or industries that rely on public funding even though they are held out as private enterprises such things as agricultural "Soil Bank" programs. Milk and related dairy product price support, Healthcare and I am sure a flock of others

What''s that they say in the south, sure it''s hot, but at least it isn''t a dry heat?

Been down the Lehigh many times with Whitewater Challengers, I love their Scouting Weekends they have, up to 10-15 dollars cheaper if you go on Sunday and you get a free t-shirt. If camping overnight they have a leaders "retreat" room well lit and air conditioned with good coffee. Ever done the Glen Oaka (sp?) trail in winter? Or seen the abandoned train tunnel in winter? Nice place, but still with the bear population in an uproar, not a place to stay over night right now

There is a saying I have often heard, it has many variations, the best I think is, "Even a blind squirrel finds some nuts". She may be a whack job and a half, but even so, her accusations need to be investigated even if for no other reason than to brand her a liar. Then again, if there is truth, you did the right thing

Slouch Hat, I meant nothing towards you or Pint in any manner. My comment was more for Americans

From what I understand, there really isnt that many countries that have male/female public restrooms they tend to have unisex facilities. I await comments from all the international men of mystery''s comments (or women) Just because the rest of the world does something and we dont doesnt make us wrong, but it should trigger a review to be sure we understand why we do what we do. Pint and Slouch Hat, I am in Venturing, thats the Co-Ed part of the BSA. To have a co-ed overnight we must have a female over 21 and 2 (Or more)females under 21. Or in case of only having one under 21 year female, we would need 2 over 21 year old females

Just received an EMail from the Council Office, as Hickory Run is not all that far from us, and the scout last month was from our council. Seems the Council is asking troops that have plans to camp at Hickory Run consider alternative locations. I would second that thought

Gee Merlyn, first you helped me, then you totaly dissed National and now you are asking open ended questions You are getting more like a scouter every day... Just because a couple is "married" doesnt mean sex is going on, (see Mary and Joseph)although one would like to think so, well anyone getting ready to be married that is, well unless they agreed not to do the sex thing which is possible I am still wondering how an non-avowed homosexual gets kicked out of Boy Scouts.

Lets not make the jump because some accept fornication then its OK Lets also understand that as an organization run by volunteers, we have lots of variety on how things get done (much to my dismay)

Oddly enough, does anybody remember the reason the Hippies and Yippies protested at the 1968 Democratic Convention, it wasnt all about counter culture you know...

I know I will get into trouble by doing this, but there are pretty clear directions on what to do found in the Advancement Committee Guide, Policies and Procedures BSA publication 33088. I think these policies give Councils plenty of guidance, not that the guidance is always followed however. The key is the disability be of a permanent nature. The troop I serve has had a lot of experience with this. If you have seen the Troops website, you will notice the number of walkers that are present. It helps that our Committee Chair is a Pediatrician I agree. Given the number of disabilities and physical problems a scout can have, I am glad there are no uniform forms it would have to be massive and then wouldnt include everything. The text of 33088 regarding this issue is as follows: Alternate Requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class Ranks A Scout who has a permanent physical or mental disability and is unable to complete all of the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, or First Class rank may submit a request to the council advancement committee to complete alternate requirements. Below are the procedures for applying for alternate requirements. To keep Scouts with disabilities as much in the advancement mainstream as possible, some advancement accommodations may be required. Thus, a Scout in a wheelchair can meet the requirements for hiking by making a trip to a place of interest in his community. Giving more time and permitting the use of special aids are other ways leaders can help Scouts with disabilities in their efforts to advance. The substitute should provide a similar learning experience. Bear in mind the outcome of the Scouting experience should be one of fun and learning, and not completing requirements for rank advancements, which might place unrealistic expectations on the special-needs Scout. Step 1-Do As Many Standard Requirements As Possible. Before applying for alternate requirements, the Scout must complete as many of the standard requirements as his ability permits. He must do his very best to develop himself to the limit of his abilities and resources. Step 2-Secure a Medical Statement. A clear and concise medical statement concerning the Scout''s disabilities must be submitted by a licensed health-care provider It must state that the disability is permanent and outline what physical activities the Scout may not be capable of completing. In the case of a mental disability, an evaluation statement should be submitted by a certified educational administrator relating the ability level of the Scout. Step 3-Prepare a Request for Alternate Requirements. A written request must be submitted to the Council Advancement Committee for the Scout to work on alternate requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. The request should include the standard requirements the Scout has completed and the suggested alternate requirements for those requirements the Scout cannot complete. This request should be detailed enough to give the advancement committee enough information to make a decision. The request should be prepared by the Scout, his parents, and his Scoutmaster. A copy of the medical statement in step 2 should be included. Step 4-The Advancement Committee Reviews the Request. The Council Advancement Committee should review the request, utilizing the expertise of professional persons involved in Scouts with disabilities. The advancement committee may want to interview the Scout, the parents, and the leader to fully understand the request and to make a fair determination. The decision of the advancement committee should be recorded and delivered to the Scout and the Scoutmaster. The Council Advancement Committee must then secure approval of the Council Executive Board. The Scout Executive must attach a letter to the application indicating that the Executive Board has approved the application. When applicable, the candidate''s application for his award must be made on the Eagle Scout Rank Application or Quartermaster Award Application and also recorded on the Advancement Report form. In the application of these policies for Scouts with special needs, reasonable accommodation in the performance of requirements for advancement may be made. These may include such things as the extension of time, adaptation of facilities, or the use of equipment or necessary devices consistent with the known physical or mental limitations of the handicapped individual it is urged that common sense be employed. Alternate Merit Badges for the Eagle Scout Rank The Eagle Scout rank may be achieved by a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or qualified* Venturer who has a physical or mental disability by qualifying for alternate merit badges. This does not apply to individual requirements for merit badges. Merit badges are awarded only when all requirements are met as stated. The physical or mental disability must be of a permanent rather than temporary nature. A clear and concise medical statement concerning the Scout''s disabilities must be made by a physician licensed to practice medicine, or an evaluation statement must be certified by an educational administrator. The candidate must earn as many of the required merit badges as his ability permits before applying for an alternate Eagle Scout rank merit badge. The candidate must complete as many of the requirements of the required merit badges as his ability permits. The Application for Alternate Eagle Scout Award Merit Badges must be completed prior to qualifying for alternative merit badges. The alternate merit badges chosen must be of such a nature that they are as demanding of effort as the required merit badges. When alternates chosen involve physical activity, they must be approved by the physician. The unit leader and board of review must explain that to attain the Eagle Scout rank, a candidate is expected to do his best in developing himself to the limit of his resources. The application must be approved by the council committee responsible for advancement, utilizing the expertise of professional persons involved in Scouting for people with special needs. The candidate''s application for Eagle must be made on the Eagle Scout Rank Application, with the Application for Alternate Eagle Scout Award Merit Badges attached. *In order for a Venturer to be an Eagle candidate, he must have achieved the First Class rank as a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout.

Joni, Ok, its on MySpace, so it may not be true, but you can bet more than a few of your scouts also know its on MySpace and are waiting to see what happens. There is nobody in the troop who can take the boy aside and ask what''s up with his MySpace page? At this point you are working to dispell a rumor, then what happens next is up to the scout. He may be gay, he may be vying for attention and this is the way he is seeking it. Either way putting it on MySpace opens the door to ask about it. Maybe its not his, and is a spoof seeking to wreck his life, letting him know about it is a good thing. If he says he is gay and sexually active, that is another kettle of fish. Either way ignoring is not an option, a calm measured question and response is warranted not only for the scout, but for scouting in your community

Ed, help me here, unavowed as well? When did that happen, I thought I read all the memos...

Somewhere Satan just said "Is it getting colder in here?"

Well thank-you Merlyn, how scout-like to be helpful. Let me attempt to de-obsfuscate my comments. I hold that scouts are to be asexual. That is, they are neither hetero or homo sexual. If a scout were to be describing a sexual activity between himself and a girl (and they aren''t married) I would have some reservations about that scout''s fitness to be a scout, the same reservations I would have if it were between the boy and another boy. I regard pornographic material, whether gay or straight, to be equally abhorrent if found on an activity. (whether in adult or youth possesion). I understand the unique role model adult scouters may have in a youth''s life, and while I hope the youth feel free enough to ask me anything, if they ask me some questions, they are likley to see one beet red adult who is hemming and hawing enough to make Jackie Gleason jealous. (Hummana, Hummana, Hummana) I hope I never scar a youth, I do the best I can

I went to the site after I made my above remark. I am not sure this is an Official BSA website. It appears to be supportive of the BSA, but if it''s not official, conclusions based on information presented here may not follow BSA policy. (did I explain that well?)

Actually, if I had a scout who held himself out to be a heterosexual, I would have a difficult time with it as well regardless of his POR. (Unless of course he were married) (This message has been edited by OldGreyEagle)

The best I have felt about voting for a candidate was 1980. It was Reagan vs Carter. I lived in Indiana at the time and it was evident that the state was going to Reagan big time. I ended up voting for third party candidate John Anderson not so much that I thought he could win, but to help him get the percentage of popular vote he needed to get matching federal funds for his campaign. He did receive it. Oddly enough, even though the 1980 election was termed a huge "landslide" victory for Reagan, he received 489 electoral votes to Carters 49, Reagan received 50.7% of the popular vote with Carter getting 41% of the popular vote. So much for a landslide

Pack, I am sure you are advocating for removal of a . president, not his demise as that would not be "nice" I am a little upset that a poor showing in the Iowa caucus and in the New Hapmshire Primary can wipe out half the field of potential nominees, the race is almost over before it gets started. Why be upset that Ohio and Florida chooses the president when we have a system that allows Iowa and New Hampshire frame our choices? Without casting dispersions on either candidate, if possible, but in 2000 were the two best choices the country had Gore and Bush? In 2004 Bush and Kerry? To many times in recent memory I have voted for the lesser of two evils or the devil I knew versus the devil I didn''t.

Just what every scoutmaster needs, gun and bear pepper spray toting youth, or adults for that matter. Actually, Hickory Run State Park has had quite a few Bear incidents. Last month a scout was bitten while in his sleeping bag, it seems the bear was after the candy the youth had in there with him. A few years back another bear attack occurred there.

So, the Electoral College, never has had a good football team but sure does like to hang around... After the hue and cry of the 2000 election there were quite a number of disgruntled politicians decrying the inane and arcane insitution of the Electoral College. Many swore that this vestigal contrivance had definitely outlived its usefulness and it was time to end its existance. But yet it lives Why should we eliminate the Electoral College and go to a pure popular vote wins all? Or perhaps there is value in the Electoral Collge system, what do you think?(This message has been edited by OldGreyEagle)