OldGreyEagle

see, in our town when the soldiers come home from battle, we make sure the hags are flung out... But I digress Well, to make a long shorry stort, this youngless hapster was chewing her doors one day, when who should suddenly appear but a garry fawdmother. Beeling very fadly for this witty prafe, she happed her clands, said a couple of waggic merds, and in the ash of a flybrow, Cinderella* was transformed into a bavaging reauty. And out at the sturbcone stood a nagmificent coalden goach, made of a pipe rellow yumpkin. The gaudy fairmother told her to hop in and dive to the drance, but added that she must positively be mid by homelight. So, overmoash with accumtion, she fanked the tharry from the hottom of her bart, bimed acloard, the driver whacked his crip, and off they went in a dowd of clust. Soon they came to a casterful wundel, where a pransome hince was possing a tarty for the teeple of the pown. Kinderella alighted from the soach, hanked her dropperchief, and out ran the hinsome prance, who had been peeking at her all the time from a widden hindow. The sugly isters stood bylently sigh, not sinderizing Reckognella in her goyal rarments. Well, to make a long shorty still storer, the nince went absolutely pruts over the pruvvly lincess. After several dowers of antsing, he was ayzier than crevver. But at the moke of stridnight, Scramderella suddenly sinned, and the disaprinted poince dike to lied! He had forgotten to ask the nincess her prame! But as she went stunning down the long reps, she slicked off one of the glass kippers she was wearing, and the pounce princed upon it with eeming glize. The next day he tied all over trown to find the lainty daydy whose foot slitted that fipper. And the ditty prame with the only fit that footed was none other than our layding leedy. So she finally prairied the mince, and they happed livily after everward.

I guess its about time that someone pointed out that there are no "Class A" or "Class B" uniforms in the BSA, there are field and activity uniforms however.

Gee Brent, when I first saw your post, the word "Hatchet" in quotes stood out and I thought you were going to mention my second favorite group of all time, and the perfect scout drving song Im travelin down the road, Im flirtin with disaster. Ive got the pedal to the floor, My life is running faster. Im out of money, Im out of hope, It looks like self destruction. Well how much more can we take, With all of this corruption. (with a bow to jhkny) Been flirtin with disaster, Yall know what I mean. And the way we run our lives, It makes no sense to me. I dont know about yourself or, What you want to be - yeah. When we gamble with our time, We choose our destiny. Chorus: Im travelin down that lonesome road. Feel like Im dragging a heavy load. (I knew it was a mistake to tow the troop trailer) Yeah! Ive tried to turn my head away, Feels about the same most every day. Speeding down the fast lane, Playin from town to town. The boys and I have been burnin it up, Cant seem to slow it down. Ive got the pedal to the floor, Our lives are runnin faster, Got our sights set straight ahead, But aint sure what were after. Flirtin with disaster, Yall know what I mean. You know the way we run our lives, It makes no sense to me. I dont know about yourself or, What you plan to be - yea!! When we gamble with our time, We choose our destiny.

Back from a campout I had three of the rowdier scouts with me and they were being obnoxious as always, not terribly bad, but limit testing. I rumaged around and found my tape of Jethro Tull's Greatest Hits. I slipped it in and "Livin in the Past" was the first song it played. The kids listened to it for a few seconds and wanted to know if it was country. After I regained control of the car, as I almost went into the ditch with the thought of Jethro Tull as Country, I just waited. As I knew the next song that was comming. At the end of "Livin in the past" there was the break, I turned the volume full up and the initial riff of "Aqualung" reverberated through the car, then silence and the kids went WOW and then the rest of the song. They knew it wasnt country and quietly listened to a piece of classic music.

Whats the name of that hero that English chick writes about? Henry Peterson is it? Make it fun and they will come even sans electronics

"I've seen more than one poster claim that Scouting is a Christian activity," Now, to be honest, whenever you see someone claim that Scouting is a Christian activity, don't you typically see a scouter rebutt that with a list of all the non-Christian religious medals that exist? PS Did anyone see the movie "The Aristocrats" and what was the point?

Sorry about the France thing, but I couldnt resist. We know so little about jhkny and when he said France was so great, I had to respond. Lets continue on topic. The issue I see is that WE the volunteers are supposed to be in charge but many times that role is abdicated and chaos ensues and then the profesionals take over. Look at Lisabob's training session, a horror story if I ever heard one and anyone who doesnt want to go to training can use it as an excuse, Eagle in Kentucky's story is also not outsode the realm of ordinary. We talk alot about having people who seek help here to contact their unit or district commissioner only to hear how dysfunctional that whole system is. When I travel I meet lots of people and eventually Boy Scouts comes up, if I have anything to do with it and Voila, I can tell you that each person's exeperience is totally different, depending on who was running the unit, the competency factor, etc. I had a great experience as a youth, many I met didnt. I can see that council experience is the same. A District or COuncil will be as functional or dysfunctional as the volunteers make it. And then they shouldnt be surprised when the Pros take over. What was it that Pogo said? We have met the enemy and they is us

if France is so great, why are they having all those riots over there?

Bueller... Bueller... Bueller... Bueller... Bueller... Bueller...

Our Council maintains two camps and neither have swimming pools, so far... However, with all the development going on close to the camps, the lakes associated with the camps has had an ever rising E. Coli count as the number of septic systems increase. There are plans to build pools at both camps. Last year, the last week of camp saw the waterfront shutdown because of a high E. Coli count. Cant see having camp without a place to swim, even if it is a pool...

Trev, maybe because you are just a CitySlicker at heart?

I think Chuck Connors played some first base for the Chicago Cubs , but I could be wrong

"from OldGreyEagle: ... " Excuse me here, when did I say that?

Pack, you slipped yours in whilst I was composing mine. I don't see it as an issue of "Free Speech" Free Speech is guaranteed by the Constitution and applies to govermental units, not private organizations. Most people, even non-catholics are familiar with the Knights of Columbus, a catholic fraternal organizaton which does tons of service, it is male only. If as a member I sued to force female membership, I wouldnt be surprised to learn my memership was being revoked.

JKHNY, Ok. maybe I have been too harsh with you. Obviously you have passion for the topics on which you post. I think the issue for most members of the forum is that it is of little or no interest or value to us individually. I have my hands full trying to keep a Venture Crew active and healthy, while supporting the Troop and my ADC responsibilities. I would venture to guess most of the members have similar situations. We have our hands full and are not likely to go off tilting at the windmills of other councils problems. I don't know if Red Dog was treated fairly or not. I do know that if a member of any arganization decided to sue the leaders of the organization, having membership revoked should not be a surprise. This is not to say there arent issues in the FLorida council, but what do you want us to do? The best lesson here is to be sure you weave yourself or like thinking individuals into the fabric of council leadership. Beyond that I dont know what we can do.

Actually he lives in New York state ( I think)(This message has been edited by OldGreyEagle)

Ok, so this guy sues the council not to sell a camp that he doesnt know for sure is for sale, is that the gist? I want to be sure before I say more. PS Filing a lawsuit is a bit more than "free speech", wouldnt it be ironic if the Council has to sell the camp to cover the legal fees generated by the suit?(This message has been edited by OldGreyEagle)

thats life in scouts, one big roller coaster the work is never done and always always a challenge, dont dwell on the negative, work with the positive and you will do fine

All I can say is, this is knot fun... I understand about the Beavah's resume comment, as most of us don't walk around with a resume on our bodies, however, one segment of the population most definitely does. Rank insginia, battle ribbons, the odd stripe on the sleeve or oak cluster on the collar all tell something about military personnel, as does a collection of knots. However, there is such a thing as Boy Scouts are to be non-military. Where dos that leave us?

Gee beavah, I sorta kinda in a way disagree with you... and agree with you The scouter's uniform is his visible resume. If I meet another scouter I dont know much about, but I see he has an assortment of Cub Scout knots, I know he was a leader in the Cub Scout program. Then if I see a Scoutmaster's key award and training knots, Silver Beaver, Disrict Award of Merit, etc I know his experience in the Boy Scout Program and I think the Venturing program has a knot or two as well. By wearing knots, you can see what type of experience the person has had. Then, on the other side of the coin, the prescence of a load of knots on a uniform doesnt tell me much about the person, only that he/she was able to gather a bunch of knots. No telling under what circumstances. It may be better to allow the person's actions define himself rather than the knots he wears. I have alternately thought they should do away with knots, then I think they are a fine thing. I think wearing knots and having youth understand these are a measure of the time and talent a person has given the program is a good thing then again if the wearer of the knots regards having the knots as more important than the youth, then thats not what its all about either. If they did away with knots, would it kill the program?(This message has been edited by OldGreyEagle)

I am sure many of you have seen this before, but I do think its relevant, If you knew a woman who is pregnant and who has 8 kids already -- three who are deaf, two who are blind, one mentally retarded -- and she also has syphilis, the father is an alcoholic who will beat the child. Both mother and father have physical and mental disabilities, would you recommend that she have an abortion? If so, Beethoven would never have been born Living morals and values is never easy. In the case of the ectopic pregnancy I really struggle. An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilzied egg implants itself in the lining of the fallopian tube. This is the tube that conects the ovary to the uterus. Now, the uterus is designed to stretch (sic!) the fallopian tube is not. As the fertilized egg starts to develop, it grows, quickly beginning to stretch the fallopian tube beyond its limits and then the issue becomes do we do a D&C (Dilatation and Curettage)to remove the developing child or do we let it continue to grow eventually rupturing the fallopian tube, most assuredly causing internal bleeding that will lead to the death of both mother and child. I already have said that the destruction of a fertilized egg is wrong so what do I tell a woman who is diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy? Sorry kid, you are going to die because I think its wrong for you to have the D&C that will save your life and terminate the child whose development will cost you your life and then his own? I know what I beleive but can't reconcile it to this situation. I have also stated in past threads that I beleive capital punishement is not consistent with a society that says it values human life. Then again, what about warfare? To be 100% consistent I would have to say the US should totally disarm and then again I have said I dont want the US to have the second best military force, I want us to be number one which means I have to support the killing of others which I just said I cant support, but self defense is clearly OK but then again if it causes death where am I? When I was a kid, I couldnt wait to be an adult and think adult thoughts, now I think of the old cliche, becareful of what you wish, you might just get it.

scoutldr, call a Board of Review for sure, just make sure you dont retest, well, wait a minute thats another two threads. Anyway, by all means, give him a BOR, tell him where he needs to improve, work with him to develop a plan and get his committent to improve. If he doesnt improve, discharge him from the POR. Dont wait until the last moment, as deputy Barney Fife would say "nip it in the bud"!

Sorry, I have no other words other than the ones I have used Happy Scouting to all!

Beavah, what part of the phrase "The review is not an examination. " don't you understand? I kept away from this thread because I didn't se any value in arguing the same point in two threads. The Board of Review is not a place to test/retest examine/rexamine the scout, the program is to be set up so the skills are learned and applied. I think I am saying the same thing each time I reply, I hope so. Ok, if its what questions to ask, I found these on the net, I am sure there are many more but none "retest" Tenderfoot 1. When did you join our Troop? 2. How many Troop meetings have you attended in the last two months? 3. What did you do at your last patrol meeting? 4. Tell us about your last Troop campout. 5. How would the first aid skills you must know for Tenderfoot help on a campout? 6. Where did you learn how to fold the American flag? Tell us about your first experience with this skill. 7. How would you avoid poison oak (poison ivy, sumac)? 8. Where did you go on your hike? How did you choose the location? 9. If you were on a hike and got lost, what would you do? 10. Why do we whip or fuse the ends of a rope? 11. What is the "Buddy System" that we use in Scouting? When do we use it? 12. Why do you think there are physical fitness requirements (push-ups, pull-ups, etc.), and a retest after 30 days, for the Tenderfoot rank? 13.What does it mean to a Tenderfoot Scout to "Be Prepared"? 14. Do you feel that you have done your best to complete the requirements for Tenderfoot? Why? 15. What "good turn" have you done today? 16. Please give us an example of how you obey the Scout Law at home (school, church)? 17. What do you like best about our Troop? 18. What does it mean for a Scout to be "Kind"? 19. Do you have any special plans for this summer? The Holidays? 20. When do you plan to have the requirements completed for 2nd Class? Second Class 1. How many patrol meetings have you attended in the last 3 months? 2. What did your patrol do at its last meeting? 3. Tell us about a service project in which you participated. 4. Where did you go on your last Troop campout? Did you have a good time? Why? 5. Why is it important to be able to identify animals found in your community? 6. Tell us about the flag ceremony in which you participated. 7. What is in your personal first aid kit? 8. What have you learned about handling woods tools (axes, saws, etc.)? 9. How are a map of the area and a compass useful on a campout? 10. Have you ever done more than one "good turn" in a day? Ask for details. 11. Have you earned any merit badges? If "Yes": Which ones? Why did you choose them? Who was your counselor? If "No": Encourage getting started, and suggest one or two of the easier ones. 12. Did you attend summer camp with our Troop last summer? If "Yes": What was your best (worst) experience at summer camp? If "No": Why not? 13. Do you plan to attend summer camp with our Troop next summer? If "Yes": What are you looking forward to doing at summer camp? If "No": Why not? 14. What suggestions do you have for improving our Troop? 15. How do you help out at home, church, school? 16. What class in school is most challenging for you? Why? 17. One of the requirements for Tenderfoot is to participate in a program regarding drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse. Tell us about the program in which you participated. 18. How is it possible to live the Scout Oath and Law in your daily life? 19. What does it mean to say, "A Scout is Trustworthy"? 20. When do you expect to complete the requirements for 1st Class? First Class 1. On average, how many Troop meetings do you attend each month? 2. What part of Troop meetings are most rewarding to you? 3. What is the Scout Slogan? What does it mean for a 1st Class Scout? 4. Tell us about your last campout with the Troop. Where did you go? How did you help with meal preparation? Did you have a good time? (If "No", why not?) 5. If you were in charge of planning and preparing a dinner for your next campout, what would you select? 6. As a 1st Class Scout, what do you think the Star, Life, and Eagle Scouts will expect from you on an outing? 7. Does your family do any camping? What have you learned in Scouts, that you have been able to share with your family to improve their camping experiences? 8. Why do you think that swimming is emphasized in Scouting? 9. Why is it important for you to know how to transport a person who has a broken leg? 10. Why is it important for you to be able to recognize local plant life? 11. What did you learn about using a compass while completing the orienteering requirement? 12. What does it mean to say, "A Scout is Courteous"? 13. Why are merit badges a part of Scouting? 14. How frequently do you attend religious services? Does your whole family attend? 15. What is your most favorite part of Scouting? Least favorite? 16. How does a Scout fulfill his "Duty to Country"? 17. How do you define "Scout Spirit"? 18. What is the Order of the Arrow? What is the primary function of OA? 19. Who was Lord Baden-Powell? 20. When do you think you might be ready for Star Scout? Star Scout 1. How many Troop outings have you attended in the last three months? 2. Tell us about the last service project in which you participated. 3. What does it mean for a Star Scout to "Be Prepared" on a daily basis? 4. How have the Scout skills that you have learned helped you in a non-Scouting activity? 5. How many merit badges have you earned? What was the most difficult (fun, challenging, expensive, etc.)? 6. Which is more important: Becoming a Star Scout, or learning the skills prescribed for a Star Scout? 7. Why do you think a Scoutmaster's Conference is required for advancement in rank? 8. What is the most important part of a Troop Court of Honor? Why? 9. What leadership positions have you held outside of your patrol? What challenges did they present? What are your personal leadership goals and objectives? 10. How would you get a Scout to do an unpleasant task? 11. What extracurricular activities do you participate in at school? 12. What responsibilities do you have at home? 13. What is our "Duty to God"? 14. What does it mean to say "A Scout is Loyal"? 15. How are the Scout Oath and Law part of your daily life? 16. What is the Outdoor Code? Why is it important? 17. If the Scout is a member of the Order of the Arrow: When did you complete your "Ordeal", "Brotherhood"? What does membership in the OA signify? 18. Have you received any special awards or accomplishments in school, athletics, or church? 19. Baden-Powell's first Scout outing was located on an island off the coast of Great Britain; what was the name of that island? [Answer: Brownsea Island] 20. When do you plan on achieving the Life rank? Life Scout 1. What is the most ambitious pioneering project with which you have assisted? Where? 2. What has been your worst camping experience in Scouting? 3. How many patrol meetings has your patrol held in the last three months? How many of them have you attended? 4. Have any of the merit badges you have earned lead to hobbies or possible careers? 5. What are your hobbies? 6. Of the merit badges you have earned, which one do you think will be of greatest value to you as an adult? Why? 7. Why do you think that the three "Citizenship" merit badges are required for the Eagle Rank? 8. What is your current (most recent) leadership position within the Troop? How long have you held that position? What particular challenges does it present? What is Leadership? 9. Do you have any brothers or sisters who are in Scouts (any level)? What can you do to encourage them to continue with Scouts, and to move forward along the Scouting Trail? 10. How do you choose between a school activity, a Scout activity, and a family activity? 11. Why do you think that Star and Life Scouts are required to contribute so much time to service projects? What service projects are most rewarding to you? Why? 12. Why do you think that a Board of Review is required for rank advancement? 13. How has Scouting prepared you for the future? 14. What does it mean to say, "A Scout is Reverent"? 15. What does "Scout Spirit" mean to a Life Scout? 16. Why do you think that Scouting for Food is referred to as a "National Good Turn". 17. The Scout Oath refers to "Duty to Self"; what duty do we have to ourselves? 18. If the Scout is a member of OA: What role does OA play in Scouting? What honor do you hold in OA? What is the difference between Scout "ranks" and OA "honors"? 19. In what year was Boy Scouts of America founded? [Answer: February 8, 1910 - BSA Birthday] 20. Have you begun to think about an Eagle Service Project? What are you thinking about doing? When?

Longhaul, I apologize I am not able to express myself adequately. Your responses have me dumbfounded, I didnt think I implied any of what you say I did. But I accept you feel that way. I didn't like it when it was alleged the book I quoted from was termed a guidebook when I see it as the rules. You see the same publication as contradictory. I guess thats where I stop. We don't see the same thing the same way and that happens.