OldGreyEagle

This may be off the subject, but I thought LaserTag and games like paintball were not permitted by BSA policy, at least thats what I have been told by my Scoutmaster. Is it permitted or not and is there a specific policy I can point to? I wanna play tooo!!!!!!!!

Our troop has had good success with a First years week-end. It starts on Sat morning where an older scout goes over the criteria for selecting a campsite, then the kids pitch their tent. After that, another older scouts go over the oath and law with them until they can recite it ( the new kids). Then they cook themselves lunch. The afternoon has a round robin of stations such as fire building, knots, toten chip and compass. Then they make dinner. After dinner its free time until a campfire and lights out. On sunday morning they cook berak fast and we leave. Quite a number of requirements may be met on this week end and the kids love to see the initials grow on the sign off page. We take a minimal "training staff" of older scouts to guide the new guys, but let the new guys flounder a bit as well. The new kids love being on their own and when they camp with the whole troop they know they can set up a tent and cook a meal.(This message has been edited by OldGreyEagle)

this is awfully long, I would just post the site I got it from, but I dont remember It is from 1916 about what a scout is, like I said, it may be long, but in a church setting I think it would be powerful to hear what was expected of a scout then and what we expect now A SCOUT: He enjoys a hike through the woods more than he does a walk over the city's streets. He can tell north or south or east or west by the "signs." He can tie a knot that will hold, he can climb a tree which seems impossible to others, he can swim a river, he can pitch a tent, he can mend a tear in his trousers, he can tell you which fruits and seeds are poisonous and which are not, he can sight nut-bearing trees from a distance; he can reef a sail or take his trick at the wheel, and can pull an oar or use paddles and sculls; he knows the stars by name and can find his way by them; he can identify birds and animals and fish and knows the ways and habitat of each. A scout walks through the woods with silent tread. No dry twigs snap under his feet and no loose stones turn over and throw him off his balance. His eyes are keen and he sees many things that others do not see. He sees tracks and signs which reveal to him the nature and habits of the creatures that made them. He knows how to stalk birds and animals and study them in their natural haunts. He sees much, but is little seen. A scout, like an old frontiersman, does not shout his wisdom from the housetops. He possesses the quiet power that comes from knowledge. He speaks softly and answers questions modestly. He knows a braggart but he does not challenge him, allowing the boaster to expose his ignorance by his own loosewagging tongue. A scout holds his honor to be his most precious possession, and he would die rather than have it stained. He knows what is his duty and all obligations imposed by duty he fulfills of his own free will. His sense of honor is his only taskmaster, and his honor he guards as jealously as did the knights of old. In this manner a scout wins the confidence and respect of all people. A scout can kindle a fire in the forest on the wettest day and he seldom uses more than one match. When no matches can be bad he can still have a fire, for he knows the secret of the rubbing sticks used by the Indians, and he knows how to start a blaze with only his knife blade and a piece of flint. He knows, also, the danger of forest fires, and he kindles a blaze that will not spread. The fire once started, what a meal he can prepare out there in the open! just watch him and compare his appetite with that of a boy who lounges at a lunch counter in a crowded city. He knows the unwritten rules of the campfire and he contributes his share to the pleasures of the council. He also knows when to sit silent before the ruddy embers and give his mind free play. A scout practices self-control , for he knows that men who master problems in the world must first master themselves. He keeps a close guard on his temper and never makes a silly spectacle of himself by losing his head. He keeps a close guard on his tongue, for he knows that loud speech is often a cloak to ignorance, that swearing is a sign of weakness, and that untruthfulness shatters the confidence of others. He keeps a close guard on his appetite and eats moderately of food which will make him strong; he never uses alcoholic liquors because he does not wish to poison his body; he desires a clear, active brain, so he avoids tobacco. A scout never flinches in the face of danger, for he knows that at such a time every faculty must be alert to preserve his safety and that of others. He knows what to do in case of fire, or panic, or shipwreck; he trains his mind to direct and his body to act. In all emergencies he sets an example of resourcefulness coolness, and courage, and considers the safety of others before that of himself. He is especially considerate of the helpless and weak. A scout can make himself known to a brother scout wherever he may be by a method which only scouts can know. He has brothers in every city in the land and in every country in the world. Wherever he goes he can give his signs and be assured of a friendly welcome. He can talk with a brother scout without making a sound or he can make known his message by imitating the click of a telegraph key. A scout is kind to everything that lives. He knows that horses, dogs, and cats have their rights and he respects them. A scout prides himself upon doing "good turns," and no day in his life is complete unless he has been of aid to some person. A scout does not run away or call for help when an accident occurs. If a person is cut he knows how to stop the flow of blood and gently and carefully bind up the wound. If a person is burned his knowledge tells him how to alleviate the suffering. If any one is dragged from the water unconscious, a Scout at once sets to work to restore respiration and circulation. He knows that not a minute can be lost. A scout knows that people expect more of him than they do of other boys and he governs his conduct so that no word of reproach can truthfully be brought against the great brotherhood to which he has pledged his loyalty. He seeks always to make the word " Scout" worthy of the respect of people whose opinions have value. He wears his uniform worthily. A scout knows his city as well as he knows the trails in the forest. He can guide a stranger wherever he desires to go, and this knowledge of short-cuts saves him many needless steps. He knows where the police stations are located, where the fire-alarm boxes are placed, where the nearest doctor lives, where the hospitals are, and which is the quickest way to reach them. He knows the names of the city officials and the nature of their duties. A scout is proud of his city and freely offers his services when he can help. A scout is a patriot and is always ready to serve his country at a minute's notice. He loves Old Glory and knows the proper forms of offering it respect. He never permits its folds to touch the ground. He knows how his country is governed and who are the men in high authority. He desires a strong body, an alert mind, and an unconquerable spirit, so that he may serve his country in any need. He patterns his life after those of great Americans who have had a high sense of duty and who have served the nation well. A scout chooses as his motto "Be Prepared," and he seeks to prepare himself for anything-to rescue a companion, to ford a stream, to gather firewood, to help strangers, to distinguish right from wrong, to serve his fellowmen, his country, and his God -- always to "Be Prepared."

NONE

I was gonna do a poll, then I thought, wait, I promised I wouldnt do that, so I wont. But what I will do is ask a question and I would like a one word response. There are plenty of threads to expound on your feelings/stand/convicitons/etc. Or you may of course start your own thread. BTW, I will only "really " count names on this forum that I recognize, I dont wanna be freeped again. so here goes, How many applications from avowed homosexuals has your troop received? (This message has been edited by OldGreyEagle)

Brad, I may be so immersed in the system that I dont see the whole picture, but can you give me an example of where teachers keep parents from being involved? Since my son is in Special Education, we have an IEP every year (Individual Education Plan where his educational goals are reviwed and discussed and as Special Ed parents we are intensely close to his teachers. This may not be the norm in mainstream classes so this could be going on and I would never know it, but what do I look for?

I am not sure I understand the issue Doug. How would you want to see an appeal process handled? I agree that an appeal is the last thing anyone would want to see, but how should the process work?

Pass him, he is trying and you said he improved.

TJ, Perhaps it would have been just better to say that I believe a national program has to have national standards While I disagree with the homosexual policy I see so much inate good in the program that I dont want to leave. My country also doesnt always follow my values but I am not planning on moving out anytime soon because the amount of time I agree with it far outweighs when I disagree. Its the same with Scouts and me (This message has been edited by OldGreyEagle)(This message has been edited by OldGreyEagle)

I agree there has to be national policy and we all must follow it. If "local discretion" becomes the norm, how long before rank and merit badge requirements are open to local interrpretation. The ranks mean something because of natonal uniformity. Why are there ACT and SAT tests? SO colleges can get a grip on the knowledge base of students because not all A's mean the same thing. I would hate to see BSA go the way of modern education with grade "inflation"

I am not sure I am following this thread. Are you guys (& girls) saying that its ok for an older kid to be in a younger age bracket sports program because it happens all the time? And at this point in the season (that is late) it is of no use to take the kid out of the league? I want to be sure I understand

Just so you dont think I have gotten soft dad, and far be it from me to pick on one of your postings, but..... I do think it was rather sexist to single out gentlemen. Dont the ladies have to take care of the men? In a brave new equal rights world concocted by the feminists, men derserve our share of chocolate, not in the shape of hearts, but of hammers and power tools(This message has been edited by OldGreyEagle)

Why do you need a driver's license to buy liquor when you can't drink and drive? Why isn't phonetic spelled the way it sounds? Why are there interstate highways in Hawaii? Why are there flotation devices under plane seats instead of parachutes? Why are cigarettes sold in gas stations when smoking is prohibited there? Do you need a silencer if you are going to shoot a mime? Have you ever imagined a world with no hypothetical situations? How does the guy who drives the snowplow get to work in the mornings? If 7-11 is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, why are there locks on the doors? If a cow laughed, would milk come out her nose? If nothing ever sticks to TEFLON®, how do they make TEFLON® stick to the pan? If you tied buttered toast to the back of a cat and dropped it from a height, what would happen? If you're in a vehicle going the speed of light, what happens when you turn on the headlights? You know how most packages say "Open here". What is the protocol if the package says, "Open somewhere else"? Why do they put Braille dots on the keypad of the drive-up ATM? Why do we drive on parkways and park on driveways? Why is it that when you transport something by truck, it's called a shipment, but when you transport something by ship, it's called cargo? You know that little indestructible black box that is used on planes, why can't they make the whole plane out of the same substance? Why is it that when you're driving and looking for an address, you turn down the volume on the radio? I don't believe in reincarnation, but I did in my past life.

I am not aware of any restriciton about an adult wearing a neckerchief, at the naiotnal jamboree all adult leaders were expected to wear our neckerchiefs at the shows. You may try a few acceptable alternatives such as a scout tie, I have a red one with the fleur de lis and the scout law on it. Or perhaps a bolo or weatern style string tie, lots of very alternatives avaiblible check your scout store or catolog

"Why cant there be inter family and animal marriages (though there is no real need for animals because they dont have rights)" Dad, Dad, Dad, Dad, Dad Animals TOO SO have rights, dont you keep up with PETA?

I am truly sorry Le Voyageur feels this way. Dad, if you are as confused reading the above post as you were reading mine confronting your debating style, I apologize. I apologize becasue Le Voyageurs posting truly confuses me. Of all the things we collectively and individually may be accused of, IMHO, I never thought being mainstream would be one of them. On the other hand this may be the only time Rooster, CJ, Dad, Sctmom and I , et al are ever placed in the same category on any subject.(This message has been edited by OldGreyEagle)

Scouting gave me time with my father when I was a scout and I made Eagle. My son and I have shared many adventures and when he made Eagle, I was so proud He is an ADD and Dyslexic student with a urinary stoma making it necessary to sleep with a drainage bag. He is a visual learner and is good at plant and animal track identification and knots. He took JLTC and then was askled to be on staff at the next JLTC. He knows his contributions are sought, not something he would readily find in the academic arena. A shy kid, he was SPL for six months and overcame his fear of public speaking,(he also has a dis-fluency problem with his speech)as he lead scout meetings. I dont know of another program that would have given him all that scouting has.(This message has been edited by OldGreyEagle)

Le Voyageur, you whacky guy, I thought for sure you were serious, but then I remembered a statement you made from the Program section under the thread "Some things got to go" "Third, nope, I haven't been chastised, I like pushing hot buttons, comes from being a C.O.P.E. Director. It's a great way to get a quick look into the dynamics of a new group" So, you are pushing hot buttons again and doing a good job, enjoy!

Public School advocate here. At one time I would have preferred a catholic education for my son, but more than one catholic school saw he was ADD and dyslexic and told me they had no place for him. Think of that, All the parochial schools (in every sense of the word) want is great students they can place in high academic places and then brag about how great their programs are, but I digress I advocate Public Schools because children with special needs are not going to be able to get a private education unless Dad is loaded, (which I am not). I advocate Public Schools because it is there the student gets a real sense of who makes up his community and that there are people REALLY different from them in his community and he learns how to relate/deal with them. I know there are things taught in the schools I dont always agree with, but I feel he has a solid enough foundation at home to know what his/our values are. Oh, and if it sounds like I am rationalizing, perhaps I am, since neither my wife nor I could teach a dyslexic how to read, but the school system can. If I wanted to home school, how would I even start?(This message has been edited by OldGreyEagle)(This message has been edited by OldGreyEagle)(This message has been edited by OldGreyEagle)

Welcome YoungBlood Always glad to have another perspective on board. I have to tell you I respect your father for his devotion and passion to both scouts and his faith. And as you probably know or will see, he and I dont always agree on issues, but I would be proud to call him a friend.

No I didnt know that Jesus forgave the food laws, when did he do this? It couldnt have been when he was alive as the reson for the food laws still existed long long after his Ascension. Good point, and you are correct. You see, you appear to have really known more than you claimed have to know and when you knew it. Busted! Hehehe I am not sure how my response qualifies as me being "busted", You will have to edify me. I did not know that Jesus retracted the "food laws", and I couldnt imagine him doing it while he was alive. Glenn, rather than poking fun and insulting gave me the reference I needed and now I undestand. Glenn, thank you for acting scoutlike And yes I was in the seminary, but the fact I am a roman catholic and have a son who is an Eagle should tell you that I was a pretty lousy theology student who might not have been as attentive in class as I should have been and wasnt real "priest" material. I did miss a lot and have regretted it ever since

Dad, with all your knowledge and powers, there is one thing you cant do and that is know what I know. You may know more, but its still not what I know, ya know? No I didnt know that Jesus forgave the food laws, when did he do this? It couldnt have been when he was alive as the reson for the food laws still existed long long after his Ascension.

I have always wondered about the following passages: Leviticus 11:6-7 "the hare, which indeed chews the cud, but does not have hoofs and is therefore unclean for you; and the pig which does indeed have hoofs and is therefore unclean for you" Leviticus 11:12 "Every water creature that lacks fins or scales is loathesome for you" Leviticus 17:14 "Since the life of every living body is its blood, I have told the Israelites: You shall not partake of the blood of any meat I just wiped out eating all pork products and I am not sure my wife will buy I cant take her out for Valentines Day for Lobster and a nice medium rare prime rib because its against the Bible. I am open to explanations,

"Does the bible mention slavery? Yes. Does it endorse it? No." Rooster, I know you to be a righteous man, how do you interpet the following? Leviticus 25:44-46 "Slaves, male and female, you may indeed possess, provided you buy them from the neighboring nations. Yoy may also buy them from amoung the aliens who reside with you and from their children who are born and reared in your land. Such slaves you may own as chattels, and leave to your sons as your heriditary property, making them perpetual slaves.But you shall not lord it over any of the Isaelites, your kinsmen. If not an endorsement, I would like to know what this is.(This message has been edited by OldGreyEagle)

oh, my bad