OldGreyEagle

At some point, the scout has a responsibility to communicate with his parents. If he is not interested in doing so, why is he still in scouting? If advancement is the scouts responsibility (and it is) how more of a leap is it for the scout to be sure his parents know about the events (outings) that give him the best opportunities for advancement? We can talk about how scrwed up National BSA is and it is, we can talk about how some troops are "mills" and the old boy network that runs many councils but the single biggest factor that will kill scouting is non-involvement by parents, or guardians. We are not paid staff of the Chartering organization nor do we have a budget to run the program unless the money comes from the program (youth) and that seems to get missed by many parental units. Volunteerism seems to be lost on Generation X (pretty broad statment and I speak antedotely) and that will cause plenty of problems in a lot of volunteer organizations, BSA just being one

this sounds like the old joke about food on a Sea Cruise Buffet, it tastes terrible and there is so little of it. The badges are either good or bad, they can't be both

I think the association with the word "pervert" is quite a good one. A mill is anyone who has better sucess than you, if you measure success by rank advancements or number of Eagles a year. I have been with the troop I serve for about 13 years now, in that time we have been labeled an Eagle Mill but I understand we are ok right now, from what I have heard. The time period when were were an "Eagle Mill" was when we had a terrific active camping program and a bunch of charismatic scouts and a bunch of enthusiastic adults. Incredibly enough, during that time we usually had in excess of 60 scouts and were having 8-12 Eagle courts of honor a year. Since then the active charismatic scouts aged out, enthusiastic parents left with their sons and now we have 30 + in the troop. The current group is not near as excited about hiking up to Sunfish Pond at the Delaware Water Gap, we now have 3-4 Eagle courts a year, sometimes less. I don't see the philosophy of the troop as changing much, the program is there, its up to the boys to use it and yea, I might not have the energy I did nor do some of the other leaders but I do not think we were ever a mill.

this is one the boys came up with after the first time we did "Who is the Scoutmaster", one word of caution, this skit needs constant revision. You can tell when this one was written and would not near be as funny or well received if done today as it was when it was first performed. Take a look at is, change it, come up with your own scenarios. A hint to the older scouters, that which is on CAPITALS are the name of singers or musical groups. If your troop likes country, go that direction, punk goes another or whatever you have. The first time the troop did this skit, the youth (under 25) were rolling in the aisles, the old guys were like "huh? What? WHy is that funny? For many its the first time the skit was written for them, not recycled through 10 or 15 times or more. So, without further ado, I present, Whats the Name of this CD? Scout 1: Hey Walter (or other name), how are you doing? Scout 2: Fine, You know I really like Summer Camp, but I miss being in touch with music Scout 1: Yeah, I know what you mean, but the guys in my troop try to find things related to music all around us Scout 2: How do you do that? Scout 1: Well, its like at the trading post, whatever the total I always give them 5 cents more than the total so I can get a NICKELBACK, Scout 2: Whoa NELLY, thats pretty good, you like always buying a candy bar that costs 2 quarters ? Scout 1: Yeah, thats 50 Cent, Hey you kids in the front row, quit talking and behave like scouts Scout 2: Yeah, do we have to call for an USHER to throw you out? Scout 1: Can you believe the menu? BLACK EYED PEAS three days in a row Scout 2: Yeah, thats not right, thats stupid, its outrageous, its LUDICRIS! Did you see those dumplings they made? They looked more like a LIMP BIZKIT than anything else Scout 1: And if your in a hurry Whats that? Scout 2: Oh easy, RUSH, Scout 1: I heard a kid in your troop is really homesick, he woke up last night screaming Scout 2: Yeah, he doesnt think anybody likes him and feels like an OUTKAST Scout 1: You know what we call the glow of the fire after the flames die down? Scout 2: EVANESCENCE? Scout 1: When the sun rises they say day breaks Scout 2: And when the sun sets, THE DARKNESS falls Scout 1: Sure are a lot of bugs around here, do you have any repellent? Scout 2: Sure I do, its 12 percent deet, they call it D-12, repells anything Scout 1: I would love to pull a prank on your father, the scoutmaster Scout 2: Give it up, no way you can TRICK DADDY Scout 1: Did you hear the Houston Rockets starters (or other basketball teams) all went sailing together after the season? They got in some bad weather though and went through a series ofstorms, they ended up on an unchartered desert island Scout 2: Ok, that explains the Head line, Typhoons MAROON 5 Scout 1: I really like the Camp Director this year, he is a really nice guy Scout 2: Yeah, I know what you mean, You could say he is a PRINCE among men I hear the flies a JET in the Air National Guard Scout 1: Hey, I just got a letter from home, my mom judges show dogs as a hobby Scout 2: She does? Thats neat, what breed of Dog ? Scout 1: Yeah, her specialty is the Spaniel breed, you know like Cocker Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, Irish water Spaniel, those kinds of dogs There was quite an stir at the National Spaniel Show last month my mom says Scout 2: What happened? Scout 1: Well, the headline in Spaniels Monthly says it all, BRITTANY SPEARS Number one rank I am not sure about the E-Con Director though Did you hear next year he is are combining the Space Exploration merit badge with Environmental Science next year year Scout 2: Dont tell me, for three days you have to observe an ALIEN ANT FARM Scout 1: Well, watching ants, even alien ones wouldnt be as bad as watching bees, those things hurt when they STING, By the way, what happened to your shirt? Its awful dirty, did you get in a mud fight? Scout 2: Oh,no it got STAIND in a PUDDLE OF MUD while I as running through LINKIN PARK it was feeding time at the zoo and I wanted to see the GORRILLAZ eat Scout 1: I am not sure about the Camp EMT either Scout 2: Hows That Scout 1: I got a bug in my eye and it hurt, he said I should just flush it out with my own tears Scout 2: You mean he wanted you to cry? Scout 1: No, not cry, but open and close my eyes real fast Scout 2: Oh I see, he wanted you to BLINK 182 times a minutes Scout 1: I guess the Staff/Leader Soccer game got a little out of hand last night Scout 2: Yeah, I hear 3 staff members were issued a YELLOWCARD Scout 1: What do you call your neighbor next to the guy three houses from you, Scout 2: Thats, easy, he is THREE DOORS DOWN Scout 3: Hey what are you guys talking about? Scout 2: Ryan here is telling me how to keep music in mind by using musical group names in general conversation Scout 3: Oh no, not U-2 !!! (turns to the audience) Heres one we all can do, If a guy who works with silver is called a silver smith, and a guy who works with gold is a goldsmith then a guy who works with arrows is an: (waits) AEROSMITH (they get ready to leave the stage) Scout 1: Hey, did you think this skit was funny? Scout 2: I am not sure, I just think the camp director is happy we didnt mention BARE NAKED LADIES (Walk off ) be sure to have the boys write this about 2 weeks before presenting, otherwise things could get lost

Needed Material Boys Life Letter A can of SPAM wrapped in newspaper Big Cardboard Cut-Out of an Hourglass (3ft tall) Blue Towel Chair Announcer: We have just created a new product for Boy Scouts, we call it 'The Scoutmaster 1.0'. A fully animatronic scoutmaster with a built-in computer system that can do everything a normal scoutmaster can do, but Better! (walks off) (scouts 1-3 come in carrying Scoutmaster 1.0 (Scoutmaster 1.0 pretends to be 'turned off' by having his head down and slumping forward) Scout 1: It's here it's here! our new Scoutmaster! Scout 2: Power it up! (scout 1 pretends to push a button on Its chest) (Scoutmaster 1.0 stands up straight and looks at the scouts) Scoutmaster 1.0: Hello Scouts (everything he says is robotic sounding and monotone) Scouts 1-3: Yes! Scoutmaster 1.0: You've Got Mail! Scouts 1-3: Cool! (Scoutmaster 1.0 hands scout 1 the Boys Life, scout 2 the letter, and scout 3 the can of SPAM in the newspaper) Scout 1: I got my Boys Life! Cool! (walks off) Scout 2: I got a letter from my mom! (walks off) (scout 3 rips off the newspaper) Scout 3: (disappointedly) I got Spam!!! (he shows the audience the can and walks off with his head down) (Scouts 4-6 run up) Scouts 4-6: Scoutmaster! Scoutmaster! Scoutmaster 1.0: What's wrong scouts? Scout 4: There's a man coming to our campsite! Scout 5: Yeah, a weird man! What do we do? Scout 6: Look here he comes! (he points) (Scoutmaster 1.0 moves the scouts behind him) Scoutmaster 1.0: Don't worry scouts, I'll handle this (wierd man starts to walk in) Weird Man: Hi there! I was wondering if i could borrow some firewood (Scoumaster 1.0 charges toward him and pretends to punch weird man in the face, weird man falls down and stays there the rest of the skit) Scouts 4-6: WOW!! (scoutmaster 1.0 walks back towards the scouts) Scoutmaster 1.0: You're safe now scouts! Now go have fun! (scouts 4-6 run off) (scout 7 runs in holding his arm) Scout 7: Scoutmaster! Scoutmaster! Help me I cut my arm! Scoutmaster 1.0: Is it Bleeding? Scout 7: Yes it is, now help me! Scoutmaster 1.0: Let me think... (Scoutmaster 1.0 picks up the Hourglass and turning it over and over for 15 or so seconds) (scoutmaster 1.0 puts the Hourglass down) Scoutmaster 1.0: Is it bleeding badly? Scout 7: Yes! Yes, it's bleeding very badly now help me! (scout 7 is now on the ground in pain) Scoutmaster 1.0: Let me think... (scoutmaster 1.0 picks up the Hourglass again and repeats what he did before) (scoutmaster 1.0 puts the Hourglass down) Scoutmaster 1.0: You need first aid! Now! Uploading First Aid Program. (scouts 1-3 run back in) Scouts 1-3: Help us! Scoutmaster 1.0: What's wrong scouts? Scout 1: Help! Jimmy fell out of the tree! Scout 2: Drew's boat sank and he can't swim! Scout 3: What do we do? (scouts 1-3 continue to ask him 'Help us' and 'What do we do' over and over) Scoutmaster 1.0: OVERLOAD! OVERLOAD! OVERLOAD! SCOUTMASTER SHUTTING DOWN...... (Scoutmaster 1.0 goes back to the 'turned off' position) Scouts 1-3: OH NO! What do we do! Scout 2: I know! Let's re-boot him! Scouts 1 and 3: Yeah! (they sit the scoutmaster down, take off his boots and put them back on) Scoutmaster 1.0: Hello Scouts! Scouts 1-3: Yes! It worked! Scoutmaster 1.0: Illegal shut down detected! Scanning for viruses... Scouts 1-3: No! Scout 1: What do we do now! Scout 2: We need his Help! Scoutmaster 1.0: ONE PERCENT Scout 3: Come on now! This is taking forever! Scout 2: Hey don't you know a thing about computers? Scout 1: Yeah, but I don't know what to do here! Scoutmaster 1.0: TWO PERCENT Scout 2: How do we make him stop that so he can help us! Scout 1: I don't know! Didn't you read the manual? Scout 2: No I thought you did! Scoumaster 1.0: THREE PERCENT Scout 3: This isn't working! Scout 1: Oh I remember! You push the F4 Key! Scouts 2-3: Yeah! (they all push scoutmaster 1.0's nose at the same time) Scoutmaster 1.0: Hello scouts! Scouts 1-3: Yes! Scoutmaster 1.0: How cacacacaca can I I I I hehehe help yo yo (he says it like he is malfunctioning) (scoutmaster 1.0 picks up the blue towel and puts it over himself covering his face) Scouts 1-3: OH NO!!! IT'S THE BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH!!!! (scouts 1-3 run out of the area) THE END!

Who is the Scoutmaster? this is something we came up with, it does take more than minimum preparation, but is a real knee-slapper The skit begins with a uniformed Scout/Scouter standing on stage when another person enters the stage, preferably wearing a hat with the word PRESS written on an index card and placed in the hat band. Reporter: Are you the representative of Troop XXX in XXX? Scout: Yes sir. Are you the reporter I am supposed to meet? Reporter: Yes I am. My paper thinks a story on your troop would be interesting, its supposed to be very unique. Scout: Yes, after all, we are the finest troop in XXX Council! Reporter: Well, I am glad you are proud of your troop, now tell me about the leaders. Scout: Lets see now, WHO is the Scoutmaster, WHAT is the Senior Patrol Leader and I DONT KNOW, the Quartermaster. Reporter: Well thats just great. I dont think you are the right person for this. Scout: And Why not? Reporter: Do you know the leaders names or not? Scout: Yes I do. Reporter: OK, then who is the Scoutmaster? Scout: Yes. Reporter: I mean the guys name. Scout: WHO. Reporter: Who is your Scoutmaster? Scout: Right. Reporter: Wait, Repeat what you just said. Scout: WHO is the Scoutmaster. Reporter: Youre asking me? Scout: I am not asking you, I am telling you , WHO is the Scoutmaster. Reporter: But I am asking, Who is the Scoutmaster? Scout: Thats the mans name. Reporter: Thats whose name? Scout: Yes. Reporter: Well, out with it, tell me Scout: WHO. Reporter: The Scoutmaster. Scout: WHO is the Scoutmaster. Reporter: I can see I am getting nowhere with this. Scout: I am answering your questions honestly. Reporter: Hey, I was a scout once. Made it to star when a boy is ready to advance a rank, he has a Scoutmaster Conference right? Scout: Yes. Reporter: So, Who does the conference? Scout: Exactly! Reporter: Wait you are confusing me, what is the Scoutmasters name? Scout: Actually no, WHAT is the Senior Patrol Leader. Reporter: But I am not asking you who is the Senior Patrol Leader. Scout: WHO is the Scoutmaster. Reporter: Thats what I am trying to find out. Scout: Well dont change the subject. Reporter: Me??? Scout: Now take it easy. Reporter: The Scoutmasters name is what? Scout: WHAT is the name of the Senior Patrol Leader. Reporter: I am not asking who is the Senior Patrol Leader. Scout: WHO s the Scoutmaster. Reporter: I DONT KNOW! Scout: Oh, thats the Quartermaster, but we are not talking about him. Reporter: How did the subject change to the Quartermaster? Scout: You mentioned his name. Reporter: I mentioned his name? Who the Quartermaster? Scout: No, WHO is the Scoutmaster. Reporter: Stay away from the Scoutmaster, OK? Scout: You started it Reporter: What is the Scoutmasters name? Scout: WHAT is the Senior Patrol Leader. Reporter: I am not asking you who is the Senior Patrol Leader. Scout: WHO is the Scoutmaster. Reporter: I DONT KNOW! Scout: He is the Quartermaster. Reporter: There we go, back to the Quartermaster. Scout: Well, I cant help it. Reporter: Say, Lets stick with the Quartermaster. Scout: Sure. Reporter: So, What is the Quartermasters name? Scout: What is the Senior Patrol Leader. Reporter: I am not asking you who is the Senior Patrol Leader. Scout: WHO is the Scoutmaster. Reporter: I DONT KNOW! Scout: The Quartermaster. Reporter: Does your troop have a Scribe? Scout: Sure, every good troop has a Scribe. Reporter: The Scribes name? Scout: WHY. Reporter: Oh, I thought I would just ask. Scout: Well then, I thought I would just tell you. Reporter: OK, Who is the Scribe? Scout: WHO is the Scoutmaster. Reporter: What is the name of the Scribe? Scout: WHAT is the name of the Senior Patrol Leader. Reporter: I am not asking you who is the Senior Patrol Leader. Scout: WHO is the Scoutmaster. Reporter: I DONT KNOW! BOTH: The Quartermaster Reporter: And the Librarians name? Scout: LATER. Reporter: Oh, just forget the Librarian. Do you have a Troop Committee Chairman in this troop? Scout: Of course, we wouldnt be the finest troop in XXX Council without the finest Committee ChairPERSON. Reporter: OK, tell me the Troop Committee ChairPERSONs name. Scout: TOMORROW. Reporter: You dont want to tell me now? Scout: I am telling you the name, TOMORROW. Reporter: Not today? Scout: TOMORROW. Reporter: When tomorrow? Scout: When? Reporter: When Tomorrow are you gonna tell me who is the Troop Committee Chairman? Scout: Now listen, WHO is not the Troop Committee Chairperson, WHO is the . Reporter: Please dont say WHO is the Scoutmaster. Scout: You are asking the questions. Reporter: I want to know what is the name of the Troop Committee Chairperson? Scout: WHAT is the name of the Senior Patrol Leader. Reporter: I DONT KNOW! Both: The Quartermaster. Reporter: You know, I have a son that would like to join Boy Scouts. Scout: You do? Reporter: Yeah, I think the only way to find out these peoples names is to have him join the troop. Scout: I am sure he would be a fine addition. Reporter: Well, I think I will bring him to your nest meeting. Scout: That would be great! Reporter: And while I am there I want to talk to the Scoutmaster. Scout: I would think so. Reporter: And I take my son and talk to Who? Scout: Now thats the first right thing you have said. Reporter: HUH??? I DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!!! Scout: Well you should talk to WHO. Reporter: Oh, I talk to WHO? Scout: After all, WHO is the Scoutmaster. Reporter: I talk to WHO Scout: Yes. Reporter: So after I talk to WHO, the Scoutmaster, I then talk to the Senior Patrol Leader and his name is WHAT? Scout: Yes sir. Reporter: And then I talk to the Quartermaster . Scout: I DONT KNOW. Reporter: OK, WHO is the Scoutmaster, WHAT is the Senior Patrol Leader and I DONT KNOW is Quartermaster. Scout: By George, I think youve got it. Youre the one who said we were unique I thought you knew about the names. Reporter: But doesnt that cause a lot of STRESS? Scout: STRESS, thats the guy keeping track of rank advancement. Reporter: Lets see, WHO, WHAT, I DONT KNOW, WHY, TOMORROW, STRESS, they are all names? Holy Smoke! Scout: Thats our Troop Chaplain. Reporter: Stick a fork in me, Im done! Scout: STICK, hes one of our Troop Guides. Reporter: Im leaving. This is NUTS. Scout: NUTS, Thats our Unit Commissioner.

St Louis guys, I did not mean to impugn your event. I used to live in Alton, Il. and love the St Louis area. When I got an email saying there was going to be an announcement of a National Venturing Event in 3 days, I thought that meant an event everyone in the nation would have a chance to attend, like the National Jamboree. Yes, I know not every scout can attend the Jamboree, but not because its during school time. The St Louis area is very centrally located and would be a great spot for a summer time event for 3-5 days, but for a weekend event? I think calling it a National Event is misleading. I am very happy to know its all youth driven, as is the Venturing way and I wish you all the success in the world. NEPA, Northeast Pennsylvania Area council has had large Venturing events for years, the Venturing Rendezvous in the Spring and the Insomniacs Revenge in the fall. (activities start on Friday at 10pm and go stright on to 8pm Saturday)They attract youth from all over the east coast from West Virginia to Maine come to Goose Pond in Hamlin, PA. One year a Crew from Canada showed up, these are great but no one thought to call it a National Event because the "nation" cannot attend. But I don't want to quibble semantics. I wish the St Louis area well and continued success in their Event and look forward to a time when an event is held where all venturers have a shot at attending.

A National event, 3-4 weeks after most College students are back to school and High Schools are well unerway and I am going to take the youth I serve to St Louis? It will be a National event because BSA says its a National event, and I am happy the concept stuck, but unless you live within driving distance to St Louis, I am not sure how many people this will attact. SIlly me, I thought the event would be held in the summer where more youthcould attend. At least they got the location tright, centrally located in the country.

I know my grandfather would have been mighty miffed if I put a couple of his Menthols in a coke bottle, and my mother would want to know why I ruined a coke with cigarettes Now, if you are talking about Mentos (high end candy mints) now you are talking!

Why would Mini Boy Scouts cause a problem?

perhaps it is time to resurrect the Insane Coho Lips Army to battle the insidious carp threat!

Rouge or Rogue ? Inquiring minds want to know!

Mayybe they had just finished recreating the dance scene from Pulp Fiction?

Did you take the outdoor training at Camp Minsi last summer week 4? I am in Minsi Trails Council and before training went required we were at the 25-30% level that is the National norm, or so we were told. Now its past 85% and is recognized as the top COuncil in the COuntry (or so I have been told) If you are in Minsi Trails, what District are you in?

hey, am I going to have to close down another thread? I never thought in all the years of being a member of the forum I would hear anything that came as close to being as outright anti-dentite as some of the posts here I may have to consdier my options

Seeing as how Illinois reversed the flow of the Chicago River in 1900 I guess it would only be right to put the river back into its original form and have it flow into Lake Michigan rather then draining the lake. That would truly be leave no trace Speaking of Lake Michigan, anyone ever hear the joke while fishing in lake Michigan I caught 3 perch, 2 salmon and 1 smelt. How mny fish did I catch?

Remember, these are cool to us, but we are not the target demographic. How the youth respond will determine a lot of things. A few years back the NFL introduced the idea of the "throwback" jerseys and they were a hit, you see them everywhere now. Having "Throwback merit badges" is hooking onto this idea. How long they last will be determined by how many boys earn them. Will your summercamp offer them? Maybe the idea is to retire these and then have 4 more for 2011, do we have anyone who can find out?

Let't try a new beginning, and see if the debate/discussion/argument can be done presenting views and facts and research and what have you while not attacking the poster's charactor, intelligence or other personal flaw

Tournament of Roses Parade entry on January1, now an Indy type race car, its almost like someone at the BSA has a marketing plan to present scouting in the best light possible. Wonders never cease, I like it, I really like it

I am not sure we should be chiding other Council's volunteers on the matter of their dress at an EBOR. We don't have enough information on the topic and shame on anyone who is willing to pass judgement on a fellow volunteer who is donating their time to the program. Volunteers are in short supply and should be commended for the work they do, regardless of dress. It's almost as if you guys have actual expectations concerning a volunteers behavior and that is just not right

A whiles back, when my son was 9-1 years old, he will be 25 this year. he was in a neighborhood sports team. Whether it was Soccer or Baseball, it was the same group of kids and families, we got friendly with each other. This was about the time Bike Helmets were a hot topic and none of the kids wanted to wear a bike helmet. Then an orthopedic surgeon moved into the area and was on the team. We had a team pic nic scheduled and a bike ride along the Mississippi was scheduled. The doc showed up with helmet, gloves, knee pads and his son was similarly equiped as was jis little girl and wife. The message was obvious, if the Doc would know, there is no, "Ill be safe" Biking or Snow Sports

I am curious as to why showing "a Time to Tell" more than every 5 years is pointless?

I am not from the area I live in now, I met a fellow Eagle and we work together on many Council events. Ever since he received his Eagle back in the 60's, at every change of president, he gets a new Eagle Card. it has his name and date of Eagle, but it also has the then president on the card. So, he has cards with Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, etc on them. Cool idea

Heck, you are close to mine. A 19 year old must register as an Assistant Scoutmaster and be an adult, OK I understand that. Then in Venturing, he must register as a youth, ok with me as well. He must pay a full registration both as a youth and as an adult. Not ok A 15 year old Venturer can be in a troop as a youth and a Crew as a youth and not pay two diferent complete registration fees.

So your District, composed of volunteers, "fired" another volunteer because they didnt think he was good enough to be a volunteer, or at least to fill the position he was in? I admit I am over dramatizing, I just want to be sure I understand