Mrjeff

Wow, I remember that if you wanted to purchase a Scout uniform you had to take your BSA ID card to JC Penny. There were clear guidelines which even stated what shoes to wear. Folks were proud to wear their uniform and there was even a designated Scout Week where everyone could wear their uniform to school. Now, it seems that the issue of proper uniform guidelines is dead in the water. Everything is suggested or ignored. Shorts, pants, skirts, kilts, lycra body suits, blue jeans or kaki military trousers. Ball cap, campaign or bush hat, ostrich feathers or rooster tails. How many knots can you wear, what patches can go over the right pocket, can I wear an old jamboree patch, what neckerchief can I use, closed toe shoes or clogs.............the list and debate goes on and on. I would just like to see Scout shorts and a Scout themed T-shirt at national events where everyone participating is representing Scouting, and not a Marianas parade🤐

No, I'm afraid not. That proverbial "Somebody at National", who will never be identified, came up with that grand plan. They even had the form for Scouts to be placed on the list for eligibility to join up! Another example for handing out a trophy for showing up. I have come up with an option for those who refuse to "go along with the program" , won't work, won't follow instructions, and talk all weekend long. It just takes a little imagination and thought🤔

The most important reason that a Scoutmaster should not be permitted to add to the list is very simple. The Order of the Arrow is really youth run. The Lodge Chief and their Lodge Executive Committee, all youth, make the rules administer and organize the events, and adults serve as Advisors. The most difficult job for the Lodge Advisor is keeping adult influence in check. Recently a National Council of Chiefs and the huge majority of Lodge Chiefs voted down the idea of doing away with elections. It is up to the Scoutmaster to validate each candidates eligibility. Everyone is not elected but the choice belongs to the kids since they own the lodge.

I recently attended an event that required a Scout uniform to be worn throughout the event. This ment a full field uniform sometimes; and Scout shorts, trousers, or skirts for other times, along with a Scout T-shirt. However; there were a few individuals who thought it necessary to express themselves in another way. They wore tights and a ballerina tutu. I feel that this is totally inappropriate and the leaders who approved this were way off base. To many who were in attendance this was an embarrassment and was offensive. To me this is no different then allowing a young woman to express herself in a two piece thong bathing suit. Although there is nothing inherently wrong with this dress, it is not appropriate for Scouting events and should not be permitted. When brought to the attention of event organizers, I was told that nothing could be done, even though they were representing the Boy Scouts. If a person refuses to dress appropriately then perhaps that person should attend alternate non Scouting events as they would feel more comfortable at a Comiccon or a dress up party🤨🤨🤨

There used to be different kinds of red jackets, cotton, nylon, wool, along with a blue explorer jacket. In the 90s thay came out with an od green wall jack shirt, and Northern Tier has one with slash/hand pockets. I have a green one and a red one and the last time I checked there are no uniform standards concerning jackets as they are considered a non uniform, personal item. I'm not saying that this is the absolute answer, just what I discovered through experience and research. Its your jacket, wear it proudly and display what you want, just my opinion.

I'm an old Marine and I say that I learned how to be comfortable outdoors in the Boy Scouts, not the Marines! Semper Fi!

You guys are right on the money, as far as I'm concerned. If the election is conducted properly the SM verifies the list of those who are eligible and are worthy of being elected. Then the election team takes over and conducts the election. The SM is notified of the results and the SM can announce the results or wait until the tap out / call out ceremony. But the SM has the final word on who is eligible for election.

Without going into a long spheel I would like to say what I know, not what I think I know. Our local Native Americans are of the Creek Nation, and we have a long term Arrowman who is Native American. We also an individual who is an active and contributing member of the Creek Nation and he has an open invitation to all 9f out events and ceremonies. They are indeed concerned with the respect in which their heritage is used by the Order of the Arrow and are glad that we honor their heritage. This I know, not something that is just talked about and surmised. If someone reaches out to the local Nation, you may be surprised about how open and willing they may be to provide advice and suggestions. And yes, in the event that a member of our

The OA is a youth administered group that does not just give lip service to that concept. The whole thing is steaped in both native american traditions and scouting traditions. It may just be that the youth like it the way it is and have fun doing it. The only thing that I can attest to is that our guys and gals really enjoy participating in our ceremonies and they do a good job. Without getting into a huge discussion about all the other issues, if they want to do it and enjoy themselves thats good enough for me.

Without going into a long spheel I would like to say what I know, not what I think I know. Our local Native Americans are of the Creek Nation, and we have a long term Arrowman who is Native American. We also an individual who is an active and contributing member of the Creek Nation and he has an open invitation to all 9f out events and ceremonies. They are indeed concerned with the respect in which their heritage is used by the Order of the Arrow and are glad that we honor their heritage. This I know, not something that is just talked about and surmised. If someone reaches out to the local Nation, you may be surprised about how open and willing they may be to provide advice and suggestions. And yes, in the event that a member of our

I'm not talking about whats safe. You have missed my point, some things just don't matter and adults who guess what is best without doing any research or who enforce non existent rules, are over reaching.

Without going into a long spheel I would like to say what I know, not what I think I know. Our local Native Americans are of the Creek Nation, and we have a long term Arrowman who is Native American. We also an individual who is an active and contributing member of the Creek Nation and he has an open invitation to all 9f out events and ceremonies. They are indeed concerned with the respect in which their heritage is used by the Order of the Arrow and are glad that we honor their heritage. This I know, not something that is just talked about and surmised. If someone reaches out to the local Nation, you may be surprised about how open and willing they may be to provide advice and suggestions. And yes, in the event that a member of our

Wow, could it be that the group known as the Order of the Arrow, a group that is SUPPOSED TO BE YOUTH RUN is the victim of way to much adult influence. Adults tend to over think everything. Adults read too much into things, want everyone to achieve everything, and get "a trophy" for just showing up. If all of the guesses, policies and rules are put in place to appease everyone,mwe wouldn't do anything. I try to remember that the whole thing is based on the cold hard fact that kids are involved in Scouting in to have fun. Rules, lessons, learning and value are secondary. In my prospective, the OA is kids getting together in a safe environment having fun.

Without going into a long spheel I would like to say what I know, not what I think I know. Our local Native Americans are of the Creek Nation, and we have a long term Arrowman who is Native American. We also an individual who is an active and contributing member of the Creek Nation and he has an open invitation to all 9f out events and ceremonies. They are indeed concerned with the respect in which their heritage is used by the Order of the Arrow and are glad that we honor their heritage. This I know, not something that is just talked about and surmised. If someone reaches out to the local Nation, you may be surprised about how open and willing they may be to provide advice and suggestions. And yes, in the event that a member of our

Sorry.....I f any member of our lodge wants to invite a Native American to any lodge event, they are welcome without questio . Another area that the lodge can be of service is training. Our Chief has agreed to help with some of the required outdoor training for adults. We also help with council camp service days, camporees, and Cub Scout events. It takes effort, but is well worth it!

Without going into a long spheel I would like to say what I know, not what I think I know. Our local Native Americans are of the Creek Nation, and we have a long term Arrowman who is Native American. We also an individual who is an active and contributing member of the Creek Nation and he has an open invitation to all 9f out events and ceremonies. They are indeed concerned with the respect in which their heritage is used by the Order of the Arrow and are glad that we honor their heritage. This I know, not something that is just talked about and surmised. If someone reaches out to the local Nation, you may be surprised about how open and willing they may be to provide advice and suggestions. And yes, in the event that a member of our

If there MUST be strict rules in place then do away with any overlapping and confusing mandates. If 18 is considered an adult, then make the age of 18 be the benchmark. If 21 is the magic age, then make the rule 21. Quit messing around and make the decision. No more "Venture Scouts, Explorers, Sea Scouts and OA members are considered youth until age 21 and are considered to be an adult for everything else. That is just nonsense. That's just like being almost pregnant, you either are or you are not. The whole concept that is in place now is too restrictive and over reaching in my opinion and still requires common sense and judgment on the part of the organizers.

What's happened in the past cant be undone and the BSA has made major changes, some of which seem to be over the top and leave no room for common sense. Ie..a 17 year old girl wants to go on a trip and her best friend wants to go, too. The best friend will be 18 during the trip. Well, a situation now exists wherein a youth member is now an adult and can't "buddy up" with her best friend. 5 days prior it was just fine but now its forbidden. To me, that is overreach and is ridiculous. Every situation can not be governed by such a strict set of rules without the use of discretion and common sense.

This may be an issue for the Lodge Advisor. If the Unit OA Representative program were used it would become apparent that the OA can help the Troop. If a unit encouraged one adult as the OA Rep Advisor and one youth member to be the OA Rep a bridge between the unit and local lodge could be built that would allow both the unit and the lodge would be able to support one another. I would suggest that the Lodge Advisor contact the unit leader and introduce this concept.

I have a friend who is also a life long scouter, and his other job is in construction. He accidentally cut of part of his thumb with a circular saw. Sooooooooooo..........somehow his guys got ahold of his toting (sp ck) chip..maybe his wife was involved....and cut out a jagged circle right in the middle of it😉

Hmmmmmmm......🤣🤣😂😅

A long time ago, on a camp out I overheard one of the guys say, "when Mr Jeff is around we use our knives correctly, when he's not we use them wrongly", I just had to laugh!

Thats whats I figured, too!

I agree Fred, I have never heard a kid say that they joined Scouts to learn leadership, responsibility, life enriching lessons, diversity or inclusion. They want to camp out, play with fire and knives, and go swimming. If we provide that, the rest will come!