InquisitiveScouter

This ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ smh

As an MBC, I have a copy of the book (I learn a good deal from them), and loan it to the Scout if they wish to use it.

Never put your name on a survey with BSA. They are not anonymous, and all responses will be given to your SE and up. Nothing good can come of it unless you wear several pairs of rose colored glasses and offer lots of money.

Oh, and was that supposed to be me delivering outstanding espresso to you, or vice versa?? 🤪

Thanks, we looked at it, but it was not feasible for us. That was our longest day - 63 miles. The youth planner and trekkers decided on the Y. Next time, perhaps.

Have them go to this website and enter their ZIP code (postcode). This site will show them all the Cub Packs within their local area, and give contact info (hope it is up to date 😜 ) https://beascout.scouting.org/ There is a map view on the search, and they can see exactly where the Packs are located in relation to their home. Good luck!

Was that an established BSA Council-run camp? Did the Scouts pick the menus and buy the food? We did our own summer camp in 2020, with the primary focus on Cooking MB for all Scouts who needed it. Each Scout within a patrol who worked on Cooking Merit Badge came up with menus (counselor-approved), made their own shopping lists, and did their own shopping (we took field trips from camp). Yes, it was a logistical challenge, but they owned it. For the last few meals of camp, there were not enough meals to cover the requirements for Cooking MB, so younger Scouts worked on their TF, 2C, and 1C requirements. They learned a tremendous amount. I definitely noticed an increase in cooking skills, teamwork, and speed on subsequent weekend camping trips. Our Scouts remember this as one of their best camps.

We just finished a week-long cycling trek on the Great Allegheny Passage...Pittsburgh, PA to Cumberland, MD. Started from Camp Guyasuta ( @qwazse stomping ground). Eleven Scouts (14 and up) and four adults, Including fuel and tolls, and some donated MREs for two of our meals, and we hit $152 per person (Scouts spent a bit more for their lunch on the drive out, and ice cream stops along the trail!!!) Free camping in a few places along the trail. Camping also at Ohiopyle State Park, Corps of Engineers campground in Confluence, PA, and the YMCA in Cumberland, MD, at the end. (although I'd recommend finding an alternative to that one.) We logged 168 miles total, used a SAG Wagon. Great trip, and, with two local shakedown rides to prep, all riding requirements for Cycling MB complete. 50-miler award and NPS Resource Stewardship Scout Ranger opportunities also. Seven days (including travel days on front and back) total, six nights camping, five days cycling. Doing your own adventures is far more Thrifty!

Welcome, lurker!!

I've had enough of these conversations with adults who are not adhering to uniform standards, that I really do not go after youth much anymore. The conversation kind of goes like this... http://www.scoutsforequality.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/isa_composite_320.jpg "Oh, that's a different patch. What does that mean?" "It's my knot showing support for LGBTQIA+." "Is that an official BSA knot?" "No, I just like to wear it." "Did you know that was against BSA's uniform policy?" "Yeah, I just like to wear it." "So, what does it mean to you that "A Scout is Obedient"? Usually the conversation ends there. People know they are wrong, but their sense of personal expression carries more authority than their sense of integrity in adhering to established standards. You cannot convince people with anything other than setting the correct example, and pointing out the error. If adults will not adhere to standards, we have no ground to stand on to require youth to do so.

If you know the Scout owns a uniform, then you can hold the Scout to the standard. The key here is, do not let owning a uniform be a barrier to participation. But, if they have one, you can expect the Scout to wear it. Also, establish that expectation up front in your Troop SOP's (or whatever you have.) If you have established that expectation (I recommend in writing) and the Scout shows up dressed otherwise, then ask them why. Then (as long as the Scout is "clean and neat in appearance and dressed appropriately) (how's that for a subjective assessment??) the BOR can make a judgment "according to the Scout's means" This standard must apply to all within the Troop. A BOR CAN reject a Scout due to uniforming "...as long as they are dressed to the above description." Swim trunks and flip flops would be out. G2A: 8.0.0.4 Wearing the Uniform—or Neat in Appearance It is preferred a Scout be in full field uniform for any board of review. As much of the uniform as the Scout owns should be worn, and it should be as correct as possible, with the badges worn properly. It may be the uniform as typically worn by the Scout’s troop, crew, or ship. If wearing all or part of the uniform is impractical for whatever reason, the candidate should be clean and neat in appearance and dressed appropriately, according to the Scout’s means, for the milestone marked by the occasion. Regardless of unit, district, or council expectations or rules, boards of review shall not reject candidates solely for reasons related to uniforming or attire, as long as they are dressed to the above description. Candidates shall not be required to purchase uniforming or clothing to participate in a board of review

@Mrjeff, I share your confusion over uniforms. When a standard is not held, it is no longer a standard. When those who are supposed to be in "authority" do not adhere to a published standard, then followers can disregard all published standards. It's the broken window theory. You can see this attitude prevalent everywhere. Cultivate your own garden, and those who seek your virtue of excellence will follow. Leave the rest to their own...

Because it isn't a revenue generator like patches are 😜

Mummer's parade? https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://m.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DmG5TudEg8BU&ved=2ahUKEwjsjPrYhrP5AhXOFlkFHSZnDPcQxa8BegQIDBAF&usg=AOvVaw12nd9NsHLSzD-ae_E5r_3b

Marianas parade???

You're just a troublemaker 😜

Welcome! You are in the right place!!

When they complete their AOL, many come to our Troop because they want to do winter camping.

I dunno... I think I saw someone flying a kite back in May, and he looked like he was having a tiny bit of fun

I have seen some thrown out as well... many for good cause. It's the internal power politics I think @Eagle94-A1 refers to. Stuff that the guidebooks don't talk about, but that is there plain as day. Never been thrown out, either, but have seen a fair share of unethical behavior from volunteers and professionals. You can paint folks from both groups with that brush...

https://www.opensecrets.org/federal-lobbying/clients/bills?bid=hr4777-117&id=D000022208&year=2021

How many councils have you served in to make this assessment??

Still no movement on HR 4777 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4777/text

As long as it is within the G2AI framework, I am fine with it. Outside that, you are setting a poor example. This is the key. Example. Using the uniform to make a social or political statement is the worst...