InquisitiveScouter

Things that make you go ..."Hmmmm"

It is our primary platform for event scheduling, communication, advancement tracking, and financial transactions (outings, dues, summer camp payments, etc.) Whatever comes next must provide similar or enhanced capabilities, along with a seamless transition.

Had to make one more post, because I was at 666

That's good advice. We already operate with that attitude towards national, council, and district. The danger is in going rogue But then, most other unit leaders around here, that I have observed (and continue to see), don't take the time to read the literature, practice the skills, or put the "true" program into place. Scoutbook actually enabled our "departure" from district and council to a great degree. So much functionality and promise... Alas, it doesn't sound like the future "solution" @CynicalScouter relayed holds much to look forward too... (Lol, just realized I didn't mention regional...what do they do again??)

National has really failed membership on this one. They abandoned direct member support for Scoutbook issues and pushed all interface through local council registrars, with zero training or warning (our council registrar was and remains livid.) Our registrar doesn't have the time or expertise to fix any issues. She just throws work tickets back at national. With no responses from those, she kicked several issues to me. I have been able to help some folks, but with most, I have had to post issues in the Scoutbook forums and get Scoutbook User Advisory Council (SUAC) volunteers to work issues because they have permissions. God bless the SUAC folks, but this is just wrong that we have come to this. I have been getting really tired of being "a useful idiot" for BSA lately. I work diligently to put on a good program for our Troop, and our local council and national (over the years) have repeatedly <expletive deleted> on adult volunteers. They are being paid to support membership, but I am seeing little value-added support. Perhaps liquidation will provide the "creative destruction" needed to reset the Scouting program (sans BSA) in the US.

Yes, we all want that. But that is the point. Fewer are growing up. We are a nation of children.

Because the underlying motive (I perceive) in many youth, and their parents, is to aim for freedom from responsibility, rather than freedom to choose your responsibilities, and then living up to them. I hope I am wrong.

You are the exception, I think.

Depends on your intended use. With ground radios, line of sight is always an issue, particularly in mountainous terrain. You may consider renting satellite phones for your trip https://www.bluecosmo.com/iridium-satellite-phone-monthly-rentals.html

There are no paragons (save one, but that's a religious discussion). There is no "normal guy." I'm sure, being human, you have as many deep flaws as I do... It is still "cancel culture" From the link @CynicalScouterprovided, "By retaining his name as ours, we associate too closely with his entire legacy, including his racism, imperialism, colonialism, sexism." That's a lot of "...isms", and belies a deeper self-loathing associated with the "woke"

Ahhh...more cancel culture...B-P is bad now 🤪

Wow, are they taking this step to distance themselves further from BSA? BPSA marketed themselves as "traditional scouting" They'll probably be changing their pages soon. https://bpsa-us.org/

OK, you are fired! Now, fire me, too, please!!🤪🤪

What is the real mission here? Parents, you keep the revenue stream open (membership and fundraisers), and we'll keep your Scouts advancing. Versus: Parents, we need your support to focus all resources and efforts to "... prepare young people [your Scout] to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law."

I imagine they have significant scar tissue from the backlash it caused...best to let sleeping dogs lie for the moment.

All your observations are spot on! (and no school!) Run your program during the summer. Have a blast!

That's not a knife... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSnosk4tWrg&ab_channel=TomasTree

I think many have been putting out resumes and doing interviews just to hedge their bets.

and go Commando, of course

Which is why I use it in cold weather

I have never seen Scouts (youth) wear ponchos during outdoor activities and stay dry. They (the Scouts and the ponchos) require a good deal of management to stay unsoaked. And you still need something for lower legs and boots... Ponchos do work great when sitting still, waiting for the rain to pass. But, " a boy is not a sitting-down animal." Your mileage may vary.

Here's the entry for rain gear in our Troop blog that we encourage new Scouts and parents to read and heed: ---------------------- Rain gear: Don’t get a poncho, please. Ponchos are nearly useless. The best rain gear for Scouting is a two piece rain suit. Buy a set a size too large, as your Scout may need to put on extra layers underneath to stay warm. Frogg Toggs makes a good entry level set for about $25. Please choose a subdued color. Bright colors aren’t really suitable for our adventures in the woods. ----------------------- As mentioned above, Frogg Toggs are somewhat fragile. That's why we call them "entry level." If a Scout really loves the program and wants to go for more challenging adventures, then we tell them to invest more in better gear. REI, Columbia, HH, and any number of other purveyors of quality outdoor gear have suitable suits that will suit your needs In warmer weather, and for backpacking, I use a lightweight REI shell. ~$60, https://www.rei.com/product/177196/rei-co-op-groundbreaker-rain-jacket-20-mens In cold weather, I use my military issued Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) (Gen III) wind jacket. https://ciehub.info/References/peosoldier.army.mil/factsheets/SEQ_CIE_ECWCS.pdf Don't really prefer this in warmer weather just due to the weight and warmth... In all weather, I carry the ECWCS bottom, but rarely use it. https://military.wikia.org/wiki/Extended_Climate_Warfighter_Clothing_System Primarily keeps rain and snow out of your boots as @SSScout and others mention. I've seen lots of folks on the trail use gaiters for this purpose instead... You can get these (in outdated camo patterns like Woodland) as surplus (or on EBay) at a very reasonable price. Enjoy! P.S. Color is a matter of Troop and personal preference. Bright colors are helpful if lost/separated/etc. Subdued colors are a LNT consideration, to blend in and not be visually obnoxious in the woods. There are reversible models https://www.ganderoutdoors.com/blocker-outdoors-men’s-shield-series-evolve-reversible-parka-627600.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign={Campaign}&gclid=CjwKCAjwqIiFBhAHEiwANg9szorDbANobQBk_zt3emln-eNSnidymnDcb_ElK45-FhSrWVUAR0rzABoCxpoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds But that is way down on my list of gear to procure and test We do have our Scouts purchase a reversible fleece hat, as we hit the woods during hunting season as well!! https://www.amazon.com/Equipment-Camouflage-Fleece-Reversible-Cuffed/dp/B07WVT6XBF/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=reversible%2Bblaze%2Borange%2Bfleece%2Bhat&qid=1553806549&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-9&th=1

In the not so distant future??? Jimmy, building a fire: Mr. Scoutmaster, will you sign me off on the requirement for building a fire? Me: Jimmy, there aren't any requirements to sign off any more. The Boy Scouts of America no longer exists. Jimmy: Uh, OK, may I still build the fire? Me: Sure, have at it

mazel tov!

The reasons to depart are reaching critical mass...