adc294

I haven't left the building, Gunny... I like to follow the wisdon of Abraham Lincoln who said: "It is better to remain silent and thought a fool than to speak up and remove all doubt", and: "Never argue with a fool because innocent bystanders won't be able to tell who is who". I am glad that my question has stirred such debate, but the question stil remains: "Under One God...but Whose God"? From my perspective, many here have no clue. Most wouldn't recognize him if he (or she) stood right in front of them. I guess we will know at some point in time...or will we? Religion is a man-made thing. Many of our beliefs have been twisted from day one, and still are. How can any of you say you know God? How arrogant!

We are not teaching the kids (boys, youth, scouts) to use a weapon. Hopefully many will go on to defend our country or join law enforcement and then learn how to use one (and more importantly, why) Symantics (sp) go a long way in getting a message accross. As a former NRA "shooting sports" instructor, I never used "weapon" when teaching the boys firearm safety at camp. Gotta tell you though, I sometimes feel the need when communicating with some of you all P.S. Greeting to WCFC and Camp Sandhill...a wonderful camp! Bubbabear

jblake... Thanks for the vote of confidence. There are many patches I would not wear on my uniform...my "Southern Drawl" interpretor strip, my "Roadkill" patch (upside-down beaver with tire tracks) or my "Un-Trainable" patch...and so on. Neither would I wear my OA "spoof" patches. Why do I see so many "long-term" scouters wearing approved patches incorrectly? I have seen Quality Unit patches worn like hatch-marks down the sleeve, Commissioner Arrowheads upside down, two or three jamo patches. How many of you scouters wear blue jeans with your uniform shirt? Come on fellow scouters, lighten up! Why open up another can of worms?

I find it sad that so many scouters find it necessary to take the fun out of being a scouter. While a patrol patch may not be recognized for adult uniforms, it does serve as an example for the boys while at the same time making a game for the adults to play. As a Scoutmaster, I started an adult patrol for just those reasons. Our patrol was the "Clueless" patrol, sporting a brite green question mark on the tan background and the name "Clueless". Whenever the boys would come to one of us and ask what they should do, our response was, "I don't know, go ask your (patrol or senior patrol) leader". They learned before too long to look to each other for answers. No one was insulted or demeaned. At the same time, the adults had fun doing their assigned or assumed responsibilities. Most importantly, we functioned as a team, just what the patrol method is all about. Are we goofy? Maybe, but at least I am having fun while getting the kids to have fun. Thank God I am not required to be a stiff while donating my time. So for those of you who scoff at the concept I say, "If it works, do it." If you have a better idea, do that. Please don't try to make all of us conform to one mold. In Scouting, Bubbabear

I have, over the years, recieved many handouts during training for fire building, knot tying, etc. Problem is that they have been reproduced so many times that they now turn out illegible copies...does anyone know where on the www new printouts can be had??? I have looked in MacScouter and Scouter.com but was unable to find anything. Thanks

SR540, I understand and agree. I'm getting old and forgot why I stopped using this forum once before. Thanks to all for reminding me. See ya on the trail... Jake

Terry...gotta tell ya... I'm an educated man but I have a hard time understanding just what good this particular sub-forum does. It appears to me that the it consists of pundits primarily. I have posted here, yes, but in retrospect believe that I was suckered into it thinking I was actually benefitting Scouting. I fear that this forum actually does more harm than good. I have flagelated (I am sure) in my thoughts posted here but have come to my senses now: I support Scouting as it was, not as some would like it to be, or even as it is in some cases now. I also support your right to censor persons or comments posted here.

Okay, I agree...it's a matter of priorities. Not all troops require the wearing of the uniform to each meeting, though. I found that having a "Class B" shirt worn three of the meetings and "Class A's" the full uniform once per month made the boys more receptive to the notion of wearing a uniform. The idea of buying a larger uniform is a great idea! Thanks.

Hunt, Thanks, that was a good article I had apparently missed. I've scoured these thrift shops too but to no avail. The notion of the kids buying the uniform is a great idea but I can't think of kids I have worked with that would have been willing to do that, they seem to be more interested in buying games and Ipods and stuff with the money they earn. I'm going to try to develope that idea though. Local, I would hope that they wouldn't be offended but I realize now that it is troop leadership that doesn't "enforce" uniform standards. I actually never had a problem when I was a SM.

Geeze, "Stosh"...hadn't heard that name since I was a scout myself! Great name. Anywho, I am entirely in favor of the uniform. It seams to me that many of you posting these replies are from areas that have a much better economic base than that of Appalacia. Trust me when I say that I know of all the methods of aquiring "experienced" uniforms and have used them all. I would like for my son to wear a new uniform but then he would stand out of place amongst the other boys and maybe seam to be condesending as such...not our intention. Thanks for the feedback folks.

I think I have found the answers I am looking for. See y'all on the trail!

Hunt, sorry, I don't agree. It is true that at this point in time it may not be probable but it never will happen unless Americans start organizing to take back our country. I know may good people that would be willing just to work in order to pay their bills but the question is: "Are there any business people willing to organize shops for the good" or must it be for high profit? Out capitalistic society has to draw a line somewhere and being the optimist I am, it can be done.

I appreciate your commements. Sorry, after all the time I put into Scouting, I find it hard to take food from my family's mouth. Shouldn't BSA help support our country by having the uniforms made here? I am sure that there is some clothing manufacturer that would be willing to support scouting by lowering their prices...or is BSA running up the cost?

Don't get me wrong, I understand raising money for the operation of the program...but how can any of us afford a new uniform these days? I have used and understand the concept of "experienced uniforms" but they are not always available. If we are to use the uniform as part of the program, shouldn't (we) be able afford them?

When we were in Southwest Florida, there was a school there that was devoted to severely handicapped kids. The staff created a scout troop for those boys and put on a "Disability Awareness" Camporee each year. I suggested this camporee to the boys in my troop and it scared the daylights out of them. After a little coaxing, they decided to attend. I have to tell you, I was even a little anxious about the weekend. The camporee attached one handicapped boy to each patrol in attendance (or troop if appropriate), and that boy participated in all the other activities for the day...with one catch, each "normal" boy had to assume a handicap of their own (drawn from a hat). Of all the things I have done in Scouting, that was the most eye opening of all. After "passing the knot", we all agreed that we never knew what it would be like to be handicapped, and noone regretted having attended. The boys who didn't attend regretted it though because all the other boys told them what they had missed. I am all for a "Religious Diversity" Merit Badge, and even a camporee. I am a lifelong Roman Catholic, born in the North and raised in the deep South. I attended a Methodist College. I personally do not fear diversity because I know who I am, and respect your stance in life (however wrong you are)