Double Eagle

I was at D-A for a couple of campouts. That was one camp that had great fishing and you could ride horses and enjoy a ranger type program. Seemed like a long way from Jeddo, Mi, and was another council. We tended to support our council and the BWC's one camp. D-A was closer to the bigger cities and the funds flowed there. Seems you are loyal to D-A as much as I am Silver Trails.

Looking at the Tiger handbook today, there is the usual placement of items listed in the book like we always see in handbooks. Some of us used to hand sew items on uniforms and still take pride in placing things correctly. While traveling around the US in a scout uniform, I've been approached more times than I can remember, I get asked about the program and find most former scouts always recognize uniform items. I would hate for us to get so relaxed with the uniform that we get mistaken with other organizations. A scout uniform has been known by Americans since it began, with only the big change from OD green to the tan uniform in 70s, we've been the same. Come to think about it, I can't think of any organization like ours that has a uniform so recognizable. That's why I try to wear it correctly.

My youth was at Silver Trails Scout Reservation as part of the Blue Water Council. As staff as the Asst Aquatics Director, we had a canoe pond off the main river. They had a old tree bent around in a circle called the "#9 tree". This was the camp symbol for years until it finally fell and the "9" was cut and placed under cover for everyone to see when they arrive. During the 70s and 80s, Ranger John C. Hardy was the camp ranger. He was great and made every scout feel at home. In the 90s, they offered weekend 3D archery shoots and had teepees you could stay in. As Chickagami Lodge 180 called it home, our OA was flourishing with our section conclave from EC-2A. Centrally located in Michigan's thumb, it would be a couple hours drive to another camp. Shame this is endangered. The memories from that council are priceless as this was often the only camp scouts would attend in their youth. I wish we had a Waite Phillips around today that could preserve area camps like he did with Philmont. Every sale from a Phillips 66 Station has input into protecting Philmont, too bad we couldn't protect more.

I have found for adults and scouts to pay a set fee up front and set the budget for food based on that. Once they have collected the funds, they have to go buy the food items for the meals. Menu and budget first and then buy. It teaches the scouts about budgets and bargain hunting. I always like to keep the adults with the same amount as the scouts. The adults often have better cooking skills and prepare meals the scouts wished they made. By keeping the fund the same amount, no one eats ramen noodles while someone eats steak. I like to see patrols cooking and not the troop cooking like I'm seeing more and more. Large numbers do work a better budget, but you lose some of the patrol method. I like to see different patrols use their imagination and see what they can do. I still think a dented, blackened, and rough mess kit is better than a big propane grill parents use. If someone has a specialty like dutch oven cooking, as I like to use my 5 dutch ovens, it comes out of their pocket mostly. It may not be part of the patrol camping menu, but things like this are offered to everyone. A burnt foil dinner is terrible, but a warm cobbler makes up for an empty stomach. And I frown on poptarts, soda, and a ton of candy. Bug juice and cracker barrel are awesome. If scouts want coffee, first the parents have to approve prior, and second they have to drink it. I'm sure that will get some one the site fired up.

Ok, I will try to keep this short. I would admit the child to the program. There are a couple of issues that are unknown right now in regards to the doctor. Is the doctor still practicing medicine? Lost any medical credentials or limited in the profession? You mention most of the charges are dropped, are some still pending litigation? If so, the COR should suspend any scouting contact until an outcome is reached. I don't think this doctor is a registered sexual predator with limits or a conviction. Until the court decides that, a suspension while charges are pending and warranted, and the unit's treatment of the situation will be judged by many whether silently or publically. Regardless of the manner of charges of anyone, an open discussion with the person and COR should happen. Ideally, the doctor would excuse themselves until the outcome is reached. I know of many adult leaders that drink heavy (not at events), cuss like a sailor/trucker, and do many "unscoutlike" behaviors. They are still welcome in their units. Heck, even parents that get speeding tickets to scouting events (yes it happens) don't get removed. If we have faith in the system of due process, then let it work. Since this is cub scouts, we still have time to work with the scout no matter what is decided. I have seen an accused person in a similar situation, not a sexual type. After everything was cleared, the person thanked those that treated them with dignity and respect, and had little to say to those that "threw the first stone". He later told me it was probably more uncomfortable for him as everyone knew, than the adults that felt uncomfortable that thought they knew pieces, but judged.

I've always leaned on the "create your own" rather than buying a kit you won't like. Pre-made kits are expensive, look cool, and have lots of items you don't need. You can get as elaborate at a backboard, neckbraces, air splints, or keep it simple for cubs in your pack. Most packs with their activities won't experience broken bones, severe trauma, or life-threatening injuries. You will need the normal over-the-counter, household essentials of alcohol wipes, peroxide, triple anti-biotic cream, benodryl and itch cream, a SAM splint isn't a bad idea. Swabs, needles, duct tape (for cactus thorn removal), instant ice and heating packs, and elastic bandages. Tailor your kit to your activities. In regards to moleskin, I've always had a terrible time with it. It rolls, is ok, but KT tape is the way to go. At Philmont, a roll of KT tape is excellent for preventing and protecting blisters from multiple heavy pack days on trail. I won't use moleskin again. KT tape saves a lot of tears.

But Rambo sewed his arm with only using the other hand. A skill useful to any Bear (we know they get their knives then), and Tenderfoot as you know a knife is the first thing get. If too hard for a new MB, how about adding it to First Aid, perform self or buddy stitches following an axe yard event. All this is in jest BTW.

As a district type person, I don't see any problem with any CO national-type symbol on a neckerchief. If the wearer has an issue with the symbol, they may want to transfer to another unit. If the CO is in good enough standing with the Scouts BSA to be a CO, there shouldn't be a problem with it. If there is a local goofy or offensive symbol that discredits the program, then it should be a lengthy discussion. Many overseas units even wear local and that country's symbols. Take a look at the Transatlantic Council website or even the Kandersteg International Scout Center sites.

From the sounds of this thread (pun intended), we need a 139th merit badge of "Sewing", and make it a required one.

Ok, did the council actually shut it down, or someone throw a fit? Like many things, as long as you are not set up right next to the shop, or meeting customers from the entrance, it shouldn't be a problem. It seem like it is legal, moral, ethical, and is a service not provided by the council's stationary option. Taking it on the road can help out other units also. I see this also being used at many motorcycle rallies and events. We know everyone loves their patches and showing them. Seems an official stance needs to be made.

This is a first I've heard of writing a letter to the lodge secretary. And if the secretary doesn't like the letter? Since you went through your ordeal and became a member, you have to wait a minimum of 6 months (changed from 10 months last spring) to complete brotherhood. You should have a chapter or lodge rep close by. If not, the local scout office can get you the information. When you complete brotherhood is a personal issue, but encouraged to get done as soon as possible.

This is not normal. Being an older arrowman from my ordeal in Sep 1980, been an advisor for three different chapters in three different lodges and a defender of types like this gets me going. I will try to keep this short. Arrowmen are all equal in the lodge and brotherhood is done when and where the scout chooses. Brotherhood just shows their commitment to the order and cheerful service. As I understand, your son is just not ready to accept brotherhood yet based on other interests, ok. I wish others had that insight rather than taking on everything half way. It may be his passive resistance to not go in order to tick off the SM. The SM statement "jokingly" is a worse issue. Whether camouflaging his true intention with the "joke" as I see it, or a real joke as a motivator is inappropriate. That is the bigger issue. Whether this SM was an inducted youth, or adult may have some play on this. I've seen inducted adults go hardcore OA on youth. It is about the youth, not the adult members. Maybe you have a chapter advisor, graybeard goat or nanny that can set him straight.

Nobody grades any singing voice...so let it rip. Don't blame me for my voice, god gave it to me. They spirit of the song is much more important than getting every word right, even pronunciation of WWW with the oath. This shouldn't be a problem within any lodge. For anyone pointing fingers, ask them to recite any ceremony word for word. This scout would a great elangomat for others with a situation like his. Arrowmen come in every type and no mold. and no OA police please.

The hammock may be a climate or weather popular thing. Growing up on the Canadian border, give me a tent and straw bottom layer in cold weather. I can't imagine hanging in the cold between Oct -May. I think summer months and warm temps its ok. In L.A. (Lower Alabama), I see a lot of hammocks as the thing to catch any breeze, and stay away from fire ants and such. Seems your gear is still exposed and you have to climb out to get dressed in the open, have to figure a way to keep a waterbottle and light nearby, and rig an awning. I'm still a tent guy.

This is a great post and is sure to keep going. A few points to bring up. During my treks at Philmont, none of our crew ever wore the uniform on the trails, but hiking clothes for the event. We only wore the full uniform in the base camp and traveling to and from home. National Jamboree we wore a mix of T-shirt and field shirt, but full uniform traveling and visiting Washington DC. World Jamboree just about everyone had a T-shirt and the neckerchief was the common uniform item for participants. I'm on the side of scout sense letting the event dictate the uniform. As I had a recent discussion with a newly assigned parent, its about being present and participating rather than looking like a model. Do what they can to get a shirt first and make it a short sleeve as they can wear it year-round and with a long sleeve T-shirt under it at times. The UP are the same types that sit in a chair at a campout, never get up, and yell at the scouts from a distance. They are also the type that don't like hiking staves or a kid whittling a stick. I like the spoof badges and patches, but again the event drives the look. Even had one of these types tell a scout they couldn't wear a paracord woggle as they hadn't completed woodbadge. To keep this short: It would be great to place a "uniform police" sign overnight near there location where these types could get a subtle hint about how they act.

Oh no, personal preference dipping into this. I have to put the red felt brag vest right up there with the red beret (which I have for some unknown reason). I would rather drink bug juice in the dark than have the brag vest. I would have it torn up or lost on the first trip. Brag blanket is another story. An old army wool blanket and patches is awesome. With a pillow case with patches on one side and blank on the other is cool too. You display the patches during the day and flip the pillow over (patches down) at night.

Hammocks have their place per scouter. Some of the campsites in our council have metal poles with rings just for them. Campsites at Philmont get so much use, they are well groomed for tents and to sustain the size of a crew. On a somewhat funny note, bear bags and hammocks may look the same to mini-bears and large bears.

I have to jump into this one. First, I'm all for covering any jacket with patches if it makes you or the scouts market scouting. I have never seen any unit that had the same outer shell or jacket. Every scout and scouter had their own jacket in my time in Michigan, Canada, upstate New York and Switzerland. And just to get others tweaking...There used to be a white Philmont bull, we said females used; while males used the black bull. Also, there is constant discussion on the criteria for the bull's tail over the left shoulder seam as Baldy or Tooth. That should get some on here going. I think it would be great to see someone get their neckerchief in a bunch (keeping it nice) over what is on someone's jacket. Its almost as unnecessary as a pristine OA sash.

I'm more in favor using their tents. You don't have buy them. Really, you can treat them rough...sorry. If damaged on the trail, a staffed camp may help replace it. They don't take up room while you are traveling to and from the center. I'm not in favor of all the solo tents. How about doubling up, reduce footprints, and when adults demo solo tents, every scout then wants the same. And please don't suggest Philmont allow hammocks.

In my experience with S&R, people don't know their location, grids, and have trouble with landmarks. Often we relied on sight, sound, movement/contrast, and a general sense of direction they should have taken. If we have coms with them, we tell them to stay put, make their presence known, and describe what they see. If they just keep their phone one without using up the battery, often it/they can be found with that feature. Not that I've been lost or my phone left me.

No maps or compass. Rely on intuition and GPS, you will never be wrong. We are never late, only delayed. All this talk of accurate maps and stuff is hogwash, stick your feelings and use the force. Be sure to take food and water, no sense in filing a travel plan as you will not have a plan after a few hundred yards. Oh, and use the moss on the trees to navigate.

Like most things, keeping requirements up to date with technology is difficult. I use waze and it works. With my handheld GPS, I tend to use MGRS as a system rather than Lat/Long. My apps are more accurate than my GPS many times. I say stick to that. I have to put in waypoints in my handheld, my apps can just take my voice commands.

Ha! For SSScout: Waimea is a great location when you find it. After living there, we hacked all GPS to put your tourists on edge. Heck anyone can rely on a totally accurate, no-battery compass. That is so easy. Its so easy a tenderfoot can use a compass. Now for those that love a challenge, use a GPS entirely. Don't rely on maps, compass, or signs. Stick to what your GPS says and have fun. You will have such an adventure. Note: If you are on any Hawaiian island, the GPS will never correctly say the road name...more of the fun challenge.

We had a snowball fight on Baldy on 4th of July in 1982. Back then cotton sweatshirts were common. We muscled through with all our gear and only carried two (at most) water bottles/canteens. Those old red 1 1/2 qt BSA canteens had a cap that was a pain to fill sometimes due to location. A beanie and gloves would have been nice. Gear has improved so much. Now boot types at Philmont, heavy or lightweight trailrunners, are always an issue and you can't find two scouts that agree. I've see heavy climbing, military jungle boots (worked great), to almost sneakers. Between loose rock and frequent rain/hail storms, you get the best of nature.

As I was working hard in the office, I had a chance to visit the toothoftimetraders.com site. Under the surplus gear tab, there are a couple of items they have reduced and good for any scout. Just recently, they added tents to the site. As the crews finish their treks soon, more gear may be available. Please keep an eye oven for goodies.