The "not on the Mainland" BSA organization

[KoreaScouter]

This thread was spun from another thread.Matua laments some of the "tyrrany of distance" inherent in their District being Aloha Council (my current Council also), but having more in common with (and being closer to) Far East Council, my former Council, HQ at Camp Zama, Japan.

 

I never understood that either. FEC takes care of Taiwan, the P.I., and Thailand, in addition to Japan and Korea, and does a fair amount of direct service to small units at diplomatic outposts in Asia. Guam's a lot closer to Camp Zama than Bangkok is...

 

It can be very frustrating to be so far from the Council Service Center, literally and figuratively. Supplies, information, pubs, popcorn, uniform items, everything takes forever to get to you. And, you really feel like you're on your own sometimes.

 

On the flip side, we had some fabulous opportunities to interact with Scouts from other countries, and experience their cultures too, without the expense of a World Jamboree.

 

I'm sure it's the same way in Europe with Transatlantic Council.

 

KS

 

[matuawarrior]

KS,

 

Yep, it doesn't make sense. We are closer to FEC than Aloha. But the powers that be have decided that Chamorro will remain under Aloha because we are an Unincorporated Territory of the USA.

 

I believe it has to do with our District's Endowment but that's just me. Last year we did well in FOS than any of the other Districts. We increased in membership. We operate under different rules.

 

We have sister units in Korea, the Kanagawa District, SAJ (Scout Association Japan) in Japan, and Taiwan. These Scout Associations travel here annually for camp or Leadership Training. In fact, we have a SAJ contingent coming here for 3 days in March and Aloha is not Involved.

 

We have sent reps to attend the Nippon Jamboree last August.

 

AS for Leadership Training, We are now focusing toward FEC for Woodbadge because it is alot closer and only an hour time difference, plus the tickets are cheaper Round Trip. Actually, we save $1,500 if we just go to FEC. Many of my scouters are taking Youth Protection training at the Maui Council Website because Aloha does not offer online training. (Yes, Hawaii has two Councils)

 

It is not easy keeping the District and Unit Scouters Cool and Calm out here. Many are anti-Council and a Majority would still want to break away and form a Council of our Own, as it was in the 50's to 70's. But it boils down to $$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

 

The latest fiasco is council losing 4 unit recharters and one of them is my Charter Organization's Scout Troop. These are units that turned in their recharters early and now we have to send back copies which just added fuel to the fire.

 

BUT, I'm still mending fences, patching up rifts, and dowsing fires. Council just doesn't make it any easier for this Scouting Outpost.

 

Matua

[Joni4TA]

I find that too.. I am in Okinawa, and we are FEC.. and many unit leaders are "anti-council" because they feel.. well... plainly disconnected. I guess there are pros and cons in any council/district!

 

Nice to see you all again. My mother passed away and I had to go back to the USA to handle some legal affairs.

 

[OldGreyEagle]

Sorry to hear that, welcome back

[eisely]

Council screwing up recharters is not an isolated problem. I have always made photocopies of anything I submit that is destined for the council service center.