Spartan Race National Championship at Summit Aug 26-27,2017

[EmberMike]

I'm trying to see the good in this, and there is certainly some to be had. At least from a marketing perspective there could be an interesting tie-in. People of all ages participate in these obstacle course races, including people with kids at (or approaching) scouting age. There's the potential for some sort of a "if you like OCRs, scouting provides kids the opportunity for high adventure activities too," messaging. Some of what kids do at Summit is certainly similar to things seen at these races. Minus the racing component of it, and with safety ropes.

[RememberSchiff]

This weekend!  Former New England Patriot wide receiver, Randy Moss will be there, running and raising money for charity.

 

http://www.wvgazettemail.com/sports/20170825/randy-moss-introduces-spartan-racing-to-west-virginia

 

Hopefully, World Jambo planners are watching.

Edited August 26, 2017 by RememberSchiff

[TAHAWK]

Update:

 

Aug 26-27 at Summit. Event information and registration at link below:

 

https://www.spartan.com/en/race/detail/2589/overview?clickid=wP30Y6X6l0WMTGmWvLxvgyIXUkkT84wJTUEVz40&c3nid=159021&c3ch=Affiliate-IR

 

Sierra Nevada brewery is a sponsor. If alcohol is served at Summit during Spartan, IMO the current GSS would need to be amended first.

 

It is the policy of the Boy Scouts of America that the use of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances is not permitted at encampments or activities on property owned and/or operated by the Boy Scouts of America, or at any activity involving participation of youth members.

 

That was then.  This is now:

"As outlined in the Scouter Code of Conduct, Scouting activities are not a place to possess, distribute, transport, consume, or use any of the following items prohibited by law or in violation of any Scouting rules, regulations, and policies: alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, including marijuana."

 

The Scouter Code of Conduct:

"8. I will not possess, distribute, transport, consume, or use any of the following items prohibited by law or in violation of any Scouting rules, regulations and policies: a. Alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, including marijuana."

 

The rule you quote seems to have gone away.  It is not in the on-line version of the G2SS, including the supposedly up-to-date version. There is no rule barring alcohol, just two rules barring alcohol if it is barred by any rule.  I am sure this is just another blunder.  English is tough.

 

It was separately announced that alcohol was barred from the Jamboree.

[RememberSchiff]

It reads like another "local option" situation.

 

From the superfluous Scouter Code of Conduct

 

I will not possess, distribute, transport, consume, or use any of the following items prohibited by law or in violation of any Scouting rules, regulations and policies:

1. Alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, including marijuana.
2. Concealed or unconcealed firearms, fireworks, or explosives.
3. Pornography or materials containing words or images inconsistent with Scouting values.

My read is if local laws and licensing are followed and the scout facility has no rules regarding alcohol or suspends those rules, then it is Octoberfest.

Edited August 27, 2017 by RememberSchiff

[RememberSchiff]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOpIwPmffFo

[ParkMan]

This seems like a good thing to me. It creates a mental association with an outdoor event the pushed participants to extremes and to excel. That feels like a positive association for scouting.

 

I don't mind the alcohol - it's an adult event and there is nothing wrong with adults consuming alcohol. Alcohol usage by youth or during times when adults are responsible for the safety of youth is not an issue here. Seems like it's a fine message for youth to see that the BSA is fine with responsible, adult alcohol usage.

 

That all seems like goodness to me.