Philly Scout update

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/columnists/15132591.htm

To clarify

BP is my shorthand for Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scout movement.
I apologize 'BP' is rather irreverent slang for such a great man.

Please forgive me.
-Andy

A response to a note I received from 'anonymous'

Today I received an e-mail from 'anonymous'. It included a link to a gay/ liberal website with various articles about the BSA policy towards homosexuality. I am not including a link to this site as I know that many people, of all ages, read my blog. If you would like me to give you the link so that you can read the article for yourself please e-mail me... I will gladly give you the link.
Most recently there was an article that 'anonymous' sited questioning BP's sexual orientation. Basically, the author regurgitated the standard BP biography that we all have read. Then the author went on to question BP's sexual leaning.
The person that e-mailed me did so on an account that will not accept a reply... Does this tell us something about the honor of this person?... Perhaps.

I wanted to share my response.

Dear Anonymous,
An interesting take.
I have read various claims by other biographers before... All pure conjecture and supposition on behalf of the writer. I have never heard or read any evidence that BP was gay. I am of the belief that serving in the military or having close male friendships does not make or qualify a person as being gay. Of interesting note; those that theorize that BP was a homosexual or bisexual seem to have that tendency themselves, or have a 'political' agenda in regards to the BSA.
In a world filled with immorality and vice it is disheartening to me that people spend so much time and energy trying to tear down the foundations of things that actually have value and are making a positive impact.
I have often thought this is just a symptom of our valueless age. A time of instant gratification and immorality. Then I am reminded of our history... Jesus was crucified for his 'crimes'... again radical Muslims are waging an un-holy war against Christendom. Sadly, it seems those that hate people, or movements, that are positive are not bounded by the constraints of time.
For the rest of us we struggle on. Turning the other cheek, trying to make the world a better and more positive place.
I pray that people will spend more of their energies actually trying to make a difference and impact the future... For the better.

Here's to 'leading change' and 'leading to make a difference.'
-Andy C

On the you've got to be kidding front...

Boy Scout Council May Be Evicted In Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA - The city said it will evict a Boy Scout council from its publicly owned headquarters or make the group pay a fair rent price unless it changes its policy on gays. The Boy Scouts' Cradle of Liberty Council, the country's third-largest, has been battling with the city for more than three years over the policy, which like the national Scouts organization forbids gays from being leaders.
City Solicitor Romulo L. Diaz Jr. wrote a letter to William T. Dwyer III, president of the Cradle of Liberty Council, stating that the council's "discriminatory policies" violate city policy and law, and that city officials have not been assured the group will not discriminate.
Unless the city gets a "fair-market rent agreement," the council will be evicted, the letter says.
The group has made its headquarters on a half-acre owned by the city in the upscale Philadelphia Art Museum area since 1928, when the city council voted to allow the Scouts to use the property rent-free "in perpetuity." The Scouts pay for building upkeep.
Council spokesman Jeff Jubelirer questioned the timing of the city's move.
"With an epidemic of gun violence taking the lives of Philadelphia's children every day, it is ironic the administration chose this time to destroy programming that services 40,000 children in the city," Jubelirer said.
Stacey Sobel, executive director of Philadelphia's Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, said she's pleased the city is taking action.
"If they are going to discriminate, the taxpayers shouldn't be subsidizing it," Sobel said.
The Boy Scouts of America's policy on gay leaders was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2000.
In 2003, the council in Philadelphia said it would adopt a nondiscrimination policy on gays. However, weeks later the group dismissed an 18-year-old Scout who publicly acknowledged he was gay.
Dwyer did not immediately return a message Saturday from The Associated Press, and a phone rang unanswered at the organization's national headquarters in Texas. [AP]

DWC e-letter

http://www.dwcbsa.org/resources/eletter/index.htm

Emergency Preparedness

September is national Emergency Preparedness month... Let's start planning to 'be prepared'.
Good Troop MB topic. Are you prepared? Check out www.ready.gov.

Help meeting 1st Class recruiting requirements

Boy Scouts can invite friends using Web site e-mail. The e-card, a new feature available to Scouts and leaders on the www.thescoutzone.org Web site, helps a Scout complete the new First Class requirement to invite a friend to a troop meeting or activity.

To use the e-card, a Scout goes to www.thescoutzone.org, clicks on "Tell a Friend," enters his name and his friend's name and e-mail address in the designated boxes. He selects the action images he thinks his friend would be interested in doing, then chooses music and a message.
After previewing the e-card, he sends it to his friend.

Blue cards, Scout accounts, advancement

Thanks to everyone that showed up to the 'blue card' meeting. I know the Troop MB library is looking a little sparse. Paul Getchell and I had discussed the Troop purchasing new books for the kids attending camp... but, I am having 2nd thoughts. I think that the boys should be responsible for purchasing their own MB books (they can come our of their Scout accounts... someone just has too keep track of it and write one Troop check at camp {Paul Getchell or Mike Dewar}). I know the guys in the Indian Patrol have been purchasing their own books 'out of pocket'. I think this furthers the 'a Scout pays his own way'.

Along the 'take it out of my Scout account' line. We need to devise an easier way for this to happen... (as I am still short on funds from the Lock Down and the Camporee). As the boys are signing-up and paying for their events and they want to have the payment come out of their account; 1.) they must make sure they have the funds in the account 2.) they need to 'write a check' on a piece of paper asking for the funds to be withdrawn from their account, give this slip of paper to the event leader. This needs to be handled well before the event to allow the leader enough time to get a check from the Treasurer. While on the Scout account issue, does it not make sense to use this only for bigger ticket items... i.e. uniforms, camp, registration, camping gear... etc. It seems to me that it makes a lot of extra work for the leadership to be chasing $5 for outing meal expenses and $3.50 MB books. Thoughts?

Advancement... I know this has been a chaffing point for a few in the Troop. I am making every effort to provide opportunities for advancement... the boys just need to make an effort to show-up. Saturday three leaders took time out of their busy work and family schedules to take the Troop on a hike. We went over showing up prepared for a hike, Leave No Trace, map and compass skills, and identifying plants and trees. These are all First and Second Class requirements, as is, participating in Patrol/ Troop activities (being an 'active member' of the Troop is a requirement for all other ranks). We had 4 Scouts show up. If you are not getting the information about these events in enough time please look at the Troop calendar... the whole year is available on line. Patrol Leaders it is your responsibility to make sure everyone in your Patrol is getting this information... if your Patrol members are not showing up for meetings or outings find out why.
I want no one to be left behind... but, it will require a little effort on the part of the Scout/ parents. I have set the calendar so that we have, at least, one outing a month. If the scheduled outing dates are not working for you let's talk.

Yours in Scouting,
Andy

Andrew Chalmers
Scout Master Troop 150
FOS District Chairman, Great Northern District

Saturday the INDIANS rule the boulder (loop trail)!

Troop 150 met at the Covered Bridge parking lot at 8am. We had a very sparse turn out, I think the thought of hiking in the heat scared away many Scouters. Prior to setting out with four members of the Indian Patrol and three adult leaders we went over map and compass skills and reviewed what we should be bringing to 'be prepared' in the woods.
It was a very pleasant hike with great views from several vantage points. The boys gorged themselves on fresh blueberries at the summit (I'm thinking the 'black bears' may be a more appropriate patrol name). We identified our 10 native plants and trees, did a little 'bouldering' and saw the preparations the Forest Service was making in getting ready to close and repair the trail.
We passed a few people as we were headed down the trail, we all noted that they were unprepared for the conditions... no gear and NO WATER... not good.
I am always impressed by this group. They are great hikers, with super attitudes... a real pleasure to be around.
-Andy

Blue Card Meeting

Last Thursday night the Troop met at the gazebo in Conway Village. We talked about camp preparations and handed out 'blue cards'. Everyone going to camp seems pretty excited. After our informal meeting the boys did a quick trash sweep of the park and adjacent path along the pond. They collected two large trash bags of garbage... great work guys!

Essentials for Your Hiking Daypack

AMC Outdoors, July/August 2004
By Michael Lanza

What you bring on a day hike depends on where you’re going, how long you’ll be out, and the weather. No matter what the duration of your trip, always bring the following to get you home before dark, or keep you safe during an unexpected night out:
A compass and map of the area, to find your way there and back; a flashlight or headlamp, because it’s easy to get lost if you’re caught out after dark without one; a whistle, one of the most powerful distress signals available; warm clothing and rain/wind gear, to ward off inclement weather and hypothermia; waterproof matches or firestarter, for an emergency warming blaze; a first-aid kit, to handle an unexpected injury; a pocket knife, for its myriad survival uses; and extra food and water, because being lost or injured is bad enough without the pangs of hunger, thirst, and exhaustion.
Beyond these essentials, consider bringing at least one large plastic trash bag, which can keep your gear dry as well as double as an emergency bivy sack. The more durable and brightly colored, the better — the bright orange ones used for highway clean-up are ideal.
— Michael Lanza is author of The Ultimate Guide to Backcountry Travel, from AMC Books.

I would add to this list your 'leave no trace' kits: trowel, toilet paper, plastic 'zipper-lock' baggies, and hand sanitizer.
-Andy