settummanque's posterous

More about Political Events and Scouting (6 Jan 12)

So we're now officially within a "national political campaigning year". Assuming that the Mayans were wiped out before they could finish their virtual calendar; and also assuming that this year isn't the one in which hostile and hungry aliens arrive on our planet for a "mid-galatic snack"; we Americans have to contend with a series of gatherings, elections and debates.

I don't know what's worse -- the end of the world as we know it, some hungry-hungry hippos coming to eat us all -- starting with the more "plump" among us, or listening to (because Lord knows I love CNN, the "best network in the Universe", but I'm NOT in love with the endless debating, sniping and "you said this" -- "no, you said that") stuff we call the "political process".

A couple of days ago, one of my fellow Army Reserve Soldiers -- an enlisted dude living in Iowa and a part of an Army Reserve unit in that state -- decided to express his personal opinion about one of the many candidates (did you know that there's something like several HUNDRED candidates all running for President under the Republican party in 2012? It's a good thing we only hear, read and see seven or eight of them!!). He's allowed to do this. There's nothing that says that he cannot express his own political ideas. He just can't do it during the military's "duty day", on a base somewhere, or...

...IN UNIFORM. The wearing of the uniform implies that somehow the Army, the Army Reserve, or his unit "supports" the candidate, his or her views, or the political party that the candidate or Soldier is a part of. It's such a big "no-no", that the Army goes out of its way every year to remind Soldiers of that fact -- and that it's a "bustable offense" under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Put a bumper sticker on your car, van, truck or cycle, sure. Display a lawn item, yeah as long as you're not living in base housing. Bring a coffeemug with that candidate's face or stuff about them running for whatever office, nope. You can't wear campaign or support/against tee-shirts or display pins to work either. That includes the gym, running around the block, and whether they stay in your office or cube or are out there where God and country can see it. Pretty clear, right? Well, that Soldier didn't "get the memo" and he's now in a LOT of trouble.

Don't be spending your Sergeant's pay any time soon, Corporal. As a matter of fact, there's a great chance that instead of you saying "Hooah!" you may be saying "Want fries with that?" pretty soon. It's THAT SERIOUS a MATTER.

Why? Our nation's military is supposed to be non-partisan in its application and appearance. Those of us in the military know the deal, however: we know that every time a Democrat is in office, our military's going to shrink. We know that every time a Republican is in office, our military's going to grow. We have no idea what will happen if we get an Independent in office as our President. The bottom line is regardless of who's in office or who we would LIKE to have in office, we serve the person in the office NOW. Either way. We know that we can talk about politics with our friends after duty hours; we know that we can send money to a political campaign or issue group without someone forcing or keeping us from doing so. But when we're wearing that uniform and working on the SERVICE'S TIME, that time needs to be spent doing things to help further the NATION'S CONCERNS...not our own.

What that Soldier did was to basically tell the nation -- or anyone who cared -- that he's stupid, has no loyality, and should not be saying anything he said in uniform. The campaign he supported should have also coached him and provided him a teeshirt to wear instead of his battle dress uniform -- and he could say anything he felt he wanted to -- but they didn't. It's a "much better visual" for him to be there in uniform, saying whatever he said. It was the UNIFORM.

Okay. Enough of the Army Reserve dude -- let's talk about you and your youth in Scouting and how does all of this relate to them and you. No, you're not in the military and Scouting isn't "junior Junior ROTC". On the other hand, like the military, the BSA is non-partisan in it's organization and execution. The BSA has a policy -- here it is in case you didn't "get *that* memo":

Participation in Political Events and Activities (from the BSA's Rules and Regulations):

"Uniformed unit members and leaders may participate in flag ceremonies at political events and may lead the Pledge of Allegiance; however, they should retire after the ceremony and not remain on the speakers’ platform or in a conspicuous location where television viewers nor photographers could construe their presence as an endorsement or symbol of support. In addition, photos of candidates with Scouts in uniform or which contain BSA marks and logos are not allowed in political campaign materials of any kind. Candidates for any office may not wear the official BSA field or dress uniform while photographed or videotaped for political campaign materials or while actively campaigning and should refrain from activily campaigning while in attendance at any BSA national, regional or local Council (to include District and unit) activity, event or rally.

This same policy extends to local or regional issues or causes, even those which may seem to be one in which the BSA would "tend to" support or oppose (for instance a new city or state park or the destruction or construction of a landmark or building)."

If you're attending a political rally or event, you have a Constitutionally-granted right to be there. You should avoid being there in a Scouting uniform (field or dress); and should avoid wearing Scouting-related garb (jac-shirt, hat, etc.) during the event. "But nobody took a photo and I avoided the cameras", you may say...it doesn't always work out that way. Today, ANYONE can take an image with one of those "eye-phones" or their competitors...and ANYONE can post/upload/provide images to any number of social media, social awareness, or partisan political sites or resources. Just because you're a Scout or Scouter, doesn't mean that you're "automatically" a part of one or the other's political party or supports/opposes candidates or points of view within a particular party or affiliation. So as long as you're there representing YOURSELF and your own PERSONAL VIEWS, go for it -- just *not* in any way representing Scouting!

If you're there as part of the color/honor guard, you should perform your duties to the best of your abilities...and then silently MOVE AWAY FROM THE STAGE AREA and be *completely away* from the rally or event. Not just standing behind a speaker (even if that speaker is a minister or mayor or medicine man -- by YOU AND YOUR UNIT standing there gives a quiet but powerful "impression" that somehow the BSA or your local Council "backs" or "are behind" the cause or event). You've done your civic responsibilties by presenting the Flag of our nation or by standing with the national and/or state flag while others pay homage to our nation and state. Now it's time for you to go home.

Scouting is designed to be non-political and non-partisan in its operation. We have to be careful not to have Scouting -- the movement and individual Scouters and Scouts -- "sucked into" being a part of anyone's political campaign or promotion. Most national and regional campaign directors KNOW the rule about NOT using Scouts and Scouters. The local directors and promoters, trying to get "a good crowd" for their candidate, don't always think of anything else other than "getting a good crowd". In the past, Scoutmasters in a town would be contacted by politicial campaigns and asked to "bring all of their Scouts in uniform, and we'll help you get them to summer camp" or "get you some camping equipment" or something else. All of that is WRONG under BSA policies. Our units are NOT "rent a crowds" or "political backdrops".

"But I see military people, police and fire personnel behind the President... why can't we do that too? I think it'll be really cool to have a sea of Scouts and Scouters sitting or standing behind our President (or behind his or her political opponent)." True, you do see quite a bit of law enforcement, protection or educators (or all of the above) serving as "human backdrops" for candidates and for the President. Yes, even members of our military are seen in the background as the President speaks. One has to remember this: those individuals (except for the miltary folk) are *members of that particular political party who either PAID TO or WAS PAID BY the party to be there*. As far as military members, they are more or less "directed" to be there (and because the President is, after all, the Commander-in-Chief of our land, air and sea forces, very few will say "nah...it's not my thing...")

Again, Scouts and Scouters are NOT "political backdrops" for the current or the "last" guy or gal.

No matter if the issue or campaign leans to the left, right, center, forward, backward, down or up -- or if something clearly "supports" or "helps Scouting" some way.

Part of being a citizen of this nation is the WILLING ABILITY to attend ceremonies to welcome or say "so long" to the leader of the United States. We're lucky to live in a nation whereby some jackbooted dude (or duddette) doesn't hammer on your door and tells you or or your family "you WILL appear in the town square tomorrow at 4pm and warmly welcome our nation's head of state -- or else!! And you WILL smile and you WILL wave the things we give you -- or else!!"

If you and your Pack, Troop or Crew is invited to come out to the airfield and wave flags as the President arrives -- DO IT -- just NOT in Scouting uniforms or teeshirts or carrying Scouting banners, or while making it a Scouting event! Invite those who want to attend, make sure that everyone understands that they are there to see the President (or former President) (or Vice President) (or a cabinet secretary) (or a military general or admiral) (etc.). And have fun at doing it... take photos, shake the President's hand if you get close enough and desire to, and wave those small American flags proudly.

Volunteers and professionals must be alert to situations that would imply that the BSA favors one candidate over another. Strict observance of our long-standing policy against the active participation of uniformed Scouts and leaders in political events is mandatory. Volunteers with questions concerning their participation in a political event, rally, or dinner should address them to their Council's Scout Executive for recommendation and resolution.

A timely reminder at a point whereby we are just starting the politics in either retaining the guy or gal we elected or hiring someone new in their place. Good luck, don't get too big, round and fat, and keep the faith! *smiling*

Posted

Wow (13 Dec 11)

Jon:

I have an entire book which will finally hit shelves after the first of next year which talks about "injustices" and how at least in my own experiences, I overcame them.

You wrote in part:

"For quite some time now, I have been aware that, in its earlier days, the BSA permitted practices that were nowhere objectively justified by the Scout Oath or Law, such as racially-segregated Scout troops. Last night, I was shocked to find an example of just how un-Scoutlike some people were, back then."

And you haven't been looking around and noting the lack of faces with any other "coloring" than shades of pale eggwhite? Glad you woke up. Welcome to my world.

While the BSA has tried (since 1922) with limited successes to make our programs more "colorblind", the fact is that we live in a nation which for the most part is still not so. Even in 2011, several decades after the civil rights marches, "Freedom Rides" and the reduction of the Klan and its brother Aryan Nation organizations, things haven't changed too much. In my beloved home state -- 17 miles from where I used to work as a Paraprofessional while going to college, a biracial couple (white woman who was born and raised in the county; black man who immigrated to the States) could sing together but was denied to be married at the same church. Media pressure forced a slight majority of church members to change their minds and allow them to "live out their lives". Most refused to even vote one way or another -- for fear of being labeled "bigots" or that "lover word" which starts with a racial slur. Even where they have to pump sunlight into the hills, people have caught onto the "blazing hot spotlight" called the press and react "appropriately".

The next time you go to a Council -- no, a District -- event, do this: Count to yourself the number of Black, Brown and warm Yellow faces you see around the room. Count the folks serving the food or assisting with the set up along with the participants, to be fair about it. A good 8 out of ten times, you'll be able to count those "other faces" on both hands, and perhaps using the toes of one of your feet. It's not the BSA's fault... well, they're trying but not enough in *my opinion*.

It was the way that our grandfathers and great-grandfathers were raised, Jon. It was a part of American history -- then as well as now. The BSA was one of the few organizations in the forefront which didn't discriminate against Catholics. Later Jews. Then there were constant battles between the majority of the nation and eight Southern states which wanted to "align their Scouting membership with state law". Later when the state law was changed, to "align their membership and leadership with social morals and conduct." The BSA threatened to yank Council charters, bar leaders from receiving the Silver Beaver, and attempted to reassign Black and in two cases Hispanic men to serve as Scout Executives in those Councils. Didn't matter... Council Executive Boards thumbed their noses at the national organization; and their coffers increased as those "supporters" poured monies into their Council operation and summer camps to "keep them pure and separate."

Since one of the four "pillars" of Scouting has been the level of financial management; and another one the level of youth membership and units they are a part of -- the BSA shugged their shoulders and said "oh well..."

In my book, I relate an experience going to a summer camp operation in the Deep South to visit a fellow Jamboree staffer in 1978. He invited me to come and see their wonderful camp and I drove the 400 or so miles southward to the entrance to the camp. There, the Camp's Ranger -- wielding a shotgun -- told me in total clarity to "take my black ass back home where I belong" and that "none of your kind will EVER find their way inside this camp as long as I'm the Ranger."

I was a regional employee at the time. I had the Ranger fired. My friend and fellow Jamboree staffer never talked with me since then -- I've still got his number and when I decided to put the event into my book, I tried several times to reach him for his side of the story. Either shame, regret, or support set in. The Ranger was well-liked, was being paid good money (back then), and to this day, I have not been invited to attend or participate in anything in that particular local Council. The Council has been subsequently merged into a larger metro Council, but I try my best to move forward and not dwell on it any more than I had to.

Truth be known, Jon, my mother would have yanked a knot in my tail if she'd known the number of Councils I've been to whereby I was literally "all alone". A Scout is Brave, I wrote in the book, but I don't believe that Colin Livingstone and Daniel Carter Beard had me or some of my peers in mind when they were writing the American version of the Scout Law, adding points concerning valor, purity and tolerance.

You also wrote in part:

"I have a Civics merit badge pamphlet which dates from the 1920s, and which bears, on its inside front cover, a list of the 1928 requirements for the badge. Since I am currently counseling Scouts for the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge, I decided to look through the Civics pamphlet, since I like to use older Scouting resources for today's Scouts."

Scouts (kids) today for the most part, "don't care" about the "race thing". They pal up with White, Black, Asian and Hispanic kids of both gender as if they've been doing it all of their lives -- proudly tossing the middle finger at anyone who complains. Its a result of societial attempts at integrating our schools, churches and civic activities. For the most part, it's a result of the media. From bit parts on the small and big screen toward starring or co-starring roles on television shows and in our movies, to leading actor and actress roles in blockbuster movies and television shows -- not because of the topic, but simply because we became used to seeing those "other faces" and then thrilled when they provided the performances of their lifetimes (it was "now or never", for many of them -- they knew it and many of us knew it too). And when Bill Cosby said what many of us parents would say when our sons decided not to go to college; or when Halle Berry almost kicked James Bond's butt... we really stood up and cheered for the chocolate brown face.

We adults have a bit of a rough time "adjusting", going back to the recent example near Pikeville, Kentucky. Many of us are still stuck in neutral -- or if not actually, in our minds we want to be in reverse. Back then it was so easy: everything had its "place" and we placed people, actions and experiences in those "places" and be done with it. Everyone knew their "place" and nobody wanted to "move" or "take" anyone else's "place" -- for fear of failure, embarrassment, shame, or worse.

"People were lynched for doing what you did. Just driving down in the wrong side of a town can put your life at risk. Leave the Wood Badge presentation to someone of their own kind". Despite the constant "recommendation" in the early days of my travels (and her prayers before I left), even my sweetie (later to become my wife) could not keep me from upholding the Order of the Arrow's Obligation ("...will seek to preserve a cheerful spirit, even in the midst of irksome tasks and weighty responsibilities...") and the Tenth Scout Law. No cell phones back then. No way to summon assistance. Just blind faith -- and the promise of a meal and someplace to rest my head in relative comfort; and a coffee mug, patch and/or a piece of printed cardboard with some signatures and thank you -- and perhaps a bit of change to help me "get back to where I belong".

Many Scouters replaced racial tensions with fears that like so many other things, the BSA will "cow down" to the black organizations and the black ministers and the black media and dilute the program. When the BSA started placing black and brown faces prominently on the covers of their publications, my comment to a friend of mine was "this isn't good -- a knee jerk reaction to "we need more black faces". Let's just print entire books with *only* black faces -- you know, like they do dolls..." After the recent release of the Guide to Advancement a couple months back, I read a LOT of email basically saying the same thing: "the BSA is watering down the program, trying to make every kid an Eagle Scout!"

The BSA is too ashamed to admit it, but folks like me know factual information like this. Black and Brown kids being refused membership -- it's legal and BSA approved (the chartered organization sets the youth membership standards, not the BSA). Adults being able to serve as unit level leaders but not as Commissioners or committee members in several local Councils. Council Executive Boards telling the Scout Executive that "you can hire them, but you have to limit them to the "black" or "brown" parts of the Council's territories. Don't make them a District Exec of a suburban District -- we'll have your head."

I thought we were over and done with this...

I am currently working with a biracial family in a northern state to help them appeal their son's Eagle board of review. The chair of the board wrote on one of the documents the group was reviewing "this zebra kid has a big mouth. Not eagle material." They denied his Eagle because he did not have "enough Scout spirit" for them.

In a nation with its first African-American president, the BSA still haven't cracked the code (or have the courage yet...they're getting there, but...) to simply say "There's only one standard -- that of the Scout Oath or Promise and the Scout Law (the "three and 12") " and enforce it across all local Councils, all volunteers, and anyone who deals with the BSA. We ask our youth to embrace those ideals. We "measure them" against those ideas, and that of fair play, equality and true brotherhood. But that's as far as it goes.

Not in the book, Jon (the book was completed in 1989) but lots of Scouters have asked me "why hasn't the President come out and publically support the BSA? I mean, look, he's black -- he could give a big boost toward making Scouting less white and a whole lot more blacks would see that it's not the "white kids outdoor adventure club".

I look at them in the eye and answer them, "because the BSA can't even be brave enough to enforce one standard, one set of rules. We talk a great game but don't expect the refs to follow the rule book. The day when they do, you'll see not only the President embracing the Boy Scouts of America -- you'll see America embrace it once again."

Wow. Wow indeed - or in the word of my "catch phrase" I'm going to use during 2012 (you can too!).... EXCEPTIONAL!

Settummanque!

--
Settummanque is writer, retired military officer, dad, friend,
traveler, public speaker, webmaster, Eagle Scout, and/or "sweetie"
(LTC) Mike Walton. South Lake Minnetonka area, Minnesota.
http://www.settummanque.com

Posted

About Being a First Class Scout (8 Dec 11)

(We're talking over on Scouts-L, the "international daily Roundtable meeting which NEVER ends!"(tm) about the value of Eagle in today's Scouting environment. Someone suggested that we somehow "tighten" the tasks required to become an Eagle Scout. I disagreed and stated that instead of tightening the Eagle requirements, that perhaps we need to insure that those who earn the First Class Scout rank really *know their stuff*, stating in part that before the "improved Scouting program" in the early 70s, that's the way it was.

Dave wrote: "oh Mike.

Now - we all know that in Webelos 3 (a.k.a. new scout patrol) that all the kiddies "earn" First Class in their First Year.

We could NEVER make 1st class a true test of scout skills, because we would "lose" all those scouts we allegedly keep in scouting because they make first class in their first year"

Here's my response to him, posted on Scouts-L (for subscription information, go to http://www.scouts-l.net ) and also posted to my Facebook page )

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Hey Dave!

I was more proud of myself for attaining First Class than I was when I received the Eagle. Sounds really nutzoid, right?

It took me almost two years before I earned First Class. My memory says that there were six months' tenure between Second and First Class. I couldn't swim back then -- that was the delay. I learned how to -- it was the last "requirement" I met before I talked with my Scoutmaster, went before my peers, showed them that I knew my stuff, and they approved my advancement.

I wrote in my book "Patches and Pins" that when I earned First Class, it was as if all of those stories I read about in _Boys'_Life_ and _Scouting_ was a possibility for me. I could DO those things because I had confidence, knowledge and learned the skills to do them. I was everything that Baden Powell and Colin Livingstone and James West and Dan Beard envisioned the "first class Boy Scout" to be.

More because I'm an American -- and a Black one at that.

I learned about my nation, my community and my place in it -- and how I could make all of them better. I learned about famous Americans and famous American places -- some which as an adult, I have a NEW appreciation for because up until that point in my life, I just read about them.

I learned how to get myself around any town, around any sets of woods, around any other people. I learned the value of cardinal directions and magnetic directions. I can shoot an azmuth, follow it and be at my destination -- and I didn't have to use anything based on a computer chip or "birds in the air". I can walk into any "quicky mart" today, look at a map, orient where I am at in relationship to the destination, and leave with confidence knowing that either I "should have taken that left turn at Albuquerque" or that "I'm right on the right trail".

I learned the most essential tool in my pocket was my Scout knife. Okay, it was the Swiss Army version of the Scout knife. As I watched my "television hero" Angus MacGyver use -- and kept a close hold -- onto his pocket knife weekly, it was revealed that the knife and all of its shiny tools are secondary to the knowledge in ones brain as to how to use "your resources".

I learned how to camp -- in a tent or with a poncho suspended from tree branches or just camping in my car. I learned which materials will "light up" quickly and won't leave much heat and I learned how to make a fire which will burn just about all night long -- as long as I feed and watch it. I learned how to cook on that fire -- I'm still learning this mind you, some 40 years later -- and how to make foods edible and consumable (still learning there). I learned how to make coffee -- outdoors, indoors and again, in my car. I learned how to protect foods from being eaten by various bugs and animals -- and how to keep myself from becoming some other animal's "good eatin's".

I learned how to hike...not just walk, but walking with a purpose. I know that my body can take me 15 miles before I have to rest up; it used to be able to take me twice as long but you know I'm not a young man anymore... I learned how to care for my body and others' bodies in prevention and care/healing. I learned about the night sky (when I can see it), know what it's supposed to look like at different points in the year, and I learned how to depend upon others as well as myself in the outdoors as well as indoors. I know what deer, raccoon, bear and Big Foot prints look like and I learned how to follow most of those tracks and avoid or stay away from others.

I learned the value of the land I walked upon, how various things will sustain me and others if it came down to it. I also learned the value of sticking up and defending the land and water because literally it is all we have. We can't manufacture land and water (I did learn how to distill water from the air and how to make land "more ready for plants" however).

And because I was fortunate to be in Troops which did outdoor events frequently, it gave me plenty of time to practice those skills -- over and over and over -- until they became second nature to me. When a girlfriend asked "to go camping" with me, I perked up and said "sure -- as long as you do most of the cooking while I get and keep the fire going!"

In short, as I wrote, I was prepared as a First Class Scout. I was ready for the return of Jesus. I was ready for the spacecraft which will carry off those deemed "delicious" first. I was ready for those "Viper people". My fellow Scouts, my Scoutmasters, my family and my faith all prepared me. At the tender age of 13, I was not stupid -- nor was I fearless.

Just prepared.

Yep, as I stood there in front of my fellow Scouts to receive the First Class Scout badge set -- the large metallic First Class badge; the small First Class badge which I still wear (and which other members of the Scouting club at Eastern Kentucky wore as our "club pin"), the cloth ovalled First Class patch, and the pocket card (an old one because our Council was still transitioning to the new cards) -- I was a rock star. Too bad my parents weren't there at that Court of Honor for they would have seen a pumped up little kid with a big heart and a grin to match.

I didn't take that First Class patch off my uniform until I was a Life Scout. And if one looks closely at some of the images of me out there, they can see that small gold First Class Scout pin on a lapel or sweater decades after I had attained that rank as a Boy Scout.

Today, because I'm a First Class Boy Scout who just happened to make his way toward Eagle, I'm prepared for those zombies. Bring 'em!

Settummanque!

Posted

More about Heartbreak and Being a Military “Brat” (23 Nov 11)

(I wrote this from work; the work computer doesn't allow me to "cut and paste" to Facebook (or anywhere else). So sorry for the delay in posting this!!)

Someone coined the term “Military Brat” some 30 or so years back, as the child of a service member, particularly one who lived on a military installation stateside or overseas (or over time, both). We were “brats” probably to some of our friends: we were a lot worldly, some of us knew how to speak another language fluently, we probably had siblings who were adopted from another country or culture, and we always spoke wistfully about our “brat” friends – even the ones we didn’t get along with.

We would thrill at the prospect of going someplace we’ve never been to. Not because “it’s new.” Rather because “we would be able to make new friends and maybe see So-and-so; his or her dad or mom was supposed to be assigned to the ‘umphy-umpth’ there…”

When the big moving van showed up on our block, it was the signal for either elatement – for someone NEW is going to come into your life; or sorrow, for someone you’ve known will be moving onward.

Our non-“Brat” friends would not “get it.” They would not understand the strong bonds which those of us living on or near military bases would have for one another. One truly “had to be there” – have to experience it -- to understand it.

As a child, my heart – as those of others growing up on or around a military base – would frequently break when my friends’ parents (or my own father) would have to be reassigned to another installation. I remember crying for two solid days because James Ellis’ father received PCS (permanent change of station – relocation) orders to someplace called “Fort Ord” in California. My mom tried to raise my spirits by allowing me to get an extra comic book at the Pattonville bookstore but she knew in her heart too (she told me later) that no matter what she tried to do; there would be a part of my little heart that will always long for my first true “best friend.”

I gave one of my “dog tags” later to Karen Lee Becvar. We kissed and hugged as 11 year olds did back then, tearfully saying those words which rolled off our tongues:

“I’ll miss you”

“I’ll never forget you”

“Please write and let me know how you are”

“Stay in touch please!”

Truth be known, there were a couple “I love yous” in that conversation as well, as Karen was my first female friend -- and more. Karen introduced me to religion in a way that I always will be thankful for. She taught me how to “meaningfully pray”. Not just repeating the Lord’s Prayer; but actually interfacing with the Creator and demonstrating while holding hands, our heads bowed low, that “when two or more people pray together, He is there with us.” That was a LOT MORE than what I was being taught in Sunday school right across the street from her apartment building in Pattonville.

I would never see her again after January of 1971. Not for lack of trying. In 1979 and again in 1993 I traced a Karen Becvar through telephone books living in Indianapolis, but she had never been to Germany in her life. The last time I contacted her, she had a bit of pity on me as I explained to her my story of finding and losing the Karen Lee in my life. She listened but concluded that “you’ll find her some day -- but today’s not your day.”

Those phrases -- “I’ll miss you”, “I’ll never forget you”, “Stay in touch please!” – and similar ones rolled off our tongues and out of our mouths so easily back then because the chances that we would run into each other later in life is, well, one of those ‘google’ numbers! By the time I was 11, I was used to people coming into and out of my life like a revolving door. It still hurt, but you learned how to insulate yourself from the hurt and pain. You had to be brave. You have to have a strong front. You have to lie. You must move on.

Then America Online entered my life. Praise God for AOL!

I was one of the first “account holders” of AOL. I used it to communicate with other volunteer Scouters. I used it to conduct research for my Master’s thesis paper. I used it to communicate with my wife when I was deployed around the world.

Brenda Kay Vockery – Jones now – was a pleasant and cheerful memory in my life. Many of you who followed me electronically back in the earlier days (or from high school) knew that I had the greatest crush on her. I followed the poor girl around like, well, like a lovesick puppy. Well into my second marriage, I placed most of it aside. That is, until I received the first of several emails from Brenda via AOL. She was looking for something for one of her brothers when she came across my website featuring those bad high school black and white yearbook pictures (thanks FKHS). There we were on either side of some script which explained why her image was there. From that initial email, we restarted a friendship which continues to this day.

Not soon after Brenda and I started to email and catch up with our lives – and our new lives – then I received an email from an old high school girlfriend. My first “real girlfriend”, Belinda Whitcomb. Bel – “Mushroom” I called her because of the mushroom-shaped patch she would always wear on her jeans – and I also communicated back and forth after a 20 or so year break in silence. Now married to the man of her dreams, she and I talked about the “old times” and the “great times” in JROTC where we met and about our mutual friends – some we have heard from and others we have not but hope to some day.

John and his brother William (Billy back then; he wants to be called “William” now) Gay were the next two to email and ask “are you the same Mike Walton who tossed Matchbox™ cars with parachutes from the fourth floor windows only to see them crash on the sidewalk?” (yes, it was me; but it wasn’t just me tossing them out the window – it was you and your brother and Jurgen Starks, and Maryann Holister and… ). We email each other back and forth every once in a while… just to catch up or for either to ask me Scouting-related questions.

And then, Tina Norskog wrote and said simply “I don’t know if you remember me, but I sure remember you.”

I sat and looked at the computer screen and cried while reading the short note.

The last time I recall seeing Tina was on a dreary day in the spring of 1974. We sat on the curve outside the high school gym. I missed my bus for some reason. As I walked through the building, then outside in the general direction of my housing area, I saw her sitting there -- cardboard box in hand containing her things from her locker. She was leaving Fort Knox High well before the end of the school year.

I sat beside her on the curve, introduced myself, listened and asked questions. I learned some life lessons that afternoon: Personal actions have consequences well beyond ones’ family – even a military one. There were some rather STUPID RULES at that high school I loved that needed to be changed. There’s a difference between love and lust. That Someone made me miss that bus and to be there for this girl.

Like Chanel Simmons (who, a year later, gave me her necklace and a peck on the cheek after being told that she had to leave the high school), Tina and I never shared a single class together. I remember waving “Hey” to her in the hallway between classes. I do not recall seeing her in the lunchroom when I was there. She was in band, but other than Brenda and my friend Cyndi, I didn’t know anyone in band. I had no idea who Tina Norskog was until I sat beside and talked with her on that curve.

We eventually got up and walked along Morand Manor and Littlefield Loop and parted company at the top of North Dietz by the horse stables. We hugged, she kissed me and told me those fateful words:

“I’ll never forget you. Thank you!”

“Stay in touch please!”

And I told her that I would, adding “Please write and let me know how you are”. She gave me a relative’s mailing address. With that, she and her box went home and out of my life as quickly as she entered my life a short few hours prior.

We did exchange letters – a couple of them – while she was in Cody, Wyoming. But the letters stopped and so did our communication.

Until that America Online email.

After my tears were pushed over with the backside of my hand, I wrote probably one of the longest emails I’ve ever done at that time – I wanted to know everything. I wanted to see photos (AOL just started to allow attachments). I wanted to know when she was going to somehow come back to Kentucky (“Not anytime soon and I really don’t want to…” she responded. I understood.)

After Tina, there were so many others – others who wanted to know if I’d married Brenda (no, she’s married and got two kids…). Or if I’ve ever finished the Scouting book (yes, but it’s in rewrites). Or when am I coming back to see my parents (I do frequently; you know my mom’s not doing too well, right?). Or where’s your brothers and what are they doing? (They’re doing fine and both of them are still in the Radcliff/E-town area).

Years later, during the first days of the social medium boom, friends I went to high school and college with started to reconnect with me – and I reached out to them. Shirley Serini and I talked a bit electronically and I got to express my deep thanks to her for making me a great public relations professional. Robert Walker and I talked about my gaff in high school (“Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance” and we played the National Anthem) and how cool I was (I was mud!) when I corrected the error. People came out of the wood work, so it seemed.

When my mom passed away, I reached out to my social network – my family’s rather small compared to others – and received warm embraces all the way around. “I didn’t care for you, but I sure as hell respected your mother,” one guy wrote. “Stay in touch and never forget what your mom taught you…”
We have – through MyLife. People I thought were, I don’t know, just gone – like Maxcine Robinson (Beach now), Gail Evans, and Dallas Miller – they found me through the electronic “hey you!” boards.

And now, via Facebook and MySpace. And Twitter. After the first part of 2012, through YouTube. A great thing about all of this techno stuff is that we find *several* of our “military brat” friends via them. We exchange notes with them. We share photos and video snippets with them. We arrange to go see them and rediscovered what we’ve really enjoyed and missed about being around them in person. We get to see them after decades of not knowing – I haven’t seen Tina (Thomas now) in some 37 years.

Thirty-seven years. We still had loads to share: Photos of kids and grandkids (them, not me – not yet, anyways). Remembrances of family members who have passed on. Stories about mutual friends and what we used to do as kids… and how kids today just don’t “get it.” How we used our imaginative, creative selves to do cool things back then that our kids and grandkids will say “Yeah. That was back in the Stone Age, wasn’t it?” as they returned to their electronics in their room.

As we get ready to enjoy meals with our families and friends, do me (and yourself!) a big favor:

Reach out to someone you haven’t heard from in a while. Whether from high school, middle school or college. Someone you used to “hang with” in Scouts or sports or at the radio station or on the block. Just send a note asking them to have a great Thanksgiving. You don’t have to go into glorious detail… just let them know you’re thinking about them.

The bonds of being a “brat” are very strong ones. Your heart never stops breaking when they – or you – have to move away. When the opportunity presents itself to re-establish those bonds, I truly cherish those electronic and personal reunions. It makes up for some of the heartache and downness.

Most times.

Karen Lee, if you’re out there – Happy Thanksgiving and thank you.

Posted

"What Can I Do and Can't Do" in Scouting?

The following was posted to the USENET Scouting forum "rec.scouting.issues" in 1997 and contains references to older versions of BSA documents. The information HAS NOT CHANGED, however, which is why I feel confident in posting this here.

There is a reference to a "Parents Guide to Scouting" which I've had on my whiteboard since 1997; it is complete but I am waiting until AFTER the first of the year (2012) to send it to Honor Publishing and to ask my friend Dave Tracewell to publish it for me. Why so long?

The Scouting programs have changed significantly since 1997-98 when I originally wrote the booklet; and because some circumstances in my personal life as well as within Scouting delayed the approval and publication process (in American English: the woman I asked to edit the booklet didn't; another guy took my money and spat back the same stuff I gave him except to PDF it; and yet another person never did get back with me about the publication. I was deployed four times for significant periods of time. I lost the manuscript in a move The BSA also wanted to change the rules about trademarks, so I've been insuring that my publication met their requests).

Bruce asked this question on rec.scouting.issues; here's my response followed by Paul Wolf's great followup:

You asked the forum a short time back:

My son is a Boy Scout in BSA and I'm involved in many ways too. I'm not a Registered Adult Leader (RAL) nor do I expect to become one under current circumstances.

(He's gay and the BSA prohibit openly gay or lesbian individuals from registration as a volunteer.)

Sorry for the circumstances, Bruce; however, there are some reasoning for it, many of which are discussed indefinitely here in this forum.

Can anyone point me to BSA-sanctioned information, preferably succinct, of what I as an adult & parent am and am not permitted to do under BSA policy?

Here's what the BSA says and the source documents I've found so far. Many of these source documents, thanks to the long hours of many volunteers, are on the Web. I would suggest going to the US Scouting Service Project's website or the scouter.com website where there are links to these documents. I've starred (*) those that I'm aware of that has online resources.

I've been working on an online Parent's Guide to Scouting; until I ran across your posting, I thought that I was done and ready to upload it to Leaders' Online. But I guess I'm not, by the large amount of books and materials STILL on my desk this afternoon!!

Much of what you ask for, Bruce, will vary from local Council to local Council and from unit to unit within that local Council. Scouting belongs to the unit, and to the organization, school, church, or group that sought and obtained a BSA charter to operate that unit as best they can within the BSA's and the group's guidelines; therefore, so far, I haven't found any official BSA documents which state that you cannot do the following:

-attend meetings with your son
-participate in outings with your son
-go on field trips with your son
-help out with fundraising, public speaking or in other ways to support your son's unit
-be present when your son is recognized for his achievements
-take photos of your son and his Scouting friends (with permission from parents and/or the Scout himself).
-attend public BSA meetings, activities or programs with or without your son present.

(most BSA meetings and activities are open to the public and are frequently announced in local or regional newspapers; Roundtables, District Committee and Commissioners' meetings, and outdoor activities are examples).

All of those point to an easy thread: if you are a PARENT of a Scout, you may do PARENT-TYPE things with your son while he is a member of that unit.

There are a few "buts" to those things I wrote above:

-you may NOT interfere with the operation of the activity or event except in cases of harm or danger to your son, other individuals or yourself.
-you may NOT do so in an "official capacity" other than the "parent of Mark, a member of" whatever unit.

To answer specifically your questions:

*1. I can't serve as Treasurer or in any other office capacity for Troop 260;
*2. I can't be a merit badge counselor;
*3. I can't be the main Adult Leader on an outing.

All of these require BSA registration to serve in those roles, Bruce. In the case of Treasurer, you must be registered as a member of your son's Troop Committee. In the case of the main adult leader or a merit badge counselor, you must be registered with the BSA in an adult capacity (not necessarily as Scoutmaster, nor as Assistant Scoutmaster; but you must be registered in some capacity (and you are also required to attend and complete the Youth Protection Training as well) ).

The source for those are found in the BSA's Guide to Safe Scouting, available online, under the Leadership section toward the front of the document.

4. I can't serve on a Board of Review (?)

No, again, Board of Review members (in most communities, check with your unit) are members of the Troop's Committee. They are *supposed to be*, but some communities will find anyone around to sit in on the review. It's one of my "personal bones of contention" with the BSA, because it didn't used to be that way. But that's the way its done today.

The source to this is found in the Troop Committee Guidebook and the BSA's Advancement Guidelines booklet.

The other thing is that Scoutmasters and their Assistants can't serve on Boards of Review either - for their sons or anyone else'.

[My son] (who does subscribe to the above without qualifiers) can participate fully despite his father's beliefs;

He should be able to; there are some whom may want to use your "objections" to discriminate against him; don't let them. He's the member, not you.

Naturally.

*I can serve on outings as a 2nd Adult Leader

Yes, you may; the Guide to Safe Scouting states only that one adult must be a registered BSA member; the other could be a parent or other individual. There are some confusion about the usage of two or more registered adults (it's called "Two-Deep Leadership") and the leadership requirement. Units are required to have two or more registered adults when taking part in a BSA event; but the BSA has long figured out that in some cases, this isn't possible...so that's where the Safe Scouting guide comes into play with the one must be 21 and a registered BSA member and the other should be a registered BSA member but doesn't have to be if the situation is such you can't get another registered BSA adult to attend the event.

Though a non-office holder I can still do work for the Troop, such as helping with Treasury, maintaining email list, etc.

Yep, you can as long as the organization or group which "owns" your unit says you can. It's up to them, not the Troop's leadership, as to what you may or may not do without being registered, Bruce.

5. I can attend additional Adult Leader Training, and Roundtable

You may attend and complete volunteer training, attend Roundtable meetings, and any other training or public BSA meeting within your local Council. However, you may NOT earn training awards, keys or other emblems which require membership and/or tenure as a registered BSA member.

There is ONE exception: the Cub Scouter Award may be earned by ANYONE (which means parents too!) "associated with a Pack" (that means with or without registration) for a two year period and meeting other requirements, including training. Many parents have been recognized with this award, which comes with a square knot uniform piece (to get you to wear a uniform and once there, to get you to become registered!!)

You may also assist your local Council and its District in rasing monies or developing new units as long as you do so as a parent and not in any official capacity. And you may receive the West Fellowship and other local Council honors for your financial support to Scouting, which I hope you and others do.

In addition, I'm wondering what are the requirements with regard to driving to & from functions.

Since you're not a registered BSA member, Bruce, those rules, while they are great ones to follow all of the time, don't apply to you. The requirements for drivers only apply to BSA registered individuals and to those driving BSA individuals through a local tour permit.

Basically, there are a set of rules in which Scouters must follow when traveling with youth members or when traveling as part of a tour to and from a location approved in advanced by the local Council. I would still follow them, even if I'm not registered, because it makes good sense and also will keep you from problems in the case one or two of the Scouts' parents decide to make an injury or damage claim in your direction.

Those rules are clearly defined in the Guide to Safe Scouting, a wonderful guidebook to have because it leaves little to guess...and those things to guess can be resolved by contacting the local BSA Council office and asking for THEIR clarification.

Bruce, I tell folks all of the time (its a broken record) that "you don't have to quit being a Scout just because you're not registered." While not being able to wear the uniform, being recognized for your efforts, and doing the work 'officially' is denied to you, there are many other volunteers whom are right there backing up the registered folk and getting the job done for the reason why the volunteers SHOULD be doing it... for the youth of the program.

Don't let the discouragement of not being able to do things "officially" get in the way of your son's enjoyment of Scouting or your willingness to serve others through Scouting.

I would talk with the head of the chartering organization, get their opinions (which is, when it all comes down to it, are the ONLY ones that matter!), and then set out to do those things that you and your son's Troop can "live with" and "work with".

I haven't found any BSA documents or materials that say you cannot attend BSA meetings, events or activities as a parent and interested party in your community. I have found many that says you cannot purchase and wear a uniform or earn awards for your voluntarily work; those things are reserved for those registered in the movement. But the real rewards extend way beyond the uniform devices and emblems...it's the truth you and others know that you've done something to be of service to others.

Which is what the essence of Scouting is all about.

Hope this all helps out and sorry for the late response!

Settummanque!

Paul S. Wolf added:

KYBLKEAGLE wrote a great and, as usual, long and detailed response to some questions. One thing he said was:

4. I can't serve on a Board of Review (?)

No, again, Board of Review members (in most communities, check with your unit) are members of the Troop's Committee. They are supposed to be, but some communities will find anyone around to sit in on the review. It's one of my "personal bones of contention" with the BSA, because it didn't used to be that way. But that's the way its done today.

Mike is right that the rule for Boards of Review, except for Eagle Scout, is supposed to consist of members of the unit committee. And, as he suggested, that rule is notable in the number of times it is overlooked, so you may be able to sit on some Boards of Review.

However, for Boards of Review for the rank of EAGLE Scout only, the membership of the Board is set up completely different. They can be held at either the Council, District, or Unit level. In each case, the Board MUST contain at least one Council or District Advancement Committee Representative. If it is held at the unit level, it must also have at least one member of the Unit Committee. The other members, NEED NOT be registered members of BSA, so long as they "understand the purpose and gravity of advancement to the rank of Eagle Scout" (or words to that effect). So you could serve on EAGLE Boards of Review (except for your own son's).

The rules for this are in the National BSA Advancement Policies and Procedures Book (#33088A).

Paul S. Wolf, PE

Advancement Webmaster/Manager

U.S. Scouting Service Project, Inc.

Posted

Uniform and scout advancement question

Hi Allan!! Thanks for asking me this great and very timely question. You wrote and asked me:

"Thanks again for you service to Scouting. Several years ago I recall reading one of your posts regarding the situation where a scout wore his class A shirt with proper patches, but did not have uniform pants and wore clean blue jeans.... or perhaps did not have uniform socks. It was in the context of a Board of Review not allowing a scout to advance due to an incomplete uniform. If I recall, your point was that wearing the complete uniform, while encouraged, was not required for scout advancement but wearing as much of the uniform as a scout had, and wearing it properly was to be the focus." That is CURRENTLY correct. I've written this in several forums, and it has been supported by statements in the older BSA's Advancement Committee Procedures and Policies booklet. "I now cannot find the post of yours I'm recalling, and the Scoutmasters Manual does say that for Board of Reviews, the "complete uniform" is expected. I don't want to put words in your mouth and I would appreciate any reference to the proper authoritative source." Sure!! The Scoutmasters' Manual (which will be revised in this next year, by the way) does state that the "complete field uniform" should be the uniform that the Scout wears during a Board of Review. It does NOT require, nor does any BSA material or policy document require, that a "complete field uniform" be worn when appearing before a Board of Review for any rank, including Eagle. However, the Advancement Committee Procedures and Policies booklet stated that either the field uniform, if worn should be complete ("complete" meaning with Troop neckerchief and slide; shirt, either long or short-sleeved; pants, either shorts or slacks with belt and buckle; and socks -- shoes and head gear up to the individual Scout); or if the Scout does not have a complete uniform, a nice suit with tie should be worn. This is the CURRENT POLICY. The NEW BSA policy, as of 1 Jan 2012, is explained in the new BSA Guide to Advancement. It is making it's rounds electronically, but there will be paper copies available in local Scout Shops(tm) by the end of October, 2011. This booklet is THE FINAL WORD on EVERYTHING pertaining to advancement within the programs of the Boy Scouts of America. The booklet makes it explicit that it's preferred that a boy attend a BOR in uniform, but it may be "the uniform as the members of his troop wear it". Units may not require the purchase of uniforming. So the CURRENT policy right now is that either the complete field uniform OR a suit and tie is the appropriate wear for Scouts to appear before a Board of Review. Come the first of next year, however, the policy changes. In that new policy, individual Troops can decide on the specific uniform worn, a suit and tie, Troop teeshirt and jeans, or street clothing for a Board of Review, including Eagle. We can NOT demand that a Scout buy a uniform. Thanks for asking me, Allan. Your question is timely because I am going through reading the NEW Guide to Advancement...lots of changes coming!! Mike Walton

Posted

More about Steve Jobs...and Scouting (6 Oct 11)

Steve Jobs, who co-founded Apple Computers, passed away during the evening of 5 October 2011. He is credited with creating the Macintosh personal computer, the i-Phone and i-Pad as well as other consumer products which basically changed the script on Americana.

This never aired but I can tell you that this represents everyone -- to include our hundreds of thousands of Cubs, Scouts and Venturers AND their adult mentors and supporters -- who likewise "think different" every single day while living out the Scouting values. Steve Jobs, this nation thanks you for "thinking different", as we likewise thank those many others who "thought different" and dared to share it with us. And to the Jobs family: may you find solace in knowing that everywhere you look, touch or read -- that Steve's "machines" made much if not all of it reality. From furniture designs to videotelephone conferencing to something we now call "ergonomics" -- the vast majority of it was designed, engineered, thought or drempt while using a Mac, some form of "i" device, or simply by someone saying "Hey -- if Steve Jobs can do this, why can't I?" I never owned a Mac nor an "i-device" but I know of its simplicity, its workability, and the love of those who do and enjoy such items. Thank you and may God's blessings be upon you, your family and the Apple employees and fans, and upon the future Steve Jobs -- many of them will claim former or present membership in Scouting.

Posted

Woggle Question (UNCLASSIFIED)

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Hi Karen!! You wrote and asked me:

"I read your answer to a lady regarding the wearing of the Wood Badge regalia (found at http://www.scoutinsignia.com/wbneck.htm) ....here's my dilemma....It seems to me that the Wood Badgers have co opted the woggle and don't think it should be worn by anyone else in US Scouting."

Says *them*. The Woggle is NOT just for those Wood Badgers, Karen. It's an acceptable "keeper" (slide) for ANY neckerchief. There is no reference within the Wood Badge course syallbus nor within any BSA guide or manual which states that the Wood Badge woggle - or any woggle - can ONLY be worn by Wood Badgers. I wear the Wood Badge woggle with a unit, the Kente cloth, and NESA neckerchiefs, depending on occasion. But then, like yourself, I am a Wood Badger also. "I have my father's leather woggle from when he was a Cub Leader in Canada and would like for my son who is a Scout to be able to wear it. I cannot find any official guidance on this just a lot of Wood Badgers who seem to think they are the only ones allowed to wear woggles. I have read and found a lot of info on Scouts in other countries making and wearing woggles but can't get a straight answer from anyone in the US....any insights?"

Well, one can make their own woggle; there's plenty of websites which explains how to do it. When those special "patch police officers" come around, ask them to show you in writing where it states this. They won't be able to show you. The ONLY thing special to Wood Badgers are the beads and neckerchief. Seriously, if a Wood Badger had a Troop or special event neckerchief slide that they wanted to wear instead of the standard woggle, they *may wear it* with the neckerchief and beads. Looks weird, but again, there's NO policy or guidance which keeps people from doing so, in the same way that there is NO policy or guidance which states that Wood Badgers who belong to a unit must wear the MacLaren tartan neckerchief (on the contrary, as I wrote to Dee, Wood Badgers who ARE a part of a Troop, Team or Crew with their own distinctive neckerchief SHOULD WEAR THE WOOD BADGE WITH THAT NECKERCHIEF (and slide, if the unit adopted a special slide)). Personally, I would hold off on having him wear the woggle until he's a bit older. I made the mistake of wearing a special Cub Scout "joining badge" from Germany on the pocket flap of a Scout shirt when I went to camp. I left my shirt somewhere and when I returned, the silver badge was gone. I later found it on an adult's uniform shirt. He said that he got it in a trade. I've been looking for a replacement -- been several times to the Scouting offices in Germany -- but I could not find it. Yet.

Thanks for asking me!!

Settummanque!

Posted

About "Rough-Housing" (26 Sep 11)

(This was originally posted to Scouts-L a few years ago. Scouts-L is a "daily international online Roundtable meeting which NEVER ends" where I serve as one of the moderators. I also offer a bit of advice, as in this case. Please note that my responses in this case was pre-Youth Protection program days and there are ways to mitigate this today; however the advice overall is consistant and valid).

"Kitten" wrote and asked:

Our son's troop had an outing last weekend. On the return trip, YS was riding with some older boys who enjoyed a bit of rough-housing - to the extent that YS has bruises on both arms.

("YS" is "younger son")

This isn't anything outside my experiences riding one of the toughest bus routes in my district when I was growing up. This isn't behavior that's allowed going down the road in our vehicle, nor is it allowed on girl scouting trips. But how is this viewed when it comes to boy scouting activities?

The same way. The parent/adult/driver of the vehicle "sets the standards". If you do not allow any form of "rough housing" or play in your vehicle (I can tell you I do not), then that's the rule and those unwilling to follow those rules are warned twice and then the car is parked and parents/guardians/police is called to take custody of the child.

And yes, I HAVE called the local police department in two cases, and have asked them to take the child to his parent (or to the police station). I am not responsible for their misbehavior... I am not their parent, just an adult who should be listened to. It's unfortunate that there are some parents which have stated to their
children

"NOBODY tells you what to do, when to do it, and how to do it EXCEPT ME (and the other parent). You don't have to listen to ANYONE except ME (us)."

While I can understand the intent, and do understand the basal reasoning -- this does NOT give those children the license to do anything they choose to do IN MY CAR, ON MY CAR, or BY MY CAR.

I had one young man to jump up and down in the backseat of my car. After warning him twice and after pulling the car over and sternly explaining to the young man that "I don't allow anyone to bounce on my backseat... it blocks my view of the cars behind me..." I drove to a restaurant, used an outdoor payphone, and called 911. I informed the operator that I needed a police car at the restaurant and that it was NOT an emergency. The operator gave me another number to call, connected me to that number, and I explained to the officer my situation.

The police sent a patrol car, I escorted the young man to the police car, and after they left, I called the Troop's Committee Chair and then the parent of the Scout to "please pick your son up at the police station" and that "he would explain why he is there."

The second situation was more intense. I had a Scout to open his pocket knife in my car. The other two Scouts told him to put it away, and the Scout refused. After he poked two small holes into the vinyl of the back of the passenger seat and then and only then placing the pocket knife away, did I pulled off the road
and waited for the other vehicle to catch up with me. I rolled the window down, talked with my Assistant Scoutmaster and asked him to call the Scout's parents. I then requested to have the pocket knife and the Scout's Totem Chip card. He pulled out the card, and then used the pocket knife to cut the card in half. Then, he started in on this "you can't tell me what to do... we're not at a Scout thing...." crapola.

So, when the Assistant Scoutmaster returned to tell me that he couldn't get hold of the Scout's parents, I drove into the next city, went to the police station, and asked a police officer to please escort the little monster into the station.

It's VERY embarrassing to bring a uniformed Boy Scout into a police station to be held until his parents showed. The Assistant Scoutmaster took the other Scouts home (this was WELL before youth protection, by the way!!!!) and I stayed at the police station until Mom showed.

Mom promptly attempted to chastise me for having "her baby" in the police station, until of course; I showed her the damage done to my car by his hands.
Then it was "Mr. Walton was stopping and I had the knife out showing it and it accidentally cut the seat". That worked until I explained that he had the blade out pointing TOWARD the car seat and that in ANY event, it was highly dangerous no matter what. Mom finally relented and took her son home.

Both Scouts, by the way, left my Troop for the other Troop because "Mr. Walton is too serious."

The other Troop threw them both out of Scouts totally after only a few meetings. That's a shame... for they both LOVED camping and being in the outdoors... just that they didn't like the authority part!!

What can YOU do to prevent this:

- DRIVING RULES. Everyone should be made aware of EXACTLY what the rules are for passengers in the car. Do YOU allow pop and pretzels in your car?? Do YOU allow them to pick the channel on the radio station? Do YOU allow them to "switch seats" while the car or van is moving? Do YOU allow them to yell out the car at passing motorists and people??

YOU make the rules, and those rules may vary by vehicle, by adult/driver, and by distance. But EVERYONE IS TOLD THE RULES BEFORE THEY GET IN THE CAR.

THERE ARE NO TWO SETS OF RULES FOR THE ADULTS AND THE YOUTH... if you do not allow chewing gum in your car this means YOU don't chew chewing gum either. If you smoke in your car, you should not be surprised when one of your Scouts lights up. By having only ONE set of rules, you avoid a lot of problems in the first off-start and when there is a problem, you are not perceived as a "hypocrite" for having one set of rules for you and another set of rules for everyone else.

(YES, it's YOUR CAR, TRUCK, VAN... YES, you pay for it. But think about this: how hard would it be for you to explain why you're drinking a soda when everyone else in the backseat is parched dry?)

PENALITES FOR VIOLATING THE RULES. You penalize the INDIVIDUAL, NOT the entire vehicle's occupants. This may mean that you take the "misbehaving person" home last or that you make other arrangements for the Scout to be picked up by another party or the parents.

IF THIS MEANS THE POLICE, THEN BE CONSISTANT. Under the BSA's current youth protection policies, you cannot just drive a Scout home by yourself. So to me, if push comes to shove and you cannot control the occupants of your vehicle safely, it's time you move that vehicle off the roadway and inform the local police of your problem. Policemen are trained to handle difficult people in extreme situations... you and I are not. Police stations are facilities which provide a reasonable, safe location for Scouts or anyone else to wait until responsible parties show. If it is safe for you to wait at the police station, do so. Your first responsibility as a Scouter is to ALL of the youth traveling in your vehicle...

DEAL WITH PARENTS FIRST ON THE PHONE AND THEN IN PERSON - QUICKLY. Do not wait until you get home to call the parents of a misbehaving Scout. Do so after you have informed the Scout you will inform his parents. And don't "threaten to call" his parents if he "doesn't stop it". BE CONSISTANT. Tell him to stop, tell him to please stop, and inform him to please stop doing whatever. Then, follow your unit's rules and call. No second chance. No "I'll think about it."

After you have called the parent/guardian, when you take the Scout home or at the earliest next opportunity, YOU CONTACT AND MEET WITH THE PARENT and explain what he did to merit such attention.

No parent, driver, or Scouter needs to endure misbehavior. A bit it of it is natural and as a young Scout, I too enjoyed some of the play and banter. But when the adult says "Cut it OUT!" we all knew that playtime in the car is over and done, and that we are expected to behave.

We do a good job of "making most Scouts walk the walk and talk the talk" by insisting that they adhere to
the Scout Oath and Law. But Scouting is NOT perfect and neither are our Scouts.

Settummanque!

--
Settummanque is writer, retired military officer, dad, friend,
traveler, public speaker, webmaster, Eagle Scout, and/or "sweetie"
(LTC) Mike Walton. South Lake Minnetonka area, Minnesota.
http://www.settummanque.com

Posted

1985 Spring 50-Miler Adventure (Day 6)

[This is part of an upcoming set of stories detailing my memories of this trip with a bunch of great Scouts and Scouters called "We're Not Gonna Make It..." Enjoy!]

Day 6

It was raining cats and dogs...heavy, cold rain for an April morning, along with some lightning and lots of thunder thrown in for good measure. Very windy -- half of all three patrol's tentage was blown upside down and lots of dry items were suddenly extremely wet. The two Senior Patrol Leaders met under the one dining fly and in between moving wet things to the fly to get out of the wetness, came up with a strategy to get things going.

A fire was needed. A big one, with lots of flames. As the weather subsided, people and stuff will need to be dried out. Give me your two best fire starters, it was said, and we'll build the fire over in the clearing where the trees gave a bit of shade from the pelts of cold rain. It was done. The four Scouts found dead, drier branches and twigs, brownish stems from conifer trees, even some cones -- and together with a good dose of charcoal lighter provided by Mr. Charles (Scott Charles, who three days earlier when the Scouts were walking along a forest trail, was telling and showing them things which will "catch fire" even when a little wet. Even I learned a bit from this experienced outdoorsman) who was the Scoutmaster of the Schabish Gmund Troop who tagged along with mine and some Scouts from another Troop I used to serve as Scoutmaster of until we moved to the Stuttgart area).

Adults and Scouts moved backpacks and sleeping bags to the fly and a couple of enterprising Scouts used a tent we did not set up as additional storage space. Soon, the wind subsided, the rain went away and what were left were cold air and a blazing fire.

The two leaders yelled for everyone to stand around the fire. There were some cold Scouts. The two started in on a couple of camp songs and soon everyone pretty well forgot about the weather and was into trying to "one up" the other with a new song.

The van came by and the two Soldiers appointed for that day's task got out and gave us a treat. "Top (their First Sergeant) said that you probably could use this if you're still out there with no fire...oops, you've got a fire going..." There were two containers of soup along with a container of coffee, Styrofoam cups and plastic spoons, and a note for one of the adults to call his wife -- nothing serious -- just a "health and morale call".

The Scouts drank up all of the soup and then assisted the adults with getting everything taken down and put into the van. "Don't worry about it being wet...we'll take it somewhere and dry out the sleeping bags and things..." The adult whose wife wanted him to call her also rode with the two Soldiers to the next point -- on the other side of a slight hill which, from it, had a great view of Sinsheim.

The morning's "God Thing" was shared by the Troop's Chaplain Aide, Tony Song. Tony looked up in the sky and said "God's tears makes things grow. His breath spreads it out. The lightning and the thunder makes us aware He's there. And now we go to love other people!"

To which Vale said, taking in the cow pastures nearby "God needs a mint - His breath smells like manure!" We all laughed, but the point was made.

After a decent attempt in personal hygiene and the reluctant putting out of the fire, the Senior Patrol Leader for the day (Roger) gave the direction of travel and two pieces of advice which proved to be important later in the day:

"We're Scouts, not kids. So please, no playing in the mud puddles and no slapping the water and mud onto someone else. We don't know where we're going to end up for lunch today, and since our other uniforms are wet, this is all we've got."

He pointed toward a hill and said "We're not in a race, either. We've got all day long to get over that hill and down on the other side. So let's stay together and get there to have some real food!"

He must have been psychic. To this day, I don't know how he knew.

Trudging up the hill reminded me of those road marches that Soldiers endured during the Second World War. I saw those films of tired, wet and muddy Soldiers, armed with their primary weapon, one in front of another one, as they moved toward the next objective. Gary, moving a little slower than the rest, was tagging in the back. While Roger was up front, I stopped moving and waited for Gary to catch up with me. It was foggy as we started up the hill.

"I'm tired and it's not even 9 o'clock, Mr. Walton..."

"I know...the rain and the cold weather kinda hit us all hard...what's your favorite subject in school?"

"Math. Why?"

"Just curious. Have you guys been through the part about measuring area?" I kept walking along, spying a valley with what looked like someone's patchwork quilting. The various kinds of crops being developed or planted made a colorful blanket.

"Yeah..." Gary was moving along, a little better now that his mind was not on movement but rather on something he loved. The fog was lifting as we moved onward and the sun came out in parts.

"Can you look over there and tell me what you think the area of that planted area is? I don't need an exact..."

"30 something. I've been looking over there for some time. It's 30 by 20. I'm gonna call them "blocks" because I don't know what the true measurement was." Gary answered me before I could finish my words.

The fog covered the small castle at the top of the hill. As we moved upward, some of the Scouts stopped to pet the various sheep and horses that belonged to someone. Then it was the cows and goats that came to observe the visitors. Finally, we all made it to the top of the hill and the entrance to the castle.

Vale, my Troop's Senior Patrol Leader, walked over and looked at the signage in front of the castle. Someone bought the castle and turned it into a bed and breakfast kind of place. Several cars were parked outside.

Roger said "We'll rest here for a bit and then go down to the town over there," he said, pointing toward a town now visible from the side of the small mountain.

"Americans!? Boy Scouts?!" A man ran over to where some of the Scouts were standing. Someone spied a "WC" - a bathroom - so Scouts were taking turns going.

"Is this for real? Are you Americans?" He looked back at his wife, and then looked again at us. "Are you on a trip from the States?" One of the Scouts answered that no, they lived here...not at the castle but in Germany. Another Scout added, "Our Scoutmaster will know more, but there's Scouts all over in Germany."

When Gary and I arrived, a couple of Scouts pointed me to the elderly man and said "He's from the States and wanted to know what we're doing here." I walked over, introduced myself and told him.

"Fascinating. You've got to be hungry, right?" I explained that our plans were to go into town and get something to eat.

"Your plans have changed. I would like to treat all of you to brunch here. My treat. American hospitality!"

I said I would have to ask the leaders but thank you. He shot back "Aren't you the leader?"

"No sir. The leader for today is that young man sitting there with his feet on the BUMPER OF SOMEONE'S CAR!!" Roger quickly moved his feet off the car and stood up, saying "What!!" I motioned for him to come over, and he did.

"You're busted. Don't do that again please. This gentleman wants to treat your Troop to brunch. You okay with that?"

"Do I haveta answer now or after I've talked it over?" He ran to find the other leaders and discussed it.

The man -- a former Scoutmaster from Iowa -- treated all 23 of us to a brunch, with some of the Scouts who attended my former wife's meeting about formal dining a couple of months back, coaching the others on which fork and knife to use first, which glass was theirs and what to do with the napkin -- before, during and after the meal.

A day which started out bad ended up outstanding.

Settummanque!

--
Settummanque is writer, retired military officer, dad, friend,
traveler, public speaker, webmaster, Eagle Scout, and/or "sweetie"
(LTC) Mike Walton. South Lake Minnetonka area, Minnesota.
http://www.settummanque.com

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