tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55880164336735393482024-02-20T00:02:56.552-05:00A Scout is ReverentHe is reverent toward God. He is faithful to his religious duties and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-36413940709788489622012-07-12T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-12T07:00:08.092-04:00Philmont GraceThe Traditional Grace used at Philmont: (Also known as the Wilderness Grace, or the Worth Ranch Grace)<br /><br /><br />For food, for raiment<br />For life, for opportunity<br />For friendship and fellowship<br />We thank thee, O LordAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-75070803093818179672012-07-11T10:05:00.002-04:002012-07-11T10:05:52.067-04:00What this Blog Is for, and what it is NOT forThe reason I started this blog was as a resource for those who would like to learn more about how to scouting and faith can work together, how we as scouters can support our scouts while they learn about their faith, whatever it may be, and how we as church members can support the scout units we support.<br />
<br />
I did NOT start the blog as a place for people to fight over various controversies, whether it's the BSA stance on homosexual scout leaders, or GSUSA councils working with Planned Parenthood, or something else. <span style="background-color: white;">I've received a few comments and Facebook Posts that I had to remove, because they were not relevant to the topic of the blog. </span><span style="background-color: white;">I've got my own views on these issues, but they aren't germane to the topic of this blog.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"> If you want to talk about those sorts of controversies go right ahead, but find your own spot to do so. It's a big Internet, and you can probably find a few dozen sites that already have ongoing discussions about any controversy you want to discuss.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-22946104164661268812012-07-08T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-08T07:00:00.821-04:00ReverentA Scout is Reverent.<br />A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.<br /><br />And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. (Mark 12:30)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-52141839505388895702012-07-07T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-07T07:00:08.874-04:00Community of Christ Religious Emblem Programs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cofchrist.org/child_youth/images/wc_emblem.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="World Community emblem" border="0" height="267" src="http://www.CofChrist.org/child_youth/images/wc_emblem.gif" width="344" /></a></div>
The Community of Christ, Also Known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has a single Religious Emblem called "World Community"<br />
<br />
Light of the World is for 8-10 year olds<br />
<br />
Path of the Disciple is for 11-14 year olds<br />
<br />
Exploring Community Together is for 15-18 year olds<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There are Devices worn on the Ribbon of the Medal to indicate each of the three levels earned.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cofchrist.org/onlineresources/worldcommunity/worldcommunity.asp" target="_blank">Visit their website</a> to find out more about their religious Emblem program, including all of the requirements to earn it at each level.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-29525560648789442142012-07-06T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-06T07:00:15.891-04:00Baden Powell on Gratefulness<div style="font-family: inherit;">
From Baden-Powell, in Scouting for Boys </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
In doing your duty towards
man, be helpful and generous, and always be grateful for any kindness
done to you, and be careful to show that you are grateful. Remember again
that a present given to you is not yours until you have thanked the giver
for it.</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
When is the last time you took a few moments to thank God for what he has given you?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-82616661044199783162012-07-05T09:27:00.000-04:002012-07-05T09:27:00.650-04:00The Golden Rule in many faithsWhen Introducing scouts to the idea of an Interfaith service, it can be very tricky for them to understand. Most have only grown up with a single faith, and may not be as exposed to the faiths of others. One brief example to give them is the Golden Rule. There are many ways to express it, and most of the world's religions contain that sentiment in some form or fashion. (<a href="http://macscouter.com/scoutsown/Messages.asp" target="_blank">Thanks to MacScouter.org</a> for the list)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
Blessed are those who prefer
others before themselves. -- Baha'i Faith
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
Hurt not others in ways
that you would you yourself would find hurtful. -- Buddhism
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
Do unto others as you
would have them do unto you. --Christianity
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
This is the sum of all
duty: treat others as you yourself would be treated. -- Hinduism
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
No one of you is a believer
until you desire for another that which you desire for yourself. --
Islam
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
In happiness and suffering,
in joy and grief, regard all creatures as you would regard your own
self. -- Jainism
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
What is hateful to you,
do not do to your neighbor. -- Judaism
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
Be not estranged from
another for God dwells in every heart. -- Sikhism
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
Human nature is good
only when it does not do unto another whatever is not good for its own
self. -- Zoroastrianism </div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
No, it doesn't mean that all religions are interchangeable or that it doesn't matter which you follow... But we do have some commonalities among them. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-80249141317664929862012-07-04T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-04T07:00:11.326-04:00The Story behind God Bless AmericaI like to highlight Scouting Songs on the Blog from time to time. For the the 4th of July, I thought I'd tell about something that involves Religion, Patriotism and Even Scouting.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
God Bless America<br /><br />God bless America,<br />
Land that I love.<br />
Stand beside her, and guide her<br />
Through the night with a light from above.<br />
<br />
From the mountains, to the prairies,<br />
To the oceans, white with foam<br />
God bless America, My home sweet home<br />
God bless America, My home sweet home. </blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/11/opinion/greene-berlin/index.html" target="_blank">This CNN Story</a> tells more details about the origins of the song, as well as how it ties into scouting.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph7">
In 1938, the vocalist
Kate Smith was looking for a song to sing on her coast-to-coast CBS
radio program to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Armistice Day. She
asked Berlin if he would write something for her.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph8">
He remembered a song he had begun years before, and had discarded. He brought it out and went back to work on it.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph9">
Thus it was that, on the
CBS radio network one November night, Kate Smith delivered the first
public performance of Irving Berlin's "God Bless America."</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph11">
The acclaim was
immediate and electrifying. The world was on the verge of a terrible new
war; all over the United States, people heard Berlin's song and took it
to their hearts.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph11">
He understood what a valuable property he had on his hands.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph13">
And he quietly made a firm decision:</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph13">
He never wanted to make a penny from it.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph14">
He wanted whatever success the song had to be his gift to the nation he adored.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph15">
"He believed that the
United States had rescued his life," Laurence Bergreen, author of the
Berlin biography "As Thousands Cheer," told me. "This was his genuine
patriotic gesture. He had a real soft spot for America, and this is how
he expressed it."</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph16">
Berlin instructed
attorneys to draw up papers. He wanted to guarantee that every cent "God
Bless America" ever earned went to a place that he thought would help
to make the country's future brighter and stronger. In those months
leading up to the U.S. entry into World War II, he selected the Boy
Scouts and the Girl Scouts to receive the song's earnings --
specifically, he wanted the royalties to go to Boy Scout and Girl Scout
programs in impoverished and disadvantaged areas.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph17">
His binding legal
instructions are in effect to this day, 73 years after "God Bless
America" was first sung by Kate Smith and 22 years after Berlin's death.
So far, there has been more than $10 million distributed to Scouting
programs, and it's still coming in.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-28695673852593531142012-07-03T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-03T07:00:00.931-04:00The Scout Law Prayer<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scout_prayer" target="_blank">I came across something</a> that some of you may wish to use with your scouts. It would be great at a Scouts Own Service, or a Scout Sunday.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Dear Lord, Bless all those everywhere who contribute to shape the
hearts, minds and bodies of young people. Let us remember what they have
taught and apply it daily.</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
When facing deceit and dishonesty, let us be Trustworthy.<br />
If we see hypocrisy and faithlessness, let us be Loyal.<br />
Where disregard of others and mere materialism prevail, let us be Helpful.<br />
When we find people in despair, let us be Friendly.<br />
In an atmosphere of ill manner, let us be Courteous.<br />
Where some measure manliness in brutality and crudeness, let us be Kind.<br />
Though lawbreaking and rule-scoffing are common, let us be Obedient.<br />
While others grumble and grouch, let us be Cheerful.<br />
In an environment blighted by waste and extravagance, let us be Thrifty.<br />
When confronted with danger and temptation, let us be Brave.<br />
As we see filth and pollution everywhere, let us be Clean.<br />
While witnessing impiety, let us remember to be Reverent.<br />
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
In short, in a world that has for generation after generation
lamented the lack of good examples, let us, as Scouts, stand out, grow
up, and be real adults.<br />
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Amen.</blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-3145612773312665312012-07-02T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-02T08:38:19.941-04:00How to tread lightly while inquiring about a family's faithOne of the tricky parts about incorporating Faith into a Scouting program is that modern society has made it a taboo subject. For example, a Teacher would probably get fired if they asked everyone in their class what faith their family was.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">While many families who are in a religion that is common in your area may speak about it casually, other families in a less mainstream faith might have a concern about bringing it up. </span><br />
<br />
At the website <a href="http://www.scoutingforgod.org/IW_HowtoAsk.html" target="_blank">Scouting For God</a> they suggest including it on a survey form, along with a number of other similar "Getting to know you" questions. For example:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">What activities are you involved in? </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">What religion does your family practice? If so, what church/temple/mosque do you attend?</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Do you have any food allergies? If so, what?</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Do you have any food restrictions or preferences (e.g. vegetarian, non-beef, non-pork, vegan, kosher)?</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Anything else that you want the Troop/Pack to know about you?</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
It can be a lot less confrontational to ask about it that way, along with a number of other questions that help you get to know the family and their needs better.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-46561650556357954612012-07-01T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-01T07:00:08.235-04:00CleanA Scout is Clean.<br />A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He chooses the company of those who live by high standards. He helps keep his home and community clean.<br /><br /><br />Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false, and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of his salvation. (Psalm 24:3-5)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-89939897471920492082012-06-30T07:00:00.000-04:002012-06-30T07:00:06.763-04:00How can we make people of all faiths comfortable in Scouting?<div>
<span style="background-color: white;">At my first Cub Scout roundup for Pack 704, there was one father and son who waited until the end, and wanted to know if it was OK to join the pack, because they were Muslim. </span><span style="background-color: white;">I hate to think that people of other faiths felt so out of place they felt the need to ask permission before joining us.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;">I know, and you know that the BSA welcomes all faiths, but how good of a job are we doing as scouters displaying that message? Let's face it, the Scouting community is largely populated by Christians, probably more heavily than the general US population. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;">If you look at the <a href="http://www.scouting.org/About/FactSheets/operating_orgs.aspx" target="_blank">list of Chartered Organizations</a> for the BSA, You will see a trend... From Largest to Smallest, it goes LDS (Mormon), Methodist, Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, Episcopal.... You have to get down to # 16 on the list before you see a non-Christian faith.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;">The problem isn't that so many Christians are involved in Scouting. That's a great thing, and I wish there were more churches involved in Scouting. The problem is that to many non-Christians, they do not feel comfortable in Scouting.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;">What are some ways that we can reach out and demonstrate to the community that we are open to all faiths? </span></div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-89804579456135852962012-06-29T08:02:00.001-04:002012-06-29T08:02:53.505-04:00Jewish Religious EmblemsThe National Jewish Committee on Scouting sponsors 4 youth awards, and 1 adult award. More information on each of these can be found <a href="http://www.jewishscouting.org/awards/default.asp" target="_blank">at their website</a>.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jewishscouting.org/awards/images/a-mac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.jewishscouting.org/awards/images/a-mac.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maccabee Award - Tiger Cubs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jewishscouting.org/awards/images/a-ale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.jewishscouting.org/awards/images/a-ale.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aleph Award - For Cub Scouts and Webelos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jewishscouting.org/awards/images/a-ner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.jewishscouting.org/awards/images/a-ner.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ner Tamid for Boy Scouts and Venturers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jewishscouting.org/awards/images/a-etz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.jewishscouting.org/awards/images/a-etz.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Etz Chaim - For Older Boy Scouts and Venturers (14+)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jewishscouting.org/awards/images/a-sho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.jewishscouting.org/awards/images/a-sho.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shofar - For Adult Leaders</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-50570926996309814972012-06-27T07:00:00.000-04:002012-06-27T07:00:05.742-04:00Chartered Organization RepresentativeIf you have been around Scouting very long, you have probably heard the term: "Chartered Org Rep" or "COR". This person is supposed to be the main contact person for scouting within the chartering Organization. They would work with Packs, Troops or Crews.<br />
<br />
First, let me give you the Official BSA version of what this position is about, then I'll make some observations.<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;">Chartered Organization Representative
</span></h1>
The chartered organization representative is the direct contact between the
pack and the chartered organization. This individual is also the organization's
contact with the district committee and the local council. The chartered
organization representative may become a member of the district committee and
is a voting member of the council. If the chartered organization has more than
one unit, one representative serves them all.</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Qualifications:</b> Is at least 21 years old, subscribes to the Declaration
of Religious Principle, and agrees to abide by the Scout Oath or Promise and the
Scout Law. Possesses the moral, educational, and emotional qualities that the Boy
Scouts of America deems necessary to afford positive leadership to youth. Is a
member of the chartered organization other than the unit leader or assistant unit
leader. Is appointed by the chartered organization to serve as its official
Scouting representative and is registered as an adult leader of the BSA.</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Responsibilities:</b> The chartered organization representative's
responsibilities are to<br />
<ul>
<li> Help select the right leadership for the unit.</li>
<li> Encourage unit leaders and committee members to take training.</li>
<li> Promote well-planned unit programs.</li>
<li> Serve as a liaison between the units and the organization.</li>
<li> Organize enough units.</li>
<li> Promote the recruiting of new members.</li>
<li> See that boys transition from unit to unit.</li>
<li> Help with the charter renewal.</li>
<li> Suggest Good Turns for the organization.</li>
<li> Encourage the unit committee to hold meetings.</li>
<li> Cultivate organization leaders.</li>
<li> Encourage outdoor program activities.</li>
<li> Emphasize advancement and recognition.</li>
<li> Utilize district help and promote the use of district
personnel and materials.</li>
<li> Use approved unit finance policies.</li>
<li> Encourage recognition of leaders.</li>
<li> Cultivate resources to support the organization.</li>
<li> Represent the organization at the council level.</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
As with many BSA positions and responsibilities, It doesn't always match what what happens in the real world. Many units have no Chartered Org Rep, or have one on paper only because it is required for rechartering.<br />
<br />
Even among those few Chartered Org Reps who are involved with their units, I know of none other than myself who are active within District or Council Committees.<br />
<br />
The Biggest role that I see for a COR is to be a link between the Church and the Scouts. That means helping the scouts find service projects to benefit the church, and finding volunteers within the church to work with the scouts. Someone has to be up there with a bullhorn on Sunday Mornings, trumpeting the good stuff the scouts are doing... And also, making the families in the scout unit know that they are welcome to come to any of the church's non-scouting events.<br />
<br />
One other Note: the Chartered Org Rep is one of the few positions that can legitimately be dual registered in a unit. They can simultaneously be a Committee Chair, or Committee Member, while being the Chartered Org Rep.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-70929965039583498302012-06-26T07:00:00.000-04:002012-06-26T07:00:03.584-04:00Scheduling and Worship ServicesQuite frequently, Sunday Morning on a camping trip is a race to get everything packed up and ready to go as fast as humanly possible. By then, most of us are working on their third day since a shower, and are ready to get home ASAP.<br />
<br />
I know for my most recent Pack Camping trip, this was the case, and it was also the case in the Webelos Resident Camp I attended with my Son. They wanted us out ASAP so that they could get the troops in campsites for the first week of Boy Scout Camp.<br />
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In both cases, the decision was made to still have a scouts own service of some kind, but in both cases, it was moved to Saturday Night before the campfire.<br />
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How does your Pack or Troop handle this sort of thing?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-55535604809716966902012-06-25T08:39:00.001-04:002012-06-25T08:39:25.703-04:00BraveThe 10th point of the scout law: A Scout is Brave.<br />
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A Scout can face danger although he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him. <br />
<br /> <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Psalm 27:1 <br />The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? <br /><br />Isaiah 41:13 <br />For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. <br /><br />Matthew 5:10-12<br />Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. </blockquote>
Bravery is not merely the ability to be calm in the face of danger, it is also the ability to stand fast in your beliefs when the world around you treats them with mockery and scorn. Your scouts will face this attack on their bravery many more times in their life than they might from a physical threat.<br />
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(P.S. Sorry, this post was supposed to go out on Sunday, with the rest of my Scout Law Series.)<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-20452968105883061442012-06-23T07:00:00.000-04:002012-06-23T07:00:01.410-04:00What to do when Scouts Curse?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
One thing that Scout leaders may need to deal with is scouts using inappropriate language. What are some good ways to deal with that?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2012/04/05/what-to-do-when-scouts-or-scouters-use-foul-language/" target="_blank">Bryan on Scouting</a> has some great tips, including the following. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>“I simply say ‘Different Word.’ I can’t remember a time when the Scout
didn’t stop and correct himself. It must be working because I was having
an issue backing up the Scout trailer one trip and slipped with a
‘Da**.’ I heard three Scouts, in unision, from the back of the truck say
‘Different Word<em>.</em>‘”</li>
<li>“There is a code of ethics that the Scout reads and signs before they
join the troop. Foul language is in the code of ethics. There is a
three-strikes-you’re-out rule. So far this really hasn’t been an issue.” </li>
</ul>
<a href="http://scoutingmagazine.org/issues/1101/d-wwyd.html" target="_blank">Scouting Magazine</a> also recommended some other techniques.<br />
<ul>
<li> Consistency through example and explanation has been helpful in our
unit. Over the years, our adult Scouters have worked hard to set the
example in both language and action. This has filtered into the actions
of our junior leaders and the troop as a whole. When a young Scout uses
inappropriate language, we’ll quickly remind him that “with more than
250,000 words in the English language” he can find a more appropriate
way to express himself. </li>
<li> I have sat down with a child, one on one, and handed him a notebook. I
explain that neither of us will get up from the table until he writes a
three-paragraph essay in which he defines the offensive word he used,
explains what he believes others hearing his language think and feel
about what he said, and describes how he believes his parent or guardian
would react to hearing the offensive language from him. I don’t usually
have to do this with a child more than once.
</li>
</ul>
What techniques have you run across that work well for you?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-32691576603716819122012-06-22T07:00:00.000-04:002012-06-22T07:00:16.626-04:00Interfaith CalendarOne of the Things that my Cub Scout Pack does every year is to plan out our calendar of events, in an annual planning calendar.<br />
<br />
We go and get a copy of the local School System's calendar, community calendars, for us the Schedule of Nascar Races at the local speedway is important, because so many families have jobs either in the racing or hospitality industry that will be impacted on those weekends.<br />
<br />
If your scout group encompasses people of several faiths, when you plan these things out, be sure to check for major religious events among those various faiths when planning.<br />
<br />
One resource I found was the <a href="http://www.interfaithcalendar.org/">Interfaith Calendar</a> which has religious observances from multiple faiths around the world. It's a great starting point, and note that the items in Bold type are generally the most important dates, although even minor ones may be mentioned.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-32742281807474851572012-06-21T07:00:00.000-04:002012-06-21T07:00:02.958-04:00Venturing TRUST Award<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Venturing Program has 3 different Expert Level awards that can be earned by youth before their 21st birthday. The Ranger Award deals with Outdoor Skills, the Quest Award deals with Fitness and Sports, and the TRUST Award is directly related to one's faith and community involvement.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">TRUST is an acronym that stands for </span><b style="line-height: 19px;">T</b><span style="line-height: 19px;">ending your beliefs/faith, </span><b style="line-height: 19px;">R</b><span style="line-height: 19px;">especting the beliefs of others, </span><b style="line-height: 19px;">U</b><span style="line-height: 19px;">nderstanding other cultures, </span><b style="line-height: 19px;">S</b><span style="line-height: 19px;">erving your community, and </span><b style="line-height: 19px;">T</b><span style="line-height: 19px;">ransforming our society; one of each corresponds to the five sections of requirements.</span>
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have copied the following requirements from <a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/TRUST_Award">Meritbadge.org</a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">TRUST Award Requirements</span></span><br />
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<div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Complete the five sections of requirements found in the <i>TRUST Handbook</i>; complete a crew review and TRUST presentation.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I. <b>Tending Your Beliefs</b><br />This section focuses on your own personal beliefs and religious journey <i>and must be completed before proceeding to the other four sections.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Complete the following:</span></span></div>
<dl style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Earn the <a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Religious_and_Community_Life_Bronze_Award" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #5a3696; text-decoration: none;" title="Religious and Community Life Bronze Award">Religious and Community Life Bronze Award</a>.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Receive the religious emblem appropriate to your age and religious affiliation. This requirement is option No. 1 among the requirements for the Religious and Community Life Bronze Award. If completed for that award, it counts here, too. If your religion does not offer a religious emblem program such as those in the Duty to God brochure, No. 05-879D, then you may complete a similar program of religious discovery suitable to both your Advisor and your religious leader.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Visit with your religious leader and discuss your beliefs and why you accept those beliefs. Compare your personal beliefs with those formally accepted by your religion. Following this discussion, write an essay explaining your beliefs and review it with your religious leader and your crew Advisor. Make a 15- to 20-minute presentation (discussion, video, slideshow, etc.) to your crew or another youth group explaining your beliefs.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Explain the Venturing Oath and the Venturing Code in your own words. Explain how they have an effect on your daily life, your life goals, and how you live your life as a part of your community.</span></span></dd></dl>
<div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">II. <b>Respecting Beliefs of Others</b><br />This section focuses on freedom of religion in the US and learn about religions other than your own in your community.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Complete the following:</span></span></div>
<dl style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Talk with a history/social studies teacher, attorney or other legal professional, or other knowledgeable adult about the U.S. Bill of Rights, and especially about the concept of freedom of religion. What did this concept mean to our founding fathers? What does this concept mean today? What limitations have been imposed on this freedom? What happens when freedom of religion and freedom of speech clash with each other? Hold a discussion (not debate) about freedom of religion with members of your crew.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Find out what religious groups are worshipping in your community, and whether they have been there for generations or whether they are relatively new to the community. Talk to at least five adults in your community about the impact various religions have on your community. Report your findings to your crew.</span></span></dd></dl>
<dl style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Complete one of the following:</span></span>
<dl style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">a. Pick one of the religions listed on page 21 of the <i>TRUST Handbook</i> (other than your own). After extensive research on the selected religion, present a report to your crew or other youth group (such as a troop, crew, religious group, or school group). The report should detail the history of the religion, its modern application as a religion, and important historical events. Also include information about where and how the religion is commonly practiced.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">b. Attend a religious service/gathering/festival of one of the religions listed on page 21 of the <i>TRUST Handbook</i> (other than your own religion). Attend with a parent, Advisor, or religious professional. Write about your experience and how it relates to the thoughts and practices of the religion. Compare the basic tenets expressed in the religious service/gathering/ festival with those of your own religion.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">c. Meet with two youth working on a religious emblem approved by the BSA (found on page 62 and 63 of the <i>TRUST Handbook</i>) (not your own religion). These young people can be members of the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, or any other youth organization. Discuss with them their current religious journey.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">d. Contact an official in an inter-religious organization (interfaith coalition, council of churches, etc.). Discuss how religious tolerance is important in both local and global issues.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">e. Attend an inter-religious festival and talk with two people from another religion (from the list on page 21 of the <i>TRUST Handbook</i>) about the similarities and differences between your religion and theirs. Report your findings to your religious leader.</span></span></dd></dl>
</dd></dl>
<div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">III. <b>Understanding Other Cultures</b><br />This section focuses on the historical significance of cultures in the US and study one cultural group in detail.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Complete the following:</span></span></div>
<dl style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Learn about the culture you most identify with. Talk to relatives or other knowledgeable individuals to learn about your family history, cultural identity, and family identity.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Attend two cultural events (each of these events should represent a different culture and should highlight the history and uniqueness of that culture). Supplement the information you learned at the events with research on the culture in today's global society. Compare these two events and their cultures with your own culture. Report on your findings to your crew or another youth organization.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Invite an adult and a youth from another culture to speak to your crew about their culture. Alternately, interview two people who were born outside the United States who have immigrated to your community or a nearby one (foreign exchange students may also fulfill this role). In either case, discuss with them why they decided to come to the United States and to your community. Discuss the differences in community between where they live now and where they lived before they emigrated.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(For Venturers living outside the United States, modify this requirement for the country in which you reside. For example, a Venturer living in Japan would interview someone not of Japanese origins who immigrated to Japan.)</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Complete one of the following:</span></span>
<dl style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">a. Take (and successfully pass) a course that includes study of cultural diversity.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">b. Research and present your findings about an inter-religious/ intercultural conflict affecting the world in historical or current times. Include how the conflict started and ended (if not an ongoing conflict). Explore both causes and effects of the conflict, including those in the current day. Include general information about all the cultures and religions involved in the conflict.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">c. Research a cultural group (other than your own) that has had an impact on the U.S. melting pot. When did they begin to arrive? In what ways have they had an influence on the United States? On your community? Where have they settled (primarily); why? Report on your findings to your crew or youth group.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">d. Meet with your council Scoutreach/urban/rural executive to learn which Scoutreach programs are being used in your area and why. Learn about BSA resources designed for specific, cultural groups, and how they may differ from the resources you are familiar with.</span></span></dd></dl>
</dd></dl>
<div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">IV. <b>Serving Your Community</b><br />In this section, complete a community service project and learn about organizations in your community that serve youth.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Complete the following:</span></span></div>
<dl style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Plan and carry out a service project to better your local community. This project should be carried out in conjunction with an established community service agency, such as those listed on pages 34-36 of the <i>TRUST Handbook</i> (and cannot be the same project used for option No. 5 of the Religious and Community Life Bronze Award). Involve at least five other Venturers or youth in carrying out the project. The project should be well thought out and lasting in its effects. Use the Eagle or Quartermaster Service Project booklet as a guideline (available free from your local council office). Be sure this project is reported to your council as part of the Good Turn for America campaign.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Meet with a member of your local government. Discuss how the community governs itself on matters such as zoning, taxes, education, religion, and acceptable behavior. Report your findings to your crew or another youth group. Lead or participate in a discussion on ideas to change your community for the better.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Complete one of the following:</span></span>
<dl style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">a. Organize a community safety program. Options include a community watch program, a latchkey program, or other program to encourage safety in your community. This cannot be the same project used for requirement No. 1 above.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">b. Work with your local chapter of the <a class="external text" href="http://www.apo.org/" rel="nofollow" style="background-image: url(http://meritbadge.org/wiki/skins/monobook/external.png); background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #3366bb; padding-right: 13px; text-decoration: none;" title="http://www.apo.org/">Alpha Phi Omega</a>service fraternity. Participate in a significant percentage of service opportunities for one semester. Discuss with the fraternity adviser how to increase cooperation between the group and the local BSA council, and between the group and other student organizations at your college.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">c. Serve as an active member in a high school or college community service organization. Participate in a significant percentage of service projects for a six-month period. Explore ways to increase the participation of your organization in service opportunities, as well as ways to increase the membership of the organization. Report on how the group benefits the community.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">d. Become a volunteer first aid or swimming instructor or swimming aide with the American Red Cross or a similar organization. Teach first aid or swimming at least four times in a six-month period. Explore other volunteer opportunities with that organization. Report on your experiences at the end of this time, especially how the community benefits from the organization and from your volunteerism.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">e. Participate for six months as an active volunteer with any other community service agency approved by your Advisor. Examples are therapy or guide dogs, food pantries, hospital aides, etc. Report on your experiences at the end of this time, especially how the community benefits from the organization and from your volunteerism.</span></span></dd></dl>
</dd></dl>
<div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">V. <b>Transforming Our Society</b><br />This section focuses on counseling skills, conflict resolution, peace and reconciliation, and how to apply them in your own life.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Complete the following:</span></span></div>
<dl style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Take part in a counseling skills training session of at least eight total hours. Examples include peer counseling, suicide or abuse hotlines, and first-contact training programs, and may be provided by local service agencies/hotlines or by local government divisions. Tell your crew what you learned and how you plan to put your knowledge into action.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Discover (through research, discussions with teachers or community leaders) what addictions are having a negative effect on your local community (such as alcohol, drugs, tobacco, gambling, pornography, etc.). Pick one of these and find out what local resources are available to deal with the problem. Talk to a counselor who deals with this issue, and tell your crew how this issue is affecting the community in which you live.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Lead or actively participate in at least four Ethical Controversies within a six-month period. These may be at the unit, district, or council level within Venturing, or at a youth event attended by members of several churches or religious institutions. These controversies cannot be the same as those used for the <a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Religious_and_Community_Life_Bronze_Award" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #5a3696; text-decoration: none;" title="Religious and Community Life Bronze Award">Religious and Community Life Bronze Award</a> requirement No. 10.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Complete one of the following:</span></span>
<dl style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">a. Attend a meeting of your local board of education or city/ community council, or a session of court (any level open to public observation). Find one issue that has generated dissent or conflict, and observe how this conflict is dealt with. Follow the issue to its resolution, even if this means attending more meetings. Give a presentation to your crew or other youth group on how conflict was resolved in this case.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">b. Visit and tour a correctional facility. Talk to a correctional facility chaplain about his/her responsibilities and experiences. Ask the chaplain for stories of success/transformation that have helped former inmates become contributing members of society.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">c. Compare counseling degree programs at four different colleges or universities. Include one large public university and one small religiously based college. Look at both the types of degrees offered and the course work required for those degrees. Compare especially the religious components of such degrees.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">d. Study the document "Scouts and Peace" prepared by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (see page 39 in the <i>TRUST Handbook</i>). Lead a discussion with your crew about the document and how Scouts can be involved in world peace. Then prepare a 10-minute presentation on the document and give it to a Boy Scout or Girl Scout troop.</span></span></dd></dl>
</dd></dl>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">VI. <b>Crew review</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">VII. <b>TRUST presentation</b></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-45156700235411694382012-06-20T07:00:00.000-04:002012-06-20T07:00:05.270-04:00Venturing Religious and Community Life Bronze AwardThe Venturing Program allows scouts to earn a Bronze Award in multiple Categories, including Sports, Arts and Hobbies, Outdoors and Sea Scouting. The one most relevant to this blog is the Religious and Community Life Bronze Award.<div>
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There are 12 Requirements that a Venturing Scout must do. All this is copied from <a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Religious_and_Community_Life_Bronze_Award">Meritbadge.org</a><br /><div>
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<span class="mw-headline" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">12 requirements from the 2006 <i>TRUST Handbook</i></span></span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To complete the Religious and Community Life Bronze Award, do nine of the following. (Activities or projects that are more available in your area may be substituted with your Advisor’s approval for activities described below.)</span></span></div>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Religious emblem</b>. Receive a <a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Religious_Emblems" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #5a3696; text-decoration: none;" title="Religious Emblems">religious emblem</a> appropriate for your age and religious affiliation.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Community service</b>.</span></span>
<dl style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">a. Serve as a volunteer with a community organization for at least three months.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">b. Keep a journal of your experiences and how they affect your thoughts on community.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">c. After the three months, share your experiences and how you feel about your service and what it means to be a part of your community with others.</span></span></dd></dl>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Religious service</b>.</span></span>
<dl style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">a. Serve as a volunteer in your place of worship for at least three months.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">b. Keep a journal of your experiences and how they affect your religious beliefs.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">c. After the three months, share your experiences and how you feel about your service and your religious beliefs with others.</span></span></dd></dl>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Cultural diversity</b>.</span></span>
<dl style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">a. Participate in a discussion about cultural diversity with your crew, religious youth group, or other appropriate group.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">b. Make a presentation or tabletop display using the information you learned in the discussion.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">OR</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">c. Invite someone from a different cultural background from yours and the majority of your crew's members to give a presentation on a subject of his or her choosing.</span></span></dd></dl>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Service project</b>. Plan and lead a service project such as helping to build a Habitat for Humanity house, participating in a community cleanup project, or taking on a fix-up project for a nursing home or daycare facility.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Religious retreat</b>. Go on a religious retreat or religious trek lasting at least two days.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Religious/ethical play</b>. Produce or be a cast member in some type of entertainment production with a religious or ethical theme, such as a play, a puppet show, or concert for a group such as a children's group, retirement home, homeless shelter, or <a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Cub_Scout_Leader_Portal" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #5a3696; text-decoration: none;" title="Cub Scout Leader Portal">Cub Scout</a> or <a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Boy_Scout_Portal" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #5a3696; text-decoration: none;" title="Boy Scout Portal">Boy Scout</a> group.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Youth group leadership</b>. Serve as a president, leader, or officer of the youth group at your school or religious institution.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>First aid course</b>. Complete a Standard First Aid or higher course or its equivalent.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ethical Controversies</b>.</span></span>
<dl style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">a. Lead or be on the staff of an Ethics Forum for your crew, your youth group, or your school class.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">b. Participate in at least two Ethical Controversies activities as a participant.</span></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">c. Be a facilitator for at least two Ethical Controversies activities for your crew, another crew, your school class, a Boy Scout troop, or another group.</span></span></dd></dl>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Teacher assistant</b>. Serve as a teacher or an assistant to a teacher for a children's class at your religious institution or an educational institution (public school, daycare, or nursery) for at least two months.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Religious interview</b>. Meet with your religious leader to explore his/her duties, the preparation necessary to assume those duties, and what he/she believes is the most important element of the position.</span></span></li>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-6660882657011195442012-06-19T07:00:00.000-04:002012-06-19T07:00:14.700-04:00Cub Scouts True<br />
Every week I've been trying to include at least one song or grace for you to use. This one is from the <a href="http://www.scouting.org/filestore/CubScoutMeetingGuide/pack/April_2012.pdf" target="_blank">April 2012 Pack Meeting Plans</a>.<br />
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Cub Scouts True (to the tune of Three Blind Mice)</blockquote>
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Cub Scouts true, Cub Scouts true,<br />Show their faith, Show their faith!<br />By giving thanks for the wonderful things,<br />Their fam-i-lies and Their own blessings,<br />For the things they learned at their Scout meetings,<br />They’re Cub Scouts true, Cub Scouts true.</blockquote>
Make it into an Audience Participation event by Dividing the group into thirds and have the groups sing the song in rounds<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-62396501904231982262012-06-18T07:00:00.000-04:002012-06-18T07:00:01.167-04:00"The Spiritual Training of Scouts"While searching on the USSSP site <a href="http://usscouts.org/scoutduty/sd2gc95.asp" target="_blank">here</a>, I came across some excerpts from a speech titled "The Spiritual Training of Scouts"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">given to the 18th International Conference of the Boy Scouts World Bureau in September 1961. The speaker was John Thurman, Camp Chief of Gilwell Park, England. It was printed in the May 1962 issue of </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">The Scout Leader </i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">[Canada]</span> .<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I conceive it possible that if we abandoned all our principles we might recruit more leaders and consequently could handle more boys and perhaps -- although I doubt it -- in ten years we might double the number of registered Scouts, but we would have lessened a hundredfold the true strength of Scouting for we would end with something that had betrayed its past and in so doing had betrayed its purpose. . . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My overriding fear in regard to Scouting is that it will die of respectability, having lost the urge to attempt the difficult and ending as a rather nice middle-class Movement. It is more important to be proud of what Scouting does for the boyhood of the world than to be proud of Scouting.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">. . . I want to appeal too that we strengthen our tolerance towards other faiths. "None has a monopoly of truth." Tolerance does not mean weakness or a weakening of your own faith, for it says in effect, "This is what I believe but I respect your right to be different," but that is not the same thing as tolerating the right to be spiritually lazy or to believe nothing. . . .</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why should a Movement like this set out to please an agnostic or an atheist adult? Why should we allow him to contaminate (and I use the word deliberately) the efforts of tens of thousands of adults who accept the principles of Scouting without question and who try to carry them effectively into the lives, the hearts, and the spirits of their boys? Don't tell me that it is brotherly to countenance evil. I believe that Scouting must be militant in its approach to fundamentals, and the fundamentals of Scouting without duty to God are worthless.</span></span></div>
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These days, I hear from a number of people that Scouting is unpopular because of the emphasis on religious belief as an important part of the program. If only we could drop all the religious stuff, we could attract more scouts. It seems that even in the 60s, this argument was being made also. I'd much rather be right, than be popular.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-26335469240512805512012-06-17T07:00:00.000-04:002012-06-17T07:00:02.579-04:00ThriftyThe 9th point of the Scout Law: A Scout is Thrifty <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
A Scout works to pay his own way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.</blockquote>
A few verses about Thrift<blockquote>
Proverbs 6:6-8<br />Go to the ant, sluggard; consider her ways and be wise; who having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provides her food in the summer and gathers her food in the harvest.<br /> <br />Proverbs 21:5<br />The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenty; but the thoughts of everyone who is hasty only to poverty.<br /> <br />1 Corinthians 16:2<br />On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.</blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-80714558318932965742012-06-16T07:00:00.000-04:002012-06-16T07:00:01.859-04:00Churches of Christ Religious EmblemsCub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and American Heritage Girls who are members of the denomination Churches of Christ can earn a series of Religious Emblems<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.goodservant.org/images/lovingservant.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Grades 1-3 - Loving Servant</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.goodservant.org/images/joyfulservant.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Grades 4-5 - Joyful Servant</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.goodservant.org/images/givingservant.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Grades 9-12 - Giving Servant</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Grades 6-8 - Good Servant</span> </td></tr>
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The Members of Churches of Christ for Scouting (MCCS) Maintins a website with more details about the awards at <a href="http://goodservant.org/">Goodservant.org</a><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-66289560171481371852012-06-15T07:00:00.000-04:002012-06-15T07:00:01.361-04:00Getting Volunteers from your ChurchLots of scouters have tried to build the relationship between their church and their troop, without a lot of success. If you want to have church members become involved with the scouts, There is one sure-fire way to get them.<br />
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Just stand up on Scout Sunday, and tell the congregation "We need some of you to be Volunteers!"<br />
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Wait, I think I mixed that up. That's the one sure-fire way NOT to get volunteers.<br />
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If you remember my posts on Scouting as a Tool for Church Growth, <a href="http://ascoutisreverent.blogspot.com/2012/04/scouting-a-tool-for-church-growth-part.html" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://ascoutisreverent.blogspot.com/2012/04/scouting-a-tool-for-church-growth-part_19.html" target="_blank">here </a>and <a href="http://ascoutisreverent.blogspot.com/2012/04/scouting-a-tool-for-church-growth-part_20.html" target="_blank">here</a>, one of the points I made is that scout families need to meet the people in the church before they think about joining it. If you ask someone to volunteer, make sure they understand that it's not just because you need a set of hands doing crafts or teaching a merit badge. Its because you want the scouts and their families to know the people you have asked to volunteer.<br />
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As I told one of the ladies at our church, I know we have a lot of really nice people, and I want the scout families to meet them. I consider them and their smiles to be a huge part of what made us feel welcome in the church. But we only got to meet them when we started coming on Sundays. I want the other families to meet them at scout meetings, so maybe they can come and see the rest of us on Sundays too.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588016433673539348.post-82333267968570326322012-06-14T07:00:00.000-04:002012-06-14T07:00:06.453-04:00Philmont Training Conferences related to FaithThose of you who have around Scouting for a while probably know about Philmont Scout Ranch as a place where scouts head for week long high adventure backpacking trips. Well, they also have some conferences there during the summer, with a week's worth of training on special subjects, that can make you a much better scout leader.<br />
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Several of those conferences with a faith oriented theme may be of interest to the readers of this Blog<br />
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<a href="http://philmontscoutranch.org/PTC/conferences2012/LDSScoutingLeadershipConference.aspx" target="_blank">LDS Scouting Leadership Conference</a><br />
<a href="http://philmontscoutranch.org/PTC/conferences2012/FBI.aspx" target="_blank">FBI - The Faith Based Initiative</a><br />
<a href="http://philmontscoutranch.org/PTC/conferences2012/ScoutingintheLutheranChurch.aspx">Scouting in the Lutheran Church</a><br /><a href="http://philmontscoutranch.org/PTC/conferences2012/ScoutingintheUnitedMethodistChurch.aspx">Scouting in the Methodist Church</a> <br /><a href="http://philmontscoutranch.org/PTC/conferences2012/ScoutingintheCatholicChurch.aspx">Scouting in the Catholic Church</a> <br /><a href="http://philmontscoutranch.org/PTC/conferences2012/ScoutinginthePresbyterianChurch.aspx">Scouting in the Presbyterian Church</a><br /><a href="http://philmontscoutranch.org/PTC/conferences2012/AmericanHeritageGirls.aspx">American Heritage Girls</a><br /><div>
<br />The full schedule of conferences can be found <a href="http://philmontscoutranch.org/PTC/conferences2012.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16337609185197279701noreply@blogger.com0