2013 National Scout Jamboree at the Summit

[FrankJ]

Uh, when was that ever BSA policy?

It's in G2SS, Utopia version, right next to no sheath knives, no hatchets, and totem chip is required to use a knife.

It is not a BSA policy, rightfully so. But a lot of troops have the policy so that electronics do not compete with the goals of the camp out. Also rightfully so. (They can also not allow scouts to carry sheath knives, hatchets, & require them to earn the totem chip.)

[cdwscout]

In our troop, we have the policy that electronics aren't allowed to detract from the camping/meeting experience.

In other words, no gaming/texting at campouts, though it's okay to bring a cell phone/iPod/gaming device.

This policy has worked out pretty well. Often, we have had scouts use their phones to call down to base camp to make sure their parents are OK after a storm. Our leaders will also check the weather on their phones during trips.

[RWSmith]

Uh, when was that ever BSA policy?

It's in G2SS, Utopia version, right next to no sheath knives, no hatchets, and totem chip is required to use a knife.

It is not a BSA policy, rightfully so. But a lot of troops have the policy so that electronics do not compete with the goals of the camp out. Also rightfully so.

I know; I know... good come-back, BTW. Well, we're waaayyy off-topic here now, but...

Without thinking it through, banning "electronics" (at the unit level) on camp-outs is bad for Amateur Radio. ULs have got to think it through --for just a couple of seconds-- and be smarter than the kids...

• First, the SM bans cell phones on camp-outs for exactly the reason you stated above; it's just gotten way out of control.
• So, the kids work around it by:
  
  1. hiding (sneaking around with) them; or,
  2. by bringing their PSPs (or whatever).
• So then, the SM then reacts by banning all electronics on camp-outs.

Now, without even realizing it, the SM (UL) has almost certainly defeated the possibility of any kid in his/her unit from ever taking an interest in earning the Radio MB (and possibly, Electricity and Electronics, too). If a Scout hears "no electronics" just before every camp-out (summer camp, too?), month after month, after month... he's naturally going to assume there's no place for Amateur Radio at Scout activities... even if there is a Radio MB, so what?

Standing on top of a mountain w/ a battery-powered handheld amateur radio (walkie-talkie) and making QSOs with somebody at Guam AFB (yes, it can be done) is --to me-- a lot of fun... and it's an awesome way to introduce Scouts to the Radio MB.

I'm just saying that we should be careful about what we say. Amateur Radio should not only be the exception to the rule, but encouraged by example. If not, then in a few years, there will be no more Radio MB.

[FrankJ]

Actually I put rules like no electronics in the class of the pirate code. It's more of an recommendation. The rule is better read no electronics unless they serve an approved purpose & I am not responsible for keeping up with them. I define the approved purpose as I go, but am pretty consistent.

For example GPSs are useful. If the goal of the camp out is to use a map & compass, they might need to be turned of for part of the trip.

Sorry to take this thread so far afield. I guess I need to turn the thread GPS back on.

[cdwscout]

Uh, when was that ever BSA policy?

It's in G2SS, Utopia version, right next to no sheath knives, no hatchets, and totem chip is required to use a knife.

It is not a BSA policy, rightfully so. But a lot of troops have the policy so that electronics do not compete with the goals of the camp out. Also rightfully so.

I know; I know... good come-back, BTW. Well, we're waaayyy off-topic here now, but...

Without thinking it through, banning "electronics" (at the unit level) on camp-outs is bad for Amateur Radio. ULs have got to think it through --for just a couple of seconds-- and be smarter than the kids...

• First, the SM bans cell phones on camp-outs for exactly the reason you stated above; it's just gotten way out of control.
• So, the kids work around it by:
  
  1. hiding (sneaking around with) them; or,
  2. by bringing their PSPs (or whatever).
• So then, the SM then reacts by banning all electronics on camp-outs.

Now, without even realizing it, the SM (UL) has almost certainly defeated the possibility of any kid in his/her unit from ever taking an interest in earning the Radio MB (and possibly, Electricity and Electronics, too). If a Scout hears "no electronics" just before every camp-out (summer camp, too?), month after month, after month... he's naturally going to assume there's no place for Amateur Radio at Scout activities... even if there is a Radio MB, so what?

Standing on top of a mountain w/ a battery-powered handheld amateur radio (walkie-talkie) and making QSOs with somebody at Guam AFB (yes, it can be done) is --to me-- a lot of fun... and it's an awesome way to introduce Scouts to the Radio MB.

I'm just saying that we should be careful about what we say. Amateur Radio should not only be the exception to the rule, but encouraged by example. If not, then in a few years, there will be no more Radio MB.

Kids don't think that much. Most of them probably wouldn't consider amateur radio as electronics. Besides, most of them don't really care about amateur radio anyway. They regard it as outdated and obsolete (I'm not saying that's why I think; I'm just saying what some think).

[RWSmith]

Kids don't think that much.

No offense, but... oh yes, they most certainly do; they just don't realize it, yet.

Most of them probably wouldn't consider amateur radio as electronics. Besides, most of them don't really care about amateur radio anyway. They regard it as outdated and obsolete (I'm not saying that's why I think; I'm just saying what some think).

As the saying goes, 'From the mouths of babes...' (Again, no offense. Seriously.)

++++++++++++++++++++++++

Also, FrankJ,

I really liked the way you put it in you last post(s). I certainly wasn't criticizing the way you do business. I was just soap-boxing. (Sorry 'bout that.)

========================

Okay, all... that's enough from me about amateur radio in this thread. Of course, you both get one more response each, if you like, for the sake courtesy.

--Back to traffic.

[Bill Pitcher]

Uh, when was that ever BSA policy?

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What the heck is:

73
K?4ALV ??

[RWSmith]

Oops! I guess I boo-booed.

[FrankJ]

RW: I in no way took offense to anything. I should have included a smile after the twisted evil. I use twisted evil more as a I am not taking myself that seriously. I wander through the world being amazed. I try to impart some amazement to the scouts. For some is music, for others it's sports, the beauty of god's creation, the magic of transmitting information through space, the diversity of people on & on.

The only connection this has with Jambo is the multitude of experiences that is going to be available to the participants.

What the heck is:

No paint ball? (duck & cover)

[wagionvigil]

Not sure where this is going BUT we were told at an area meeting yesterday by someone from the Summit that there would be a very large international presence at the 2013 Scout Jamboree.
With no restriction on coed scouts.

[jr56]

As I recall, we are one of the few major countrys left where the scouting movement is not co-ed. Besides Venturing.

[wagionvigil]

As I recall, we are one of the few major countrys left where the scouting movement is not co-ed. Besides Venturing.

Yep!

[ThunderingWind]

How many Councils have "turned in" their Venturing slots back to the Area/Region?

I have heard rumors of one or two (number keeps changing) here in the NorthEast.

Not seeing any advertising coming down from on high to recruit either.

[wagionvigil]

most councils are just getting up and running right now. WF is recruiting. Laurel highlands is also getting the word out. I did a session at the Area Conference this past weekend and really pushed it so we will see where it leads. Any open troops are going to be filled with International Scouts.

[ThunderingWind]

Any open troops are going to be filled with International Scouts.

Oh that will go over well....what a surprise it will be for some to show up and find GIRLS in the Troop!!!

[wagionvigil]

Would not bother me in the least!

[wagionvigil]

http://scout-wire.org/2011/09/30/traveling-to-the-2013-jamboree-made-easy/

[wagionvigil]

got an Update today. There will be staff shuttles. may not get you right on spot but close enough. 1 mile is better than 4 miles.

[wagionvigil]

Anyone that has put in a staff application and has not heard anything need to call their Council service center and find out if they have approved you. We are finding out that the councils are not doing their job. Surprise Surprise

[Billiken]

FWIW:

Greater Cleveland Council is charging $1,450.

Included is a 4 day tour/post-Jambo trip to Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
Also include are patch sets (with extras for trading), contingent shirts, hats, and all related meeting/training costs.

Travel is by bus.