Golden Words

 When it comes to the Camp Geiger Staff, and thus a reflection of Camp Geiger, the Pony Express Council, and the Boy Scouts of America itself, there is something amazing happening right here in this part of northwest Missouri. I have highlighted many times the fact that nearly all members of the Geiger Staff are Eagle Scouts, or are nearly Eagle (present company excepted). But let me tell you about some other aspects of the Staff that you may not know. As a leader, I have attended Camp Geiger, as well as other Scout Camps. The average age for staff members is considerably older at Geiger, and if the instructor of a Merit Badge is too young to be a Merit Badge Councilor, the Area Director is a councilor for those badges. That is a significant difference, as Merit Badges that are completed are signed off, not just with progress sheets, but actual Merit Badge cards, by Merit Badge Councilors, that are good anywhere in the BSA. Any leader that has tried to chase down a Merit Badge for ...

 It is a fair question. After all, the units that I have been associated with since I entered the Cub Scout Program in 1972 have all had one thing in common... They were chartered by a local congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The Church of Jesus Christ was one of the first national chartering organizations of the Boy Scouts of America, and t in 2019 had a registration of over 500,000 youth and leaders. It was the largest single chartering organization in BSA.  Operative word.. Was. Why? If you were not aware, in 2018, the Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ, Russell M. Nelson, announced that effective January 1, 2020, said church would no longer participate, as a chartering organization. Youth were encouraged to seek out opportunities outside of that framework, if they wanted to continue on, but that the church was going to create a global program for its youth 8-18. The Restored Church of Jesus Christ had remained affiliated with ...

 Even though I have frequently mentioned that I am not an Eagle, and stand as the exception on the Camp Geiger Staff, I have reconciled myself to what I didn't do as a youth, and what I do as an adult in Scouting. Having said that... When it comes to cultures, the symbol of the Eagle is very common, and very popular. Many nations, and armies from the Romans (and likely before) to today have carried this symbol as a representation of strength and pride. Native American cultures frequently saw the Eagle as a messenger of  the Great Spirit, and possession of its feathers and claws was a sign of honor, and wealth. It stands as a symbol of the United States of America. Ben Franklin wanted  to use the turkey, but he was outvoted.  Of course in the Boy Scouts of America, the Eagle is the highest rank in Scouting. Yes, I know you can add palm after palm, but those are simply added to the Eagle. Advancement is only one aspect of scouting, but it is the most visible, outwardly...

 A new blog? Yupp. I wanted to have a new one to focus on thing surrounding Camp Geiger, the Pony Express Council, and, yes, the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. To begin, I wanted to attach a link to a blog I had written two years ago, as it explained many things regarding the Tribe, and the purpose it has served and continues to serve. https://snakeriverlibertarian.blogspot.com/2019/06/in-defense-of-tribe.html   As we go forward, I state emphatically, that this is my opinion only. I do not speak for anyone else. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The disclaimer above is also valid for that perspective as well. Why do I mention it? Because context is very important to me. And because it is important (everything) when it comes to my writing, you will just have to bear with me a moment while I add that context. Several years ago, a Broadway play was introduced to the world. A play scripted by the writers of South Park. It was, and is entitled "The Book of Morm...