Rain Tax
There has been a lot floating around on twitter and other social media venues recently in regards to the UK rain tax. I have spent the last few days trying to comprehend what it is all about. Here is my understanding and take on it.Various water utility companies are now charging non profits, including Scout Groups for the draining of rain water in the sewer. The tax is based on area. This means if... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2009-07-15BSA 2010 Marketing
I recently came across this video on a mailing list and I thought I would share it. The content of the video is interesting but is done by BSA and takes the "company line" approach. It does brefily talk about a cool virtual tool that BSA provides councils to get marketing materials that they simple tweak online and then send to the printers. Also seems BSA is going to provide councils with a simple hosting... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2009-07-12KBOOM!!!
With the foruth of July having just past it got me thinking of a short story I wrote in August of 1996. I hope you enjoy. KBOOM!!! The crackling thunder of firecrackers, lured me to an open window overlooking the dark alley below. Several lads stood stunned and appeared to be full of fear, as if something terrible had just happened. In the center of the group laid a boy in a puddle of blood, next to... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2009-07-06Working with challenging Scouts
In a earlier post I talked about how I was as a Scout, my learning disabilities and what Scouting meant to me. In this post I would like to offer a few points on how to deal with other Scouts like me. The first thing don't hide the problems from the youth. When I was youth I did not know they were trying to kick me out or even some of the results of my actions.... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2009-07-01Drew's Bad Birthday
What follows is a original heart warming fictional short story that I wrote called "Drew's Bad Birthday". It is long for a blog post but I think you will enjoy it all the same. I have many more stories so if you like this one I will post more. “Mom,†I whined “Why do I have to go outside, it is my birthday?†“I have to clean the house, now get!†she yelled pointing at the door. Not... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2009-06-24It is funny the things we remember
It is the small things in life that stand out in our memories. It is not the big battle we won, but rather the day to day things. From my childhood I remember camping with my dad especially on Scout outings and family trips. Yet I remember more clearly playing catch in the back yard and catching the boy where no boy should, piling pillows on him and yelling dog pile, or just laying on... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2009-06-22Working with challenging Scouts
In my last post I talked about how I was as a Scout, my learning disabilities and what Scouting meant to me. In this post I would like to offer a few points on how to deal with other Scouts like me. The first thing don't hide the problems from the youth. When I was youth I did not know they were trying to kick me out or even some of the results of my actions.... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2009-06-18What is an Expedition
Recently a virtual Scouting buddy from the UK asked me what the definition of an expedition is. It took a while before I understood what he meant. He explained to me that in the UK they have a badge called “The Expedition Challengeâ€. (The full requirements are at http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/badges/scout-exch.htm) and that to earn the badge the Scout has to complete a “Expedition – a purpose with a journeyâ€. As there is no guidelines to... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2009-06-16How long do things last
A while back I helped develop a show for the PTCMedia.net podcast network on Leave No Trace. Part of that show talked about how long things will last if just left in the environment. I would like to talk about that today, and at the end of the post I will include a link to the actual podcast. This list is provide by the Burea of Land Management. 1. Paper: 2-4 Weeks 2. Banana Peel: 3-5 Weeks... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2009-06-16What Scouting means to me
When I first joined Scouting I was only a little kid and had no idea what it was or why I was doing it. My parents wanted me to do I did. After my first few minutes I was hooked. I love the adventure and the fun. Over the years I grew older and moved up through the program. Scouting became the biggest thing in my life and the number one thing I looked forward... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2009-06-16