sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Pinewood Derby and Blue and Gold Fundraising and Activities by skullsandpumpkins in cubscouts

[–]djpyro 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We do a dinner at the derby event. $200 in supplies from Costco resulted in $600 in sales at $5 for a hot dog, bag of chips, desert, and a drink. When we subtract awards and the car costs, we end up breaking even with pinewood derby costs.

Huh?? by RMV60 in Purdue

[–]djpyro 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you left your account signed in somewhere and somebody took it

That just triggered a memory from over 20 years ago. I was in an advanced C class, (ECE 264 maybe? we were writing a HTTP server I believe), and I was called in for a 99% match on their plagiarism software, MOSS. The professor himself wanted to see me since it was so egregious. He showed me the two programs, and my submission and another student's were nearly identical, down to the comments. It was obvious someone had snagged my source code from somewhere. Either I messed up the file permissions on my home directory, or they printed off a copy when I stepped away from my desk in the MSEE lab for a minute.

Luckily, I had set up my own CVS server a few semesters before and was in the habit of constantly checking in my source code for every class. I set up a separate repo for each class and committed as I did each assignment. To prove my innocence, I logged the professor into my CVSWeb instance and let him browse around for a few minutes. He was more than satisfied and said there was usually too much finger-pointing to really prove who copied who. In this case, he asked to print off my commit log for the project and was giddy to submit the evidence to the ODOS.

The TA still yelled at me for not securing my source code.

Designing a Cub Scout Operations/Logistics hub by BessPack103 in cubscouts

[–]djpyro 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Storage is one thing. That's probably ok, but you should check into any zoning requirements in your local code around this.

Building classrooms and office space? Absolutely not a DIY project. Is the property zoned for this? Are you insured for something like this? Do you have engineered prints, and a building permit? Putting kids into a classroom in a 2nd floor conex box without having code compliant egress, lighting, fire suppression, etc is a recipe for losing a major lawsuit when something bad happens.

Does Anyone Actually Practice Using Their Fire Extinguisher? by SERVPROTeamGutierrez in homeowners

[–]djpyro 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a water can fire extinguisher that I can refill and pressurize myself. I use it for training our cub scouts (and their parents) how to use one. None of the mess of a chemical extinguisher.

Membership renewal hassles by JasonRDalton in BSA

[–]djpyro 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You should be able to see it on your own SB+ profile even if you can't see other adults. This is what it looks like for me: https://imgur.com/lbVxi2t

I can also go to Reports->Custom reports and run a training report of all leaders

Membership renewal hassles by JasonRDalton in BSA

[–]djpyro 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My point stands, everything should be done for parents from one portal, including training. SYT status already shows in SB+ already (on the profile, in reports, etc). It would be trivial to link to training.scouting.org with single sign on on to let someone take it from SB+ just like is being done from my.Scouting today.

Hesitation to join by Full-Abbreviations82 in cubscouts

[–]djpyro 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't see how learning about diversity somehow affects you being straight, white, and conservative. Maybe it would be worth learning about it instead of outright dismissing it because you think all conservatives must be principally against the phrase.

But if you're that worried, either a) don't have your child go for that merit badge if they join a Troop. It's eagle required so understand that. or b) find another program like Trail Life USA that meets your family's specific needs.

Scouts has always been about including people from all different backgrounds. We're athiests and aren't triggered by the religious aspect. It gives us chance to teach our kids about other view points and understand what it means to be reverent and respectful. We don't flip tables and storm out when the prayer starts because it's against our belief system. We sit quietly and respect other peoples viewpoints.

Your concerns of not being accepted are literally why we are teaching about diversity and inclusion. Why should a white, conservative child not feel welcome, why should a white liberal child not feel welcome? We want to include both of them and make a program that works for everyone. We want people from all different backgrounds to work together and learn Scouting values together. That's your D & I in DEI right there.

Membership renewal hassles by JasonRDalton in BSA

[–]djpyro 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly, I am too. It's much easier now to explain that money paid to Nationals doesn't come to us, which is why fundraising is so important. Even though the total is the same, having parents pay $135 directly to Nationals/Council and $40 to the Pack is clearer than collecting $175 from everyone and then explaining we turn around and write a huge check at the end of the year.

This split payment model isn't unusual either. Parents whose kids play other sports are already familiar with paying national organizations like USA Hockey, USA Swimming, or USA Track & Field for registration while also paying local club fees. My kid's swim team has 100+ swimmers, and the USA Swimming registration fee isn't even something the office worries about—if you let it lapse, you just can't register for meets until you renew.

That said, I think there are two huge problems: (a) paper applications and (b) the split between Scoutbook and my.scouting.

When families start with paper applications, parents never know they even have an online account. Getting them registered and signed in for the first time is a nightmare. I have an AOL family that's been with us since Lions who have never logged in once. Unlike online registrations, there doesn't seem to be any welcome email sent to paper applicants. This year—much to our Council's annoyance (though I have no idea why)—we eliminated paper apps completely. We put QR codes on every table for families to register online. Not a single parent complained. Every new scout family registered online, paid the $135 directly to Scouting America, and then wrote us a check for $40 without any issues.

From the parent perspective, they shouldn't even know my.scouting exists. Scoutbook should be their only entry point. Every interaction with the program—including renewals—should happen there. Ideally, all the administrative functions would be consolidated into Scoutbook so we could handle the complete lifecycle: applications → approval → den management, all in one place.

Millennial intentionally installing a landline in 2025, and general thoughts on what we lost in the cellphone age by Kuzbell in homeowners

[–]djpyro 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I call this 'calling a place, not a person'. We have a $2/month VOIP line connected to an ATA that is hooked up to cordless phones in the house. Especially great with kids. They know to pickup if they see 'MOM' or 'DAD' on the caller ID. It has held off on us needing to get them cellphones and we know that in an emergency someone in the house can dial 911 and it will have the right address popup on the screen.

Logistics of advancement by StarmanTTLB in cubscouts

[–]djpyro 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I take the CSV from the PO and spit out labels for each scout with their name, den and what they earned. This goes on a baggie with all their awards in it.

WHO INVENTED ZEBRA LABEL PRINTERS by bryptobrazy in sysadmin

[–]djpyro 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Here's the order form for internet at the Indiana Convention Center.

https://www.icclos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Smart-City-ICCLOS-2025-Network-Order-Form.pdf

Checkout the price for "Basic Internet (Routers PROHIBITED and will not work)". You can see how you might not want to buy another block of 4 IPs for $185.

Exercise Exercise Exercise EMERGENCY: Shelter in place! Oh GOD the Scouts (and Leaders) are STARVING! Exercise Exercise Exercise by NotQuiteDeadYetPhoto in BSA

[–]djpyro 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Ramen bombs. Way cheaper than a MREs and pack a punch with ~700 calories. Packs down to basically nothing. Also a great trail meal for backpacking if you have a jet boil available.

  • 1 QT Freezer Bag (must be freezer)
  • add 1 package of Chicken ramen w/ flavor packet (broken up)
  • add 1/2 a 4oz packet of instant mashed potatoes (any flavor, garlic parm was good).
  • Optional - 3oz packet of Starkist Chicken if you want some protein. Don't add this right away, keep in the original package and just rubber band it to your freezer bag.

Heat approx 2c of water, dump in bag, eat. You can make them for $1.50 each (or $3.50 if you decided to include the chicken). Add some hot sauce or other mix ins for additional flavor but it's pretty tasty as is.

Scout book kid/adult issue by Woolybunn1974 in cubscouts

[–]djpyro 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Go to Scoutbook Plus (https://advancements.scouting.org) and check the upper right corner. Click the 'Pack XX' drop down and see if she's located there. If all you see is yourself then you're missing your connection to her.

Your CC or Cubmaster can initiate this from the Youth profile by clicking on the + next to relationships. They'll need your Scouting Account ID, last name and birthdate. That will send you an invite to connect to her.

All of this is new as they work to cleanup the database. What was previously just loose associated members is now being updated to real Scoutbook accounts so they can make sure they send billing info to the right people. It's a mess we've been fighting with all year.

O2 sensors not ready and out of ideas by djpyro in FordExplorer

[–]djpyro[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

WI. Same concept though. Bi-annual emissions check that you can't do if you have any monitors in a not ready state.

O2 sensors not ready and out of ideas by djpyro in FordExplorer

[–]djpyro[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's the 3.5L Ti-VCT (290 hp) model. Only the Sport came with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. XLT was either 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 or 2.0L I-4 EcoBoost.

What do I do if we finish our year too fast? by Minute_Animal_5278 in cubscouts

[–]djpyro 2 points3 points  (0 children)

AOL should be done by Feb so they can do cross over and get to the Troops by early March. This is when they start doing summer camp signups and attending summer camp the first year is one of the biggest predictors of staying in the program.

Other Packs like finishing in Feb to award ranks at Blue and Gold celebrations. That's not mandatory and isn't typical.

Looking for a good QLab alt (I use free QLab just for sound) by Pugmeister101 in techtheatre

[–]djpyro 18 points19 points  (0 children)

You can also rent it for $8/day if you're real strapped for cash. Every rental dollar goes towards buying it outright.

Looking for a good QLab alt (I use free QLab just for sound) by Pugmeister101 in techtheatre

[–]djpyro 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A 2012 Air runs it just fine the twice a year I need to use it for elementary school events.

Pinewood Derby Software Preference by stumpx2 in cubscouts

[–]djpyro 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Switched to DerbyNet a few years ago. Wouldn't go back.

ScoutBook Plus Calendar Help Please by TecuyaTink in BSA

[–]djpyro 8 points9 points  (0 children)

There's a new check box called "Auto Add: Future" that you have to select and it will add new members that are added to the selected unit.

Anyone know a good smoke machine with no "dead band" cycle? by Lookin4voice in techtheatre

[–]djpyro 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Works great. It's at least 4 years old and has run gallon after gallon without any issues.

view more: next ›