Re: 2nd & 1st Class Swimming Requirements

>
>In my opinion, a far greater disservice is done when a boy is "held
>back" because he can't pass the swim test. . . . .

In SMF we teach Advancement as _one_ of the methods of scouting. Advancement
is not an end in itself but system of reinforcing benchmarks to help boys
see that they can master new skills and bolster their self-confidence. Each
boy should be advancing at his own pace. While individual skills may be
taught in patrol groups and at troop meetings, the advancement process
should not be modeled after school where lessons are taught in syllabus
order and on a time schedule. Scouting should not be another school.
Advancement should happen as a result of participation in fun activities and
not in a scheduled order. A boy is not held back through not passing a test
after the lesson, but challenged by his peers to keep trying and perhaps
helped to achieve by those same peers.

In my experience, one boy in need of consideration for waiving the swimming
requirement is rare. Several requests should be almost non-existant. Could
it be that the word gets around that if you can't pass the test, don't
worry, you'll get an exemption? Therefore the numbers go up?

I've had boys take a couple years to pass the swimmers test at camp, but
never seen a case where the the requirement was waived for an otherwise
capable boy. But they kept trying and didn't drop out. YiS
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Bert Austin {austin@aps.anl.gov} | Asst Dist
Commissioner
Riverside, IL | I used
to be a Fox
Voyageur Trace District DesPlaines Valley Council | EC-443W
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