Eagledad

>>In the subject of the OP in this thread, do you really see the individual gay woman whose son is an Eagle scout as 'anti-family' or something along those lines? Really?>The only difference is the way that BSA (and some of us) 'categorizes' those individuals. To me this approach, as with black persons before, finds its strength in allowing comfort with prejudice and its weakness in ignoring the individual.

>>With the emphasis pointing toward overt leadership, are introverts at an inherent disadvantage?

The hardest part for adults is to identify what defines a strong SPL. You will get many answers to that question here, but it is also personal with each adult or troop. What for you describes your strong SPL? Then you need to understand that to learn something, you have to practice that something. So like in anything, to be strong, the scout needs to practice that action over and over. My SPLs while I was SM planned and led somewhere around 100 PLC level meetings in six months. Most expectations for SPLs in most units are too high for the amount of practice the scouts get. Everyone here is right that the development of the SPL really starts the day the scout joins the troop. But many probably couldnt really pinpoint what it is they want those scouts to practice on their six year experience. So there really isn't much skill development for a mature SPL. Our troop had a plan that took all scouts on a designed path that would teach them specific skills or habits along the way. But the skills were based from normal practice in the program, a lot of normal practice. Training does not develop skills, it only introduces them. So don't use training a measurable type of developoment. Practice is the only way to develop skills and habits. So dont expect more than your scout practices. May I suggest you get the Patrol Leaders Handbook and SPL Handbook to help guide you to the kinds of habits and skills you might want your scouts to practice over and over. Those handbooks are a simple easy read and tend to help the scouts and adults plan a simple orderly process to their goals. Its one thing for adults to say do it this way or that, but its a lot easier for scouts to read it in the book with the adult only supporting by saying yes, try it that way and see how it goes. Good question. I love this scouting stuff. Barry (This message has been edited by eagledad)

>>All 3 would happily serve in a Scout unit if allowed to. What is their "gay style of behavior" you are worried about as an example to other Scouts?

>> I am not asking for others to try to channel him and provide his thoughts for him. I just want to understand from Eagledad himself what a "gay style of behavior" is.

>>So you are saying your heterosexual urge is not biologically ingrained?.

>>Eagledad, never heard the theory that being a bully is a born trait. But, OK..

>>It is beyond your understanding, that this is not a choice. It is not the same as drug addition or acoholism.

Dang, Eagle92 beat me to it. I love that scouting stuff. Barry

What does the National say the responsibilities are for each position? And, I have found that the program runs smoothest when the adults take on the responsibilities that best fit their personalities. I know several very successful packs where the CM's only responsibilities is running a fun Pack meeting. Do what works best. Barry

>>Barry, just to be clear, are you saying that homosexuality was accepted before the early Bronze Age?

>>what kind of logic is that? Millions of Americans don't follow your god; why would they care what you say your god says?

>>The polls have risen favorably for treating homosexuals fairly, because the younger generation are not changeing their attitude.. That is because it is not rational logic or solid evidence that show them to be immoral..

I touched on sports in my first post.

>>I think both the journey and the destination are important, though I prefer qwazes' use of waypoints instead of destiantion.

How many troops in camp? Barry

What makes Tigers so difficult is they are toddlers, the rest of the pack is not. They can't read or write and they haven't had the discipline of a year of 1st grade to develop the patience of listening. Thus that age requires as many adults as all the other age groups added together. Barry

We send the SPL, an adult may or may not go depending on the camp. Barry

>>Stosh-Every camporee, outing, trip, etc. is instant gratification with the definition you are using. So I'm unsure of the point being made. >Stosh-There are no rules, no charters, no fees, just show up.

>>Surprisingly, people are showing up and we're having a great time. The point being with a "Flash Mob" the only destination is the starting point of the activity. There is no guarantee the program will last any longer than the last activity.

>>Unless your troop is huge (5+ patrols), why do you need an SPL? Try going without one for a while. Put the PLs at the head of things, where they should be. See how it works.

I should have included in my first post is that all troops go through this because its part of learning the limitations of the program. What the adults need to learn from it is that something needs to change. Barry

Its a challenge to develop and continue a program where every position has some kind of accountability. Its hard to always identify reasonable and challenging responsibilities (expectations) for each position. And its especially challenging to how to apply reasonable accountability for each position. I think those are some of the most difficult challenges of the adult part of the program. What I have observed is the positions that are held accountable are the ones most respected. And while there are a million ways to hold scouts accountable, the best accountability that is clearly measure by the expectation of the group. If the Grub Master didnt bring the food for the campout, that is a clear measure of performance. If the campout didnt go well because a scout decided not to plan it, that performance, or lack of, is a measureable by everyone. Without knowing your troop, we cant say what you should do. I can guess however with some confidence that the SPL is not really respected as a position of serving for the good of the program. There is clearly something missing. Barry

Boy Scouts to keep ban on gay leaders http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-06-06/boy-scouts-ban-gay-leaders/55432602/1(This message has been edited by Eagledad)

>>My view ... kids have a whole adult lifetime to do stuff he'll not want to do. So why the rush to start it early. If it really makes my kid's life miserable then it's not a positive.