jvankirk

I see all sides of this argument and do not see the need to cast aspersions toward Scouting, the military, or individuals therein or therewith affiliated. I think if I were to consider swapping the right shoulder patch, which I wouldn't, it would only be in the spirit of the original intent of the military to signify a flag held by an individual moving forward. This is not a military conformity or coercive leadership issue, but simply one of conveying the feeling of moving forward. I do believe this is a feeling and attitude that we should encourage with our youth as a sense of spirit and purpose for each individual - and the reverse flag patch would be no different than any of the other motivators to our youth. Those of you who insist on making negative remarks about the military are absolutely correct in your assessment that there are those who think the military does some things right that Scouts may do wrong. Marching formations and flag ceremonies are among these, but only in some form and content. These group movement and patriotic ceremony actions are borrowed directly from the military and Veterans have every right to want to see the boys achieve the crispness and dignity that should be shown. Those of you Scouts who don't respect the military and military decorum would do well to stop imitating it, however... that would mean you may need to step away from the most outstanding youth service organization in the world. ...So outstanding because it was conceived and structured by a military mind and supported by civilians and military people over the years. Scouting continues to be a vision of what we ALL hope for - young men who are outstanding family men, solid citizens, good stewards of our Earth, able to provide sensible leadership that avoids world conflict while preserving freedom, and finally the part you may be forgetting - Duty to God and Country. In the event of a safety threat or oppression of our people, our Scouts, as soldiers, have historically been numbered well among those who tried hardest to avoid loss and those who fought hardest to defend freedom. The flag facing as though our young men are moving forward would not be out of disrespect, but rather the deepest of respect for the Boy Scouts of America for its unwavering values and dedication to future well-being of our nation.

anyone who won't help the boys run their own troop.

I read this posting with interest and, admittedly, some amusement at the efforts of the members to outdo each other regarding the true meanings and applications of mnemonics and acronyms. Though similarly tempted, here's my shot at the meat of the original question. If I am understanding correctly, the thing sought after is ANY way to help young Scouts memorize the Scout Law. As a Construction Trades instructor, I often need to help my students remember code rules for egress, DWV, and kajillions of other construction-related rote memory items. As a Scoutmaster, I use the same method that helps those students. I simply break down the list into bite-sized sets of three or four items to master at a time. Then I add another group. For example, first night memorize Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly and discuss their meanings (5 - 10 minutes spent altogether.) Have the boys all write them down,starting a list. Next time - repeat the first four a few times, then add Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful including meanings and writing them down on their previous list (another 10 minutes that night) Last night, add the rest of the Law, finish the written list, and ask for new insights about meanings for perhaps another 15 or 20 minute total session. The whole process should only take a total of 40 minutes, more or less, of planned meeting time. Bite-size memorization works with the oath as well, but save that for other meetings. It SHOULD go pretty smoothly for the boys, acknowledging learning differences. Also, be sure to include taking turns leading the law and oath at opening AND at closing for a while until they are comfortable and confident with it, then just at opening. I hope this is helpful and GOOD SCOUTING! to all.