karl_glogauer

I was hoping someone could give me some isight as to why an emotionally disturbed youth might be asked to leave his Scout Troop. Whether that's a common thing, or if there's something wrong with that, or if there's some official policy regarding mentally ill scouts? Is Scouting more of a social group where the popular people are Patrol Leaders and rules are enforced willy nilly or a group of outdoor adventurers teaching kids to enjoy, respect and survive? I'm writing today, yes 32 years old, because my son will soon be of Scouting age and I have to decide whether I'm going to encourage him to join or discourage him from anything to do with Scouting. Just today I recieved a copy of my old Boy Socut Handbook from 1979, same as the one I had in Scouts. There's some mention of games, but nothing about Boy Scout Camp having an elaborate sporting-type contests at the end of every session. I just want to know what Scouting is all about, since my version was sad, sad, and bad. Though I loved camping and adventure before Scouts and still loved it after and continue today. My son has been on dozens of backpacking trips since he was an infant, knows plenty, and I wonder if he even needs Scouting?

Please if anyone can help me, I was asked to leave my Boy Scout Troop 224 in Lodi, Ca in 1985 my Scoutmaster Hank Henry. I was the highest ranked scout in the small troop, A Second Class, and I suggested we form patrols, but when we did, they voted and decided a younger, Tenderfoot scout, one who'd previously brought beer on a hike and was caught, shoudl be the Patrol leader, not I. I was very confused and embarrassed to be so hated, just because I always wore the proper uniform, always stood at attention and never fooled around like Dennis, and I didn't like getting wet or playing the stupid games during camp, and I got mad and cried when some kid kept flicking my ear and another time when the same kid fell on my first, only, and brand new tent and broke a pole. Instead of kicking those kids out they kicked me. Said I didn't fit in, should go somewhere else. We only went on one backpacking trip in 3 years. I never complained, even when my feet became so swollen from hiking in wet shoes. What kind of person would kick a traumatized kid out of Scouts? I want an explanation from Mr. Henry, but I can't find him. I would've been an Eagle Scout. I was the best Scout in the troop but they asked me to leave. What is that? (This message has been edited by a staff member.)