lpotts_47

I like to use the boys in front of me. I ask them if they like to have fun...then ask them again to get them to almost yell...this personalizes what you're doing to the parents. Then, when talking about ranks and age groups, I have the appropriate boys stand up...Mom & Dad love to see them. Then, whene the comment comes up in the presentation that the family contribution is $140 a year, I mention that it is only $10 and change a month, just a couple of stops at Starbucks,...and isn't your son worth that? Larry Potts Trailhead District Family FOS chair

There seems to be a couple of differing viewpoints here. First of all, I think it's great we can all weigh in on a Scouting topic...and I hope we all continue to do so. With that said...to those who have questions about the use of a uniform, I suggest you read those sections of the Scout handbook and the Scoutmasters handbook as well as various training materials you should have gotten as you earned your "Trained" strip. The use of a uniform in Scouting has a very solid psycological base. "Uniforms" are worn at all levels of our society...even the "grunge" look with the stocking cap pulled over the ears, the sloppy flannel shirt and the baggy pants are a carefully cultivated uniform for those wearing it. The whole uniform should be worn and worn properly. At the last training course you attended, how many instructors wore just the shirt...or one without the proper patches. There will always be those who, for whatever reason, will try to change standards (usually lowering them in an attempt to be more politically correct). To those I must say, don't try to re-invent the wheel. Get trained, understand the program and why it works and you will probably then realize that there are many things within the program that work well because they are right. As for the youth dragging their heels about wearing a uniform...what good things in life doesn't a boy complain about from time to time? He just needs to get consistant re-enforcement about uniforming from a uniformed leader. Larry Potts Troop 683

There seems to be a couple of differing viewpoints here. First of all, I think it's great we can all weigh in on a Scouting topic...and I hope we all continue to do so. With that said...to those who have questions about the use of a uniform, I suggest you read those sections of the Scout handbook and the Scoutmasters handbook as well as various training materials you should have gotten as you earned your "Trained" strip. The use of a uniform in Scouting has a very solid psycological base. "Uniforms" are worn at all levels of our society...even the "grunge" look with the stocking cap pulled over the ears, the sloppy flannel shirt and the baggy pants are a carefully cultivated uniform for those wearing it. The whole uniform should be worn and worn properly. At the last training course you attended, how many instructors wore just the shirt...or one without the proper patches. There will always be those who, for whatever reason, will try to change standards (usually lowering them in an attempt to be more politically correct). To those I must say, don't try to re-invent the wheel. Get trained, understand the program and why it works and you will probably then realize that there are many things within the program that work well because they are right.