mattbib

http://www.troop70peacemakers.com

The closest we have to a "made-up" position our our Patrol Quartermasters. I've structured our boys' responsibilities so that we have four Quartermasters, three of whom, while sharing some of the responsibilities of the troop Quartermaster, are responsible for maintaining patrol boxes, tents, first aid kits, etc. The patrol QMs report to both the PLs and the troop QM, but because it's a regular job that requires constant leadership and work, I've chosen to recognize it (say, as opposed to Assistant Patrol Leader or other patrol functions that don't require all that much work).

Thankfully as an adult leader I have fortunately never had a boy that was problematic. When I was 17 and SPL, though, I was presented with a new troop member that I just could not handle. Smart-mouthed, dangerous, and disruptive. I presented the issues to my Scoutmaster, and we determined that we'd talk to him and have a period during which we'd monitor his behavior. He only got worse. I'm glad Bob posted, because he detailed exactly what my troop leaders did in that case. Our COR and Institution Head (a pastor) were involved, as was our Commissioner and even our DE. The boys parents were brought in, and though I wasn't part of the proceedngs, it was decided that the boy would leave the troop.

Rambling thoughts... I'm in agreement that there really shouldn't be a need for a special family camping trip. If a mother wants to camp, she should do so within the regular troop program. I don't think there should be a weekend dedicated to moms any more than there are weekends focused on dads. Any adult, male or female, attending any activity should do so in support of the program for the boys, not for self gratification or some sense of recognition (not to say that those don't naturally come with participating). That said, if a troop chooses to hold a family event to make non-camping moms and siblings welcome, that's fine, but again no parent should be excluded from any regular activity. As for whether or not boy leaders WANT their moms on a trip, again, not up to them. And if moms do go there's no reason why the boys' program necessarily has to include interaction with any of their parents.

"It implies that intolerant statements were made." No, this was a general statement, no implications made other than maintaining the post's relevance to the scouting program. "I don't agree. I don't want homosexuals in the porgram so I am being intollarable. And the BSA agrees with me. The BSA doesn't permit girls or anyone who refuses to repeat the Oath. Scouting is the be all for everyone." You're blurring two different issues; one being the BSA's legal right to ban a population based on its admitted sexual orientation or lifestyle, the other being the toleration of other religions despite one's own beliefs. Your earlier post dismissed others' beliefs in evolution due to the lack of evidence, yet our entire faith and the religious beliefs of others are based on a book completely devoid of proof. The unconditionalitiy of our faith is what makes it so important, and is the same reason why I do not so easily disregard other unproven theories.

Yes, it is our responsibility as leaders to be able to identify any hazard to our youth. The program is not solely camping and merit badges. It's our duty as moral people and good citizens to be able to help the youth we're entrusted to live healthy, full lives, up to and including alcohol/drug prevention. If we're able to identify a problem and alert the Scout's parents of our concerns, it may be dealt with by the youth's family, minister, counselor, etc. before the problem infects the troop and you end up with addicted or dead boys. The number of abused drugs is on the rise and it is very easy to hide this abuse, especially when the drugs of choice are prescription medicine and over the counter supplements (ritalin, GHP, etc.). Any training that would enable us as leaders to prevent or identify drug use would be welcome.

"If you read the two versions of creation in the bible in the book of Genesis you will see no evidence of evolution. The theory of evolution claims animals & humans evolved from a simple life form when the creation states all things were created by God." In the same regards if you read a science book you will see no evidence of God, but likewise that doesn't mean He doesn't exist. There is room enough in my beliefs to allow for both creationism and evolution; it doesn't have to be either/or. Thankfully Scouting allows for any interpretation of a higher being. Intolerance for other's beliefs, however, has no place in the program.