nndawson

Hi, I am a new committee chairman and have inherited a controversy centered around camping, specifically SC requirement 2a and FC requirement 3 and the Camping merit badge requirement 9a. All of the scout leaders have held the position that camping is done with the troop/patrol or can be done with the family if the purpose is specifically for helping the boy with scouting. Furthermore, the camping is to be done, as stated in the camping merit badge requirements under the sky or in a tent, meaning no RVs, tent trailers, or backyard camping, etc. Either way the campout is to be pre-approved by the Scout Leader. We have a parent who has two sons in the unit, all three of which are very active in OA. This parent is of the opinion that the standard set in the camping merit badge requirements is just for that merit badge and does not apply to the SC and FC requirements. He feels that any type of camping can fulfill the latter requirements, for the boy is his standard. I understand that for some boys to pass of either of the requirements, that exceptions can and should be made, but in our unit this is not the case. Every boy is healthy and can sleep in a tent or under the start. As I read the requirements I tend to agree with the Leaders. Since I am the CC and part of my responsibility is to interpret National and Local policies to the troop. I have been asked to resolve this. Now on to my questions: * Are my interpretations final, or is there an appeal process? If so where does this end? * How do other units view this? * What counts, and who says what counts? Any input will be helpful, and much appreciated. NND

Thank you all for your input. I just wasn't sure how I should be counting the pow wows. Only once have I counted it as a troop activity. It turned out all of the boys went bowling instead of going to their classes. Ever since then I have let the parents do all of the registration and transportation of the boys, hence not counting it as a troop activity. Anyway, thank you again. My first experience on the forums has been a good one. I will definitely participate again!

I have been a scoutmaster for a couple of years now (LDS Unit). I now have a boy in the troop whose parents are questoning what we count as an activity. I have always used the FC requirement as my guide. For a boy to reach first class they must "...have participated in ten seperate troop/patrol activities (other than troop/patrol meetings),..." If the troop or patrol do "something" as a unit I count it as an activity, otherwise I don't. Now, to the real question. In our council and district we have merit badge pow wows. Should these be counted as an activity? Historically, I have not counted them, as individual scouts are going working on their own goals. I would just like to find out what the consensus is. I am willing to change my view but have not had a convincing reason to as of yet. Thanks for any input.