SaginawBud

The time is now, suggest to the Scoutmaster that you and he take the training together. That way you both hear the same information and can start forming a bond for the good of the troop. If this is not an option, request training come to your troop committee meeting, from your District Training Chairperson. Troop Committee Training Guide books are available through your local council office. If it does not have one on hand, you can order online from National and receive it in a couple of days. All of us adults need to head the Scout Oath. "On my honor, I will do MY BEST." Are we delivering the promise of Scouting to the youth of our units by running something we call "Boy Scouts" when we have not prepared ourselves. The stripe above the right pocket on my uniform says "Boy Scouts of America" not my name or anyone elses. If we are to do the job properly, we must follow the rules as described by National in their literature. We cannot make them up as we go. Baden Powell founded Scouting with basic principles that have met the test of time. National Boy Scouts of America has the only right to change or alter the program and or policies as seen fit within their National Charter issued by the United States Congress in 1910. Please do the correct thing. Follow the proper guidelines. Take training for each position that you hold. Learn all that you can to be the best that you can be for the youth that we serve. Good Luck in Scouting.

In the last 25 years, I have seen the program be watered down for numerous reasons. National has to have a program they can sell to stay in existance. If the carrot is to be an eagle, then they gear the system to that. I do believe that there are some individuals out there who will attempt to beat the system to have the boast of so many eagles produced under the leadership, but they are doing a severe disservice to those young men. These leaders are not following the oath "Do your Best". These adults are the ones that point to the numbers and equate them to a good program. Most are untrained. If your Council has a strong training team, and the calaber of leadership within that team is of the highest standard, this problem should correct itself. If you feel the problem is not being addressed, contact your Council Commissioner for a frank discussion. Each District should have an Advancement Chairperson that arranges for an Eagle Board of Review. If the standards are not being met, then maybe it can be addressed through these channels. Remember, we only work here, the rules are set by the National Program Directors. If enough concern is voiced to National, they will listen, as money talks, membership is $$$$$. Their reason for employment is based on how many and how much.

I cannot believe that the Council would not do anything. It is the responsibility of the Council Executive to respond immediately to this type of situation, or loose his job. The charter org. officials would surely be liable for any suite that was brought for endangering the youth in this guys charge. National preaches "Safe Haven" in all of their literature. I know that they will respond to any requests for intervention. I like the idea of having the local police or sherriff greet the person. This seems appropriate. Good Luck, but persue this with vigor.

I have seen this type of activity done at Camporees, with adult supervision. I do not recommend this for a Summer Camp setting as the norm is to have youth running events. I can see some youngster with a four inch tomahawk sticking out of his torso because some other youngster did not respect the rules or person in charge of the activity. Most of our archery and rifle ranges are manned full time by adults, but even these areas sometimes have difficulty with controlling the group.