skeptic

If the young person is challenged, perhaps seriously, in the "very competitieve school", then perhaps the Scouting is a release, and he or she finds it of lesser import. Age may be a factor eventually if the Scouting interest or involvement is consistent. I have had a couple of long term, but stalled in rank youths that suddenly somewhere past sixteen or seventeen light a fire under themselves for Scouting rank. Sadly, some waited too long, at least in ur unit where they still had to do the work. Every young person sometimes loses focus, or is too focused on other goals. We also do not know often what other pressures or home and school issues may "really" be in play. If they take the "Spirit" forward in their lives, the work is done.

So many things get in the way of real continuity. For our unit, early on it was job issues with the chosen individual suddenly being moved and a fortunate replacement stepping up. That resulted is a few decades of solid leadership, but in reality it was up t half a dozen doing the lifting with one at the paper apex. He and his number one ASM received the first two SB awards in our council in the 30's. Sam the SM noted then that they were in reality co-SM's. WWII brought strong step ups to help, and then Sam" son came back and stepped in for a long period. He was forced out due to adults feeling his approach was too outdated. Lots of turmoil and loss of focus, and it almost killed the unit. Finally a steady hand stepped in to level the waves. I was put in the spot against my preference at the time due to personal issues and my job, yet somehow am still there, but now a paper figurehead with others working to keep us afloat. I was forced out due to a stroke and another major issue, and our unit family discovered that issue of poor planning. We now struggle for outdoor options, but we have a few dedicated adults to hold us afloat, though none are outdoor people in the sense of consistent hiking and camping, which had been our focus for most of our history. The history, over a century is a factor though. So we struggle on and I encourage them from the pedestal they put me on and try to find some younger outdoor types, hopefully maybe even past alumni. We also struggle with the Methodist challenge since the lawsuit. Going into year 104 and hopefully can cement the history in place and use it to draw some new true outdoor Scouting adults. Should add that service has Always been a factor for our units, and that is part of its success. Also, still fewer than a hundred Eagles, so we cannot be accused of that often difficult focus.

Probably polishing my "annoyed stone" a bit, but the fact he did not make Eagle is secondary. Did he enjoy his time, and did he learn to live the Spirit?

And those are the opportunities lost, in my view. Reach out to local outdoor sources that may appreciate the option on occasion, and do not make it too expensive, but also not a loss leader, so to speak. That might include schools, church groups, local colleges that might do classes there, sporting goods stores with outdoor programs, especially if a climbing facility is there. But also maybe even council insider use for family options. Always seems to be excuses, but little done. Our camp was front and center for fire camp more than once, but it might have also been coused for training, including he scouts in summer and such. Never even suggested, or if it was, never got beyond a mention in a meeting few were allowed to attend. One of the biggest barriers that still seems to survive is "can't". As my grandfather often told me, "Can't" never could do anything".

Is the board really trying, or is it just for show? I have become very jaded about how boards operate based on stories I see, and local experience. They seem to not make the issue public until it is too late to do much, and often many are completely caught off guard.

Or, from my observations and stories I have heard (?) they do not have to worry about not being allowed to particpate as they can, in most cases. No absolutes of course, but the sports stories are numerous, and I have encountered a Scout on occasion that had a coach tell them it was either or, and no matter, if he missed a pracice he was benched or even off the "team". Have to wonder the definition of team here of course.

It is never simply apples and oranges in these comparisons. So many other things affect the outcomes and the possibilities. Too often the broad brushes just smear the actual info and ultimate data. All activities have some kind of cost, though some are far more expensive monetarily. Yet, often the kids just want to participate on their own terms. We used to often play the now almost defunct baseball game, work up. It allowed many more players if they chose to wait the rotations. Another baseball type game was three flys up. Pick up games still exist, though too often they get taken over by bullies and bigger kids, which is sad. I was fortunate to have a place on HS teams, but I was not a star, just a needed body with basic skills. No easy and absolute answers or solutions. But, we still need to make the effort.

They have not pushed me over the edge completely, but I am near where you are now. Such promise in the program if it is simply allowed to function. I will continue to do what little I can, but my hisorical efforts are ignored or blocked locally now. Few want to reflect on such things, other than to ask how much something is worth perhaps. And, I am worn out with noone stepping up to help. Have reached out to the local historical museum to at least save some stuff that the council is on the verge of losing or destroying, or simply ignoring its value. BP must be pretty shiny, along with a few other greats.

You have some possible options, it seems. But, if that is not enough to meet it, a discussion of what that means and how it might be applied in some other area in which he might have an interest.

Reality is that we that perpetuate the real programs from our personal trenches locally need to scout on and take aid if we are fortunate from a local council. Sadly, our local experience is far from positive, though they do pass along most of the National rehash of some older viable options and many, in my view, suspect ideas that tip toe on the edge of real Scouting.

The issue is one of humanity and the people who are warped in some way. And those people, even if involved in the program, are still warped. No manner of rules or guidelines will completely stop someone that is going to do abusive things. That is why everyone needs to be aware and respond as required if something is out of line, no matter who it is. Sadly, no barriers are completely foolproof, no matter what they are.

Ultimately, the failure before, and very likely again, is not a Scouting issue. What is a Scouting issue may be too many NOT paying attention or simply following the rules, no matter how they may feel personally. IF the concern is not valid, then it will likely prove itself, but if it is valid, and it is ignored due to public opinion and personal friendships, then the failure is not on the back of Scouting.

I did not get any esponse, but I have challenged them to actually stand up for the basic tenets of Scouting and to not just use their "support" or being an Eagle as some kind of additional reason to tempt people to vote for them. I do not see many of them living the tenets in their so called leadership positions. If they did, perhaps we might actually see something positive develop in Congress. I get the impression many of them do not understand how poorly they are living those tenets, if at all. Certainly few are serving with Honor, or "doing their best", if the results we have are any measure .

Hard to say. If they have the fortitude to stand up to the ignorance that continues to grow out of this sorry administration, maybe. Not going to hold my breath though.