Venturer2002

Sagerscout, It's always sad when bad things happen to kids in institutions that are trusted by all. My heart ached thinking about what happened to your son and family; I pray that you will resolve the problem. What I got from ScoutPerson's post was that he didn't flat-out refuse parents from overseeing activities. I really don't think we're going to come to an agreement...what each of us has responded with is within scouting policies/guidelines/etc. so can we all agree to disagree?

Having just read the SPL's handbook (great read btw), I encountered the uniforming section on page 32, after which it became apparent that a troop hat is acceptable wear, per BSA uniforming regs "The Scout Uniform can be a source of pride and spirit. Many Troops have a special neckerchief worn by members, or a hat of a certain color or style. A troop's activity uniform may include a T-shirt emblazoned with the troop's emblem or some other signifigant reminder of the troop's identity."

I personally would never discount the effectiveness of a good school assembly. When I was just entering first grade a cubmaster who had been an eagle scout came, gave a presentation on cub scouting and the opportunities in Boy Scouting. The assembly I attended inspired me to "trail the eagle" and I have constantly been involved in scouting since I was a tiger cub. Currently I'm a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, working on eagle, and a member of a brand-new venture crew.

What I feel is that excessive numbers of parents can cause confusion, frustration, and bad tastes in ones mouth. Certainly the programs of scouting could not continue without the support of countless parents who volunteer their time. I know, my mom was a den leader from tigers to webelos. Different troops may have differing policies regarding continuous parental involvement in outings, not to be confused with parental oversight. It is appropriate in some circumstances to have a Scoutmaster and his/her assistant serve as the sole leaders on a Boy Scout outing. Those circumstances being older scout involvement, training of younger scouts, and a strong sense of the patrol method. Troops that disregard the patrol method should have as many adults as possible at all outings and meetings, because scouts that have no real power in their own policies and troop administration tend to do un-scoutlike things. Adults serve in an advisory position for the most part, taking action when activities come into direct violation of scout policies or procedures. There. That's my two cents.

What is the national policy regarding the signing of rank requirements? I know Assistant Scoutmasters can, so does this mean I (as a newly appointed Junior Assistant Scoutmaster) have the ability to do so as well?

I'm new to Scouter.com, but have been a lifelong member of one scouting program or another. I haven't read much of the thread, but this much is clear to me: If you're talking about Cubs then parents are a necessity If we're talking about Boy Scouts, then parents just get in the way I've known lots of scouter/scout fathers and sons, and almost always it results in kids who end up spoiled and feel they can get away with anything because "my dad's on the troop commitee" or "my dad's an ASM". I noticed on some earlier posts it was said that ScoutPerson was "masquerading" as a Scoutmaster, or something to that effect. That very statement isn't helpful,friendly,courteous,kind,cheerful, or reverant. I'm sure you guys feel you're "being prepared"...but please try to reinforce the ideals you teach in your postings and "May the Great Scoutmaster of all good Scouts be with us until we meet again"