Eagle94-A1

Disrespectful Pros has been the norm in my Scouting career. That has involved many years in 6 councils, and i cannot tell you the number of pros. Good ones leave because they also get abused and disrespected.

In my neck of the woods, the folks who know what to do at the district and council levels have been run off pros. Reason is they see the mistakes the council is making, and when they bring it to the pro's attention, the get ignored, yelled at, or cursed out. They either get removed by the pro, or quit out of frustration.

Not just units. Anyone remember when national made policy changes regarding Tiger Cubs and BB Guns, and didn't tell anyone teaching shooting sports directors at NCS? So folks were not aware of it until 6 months after it went into effect, after Cub Scout Day Camp and Resident Camp season. You would think any changes in Shooting Sports Range and Target Activities , the NCS Staff would be the first to find out and disseminate the info. The way National changes things, a staff couldn't keep up on a daily basis.

Sadly it is easier to keep up with social media postings on topics than do the above. Heck I have found out things before the pros find out. And I have been asked by my council to take down my reposts of national announcements because they ant to put their spin on it.

"There is always home, a fool's hope." We will see, but I am not holding my breath.

What I want to know is why would a council, knowing the refresher course would be coming shortly, require everyone to complete SYT by April 1?

As others have said, national won't change things because it hurts their bottom line. Heck they encourage. I remember one council in FL was given all kinds of praise in a NAM video on the number of MBs they awarded during COVID. Sadly this is the attitude of too many parents. Summer camp is supposed to be more than MBs. The attitude is why a camp will give Basketry away, when Scouts did 1/2 the requirements. That is why summer camps give away Canoeing to folks who spend 15 minutes on the water every day, and when the Scouts go on a canoe trek with the troop, cannot do basic maneuvers. And I can go on.

Maybe that is why national and council are in the situation they are in?

THAT. IS. IT! (caps for emphasis). One district had an MBU on the same weekend for decades. Well organized, experts for MBCs, etc. However council was not making any money off of it. They created their own, the same exact weekend, but at a much higher price. Original group followed NCAC, and raised costs a bit so the council could make $1/person profit. You think council would be happy? Council cancelled the event one month before it was to occur, and after the registration deadline to their MBU.

I was never asked back to one MBC because I sent a pre-requisites list, which didn't get sent, and didn't give away MBs. If it is a MBC with council affiliations, no. If it is a museum doing their own thing, doubtful. Sidenote, I ran an Indian Lore MB day as an OA fundraiser/promotions/equipment maker event. Yes, we charged at the time a steep amount, $35 in the early 2000s, but that included craft supplies, and lunch. Folks knew they would not be able to complete the MB in advance, unless they did the prerequisites. And guess what THE SCOUTS HAD FUN (emphasis), new OA chapter got publicity, and we got enough money to get some ceremonial regalia. My point is, if you make it fun, and let Scouts know in advance, they will still come.

Sadly You are right. Even my sons complained about folks getting awarded MBs. One Scout was so fed up with this, he almost gave up on Eagle, saying it is meaningless.

You ain't joking. It is in a horrible place.

I still cannot find siblings info

I am still not seeing it. This is what I am seeing.

Serious question, can you show me where the new rule is at? I can find the parent of the same gender, but not siblings. This is the info I am finding. https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss01/

Funny thing is this: if you scream and curse out that top level volunteer, he may stop donating. And he may tell his buddies what happened, and they stop giving too. That happened. District had to drop their FOS goal severely since they did this. The current goal is 10% of what is was when I first got here, and that is not adjusting for inflation. Worse part is the DC was actually doing something.

Or professionals ignoring, shouting at, or cursing out volunteers

Even before Trails Life, pros were trying to do away with long term volunteers. I cannot tell you how many good, extremely dedicated Scouters left because of treatment by pros. Some left district and council roles to focus ont heir units. Others just quit. And they left vacancies that to this day are still not filled.

When I met the then National Chief Information Officer in 1998, he made a lot of promises about SCOUTNET 2000 that was coming our in November 1998. Vezinni said it best.

I would start collecting my own statements. If the guy was at the event after you left, he is only getting one side, and it may not be good for you. I have seen innocent people get kicked out of Scouting. @InquisitiveScouter is giving you very, VERY good advice. Good luck.

Funny you mention police. We had a sheriff deputy on staff, and he was in his jurisdiction. Don't remember if he initiated the investigation after calling it in, or was assisting the investigation after he called it in. So I didn't have to call them, they were already notified. I do know the adult was never arrested, nor kicked out of Scouting as I saw him a year later. He told me he did press charges against the kid for assault with a deadly weapon. Having 15+ witnesses is probably saved the adult from arrest and dismissal.

IF, you got a motivated Scout, AND they use their free time to practice, it is possible to actually earn a MB at camp. One reason why I like free periods, especially if taking Shooting Sports or Aquatics.

Concur with @Tron, document EVERYTHING. Include witnesses, quotes, EVERYTHING. And send it to multiple folks: DE, SE, COR, etc. Closest I have had to deal with was on camp staff. A Scout was being sent home for behavior reasons, but was hit by an adult, and had a black eye. Mom made comments about YP and reporting the issue. What she didn't know was her son, after he was told to pack his things because he was going home, picked up a stick, and charged the 18 y.o. ASM. The ASM automatically countered the attack. OH and he attacked the ASM in front of the SM and the entire troop while they were getting ready to go to dinner. LOT OF PAPERWORK WITH THAT ONE! ( major emphasis, not shouting.) Moral is DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT! (again, emphasis). Good Luck.

That would be common sense. Personally I do NOT like the new policy as I see abuse of it in the future.