It gets sticky when it comes to telling someone they are not getting in. Yes mistakes get made, but all OA elections need to be done prior to Summer camp, and should be run by at least two OA youth and one OA adult. Proper forms need to be filled out and signed by the scoutmaster and the Lodge Advisor. This way everyone knows who is eligible to get in and do their Ordeal.
And as to your son, the elections are not supposed to be popularity contests, but after all, they are just boys.... His time will come. And when it does, it can be a great experience for him to interact with boys from across the whole council and not just his troop.
I don't fault your dad skills as others have. Our sons need to learn that life has disappointments and we learn from them. What kind of men will they be if they don't learn about all of life's ups and downs.
