I posted a similiar thread over at ussscouts.org and didn't receive any feedback so thought I would try here.
I have been hired by my council as the aquatics director. I realize I will get a lot of ideas at Camping School, however I would like to hear from Scouters as well. I KNOW YOU have a lot to say as I have gone through the program and am now a 21 year old assistant scoutmaster. Every summer I hear scoutmasters complain about something or suggest something. Well for once, a camp staff member will TRY to meet your demands, although it probably will not be at your camp.
Do you have any ideas for different ways of meeting merit badge requirements, other than swim 50 yards (example not the real req.). My waterfront has small boat sailing, swimming, canoeing, lifesaving and rowing. Also we offer a Polar Bear swim and open boating/swimming and instructional swim. So are there any creative ways to meet requirements? Obviously I have to make sure the Scouts meet the requirements, but when I was a Scout I believed that it was boring to do the same thing over and over.
Also, when I have to tell a Scout he did not meet the requirements how would I let him know? I have been an area director in other places and have told Scouts that they have to deal with a partial. It was not a pleasant experience when the scoutmaster heard so do you have any suggestions on how to deal with that?
Thank you very much for your answers here and the hard work over the next few months while you are with your Scouts at camp. Don't beat the staff up too badly.
YIS