david14011

I still meet men who think that women shouldn't attend campouts, hikes etc. because they believe it takes away from the bonding between the men and the boys. Some believe that they should not be allowed to serve as leaders in units for the same reason. Others just don't want to deal with the logistics involved (separate shower, bathroom and sleeping facilities.) BSA policy is clear on this issue. All are welcome and parents are free to attend any activity with their son at any time.

I agree that the ceremony should be something special and solemn. I've only seen two beading ceremonies. One was very short and I thought didn't capture the importance of the Wood Badge experience. The other one was a little better and was held at a district dinner. Wood Badge for me and at least one other member of my patrol was a life changing experience and I want to try to convey that message through the beading ceremony. I'm not sure how to locate Wood Badge beading ceremonies or if I would even be welcome to any of them but I am interested in any ideas anyone may have and/or locations/invitations to beading ceremonies anywhere anytime. Thank you.

GWD-Scouter: What's your source for this information? I think It may come in handy.

In our council we have two female District Executives.

I've been involved in scouting as an adult for a year and a half. I was in scouting for 10 years as a youth. When I returned to scouting after 18 years of inactivity, I never once questioned the presence of women in scouting. I've worked with and respect a female scoutmaster. I recently completed Wood Badge Course NE-IV-175 in the Keystone Council, Pennsylvania. We have 7 patrol members, one of which is female. This just added to the experience. We're like a family now. We are a somewhat diverse patrol. We have a tile salesmen, a carpet installer, a computer systems developer, a naturalist (She's afraid of spiders. Go figure) a retired Colonel, an unemployed truck driver and a Mechanic. Everyone has something to offer scouting.

I'm an Assistant Scoutmaster and a Unit Commissioner. This person is a fool for turning away a parent who wants to help. Not to mention a sexist bigot. Most of the parents of our scouts drop their kids off for a meeting or activity and go home. We should welcome any help we can get from parents.