fred johnson Posted August 12, 2013 Share Posted August 12, 2013 My son enlisted in the Marines last year. Thru that, I've gotten to know a local military recruiter. That recruiter is probably the most physically fit person I know and the leading expert I know on nutrition and health. QUESTION #1 - He has volunteered to come in and lead the Webelos Athelete pin. What do you think? Is that a good idea? QUESTION #2 - He probably would volunteer to lead a Boy Scout Physical Fitness merit badge class? Is that a good idea? I have a lot of respect for the man. But I'm not sure how other parents would view it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jr56 Posted August 12, 2013 Share Posted August 12, 2013 Sounds like he is knowledgable in the field. He meets all the requirements, go for it. Never turn down good help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankpalazzi Posted August 12, 2013 Share Posted August 12, 2013 If he knows his stuff, and is good working with youth, why not? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scouter99 Posted August 12, 2013 Share Posted August 12, 2013 I fail to see the issue in regards to offering the MB. First of all, MB counselors apply to the council, not to your parents. The issue is whether or not he uses MB time to promote the Marines or develop a recruiting roster, which would be inappropriate. However, what do you mean by "lead a MB class"? Troop meetings are not merit badge school. If that's your plan, that would be my issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fred johnson Posted August 12, 2013 Author Share Posted August 12, 2013 By merit badge class, I meant a special opportunity such as a Saturday morning in a local field to discuss the requirements and do the initial measurements. I did not mean during troop meetings. Essentially a special unique opportunity. Scouting is best when it offers unique opportunities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stosh Posted August 12, 2013 Share Posted August 12, 2013 Boys that don't want a Marine recruiter teaching them the MB do not have to ask him to do so. All he needs do is make himself available to those that wouldn't mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scouter99 Posted August 12, 2013 Share Posted August 12, 2013 By merit badge class, I meant a special opportunity such as a Saturday morning in a local field to discuss the requirements and do the initial measurements. I did not mean during troop meetings. Essentially a special unique opportunity. Scouting is best when it offers unique opportunities. Sounds like a great opportunity, then! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
st0ut717 Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 ld be integrated into scouting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walk in the woods Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 The Navy Seals were at Jambo. I think the precedent is already set. If he's willing to fill out the app to be a MB counselor I'd say go for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tampa Turtle Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 We had a lot of active military participate in our pack and troop. Some actively discouraged boys from the military live style. Most were excellent MBC's and Pin instructors. I wouldn't worry too much; he should be able to leave the day job away from scouts. Obviously a great leader can inspire boys to look into a particular career; we have had that with military, computers, and police work. If a parent is uncomfortable with that they can opt out, I would note that the recruiter should get some BSA training to make sure he does it the scout way. We have had a rare problem with a macho military guy that needed a little nudging. But overall it has been very positive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basementdweller Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 Ask the Parents......Seems pretty obvious to me.....they object then don't use him. Besides merit badges should be conducted outside of Troop meetings in which case the folks with no objections will show up.. With a recruiter, I would be concerned about him developing a call list for recruiting in a couple of years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
st0ut717 Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 It might be useful if you have a parent in the troop that is former military to act as a liaison between the troop and the recruiters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papadaddy Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 I wouldn't worry about what the parents think. Sounds like a fine opportunity for some "expert" MB counseling, which is rare. Recruiters get their prospect lists from high schools, not by posing as MBC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyHooker Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 I would not have any issue with it at all, as a parent or as a scouter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now