Col. Flagg Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Demonstrate Scout Spirit and Living the Scout Oath and Law has been a source of contention since the day it was given power to judge a boys behavior. It's nothing new. The struggle is that there isn't a defined set of actions for Demonstrating Scout Sprite, and the result are different adult interpretations of Scout Oath and Law. You would not believe how many times National deals with this conflict on Eagle applications. And 9 times out of 10, the scout wins. Or maybe it is better understood that the troop leadership looses. Did I miss something? A Scoutnis Trustworthy. If he lying repeatedly he has not met the litmus test. SM has a conference with the young man and set up ways he can demonstrate over time that he is concretely earning trust back. Until then he's not lived the Law. Done! How is this complicated or unclear? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col. Flagg Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 On of my ASMs signed off on this months ago.... sigh We had a similar issue. Years ago changed that signature to SM only so that the review and decision stayed consistent and with one person. It has helped and we don't have the problem anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mashmaster Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Well, met with the parents...Good news is that the scout is staying in the troop so maybe I can positively affect him. Parents excused every action he did because of ADHD or family issues.... I told them up front, I was not going to apologize and that we are here to help their son and prepare him for life. Mom shot me a glare and was about to say something until dad spoke up and said he believes me. We will see what happens, but I think he will continue to get excuses made for him. They want me to only provide positive feedback, I flat out told them I could not do that. I guess it is a positive outcome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mashmaster Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 We had a similar issue. Years ago changed that signature to SM only so that the review and decision stayed consistent and with one person. It has helped and we don't have the problem anymore. I am going to do that. SM signs off on Star and above rank requirements. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col. Flagg Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Well, met with the parents...Good news is that the scout is staying in the troop so maybe I can positively affect him. Parents excused every action he did because of ADHD or family issues.... I told them up front, I was not going to apologize and that we are here to help their son and prepare him for life. Mom shot me a glare and was about to say something until dad spoke up and said he believes me. We will see what happens, but I think he will continue to get excuses made for him. They want me to only provide positive feedback, I flat out told them I could not do that. I guess it is a positive outcome. My son was high ADHD. I found *I* was the one apologizing for his behavior. Sounds like the parents are in denial. Stay strong! You're doing the right thing it appears. Being even-handed and teaching a lesson insbt always easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mashmaster Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 My son was high ADHD. I found *I* was the one apologizing for his behavior. Sounds like the parents are in denial. Stay strong! You're doing the right thing it appears. Being even-handed and teaching a lesson insbt always easy. thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gblotter Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 On 8/29/2017 at 7:04 AM, Eagledad said: Generally units search first for a SM to build a strong program. But I encourage units to first find a "strong" CC, because they will find the "strong" SM and the two together will build an outstanding program. So much wisdom in this statement. During my time as SM, I have worked with two outstanding CCs who understand their responsibilities and take the job seriously. They are invaluable to me and the success of our troop. They lighten my administrative load and back me up when needed. In addition, I will rely on a good CC as a sounding board and honest observer to tell me if I need to shift my approach as SM. My CC is not a rubber stamp for everything I might want to do. With enough mutual trust and respect, the relationship functions a bit like a marriage where they aren’t afraid to tell me both the good and the bad. So important. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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