Firebug

[Basementdweller]

All boys love fire and will play in the fire from time to time....

 

So what do you do with a boy has an issue with it???? just can't get enough.

 

 

I am really concerned, to the point of asking the SM and CC to ban him from camp outs,

 

Looking for suggestions on how to address this with a mind for a positive out come for the scout and the safety of the other scouts.

[shortridge]

What exactly does "play in the fire" mean?

 

Does he keep poking sticks into the flames, stirring up coals, flicking cinders around? Does he keep building and lighting fires when there's no reason for it? Does he keep flicking a lighter or lighting matches for no apparent reason?

 

Try "assigning," in a friendly way, of course, him to earn the Fire Safety merit badge. That might be a start. Or make him fireguard for a weekend when you do all campfire cooking (no stoves) - responsible for monitoring safety and fire LNT practices for the whole troop. He may surprise you.

[Scoutfish]

Back when I was an active firefighter, we used to have a saying:

 

 

"People who love fires either light them or fight them".

 

Sometimes making somebody responcible for a fire...keeps tem from lighting them too much.

 

Of course, ir doesn't always work, but mostly does.

 

Make him cheif fire watch or senior fire builder.

 

Keep a really sharp eye on him

 

In the end, if he's a danger to anybody...he'll just have to go.

 

[kari_cardi]

Our local fire department has a program for kids who love fire a little too much. It's a combination of education and mentoring. We've referred boys from the troop before with positive results.

[oldisnewagain1]

Echoing shortridge's thoughts...

 

What is the extent of this problem...

 

Is he in violation of what he agree to earning his Firem'n Chit (if so take it away)

 

From the Fire'n Chit

 

1. I have read, understand and use fire safety rules from the Boy Scout Handbook.

2. I will build a campfire only when necessary and when I have the necessary permits (regulations vary by locality).

3. I will minimize campfire impacts or use existing fire lays consistent with the principles of Leave No Trace. I will check to see that all flammable material is cleared at least 5 feet in all directions from fire (total 10 feet).

4. I will safely use and store fire-starting materials.

5. I will see that fire is attended to at all times.

6. I will make sure that water and/or shovel is readily available. I will promptly report any wildfire to the proper authorities.

7. I will use the cold-out test to make sure the fire is cold out and will make sure the fire lay is cleaned before I leave it.

8. I follow the Outdoor Code and the principles of Leave No Trace.

[Basementdweller]

loves to the point that he took all of the matches out of the patrol boxes and lit every single one...

 

Loves to the point he burned up a quart bottle of hand sanitizer on a fishing outing when he was supposed to have been using the restroom.

 

Loves to the point he took the lighter out of my tackle box and fishing string and was burning it up.

 

The boy has an issue and I am worried for the safety of those around him. We are backpacking this weekend, and I am making sure he does not have access to the fuel or stoves.

 

The diversion program is a good idea. I called this morning and the department has one.

[Tampa Turtle]

We have had good luck in making those guys fire tenders and doing it right. We also have referred a couple to the local FD with good results.

[The Blancmange]

>>>> The diversion program is a good idea. I called this morning and the department has one.

[OldGreyEagle]

he burned a quart of hand cleaner? When he was supposed to be doing something else? Makes me wonder when does burning a quart of hand sanitizer ever become the assigned activity?

 

He broke into your personal property (tackle box) to use a your property (lighter) to destroy your property (fishing line)and he is still not facing a suspension or other disciplinary action?

 

He cleaned out the patrol box supply of matches?

 

What would he have to do to receive consequences for his actions?

[Tampa Turtle]

Basement,

 

I did not see your description before commenting. Yeah, he has a problem...get help. And yes I agree he needs to have consequences...

[oldisnewagain1]

...in that case

 

Yes, yank his Firem'n Chit or all fire making rights now because it becomes a safety issue for both the boy and the rest of the troop.

[Basementdweller]

OGE we were fishing the boys were in and out of my tackle box getting bobbers and hooks, young man took the lighter and string with out my seeing him do it. same outing had a pump bottle of hand sanitizer he set on fire, he took that off the picknick table right after lunc, found the still warm remains on my trip to the outhouse. He did not own up to it till his younger brother ratted him out. It was at that time he gave me back the lighter and we found the spool of fishing line.

 

He is older sibling of a cub scout, this was a cub scout event.

 

The box of matches was on a troop outing, they boys couldn't light their stove because they could not find matches.

 

(This message has been edited by Basementdweller)

[fred8033]

Seems a scouting prerequisite to be fascinated by fire and axes ... hopefully not at the same time ... both kids and adults.

 

I've seen many new kids fascinated with matches and what burns. Usually, it's the first time someone trusted them with matches, fuel and such. Every year you can watch the new scouts disappear when older scouts tell them that bathroom hand cleaner burns. It usually just one or two camp outs though.

 

The kid may have a fire issue. I don't know. I like your solution.

 

Don't miss the personal boundary issue (taking your personal stuff) and that needs to be talked. A good solution would be to have him replace what was taken. Someone might have better solution. Just don't ignore that aspect.

 

 

 

 

[Basementdweller]

had a bit to think about what ya said OGE.......

 

 

Discipline in scouting has always mystified me.

 

Had a kid damage a tent, told him and mom he needed to pay to replace it so he never came back.....joined another troop instead.

 

Had a kid and dad take candy bars for a fund raiser never saw them again.

 

Had a kid damage another scouts pinewood derby car???? ban him from the race.......

 

Had kids steal my pocket knives, fire starting kit, magnesium blocks, lighters and on and on. I usually get the stuff back......so you talk to them about living the scout oath and law, what else ya gonna do??????? Call the law???? talk with mom and dad? ban him from outings or events???? Heck I suggested holding up advancement once and was told not to use it as discipline......

 

If it was my son, after the corporal punishment was over the various groundings would begin.

 

So what are appropriate penalties for theft.....or starting fires, porn on a campout, ect.

[Tampa Turtle]

I wish I knew.

 

Some of our old grey beards were talking about some of the hardcases they have had.

 

Talked about one boy (always a troublemaker) who pulled a 6" knife on another boy and threatened to cut him if he tattled.

 

Was banned for a couple campouts but eventually got Eagle!