SM responsibilty for a boy to be "ready" for a BOR

[EagleInKY]

goodkidsmom mentioned that the BORs in her troop didn't want the SM to pass boys to the board until they were "ready". I've heard this stated several times. In my opinion, "ready" means that he has successfully passed the requirements for a rank. However, I've had some "discussions" with the folks on our BOR, because they have critized me for a boy coming that they did not feel was adequately prepared. Usually, this means that the scout (1) could not remember the oath, law, slogan and/or motto, (2) was not in full proper uniform, or (3) could not remember what he did for some of the requirements.

 

My responses to each of these are:

(1) Scout Oath, law, etc. - The requirement at every rank past Tenderfoot is that he lives by them, not that he can recite them all from memory. While I agree that they should be able to, and there's really no excuse for them to not remember them, I believe they are adding to the requirements. Recently, they've changed their approach to counsel the boy to go back, review those things, and then come back to them with a better recollection.

 

(2) Uniform - My counsel to them was that I don't dress the boys, so I cannot control whether a boy forgets his belt or not. I will not put a boy before a BOR if he comes in wearing no uniform at all. But I don't stop him if he's wearing white socks either. They don't "fail" them, but they do use it as a chance to explain the importance of the uniform.

 

(3) Remembering requirements - Again, my counsel is that the requirement is that they completed the work. If Johnny can't remember much about when he did basketry merit badge 3 years ago at summer camp, then I don't see the problem. Admittedly, if he says, "what's the heimlich maneuver", then they have a valid concern. But I don't believe that's the SM job to determine if they remember every item. That's the purpose of the BOR.

 

 

No particular question here. Just some ramblings that might spur some conversations. What do you see as the SM's responsibilty for making sure the boy is "ready" for the BOR?

[Bob White]

Can a Scoutmaster prep a scout for his BOR? Sure. Should the SM prep the scout? Sure.

 

There is nothing wrong with reminding the scout what the purpose of the Board is, give him some examples of the kinds of questions that may be asked. Asked the scout what he thinks would be an appropriate way to dress would be. Have the scout think about examples he might give if he were asked about how he represents the ideals of scouting in his life. Say the Oath and Law together to remind him of those ideals.

 

Have him think about where he was and what he was doing when he passed his requirements.

 

The Board loses none of its purpose or affect by the scout being prepared and capable of thoughtful answers.

 

[EagleInKY]

I've done exactly that. I'll ask him if he's confortable with those items and offer to walk through them with him. Usually they'll say, no, and that they're okay. I'll remind them that they'll ask about some of the requirements they completed, and that it would be a good idea to read over it and make sure they remember them. But, I can only go so far. Over 95% of the time it's not an issue, it's just that occasional one that struggles.

[Mike F]

EagleInKY,

95% without issues? You're batting way above average! Keep up the great work!!

-mike

[evmori]

I would agree with EagleInKY on #1 & #3 of his original post. However, a requiring a Scout to be in uniform for his BOR would be adding to the requirements since the BSA doesn't require a uniform for membership.

 

Ed Mori

Troop 1

1 Peter 4:10

[EagleInKY]

Ed, I understand what you are saying. And, if I knew there was a good reason for the scout not being in uniform, I would give him some slack. For example, Johnny outgrew his pants and mom hasn't had a chance to get to the scout shop, or he burnt a hole in them at Klondike (we had a scout do that this year - not scout pants, however), and hasn't got them replaced. I'm understanding of those things. I'm certainly understanding if I know the family is having hardships and can't afford the uniform right now.

 

BUT, if Johnny doesn't wear the uniform on a night he knows he is scheduled to go before the BOR just because he doesn't want to wear it... well, if I present him to them, I can guarantee they'll send him back. So, I would tell him that he needs to reschedule with the BOR and wear his uniform next time.

 

As I said earlier, I've sent boys in with "imperfect" uniforms (eg. missing belts, white socks, messed up neckerchiefs). I'll let the BOR decide if they want to correct anything like that.