Re: age or grade requirements-AOL
John Pannell (PANNELLJ@DELPHI.COM)
Tue, 17 Jan 1995 23:27:41 -0500
After reading several posts in this thread, I have an observation/comment I
wish to share.
When I took SLT (Scout Leader Training -- now called Scoutmaster
Fundementals and a "prelude" to Woodbadge), we were instructed on the RAA
principle.
RAA is an acronym for "Recognition, Approval, Acceptance". It was a set of
guiding principles for how we were to deal with our Scouts. It is the first
part of this I wish to comment on: Recognition.
I will admit that I know little of the Cub Scout program beyond my own
memories as a cub, 20 years past. Is it still not true that at Pack
meetings awards are presented as part of the normal course of events? It is
my understanding that Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, Webelos ranks, arrow points, belt
loops, activity, and compass points are normally presented in a monthly Pack
meeting. Why not the same for Arrow of Light?
We were told that Scouts should be recognized for their achievements and
badges earned as soon as possible. One of the reasons for skill awards
being implemented "way back when" was so that Scouts could earn immediate
recognition for their accomplishments. Well, those are no longer with us,
but we are strongly encouraged to present a Scout with his merit badges and
ranks as soon as possible after they are earned. A suitable Court of
Honor should be arranged at practical intervals to recognize (again!) any
awards earned since the last Court of Honor.
As with any other award, present the Arrow of Light at a pack meeting with
all the other awards and recognitions. Then, if it is the custom of the
pack to hold a large ceremony annually, recognize the Cub a second time
(positive reinforcement) for his achievement. To me, it seems illogical to
either hold back a Cub's advancement or delay for a long period of time
recognition of this rank earned for the sake of scheduling convenience of a
bunch of adults that want to have a big "to do" for this award.
I would think such a delay could be discouraging to the Webelos Scout.
Remember, we are in it for the kids.
Give the Webelos Scout his Arrow of Light as soon as practical after it is
earned (the next pack meeting). Then, hold the big ceremony later if that
is what is decided by the Pack leadership.
Just my $0.02...
YiS,
John E. Pannell
ASM Troop 39 -- Old North State Council
pannellj@delphi.com
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
