Re: Time limit for MB's
Frank Roessler (fressler@VAX1.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU)
Wed, 27 Nov 1996 13:52:54 -0600
There's been quite a bit of discussion on time limits and/or requirements
for merit badges (MBs). As a summer camp staff member (Program Director,
Scoutcraft Director and Nature Director), I've had ample opportunity to
hear 2 different councils' views on MB counseling. The number one is that
we as counselors must require No More and No Less than the listed
requirements.
I've worked at camp where the "official policy" was a 6 month time limit on
completing "partials" but it was generally understood that was really up to
the next counselor and/or the scout's SM. I never worried about that,
because I have to trust the next person to do his/her job too.
I've even added more to MB instruction, when time and situation permits,
but never required it. The simplest example of this is how in depth any
discussion can be. I almost always spend more time in MB's than most of my
staff, primarily because I know much more about that MB than a sixteen year
old staff member. Does this mean I require more to the MB, or the younger
staffer requires less?
As far as "re-doing" requirements, I think it depends a lot on the
situation. I've had scouts try to count something they did as cub scouts
for a MB requirement. If the activity was done before he started working
on the badge, he probably did not participate in that activity to the
extent required by the MB. That decision is a judgement call.
If a scout has a partial (however long ago he did it), I will generally
review what he has done, to see if he is ready for the next step. I
realize that doing a requirement for a MB does not mean the scout knows
that skill forever, so much leeway is required.
I try to help the scouts EARN their MB. But my bottom line is that I won't
sign something that I don't think is deserved. If that scout doesn't like
that, he can always find another MB counselor (or do the appropriate
work<g>).
Frank Roessler
ASM Tr 24
Camp Staff member, Camp Shands (North Florida Council)
Camp Cuyuna (Twin Valley Council, MN)
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
