Wood Badge Uniforms

>everyone taking the course ought to have the grace to comply in a
>scoutlike manner.

>Pete Farnham

I have not responded on this subject because I was waiting for a wise
leader to say what I wanted but lack the skills of putting my thoughts into
words. Your whole letter was well put Pete, thanks.

This is not a uniform issue. This is a obedience issue. In our Troop the
PLC sets the standards. We adults believe the uniform standard set by the
PLC for the Troop is weak. But they are young and learning I will protect
their rules, ideas and standards to my death (I hope it doesn't go that
far) as long as they try to set these rules for positive reasons with
Scouting values

Many times the boy leaders approach us with a Scout that wants to do a
particular duty his way which is disrupting the rest of the group. They
have failed to change the Scouts attitude and ask us if we can help.

We instruct the Scout that the group has set these rules, traditions or
whatever and he the Scout may disagree but if he is to be part of the team,
he needs to work with the team. We also tell him he has the freedom to give
his ideas and convince the group to change and also explain that if he
wants to change things in the group, he needs to get their respect first.

I have been in Scouting for several years now and yet to own a pair of BSA
pants only because they don't fit as well as Dockers but I know when I go
to WB, I will get a pair because, that's the rules of the group. It doesn't
matter if I agree or not.

It's not because I give into such things, I have a reputation in our
District of DIFFERENT ideas, but we have a very successful Pack and Troop
so I don't worry.

I also know that if I ever want to change the rules, traditions, or
whatever a particular group, I need to gain respect of the group.

I agree with Peter, if the person does not participate in a activity
because of the format or rules, that person isn't ready for it anyway.
Changes have to done within a group to have success.

I have the highest respect for Bruce Cobern and his advice. He has a lot of
good experience and is good with words. But Bruce our District has a bad
reputation for Woodbadge plus the problem that my schedule doesn't fit well
with the training. I am looking out of council for the course because I am
convinced that training helps us become better guides for these young
Scouts. Even bad training can be a good learning experience. Bruce, I am
convinced that Scouting needs your experience and wisdom. You more than
most of us could be the difference your Woodbadge Trainers need. Go get the
painful part out of the way and then set things right for the future
leaders.

I Love this Scouting Stuff (but sometimes it's hard).

Barry Runnels

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