Re: "It Happened To Me" -- is anyone else having problems?
Blaine S Nay (b.nay@JUNO.COM)
Sat, 31 May 1997 08:27:46 EDT
> We recently acquired the video "It Happened To Me" which is used in the
Cub
>Scout child protection program. I reviewed the tape along with the Den
Leaders
>and Pack Committee with an eye toward showing it either to the Pack or
to
>individual Dens. To say it polarized the committee would put it mildly.
Before
>the credits even started to roll, one of the people declared "My son is
never
>going to see that!" and several concurred. Others felt the tape was
perfect.
I've been the district trainer for Youth Protection for a couple of
years. Fortunately, I've never seen the kind of reaction you experienced.
First, I think most parents recognize there is a problem out there, and
some parents just don't know how to approach their own children to talk
about the subject. They immediately recognize this program as a valuable
resource and jump right on it.
I recommend, as your did, to prescreen the tapes with the committee and
concerned parents.
When shown at the pack or troop meeting I recommend leaders start with
the standard opening with a skit or song and awards - but keep it fairly
brief.
Up to this point, the boys are sitting as dens or patrols. When that's
done, the boys split up to sit with their parents and the video starts.
This would be a good time to cheerfully excuse any families who object to
the tape.
All remaining families are dismissed immediately after the tape concludes
- no discussion as a pack other than to recommend the parents use the
drive home to discuss the topic with the boys.
I think you'll find that in many communities, the subject of youth
protection has been presented to the kids in school as well, so our
program augments the school program (Ours is probably much better in many
cases).
But, as for any parents who object, cheerfully let them have their wish.
It's their family and they have the right and obligation to teach their
children moral subjects as they think best.
Good luck.
Blaine S Nay, Unit Commissioner, Western Alaska Council
I used to be a Buffalo (SE-350-83, Camp Chicahominy, Virginia)
b.nay@juno.com
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/B_Nay
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