Re: Boy Scout Requirements
Bert Austin (austin@APS.ANL.GOV)
Mon, 23 Jun 1997 16:31:17 -0500
At 01:31 PM 6/23/97 -0600, Peter wrote:
> . . . . .
>It seems that several of the Tenderfoot Rank Requirements are exact
>duplicates of activities which were completed in Cub Scouts.
>SNIP<
> . . . . is it necessary for them to do it again?
Since these are requirements of a separate program - Boy Scouts vs Cub
Scouts - Yes. And since they learned the skill in Cub Scouts, it should be
easy (maybe with some practice) to do. These are basic skills which should
become second nature.
Within the same program, repetition of a requirement may be a judgement call
by the SM. Depending on the requirement, repetition may assure the boy has
not forgotten the skill, or that the boy is expected to demonstrate improved
skill as he matures (same activity for Wolf and Bear Arrow Points).
In Boy Scouts, advancement isn't meant to be a race. The First Class, first
year program is meant to assure adequate troop activities and participation
to maintain the boys interest. Advancement should be at the boy's own pace
with emphasis on learning the skills rather than signing off a requirement.
Advancement should happen as a RESULT of what he learns. Advancement is one
of eight methods used to achieve the Aims of Scouting, and is meant to be a
progressive recognition of a growing set of skills that build on those
learned previously. Like life!
Given this concept of advancement as a method of scouting, the question of
whether or not a boy should repeat a prevoius requirement should never come
up. It should be no big deal. However, at a BOR or similar occasion (i.e.,
Court of Honor in front of all the parents) it is unfair to surprise a boy
with a request to demonstrate a particular skill. -- He could tie that
bowline in camp with his buddies with a little thought, but at the BOR with
those adults all watching his every move? Somehow it becomes more difficult.
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Bert Austin {austin@aps.anl.gov} |Unit Commissioner
Riverside, IL |I used to be a Fox
Voyageur Trace District DesPlaines Valley Council |EC-443W
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Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
