Re: ADULT LEADER SMOKING

Steve:

A few thoughts, right or wrong:
While I realize that BSA policy has said for the last few years that leaders are
not to smoke in the presence of Scouts, I have found that it is not uniformly
dealt with throughout different troops, districts, or councils. Most of us who
have smoked for years and years have accepted the dictates of the larger group,
and at least make the attempt to abide by the rules. I also know, however, that
there is virtually no place in a Scout camp or camping trip where you are
invisible to Scouts; they pop out from under rocks, from behind trees, and find
you in some of the places that you would never expect them to be, so even when you
try you aren't always successful.

I have found that a short and non-threatening verbal reminder is usually enough to
get most to make the attempt to comply. I would recommend that you tread lightly
and seek to educate rather than condemn.....unless you are prepared to have fewer
parents and others willing to put in the time to be Scouters and assist with the
program. By the way--I've also found over the years in Scouting and coaching that
those who have complained about my smoking are the ones who never have the time to
help or support their son in activities; they don't want the child exposed to the
"evils of smoking", but are rarely there to help or guide. Those who are there
most often can see beyond the cigarette smoke and see what their child is getting
from the leader and the other becomes a non-issue.

Norris Johnson, SM
Troop 336, Federal Way, WA

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