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Re: Questions about Camp Impartials
Sucher Family (jdsucher@ALLTEL.NET)
Thu, 23 Jul 1998 21:00:42 -0400
I would reply to your post in my capacity as Scoutmaster. As an adult looks
through the advancement book they can usually find more than fifty merit
badges that "Johnny" can earn. The big hang-up is the desire of the young
man to do them. There is more to a merit badge than may be apparent. The
process itself is outlined in the same guide but is often over looked. The
scout is supposed to pick the merit badge, get approval of the scoutmaster,
get approval for or help finding a counselor who HE should contact and set
up meetings to do the work. There seems tobe a growing trend to make it
easier on the boys by teaching merit badges at troop meetings, holding
merit badge colleges, or making it very easy to earn badges at camp. The
last is a particular pet peeve of mine and seems to speak to the advance at
all costs mentality.
I think it's great that they got partials if that's all they deserve. I
think they should have been told that that was what they were getting and
if possible done the work even if extra at camp.When your son or any scout
wears his merit badge sash in front of an admiring crowd I hope they KNOW
they earned everything there. Should you coach and encourage your son?
Sure, but let him develop the self motivation necessary to take him not
just to Eagle but on through life as a leader.
John Sucher
SM Troop 69
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
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