Re: 2nd/1st Class swim requirement

Here is an example of what I feel is a legitmate waiver of swim req.

One of our new scouts (Tyler D.) when he was born was almost immediately
detected with a heart problem. Four days after birth he was up in Boston at
the world renown children's hospital having an operation that cost approx.
$70,000. Since then he has similar operations I believe four or five times.

Tyler was basically born with his heart backwards (simple terms) leaving his
arteries that connect to it all twisted and poorly connected. As he grew he
needed succeeding operations some of which reqd. I believe mylar tubing used
in place of his own arteries. Tyler requires constant meds. some of which thin
his blood which I believe leads to him having to relieve himself frequently.
Also he tires very quickly and if on a hike quickly falls to the back so that
often scouts or adults end up caring him. He will never I expect take a
backpack trip or extended bike trip. At camp this summer we got a waiver to
allow him to bring his bike (and helmet) to help hm get around Camp Yawgoog in
Narragansett Council. He started off the week using it but by end of the week
was walking pretty much around the camp.

Swimming req. 2nd Class: At the swim test since we were close in the line to
take the test we ended up in the pond about the same time. Tyler only learned
to swim recently and is not much beyond the "dog paddle". He managed to do
almost 1 and half laps which would equal the second class reqs.I thought he
might go to learn to swim but he decided not too (too many distractions in
this camp!). WAIVER : If he cannot do the First Class in the committee's
judgement we will be granting a waiver. As of right now (and he doesn't know
it) my plan is to speak to the family and see how they feel. I would like to
see if next summer if we can get him to Learn to Swim. It is my judgment that
he will have to learn the rest strokes and use them exclusively, If he is has
done all the First Class reqs. except swimming long before camp then I might
persue the waiver then (unless the family will take him to swim lessions.)

Beyond 2nd/1st class reqs. (Eagle) I quite frankly don't see in the new Eagle
reqs. that are coming out how Tyler could do Swimming, Biking or Hiking
alternatives or for that matter Personal Fitness. I believe he would come
under special Eagle Reqs. for Special Needs Scouts (ie wheelchaired, mental,
etc)

YIS,
John Blanchard SM Troop 35 West Greenwich, RI Narragansett Council

PS getting him through summer camp was a special chore and treat. As you might
expect he has been pampered his whole life. The family now wants to get him
main streamed. He is really a wonderful young scout.

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