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Re: Retest at SM Conference
Chuck Batteau (charles.r.batteau@BELLATLANTIC.COM)
Mon, 28 Sep 1998 15:59:06 -0400
Gary -
There are several issues in your question about retesting a Scout at a
SM conference. The only prohibition that exists is a retest during a
BoR. There is nothing that says a SM cannot ascertain that a boy knows
a subject PRIOR to the BoR. I have seen instances where the SPL said a
boy had completed a requirement, or he had "passed" it at Summer Camp,
when the boy actually had NO IDEA how to do xxxxxxx. If I asked a
Second Class candidate to explain how to orient himself with a compass,
and he had no clue, I would suggest to him that he relearn that and
then come back to me. We'd then look at some other Second Class skills.
If he just appeared to be rusty, but basically understood the subject,
I'd likely let it go.
Once the boy has earned the rank, there's little point in a SM Conf.
"retest" -- because we cannot revoke the rank just because he no longer
remembers how to do it. However, one of the methods we use is "Boys
teach Boys". In other words, the process of mastering a subject
includes teaching it to others. This, of course, requires that he
maintain his skill! If a boy were to tell me he "don't give a hoot
about scoutcraft and asking them to teach it is a waste of time", I
would have a GREAT DEAL OF DIFFICULTY passing this boy on "Scout Spirit"
for his next rank advancement. You might want to coach the boy about
this attitude ...
On the question of new handbooks, I'd recommend copying the information
to his new handbook. That way he doesn't have to carry both (or, as I
have seen done, tear out the advancement pages from his old book and
stuffing them in the new). Be sure to keep the dates. For the new
handbooks that are coming out, the new requirements will apply beginning
next year, so when you copy information for a non-completed rank, you'll
have to make sure any modified requirements have actually been met.
Yis
Chuck Batteau
SM, Troop 751, Glen Allen VA
charles.r.batteau@BellAtlantic.com
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