National Focus Changes
Dale Karweik (karweik.1@OSU.EDU)
Fri, 11 Dec 1998 14:28:32 -0500
I have many things to agree with the recent postings of Bruce Cobern and
Anthony Mako. I think they represent slightly different experiences but
also describe situations I am familiar with.
One point that Bruce Cobern makes I think could be expanded. He notes that
the First Year - First Class changed the emphasis for many Troops from
being program oriented to being advancement oriented. At first I prepared
to respond to this negatively, but then I reread my response and realized I
have some of the same feelings about National Programs.
I don't disagree, in principle, with any of the National Programs I have
seen rolled out over the years I have been involved with Scouting - I did
miss most of the Leader Corp and the Loop- based advancement, so I'll leave
them alone. However, I do have a problem with the way the new focus
elements are rolled out and the implications that we should drop what we
are doing and make them main features of our program, sometimes to the
exclusion of other things. This I don't like. I also don't like the
nebulous nature of many of the programs and total lack of support in the
first months and then again after a year or two. My Troop program is
planned in late July or early August for the next twelve months with a
campout each month, several hikes, and other Scouting activities. When you
add service projects, Eagle service projects and ECOHs, Scout Sunday, OA
and Venture activities, the calendar is pretty full. National roled out
Crime Prevention, our professionals made a big pitch that every Troop
should become involved and we are left with what, when and how. Service to
America came last year some time and Leave No Trace has just been
announced. What happened to Project SOAR, Home Town USA, the seven
unacceptables, the organ donor awareness program, etc.? These were all
good additions to the program and occassionally fit very well with what the
Scouts wanted to do, but were no longer supported, at least at my local
level. These program fads may make good press and may be worthwhile but
they deserve long term support and a view to how they fit in with the
Methods of Scouting if they are to be effective.
A balanced program which includes all of the Methods of Scouting in even
proportions and is planned and executed by the Scouts is my ideal of what
Scouting is all about. Include advancement skills at activities to get all
the boys to be able to camp efficiently so other things can be done -
pioneering, orienteering, back packing, first aid challenges, mock disaster
drills, service projects, canoe campouts, whatever interests the boys and
can be supported. But keep advancement and every other method in a
balance so the boys get the whole program.
Soap box off for today. Sorry, but I guess I have had a lot to say lately.
Dale Karweik
Troop 417 Scoutmaster Emeritus and ASM
Buckeye District Boy Scout RT Commissioner
Post 214 - Black Sheep OA Dance Team and Construction Crew - Advisor
Always an Eagle - EC430 Frenetic Fox
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