From: Paul S. Wolf (Paul.s.Wolf@ALUM.WPI.EDU)
Date: Mon Apr 17 2000 - 11:47:02 CDT
Donald R Izard wrote:
>
> However, - it appears the Scout Master may "enforce" this rule!
> Since as it now appears the SM has the absolute authority to
> ASSIGN the scout to any counselor of HIS choice, the SM may
> chose NOT to allow a scout to use his OWN parent as a MBC !
>
> Scouter Don
Yes, you are quite right. The SM may choose to NOT assign the parent if
he wishes.
If you look at my message again, you'll see that I said,
"...if the parent is then assigned by the SM to counsel the Scout..."
It wasn't obvious, but it was there, and I've made that statement
before, about who chooses the counselor.
There are proper times and places for Scouts to work with their parents
on Scouting activities, including merit badges. I'm sure that most
parents treat their sons fairly and impartially in these circumstances.
That said, I stand by my comment that there are also times when it is
not a good idea to have a boy work on merit badges with his parents.
Here is the key:
If there is a choice between two equally qualified and equally available
counselors for a badge, I feel that it is better to choose on the side
of the non-parent counselor.
If those conditions are NOT applicable, and the parent is either better
qualified or more available, I will without hesitation, assign the
parent as the counselor.
--
Paul S. Wolf, PE mailto:Paul.S.Wolf@alum.wpi.edu
Advancement/Safety Webmaster, USSSP http://www.usscouts.org
