Re: Foreign National Youth in BSA
(no name) ((no email))
Thu, 9 May 1996 22:18:00 -0700
George,
I would say, be flexible and willing to bend a little and you should be ok.
Do keep in mind, however, THAT YOU CANNOT CHANGE THE REQUIREMENTS for
advancement. Some may think this would be a problem with Citizenship in the
Nation. I take the other approach. He is here in this country
participating in BSA (not one of Germany's Scouting Programs attached to an
Embassey or military base - like BSA units in Europe). He should be
looking at Citizensxhip in the Nation and the other badges that require US
Specific activity as an Opportunity to LEARN about us. As someone who has
lived in a foreign country for a period of time, I can tell you that kind
of knowledge becomes well worth the effort when the young man is doing
business or other transactions with the United States (global economy and
getting more so every year).
As far as the Plege of Allegiance gose, read the requirement. It says
repeat the pledge of Allegiance. While we are BSA, which would lead us to
assume the Pledge of Allegiance means the Pledge of Allegiance to the
United States, the requirement does not state this. Ask him if there is
something similiar in Germany and to have him explain it to you. This will
more than meet the spirit of the requirement. In particular if you
consider the following from the Advancement Guidelines (Pg 20)
"A Boy Scout from another country who either temporarily resides in, or has
moved permanently to, the United States may join a BSA troop or team and
participate in the BSA advancement program. "
I would recommend, that if he wants to get Eagle, that he make the effort
to do it before he returns to Germany. Life will be much more simple that
way. It also sounds like he has the time to it do if he applies himself. As
far as saying the pledge of Allegiance goes at meetings and such. My wife
who got her ten year pin last year is finnally starting to learn the pledge
of Allegiance to the Flag of the U.S. But only because she has applied
for Citizenship in the United States. No-one has ever bothered her about
standing at attention during the pledge. right now she feels ackward
saluting the flag (in uniform) since she has been practicing with the hand
over the heart.
Chris Haggerty, Sierra Vista, Arizona
Catalina Council (and Cochise District) Advancement Chairman
Instructor Trainer for Water Safety, American Red Cross, Ft Huachuca Station
INTERNET: CHAGGERTY@BPA.ARIZONA.EDU Bitnet: CHAGGERTY@ARIZBPA.BITNET
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