Re: "MY SCOUT BADGE"
Larry Rinaldo (lrinaldo@R02DG05.R02.EPA.GOV)
Fri, 21 Jan 1994 11:47:19 -0500
Settummanque, the blackeagle wrote:
> > Yep. That's where we "stand" on all "Scouting for the Disabled"
> > programs. What it looked like to me is an attempt to move away from
> > mainstreaming and move back toward "special units and special
> > programs" which Scouts with disabilities do NOT need...they need to be
> > challenged like "normal" Scouts!
> >
And Susan Ganther wrote:
> Last summer a troop attended summer camp and another troop was invited to
> join theirs to share a place at camp. ....exposed to unnecessary danger...
I'd like to share some observations while I attended Summer Camp with
one of my troops at Camp Russell, in Windgate, NY. There was a unit of
"SCOUTS" who happened to have a variety of handicaps. It ran the gamit, but
the unit met just like any traditional unit. They did nothing different from
other troops. I met a first class Scout who was 37, with the same
enthusiasm as ANY non-handicapped first class scout.
During the first formation, as each unit reported in--"...All present..." there
were some snickers and chuckles from the formation. I am proud to say that
the troop that I was with, felt the laughs and chuckles were uncalled for,
and they (BOYS) decided to invite the handicapped unit to a campfire, and
share tables at the dining hall during the week.
Several points come to mind, first the "normal" scouts developed an
understanding of what other people with a handicap experience. More importantly
however, the two units shared each others company and had a GREAT week. All
week long as boys were coming and going, the two yelled out to each other
on their way to MB classes, "..Hi Tommy...Hey, How's it going Frank?..."
The Scoutmaster and ASMs said that they operate as a traditional unit. They
make the boys (in cases men), do the same requirements as any other troop.
It may take a bit longer but they treat them just like any other scout.
Even though this unit had a variety of handicaps they were by far, very
serious and dedicated to achieve their scout ranks or merit badges.
The points I am trying to make are that, treated as SCOUTS a handicapped boy
can achieve the same degree of achievement that any so called normal
boy does. I was proud of the unit taking the responsibilty of opening up and
wanting to share experiences with a handicapped unit. After summer camp
the sensitivity of these Scouts (from both units) was greatly changed.
The adult leaders even said, we'll look forward to seeing you next year.
Larry Rinaldo U.S. EPA-New York
"....back to Gilwell..." 26 Federal Plaza
Go Foxes New York, NY 10278
(212) 264-5591
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
