Advancement for LD Scouts

Three years ago, Matt didn't do well in third grade and his den
leaders didn't do much, either. The following September, his mom
asked if Matt could join our Bear den with other third graders, since
he was repeating the grade and hadn't advanced. I learned quickly
that Matt is LD (learning disabled) and we have done our best to help
him advance. He made it through the Arrow of Light last month by the
skin of his teeth; his parents and den leaders had to discuss a few
requirements (Citizen) and determine that he indeed did his best.

Now we have a 12-yr-old Scout entering 6th grade in the fall. He's
only a little behind other kids his age, but will probably always
need extra help and encouragement. The adults who will be dealing
with him in the troop are aware of this. Since 1) he was in MY den,
2) I'm now on the troop committee, 3) my husband is about to be SM...
we want to do what we can to help Matt enjoy and advance in Scouting.

I went to the Scout Shop for info on 'My Scout Badge' but was told
they no longer carry that stuff. DON'T YELL YET! They were told to
pass it on to a fellow who works in the council office (not sure what
position - they're all in a state of flux right now). This fellow,
Tom, told me that he would order the booklet for me - no charge- and
he gave me segments, explaining that they get added to the Scout
badge as Matt completes requirements. Tom further explained that it's
much like the 'instant recognition' we give to Cubs with the red and
yellow beads as they approach Wolf or Bear and that the segments are
a more visible acknowledgement of progress, since mentally retarded
kids will take longer to advance. Then I found a 'Scouting for the
Mentally Retarded' booklet in the Scout Shop.

So, you ask, what's the problem? Well, Matt isn't retarded. This
booklet implies that IQ below 67 is retarded; his is definitely below
normal, but not that low. Tests range from 66 to 85, but 66 was
thrown out as invalid (long story, but it's probably correct to
eliminate this one.)

With the small amount of BSA info I have right now, it looks like I
can't use the segments/My Scout Badge approach. But this guy needs
all the encouragement we can give him and more time than most kids
take in T21. I don't even want to think about Star/Life/Eagle.

Who has suggestions, BSA guidelines, whatever? What can we do?

Mary Lee Foley Den Leader Coach
Software Specialist Troop Committee Member
University of Toledo District Membership Chairman
mfoley@utnet.utoledo.edu

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