Re: Are we about to make TRAINED meaningless?
Michael F. Bowman (mfbowman@CAP.GWU.EDU)
Mon, 22 Aug 1994 00:25:09 -0400
Bob,
You asked - I'm one of those who learned and has taught fire-by-friction
(bow method), flint & steel, fire by battery and fire by magnifying lens.
And when I became an ASM in 1971 I took Cornerstone Training and believe
me it was a lot longer than Scoutmaster Fundamentals.
I don't think that anyone disagrees with the concept that more training is
better and that it will tend to foster leadership than can help Scouts to
have a better program. And I'm glad to see that you and Chris are willing
to give action to our concerns by giving Councils feedback to pass on
Texas.
While that feedback loop is working, I think we're faced with changes
and challenges similar to those that confronted Boy Scout Trainers when
Cornerstone Training was phased out in favor of a shorter version.
The difference then was that dedicated Scouters stuck it out and filled in
gaps, adapted, and used other resources to achieve the same end. The
Troops I see today aren't a whole lot different from the Troops of the
early 70's when Boy Scout Leader training was longer.
This change will certainly make things a bit more difficult and I also
would rather see more training. But in the meantime I see the issue as
one of how we can still get training to new inexperienced leaders. I've
suggested a possible partial solution and would like to hear your views
and the views of others on the list on practical ways of dealing with this
situation, while we try to get National to reconsider.
Yours in Scouting, Michael F. Bowman, a/k/a Professor Beaver
Deputy District Commissioner Exploring, GW Dist., NCAC, BSA
Speaking only for myself, but with Scouting Spirit . . .
____ mfbowman@CAP.GWU.EDU ____
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
