Re: changing the requirements!!!
Woltz, Al LTC (woltza@SHAFTER-EMH3.ARMY.MIL)
Thu, 29 Dec 1994 11:24:00 PST
Susan, I really feel for your plight.
Two deep leadership is mandatory. Period.
You should talk to your District Executive or any other paid professional
for assistance in straightening out this situation. Your district should
also have an Advancement Chairman. This individual should square away your
SM's perception that he can modify BSA requirements.
I'd also consider showing the boys other troops in your area. In fact, I do
that now, in spite of my unit affiliation. The boys should be given an
opportunity to choose a troop that meets their needs. As an example, some
troops focus on earning merit badges, while others on hiking, or camping, or
high adventure, or service projects. I don't know where you live so I don't
know what opportunities you may have, but the boys should have a choice.
Let me clear up one perception that you may have, however. You alluded to
the fact that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have altered
the BSA program to fit their philosophy. That's not altogether true.
Although their are some differences in how an LDS organization operates
(opening and closing prayers, no Sunday camping or hiking, no dues, the
Church pays the child's registration, fund raising limitations, the 11-year
old scout program (formerly called blazers) and restrictions on overnighters
for those boys, etc.), LDS units comply with all BSA policies with regard to
advancements/merit badges and their associated requirements. Some other
differences you'll find in LDS units (simply by the nature of the beast) is
that they won't have women in positions of SM or ASM. Women simply aren't
asked to hold those positions (or to be a Webelos leader for that matter),
nor are they asked to go camping with the boys. You won't find LDS Explorer
Posts to be co-educational either. LDS units (troops, teams, and posts) are
organized strictly by age in accordance with the Church's priesthood
advancement guidelines. 11-year old boys are considered first year scouts
(they are still in primary and have not been endowed with the Aaronic
Priesthood). 12 & 13-year old boys are in the Deacon's Quorum and are in
the troop. 14 & 15-year old boys are in the Teacher's Quorum and are in the
Varsity Team. And finally 16 & 17-year old boys are in the Priest's Quorum
and are in the Explorer Post. All Varsity & Explorer members are dual
enrolled in the troop to ensure advancements are continued through Eagle.
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LTC Al Woltz | Cub Master, Cub Scout Pack 677, LDS
woltza@shafter-emh3.army.mil | Committee Member, Boy Scout Troop 677, LDS
Ft Shafter, Hawaii | Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scout Troop 304,
USCG
808-833-6599 | Roundtable Staff, Aloha Council
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Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
