Re: Mbadge Counseling
Ben Parker (bparker@INTERACCESS.COM)
Tue, 7 Mar 1995 21:01:23 -0600
Several of you have commented about various limitations your Council
places on the number of MB's a person may counsel for, as well as other
limits. The 1993 and 1994 printings of Advancement Guidelines
(National's Policy guide) contains the following relevant information
about such limits:
"There is no restriction or limit on the number of merit badges an
individual may be approved to counsel for."
"There is no limit on the number of merit badges a Scout may earn from one
counselor."
"An approved merit badge counselor may counsel any Scout, including his or
her own son, ward, or relative."
Our Council used to have similar limits which have since been eliminated.
Personally, I feel any such limitations whatever the intent, actually
workout to limit the access of youth to earning MB's rather than
encouraging it. Also, as to whether a MBC should counsel their own
son, either they will be honest about it (my own son had to work HARDER
to earn Safety from me than he would have for another councelor) or
they will not.
Any attempt to ensure honesty by regulation is really an attempt to
legislate morality, which has historically always failed. It also
implies an inherent distrust and lack of honor, something we should all
be worried about if you remember the words of the Scout Oath ("On My
Honor...").
As to MB Classes: An introductory session, and familiarization with
the topic, when conducted in a group setting can work wonders at
getting semi-disinterested Scouts actively involved in the MB. This
doesn't replace necessary individual work, but it does help get things
going.
Rather than be concerned about MB Classes at Troop meetings, I would
think it better to look at the content and practices of the many MB
'classes' at most summer camps. These are often lacking in content and
many boys receive credit for half or less effort.
Ben Parker (IL) bparker@interaccess.com 71450.2735@compuserve.com
* ASM T-16 Oak Park IL (founded 1916) * Beavers are Busy! (C-22W-93) *
* Pachsegink Lodge 246 * Des Plaines Valley Council IL * Eagle Scout-1961 *
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