Re: Scoutmaster Training & Qu...

This is an issue that depends on circumstances. I have over 11 years as a
Scoutmaster, and 6 as District Commissioner. I was an Eagle Scout in a truly
boy run troop, and was trained by that Scoutmaster in the skills necessary to
do so. I was very successful in my first troop, with the Troop winning any
Camporee that they wanted to, and any other Scout competition. (This takes
more work than they were always willing to put in - I concur - but when they
wanted it, they got it.) All boys advanced at least one rank a year through
First Class, and this training was done by the boys, with only a
Scoutmaster's conference as input by me. Then unfortunately, in came that
disaster called "The new, improved program". The next year, I could not get
a boy promoted below the rank of First Class because of that #!@## merit
badge requirement. Fortunately, the Navy transferred me, and it became
someone elses problem. Two years later, I was back in the saddle as SM, and
you bet I went to SM basic, and anything else that I could get to try to make
the program work. You-all are fortunate that BSA has at least regained some
sense.

Ted Darby
(Currently Committee Chairman, Troop 51, Poquoson, VA)

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