They are little boys

I have a loose leaf notebook that accompanies me to all troop functions. I have a large label on the inside
cover of the notebook that I am forced to read every time I open the book. The label reads as follows:"They
are little boys first, sons second and scouts third." On the back cover of the notebook is another label that I
am forced to look at the end of the function. This label reads as follows: "They were children today." Perhaps
some of the members of this bulletin board have lost sight of the simple fact that we work with children first and
the validity of the program rests in the fact that it is a kids' program first and a vehicle for your own self
actualization only when the former condition has been met.

To this end, let me digress a bit. I am tired of hearing ad nausea about the hair splitting concerning BOR and
its purpose. Comments I have seen recently indicate that this occurring quite frequently. It is not the function
of a BOR, including that for Eagle, to be involved in any form of retesting. It should not rival a thesis defense in
length although I have heard of several that were more complicated that either my prelims or thesis defense for
my Ph.D. in biochemistry. The purpose should be to get the scout to reflect upon his scouting career in an
individual manner (whether TF or Eagle). As such, this counseling should be of an individual basis and should
also be an opportunity to assess the experiences of the Scout and his feelings toward the program up to that
point. Does Scouting meet the expectations of the Scout at this point? Surprise Scouters you are being
tested!!!

Let us also call a halt to the myriad numbers of discussions concerning rules and regulations of uniform wear by
Scouts and Scouters. For the record, I am always correctly attired to the nines at every Scout function I
attend, but I would rather have the kid at the function out of uniform than have the parents say to hell with it
because they can't get him into a uniform that day. Likewise, so what if some Scouter wears a whole bunch of
pins on his or her hat. I'm glad they are at the function and not at home. Are you that wealthy in adult
volunteers that your can insult someone for their little idiosyncrasies and possible loose their contributions to
Scouting? For the record, I think that all this geedunk on hats is a bit ridiculous. All this concern about the
superfluous may indicate a program that is a bit irrelevant at times.

Bob Rosebrough
ASM Troop 601
Columbia MD

PS I don't need flaming about the joys of uniform useage.
Been there - done it
6 years USAF, 2.5 years SEA Classes of 69, 70 & 71

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