Re: Double Counting Service Hours
David Scammell (David_Scammell.Orlando_spg@XEROX.COM)
Fri, 18 Aug 1995 12:05:28 PDT
Jim,
All I can say is well put ...
Although I seem to be 'caught up' with requirements and such, I really do
believe in Scouting as being a Way of Life, as well as preparation for that
life.
My biggest 'pet peeve' is those who do not benefit from the program, but earn
its ranks, including Eagle. I see this as a great disservice to the Scout and
the Scouting organization. I guess that in my zeal, that I did get caught up
in the issue, instead of the Spirit of Scouting.
Lately, I have been working with disadvantaged Scouts (low income &
single-parent families), who always seem to be barely 'getting by' with their
requirements ... instead of doing THEIR best. I am flexible when I sign off
requirements, but I want to make sure that they have, in some way, benefitted
in skill or knowledge. I want to make sure that when that Scout enters the
'real' world on their own, that they can truly say, 'I am Prepared!' I do
realize that each requirement is not going to make them an expert, but each
requirement does have value.
All too often they are constantly put down, socially and at home, and when we
get a hold of them, the most we can do is repair their self-image (often, they
are even told that they will never succeed in life) and push them to do their
best, not what others have told them is their best . I know it might seem
wrong to have to 'push' them, but most of them would end up in gangs if we
didn't (and unfortunately, a few have lost a few to gangs). We are careful not
to push too hard, because we don't want to be the reason for them leaving
Scouting. Scouting, as an organization, is here for each and every individual
Scout. Our duty and responsibility, as Scout leaders, is to help that Scout,
in any way possible.
I, myself, am forever gerateful to Scouting and my Scoutmaster. If it weren't
for Scouting, I wouldn't be a functioning member of society. As a child, I had
many medical problems and through the grace of God, love of my family and the
patience of my Scoutmaster, I have been able to overcome or control these
problems. Now, no one can even tell that I suffered from any of these (autism,
hyperactivity, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder and 2 older brothers in the
same Scout troop <grin>). I know that other SMs would have probably thrown me
out of the troop as a problem child and thankfully, my Scoutmaster did not.
In earning my Eagle, I realized that the requirements were just a roadmap to
even greater discoveries. As I got older (and continue to get older), I
realize, more and more, the importance of different Scouting ideas and skills.
I also remember what they meant to me and other Scouts, during the earlier
stages of my life. This is the level that I try to reach the boys at. I try
not measure the boys but what I did, but what I see them doing and the effort
they put into it, so that they can achieve greater accomplishments. I love to
see their expression when they succeed at something that they didn't even think
they could do or thought they would never be able to try.
Anyways, I thank you for your time and patience, and especially the knock up
side my head <grin>, bringing back on track with this issue. Also, I noticed
that your response was only sent to me. I think it would be a great benefit to
others, if you could post your response to the SCOUTS-L mailing list. Thanks
again!
Yours in Scouting,
David L. Scammell
ASM Troop 227 - Orlando, FL
Eagle Scout - OA Brotherhood
West Orange District - Central Florida Council
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
