Re: merit badge substitutions
(no name) ((no email))
Thu, 2 Nov 1995 17:40:11 -0700
Nancy,
Just when I was getting tired of re-runs, (and of cousre geeting to that I
have heard it all stage) you came along with this off-beat question. Since
I just did a Merit Badge Counselor orientation at our Council Camporee, I
felt many of the possible questions had been asked. As usual, if you take
that position you're wrong (guess that is why I am still here after five
years).
The National Advancement Committee is real big on the scouts doing what the
requirements say, no more, no less, in order to receive a merit badge. In
your specific example the requirement specifies specific materials which
you are to use (several options). When this is done, there are generally
reasons for this. Yes I can weave green willows into something, but that
is not what Basketry is trying to expose your scouts to. It is trying to
let them experience the process of making basketry. This is done with
the appropiate material using the appropiate METHODS! Using green willows
would probably not use the same methods as reed, raffia, splints, cane, or
rush. Yes, most of us think of Basketry as that EASY merit badge to get at
Summer, but next time you are in a furniture store, look around. There are
people (machines?) making a living at this stuff. As simple as this
example is, don't you still think the scouts should be exposed to the
correct process?
I recommend that you get a copy of Merit Badge Counseling, BSA # 34520. It
explains some of this and more about what is behind Merit badge Counseling.
(The purpose of it all!)
Chris Haggerty, District Advancement Chairman,
Cochise District, Catalina Council, Sierra Vista, Arizona
Instructor Trainer for Water Safety, American Red Cross, Ft Huachuca Station
INTERNET: CHAGGERTY@BPA.ARIZONA.EDU Bitnet: CHAGGERTY@ARIZBPA.BITNET
The requirements for Eagle are mostly trivial, any scout is capable. Doing
them is what is significant, because most people never finish what they start.
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
