Knots & Training Awards

Thanks to Mike Walton for his info on why the "new" Cub Scouter
awards were instigated.

I will note two perhaps unintended consequences. First, until
the Cub Scouter awards were initiated, there was an obvious
difference between earned training awards (Scouter's Key,
Scouter's Training Award, Den Leader's Training Award, Den Leader
Coach's Training Award) and the awards for distinguished service
(Silver Beaver, Antelope, Buffalo, adult religious awards, etc.).
The former had small medals to go on the pocket, the latter were
worn around the neck. Some of us who have been around a long
time would have preferred to retain that distinction.

Second, the cost difference is so large that in some places the
Cub Scouter is no longer provided the award gratis from the
council training budget, and the Key/STA awardees still are. It
is a matter of economics. I notice that many Cub Scouter
awardees do not buy their "dangly" either. I believe that every
Scouter, Cub or otherwise, should get the formal recognition,
free, from the council, as a token of appreciation for a job well
done. It is not feasible with the current system.

Scouting has a plethora of awards for adults. IMNSHO, we do not
need to add any more just to distinguish between Cubmasters,
Scoutmasters, Advisors, Skippers, and Commissioners. The device
on the ribbon and knot is sufficient. Otherwise, more of us will
look like foreign generals than already do.

Let's also remember the purpose of the training awards, including
the variously named Cub Scouter awards. They are recognition for
training and quality service to kids, in the unit except for the
"Cub Scouter Award." Other recognition is apppropriate, district
and council awards will proliferate, but these are nationally
standardized recognition for training and performance. They are
not for other recognition.

In Scouting,
__
____'/____ George Crowl
VV / \ UU AA, X226
/318\ Cncl Tng Chmn
/ 402 \ Wood Badge CD
/|||||| \ Double Eagle
| Clovis, NM

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