Re: REAL Mag. My opinion

Relating to the discussion of what's right and wrong about Scouting magazine

--

IMHO, the main role of Scouting magazine -- as apparent in its content -- is
a public relations tool for the Scouting movement.  Many of its features are
developed to show new parents the kinds of activities that Scouts participate
in and to explain the aims and methods of Scouting to the uninitiated.  I do
believe that it performs that function well.

Criticism of Scouting, such as -- there is not enough problem solving and
teaching in the publication -- has some validity, but we must remember that
for active adult leaders there are many opportunities to obtain information
of this sort -- roundtables, Scouting publications and audio visuals, this
forum, district committee meetings, commissioner's meetings, camporees, etc.

Is Scouting real?  Certainly.  The stories feature real people in real troops
and packs doing the things that the program calls for.  It shows kids having
fun and let's parents know how it all translates into building better boys.

Now, to change my tune.  I am a public relations professional with a
background in journalism; and from my experience and knowledge would say that
Scouting could stand some design improvements.  Compare it to the other
publications moms and dads read regularly, and you'll find that Scouting
magazine is a little dated in its look.  The articles and pictures are great,
but the spark is sometimes lacking.  I'd like to see a little more creativity
and spark.  It would improve the reader's perception of the program and send
the message a little bit better that Scouting is now, up-to-date, exciting.

Stern Dixon
Mecklenburg County Council
Charlotte, NC

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