MB Requirements...
J. Hugh Sullivan (sull@MINDSPRING.COM)
Tue, 30 Jul 1996 09:54:54 -0500
Bob Robinson wrote:
>6.5.3 Time Limits - Camping / Hiking
>For Camping and Hiking merit badges, the Scout has one year to satisfy the
>requirements. Time starts when a merit badge counselor has been assigned by
>the Scoutmaster. Prior troop experience may be counted if the Scout completes
>the merit badge within the one year period. If the Scout fails to complete the
>merit badge within one year from starting, he must start over with NO credit
>for prior troop experience.
IMO the Scout Camping MB requirement is so weak that my wife, who thinks
camping out is staying in a Holiday Inn instead of a Hyatt Regency, could
almost pass. But, how do you reconcile 6.5.3 with not adding requirements to
the MB since it appears you have added a time requirement and a "troop
experience" requirement?
There would appear to be considerable advantage in waiting until after the
20 camping days had been completed to request assignment of a counselor
under 6.5.3. That way, time taken to camp 20 days does not enter the time
equation. In addition, it appears that 6.5.3, if I read it correctly, will
require additional record-keeping and does not provide for a method to seek
extensions due to uncontrollable circumstances.
Wouldn't it be simpler for National to add a non-qualifying phrase to the
requirement such as - "20 days approved camping, excluding days used to
fulfill other requirements"? Approved camping would be left to the troop to
interpret as in your "troop experience".
Solve a bigger problem:
I have no idea how MB reuirements are established, refined or changed but
they should be of ongoing and constant concern. It seems to me that a person
could be designated to be the clearing house for Scouter's opinions,
suggestions, problems, etc. regarding MB requirements. He would also be
responsible for presenting recommendations to the proper national authority
for approval and change. I suspect there are a number of people around the
country who have the resources, experience and financial, to do the job on a
volunteer basis. That would give Scouters around the country a voice and
excellent counsel to those responsible. Why not?
Hugh (Gihim)
Eagle, Class of '43
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
