Re: Camping MB (long)

Following is a long sniped portion of a recent post. I put my comments up
front due to the length of the snip, which is pertinent.

Merit badges are part of the advancement process. Sated specifically so in
the Advancement Procedures guidebook. What this Troop policy does is ADD to
the requirements for every merit badge. And that is contrary to the intent
of the advancement policy, and intent of the merit badge program. The
policy specifically goes against BSA advancement policy.

Why should any Scout feel he has to have this time limit? What if he wants
to take one or two years? Seems this policy is more discouraging than
encouraging. The results of non-compliance are all negative, none positive.

Who does this policy benefit? The Scout, or the adult. Think about it hard
and seriously.

The COUNSELOR and the Scout are the only people who should be involved in
making a limitation determination. The COUNSELOR and the Scout should agree
on what is reasonable for completion time limits, if any. This is not the
job of the Scoutmaster team nor the committee.

ARRRGH!!!!!

Bob Robinson writes:

snipped
>For what it's worth, here's our part of our section on Merit Badges excerpted
>from our Troop Policies and Procedures. This was voted on and unanimously
>ratified by the Troop Committee.
>
>6.5.2 Time Limits - Regular Badges
>
>Normally, a Scout has six months to complete a merit badge. Some badges have
>requirements that take three months. The time starts when a merit badge
>counselor has been assigned by the Scoutmaster. Merit badge requirements that
>have been met before starting work on a merit badge DO NOT count. The six
>months limit is extended to the end of the sixth month. If not completed in
>the required time frame, the Scout must start over without carrying over any
>previously met requirements. Troop 227 scouts are required to acquire and read
>the ENTIRE merit badge booklet prior to contacting the counselor. Scouts are
>also required to be in FULL UNIFORM for all counseling sessions unless
>otherwise informed by the counselor or occurring at an non-uniformed activity.
>
>
>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.
>
>6.5.4 Time Limits - Special Circumstances
>
>The Troop Committee can waive time limits for special circumstances. A special
>circumstance does not include lack of planning or urgency on the part of the
>scout.
>
YIS, Jim Sheckels - I used to be a Bobwhite...SE 308-7 '82/sheckej@earthlink.net
CR & CC Troop 742, Hope Mills United Methodist Church, NC/Member of NAUMS
District Adv & Tng teams/910-426-2766/3501 Farm Circle Rd Fayetteville, NC
28306-8303
Scouting IS NOT an exact science, so use your brain - noone else is! <|:)

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