MB Requirements and such

I figured that I would let the fur fly on this one for awhile before I added my
three cents worth (inflation). Adults involved in Scouting need to reaffirm in
their own minds that the first word in BSA is "Boy" and not "Bureaucrat". In
other words, this organization is for and about kids and is not a place for
adults to attain their quota of self actualization by micro managing advancement
policies. The policies of the BSA are quite succinct concerning advancement and
merit badge requirements. By this time, many members of this list have stated
BSA policies far better than I could. The point I would like to raise concerns
the gradual evolution of what I call "hybrid adult positions." Specifically, th
e
position of Advancement Chairman has always presented a certain conundrum to me.
Is the position one of coordination of and administration of the process of
advancement such that the kids are duly recognized and stimulated toward further
progress? Or is the position one of "bureaucratic self-actualization" that is
accomplished by either subverting the policies of BSA National or by formulation
needless additions to very simple policies that are in place. Those of you
involved with the Feds can appreciate the tension between line and staff
management which is really paroled by the evolvement of the policy geeks in
Scouting. Remember, that if you thought of something in Scouting, chances are
that someone has run the same thing through Scouting eons ago. There are really
two very simple solutions to most questions concerning advancement 1) get the
proper training and 2) familiarize yourself with the literature that might be
appropriate to a particular point in question. Lastly, ask yourself "Why am I
involved in Scouting"? The only legitimate answer is to help kids become better
kids and possible better adults.

Bob Rosebrough
ASM Troop 601
Columbia, MD

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