Re: Parent Involvement/Camping Involvement
(no name) ((no email))
Wed, 2 Oct 1996 09:30:43 PDT
Jim Miller stated :
|Exploring is NOT Scouting.
|These are different programs that attempt to achieve the same aims as the
Scouting program, but through a different |methodology. The same exact thing
can be said for the Boys/Girls Clubs, 4-H, sports teams, and any number of
other youth |programs.
|Specifically, Exploring, although a program run by the Boy Scouts of America,
uses different methods to achieve the same |aims. The Six Experience Areas of
Exploring are similar to the Eight Methods of Scouting, but they don't turn
Exploring into |Scouting (that's also why I can't stand the misuse of the
terms as in "Explorer Scout").
The above groups provide a variety of experiences, but cannot be compared to
Exploring. I was an Explorer Sea Scout in Newport Beach, CA, almost 20 years
ago. The Sea Scout Base maintains a very active program for hundreds of
scouts each year.
The 50' power boat I was a member of was Coast Guard approved and we assisted
the Coast Guard on many search and rescues. It was also used in the
community as a research vessel taking out classes of oceanography students on
a weekly basis. We took part in many community activities. There was a
regular meeting each week. The scouts learned a great deal and would be
eligible for several merit badges... In addition, we completed the work for
and acquired our deserved ranks. We learned about leadership, first aid,
knots, helping the community, etc. The Newport Beach Sea Scout Base is most
definitely part of the Boy Scouts of America in every aspect. In addition,
they offer about 25 merit badge programs.
Many scouts have learned to swim and sail boats ranging from the 8' sabot up
to the famous sailing vessel "Argus". Some boys don't like camping for a
variety of reasons, and I know of three such boys just chewing at the bit
until they turn 14 and can head for the Sea Scout Base. In fact, they have
dropped out of scouting because of too much camping emphasis. Camping is not
for everybody, especially a boy with severe asthma.
Lastly, I can guarantee you that if two young men went looking for a job in
Newport Beach, and one was a Sea Scout at the base he would most certainly
have the job over the other -- just like an Eagle would!
|I wanted Scouting - camping, uniforms, advancement, all of it.
Explorers have it!! Sorry if this is strong, but you did get my ire going.
Sandy Whiteside
Comm. Chair, Pack 373
Parent, Troop 188
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
