Role Modeling is why Scouting Works
Barry Runnels (barry_c_runnels@MMACMAIL.JCCBI.GOV)
Wed, 7 Jan 1998 09:59:15 -0600
>This organization exists for the benefit of kids and is not a vehicle for
>adults to vent their philosophies of life, whether devout Christians/Jews
>etc., atheists, gays, heterosexuals or those in between.
Maybe but from the very beginning, the success of the Aims of Scouting
relied on the adult Leaders role modeling. It's been pointed out many times
that boys learn more by how adults act than what they say. The role model
is so important to a successful Scouting program that it is one of the
Eight Methods of Scouting. Personally I think the adult role model is
important enough that it should be mentioned in the other seven methods as
well. What this means is even though we need a adults around to teach Scout
Skills and troop administration, the adults real job is instilling
character and moral values in our boys so they grow up to as our national
leaders with the same values.
No matter what many people want to believe or say, our society does not
consider homosexuality as moral behavior. You can't take the moral and
ethical values out of the Adults Role Modeling anymore than you can take it
out of the religious institutions. Morals and ethical values come from God,
so how can the BSA promote moral and ethical role modeling and at the same
time permit non-moral behavior. Many folks think or wish the BSA is just a
place where boys go camping and earn their Eagle. For the rest of us the
BSA is one of the few places left in our self-centered world where the
primary objective is teach boys self-reliance, self discipline, self
respect and self confidence, foster love of community with commitment of
service, and to develop physical, mental, emotional and moral fitness. The
adult role modeling is the major contributor for all of these Scouting
values and Scouting spirit.
I agree there are many homosexual leaders in the BSA today but their
role modeling doesn't show a homosexual life style. Many folks with
homosexual tendencies lead normal heterosexual lives because they
believe that is morally right. Going against your feelings to do what is
right is true character. I don't think the BSA has a problem with them.
But how can they come out and say some are OK and some aren't without
getting the wrong role models.
The arguments are the same for atheist. Morals and ethics come from God.
To take God out of it takes the moral and ethical standards that is the
foundation of the Character the founders wanted to instill in our youth
and the foundation of the Scouting goals.
I would not be surprised if half my Scouts didn't have a clue about
their feelings for God. They are young and still learning. It is not the
Adult Scout leaders job as mentors, leaders, role models to teach Scouts
how they should feel about God, that is the families responsibility. The
responsibility of the adult Scout Leaders is to act with moral and
ethical character and role modeling.
I have recruited several Pack and Troop adults leaders for their high
moral and ethical character even though I knew they didn't have very
good leadership skills, because I know many Scouts will forget their
Scout skills 20 years from now, but they will always have their
character.
Role modeling is why the founders of Scouting want me to do this
Scouting stuff, but I like the camping, hiking, canoeing stuff too. I am
still not sure about repelling.
Barry Runnels
Edmond OK
Make it fun, make it safe, and pray to God of the time.
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
