Learning for Life
Kelly Parker (r13867@EMAIL.SPS.MOT.COM)
Thu, 8 Jan 1998 09:04:19 -0700
During recent discussion, mention was made of Learning for Life as a
BSA attempt to better serve urban youth. As I undrestand it from the
literature, LFL is offered by BSA to schools, complete with lesson plans
and advancement program, in order to give schools a "character-building
program". Much of what I have seen is based on the Ethics in Action and
other character-focused parts of the "regular" Scouting program.
Students work through situations, do service projects, and earn various
ranks as they complete parts of the program.
All of this is great, and as a school board member, I welcome this
type of program into our schools. The program does not compete with
Scouting for youth members, and provides instruction to a wide audience.
What I want to make clear here is that I have no problem with BSA and
LFL providing the program, or its content.
What I am curious about is how LFL competes inside the Council
office for scarce dollars and human resources. So, I thought I would ask
the sages on the list for their comments.
Is LFL paid for by schools, the local Council, or a combination of
both?
How does LFL affect the responsibility of Scout Executives and
Councils to serve urban youth? If a Council has a big LFL program, does
it remove pressure to found and fund Packs and Troops in disadvantaged
areas? When National looks at how a Council is serving the Total
Available Youth, is LFL counted the same as regular Scouting?
Part of my question is motivated by the fact that our Council LFL
members are equal or greater than our members for regular Scouting. LFL
seems to grow with minimal staff--only 2 people, and no controversy
about 3 G's, who did what to earn what, or whether or not the camp is
operated correctly. Meanwhile, we have seen merger after merger of our
districts, to the point where each DE serves 350+ units. Our service to
the older part of our cities is dismal--and Bill Nelson and others can
disagree, if they wish--and units fold on a regular basis with little
regard.
So, does the growth of Learning for Life offset other problems in
the eyes of National? Is it covering up a lack of Scouting opportunities
for youth in "bad" areas?
Your thoughts, please.
YiS--
Kelly Parker
CM, Pack 43 MC,Troop 110 MC, GSUSA Junior/Brownie Troop
2026
Firebird District Camelback
Neighborhood, Cactus-Pine Council
Grand Canyon Council "I used to be an eagle "
Phoenix, AZ W-CS-41
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