Re: Who Draws the Line?

Earl,

As a former smoker (14 years without a cancer stick!) and one who has lost
both my parents due to smoking related illnesses, you've really hit my hot
button!

Drinking at Scout functions - not allowed. (Specifically prohibited by BSA)
Smoking in the presence of Scouts - not allowed (BSA guidelines say
Scouting is a non-smoking activity)
Giving Cigars to Scouts - AGAINST FEDERAL LAW, for God's sake. (Must be 18
to buy cigarettes)

One of a Scouter's greatest responsibilities is to "Set the Example". It
sounds like your unit's leadership is trashing this, several other
leadership skills that are taught at Woodbadge, the Scout Oath, and several
points of the Scout law.

If the committee refuses to deal with this issue you should contact someone
further up the chain of command. Start with your COR, then go to your DE or
UC. I know of at least one troop in our District that lost it's charter
because of the adults drinking during meetings and on outings.

This seems to be (IMO) a greater problem in units chartered by fraternal
organizations. Many of the members of these "clubs" see their physical
building as a place to go to drink and have fun, and really aren't concerned
about what their bahavior may teach the Scouts who could be present. My
unit is in this situation. We keep the troop meeting separate from the bar
area, but periodically someone from the other side (not a leader) will walk
through our area with a drink in his hand and a cigarette hanging out of his
mouth. I cringe, but there isn't a lot I can do about it. Luckily it
doesn't happen often.

If all else fails - find another troop. I know I wouldn't keep my Son in a
unit that has such little regard to the health and safety of the boys.

YIS,
Ron Raab-Long
CC, Troop 903
Dover, DE


synertex wrote:

> Question 1: Is any of these three adult behaviors (smoking in front of
> the Scouts, drinking in front of the Scouts and giving cigars to a
> Scout) considered unacceptable by the BSA National Leadership (whoever
> they may be)? Or are they all acceptable?
>
> Question 2: If the behavior is unacceptable how is my buddy supposed to
> do anything about it if the Scoutmaster and a majority of the Committee
> approve of the behavior (without endangering the future of his son's
> Scouting adventures)?
>

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