Re: Frustrated Scout

In a message dated 4/29/98 6:05:38 AM, jcross@BEOWULF.MHSL.UAB.EDU wrote:

<< If the
boy misses out because he made a decision, he must learn to accept
the consequences of his decision. Its a tough lesson and the sooner
its learned, the better off the boy will be.

Always Remember, scouting is a tool to be used to help raise boys,
scouting is not an end unto itself.>>

May I add these comments to these excellent thoughts by Jesse.

1) From our point of view, if a boy spends time in Scouting, ends up a
Tenderfoot Scout, but has his citizenship, character and fitness improved, we
have done our job. Conversely, if he earns the Eagle award, but is just going
with the flow in a very advancement oriented troop, we may not have done our
job.

2) Parents often DON"T SEE IT THAT WAY, particularly not at first. They
regard Scouting as an activity like other activities; another trophy to be
collected on their son's list of trophys. They consider their son's Scouting
time to be successful if their son receives tangible and reportable proof of
success (advancement), particularly if he can say that he is an Eagle Scout.
The less time and work it takes to get the award, the more time and work
available to get other trophys. If the parents have been Scouts, they will
likely initially view Scouting from the point of view they had as child
members of the organization.

3) After parents have been trained and our aims and methods clearly
explained, most will agree totally with our point of view. Some will not.
But the only way this training and explanation to parents can happen is if it
is explicitly done by the pack or troop. There really is no other consistent
source of parent information and training.

Neil Lupton

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