Re: Handbook and Swimming MB questions
(no name) ((no email))
Fri, 1 Jan 1999 16:52:42 -0600
Happy New Year, everyone!
Jim Shumaker <jshumaker@DWX.COM> asked:
>Is there one definitive document that lets us leaders know of
>changes we're supposed to be passing on to our boys?
Officially, the ONLY "document" that advises you and other adult
leaders of changes to our programs comes from YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL,
Jim. That's because any changes to the BSA's program must be
"funnelled" through your Council, where it's up to their
professional staff to advise you (or not, depending on if THEY
choose it important enough to let you and I know!) of the change.
This is the way the BSA wants it done, not the way WE volunteers
would like to know.
This is supplemented by entries in "News Briefs" which is a regular
column in _Scouting_ Magazine. "News Briefs" is written by the
BSA's Editorial staff from information gathered from the Program
Group and it's divisions and from the Supply and International
Divisions. I look there each month first for "new information"
that's already been released to the local Councils (the "lag time"
is usually anywhere from two to four months, since the magazine is
basically a bimonthly publication and since the information goes to
the "field first" before it's announced).
UNOFFICALLY, this list and others like it USUALLY gets word on new
changes and new options to the changes anywhere from two to four
months BEFORE it's sent to your Council. There's some danger in
this, Jim; the biggest is that between the time some of us hear or
are told of the change being made and the "finalized change",
things could change, the idea scrapped or modified, or external
matters occur which forces a relooking at the change or option.
There's not much that can be done about that, except to remind you
and everyone (which our WELCOME letter does a great job in!) that
your BEST source of information is that which is officially
released from YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL or agency offices. In that way,
even if "everyone else is doing it" one way, you know EXACTLY HOW
YOUR PLACE IN THE WORLD is doing it.
>Also, is the Swimming MB still going to be offered in a revised
>format now that its requirements have been incorporated into
>Second and First Class requirements?
I haven't heard anything about that, Jim. It was my understanding
that the requirements are going to stay the way they are as listed.
Look at the requirements for Swimming as you would the requirements
for First Aid: some of it is already being taught to meet basic
skill requirements for Second and First Class; the merit badge
teaches more advanced skills and refreshes those earlier skills
learned as a Second or First Class Scout.
>If they earn First Class under the new requirements is there still
>a Swimming MB for them to earn?
Sure there is! Just like if they complete the First Aid
requirments under First Class there's still the First Aid merit
badge to earn toward Eagle.
Hope that helps out...let us all know how the session goes!
Settummanque!
(c) 1998 Mike Walton ("no such thing as strong coffee,...") blkeagle@mninter.net
http://mninter.net/~blkeagle Burnsville, MN 55306-7130 (612) 435-3085
privately at kyblkeagle@aol.com or waltonm@server.kaiserslautern.army.mil
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