SM's Role in Advancement
Dale Karweik (karweik.1@OSU.EDU)
Sat, 31 Jul 1999 22:20:22 -0400
Dale Karweik wrote:
> Finally, the SM must sign that
> he accepts that the work was done and completed at an acceptable standard.
> If there is a clear discrepancy, don't sign the card until it can be
> resolved and then inform your Council Advancement Committee so that they
> can deal with the long term situation at summer camp.
Joseph Alessi wrote:
>As SM, you cannot withhold a merit badge once the counselor has signed the
>blue card. Your signature comes before the boy starts. You cannot second
>guess the counselor on this. If you do and the boy appeals, you will
>automatically lose.
It is my turn to eat crow. I did my SM Basic Training in the mid-80's with
the 1981 edition SMHB. On page 245 it says that the SM is responsible for
maintaining Advancement Standards in the Troop and if the SM is not
satisfied that the Scout has met the specified standards after completing a
MB, the SM has a responsibility to withhold the merit badge until he and
the counselor are satisfied the requirements have been met. I learned and
"knew" this was the standard. Because it agreed with the Council
advancement policy, I did not focus on this section again until Mr. Alessi
raised the question.
He is now correct. There is no review of merit badge work allowed and the
SM is no longer empowered to maintain Troop advancement standards. I am
incredibly disappointed in this change. I will bring this up at the
Council Advancement Committee to include in the next revision of the
Council Advancement Handbook.
Dale Karweik
