Re: "Parents and scout camps" another view

Dear Folks,

I would think it prudent that any parent who goes on a scout
camping event be registered AND have some training in scouting AND a
have clear understanding of his/her role while at camp.

As an Asst. SM, I have observed "a visiting parent" attempt to
"function" as a leader and this often confuses the scouts as to "who" is
in charge. Also, should there be a "legal situation", it would be "nice"
to know that the person was functioning in an "official capacity", not
as an "observer" who decided to take matters into his/her own hands.

And, there might be a liability question if something "happens" to
the parent and there is a claim that troop leadership was somehow
negligent.

Also, simply, many parents aren't knowledgeable in scout procedures
and this causes some difficulty. What may be appropriate concepts for a
"family camp" may not hold true for scout camp.(example: one visiting
parent who intervened and yelled for the whole patrol to come back to
camp and help his son wash dishes since "everyone made the mess" --that
parent having no clue of the concept of rotating patrol duties for every
meal and that it was just his son's turn for clean-up)

My idea--any one should be able to go to camp BUT:
1.) Register them;
2.) Train them; and,
3.) Clearly delineate and explain their function and leadership
parameters/authority while at camp.

****And sure, lounge chair parents are okay--- someone needs to watch
the place.

YIS
Daniel Fitzhenry
Asst. Scoutmaster
Troop 139
Verona-Penn Hills Pa [10 mi NE of Pittsburgh Pa along the Allegheny
River]

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