Re: Alternate Rank Requirements
jay.thal (jay.thal@TCS.WAP.ORG)
Fri, 3 Sep 1999 09:51:01 +0000
Kristen asked how to serve a Scout with Spina Bifida:
Note that the “new” requirements require the involvement of the Council
advancement committee (of course the District should also be on board).
My approach would be to convince the parents that the more information
they can share about their son’s Abilities, the more chances that
between the three or four of you (and the advancement committee) that
you can create an individualized Scout advancement program (similar to
the school’s IEP) that can challenge and stretch the boy and provide for
success consistent with Scouting’s objectives. You will have to address
the acceptable levels of confidentiality.
The boy, too, must be involved in this process. He must have the
desire, and do his best. What seems positive from your note is that he
has been with the Troop for a year or more. That, together with his
accomplishing a 3-4 mile hike, suggests he has some of the
stick-to-itiveness, and a level of acceptance amongst the other boys
that can make this a success. The other Scouts will be his allies in
this team effort.
I do not know the extent that his condition limits his physical
activity, mobility, etc. His doctor can define the limits of how far he
can be stretched. Share with the doctor the goals/requirements -
projected foward through his Scouting career.
But you raised issues regarding the Tenderfoot requirements of camping
(1,2,3); and exercizes (10a & b). Each of these needs the doctor to set
the limits for health and safety.
Think creatively. Some of us use “agents” to achieve success - as
adults/ supervisors/employers we direct others as to how “things” can be
accomplished. So, “Show the right way to pack and carry it.” can be a
teaching “module” rather than a personal burden. I don’t know what
tents/ facilities are available to you , but “helping” pitch a tent can
include “directing”, and tents can be large enough to allow for a cot
and a wheelchair - after all, they are (or should be) at your Council’s
camp. But, if health and safety demands it, he can sleep in a cabin.
Similarly, “assisting” in preparing and cooking can be worked through.
Certainly the limits of 10 should be defined by a doctor, but 10b can be
fulfilled if only one (the word “each” is not used) area shows
improvement. If he has walked 3-4 miles, the 1/4 mile requirement
should be within reach.
As he moves forward in rank, read the fine print. Handbook (11th Ed.),
pg. 64, requirement 1b has an asterick: “..., or if it is difficult for
you to get around, you may substitute “trip” for “hike”.”
Campouts, through 1st Class, are cumulative - only three are required.
The other seven are “activities”. The hike is one of those activities.
Swimming (2nd & 1st Class)(7b & c; 9b & c) requirements “...may be
waived by the troop committee for medical or safety reasons.” [in the
fine print] The committee should have enough confidence in the SM to
accept such a recommendation. In fact, a Scout can achieve Eagle rank
without participating in any water sport or activity. There are
alternative paths to success - that’s why some of us are teachers, auto
mechanics, attorneys, nurses, salespeople....
These are just suggestions to start you off. I, and the others, will be
happy to offer more specific suggestions - but I know that you can do
it. Keep asking questions - it’s how all of us find our way.
YiWWSWd,
Jay
