From: DeGhelder, James (James_DeGhelder@BMC.COM)
Date: Thu Apr 13 2000 - 13:16:41 CDT
----------Snip---------------
If you are a Merit Badge Counselor for a badge, you may not sign off
your own son for this merit badge. IE - your son must get another MB
counselor,
or have another MB counselor verify his work, and sign the blue card.
---------Snip---------------
A parent that is a valid registered MB counselor can and SHOULD sign off on
any Scout who in their opinion has successfully completed the requirements
for the MB.
Why would the Troop(although I know of some), or a Council or National for
that fact want to punish a boy just because his parent is involved with the
program?
I've heard all kinds of rules made up by leaders (who IMHO do not believe in
the SO,SL,SM) that put all kinds of artificial restrictions on how boys and
their parents are to interact in the program. Like this one, I like the
"rule" that the Scoutmaster can't be both a MB counselor and the SM for a
boy this way SM's can never be MB counselors, Let's take this to an extreme,
how about a boy can't have his father as a Scoutmaster? <G> Oh wait, I laugh
and facetious make a remark that someone may think it's a good idea.......oh
my!!!
In reality a MB counselor doesn't even need to be a member of BSA. And
qualified individual that understands the material of the Merit Badge can be
a counselor. Like a judge for the citizenship MBs, a geologist for the
geology MB, How about a Red Cross certified canoe instructor teach the canoe
MB.
James DeGhelder
severing all ties.
