From: Brad & Rainee Mitchell (mitch1@MIDAMER.NET)
Date: Sun Jun 11 2000 - 08:14:18 CDT
Bob Lazell wrote:
> Yes, I do have issues with women in Boy Scouting, but, my comment had
> nothing to do with that issue! I am by no means a sexist, my arguments are
> based solely on the psycho-social development needs of young boys and NOT on
> a lack of respect for the abilities women or any blanket condemnation of
> non-traditional roles.
Mr. Lazell and others that share your opinion:
I have been a female scouter for 10+ years, registered with the Cub Pack. Up
until last week, I have been on Roundtable staff, training staff, Cubmaster...
I have been a den leader for wolves, bears, and Webelos. Our oldest is an
Eagle and the youngest aspires to earn Eagle rank. We have staffed so many
camps (day Webelos, Fun with Son, Klondike, Camporees...) Our family has
been presented the Scouting family of the year award, I have earned the
CM of the year, my husband has been selected SM of the year...
You get the idea of a family that embraces the scout law.
I am an RN at a VA hospital for 15 years, most of the time on the
surgical/urology floor (almost exclusively male patient population).
My husband has been Scoutmaster for the past six years. When I
stepped down from the CM position, I had to move my name to a
different position because of the computer, we decided that since I
have been to so many of the meetings, campouts and do so much
merit badge counseling for the troop, that I should be registered there
as an ASM. The two men that serve as ASM are unable to attend
many outings and meetings and my husband has had to call me for
2 deep leadership frequently.
The CC and ASM's DENIED my application because I am FEMALE.
No other reason. They told to my face the only reason I could not be
ASM is because I am a WOMAN (no other reason, don't take it personally).
These men said it may hamper the boys if they wanted to cuss a little or
to "take a leak in the woods at night". I tried to point out these boys are
comfortable with me, and have accepted me already.
I am not a feminine, frilly person (living in an all male home, growing
up as a country girl...)
Didn't matter, I was denied based solely on GENDER in a troop that is
begging for help.
I didn't catch the original post but saw your remark and,
because the wounds are so fresh, took offense to it. I agree the predominant
role model should be male but the people that work with the boys should be
selected based on skills and desire to help, not on GENDER. I probably know
more of the out of doors than the other men that assist with the troop. I have
been "nature" at webelos and day camps that I help staff.
I know this is a rather long explanation but I desire all men that are still
have
issues with female involvement to see how this old fashioned notion hurts the
boys.
My husband resigned on the spot and had to come home and tell me these men
denied my application. I resigned from all positions and the ripple effect of
others
resigning as they have heard will impact scouting in this district.
Please re-think your inclusion/exclusion based on gender.
We have received much wisdom from this list for the past few years.
We are in a small rural district and hearing the voices of the various scouters
have been a blessing. Thank you for listening and thinking about this.
