Re: A WOSM View of BSA's Professional Scouters (short)

Rodger Morris did an excellent job of explaining the benefit of the
professional members of the BSA. I was hoping someone would pick up that
position.

I have served in a Key-3 position and understand the long hours
professionals spend in their careers, and the compensation they receive
for their efforts. I have seen some extremely competent people serving
in those positions that could be making much more money elsewhere.

The BSA is a volunteer organization, still utilizing the service of some
professionals, just as a troop is a boy-run organization, still utilizing
the service of some adults.

I often hear the premise that the BSA should change their operations to
more closely resemble the rest of the Scouting world, especially in regard
to professional involvement and our policies regarding the 3-G's. When
you look at the large number of youth being served, it seems that the BSA
is one of the most successful organizations in WOSM.

Despite all the problems we can (and do) point out about our national
policies and operations, the BSA is still a pretty amazing entity. I
always support F.O.S. because ultimately, F.O.S. does support the boys.
Our version of Scouting works best with paid professional staff, camps,
and all the bells and whistles that accompany it. Our unit usually
exceeds our F.O.S. goal, and I am very proud of that fact.

BTW, as District Commissioner a few years back, I once had to substitute for
our District Chairman at a council meeting. They went over a 2 million
dollar budget line by line. The meeting seemed endless. My brain was
numb for days afterwards.

I am very thankful I can do the "program stuff" and leave the "numbers
juggling" to professionals and "executive board types". I wouldn't trade
my red jacket for a three piece suit if you PAID me. I am grateful for
the professional staff and the executive board members that support our
program. I don't always agree with their ideas and decisions, but I
always appreciate their efforts. (Well, most of the time anyway)

YIS, Cliff Golden
Scoutmaster Troop 33; DeKalb, Illinois
Three Fires Council BSA

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