Time to pull the pin and throw the controveral gernade. Here's something that I've thought about while reading the different posts on this site. I've heard a sentiment of "Remember, we're here for the boys" or "it's for the scouts not the adults", etc. This is used as a reason to go to training, not to wear knots/beads, settle disputes, etc. I'm going to propose why can't the scouting experience be for the adults as well? Maybe it's better stated, why do we hide the fact that scouting is for adults as well.

I don't think anyone can say that what he/she did in scouting was for the scouts only and he/she did not benefit from it. I went thought all the BSA training and use it outside of scouting all the time. In training the scouts on citizenship, camping, fishing, morse code, etc., I learned things and became a better person (I'm also amaze my coworkers on the daily trival questions). Why do we shun away from that fact? You never hear that on this site or the BSA site, etc. It's like it's a bad thing for adults to benefit or have a good time. I've read a number of posters that will flame people if they say something positive about having a good time at WB or anything else, unless it's in the context of "having a good time with the scouts." It's like the benefits we as adults receive from scouting is a dirty little secret.

I changed the way I talk to parent when I speak to them about being a leader. In addition to telling them about how great it would be for the boys to have him/her as a leader or how much the boys needed him/her, I'll add in how the training BSA will give them will help them out in work and how they'll get alot out of it. I'm talking socially, continuing learning, the "warm fuzzies", etc. A lot of intangible things that we as adults don't get a lot of nowdays. I will admit that at this point of my life, I don't get too much from BSA training (though I do get key nuggets of info each time I go), but what really keeps me going is that I meet great people and make fast friends because we have common interests and we're not competing for a prize or promotion where there can only be one. And yes, I push the knots and awards. I our daily lives, when was the last time you received an award for doing a good job? If you're lucky, it was recently. If you're like a lot of us, work is something that considers the fact you got a job as a just reward. Having that one knot or piece of paper that says "Good Job" is the little pat on the back that we all need sometimes.

I think we shortchange ourselves and the program by limiting scouting to just the kids. Scouting is a way of life and should be relished by all. If we want strong programs the key is to not do it just for the boys, but to get the parents to believe in, and live the scouting life. Boys may get distracted, but if the parents buy in, the boys will come back.