Equipment Reviews & Discussions
Discussions dealing with equipment topics (tents, lights, packs, boots, stoves, etc.)
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LATEST POSTS
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By InquisitiveScouter · Posted
Agree... but making this a reality is quite difficult, as it is the Scouts (PLC) who choose their activities and calendar. If it was up to me (I would be an excellent SPL 😜 ) then the schedule and activities would be radically different. But, as I understand the program, I can only suggest and mentor, and step in (veto) only in cases of health and safety. -
By Double Eagle · Posted
I'm old school, been scouting since the 70s. But have no problem with scouts having cell phones on any outing. I think it is our station to teach them when it is appropriate and how to maximize it on outings. I can't count how many times adults have phones ring in meetings. The leaf identification, star charts, and ways to connect like snapchat or team reach is invaluable. My last wood badge staff used snapchat for immediate updates to the schedule. 1. I'm NOT in favor of taking possession of anyone's phone/property. I think an adult with a youth's phone is walking a dangerous line. If the phone gets lost, damaged, cracked screen, wet, or gets accessed to review photos or messages, that adult is dumb for putting themselves in that position. 2. I'm also not in favor of any adult taking my family member's phone or property. If they want something, grab my gear and carry that. 3. HOW ABOUT ALL ADULTS LOSE THEIR PHONES FOR THE WEEKEND AND SCOUTING EVENTS. NO CHECKING IN, NO SENDING PHOTOS, NO BUSINESS, NO WEATHER CHECKS, NOT AT ALL! I'm willing to bet there is an adult that can't do it. How about what Greenbar Bill used to say, Train them, Trust them, Let them lead!!! -
By InquisitiveScouter · Posted
My biggest hurdle on this is dealing with Scouts who use their devices primarily for entertainment. Gaming, watching youtube, tiktok, snapchat, whatever the flavor of the day is. When they are doing this, I explain they are disengaging from the activities we are doing, disengaging from their fellow Scouts, and disengaging from their responsibilities in camp. We do ask Scouts to schedule at least an hour per day of "free time" where they can do what they wish, but encourage them to enjoy the outdoors rather than escaping into their devices. If a Scout uses his device inappropriately, like gaming/texting during an activity or lesson, or having their phone on after lights out, then they get one warning. Upon the second infraction, we hold their device for safekeeping until the end of the camping trip. Parents know, understand, and support this policy. -
A few things ... #1 The "enforcer" role? ... What are the roles of an adult leader? Is the adult leader an "enforcer"? A wise older friend? An advisor? A safety check? ... I fear the adult leader as "enforcing" rules as it creates a separation / barrier between the scout and the adult. It creates a grudge when the phone is taken and an incentive to hide the phone and hide the person from the adult leader. #2 Consistent expectations ... Will the adult leaders police themselves and secure their phones too? Key to scout is the example that the adults set. Scouts mimic the adults. Scouts quickly see the double standards setup by the adults as hypocrisy. Obviously ... IMHO ... The purpose of scouting is to teach skills, responsibility, etc. At some point, we meet the scouts where they are instead of dragging them into the past that no longer exists. Cell phones are part of their world and part of the adult world. -
I think there are two or three things here. The scouts do not need to have their phones out and as adults we have an opportunity to teach the scouts to exercise self control by keeping their phones put away unless truly needed. Taking away and securing the phones as a default behavior makes adult leaders the wardens and conditions the scouts to being told when it is ok and when it is not ok to have a device out. Phones are a useful tool for the scouts. Scouts can use them to reference scout materials, use them for orienteering, checking maps, etc ... and the great big bonus is that if there is an accident and a scout has a phone they can quickly call for help. It's a tool, we want them to have them, but we need them to have the self control to keep them put away unless truly necessary. Parents need to backoff and leave their kids alone. Children need space to grow; boys especially need freedom to be about unsupervised to gain the confidence to function. Helicoptering and electronic leashing children is known to cause anxiety and depression.
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