Eric5675

Thanks for the responses! I thpught they would probably be this varied. I see the reason about not really talking aboutit, but I don't want him to feel like I don't care about him. I am weary about bringing it to the SM because the kid just didn't want to ask an adult and was actually pretty scared about it (he made me promise not to tell an adult, however, if it had turned out to be something serious I would have.) His dad is pretty open about everything, and is one of those parents to let their kid learn the hard way, so I think tippping him off is a good idea, and I will do that, but just make it clear that when he has it it was just a "random" talk. I don't want my Scout to lose trust in me. Thanks for the support Beavah. I think I'd handle this the same way if it came again, just tip off the parent afterwards. I just remembered how awkward it was for me when I had the same questions, and I didn't want to turn my Scout away as if he were some freak. Thanks for all the help! If anyone has any more thoughts, please share!

First off, this is not a discussion on religion or your beliefs. It's about helping others, so let's not turn this into the religious wars _________________________________________________________________ Ok, so here is the background: I'm a 16 yr old SPL. I had a 12 yr old boy come up to me the other day at a campout, and ask me what it was, if it was right, if I did it, etc. Here's the issue: The Scout felt extrmemly uncomfortable asking it at first, and told me he asked me because he thought I would understand. I'm very open with my Scouts, and they know that. I explained to him it was natural and that most boys did it and essentially gave the whole masturbation talk right then and there (minus how to do it). He then went on to tell me that he did it on the campout. I then explained how it was a personal thing but that some boys did occasionally do it with others. He asked what some slang terms meant and I explained them. He didn't ask about pornography or "techniques" and I did not go into either subject. And the question: Was I wrong to do this? Keep in mind, I'm not an adult leader, I'[m a Scout. I felt that this boy was truly concerened, nervous, and scared considering I got the whole "does the white stuff mean I'm dying." I would not have wanted to ask an adult when I was 12- heck, not even now, but was I wrong to explain this? Would I be in some ort of trouble as a Scout? I highly doubt it, but if the situation ever arose again, I would like some feedback. Thanks for your help!

Here's my take from an SPL's standpoint: Porn is not ok. Not at a meeting, not at an outing, not ok period. If I was to find porn on one of my Scouts, obviously I would take it and gice it to the SM, but I would rather talk to the Scout first before the Scoutmaster talks to him. It's easier to counsel a boy from another boy than an adult where he's just too scared. First, I'd ask why he brought it. Never in Scouts, but I've seen a few boys who have shown porn to friends because they have been labeled or mocked as "gay" and they think that by doing this, it would stop the teasing or the rumors. I would then ask how he got it, if it was from another Scout, etc. If he has an older brother and thought that maybe since his brother had it, it was ok, that would change things. (My Troop has many young boys and few older boys). It shouldn't be about punishment, but a learning experience. Maybe he just doesn't know it's wrong, but you can't automatically assume the worst intent. Explain to him the issues, both morally and legally with it, and why it was a bad choice. Chances are, he just made a bad descision as a horny teen boy. Chances are key. The SM should take it, throw it out or delete it, counsel him, and let it go the first time. Don't tell his parents, but let him know that if he ever does it again, or that if there are suspiscions or reports, he will be punished severly, but give the kid a chance. Don't ruin his life cause of it. Just make him understand its wrong and let it go unless it happens again. He's probably so humiliated he got caught he'll never do it again anyway.

I'm currently an SPL, and this is my view: I would go to the Troop Committee and ask for removal of any form of leadership if the following were to occur repeatidly: 1. Smoking in view of Scouts 2. Cursing in front of a Scout (everyday language and conversation; not "oh s%^t I just hit my thumb with a hammer") 3. Reapeated rudeness, disrespect, or degrading conversation to a Scout. 4. Inappropriate comments (ie: sex jokes, penis size jokes) 5. Dangerous Driving (NOT DUI) 6. Yelling 7. Violation of ANY ONE BSA procedure repeatedly Things I would ask for immediant dismissal of a SM include: 1. Drinking in front of a Scout, at a campout, or in any form during a Scout event. (The only exception is if a Scout is at your house becuase he's friends with your son and sees you drinking. That's outside of Scouts) 2. Striking a Scout including his own Scout 3. Sexual Abuse of any Scout 4. Illegal drug use 5. Putting any Scout in a dangerous situation 6. Discrimination 7. Any fellony conviction 8. Bad influence in general.