Aquila

I suppose if you live in a town with 32,000 people who are mostly related to each other, it might be a different situation ;-). There are a LOT of places, however, where it isn't *SAFE* to leave 12-14 year old boys alone. It's just plain irresponsible in many situations.

Back to the original question though, they're his sons. "Dad" trumps "Patrol Leader". Also, maybe there's a medical reason (wets the bed) or an emotional reason. Have a little faith in the dad.

The "First Class in a year" misses the point COMPLETELY. How many First Class Scouts who have been in Scouting less than a year actually KNOW the requirements? Can they really identify the plants, proficiently tie the knots, or use a compass with confidence? For most Scouts, TTFC in a year does a real disservice to them. Our troop has a 10-year old that's going to get his First Class in another couple of months. Granted, he's a bright, responsible kid. But he's 10.

My eldest took just over two years -- but you can bet that he knows every one of those requirements backward and forward.

COH only. Every three months. This way, they get the public recognition of the whole troop, all the Scoutmasters, and the families. It's a very special time.

"However, similar to religion, sex issues, etc. I feel this is best handled by parents"

I wholeheartedly agree. It would be very upsetting to me to have any of these topics discussed during Scouts. If you're going to discuss it, please let the parents know first so they have the opportunity to opt out.

And people are surprised that the International Scout jamboree served no meat...

Yes, she definitely overreacted. I feel very sorry for her son(s) because she sounds like the type who is emasculating them. I would certainly agree with the 15-17 year olds who won't go on another outing with her. I can't imagine placing my young man under such authority - men (yes, they are men) under a shrew are never happy.

A simple "Scouts in this troop don't use that word" would've been enough.(This message has been edited by Aquila)

>>> From my perspective, a lot of folks say scouting is for the boys, but I think scouting is an adult program to develop boys into citizens of character and leaders of integrity. For an adult program to meet those goals, you have to start with good adults.

It's entirely possible that the SM felt that his son would be automatically passed because of his position, and wanted reviewers who would be more rigorous. If it's a troop that we're familiar with and there was a valid reason, I wouldn't have a problem with it. It is the best way to do it? Not at all. But I can conceive of situations it would be valid.

Doubt that I'd EVER do an Eagle for someone outside the troop, though.

My bad. I read that as eight boys increasing in rank, without the OR. My son just took over as patrol leader and is gung-ho to prove his patrol is better than the others (it is ;-).(This message has been edited by Aquila)

I'm not the hysterical type. I know others have different opinions. That's why I'm a MBC for the Citizenship and Public Health badges. The Scouts in our troop will be getting the right viewpoint -- mine ;-).

The writer is all wet. It's in a section of selections all boys should be familiar with, not in the "dangerous" (which aren't all that dangerous) portion.

Sounds to me like the SM is punishing Scouts who don't go on campouts.

Anything by G.A. Henty (best "boy" series ever)

Biographies of real heroes like George Washington, Martin Luther, Patrick Henry, etc

Redwall and every other Brian Jacques book

Kipling's poetry

Freedom within form.

Let's not negate the wisdom of our elders in a quest for boys to completely run things. Scoutmasters are there for a REASON -- to shepherd young men into adulthood.

As the boys mature, they learn to make better choices. Scouting wasn't meant to simply bring together a gang of 13 and 14 year olds and let them run loose. It's about letting them make decisions WITHIN PARAMETERS.

I don't find any information on the web about the COST of the Jamboree. Anyone know?

The problem is the last requirement - HAVE EIGHT MEMBERS IN THE PATROL OR INCREASE PATROL MEMBERSHIPS OVER THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS.

Most patrols are probably not bigger than 8 boys.