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I've been a Scoutmaster for just a few years but have been in Scouting for my whole life. Worked Scout camp for 10+ years so I understand how things (should) work. I am prepared to accept that Summer Camp Merit Badge instruction is typically not the same quality as you would get with a traditional merit badge counselor or even in a troop merit badge program. However, the past few years (from different camps in different councils) it seems as if Summer Camp is more of a merit badge fair, where scouts just show up to a class, goof off, and get a "Complete" at the end of the week.

Perhaps you could consider alternate arrangements that would address the concerns of the other leaders and parents but still provide an outlet for this young man to be involved in the program. I was previously involved in a unit that 14+ Assistant Scoutmasters (troop size around 45-55) and each ASM had specific oversight over certain aspects of the troop. As such, some adults were more hands on with the scouts than other adult leaders who worked more "behind the scenes". Maybe you could consider a committee level position or ASM role that worked with equipment or communications so

I'm a new SM for a troop that didn't use the Patrol Method prior to me taking over. In fact, they don't appear to have done a lot of camping in the past few years at all. Aside from trying to teach basic troop operations and patrol method to the 12 scouts, I'm also burdened with having to try and "update" the troop equipment. My plan is to purchase Eurkea 4-man tents for the troop as our current tents are 25+ year old pup tents (Philmont style). I don't have a problem with those tents but difficult trying to get them to use Troop tents instead of their own personal tents. Here's