momof2scouts

Problem solved. Former ScoutMaster is now back in charge. Thankfully, he was in a better situation to step back in & resume the duties. The replacement ScoutMaster was already withdrawing from the troop's activities as he felt most of the parents didn't like him. He was right, but only by his own doings. Personally, I appreciate the fact that he was giving his time to the troop, but he isn't doing anyone (including himself) any favors by assuming a ScoutMaster role. Thanks for all your replies to my son's original post.

As the Mom of this particular Boy Scout, I'm sad to say that this is a legitimate situation. I am pleased & proud of my son for turning to others in scouting for opinions before determining what actions will follow. I was not aware of his posting until this evening when I overheard him updating his Father about some of the reponses. He gets a high five from me on self-advocacy regarding this dilemna.

A little insight into my son first, then I'll share a little insight on the ScoutMaster. My son is 14&1/2. He is in the 9th grade taking several honors classes & is being quite successful in his academics. He has shoulder length hair which is the only distinctive characteristic about him physically. (His hair length is his choice. My only requests are that it is clean & out of his face.) My son has been in Scouting since 1st grade when he joined as a Tiger Cub. He also belongs to the Order of the Arrow. I also have another son that is a Cub Scout & my oldest son is Den Chief for that particular Den. My son participated in the People-to-People program traveling to Yosemite & the Headlands Institute in California during his summer after 6th grade. My son is also the recipient of the Mayor's Award for Youth Volunteer Services after contributing more than 100 hours of his summer (after 8th grade) at a children (7 & under) hands on museum & resource center. Last, but certainly not least, my son is also active with our church & serves as a Sacristan.

The Scoutmaster hasn't been with the troop long, not even a full 6 months yet. (He came to us after the previous ScoutMaster stepped down due to medical conditions.) My understanding is that he hasn't been active with a troop for 10 or more years, but has been involved at a district level. He also has a military/police background. Recently this gentleman decided & implemented assignment of positions in the troop. He made my son the Senior Patrol Leader. During the presentation of my sons' Life achievement, the ScoutMaster told of a recent outing with my son at a leadership training event. The ScoutMaster said that my son asked him what he wanted him to do there. The ScoutMaster replied back to him that he wanted him to pretend he was in his back pocket. Later in the day the ScoutMaster asked my son why he was following him to which my son replied that it was at his request. The ScoutMaster was delighted & surprised to have such an obidient Scout.

The issue: During a recent weekly meeting, the ScoutMaster told my son that he would not sign off for him to be an Eagle Scout unless he cut his hair above his ears. The ScoutMaster then commented that he bet my son couldn't find him 6 long haired Eagle Scouts.

My husband & I have had conversations & discussions with & without our son regarding this situation. We both have the same goal in mind for our son, for there to be a positive resolution. After all, this is my sons choice to become an Eagle Scout & he has our full support.

My understanding is that my son does not have to have his ScoutMasters recommendation in particular. Recently I spoke in confidence with an adult Scout that participated as an Indian dancer at my younger son's Blue & Gold Banquet. This gentleman's first reaction was that the ScoutMaster is imposing his personal opinions & that he can not do it & I should report him to the council. After talking for a few minutes with me, this fellow Scouter stated that he would not want to be the ScoutMaster when my sons application moves forward without his signature as the Council will certainly want to know why it isn't included.

Personally I do not think taking this over the ScoutMaster's head is going to result in anything positive for anyone. Believe me, the thought crossed my mind immediately upon hearing of this situation. My hope instead, is that my son can rise to the challenge his ScoutMaster proposed of producing 6 Eagle Scouts with long hair. Just maybe the ScoutMaster's eyes will open, even the slightest bit, hopefully enough for him to see exactly what everyone else seems to know & that is just what makes a boy worthy of becoming an Eagle scout.

If you are or know of an Eagle Scout that has shoulder length hair or longer & would be willing to play a positive role in helping my son rise to the challenge, then please contact my son so that he may call upon you when it is time for him to move to Eagle Scout. We only ask for your support in a positive manner. Thanks for taking the time to help.