My active return to Scouting after 40 years has brought with it some frustrations and a need to vent. So I'll bend your ears and take a little of your time.
My son began his Scouting experience this year as a Webelos I with no previous Cub Scouting at the lower ranks. There was a very successful enrollment drive in the Fall and, as a result, there were others also brand new to the program. In this Pack there was a pre-existing full Den of Webelos I scouts who were veterans with much time working together. It was decided that all of the new arrivals would be grouped together as a second Webelos I Den for equality of training - a logical approach. The downside of this formation lies in the fact that the parents of these newcomers were told that, "One of you will have to be the Den Leader or there won't be a Den for your boys." As the "most experienced Scouter", I "should" have become the Den Leader. But, because of a completely incompatible and fluctuating retail work schedule, I have been unable to commit the appropriate time to the position. Sadly, this leaves the job to a completely untrained and inexperienced mother who "volunteered" only because "her son couldn't join if she didn't." So the "Leader" is no more knowledgeable or qualified than the Scouts. I applaud her desire to include her son, but have to question the Pack's conviction to the boys in general through this type of appointment for a Webelos training level. I'm aware that Leader Training is available, but feel that it shouldn't come after the fact. In contrast, the other Webelos I Leader is highly experienced, trained, and extremely effective.
I have also gleaned from the Pack hierarchy that "the boys should have fun" is more important than "following the rules" doing things "the right way". I've noted that at Pack meetings the Cub Scout and Boy Scout handshakes have gotten "confused" - the SM and ASM always use the latter with the Cubs and instruct them likewise. SM and DLs wear their uniform shirts untucked often (if they wear them) - an example followed by half the boys. Just last month the SM announced that the coming Pack meeting will be held at a commercial Karate facility to acquaint the boys with the philosophical benefits of martial arts. Although I personally agree with this philosophy, I see as not only an environment detrimental to order and attention to Scout business, but also a flagrant violation of BSA policy.
There is also a practice in my son's Den (I'm not familiar with the other Dens) that "all boys at the party get equal gifts". This may be a generational thing (Im old enough to be most Scouts parents parent) where everybody's equal and progression is based on the lowest common denominator. ?? My son has been told that he'll have to wait on some awards until the other boys catch up! I don't view Scouting as a one-hour-a-week thing! I read his handbook, work with him on projects and assignments, and keep track of his accomplishments on a daily basis. In under 6 months he is qualified to receive his Webelos rank, but must wait for the others to qualify. Why should he be penalized or held up for the slower progression of others? That might be fine for Tigers or Wolves, but older boys, in preparation for Boy Scouts, I think ought to work and progress at their own best pace.
OK Now Ive vented sufficiently. Maybe next year my time schedule will be better suited to jumping in with both feet and being an official Leader myself.