bigdaddyal

Thanks for the comments and the advice concerning training and necessity of reporting any incident that we feel is abuse as defined by Guide to Safe Scouting. This incident has not been reported yet due to circumstances of incident and the surprise and effect on the adult leader that observed it.

I submitted this topic for discussion because of the difficulty that most of the registered adults in our troop had in confronting this problem. We have (individually and collectively) worked through this difficulty and will respond more quickly in the future for the benefit of the boys. One of my goals was to get others to think about how they would respond.

I view our job in Scouts as adult leaders to be responsible to the boy and his well-being - we are here for the boys. I am not trained in helping adults with their problems and do not see it as my job - some may happen along the way as we work together with the boys. I am concerned with the boy/adult interaction primarily during Scout activities. In general, it is not in the best interest of the boy for a scout leader to directly interfere with the parent/child relationship - but to respect that relationship and encourage it when you can.

The discipline which was applied was excessive as defined by Scouting guidelines. It was negative and demeaning to the boy. Any other details only serve to provoke an emotional response in this case. At least two registered adults feel that the discipline is abusive as defined by Youth Protection Guidelines.

We have a written troop guideline that states that parents are welcome on activities; but that they should stand back and allow the boy leaders and trained adult leaders to do their jobs.

In addition to what I had originally stated, I had in mind to propose that in order to participate in troop activities, this adult must complete Scoutmaster Fundamentals Training and then submit his adult application to the troop committee. This provides him a way to learn how Scouting tries to teach Scouts to learn and to lead.

Thanks for the discussion. Keep it coming.

We have had several incidents with an adult using excessive discipline with his son while on troop outings. We have taken the following steps:

(1) Troop committee chairman discussion with the adult concerning one incident.

(2) Written account of the incident prepared by ASM for Troop committee. Discussion by SM and ASMs concerning situation.

(3) Troop committee chairman discussion of incident (no names) with District Executive and what was proper action for troop. No Troop Commissioner is available.

(4) Scheduled discussion with adult and Troop Committee to resolve the problems.

The registered Scouters in the troop who are dealing with this problem have resolved themselves to solve this problem and not allow this adult to use excessive discipline while at troop functions - but to keep the problem as a difference of opinion between Scouting and Troop Committee guidelines and personnal ideas - not a person-to-person conflict. In other words, this problem will be resolved by the Troop Committee and this adult.

I would like some discussion on the following:

(1) Lack of guidelines and procedure for discipline of adult behavior during Scouting activites from Council or National. Our troop is applying the same procedures that we use for Scout discipline.

(2) We tolerated several minor incidents before discussing the problem with the adult. How many cases of adult abuse are ignored because we find it hard to confront another adult?

(3) What is a reasonable resolution? We are considering telling this adult that he may attend only award ceremonies where his son receives a badge. We don't think that he will ever change his ideas about discipline. We want to keep the boy in the troop - but accept the fact that he may not be able to attend if we restrict his father.