GirlScoutLeader

Thanks so much for all your feedback and support. Your comments have shed a lot of light on the matter. Fred Johnson's comment was especially helpful. I think I have a better picture of it now. I think the issue in our troop was more that there was nothing reflective in the whole process (the Scout was not asked for his view of his behaviour and if it was in line with the principles of the law and promise); rather the Scoutmaster was the judge of Scout Spirit, as in "I'm not going to have a SM conference with you as I don't like your Scout Spirit" so it was never clear to me what it was. My son could also rarely get concrete feedback from the SM since, of course, he did not have a SM conference or a Board of Review.

The BSA definition of Scout Spirit is very general. To what extent can individual troops "quantify" the definition with specific examples? What do you all think of this individual troop's definition?

Scout spirit shows how the scout reflects the values of the scouting community. Specifically, the scout shows scout spirit if he follows the scout law and oath in his daily life.

We can measure this in a number of ways:

- Does the scout come to meetings, even if they are more work-related (e.g. service projects), and does he pay attention?

- Does the scout complain about necessary tasks, e.g. cleaning dishes?

- Does the scout show a willingness to try something new, e.g. a merit badge?

- Does the scout come prepared for activities, e.g. camping?

- Does the scout help others?

For the scout leaders (first-class, star, life) there are additional criteria:

- Is the scout willing to teach younger scouts even if this does not improve his rank?

- Does the scout watch out for the safety of others?

- Does he teach by demonstrating, watching and if need be correcting (or does he merely give commands)?

- Does he show respect for adult leaders?

- Does he help the troop run by organizing events?

- Does he volunteer in his community?

For Eagle scouts the criteria are even higher:

- Is he recognized as a leader in his community?

- Is he treated as an adult leader by the troop?

Thanks in advance for your feedback?