imachristian13

Hi folks... We have a BSA Troop with +/- 30 members, Scoutmaster, 8 ASMs, and a somewhat active Committee. For the most part, these are all good folks but they have developed their own version of what this should be. Three quick examples: 1. At Boards of Review (non-Eagle), the candidate is hazed. The room is set as if it were an interrogation. He is challenged on nonsensical BSA rules (does he have the correct sock on the left or right foot). He is asked questions that do not pertain to his advancement, his views on the troop, or areas he might improve. Finally, a charade is put on where the Scout is asked to leave the room while the Board "discusses" his candidacy - we do no such thing. Then, he returns and is told that "if his book is signed, he has achieved the new rank - if not, he may request another Board in 2-3-4 weeks (whatever the leader makes up on the fly). [Nevermind that ASMs are always present] I am all for having some fun (Left-Handed Smoke Shifters anyone?) but this is just not what we are supposed to be about. 2. Knowing full well that every Troop meeting can be set up in many fashions, ours has no structure and the entire 20 minutes of closing (where the Scoutmaster's "Minute" is supposed to be) is just insane. 3. Sometimes, no effort is made to communicate with the entire Troop (on Troopwide items of course). Last year, for example, the Troop was invited to assist with the local Flag Day ceremony. The SM and ASM only shared this with 3-4 Scouts who got to experience a nice event. The only way that the other 26 Scouts found out about it was when pictures showed up in the local paper. There's a clique-y attitude in the leadership. [For the record, I'm the type of person who would have been upset if we were invited and later found out that others weren't] I understand that not everyone needs to do this stuff exactly the same way - and that some troops thrive on organization while others prefer some chaos. It just seems to me that we ought to be doing things a bit more like everyone else and a little less "like we've always done it". In closing...what are your thoughts on the Troop's motto (they want to put this on their new Troop shirts now)? "If you're gonna be stupid...you'd better be tough!" Thanks for listening - sorry for being a bit rantlike.

All of the comments here...for, against, other...are all appreciated. With a notable exception... Basementdweller? Your overuse of "Geezus" is no less insulting to Christian Believers than simply uttering the name of Jesus Christ in vain. Whether you care or not, I don't really have a concern. Just think it shows poor taste on your part. Same goes for your comment about someone missing their "meds". Funny to some? Sure. Insulting to those who take meds for legitimate medical reasons every day? Absolutely. You know better...you just choose to do otherwise.

Well I surely opened up a can of worms on all sides. Again, remember why I came here. To get other people's views BEFORE making any stink about this. Those of you that took that tack with me, thank you. Some commented on lightening up because it's good to have a leader instead of none or that I should volunteer to do it. I don't think I ever said otherwise. By the way, I have direct ties to the cause here as well so those who seemed to be questioning my right to comment on the provocative shirts - as if just being a human being wasn't enough reason to dislike the shirts - I've spent plenty of time in life coping with cancer and its effects thank you very much. Thanks all!

Interesting comments all. Here's some follow-up from the OP. First, nobody is looking to go after anyone here (that's why I came to a forum like this instead of contacting a leader higher up the food chain. Second, someone thought I was young yet I have a son old enough to be in Boy Scouts. Barring a very early teen fatherhood, I'd have to be at least 26 or 27, right? Anyways, I'm 44. On the 5K: This scenario was odd in that it was both a scout function AND a non-scout function at the same time. My son and I were participating as volunteers from the troop. The ASM, PL and others were participating as runners. My actual "argument" if you will, it concerns me that this ASM recruited boys from the troop to come and enjoy the event - purchasing them all the questionable shirts. The line between ASM and adult friend is so clearly blurred its difficult. On the smoking. I really just wanted to know what the policy was and wasn't. Any further thoughts are welcomed.

Thank you TAHAWK for your comments. I appreciate it

Hi folks... First, strictly a policy question. What is protocol regarding smoking (tobacco products) while in uniform? Our Scoutmaster is seriously addicted and, while we can respect that it's difficult, he doesn't seem to care if he smokes around the boys or while representing the troop. Second, what are your thoughts on this? Recently, our troop assisted with a local run/walk for breast cancer research. One of our Assistant Scoutmasters also had a team running/walking in the event with many of his friends and family - including 5 or 6 of our troop members (including my son's patrol leader). The team wore t-shirts that stated "Save A Rack" with a pair of deer antlers to defer attention away from the obvious breast joke. The team members also had nicknames on the rear of the shirt that were equally inappropriate for young men to wear. I get that free speech is here and that the leaders and those boys were not acting in an official capacity as participants in the event. However, my son commented on how inappropriate he felt it was for his patrol leader and Asst. Scoutmaster to wear the shirts - he felt (and I agree) that it goes against what scouts should be learning under "morally straight". Where does the line get drawn? Thanks for your answers. Sincerely.