Navybone

Unless you are personally aware of personally involved with, or have documentation of, shortcuts taken by individual you mention, is is not fact. It is supposition on your part.

No, the rule of law is part of the discussion for the citizenship in the nation merit badge discussion about the laws and founding documents of the United States it is not part of advancement, but what we the program instills in our Scouts

Two reason I look at this differently. 1. A scout is trustworthy - if she did not meet the requirements, she is obviously not meeting the intend, standards, and ideals of scouting. 2. Part of the rule of law that we teach scouts is innocent until proven guilty. The onus is not on her to prove you wrong, she only has to make her case to her troop and her council.

The success and meaning of the Eagle Scout is based on the integrity of the system. And there are many posts in the thread that doubt that a girl was able to do what was required in such a quick time, despite lack of evidence to the contrary. I have to wonder if it is based on concern for the integrity of scouting, or simply continued angst and disagreement with the decision to allow females in scouts. If it is the former and short cuts are made, than BSA leadership needs to step up and ensure the process and system remains solid. If it is the latter, the only results of their effor

Wildly - with males and well as females.

she seems really motivated!

Absolutely - Engage the scouts and let them understand why hats, slogans, etc, can be interpreted differently, why some people take umbrage at symbols. Is this not what we want the scouts to be - is this not why there are the three citizenship merit badges. Don't we want the scouts to grow up thinking, being able to critically examine an agreement, not mindlessly provide what they have been told. However, if the debate devolves into a two-sided argument that is not constructive, than it is time to step in. there is a reason that in the Navy, three topics not to be discussed over th

I think it is a stretch to assume that the boy does not love his country or that he disrespects the flag or the US. As I have mentioned before, he would have learned that the flag is a symbol and not a holy relic. It is a symbol of a great country. Also, that being a good citizen includes speaking up for those who have no voice. Again, the Webelos took a position, now let’s let him explain it. I think being able to discuss it makes him, and his den, a better scout(s).

Totally agree.

To the point of what did it accomplish - it has been successful - people are talking. If I think about it, not sure that Scouts should have a definite definition on if a protest is ok in uniform. It is quite right to explain the action of one is not the position of the organization, but the Scouts is about developing thinking men and women. And if this boy can explain is reasoning, there is great value to be gained here.

A few thoughts- as a 5th grader, he would be learning about his roles and responsibilities as a citizen as part of Building a Better World. I would hope that Den Leaders include the role to stand up for their rights as part of the conversion. I did with my AOL Webelos. Maybe the boy's Den Leader followed this up with the boy explaining what the Pledge of Allegiance means to him - it is part of the Scouting Adventure. what an opportunity to discussion and understanding what the pledge is about (not just rote memorization). This is an opportunity for the boy to explain his actions