Jump to content

Scouting is doomed


Recommended Posts

Always liked REM...   

Okay, so it's the end of the (Scouting) world as we know it.

Exactly why has Scouting (as we know it) gone down hill of late? Has it gone down hill? In no particular order, here's what I've heard....  Let's make a list.

1) PTB began catering to the urban family in the 70's.

2) Loss of "traditional" outdoor, rough and rugged activities in favor of electronics/indoor/STEM/

3)  Society views Scouting as old time, not socially relevant.

4) Loss of "Patrol Method"/Boy Centered  in favor of "Adult Led". 

5) Requirements for ranks and Merit Badges have gotten easier (Parlor Eagles?)

6) Society has changed (Allow any healthy human to join?)

7) Game with a purpose?   Games are not socially progressive enough.

8)  Old style patriotism versus real patriotism?

9)  Religion versus faith versus ....   what need for religion?

10)  Competition for our youth's attention is greater than in years past.  What gang is a kid to join?  Scouts?  MS13?  Minecraft?  4H?  Soccer? Grand Theft Auto?  Football?

11)  Who wants to wear that dorky uniform? Band?  Football?  ROTC? 

12)   Oh Hum....   

 

Is some folks concern for "Numbers" and "Money" totals really not the issue we should be concerned with?   Quality versus quantity?   What's my commission for organizing a RoundTable?

 

 

 

Edited by SSScout
  • Downvote 1
Link to post
Share on other sites
7 minutes ago, cocomax said:

Not only is scouting doomed,   Civilization as we know it is doomed.  .  .   we have left the slippery sloop and are now in free fall without a parachute.

Image result for meteor hitting earth

Link to post
Share on other sites

The answer to each of your reasons is true and false depending on your perspective.  From my perspective (rural middle of the country) will be different than suburban, urban, exurban, coastal, intermountain west, etc.  

@LatinScot, all you said is true, and none of it requires the corporation that is the BSA.  

Link to post
Share on other sites

FINALLY,  discussion begins.     Thank you Latin Scout...  

Altho as some of you may note, I have penned the occasional song parody, but this wasn't really meant to be sung.... 

Like Will Rogers said once, "all I know is what I read in the papers."    Wellll, now we have internet to read, along with my Roundtable and oldtimers (older than me, even) to hear from.... and  so we progress, (tongue firmly in cheek).

So what has (in some peoples minds)   doomed Scouting? Anything to add to the list?   Did I get it all right?   Anything missing we have to contradict?  

Edited by SSScout
Link to post
Share on other sites
17 hours ago, SSScout said:

So what has (in some peoples minds)   doomed Scouting? Anything to add to the list?   Did I get it all right?   Anything missing we have to contradict?  

UK Slant...

13. Getting rid of berets

14. Banning "pegging out"*

15. Getting rid of patrol tents**

16. The Adventurous Activities permit system***

* Hazing, basically, but not necessarily the new kid, just someone who had usually annoyed the Alpha Scout, or was generally the victim. Tied out to four pegs and various jams (jellies) sauces food slops applied. Acceptable in the 80s.

** Great big green canvas things that slept the whole patrol in. And they're still used by some.

*** That means, for example, you can't go climbing without being trained and checked that you know what you're doing. 

 

Of course, maybe it's already changed so much that it isn't "proper" scouting any more, and therefore scouting isn't just doomed, it's already gone.

Link to post
Share on other sites
43 minutes ago, ianwilkins said:

* Hazing, basically, but not necessarily the new kid, just someone who had usually annoyed the Alpha Scout, or was generally the victim. Tied out to four pegs and various jams (jellies) sauces food slops applied. Acceptable in the 80s.

Um.  The 1980s or the 1480s?  :D

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

In sort of chronological order ...

No more Eagle, old guys. Bird Study? Bye Bye.

It's for boys, so make it school. Bookwork MB's have them drool.

Girl, Godless, Gay? Don't say! SCOTUS: "National, have your way!"

Achievement? Bah! Identity! Drop the First Class Journey.

Uniform the committee. Fancy knots in rows of three.

YPT? That lawyer's fee! Secret files are so scary!

No adult? Stay at home! Camping kids go on their own.

Explorers camping. Really? Call them Venturers, set them free!

NESA's Eagle promos grind. There's one on Silver! "Never Mind!".

Older ventures, that's not fine. Twenty-one can't be the line.

Paperwork for all adults. MBC's must join the cult!

Girl Scouts, where are you?

"Find us flushies." Boo hoo.

First class ladies: "Help us please!"

Old farts: "They make us sneeze!"

The World Jamboree's coming. Don't blow it!

Scouting's co-eds are cool, and they show it!

Even Saudi and Pakistan know it.

We'll be fine.

 

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites
On 2/7/2018 at 3:01 PM, SSScout said:

 

So what has (in some peoples minds)   doomed Scouting? Anything to add to the list?   Did I get it all right?   Anything missing we have to contradict?  

* Female Scoutmasters

* Liberals

* Conservatives

*  Heavy influence by the Church of Latter Day Saints

* Elimination of merit badges for farming Scouts

* Public schools no longer sponsoring units

* Churches no longer sponsoring units

* Trail Life

* Guide to Safe Scouting rules

* Helicopter Parenting

* Troop only Merit Badge counselors

* Popcorn Sales (product too expensive)

* Parents afraid of the outdoors making their children afraid of the outdoors.

* Millenials

* Baby Boomers

and etc. etc. etc.

Edited by CalicoPenn
Link to post
Share on other sites

Given that many youth organization numbers are down, I’d recommed looking at society.  

- Women working outside the home/dual income families

- Internet and gaming improvements

- Year round sports organizations

- Lack of buy in that an outdoor organization has relevance in today’s society 

 

Edited by Eagle1993
Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...