Scouting Pet Peeve?

[InquisitiveScouter]

On 10/6/2025 at 12:53 PM, RememberSchiff said:

Reciting the Scout Law too fast.

IMHO, there should a slight pause after each Law to reflect and change facial expression for the next Law. Serious looks for Trustworthy and Loyal, Thrifty, Clean;  smiles for Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Cheerful;  stern for Obedient, Brave, solemn for Reverent. 

We should not be spitting back the Laws like alphabet letters at a traffic stop. 

I like this pace. Say the Laws as Scoutmaster Oborny signs them.

My $0.02,

One way we have developed to slow it down, and to make sure Scouts know it, is to do a repeat after me Scout Oath, Law, and Outdoor Code.

A little pressure is a wonderful impetus to learn something well 😜

[mrjohns2]

12 hours ago, Jameson76 said:

A National Organization that continues to believe the infrastructure needs to be reflective of the 70's (almost 5 million) rather than today (less than 1 million). 

I think one link can simply sum up a lot of issues with National: National Staff Cufflinks | Boy Scouts of America.

I like local councils for running summer camp, though. 

[yknot]

Scouting America still selling cringe Indian Lore merit badge craft kits through online store... complete with medicine pouch and "proud hunter" necklace. 

[Tron]

8 hours ago, yknot said:

Scouting America still selling cringe Indian Lore merit badge craft kits through online store... complete with medicine pouch and "proud hunter" necklace. 

I don't get the indian lore stuff at all; with all of the headaches, people looking for a fight, politically correct paths to navigate; the whole indian lore thing is a liability with no redeeming quality. 

[FireStone]

Unpopular opinion I'm sure, but: 

Eagle Scouts who can't congratulate a new Eagle without making it about themselves and mentioning that they are an Eagle (usually along with the year they earned it as well). Why not just a "Congrats, huge achievement, best of luck in your future endeavors." 

[skeptic]

It is often expected to identify if you are part of the group.  At many COH's they even have all the Eagles gather around in some manner.  For years at our Eagle recognition gatherings they would do some type of "who is the earliest Eagle here" type of thing.  But, bragadocio is misplaced too often and can be annoying.  But, Kind is one of the points of the Law.  So, smile and go with the flow.  I have learned after decades that it is not worth the sour stomach to let it bother me.  

[scoutldr]

1 hour ago, FireStone said:

Unpopular opinion I'm sure, but: 

Eagle Scouts who can't congratulate a new Eagle without making it about themselves and mentioning that they are an Eagle (usually along with the year they earned it as well). Why not just a "Congrats, huge achievement, best of luck in your future endeavors." 

I do it not just to congratulate the Scout, but to let them know they are joining a Brotherhood (Sisterhood) of Eagles who are welcoming him/her to the fold. Many went before you and we are glad you are joining us to continue living by the Scout Oath and Law.

Eagle Scout, Class of 1970.

[InquisitiveScouter]

1 hour ago, skeptic said:

It is often expected to identify if you are part of the group.  At many COH's they even have all the Eagles gather around in some manner.  For years at our Eagle recognition gatherings they would do some type of "who is the earliest Eagle here" type of thing.  But, bragadocio is misplaced too often and can be annoying.  But, Kind is one of the points of the Law.  So, smile and go with the flow.  I have learned after decades that it is not worth the sour stomach to let it bother me.  

Avoid calling attention to your own deeds.  Allow others the opportunity to ask about them, or recognize your achievements.  We should all practice humility.

Edited 11 hours ago by InquisitiveScouter

[FireStone]

I just don't know of any other areas of my life where people congratulate someone for something and feel compelled to say they've done the same thing. I've never congratulated someone for a graduation and felt the need to immediately say that I also graduated from a school. In a broader conversation, sure, things like that might come up. it's just not what I would say in a brief offer of congratulations, basically in the same sentence. 

It's my pet peeve, I know it's not everyone's. I guess I just like to be more understated.