Crowdsourcing Thoughts On This Issue

[Tron]

Long weekend, I was out of town on scouting business. I had a scout parent come to me with a unique problem that I am really chewing on. The parent is pissed and ready to pull his three boys out of scouting (transferring troops is not an option). Two of the boys are just along for the ride, the third boy is the scouting engine of the family; however, the third boy has flatlined on advancement and it doesn't make sense. 

The scout is in a nationally highly ranked high school, ranked in the top 10 in my state, competitive entry, he beat out 750 other kids for his freshman slot in the school. That tells me that the kid is smart and driven. You don't get into schools like this without being smart, having drive, and being able to complete tasks. The scout has been in Scouts BSA for 4 years come March, has 49 camping nights, reportedly has participated in every service project for the past 3 years, and has dropped out of sports to focus on scouts. Scout has wanted to go to NYLT for a couple of years now and the window to register is quickly closing per my council website. 

The scout is stuck at 2nd class, and for some reason can't get simple things like 1st class 5a and 5b signed off. The parent swears that the scout is not being held back on purpose, he said he's long term friends with a lot of the other troop leaders, he's a member of the charter org, etc ...  None of this makes sense to me because outside looking in it sounds like the scout is being held back on purpose by the troop leadership; however, how can I argue with the parent. 

What does the crowd think? 

[scoutldr]

What is your role in the troop?  A SM Conference can be held at any time.

[DuctTape]

Hard to really tell, but you are correct, something seems off.

[Tron]

19 hours ago, scoutldr said:

What is your role in the troop?  A SM Conference can be held at any time.

I am not in the troop, I am third party that was approached for advice. 

[fred8033]

4 years in scouts.  49 camp outs.  ... He should have had plenty of opportunities to advance.  Technically, the scout could have easily earned Eagle by then.  Key point is the troop should be watching and supporting the scout getting at least to 1st class.

Edited 9 hours ago by fred8033

[fred8033]

Thinking a bit more ... I am getting crotchety in my old age.  LOL.  ...  I hope the scout can advance.  That would be great.  ...

But when I hear a parent threaten to pull their scout out because they can't advance, I am frustrated.  Advancement is just one benefit and not the biggest one. 

Is the scout having a positive experience in scouting?  Having fun?   Growing in character and responsibility?  If so, that's the big part.  ... I wish advancement always naturally followed that, but it doesn't always.    And it makes me sad when the scout loses out on advancement.  ... But to threaten to pull the scout because of that is also frustrating to me.  

Edited 7 hours ago by fred8033

[SSScout]

Yep SM conference, or a "room corner"  "hows it goin'?"  convo with another adult he knows.....

The other brothers are who they are, there may be some jealousy issues with #3 Scout. Hard to say/see from our distance.. 

We had a Scout in our Troop , coasted along in 2nd for a long time.  Did Merit Badges, hiked, camped, could not get a few 1st class things done.  SM corraled him at the  next campout, . The next month's CoH, he was awarded 1st AND Star.  He did not make Eagle, but last I saw him , he was a Senior Cashier at our local bank. 

[skeptic]

Probably polishing my "annoyed stone" a bit, but the fact he did not make Eagle is secondary.  Did he enjoy his time, and did he learn to live the Spirit?