Consider a possible return to making the Merit Badge options broader, similar to how they were in the fitites and sixties with choosing from groups.

[skeptic]

One of the things that has I have often felt as a leader is that the concept of breadth in merit badge options should be reinstated.  IN the fifties and sixties we had the required badges of the time, but also a "selection" from a number of categories  which broadened the picture.  It was similar to the once required college breadth for graduation that included classes from the less common areas, including art and music.  That, in my opinion, leads to a bit more depth of knowledge and the world in general.  What might be the thoughts on this being reinstated in a more modern manner?  

[DuctTape]

Good idea. Currently there are more options within the required list than when I was a scout, but not like before. Apparently these always fluctuate. Sadly what is not fluctuating is the continued erosion of the mB part of the program by summer camps, "universities" and troop only counselors. Scouts are less and less benefiting from the mB process by having the badge be the sole aim.

[Eagle94-A1]

Sadly I do not think it matters. The focus has been on MBs and Eagle, no one focuses on fun, adventure, and personal growth. Besides,  a lot of places are giving MBs away.

[skeptic]

This old guy feels as if it does matter and we should stop accepting these types of things and putting some honesty back into our units and setting a better example.  Probably, and sadly, you are likely to be more correct than I am, and we seem to have lost sight of much of the best Character examples we have tried to exemplify over time.  But, maybe not??

[DuctTape]

It does matter, but the train left the station long ago.

[InquisitiveScouter]

1 hour ago, DuctTape said:

It does matter, but the train left the station long ago.

It does.  And there is "chaos" and cheating all around.  Be responsible for what you do.  I have been asked many times to sign off something a Scout has not earned, or that I have not witnessed.  I politely refuse.

This is the best example we can give.  And to admit our own mistakes and how we have tried to correct them.

If you go looking for offenders, they are easy to find, but you will not win the day by identifying them, pointing them out, and imposing your will to make things right.  In their hearts, they know they are cheating, being dishonest, or gaming the system.  So do their parents.

When their heart is right, they will ask you to show the way.

Pray simply that God and our consciences will convict us, so that our hearts would be right, and that we will follow the truths of the Scout Oath and Law.

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.  Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

 

[scoutldr]

Unfortunately, it is the new morality, which is "I got mine, the hell with the rules".  I saw it when BSA started admitting girls, and Cubs were the "trial run", with supposedly separate-sex dens.  Then supposedly separate-sex troops.  I heard more than one "leader" on here and on FB admit that they had gone fully co-ed, because "that's what works best for us", while maintaining the charade on paper.  I "retired" from Scouting in 2018 after having been a continuous member of the same Council since 1963 (Eagle 1970) as a Cub, Boy Scout, OA, Explorer, and adult leader in nearly all positions including District and Council Committees.  When I let them know I would not be re-registering, the response was "ok, thanks" and thus it ended.  I do not regret leaving as I feel the BSA has lost its way, as evidenced by the plummeting membership numbers. 

[InquisitiveScouter]