Re: [Philmont]: Need help with a question

Jill,
 
Most of the solution has already been brought forward in previous posts.
 
The real problem is as most have already stated, the SM. Seems that too much focus is on the boys and the "bear prank". That isn't the issue at all. It's the way the SM is handling it.
 
He seems to spell ME with capital letters meaning he thinks more of himself than his Scouts.
 
For a SM to make a statement about not allowing them in any leadership position or to reach the rank of Eagle is preposterous.
 
Either the SM must issue an apology and retract his stand or resign. Possible both. HE put himself into this corner and he should get himself out or he has to go. That is simple to see.
 
Now how you go about this is the real problem and only you and the committee members can resolve that issue. Diplomacy is in order, top order, but the kids come first.
 
I want to point out something in your story that is grossly unfair to an individual boy. That is finding a boy guilty of being involved in the bear incident simply because he made a "bear sound" in formation. That proves nothing.
 
For heavens sake, he was only doing what boys, well, some boys, do naturally.
 
For that matter the whole thing, although maybe not the wisest decision on their part, is simply boys being boys. I'll even go so far as to state that they are more than likely GOOD boys being GOOD boys. At least they weren't destructive.
 
If that is the worst thing that happens, then you got a good group of kids.
 
Just remember that boys are not going to, nor are they supposed to, act like minature adults. That just ain't gonna be. They are kids and they will act like kids. That is why we have adult leaders go along to keep the kids from literally and figuratively diving off the cliff head first into what to them is adventure and to us as adults is obvious danger.
 
Now go work on the SM and get him straightened out and acting like an adult.
 
The entire troop will be better off for your efforts. It won't be an easy task.
 
John LeBlanc
Eagle Class of 59
Former SM
Current Unit Commissioner
 
 
<<Anyway, after the SM finished his talk, our
Committee Chair heard one
of the boys make a 'bear sound' and when they
exchanged glances, the scout
smiled. The CC knew immediately who the 'bear' was.
Nothing was said at the
moment, but we then told the SM that there wasn't a
real bear, and tried to
think of a practical, appropriate consequence for the
boys. >>

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Received on Mon Aug 18 23:39:04 2003