Gary,
Were the adult leaders in uniform? I would have to say not. There is
nothing with the awareness of the program, just how some individuals
perceive themselves in the program and what their Scouts really want.
As we tell our Scouts here in MA, if it were a sporting event, the WHOLE
TEAM would have proper uniforming, even the coaches. So, there should be
no difference with Boy Scouts. I noticed the same situation at Summer Camp
this summer. Some units have nice Class B uniforms (hats & shirts) but
they looks like "raggamuffins" in Class A's. If the Scouts on the train
were misbehaving, then it was good they were not easily recognized.
* * * * * *
A few years ago while flying home from Florida Sea Base with a crew, we had
an error with our return airflight. We arrived at Miami Airport early and
approached the ticket counter. I waited with our crew. At one point, the
clerk and the other two leaders waived toward us and we (me and six boys)
waived back. When asked later what happened, I was told by my co-leaders
that the ticketcounter clerk "waived" the $50 flight change fee per person
since we were traveling as a presentable Scout unit in Class A's. It also
helped that the clerk was once a Scout himself!
So, add this story to your books on how the Scout uniform commands respect!
Mike Clark
mclark@gis.net
* * * * * * * *
Gary wrote:
Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2003 22:21:44 -0500
From: "the Stanley's" <stanley@myvine.com>
Subject: Add another to the books
Our crew arrived home in the wee hours of the morning last Friday.
We had itinerary number 3 in the north country. A great itinerary.
The hike through the burned canyons was awe inspiring. All that verical
charcoal.
Don't fret though the undergrowth is making a great recovery and with the
help of the
Philmont staff and treking crews it will recover nicely.
I was dismayed at the number of crews not traveling in uniform.
We traveled home on the train with two other crews.
We were uniformed and they were not.
They did not present themselves as Scouts,
as though they were ashamed of public association with the program.
I found it difficult to understand, knowing htat they had just taken part
in an oppotunity that can be found no where else.
Is there something wrong with my perception of the BSA programs values
and how we should train our Scouts?
Gary Stanley
Advisor 801-I 2003
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Received on Tue Aug 19 08:36:36 2003
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