Background: our troop of 35 Scouts has been to three different summer camps in the past five years. Camp A has regularly scheduled classes taught by reasonable instructors, some better than others, with free time or classes in the afternoon. Camp B has regularly scheduled classes taught by higher quality instructors (this camp is the best in the area & the counselor positions are highly desired by many) with scheduled troop time in the afternoon. Camp C has regularly scheduled classes with "laid back" instructors who will allow you to show up whenever, with free time & Scout Skills in the afternoon.
Mr X, the gentleman who will probably be the next Advancement Chair (after I step down in 2009) went to Camp B last year and returned with the troop from Camp C yesterday. He was really happy with the lack of rigor in the MB program at Camp C. My own son refused to take one of the MB classes when the instructor told the participants that they didn't have to come back till Thursday when they'd just talk about things and he'd sign everything off. My son earned the Rowing MB, but came home and said that now he'd like to really learn how to row. Very disappointing.
I'm more of a "by the book" kind of person, and I am afraid of the direction the troop will be headed under the advancement leadership of Mr X. How can I effectively work with him and help him to see why it is better for Scouts to actually learn the MB material? The current SM also values true learning, but the upcoming SM is more like Mr X. I am very aware of the guidelines that MB counselors need to follow, and our troop MB counselors are fairly well trained. But this is about taking Scouts to a merit badge mill for Summer Camp.
I will, of course, continue to talk with Scouts about what it means to actually earn a merit badge and to help them feel pride for their accomplishments.
Thanks, in advance, for your feedback & ideas.
MeritBadge.Net
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