by gmf228 » Fri Jan 28, 2011 1:36 pm
Thanks for all the responses. I’m glad to see so many people so passionate about scouting. I would like to address some of the responses.
Thanks for the definition of “Active” for boy scouts, but active is defined differently for Webelos as posted by smtroop168, and can be found in the Webelos handbook, although I would disagree that this doesn’t carry forward to the Arrow of Light. Since it is not defined for the Arrow of Light, and the only definition in the Webelos handbook is that for the Webelos Badge, wouldn’t a Webelos also think this would apply for the next award? It is worded the same for both Awards, located 14 pages apart in the scout’s Handbook, “be an active member of your den.”
At the beginning of the Webelos program, our den and parents talked about what “active” means. Since 60% is considered a passing grade in our school system, we all thought that was a good benchmark to achieve for attendance. All the scouts and families agreed to this. As a CM, I know that no leader can change or amend the requirements for any advancement. We, as a den, just wanted to clarify within the den what we all thought, and agreed to, was “good” attendance.
Since the beginning of the year, we have had 25 den meetings and outings. This scout has only been at 10. I even changed meeting times, at the request of the family, but he still didn’t show up. All the other scouts have attended at least 15, while most have attended at least 20 (two have been at 24). Phone calls and e-mails to the family resulted in promises that the scout would be in attendance at future meetings, promises which were unfulfilled.
Another part of the “active” definition for Webelos is to work on den projects”. We have had four projects this year that we have worked on. This scout has only worked on 1, while all the other scouts have done all 4.
Two months ago, the father and I talked and I explained to him that his son most likely would not earn the Arrow of Light unless he attended the majority of our remaining meetings, and completed the necessary requirements. At the time, he only had 5 badges completed, while the rest of the den had 12-15 completed. He expressed that his son had lost interest. Since then, he has been to less than half the den activities. Two days ago, the mother said her son wanted the Arrow, and practically demanded that I award it to him, even though he has not met the necessary requirements.
It has been our pack’s policy since before I was involved, that Webelos crossover in February, at our Blue and Gold Dinner. We are two weeks away, so time is critical. I gave a deadline of January 31 for all requirements to be completed, so arrows could be ordered and assembled in time for presentation at our B&G.
I was personally unable to attend the campout where the scout was playing cards, due to an emergency at work. The scout was accompanied by his father (this was a joint outing with our Troop). Both the scout and father knew what the requirements were, yet the scout chose to play cards instead of helping his fellow scouts. The Scoutmaster asked the scout to help, but he refused (the other Webelos on the trip prepared the meal). I know that cooking a meal is not mandatory, but this could have been done to fulfill the requirement.
We have had 8 camping opportunities since the den began the Webelos program where Outdoorsman requirements were worked on. He and his family chose not to attend any of these, except for the last trip. (The scout had camped on three of the four trips during Wolf and Bear years, so the family does camp). We also worked on and discussed various other parts of the Outdoorsman requirements at meetings, which the scout did not attend.
The Cub Scout Motto is “Do Your Best”. After working with this scout, and many others, since they were Tigers, I feel I know what their best is. This scout has not done his best this year, and has been far from it. This scout’s older brother went through the Cub program, but never participated in Boy Scouts. After consulting with our committee and with the Scoutmaster, we all feel this scout will also drop from the program. I have tried to get the scout to participate, but either he, or his family, is uninterested.
As a den leader, I did my best to accommodate everyone’s busy schedule. I held den meetings and activities on various days, so all could attend the majority of our meetings. I know many of the scouts missed various practices in order to make scouting a priority. The Arrow of Light is the highest honor that a Boy Scout can earn. In today’s society where “everyone gets a trophy”, I feel that this honor should truly be earned. If it’s not, what lesson are we actually teaching our kids?
!