How often do you see this?

[Mrw]

The MBC chose to come to our meeting to meet with them. He just should have been much more clear with them that he would talk to them individually. He also should have made arrangements to finish with the boys he didn't get to.

[Lynda J]

I would not want to take time away from a boys troop meeting. I would make arrangements to meet with them at another time. I am lucky. I have access to our Scout Hut any time I need to use it. I will normally meet with the boys there. Have their parents bring them. I also normally have Kevin with me. Most of the badges I counsel he has earned and he enjoys helping.

[Mrw]

We have had several MBC's who have chosen to meet with boys during our regular troop meeting. It has never been an issue. We have also been to other troop's meetings to see a counselor at their request. We have also been to homes, McDonalds and the library. One guy came to our house.

I think some people prefer meeting at the troop meeting and then there is never any question of improprieties, or the scout not having a buddy, etc.

[cballman]

still most of the time a child will feel more comfortable with a person there that he knows. I do not have a problem with a parent being right beside the boy because I have told the parent when they started asking questions or point out things where their blue card was? it gets funny looks and then i have to tell them that this badge is their sons not theirs. if a person does not feel comfortable with me as a MBC then I will help[ them find another one. no problem. I ask that the req. be done not half done not 3/4 don but done I also have no problem explaining to parents what is expected of them AND their son. I have met at many different places so mcdonalds would not be a total bad thing esp. for us full figured MBC

[Eagle74]

This sounds like a paradox - Communications Merit Badge with a failure to communicate?

[scout_momx2]

I'm a MB counselor for Communications. I always require that the SM sign a blue card prior to meeting with the boys. Unless there are extraordinary circumstances, I don't sign off on any requirement completed before the SM's approval date.

We set up an introductory meeting during which I introduce myself and explain my expectations. As a group, we go over each requirement. I answer any questions. At this point, some kids are happy to work individually. Others are more comfortable in groups.

I frown on those counselors who do group work. It's not fair to those who actually do the work and participate that everyone who happens to be seated at the table "earns" the badge! If I'm in a group situation, I break the larger group into smaller groups, giving each responsibility for working on a specific requirement. Then I will either meet with boys individually in another area (in full sight of the group) or require each boy to individually explain/answer. I don't accept "me too's" or "yeah's." Each Scout has to answer fully and completely.

Good luck!

[scouter01]

As a kid, sometimes I hate that since, I really was going to say what they said, and I have to think of something else, while everyone is stearing at me. I prefer when I an say thats is what I thought to.

[jr56]

Yes, it is kind of strange that he didn't make arrangements to meet with the boys he didn't get a chance to talk to. If he wants to meet with the boys individually, fine, but he should have the courtesy to let the other boys know that he hasn't forgot about them.