Mrw wrote:I got some shocked looks about a year ago when someone suggested that we invite someone to a scout meeting to do this since it is almost always the last requirement that a kids has to do, and I said we needed to make them go out and find their own person. And followed that up with a few comments on how we are spoon-feeding too much to kids and we are ending up with whiny, wimpy kids as a result.
I agree, but don't have a problem with the Troop setting up a visit from a qualifying official at a meeting when we have several Scouts working on the same requirement. As with all things like this it should be the SPL setting it up. With a group, I would spend a couple minutes with the official making sure that everyone will get involved and would explain the same to the Scouts (or perhaps the SPL would)
Mrw wrote:I routinely tell new parents that I will only give them information on a merit badge counselor once and that the next time their son needs to speak to me about it. And that the boy is expected to call the counselor as learning to make contacts for themselves is part of the aim of the program.
They look a bit surprised at being told to back off and let the kids do things for themselves, but I have not had anyone argue with me about it or need it explained more than once.
I'm with you on this one too. But I go a bit further. I explain to the parents that the Scout needs to ask and why. (It's his MB, after all.)
Same with advancement. Parent says "...X can do the Y..." I say "OK" Parent hands me book, I hand it back. Parent says "...you didn't sign it off..." I say "...I will when X shows/tells/etc. me Y..." (what I think ...censored...). MRW - surprised doesn't quite describe the parents look.
YiS
, introduce themselves, and conduct an actual interview. They spent about an hour with the guy, who was thrilled to be able to talk about rights and responsibilities [and himself]. They learned a lot about the function of government.