Scout Spirit

[OldGreyBear]

I decided to spin this off of the Thread on Eagle Boards of Review. The question is Scout Spirit, what is it and how does one "Pass" Scout Spirit. The first step I would expect a new scout to do is read what his handbook says about scout spirit, on page 47 it reads:

Scout Spirit refers to the effort you make to live up to the ideals of Scouting. The Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan serve as everyday guidelines for a good life.

Then the rest of the time Scout Spirit is mentioned in the Scout Handbook, it is discussed this way:

Tenderfoot, Requirement #13 p60
discuss scout spirit with your scoutmaster and with older boy scouts in your troop. Ask them for examples of how you can demonstrate Scout Spirit . You will likely hear examples of the Scout Oath and Law as ways to show your Scout spirit

Second Class Requirement #9 p108
Most requirements for Scout ranks can be measured by other people. When you set out to swim 50 feet for the Second Class swimming requirement, anyone can see that you have covered the distance. How well you live the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your life, though is something for you to judge. You know when you are being kind, when you are helpful and a good friend. You know when you are trustworthy. and reverent. You alone know how you act when no one is around to witness what you do. Do the best you can to live each day by the Scout Oath and Law. You might look back on some of the decisions you've made and wish you had acted differently, but you can learn from those moments and promise yourself you will do better in the future. And don’t be surprised that when you use the scout oath and law for guidance, others will recognize those values in you and respect you for it. Set high standards for yourself and strive to reach them. No one can ask anymore of you

First class Requirement #10 p164
At troop and patrol gatherings you've recited the Scout Oath and the Scout Law dozens of times. The words come easily to you, but do you know what those words mean? The Scout Oath and Scout Law are not just for reciting at meetings. They are not just to be obeyed while you are wearing a uniform. The spirit of Scouting that they represent is every bit as important when you are at home, at school and in your community. The Scout Oath begins with the words, "On my honor. . ." Your honor is your word. By giving your word, you are promising to be of good character and to keep your reputation untarnished. Be trustworthy in all you say and do. Extend friendship to others. Be thrifty with your time and resources. Be tolerant of others, regardless of their differences, and celebrate the great diversity that enriches our nation and the world. Express reverence in accordance with your beliefs. Offer a helping hand because you want to, not because you expect a reward. The standards set by the Scout Oath and Scout Law are very high Strive to reach them every day, and you will find that they become as natural for you to live by as they are for you to say.

Star/Life/Eagle p170
BY NOW, DOING GOOD TURNS should be a regular part of your life You are always on the lookout for ways to help others.
By now, Be Prepared should describe your efforts to make the most of educational opportunities, get along with others, and take part in outdoor adventures. By now, the Scout Oath and the twelve points of the Scout law should be the guidelines by which you direct your actions in your family, community, church, school, and nation. Living by these high standards is always a personal choice and something only you can fully measure. But by now, many other people should be seeing qualities in you that make it clear you are choosing

"Your standing as a Scout does not depend so much on the skills of your hands or the badges an your merit badge sash, as an the spirit in your heart on what you are willing to do for others, on whether you are doing your very best to live the Scout Oath and Law:'


Now, with the Scout having the above as his reference, how do you explain to the scout he must wear his uniform, anywhere or he doesnt advance? How do you explain to the scout that unless he makes XX% activities he cant advance?

[fritz1255]

Tell the Scout "welcome to life". Scouting is one of the few places in this world where the criteria for advancement within the organization are clearly spelled out. If he does the work and follows the rules, he gets the next promotion. No "good ole boy network", no being passed over for the boss's nephew, no need to kiss up. While there are some intangibles that help Scouts advance, I have never seen anybody rejected for a rank because of perceived "attitude" issues, etc. Is this the case where you work? Certainly not in my workplace.

[RMM]

Starting another debate and looking for feed back. To advance one needs to demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your everyday life. The Scout law: A scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.

So the Troup goes camping, at the site, we are notified that in the meadow a boar was sited a few days ago. The a discussion is held with the SPL and the ASM, SM regarding the boar. The SPL leads a discussion with the Troup about the boar with ASM, SM filling in gaps. Basically, no food in tent, leave the boar alone, ignore it. If you harrass the boar and it charges, or if the boar charges, find the nearest tree and climb.

So that night, the scouts eat in the tent (unknown to the ASM, SM), the oder attracks the boars so they come to the sleeping part of the camp vs the kitchen area which was away from the sleeping area. The next morning the scouts go hunting the boars and find a baby boar. They harrass the baby boar from a distance. Lucky mother boar was somewhat familiar with humans so no one was hurt. However, the scouts did need to be redirected by the SM and ASM (safety issues).

The scouts eating in the tent were First Class and Star who are soon eligible for consideration of rank advancement. As SM, I would not be ready to sign off the scout spirit as the scouts are not ready. There actions do not reflect the Scout Law (obedient, courteous or friendly - possibly putting other scouts in harms way. Not sure if they were brave or acting with reckless abandon.

Thus, in a SM conference meet with the scouts involved and ask them if they thought these actions were consistent with the Scout Spirit - oath and law. Hopefully they release they were not and provide guidance on how their actions do not demonstrate appropriate leadership. Develop clear expectations on appropriate actions and allow time to pass while the scout demonstrates he is able Scout Spirit.

Your thoughts? Am I off base here?

[evmori]

Thus, in a SM conference meet with the scouts involved and ask them if they thought these actions were consistent with the Scout Spirit - oath and law. Hopefully they release they were not and provide guidance on how their actions do not demonstrate appropriate leadership. Develop clear expectations on appropriate actions and allow time to pass while the scout demonstrates he is able Scout Spirit.

And what if the Scouts don't connect the dots?

[jr56]

I have had a situation similar to this. With a little bit of suggestion, the scout was able to connect the dots. I then asked him to come up with a plan of action for himself to follow to show a better example of following the scout oath and law. I know Ed won't like it, but that's how I handled it.

[RMM]

And what if the Scouts don't connect the dots?

Then my job as SM becomes a bit more challenging to help the Scout connect the dots?

[Hubert]

I think if you are at that rank, you have more on your shoulders. You also should be an example to the younger boys. Having good scout spirit is one of the best things you can do.

Now, on this topic, Im asking adults this question, what is concidered scout spirit clothing wise while at meetings? Whats appropiate in your troops, and what crosses the line?

[FrankJ]

Hurbert: If you go look under the uniform topic on this, you will find there is wide range of opinions already written on this subject.

[Hubert]

Oh ok, I did not know this, I will look. Thanks!

[joat]

"connect the dots" ? Does this not lead from from rank "a" to rank "b" ? If the boy cannot "connect the dots", maybe he doesn't get to the next rank.

[WeeWillie]

Here is your justification

"A Scout is trustworthy. A Scout tells the truth..." pg 47
"Scout is loyal. A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders..." pg 48.
"A Scout is obedient. A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop." pg 50.

If your Scouts hold a POR one of the common requirements found in the Junior Leaders Handbook is "Sets the example."

The Scouts in question put themselves and the rest of the troop in danger by failing to follow your directions about food in tents. It is also a fundemental rule of outdoor safety. Fortunately, nobody was hurt.

Given those circumstances I would:

Have a SMC to connect the dots.

Notify the parents and CC that you are removing them from their POR.

Don't approve Scout Spirit.

Recommend the BOR not advance the Scouts.

Recommend a 2 month active participation, probation period to allow them the opportunity earn the priveledge of having a POR and advancing.

Regarding uniforms. A SM has the authority to insist that Scouts follow the guidance outlined in pages 12 & 13. The Junior Leaders handbook also includes wearing the uniform as a requirement for all PORs.

You are not adding advancement requirements, you are following (and enforcing) established Scout practices and ideals.

Advancement is not an entitlement

[ASM-142]

...

Don't approve Scout Spirit.

Recommend the BOR not advance the Scouts.

...

If Scout Spirit is not signed off, a BOR for advancement should not be convened and therefore a recommendation to a BOR is not needed.

...

Recommend a 2 month active participation, probation period to allow them the opportunity earn the priveledge of having a POR and advancing.

...

What would you consider "active" participation?

...

Regarding uniforms. A SM has the authority to insist that Scouts follow the guidance outlined in pages 12 & 13. The Junior Leaders handbook also includes wearing the uniform as a requirement for all PORs.

...

The requiring of uniforms has been discussed under a number of threads. In my opinion it should be required but according to BSA rules it can not be required at this time.

[evmori]

"connect the dots" ? Does this not lead from from rank "a" to rank "b" ? If the boy cannot "connect the dots", maybe he doesn't get to the next rank.

Connect the dots = the Scout understands how his actions/behavior are not living according to the Scout Oath & Law.

Now, in the 1st post, what if the Scout doesn't connect the dots & believes he has met the Scout Spirit requirement? Does the SM sign off Scout Spirit?

[FrankJ]

Now, in the 1st post, what if the Scout doesn't connect the dots & believes he has met the Scout Spirit requirement? Does the SM sign off Scout Spirit?

I would drop back to the first E in the EDGE principle and explain what the scout needs to do to meet the scout spirit requirement.

If this was the first time this issue was raised with the scout in question, then shame on the troop leadership.

[Hubert]

In our troop, our SM asks us if we feel as if we have completed this requirement. He then asks us for examples, not just in scouting, but in everyday life. If he feels like we did not meet the requirement, then he tells us, and we see him after a couple of weeks. In my eyes, wearing the uniform, and particapating, should be required for scout spirit. Whats the point of buying the uniform, if you are not going to wear it proudly?

[wagionvigil]

Hubert why are you not in school? just curious

[FrankJ]

The issue on the uniform is that it is a method in scouting so if you have it you should wear it. A scout is not required to buy the uniform and in some cases cannot afford it, so you cannot hold up rank advancement because he does not have one. These issues are best decided at the local level on a case by case basis (my opinion).

[lifescoutforlife]

Wagon, he probaly is in school. I moderate a wrestling site like this one and kids in school are on it during there computer classes.

[Hubert]

I am not in school today. I had surgury done Monday night and am not supposed to be doing anything. My apendex was removed and doctor says no school, heavy lifting, or too much walking until Monday.

[FrankJ]

Hurbert: here's to a fast recuperation.