Timing of Boards of Review

[jr56]

Ouch. Too bad there are people out there that just don't get it. The best course is join the new troop, and leave the old one behind. Good luck.

[WVBeaver05]

eaglesmom - glad you found a "real" Troop and were able to successfully move. This sounds like, perhaps, the only attainable solution.

But now, who can/should "rescue" the other Scouts there now and in the future? Based on what I have read, I don't think this is a "fight" that is appropriate (or smart) for you or your sons to be in. But, who should it be? From what I read, the SE is not going to do anything. He doesn't want to rock the boat and possibly lose a unit or membership (i.e. NUMBERS!) - I've seen it before, and it infuriates me.

If the Unit adults aren't following the program, then the UC should be addressing it (I'm not a UC, but as RC I have had the same training and KNOW what they should be doing). Sounds like that isn't going to happen. What about the ADC, DC?

Remember, Scouting is run by volunteers not the professionals. And, it is run for the Youth. Those left in the Troop deserve a Scouting program. And someone in the District/Council/Area/etc. needs to be addressing that. Also, remember that the even the professionals can be replaced.

So, are there any of us here that have to contacts and can/should bring their attention to this issue?

YiS

[joat]

From what I read, the SE is not going to do anything. He doesn't want to rock the boat and possibly lose a unit or membership (i.e. NUMBERS!) - I've seen it before, and it infuriates me.
...
Remember, Scouting is run by volunteers not the professionals.

Right, so volunteers should be the ones to fix volunteer problems. What would you have the SE do? It's not his job to barge in and take over. All he can really do is revoke the unit charter. Think of the howls of protest that would echo through the council if the SE stepped in to fix things whenver a unit gets into an internal squabble.

[Billiken]

I might be wrong but:

The SE should notify the unit commissioner who should work with the troop committee to fix the problem(s).

[joat]

Agreeing with Billiken. If the SE is to do anything it would be to ask the volunteer commissioner service to offer assistance. That is their function.

But how would the SE even know there is a problem? From what the woman has posted all we really know is she says the troop does two boards of review a year, has had only had one campout in the last several months, and the committee wrote a letter saying the boy should find another troop. She doesn’t even claim to be a registered leader, so how can she be "kicked out"?

I'm not at all supporting the practices of the troop. I do find rather strange the forum comments that the SE is essentially a bum and only cares about "numbers", that the SE is “not doing anything” despite supposedly knowing everything, that the troop is being “allowed” to operate the way they are, and the suggestions that the woman go find an attorney.

Only one person here suggested she call the Scout office and ask for some assistance, and even he also advised her to call an attorney.

I’m really dismayed.

[WVBeaver05]

...But how would the SE even know there is a problem?
...I do find rather strange the forum comments that the SE is essentially a bum and only cares about "numbers", that the SE is “not doing anything” despite supposedly knowing everything...

...The CE basicially said well thats how he does things. The troop is large and is very active and I think the council is just plain afraid of loosing those numbers and the unit. It is a shame when Numbers come before the Boys. Oh that is how it really is is it not?

I infer from this that Waigionvigil has spoken to the SE (or CE, different terms for the same position). Unfortunately, I have received the same feedback locally on a similar issue. Remember that Scouting professionals are measured on membership and fund raising. Not on how the program is run. So I tend to be predisposed to jump to that conclusion. Needless to say, I don't agree.

And, yes the Commissioner service should be involved, but the UC signature on the letter puts that in serious doubt as well. Still, someone should address the issue.

YiS

[joat]

...The CE basicially said well thats how he does things. The troop is large and is very active and I think the council is just plain afraid of loosing(sic) those numbers and the unit. It is a shame when Numbers come before the Boys. Oh that is how it really is is it not?

Oh, please, The "CE" or SE said absolutely NOTHING in this topic, nor has the "council", and NO quotes been attributed to the council nor to the CE. These quotes are completely fabricated. C'mon folks, let's not go off the deep end!. Stick to the "facts" that have been presented.

[wagionvigil]

The mother involved has spoken to the SE/CE and he told her that is just the way he( the sm)runs things. WHich at my last check is totally wrong.

[joat]

The mother involved has spoken to the SE/CE and he told her that is just the way he( the sm)runs things.

That was only speculation from others about what could have happened. There have been several comments from others questioning the propriety of what the council or SE may or may not have said or done.

Eaglesmom herself has not said in this topic that she spoke to the SE, or to the council, and has not said anything that indicates the SE knows anything about her situation.

I just don't want to see the SE dragged through the mud when there's no indication he knows anything about this.

[wagionvigil]

To ME!She and I have been in discussion and she said this in the discussion

[eaglesmom]

Guess I need to clarify. The SE was contacted before this letter was sent to me. He told me this SM does what he wants. The SE knows now of the letter but did not ask to see a copy. I did not think he would since this troop has grown so much. If it had not been for this troop one week of summer camp would have had 40 kids. The SM's father is involved in council. Nothing will be done concerning this situation.
I am okay with this. I cannot save the world, nor other kids in this troop. My name has been slandered among their leadership and I want nothing more to do with them. Yes, I feel sorry for the remaining boys. But my boys have moved on. And they are so much happier. I have been asked by the new troop's SM to teach some merit badges. Something I was not allowed to do with the old troop. They want me involved in the new troop. I told them slowly as I have been burned. They understand. We will be okay.

[smtroop168]

Hopefully your response helps JOAT understand that this was not done without the CE's knowledge. She questioned the troop policies and her son was cordially recommended to transfer out of and she was summarily dismissed from the troop. (FYI...I have seen the letter)

The SE should notify the unit commissioner who should work with the troop committee to fix the problem(s).

As far as the Commissioner getting involved, remember he is one of the 4 that signed the letter.

The bigger issue for all is what is the role of the Scouting professional in cases where there is blantant disregard for BSA rules/policies/regulations?

[FrankJ]

Eaglesmom is apparently following the scout law. Rather than fight a losing battle, she has elected to find a troop where her & her son can use there energies in a positive way. Concentrate on the positive & let the people around you see the truth for themselves.

[eaglesmom]

Someone just emailed me and asked me about this situation. So I thought I would update.

My son switched troops and became an Eagle Scout. His younger brother and I were kicked out of the old troop. I was told later that the SM thought that getting rid of the "troublemaker" family was appropriate and the right thing to do.

In the long run he was right. My 2 boys came back from the new troop happy and smiling. They had a fantastic time. I had not seen that in them in the old troop. They were excited about Scouts. The younger one will be starting his project this Spring. It was the best thing that this happened. My younger son will not be made to wait until he is 18 to get his BOR. He could accomplish this at age 16 if he wants. Of course it is all up to him. But most important, he is in a real troop.

[biglou]

I have met eaglesmom's son and have to say that he made a good decision. Especially because of the Troop he joined. I believe there is more to what is going on but will not comment on that. The new SM was in my Wood Badge patrol and he is a good guy.