Selecting Quality Leaders....When there might be a problem..

[biglou]

OK, here is my scenario. An old Eagle Scout from my Troop wants to become a leader with my Troop. He has had problems in the past. When I asked, he did say that he had a past possesion of drug paraphanelia charge and a DUI. He also told me that both charges are are almost 20 years old, he learned from his mistakes and that he was clean. I believe him. I think he could be an asset to the Troop because of his Scouting history. He is a past summer camp staff member, Eagle Scout, has gone to both a World and National Scout Jamboree, and I think he went to Philmont. I have talked to my resident PSP Trooper and he said he had no problems with that. Just wondering what the rest of the community thinks. Please let me know. Thanks

[wagionvigil]

20 years is a life time. He willbe fine

[lifescoutforlife]

20 years is a very long time, I think that we all make mistakes at one time or another. If he has been clean for that long it shows that he has learned to get back on the correct path. I think he would do just fine.

[ThunderingWind]

I agree give him a chance.

However, the next question is will the new background check let him back into Scouting?

[kwildman]

The only difference with him and most volunteers is that 1. he got caught and 2. he was honest about it. We were all young once and most of us have done things that we are not proud of now. I would check his references and if you have any reservations put him on a "temporary probation" and let him serve on the troop committee and see how he does before making him an ASM.

[Cowboy]

20 years ago? Lets be realistic. He was probaly 20 or less when he got in trouble. The same laws that say that he must be punished for the rest of his life (a record, if it was a felony charge, no firearms, etc) are the same laws that said that he was too immature to regulate his own consumption of alcohol. Personally I feel that if something happened before someone turned 21 and they have "been straight" since then. Forget it. Judge him based on today, not something that happened 20 years ago. Unless it was a felony, the background check would not have shown it. He could have kept his mouth shut and you would have never known unless he is still a screw up.

[evmori]

I would sign him up and just keep an eye on him.

[biglou]

I was thinking that it was not going to be a problem. I think he would be an asset. But I am worried about my Troop Committee. Those folks make it impossible just to get through the door. They have already scared away a possible committee member. I really do not blame her for not wanting to be a part of the current version of Troop 40's committee. But, being the person I am and having the Troop Fundraising Chair sitting right beside me, I asked if she would be willing to help out with fundraising. Hook, line, and sinker!

I should tell you about the last 2 times that we tried to bring in 2 men that wanted to be ASMs. One has been a friend of mine for over 20 years. His app was help up for over 3 months. They did not feel comfortable with him because he lived in a different township. Well, Aaron, was a Life Scout, could have made Eagle, but didn't. So, he played their game and I hate to admit he almost quit. He was an asset because he was another Paramedic and he was a trained chef! Bonus. Stockie works well with the boys and did not play the same game. He went through the "game" so to speak and told the committee that he has been coing to Scouts for the last several months since he applied to be an ASM. The kids love him. I just do not want Phil (the new guy) to have to run the same gambit that Aaron and Stockie did.


I am going to talk to the Pastor to get her opinion about this. I don't think she will have a problem.

[smtroop168]

The CC and COR have to sign his adult application so it sounds like it will be a struggle.

[kwildman]

Big Lou - how big is your troop? Just curious because it sounds like you have a bunch of idiots on the TC. Are they all parents of your current scouts? I just don't understand how this kind of stuff happens or is allowed to continue in a kids program. Can you do an end-around and get the CO to replace the CC with someone that can keep the TC in line?

[wagionvigil]

Lou Marge needs to make a hard call and get rid of these people. .

[ThunderingWind]

We have overlooked one issue with this application....

The COR, CC, IH may all feel he is a good guy, reformed etc....

But what will happen when his application is processed, his SSN entered and then "DING DING DING," his record pops up?

Will he still be allowed under current National BSA rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines to become a registered leader?

[wagionvigil]

I am thinking there will be no record

[kwildman]

I am thinking there will be no record

Agreed - background check will only report recent stuff or felony convictions. Neither of his offenses were felony.

[biglou]

I am not sure what will show up on his history. I think my ASM told me they were misdemeanors so it is a wait and see game til I talk to Phil.