Communications-Posing a Question

[ciproano]

You know the 2004 requirement #8 calls for scouts to plan and implement a Court of Honor or camp fire program. As noted in a previous thread, there may be more scouts needing the requirement than there are CofH or camp fires. Our District has a Merit Badge University coming up soon, and a number of our scouts needed to fill this #8 requirement, so I proposed that in addition to CofH and camp fires, I would accept planning and implementing a Scout's Own service (for Sunday morning at our weekend camp). Technically, this is neither but I felt that it met the requirement both in spirit and in the skill-building it teaches (and supports the fundamental "a scout is reverent"). I ran this by another more senior Merit Badge Counselor and got his enthusiastic support.

So I am asking whether anyone else has considered this option? Perhaps it was national's intent that a Scout's Own fell under the general heading of "camp fire" and did not specifically include it.

Any thoughts or comments? Thanks for your ideas.

[mang_kiko]

One option is to approach your district advancement committee and get them to agree with your idea. Once they do, somehow get it in writing. This way you will make sure that there are no problems. I am aware that this matter is small and it may not come back to haunt you, but this is a precaution just in case this minor modification does.

Remember that you may not add, omit, or modify requirements. So if the requirement states troop court of honor or campfire program, you cannot read into the requirement. Only the district (or was it council) advancement committee may do additions or modifications based on circumstances.

Any other thoughts?

[BM_Crawford]

As a councilor for the badge myself I feel the main purpose of the requirement is to teach the scout organizational skills. Running something like a court of honor can be a challenge. As long as the skills are learned I don't see any problems with it. But I havn't had a scout come about with the new requirements yet . All of mine are finishing up on old.

[evmori]

I would agree with mang_kiko. The requirement is specific so anything other than what the requirement states would be adding or subtracting from the requirements which is forbidden.

[scoutchallenge]

Co-masters of ceremonies!!! I don't see were it says "by yourself." I would suggest that the scouts plan together - I would expect that the troop court of honor or campfire program would be exceptional. There are lots of co-hosts.

[diamondbackAPL]

I agree with mang_kiko. you are not allowed to alter the requirements. However, If the requirement was not so specific, I wouldn't have a problem with it.

[BM_Crawford]

I agree with mang_kiko. you are not allowed to alter the requirements. However, If the requirement was not so specific, I wouldn't have a problem with it.

That makes perfect sense

Co-masters of ceremonies!!! I don't see were it says "by yourself." I would suggest that the scouts plan together - I would expect that the troop court of honor or campfire program would be exceptional. There are lots of co-hosts.

I really really like this co-host idea. That's a great way to get more than one kid involved so both can earn the merit badge and I do not believe that alters the requirements in anyway, I'd have to check up on it though.

[ASM-142]

Co-hosting most likely should not be against the requirements as long as there is clear areas of responsibilities for each co-host that would allow a counselor to determine if the scout satisfied that part of the requirement

[Lynda J]

And Co-hosting again build team work. It also puts more ideas for a program out there.
I like the co-host idea.

[GonnabeEagle]

Read the requirement more carefully.... COH or Campfire Program. Your option would be great for Service Hours.



David