Decisive Scouting

My sister Liz sent me a link to a blog by a friend of hers about Scouting. The title is "Ambivilent (sic) Scouting". I’m not ambivalent about Scouting but I did find the comments (especially the replies) insightful—and a little depressing. As they say, the truth hurts.

http://dandelionmama.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/ambivilent-scouting/#comments

The National BSA organization is in the process of changing the entire approach to Cub Scouting. The new Cub Scouting program being introduced this year is going to be a lot more like Boy Scouting. There is more emphasis on advancement at den meetings, and less expectation for parents to do most of the program at home with their sons. (It’s a little sad if you think about it.)

There are three main reasons for the change:
1. Input from parents (like the moms replying to “Ambivilent Scouting”)
2.The changes in our society (double income families, single moms, no time, etc.)
3.Huge success in test markets where the new program has been used.

The traditional model of Cub Scouting has worked very well for about seventy years, but, like Bob Dylan said, “the times they are a-changing.” And the Boy Scouts’ programs need to change in order to stay current and relevant. Even if we lose a little of the charm.

As for Pinewood Derby races, they have gotten way out of control. I think they should give a trophy to every Cub who enters and only small ribbons to the winners. Better yet, no top winners. Just let the little guys race their cars and have fun. Where does it say there has to be a #1 winner? One winner and the rest are losers—what’s wrong with that picture? That’s not what Scouting is about.

The original idea of the Pinewood Derby was to have fathers (or some other adult) work with their sons on a fun project that taught the sons some meaningful skills. The race was just a way to show off the finished products at the monthly pack meeting. Somehow over the years the race became the focus in most packs. Then again, perhaps I’m just bitter. Neither I (when I was a Cub Scout) nor any of my sons ever won a Pinewood Derby race. But we all had a lot of fun making the cars together.

I’m going to use the ideas expressed in “Ambivilent Scouting” a basis for a discussion with my staff on how we can improve the Cub Scouting program in the Grand Teton Council. If you have any input I’d be happy to hear your suggestions and ideas.

Bella Bella!

Bella Corrine Farrer entered the world at 6:56 AM this morning. She is 7 pounds, 14 oz., and 19 inches long. Mom and baby are doing fine.


All Cleaned Up


Unwrapped


Big Brother


Nana


Proud Father


Wyatt isn't to sure about this . . .


Nana Reads Wyatt a Book


Dad is Tired


It was a long night