I've been catching up on the Rangernet mail, and have really enjoyed the viewpoints expressed in the "What would you do" thread. Thought I'd throw in my viewpoint.
I was first concerned about this several years ago, but from the other side. As the Trailblazers/AST Ranger Commander, I needed to make sure that my son didn't get viewed as having "breezed" through the requirements on his way to GMA. Some things I put into place were: I didn't sign off on more than half the requirements for anything. I swapped out with another commander (Pioneer, Buckaroo, SA) for an evening so someone else could check him. I had other men who were familiar with the requirements outside of Rangers (eg. First Aid, Swimming and Lifesaving, etc.) check him first, before I signed off. I got Commanders from other outposts who knew the materials to check him. But I refused to do more than half. I also developed a policy that I still stick to. I won't sign off on an item the first night we learn it; I make the boys go home over the week and practice it, then come back the next week. They don't necessarily like it, but most of what we cover ain't that hard, and it only takes a few minutes review each day to get it down. If they miss it the next week, we review again, and they come back. I give them copies of Bible verses, instructions on knots, whatever, and tell them to stick it up on the mirror so they see it each day. I will make exceptions for certain boys who have difficulty learning, but we all must do that. But the "regular" boys don't get by with being lazy. It may be tough, but it works. I do it in love, and the boys know that I do it for their betterment. It's pretty much become our outpost policy, and with three boys going to District ROY testing this year, I don't think we'll change soon. If I got a boy coming up like the one that started this discussion, I'd pick up where he was, and make sure that he learned what I taught him. I'm not going to call another Commander down on the way he teaches. We've got an Outpost Council and a church board that can handle those situations. My job is to reach, teach, and keep those boys. Side note to Bob. Like Doc said, you've got enough to worry about. We'll be praying for you and your wife; you try to rest in the Lord's grace. --Alan Ogle _______ Let the Golden Rule be your daily rule. Please pray for your list sponsor: http://eBible.org/mpj/ To unsubscribe, send "unsubscribe rangernet" to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://rangernet.org/subscribe.htm http://rangernet.org
