Scouts have a advancement system that requires a boy to stand before a "board of review" at each advancement step in rank.. Tenderfoot to Eagle. this "review" follows final sign off by Scoutmaster, so the content of the review is never to question skills... but to *reflect... on the climb to *Eagle David is 15 and comes from a very well off family.. His father has a business interest here in Oregon and they come from Australia.. and maintain two homes in different parts of the world. David attends a privet school, and has every advantage.. He's a US Scout to experience what passes for "normal" with American boys... *But last night I sat on his board for "Life scout" the last step before Eagle and the last chance for his troop to re-view his personal conduct and experience... 3 Adults from the parent committee sat at a table and David came- stood and gave us the Scout Law Oath and was invited to sit.. We asked 'general questions" about his experience and progress checked his records and how he felt about Troop 328... He was asked about his "job" as a boy leader and David began to talk.. "...I was Troop guide for a year and went to get my Rank advancement sign off from Scoutmaster, and He told me he wouldn't sign it.. *I hadn't done the job.... I was sort of surprised.. and so was my Mom. I didn't think it was fair... and almost quit the troop. But something changed when I thought about what Scoutmaster said about my effort..." ..He told me that the job.. had a requirement to "Do Something" and that was up to me.. *No-more- No-Less.... "I thought about that and then Scoutmaster offered me another term as Troop Guide.... I've just completed 6 mo's and fulfilled the leadership requirement, and got a sign-off..." We asked then... "We've seen a change.. but for you.. what has happened?" David said- "Everything is different... I realize now that *I have to desire and work for what I want... that other's need a GOOD Troop guide, and that is me.. this time around! No More- No less!" We asked David, to reflect on how this insight had an effect on his life... He told us that determination, and effort was linked to attitude, and while his first reaction was *anger and thought it un-fair.. he saw that Boy Leaders were real leaders.. and people needed to depend on him. and trust him to follow through.. *We deliberated briefly.. "suggested he work on his uniform just a bit more" and shook his hand- closest to the heart as Scouts do<G> and He advanced to Life Scout! In this- Scoutmaster never did anything but have the boy look at his own action's and grade himself to the requirement... What happened was an attitude adjustment.. that reflects maturity... Thanks... -=A=- _______ To unsubscribe, send "unsubscribe rangernet" to [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Eat the hay & spit out the sticks! - A#1's mule" RTKB&G4JC! http://rangernet.org Autoresponder: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
