Here's my spin on it... Remember I'm just a voice in the background
and not even close to official policy<G> I have been "thinking" this
over.. but realize Rangernet will find holes in it..
Bring it on!<G>
*I'd like to see a boy who enters youth continue to participate in FCF
and events outside his OP even if their is NO Trailblazer or Trailranger
group. Many of the outdoor events are better geared for older boys!
No 12 year old can carry a full pack down the pacific Crest Trail like
a 16 year old can.. *I ALSO BELIEVE THAT A GMA RANGER HAS A NATURAL
SHINE! ...and that means you know who he is on first sight!
What if instead of RUSHING the boy.. he was able in his own time to
continue at a self-pace to achieve the GMA?
What if we in RRangers opened our hearts and allowed the "Uth" boys
a chance to complete a condensed advancement course, that would result
in their achieving the GMA in the least possible time? We could do that
by integrating the challenger material into the "Uth" as an option. We
are the ones who must make the trail *understandible..
if we are to retain the older boys..
The GMA needs mature, successful boys to maintain it's tradition!
It needs to be desired, and coveted!
My heart goes out to the Uth boys who were solid Buckaroos and now may
feel that their time has passed.. They make judgment's and neglect to
richest for the full measure of what the GMA is when they see us as
leaders, insist that Ranger spirit only lives in a khaki uniform. *It
doesn't!
*THOUGHT! THIN ICE<G>
What we "desire" in the fulfillment of each advancement is that the
ranger choose to do his best to the stated requirement- no more or no
less that what is written.. It HAS to be this way!
This relates to authority and being open to Godly instruction.. that
by reading, thinking a young man might ACT RIGHT!
*However... the requirement with a honorable person does not need a
adult leader to judge the fulfillment, any more that our lives in Christ
require our Pastor to judge our "spiritual maturity"
We as Ranger leaders elect to encourage- promote and *explain..
but in all cases.. it is the BOY who must do something to advance!
Advancement in rangers LEADS to a goal.. and that is first a inner-
yeilding to do what is asked of us.. no more no less to remain in
fellowship...
*So I find I have no problem with any Ranger who has that
understanding.. the GMA Ranger can meet a challenge, form a plan and act
rightly to achieve the goal, using the resources he has at his command.
Here's my REVOLUTIONARY PROPOSAL!
No time limits!
No required meeting attendance..
Events and camps tailored for them the "GMA Patrol" aside from the
regular group.
The boys sign-up and pledge their HONOR!
They select a "advancement councilor" and register as a Trail ranger.
The "AC" and the boy work out the details of advancement with the
ethic that the requirements are done "No More- No Less" than what
the handbook states..
Think about all this...
Thanks,
Cdr.Duane Wheeler
Spirit Rider wrote:
>
> All,
> I need some advice on the GMA.
> I've got an 11 year old that is wanting to earn the GMA.
> The only problem is he will be 12 in Feb.. when he
> turns 12 he will be forced into youth. No if, ands or buts about
> it. In other words no more Rangers.
> I truely belive that he can get all 22 (?) merits in seven
> months time IF he really works at. He currently has
> three merits two of which are required merits.
> I'm thinking about using a few Saturdays this month
> to work on nothing but merits and advancments.
> I also know the book says God and Family award.
> Is there any way around this?
> Any advice would be highly appericated.
> To me if our Royal Ranger outpost gets just one
> GMA achiver, it will totaly turn our Royal Ranger
> program around.
> Thanks,
> Noel"Spirit Rider"Bell
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