This raises some interesting possibilities...
I have recently been faced with some similar situations. I have a boy that
was in Rangers - went to youth for 3 years - and now at the age of 17 wants
to come back to Rangers part time and finish his GMA. Another boy that has
been faithful in Rangers for several years and is working on his GMA
discovered "GIRLS" while at youth camp. Now he wants to be in youth and
Rangers. He is now attending Rangers every other Wednesday.
Additonally, the boy that recently discovered girls (Stephen), is one of my
patrol guides. Can a patrol guide be effective if he is only there twice a
month? I am considering removing him and giving the patrol to the assistant
patrol guide.
Did I mention that both of the boys mentioned above just joined FCF this
year?
My current policy is that the boys need to make a choice - Rangers or Youth.
If all the boys in my pioneer/trailblazer class made the same choice as
the last boy I mentioned, I would only have that class every other week!
.....
On the other hand..
There are many things a boy learns in Rangers that make him a great asset in
youth. As Duane said, "A GMA RANGER HAS A NATURAL
SHINE! ".
A boy that earns the GMA has accomplished a great feat. In the 25 plus
years that our church has been in existence, we have only had ONE boy earn
the GMA. That was the one that was presented two years ago.
I am rethinking my policy ... can a boy do both? What guidelines should be
set up? Should a boy be required to "qualify" for this special program?
In His Service,
Allen R. Cook - Cookie
Royal Rangers Senior Commander
Belton A/G -- Belton, Missouri
e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
web page: http:\\www.sound.net\~pabonim\index.htm
>From: Duane Wheeler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>CC: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Subject: Re: [RR] Advice on GMA
>Date: Mon, 02 Aug 1999 11:27:11 -0700
>
>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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