In a message dated 9/13/99 5:12:12 PM Mid-Atlantic Daylight Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> Uniforms will change- *BUT! It will be an expansion, or "liberalized"
> offering to the local Outpost, retaining the "Best Traditions" while
> allowing "Freedom" to those who desire a relaxed uniform.
>
My concern in doing this "liberalized" uniform thing is that it will be an
unraveling thread. As Soon as the "Traditionals" get with what I would call
for lack of a better word, "Moderately relaxed," It is not a constant
anymore. This takes away uniformity and takes away easily recognized
constants that are familiar to Rangers through out the world. If a boy was
to leave a "Traditional outpost" and go to another church that didn't go with
the "Traditional" part of the program, It would be for the most part
confusing. What are going to be the ties that bind? How will the
"Traditional" accomplishments translate into the more "moderately relaxed"
atmosphere? To me, God represents order and order is uniformity. Without
order we have chaos. Pray that that will not be next for us. (I know some of
you are going to say that we have chaos anyway, but still, Pray about it. )
I understand that we, (As Ranger Commanders) need to expand and develop
better programs that still accomplish our core Value of "To Reach Teach and
Keep boys for Christ." This is the one thing that should not be changed! I
would caution that we need to develop "new tools" (i.e., programs) for us
utilize in being able to accomplish our mission, but not to stray away from
what the original vision was.
It is my opinion that other avenues in addition to the camping, that we
already do should be explored, while at the same time finding a meaningful
way to have Christ presented through the new programs. We should be exploring
things such as computers, law enforcement, Military, aviation, service
related business/industry just to name a few. Today's kids, as it would seem
really don't have an interest in the camping, but that is not true of all of
them. It is my opinion that today's kids are going to connect with the
Commanders if the Commanders are presenting something to them that they can
find a practical application, outside of the outpost meeting.
Sometimes, it would seem that kids are turned off by someone who presents
the appearance of "disciplinarian," We as Commanders need to remember to be
firm, not let the kids walk all over you, but to be LOVING about it. We
shouldn't be blowing our stacks because Johnny broke Sammy's bolo tie. I'm
saying this because I have seen this done. When that happens, where is Christ
being represented to that boy?
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to soapbox this, but there is enough reason here
to be very concerned about this change. I believe that we all need to pray
about if this is God's will, test it, seek after it. PRAY HARD! Not Man's
will, but the Lord's be done in all instances. I believe that these changes
should have input from the field. Poll the Commanders from the chartered
outposts, get their opinions and suggestions, communicate!
SrCmdr Mike Burke
1st A/G OP# 39
Triangle VA
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