*Thanks Bob for the candor...
The reasoning if true by the US Millitary is BSA
promotes LEADERSHIP in a real sence. In my involvement
in Scouting, the boys are not pushed but come to ask
for a leadership role in the troop.
The simplest form of haveing the patrol field the
food for themselves at an outing, is so real... that
it cuts the fog of a boys selfishness. RRangers can
do this at any time and in many Outposts have tried
the patrol method.. *But have they followed through
to a pratical implimentation of Boys- leading boys?
Scouts seem more likely, in more cases! (I admit to knowing
some failed Scout troops that are Leader led and do nothing)
This is done through a systematic table of organization
on the multi-tasked positions for boy leaders in the troop.
Recently in our Troop Scoutmaster called a "secret meeting"
of the senior boys. He quietly told them they had failed to
lead... and with 12 new 11 year old scouts joining.. and
with 13 years as Scoutmaster... *He would not do what *They
had agreed to do. They had been trained to Lead!
He went on to say they were on probation.. and would be tested
individualy for leadership, and the future of the troop was
in their hands. (*Rather than be harsh, this gentalman.. loved
Troop328 and wanted the boys to experiance full measure the
growth that goes with becomeing a real Leader)
Royal Rangers put's all this secondary to the *spiritual point.
I'm afraid it questions the Commander who would hand over
the reigns to the boys, and finds achievement, character
building and practical factor skills training less valued
than the nobel cause of *Ministry.
It's my conviction that Royal Rangers must *blend with
balance... all of the Gold-Red- and BLUE points to equal
the BSA Eagle.
*A final word from a RoyalRanger/Sailor/Scouter...
Our mission is NOT to provide the US Military with prime
candidates for leadership. The GMA comes very close to
Eagle, but I do not think we have invested in equal measure
to the secular goal they desire. I think we are right in
NOT doing so!
While it is true that it becomes hard for the Military to grant
equal status for a GMA..that sould be how it remains.
It is an example of No-more No-less (Ethics) and perhaps if
we decide to equal in every way the Eagle... we might
do better to fold camp and join Scouts... with a added religious
requirement encompassing the Royal Ranger core values!
*Other Chrsitian denominations have found a way to use scouting
as their Boys adventure/Character building *program and retain
a strong Christian testimony.
Cdr.D.Wheeler
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