| Washdad, I have a big problem with the "boy run troop" concept. Every year, the boys vote on what their outings will be. Without fail, they do an "electonics" camp, where they get a pavillion at a park and run a bunch of power strips in and play video games all night. There are annual overnights at the laser tag place. Frequent bowling outings and water park visits. I don't recall that any of these activities meet a single merit badge requirement. They have not done a "high adventure" outing during our 6 years in the troop. Never a trip to Philmont.
In my opinion, boys of that age need a bit more guidance on their outings. Perhaps the adults could come up with a bunch of possibilities-ALL of which meet the requirements for some badge or another-and then let the boys vote on those.
Also, having the boys select for the Positions of Reponsibility makes me insane. The most popular boys get the elected positions, then they appoint their friends to the appointed positions. My son had to wait a full year after he had fullfilled all of the other requirements to be a life scout, because he could never get a position of responsiblity. They had boys who had absolutely no interest in advancing taking the POR, leaving boys who needed PORs waitiing and waiting. Again, the boys need adult guidance-a list of boys who need PORs to advance, with instructions to slot them somewhere. |