I think most volunteers in organizations such as ours bemoan the decision making process of the "professional" staff. And, as in any other organization, you'll find highly capable folks and not so capable folks. The flexibility built into BSA's MB program has advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, it gives leaders like Tom and myself the ability to present the topic to the scouts based upon our life skills. If the councelor has the applicable and is able to transfer that effectively, the process becomes memorable for the scout. On the other hand, a well intentioned but otherwise unqualified councelor will short change the scouting experience. For most leaders, they'll obviously volunteer to instruct on topics in which they have a comfortable proficiency. However, they are often forced into instructing required badges even when they do not have the experience or skills because there are limit resources and no one else steps forward that is better equipped to instruct. Agravating this scenario is the fact that many of the merit badge pamphlets are poorly written with regards to instrucing the scouts how to meet the requirements. Environmental Science, a required badge, is one of my particular pet peeves. A well meaning leader with only a little naturalist backgroud will not likely suceed in teaching the scouts the concepts presented in the requirements.
At the end of the day though, it's still an overall positive experience. We may gripe and graon, but it's only because we care, about the prohram and the youth. So keep pluggin' away. In your particular instance, you have two objectives. One is to mee the the letter of the requirements to satisfy the organization. Two, and most importantly, is to feel confident that you have transfered the skills and knowledge to the youth in a way that they will be safe and able to help others properly in time of need.
_________________________
Willie Vannerson
McHenry, IL
Previous Topic
Index
