Looking back on 32 years of Scouting I see many changes.. 32 years ago there were no computers,no Vidio games, no "Major distractions" Other than School and Sports there was very little to occupy kids time.. Getting young gents to join Scouting was not a given, but it was not impossible either. The program hyas both stayed the same and it has developed to the times. The fundimentals of Scouting, Scout Law, Scout Oath, The Motto and The Scout slogan have stayed the same. The requirements for advancement have changed to add what is new or replace what is old, but all in all they are the same. The Merit Badges have had changes. Again leaving behind those that are not usable or are "Obsolete" and adding those that are cutting edge. For example: Composite Material's. Merit badges are developed to do one of three things, Give Scouts Fun Badges to earn, Such as Motor Boating, Rifle Shooting, Archery. They are also developed to give Scouts a taste and understanding of a possible future for them to persue as a life carrier. These are the afore mentioned and newest merit badge, Composite Materiels, But also Vetenary med. The last group of Merit badges are developed to give the Scouts a sence of place. What is the Scouts responsiblity to the community, the Nation and to the world. These show what they can do to shape and influnce the world around them. With 121 different Merit badges that is a lot to do. How many the individule scout wants to do is up to that Scout. Some have done the bare minimum to advance, Some have done them all.
What are some of the reasons I hear for not joining Scouts. I don't have the time. (no activities given), My son is in sports. It is for sissy's. (Ever try a Cope course) My sons school work is more important. (no argument there but Scouting augments school) Too far away. I can't get him to meetings, It cost too much. and the list goes on.
Figure in the fact that many groups do not like Scouting and unfortunatly many in places of "power" then getting Scouting presented is even harder. I went to a school by my Scout Hut and asked the Principle if she had talked to the District rep about "School Night for Scouting" She said that she had been too Busy... I stated that we would like to do one at the school on the following Thursday. Her asnwer was that there was an adult meeting going on that night and that we could not do it then.. That Thursday night I sat outside that school and obseverd 2 vehicles. Both were the maintence and cleaning crew. What is her agenda. If we can not get the program introduced to the individual kids through schools then we try the Church's. But how many parishners really read the church bullitin.
The very Best advertisement is Word of mouth.. One kid to another. I am guilty of causing a Troop in Fallon Nevada to Fold. Fallon has only one high school. My Scouts and the other troops Scouts talked and all but 2 transfered to my troop. I was using the scouting program and the other troop was not. Oh the 2 Scouts that did not transfer were the Scout Masters Sons.
Scouting teaches Life. Not as hard as on the streets but it teaches the Values that people need to survive in the world today. If critical thinking skills are not wanted then supressing Scouting is the thing to do.