BSA quals

[Insectguy]

I didn't want to poo-poo on another BSA post, so I thought I would vent in a new thread.

I have maintained my NRA-instructor certs for years, since it allowed me to certify others as BSA range safety officers. I have always had great reviews in all of my many courses I have taught, and felt I was contributing to the BSA by doing so. I have been a merit badge counselor for many years in the rifle and shotgun badges, and have even developed and led a cub scout BB gun shooting program. However, I was informed a few weeks ago that my quals and experience are no longer sufficient for the BSA.

Now, I have to attend a week-long shooting sports director camp, at my own expense, on my own time. I'm sorry, but I will not. I am already short on free time. However, a young teenager who serves as the district coordinator (with no shooting or instructional experience) can, because they were paid to attend the course. I have struggled to keep up with the increasing training requirements for this and many other areas within the BSA, but I'm tired of :banghead: to give away my time.

*sigh*

Yea-- I know. Any cheese around?

 

[RangerGrant]

I know, and feel your frustration. For several years I was an ASM, SM, and Troop Chairman during the '80's. I knew that a lay off was coming, and warned the Commitee they had to get someone to take the kids to summer camp as I would be job hunting.

They waited until the last minute to do so, and complained that I didn't at least help drive the Scouts to camp. This, after being the only adult to volunteer the last five previous years to go to summercamp with them. To say I was PO'ed was an understatement. Haven't volunteered since, like you, I had other ways to spend my time.

best, RG

 

[Titan6]

I guess it is a lot easier to quit than to make sure your complaints and concerns are passed up the chain to the decision makers.

 

[Caimlas]

Titan6, that's not exactly fair. As he's said, he's been banging his head on the wall for a while now; it's an exercise in futility.

The problem here is, I think, an increase of two things:
1) beaurocracy (this one is obvious, and usually comes as a token benefit of #2, which is...)
2) More women/others getting involved in Boy Scouts. Hello! If you've got an issue with gay men being scout masters or involved in scouts, why no problem with women doing the same? Women mostly controlled the scouts troop I was in, when I was in over a decade ago, and I can only imagine it's gotten worse. We had some damn good female troop leaders and assistants - there's no denying that - but for every good woman involved, there were at least 5 "mothers of troop members" who would really mess things up. They wouldn't let their kids go on camp-outs in inclement weather; they wouldn't let their kids go camping if there were any pocket knives; and on and on. Above all, they'd complain up the chain and not put a damn bit of effort forth in actually participating.