Who are you?
I am a volunteer Scout leader. This blog is administered by me, Clarke Green and I am solely responsible for it’s content. There are other contributors from time to time and they are identified in the material they contribute.
Why are you involved in Scouting?
Here’s why
Are you an official of the Boy Scouts of America?
No I am not. The only official source for information online about the Boy Scouts of America is Scouting.org . I am not sponsored or endorsed by the B.S.A.
Serving as a Scouting volunteer is like most endeavors where one can quickly grasp some of the basics but never stops learning. Speaking for myself I am blogging and podcasting because I think Scouting is important, I’ve been at it for awhile and I’d like to support my fellow volunteers. It’s no secret anyone who does things like this has either an above average ego and self confidence; both are a double edged sword.
Because I am online and accessible people ask me questions. I hear from folks who are in the midst of some dispute and are looking for someone to confirm their idea of what is ‘right’. More often I hear from people on the horns of some dilemma that need advice or information and I do what I can. My answers are my answers, my interpretations are my interpretations.
Are you always right?
No. Are you?
Is your blog or podcast an expression of offical policy or practices?
I make every effort to learn and practice the Scouting program as defined by the B.S.A. but what you read or hear from me should always be `confrmed with the official policy and procedure statements made by the B.S.A..
Having a forum does not imply infallibility; or even authority. Thankfully there is a final authority in the resources published by the B.S.A. There’s also “the aims and mission of the Boy Scouts of America, as well as the Scout Oath and Scout Law—and common sense.”
Scouting can foment some ugly disputes amongst adults; sometimes over interpreting policy, sometimes over a series of misconceptions about Scouting, sometimes out of pure hard-headedness. While I am perfectly willing to discuss differences of opinion the discussion ends if bounds of civility and common courtesy are breached. Thankfully this has been very rare.
If you think any of the advice or statements you read here are incorrect please contact me . I welcome your opinions and corrections.
What have you done in Scouting?
I’ve been a Scoutmaster since 1984 when, at the ripe old age of 24, I agreed to take over for a Scoutmaster who was ready to retire. I was never a boy Scout as a youth but I have always enjoyed the outdoors and doing what I can to help out.
Here’s my Square Knot Resume:
Silver Beaver
Presented for distinguished service to young people within a BSA local council.
District Award of Merit
Awarded for five or more years service to youth in the District. The nominee’s attitude toward and cooperation with the district, division, and/or council is to be taken into consideration.
Boy Scout Leader’s Training Award
Recognizes that a scouter has completed a course of intensive training.
Scoutmaster Award of Merit
Awarded to Scoutmasters who have a record of proper use of the Boy Scout advancement program, resulting in a majority of troop Boy Scouts attaining the First Class rank, Development of boy leadership through the patrol method, Positive relations with the troop’s chartered organization, extensive outdoor program including strong summer camp attendance, positive image of Scouting in the community and a troop operation that attracts and retains Boy Scouts.
I should also mention that I staffed at our summer camp for twelve years in various directorships including two seasons as the camp director. I have worked with literally thousands of Scouts and leaders and have administered a staff of eighty counselors. Beyond that I have also staffed many training sessions. I am a Vigil Honor member of The Order of the Arrow.
No , I never attended Woodbadge (an advanced training program for Scout leaders).
Debatable Questions
My approach is succinctly and eloquently laid out in this statement from the 1914 Scoutmaster’s Handbook:
The Scout Movement is not antagonistic to any civic enterprise, but rather seeks to cooperate with all other good movements in the interest of the boy. The Movement is wholly non-sectarian and plans to work with every sect and creed alike; it is non-military, and seeks to promote Peace Scouting and to develop educational character-building for good citizenship. It is wholly non-partisan. It cannot favor one interest against another and cannot countenance interference on any debatable questions, whether social, religious or political.
From time to time I receive email or comments that touch on debatable questions. Scoutmastercg.com is focused on sharing useful ideas, informing volunteer Scout leaders and inspiring us all to service. This is not a forum for debating questions of politics or religious arguments. I will respond to honest questions touching on these matters. Otherwise email or comments that I determine intrude into the territory of ‘debatable questions’ go unanswered or unapproved for publication in the comments section of the blog.
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