[Vision2020] Fw: [Spam 5.86] BE OUTSIDE!

[Chasuk]

On Thu, Jan 29, 2009 at 12:52, Darrell Keim <keim153 at gmail.com> wrote:

> I really like what the CiNN network is all about-getting kids into
> nature.  But, speaking as a former professional Scout coordinator, it
> seems a bit redundant.  We've had Girl and Boy Scouts for almost 100
> years doing just this.  The program is in place, the support network
> has already been built, 100s of thousands of kids are participating
> with the assistance of numerous volunteers, and many great camps
> exist.  Why not support and grow what we already have?

When I was a kid, my parents tried to involve me in Scouts many times,
but I hated it.  I disliked then, and I dislike now, anything
resembling merit badges.  If something is worth doing, it is worth
doing for itself, and the ribbons and medals are condescending.
Further, most of the merit-badge-earning activities I found pointless
and tedious.

I dislike that the Boy Scouts are not entirely secular, although the
Girl Scouts gets this right.  I also think that the uniforms should
go.  I know a couple of Boy Scouts, and they all look embarrassed by
the uniforms.

Anyway, those are my objections to Scouting.  Your mileage may vary
(and probably will).