APRIL 13, 2021

[NO. 673 – 20TH YEAR OF HELPING SCOUTS, SCOUTERS, & PARENTS]

Hi Andy,

I’ve recently been hearing about the BSA changing its national structure from four regions, each with six to nine “areas” within them (totaling 28), to a bunch of areas smaller than regions but larger than their former “areas” and called “National Service Territories.” Is this right? Are we going back to something like the dozen regions we had in the 1940s into the early 1970s era? (John Arable, DC, Great Plains Council, NE)

Yup, you’ve got it right—There’s a reorg on its way, but it’s not “moving back.” This is a genuine effort to move forward. Let’s also remember that the BSA has previously initiated across-the-board changes in our regional structure beginning in the 1910s, continuing into the early 1920s, then 1948 and 1973.

Let’s let the BSA describe what will happen and what the volunteer-professional roles will be. Check it all out here: https://www.scouting.org/commissioners/news-for-commissioners/?fbclid=IwAR0-oGlQNWoIeFFiJ16ApvkcLghVX7kaupcKORrECDlFJoJNiv-KWMbHLHY
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Dear Andy,

As a result of Covid-19’s impact on employment, the parents of a Scout in our troop both lost their jobs, and I just learned that their home was foreclosed on. They’re all—there are Mom and Dad, our Scout, and his younger sister—living out of their one vehicle, an SUV that’s about ten years old but at least paid off!

Does the BSA have anything that helps families like these and, if they do, where can we find whatever forms need to be filled out? We’re in the North-Midwest, but I don’t what to say more than this, so as not to embarrass them. (Name & Council Withheld)

I’m terribly sorry that this family is in such a dire situation—and I’m sure they’re not alone. Unfortunately, while the BSA is indeed a not-for-profit organization, I don’t believe it has or is associated with a foundation that can help provide for families like the one you’re trying to help.

But this is far from the end of the line. It’s entirely possible that your troop’s sponsor may be able to help—or may be able to put you in touch with an alternate resource. Also, the local community may have resources. Check with the closest YMCA and local food bank. Also, consider such websites as “gofundme.com” as a possible solution that’s not Scouting-based. I sure hope at least one of these ideas bears fruit! My heart’s tugged by this family’s situation, and I hope it can resolve quickly!
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Hi Andy,

We have a new Assistant Scoutmaster. He’s 19 years old and earned his Eagle Scout rank about two years ago. When he hit age 18, he stuck around rather than the classic “Eagle-and-age-out” routine (he’s attending a local community college, sort of, because of the Covid situation. He’s been a great ASM because he understands both leadership and how to be a team player—so much so that we may have a “jealous” Scoutmaster. Jealous because he tends to be aloof and judgmental with the Scouts, including the Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leaders, and even his own son. (Frankly, some of us on the committee do wish this ASM weren’t just 19; if he were 21, we’d probably consider changing Scoutmasters!) But anyway, here’s why I’m writing to you…

Our young ASM—I’ll call him “Pete” (not his real name)—was recently involved in a sheriff’s traffic stop—he had a broken taillight lens. He had been driving with a former high school classmate in the passenger seat and, unfortunately and unbeknownst to Pete ahead of time, his buddy stupidly popped a beer can that he had stuffed in his jacket pocket and waved it at the sheriff. This ended with the car impounded and the two young men saying hello to the desk sergeant at the Sheriff Department. Neither was charged (friendly sheriffs, thank goodness!), but both Pete and his buddy spent about an hour in lock-up. Pete got his car back and replaced the taillight lens himself; his buddy got the “Dutch Uncle” talk of his life and was released UOR.

Word got around of course, and of course the tale escalated. It quickly turned into the two being arrested, and put in prison, and on and on—none of which had happened (I’m former military police, so I made a couple of phone calls to double-check and help if needed).

So we thought this was over, when the Scoutmaster came to our troop committee (I’m not the chair, but I was a few years ago) and demanded that we “pull” Pete’s Eagle rank. He wanted our agreement that he’ll write a letter to our council Scout Executive and Executive Board, and also to the BSA national office, describing how Pete had “tarnished” the Eagle rank and demanding that Pete’s Eagle be revoked.

I told him that this wasn’t going to happen, for the simple reason that Eagle is “earned” not “bestowed,” and this means that there is no one and no group or organization that has the authority to take this rank away from Pete: Earned is earned and that’s that!

Some of the other committee members aren’t so sure about what I said, so I thought this would be a good time to write to you as a double-check, before this goes any further. Any thoughts or advice you have will be greatly appreciated. Thanks! (Pierce Boylan, MC, Former CC & SM, Prairie Winds Council, MT)

Stand your ground. The answer is: ABSOLUTELY NOT. Once he or she has earned it, the rank, the merit badge, and all else in Scouting cannot be “nullified,” or “taken away,” revoked, or any such thing. This is not only because once earned it’s the Scout’s forever, but—and you can read the entire rules and regulations of the BSA on this point—there is no procedure for doing this, no matter the reason.

Please inform Pete (and ALL Scouts, for that matter!) that Eagle is Eagle, period. Plus, he personally did nothing wrong. As for his buddy, his actions were—in a word—brainless. And that’s that.

BTW, I certainly don’t have the final word on this, but I know who does! Don’t hesitate for a second to call Mike LoVecchio at the national office (972-580-2000) and check. He’s a good guy and one-hundred-and-ten-percent knowledgeable.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay positive!
Happy Scouting!
Andy

I answer every message I receive. When writing, please include your name & council. If you want to be anonymous—if published—just tell me and I’ll honor that. Although these columns are copyrighted, you have my okay to quote or reproduce any column or part, so long as it’s attributed: “Ask Andy” by Andy McCommish.

[No. 673 4/13/2021 Copyright © 2021 Andy McCommish]