Scoutmaster Conference {Failed}

Joseph assists Boaz in setting up a camp stove at a recent camp out.

Joseph failed his Scoutmaster conference for Life rank last night. Although he had fulfilled each requirement as listed in the BSA handbook (shown below), he was denied by the adult leaders at the conference, who probably meant well. During his conference one of the adult leaders (an assistant Scoutmaster) dismissed Joseph's troop leadership position (chaplain aid), saying that if the other leadership positions were like books, chaplain aid is like a pamphlet.  Had we known that his leadership position would not 'count,' we would never have encouraged him to seek out a Scoutmaster conference (and board of review). 

Joseph has been elected twice and served as chaplain aid for over a year, leading the troop in prayer every day at summer camp; leading grace before community and patrol meals; and offering prayers when called upon by the senior patrol leader.  The actual hours of service as a chaplain aid may fall short when compared to a senior patrol leader or a den chief.  However, the courage, reverence, and discipline required of a young Scout to stand up and lead public prayer in a multi-denominational setting is admirable and worthy of respect and certainly something that develops his leadership skills.  Somehow, though, his elected term as chaplain aid was deemed 'not worthy' to be counted for the leadership requirement for Life Rank.

Seriously committed to Scouts and to personal development, Joseph is currently serving his second term as patrol leader for the Burning Bullfrog patrol; recently served six months as the assistant patrol leader; and quartermaster.  We are grateful for every adult leader who has worked with Joseph and helped him develop his leadership skills.  Joseph recognizes that he needs to continue to grow and become a better leader.  He admits his weaknesses and willingly practices daily prayer, Mass, and regular confession (reconciliation) to grow in personal holiness (or put another way: to better live the Scout Oath and Law).  

Set backs will happen in life, and it is our faith in God which allows us to put our hope in Him and not in the ways of the world.  The fact that the chaplain aid position is looked down upon should come as no surprise in a world that does not value prayer or union with God. Ultimately, the rewards of eternal life far outweigh the rewards of earning the rank of Life Scout.  

Peter and Joseph at 8 Mile Camp outside Leavenworth, WA. 

Life Rank Requirements

1. Be active in your troop and patrol for at least 6 months as a Star Scout.
2. Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your everyday life.
3. Earn 5 more merit badges (so that you have 11 in all), including any 3 more from the required list for Eagle. 
4. While a Star Scout, take part in service projects totaling at least 6 hours of work. These projects must be approved by your Scoutmaster.
5. While a Star Scout, serve actively 6 months in one or more of the positions of responsibility listed (or carry out a Scoutmaster-assigned leadership project to help the troop).
   • Patrol leader
   • assistant senior patrol leader
   • senior patrol leader
   • Venture patrol leader
   • troop guide
   • Order of the Arrow troop representative
   • den chief
   • scribe
   • librarian
   • historian
   • quartermaster
   • bugler
   • junior assistant Scoutmaster
   • chaplain aide
   • instructor
   • troop Webmaster
   • Leave No Trace trainer
6. While a Star Scout, use the EDGE method to teach a younger Scout the skills from ONE of the following seven choices, so that he is prepared to pass those requirements to his unit leader's satisfaction.
   1. Second Class - 7a and 7c (first aid)
   2. Second Class - 1a (outdoor skills)
   3. Second Class - 3c, 3d, 3e, and 3f (cooking/camping)
   4. First Class - 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d (first aid)
   5. First Class - 1, 7a, and 7b (outdoor skills)
   6. First Class - 4a, 4b, and 4d (cooking/camping)
   7. Three requirements from one of the Eagle-required merit badges, as approved by your unit leader.
7. Take part in a Scoutmaster conference
8. Complete your board of review.