Boy Scout Qu: Ok to give gift to Merit Badge Counsellor?

[missypie]

DS16 is a part of a really bad Boy Scout troop. I won't go into all of it , but they make it EXTREMELY difficult to get merit badges and only the scoutmaster and assistant scoutmaster's kids seem to make Eagle. ANYWAY, DS has been a life scout for a while, with only one merit badge to go and our troop didn't have a counsellor for that badge.

DS finally asked around and found a mom who had fullfilled all the requirements to be a counsellor for the badge. He asked if she was willing to be a counsellor on the badge, she was and she met with him twice and finished up the badge. We are SO grateful to her, because he'd needed only this badge for over a year.

We'd really like to give her a small gift (e.g. maybe a restaurant gift card) to show our appreciation for her going out of her way to help DS. Is that okay in the scouting world? That isn't considered bribery or anything is it?

 

[RUDisney]

That is such a nice thing for you to do.

It's only bribery if you made a deal up front to pay her. Giving a token gift after someone helps you is just plain nice.

Congratulations on your DS's Eagle!

 

[missypie]

Well he doesn't have his Eagle yet...he still has the project to do. We have had SUCH a difficult time with his advancement, I know that at his Eagle Ceremony, we are all going to be biting through our respective tongues to keep from saying how we REALLY feel. In all of our years with the troop, this lady is the first and only one who has tried at all to help DS advance.

 

[RUDisney]

That's just amazing! Our DS quit his troop because they only did crafts. There was no work on badges, very little camping or BSA activities outside of the Pinewood Derby for cubs. He became bored quickly and quit the troop.

He's considering another troop, especially because DH is an Eagle and he likes to reach the same laurels as his father.

My DD's GS troop, OTOH, is amazing! My DS winds up doing more with our girls than he ever did with his BS troop.

 

[Teancum]

There is no problem giving a counselor a gift, and it would be a nice gesture.

Good luck to your DS on his Eagle. Has he decided what project he wants to do?

 

[MerryPoppins]

When my DS earned his Eagle he gave gifts to several people including a couple of his merit badge counselors and the Scout Master and his wife. I don't think anyone would think of it as bribery. You're thanking her after the fact for taking the time to do what she did. I think that's very nice.

 

[dare2dream]

Missypie, by all means if you feel so inclined please offer a special token of appreciation to the MB counselor. Your Scout has properly earned the badge so a gift would not be a conflict of interest.

My two sons were in different scout troops (long story). Younger son was in an active troop with many mentors to help him get to Eagle. Older son did not have any guidance to help him get to Eagle. His mentor was actually an assistant SM from younger son's troop. Both sons had very different paths to Eagle but each does not regret their journey at all.

Missypie please encourage your Scout to get to work on his Eagle as soon as possible. At 16 cars, girls, sports, school, etc. are all very important parts of his life that will take time away from an Eagle project. He may get discouraged along the way but encourage him to follow through and get it done. So many projects are completed but the award does not come until the final paperwork is done.

I am grateful he found a helpful MB counselor. Please make sure you invite her to his Eagle Court of Honor. She can even have a part in the ceremony if he wants. She will enjoy sharing in the celebration.

Scouting is a wonderful program, unfortunately sometimes the adults can take away some of the fun. I wish your Scout continued success in scouting and may his journey to Eagle be a wonderful learning experience for him.

YIS (Yours in Scouting),

Brenda

 

[DavidHobart]

DS16 is a part of a really bad Boy Scout troop. I won't go into all of it , but they make it EXTREMELY difficult to get merit badges and only the scoutmaster and assistant scoutmaster's kids seem to make Eagle. ANYWAY, DS has been a life scout for a while, with only one merit badge to go and our troop didn't have a counsellor for that badge.

DS finally asked around and found a mom who had fullfilled all the requirements to be a counsellor for the badge. He asked if she was willing to be a counsellor on the badge, she was and she met with him twice and finished up the badge. We are SO grateful to her, because he'd needed only this badge for over a year.

We'd really like to give her a small gift (e.g. maybe a restaurant gift card) to show our appreciation for her going out of her way to help DS. Is that okay in the scouting world? That isn't considered bribery or anything is it?

Look I hate to say this, but if it is a bad troop, it might be wise to hold the gift until after he has had his eagle board of review. That way there is no grounds for criticism at all.


Is the mom registered as a merit badge counselor? You did not say in your post.

Best wishes to your son and his troop--be glad to give any other scout related advice, or on the eagle process.


The following website may help as well: http://www.scouting.org/boyscouts/resources/mbc/rank.html

 

[missypie]

Is the mom registered as a merit badge counselor? You did not say in your post.

Yes, she registered because DS asked her to. She was able to help another boy at the same time.

 

[DavidHobart]

Yes, she registered because DS asked her to. She was able to help another boy at the same time.

Great!