I remember Bill Hillcourt’s page in ‘Boy’s Life’ when I was a kid. I believe I was in the last phase of the ‘old’ Scouting method. In the 1970’s, they began to push the idea that they had to be relevant. Historic methods were tossed and fashionable methods took over. A few years later, women began to take over troops and roles in the system. The logic always was: ‘Well, if men won’t do the job women will’. Perhaps it is just another failed legacy of the Boomer generation or maybe Scouting was irrelevant to the culture. I don’t know. I do know that what it taught me probably served to keep me somewhat sane in my growing up years.
Sad, sad, sad. Commensurate with the death of a nation.
We must be kindred spirits ... I Eagled-out in 1972 and caught a wisp of what was coming down the pike ...
1972 – 1979 – At the end of the 1960s, BSA National saw the underserved communities, primarily in urban areas, and created a new "Urban Emphasis" program. The BSA's modernization was consistent with similar trends in Scouting all over the world starting in the 1960s. Much of these changes could be seen in the 8th edition of the Boy Scout Handbook used from 1972 - 79. The junior leader system, known as the “green bar patrol” was renamed the Leadership Corps. A significant uniform change in the Boy Scout program was made when BSA dropped the traditional garrison cap and adopted a red beret. The rank requirements were changed such that a scout could earn the First Class rank without ever going camping. A tidal wave of frustration arose among veteran scouters who accused the BSA of “taking the outing from Scouting.” The change was so drastic and unpopular that by 1976 long-time veteran scouter, William “Green Bar Bill” Hillcourt, began writing the 9th edition of the Boy Scout Handbook to bring back the outdoor camping skills that were omitted in the 8th edition. The Leadership Corps also went back to the “green bar patrol” system, now referred to as the patrol leaders’ council. The Urban Emphasis program was the forerunner of the Scoutreach Division of BSA which was created in 1994 to provide service to rural and urban areas and to minority populations.
Actually, the program did go back to some of the old ways starting in 1980 with the new handbook. I started as an assistant scoutmaster in 1981.
... A few years later, women began to take over troops and roles in the system. The logic always was: ‘Well, if men won’t do the job women will’. Perhaps it is just another failed legacy of the Boomer generation or maybe Scouting was irrelevant to the culture. I don’t know. ...
10/07/1975 – POTUS # 38 GRF signed Public Law 94-106 which permitted women to enroll in the U.S. military service academies.
FEB 1988 - BSA dropped its ban against women in all leadership roles in Boy Scout units. Women had previously been allowed to hold support positions in troops and all but 2 positions in Cub Scout packs.
APR 1993 – SoD Les Aspin Jr. reversed the “risk rule” that had limited the scope of women’s participation in the military, opening up thousands of formerly banned combat-related positions to servicewomen. Women became eligible to serve aboard combat aircraft and combat surface ships, but were still prohibited from participating in direct combat.
FEB 2010 - SoD Robert Gates approved the proposed policy and signed letters formally notifying Congress of the intent to authorize women to serve onboard submarines. After receiving no objection, the Department of the Navy officially announced the policy change on 4/29/2010. The 1st group of 24 U.S. female submariners completed the 10-week officer basic course in JUL 2011 at New Groton, CT and then went to nuclear power school in Goose Creek, SC. They officially reported on board 2 ballistic and 2 guided missile submarines in NOV 2011. They will be outnumbered by men by a ratio of roughly 1 to 25. The enlisted ranks, which make up about 90 % of a sub's 160-sailor crew, are not open to women although the Navy is exploring modifications to create separate bunks for men and women.
1/24/2013 – Outgoing SoD Leon Panetta lifted the U.S. armed services' ban on woman serving in combat. He reversed the 1993 policy which kept women out of those positions. It could open up thousands of front-line jobs to women in Army and Marine infantry units.
... I do know that what it taught me probably served to keep me somewhat sane in my growing up years.
It was, and still is, a great program for adolescent boys. It is still worth fighting for. Lots to do between now and the annual National Council business meeting on 5/24/2013.
Sad, sad, sad. Commensurate with the death of a nation.
Things are grim all over and statistics, trends, and culture are all pointing in the wrong direction. Post-modern era Christians in the West are about to get a dose of harsh reality, i.e., persecution. We were never promised good times on earth, only eternal salvation if we maintain and live the faith once delivered.