Scoutmaster's Corner...

Dear Troop 198 –

I wanted to take a moment to talk to you about a couple things that have been weighing heavy on my mind. This has been a difficult week for many.

* * *

We mourned the loss of a great man and strong supporter of the Scouting program… Pastor Paul Wilcox. An avid outdoorsman and a calming force for those in turmoil around him, Paul will truly be missed. As I sat through his funeral service in a packed church on Saturday, I was struck by the fact that there were more laughs and smiles shared than there were tears shed. To me, that is the sign of a life well-lived and a gentleman who will be [sincerely] missed.

* * *

The world continues to watch as tragedy and scandal shake to the core an institution that many of us have looked to with pride at Penn State University. I imagine that you, like me, have been speechless as this decades-long criminal episode unraveled before us. No words can adequately describe how disappointed I am in the leadership of my alma mater; and how broken-hearted I am for the victims of these terrible crimes.

When you see and read about this type of abuse, it may cause you to ask yourself whether your son or daughter is safe participating in a chosen the youth program. Whether it’s youth sports, social organizations or even youth ministries like Scouting, I know I’ve asked myself, “Is my son safe here?”

Understand that we at the Troop and the Church believe that child safety is our greatest responsibility.

Each adult leader participating in BSA programs undergoes a child abuse history and criminal history background check and must complete “Youth Protection” training every two years. This program teaches us how to identify and handle instances when youth may be in danger. One of the most basic requirements in establishing a safe environment for our youth is maintaining what BSA calls ‘two-deep leadership.’ This means that there should be two trained adult leaders present during any interaction between adult and child.

Fishing Creek Salem developed and adopted a “Safe Sanctuaries” policy in 1996. This policy requires adult leaders of youth programs to undergo background checks and training.

The goal is consistent with the youth protection goals of scouting: “To demonstrate our absolute and unwavering commitment to the physical and emotional safety and spiritual growth of all our children and youth.”

At the Troop, I ask that every parent come in with their son when dropping them off for meetings. In addition to getting valuable information about what we may be doing that night; filing any last minute permission slips; or getting a better idea when we’ll be wrapping up the meeting, it’s important to know that there are (at least two) adults present. Also, if ever you or your son have any concerns about personal safety (or anything else for that matter), please do not hesitate to pick up the phone or talk to me directly.

Yours in Scouting,

Jim Mann, Scoutmaster
Troop 198

11/14/11