Boy Scouts

[cballman]

Having been a Assistant Scoutmaster for our Troop for the last 10 years has been great. I have met a lot of good people and a few that I dont really care for but the experiance has been awesome. Now when shooting sports comes up we dont just go out to the back field and start shooting. There are rules set in place for shooting. BB guns for Cub Scouts. 22 rifles and Shotguns for Boy Scouts. I am not quite sure but Handguns, Shotguns and maybe centerfire rifles for the Venture crews. There are rules for safety and need to be adhered to. Just letting kids shoot without the proper safety regulations and area in place is just plain bad. Yes Scouting has changed over the years but if we work together it still can be fun and challenging.

 

[moosedog]

Congradulations, you are one great Grandfather. That boy sounds like he is headed in the right direction. Eagle Scout and Martial Arts.
He will do great.

I have taught the Shotgun merit Badge and Rifle and also BB gun Merit badges for over 11 years, but our Counsel also shys away from handgun shooting.
Of course I am in Michigan where we were the first state to get rid of Capital Punishment. Liberal as all get out.

 

[625smith]

Pistol shooting is allowed for venture crew members of the boy scouts. Venture crews are open to boys and girls ages 14-21. Our scout council has made it mandatory that shooting merit badge counselors must be NRA certified instructors.

 

[Armyphotog]

I don't even know if there was a shooting Merit Badge when I was a Scout. I didn't even make 1st Class Scout. Way back when, one of the requirements for 1st Class Scout was Morse Code. I never was a dity-dot chaser, and it did me in. Loved Scouting though. Great organization.

 

[jlrhiner]

I'm just getting back involved, after about a 17 year vacation. I just took over as a Unit Commisioner for the Cub Pack my grandson is a Tiger Cub in. When I stopped in 1995, I had 23 years in. It's neat to see the changes that have come along. I used to be a merit badge counselor for swimming, lifesaving and what was then rifle and shotgun. Which by the way was taught with .22 shotshells. Pistols were only allowed for Explorers, and now the Venture Crews.

Outdoor activities are still stressed, camping using the Patrol Method is mandatory. I still have my Tote 'n Chip with no corners torn off. I'm a Brotherhood member of the O.A. Anybody been to Woodbadge? I'm a Sawtoothed Beaver from NC546-312-42.

I'm glad I had stepped back when I did, as the excitement is growing again. I can't wait till my grandson can go camping with the troop.