Here's hoping Michael Auberry remains a Scout
Thank God that Michael Auberry is home safe and sound. As a longtime Scout parent and former leader who has raised two Eagle Scouts and a Girl Scout Gold recipient, I encourage Michael to continue in Scouting and to try camping again in the future. The skills taught in Scouting will help him throughout his life.
Perhaps Michael's dad should accompany the troop on the next few camp-outs until his son feels more comfortable with the outdoors. What a great opportunity for some father-son time. They can learn together.
I applaud and support the three leaders who gave their time to take the troop on an outdoor adventure and who took action so quickly when they realized Michael was missing. Scouting depends on its great volunteers.
I know that all of my children have benefited from the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. They are truly worthwhile organizations.
Kathy Fay
Greensboro
Comments (7)
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proof again of the need for overnight gps suppositories...
(nice plug on your motherhood...)
Posted on April 3, 2007 7:51 AM
"Perhaps Michael's dad should accompany the troop on the next few camp-outs until his son feels more comfortable with the outdoors."
Last I heard, adults who are not scout leaders are not allowed on camp-outs once the kids get past cub scouts.
Posted on April 3, 2007 9:55 AM
Not so, nitpicker. There's no rule that says parents can't join on outings to assist troop leaders. Speaking as a former leader myself, all trips where one or more parent accompanied the troop, they provided help that was very welcome indeed.
Posted on April 3, 2007 11:12 AM
From my remembrances of of this event, Michael was unhappy because some of his FRIENDS did not go on the camping trip. So, what good does it do to have dad along the next time? If Michael's friends are not there, will he be happy to have dad along instead?
Rather, I believe that Michael needs to learn to better adapt to situations where "friends" are not present and make NEW friends with people who are not such.
And it appears that Michael did not remember an important thing that is taught to scouts when they are out in nature and get separated from the larger group; HUG A TREE! Had he done this, there would not have been a three-day ordeal taking place as it did.
I do hope that Michael will stay with scouting and learn the larger context of the teachings offered. I also hope that Michael learns that there are differences in people that do not make them bad or unfit as can be seen from some aspects of scouting.
Shalom
Posted on April 4, 2007 12:17 PM
"If Michael's friends are not there, will he be happy to have dad along instead?"
Only if his Dad is a good friend as well. Sure worked with my son and me.
"Rather, I believe that Michael needs to learn to better adapt to situations where "friends" are not present and make NEW friends with people who are not such."
That sort of maturity generally comes along after a year or so in Scouts. That's one of the many great things that happens because of the program.
A shame that folks like you and I are prohibited from partcipating....
Posted on April 4, 2007 2:23 PM
Yep nemo, and amazingly for two separate and distinct reasons. How sad is it not?
Shalom
Posted on April 4, 2007 10:10 PM
You see the resons we would be asked to leave as separate -- I see them as one: bigotry. Just goes to show that human institutions are almost always a mix of good and bad. So it goes...
Posted on April 5, 2007 8:08 AM