Hoop Jumping

Scouts, unlike trained dogs, should not have to jump through hoops.

I have heard repeatedly, and unfortunately advocated for a time, some of these hoops; “Scouts should go over and above the rank requirements, they should really know their stuff.” “Eagle projects should take a minimum of X hours.” “Active membership or leadership means X number of meetings or camp outs” “Troops should police the quality of merit badge instruction through boards of review for merit badge work” Requirements towards ranks and merit badges are written carefully and the overall standard is a Scout’s best effort- nothing more nothing less – no hoops allowed.

Community service, Eagle projects, leadership tenure; all the parameters are written down – no hoops allowed.