It seemed like pulling teeth to find out whom to contact in our local council. When I finally DID reach him, he was adamant that Lone Scouting was for handicapped boys only. I politely referred him to the Boy Scout regulations, but he stood fast in his refusal and would not discuss it further. That was dismaying. That council office is 75 minutes from us and across a ferry, so I did a search for other councils in our state. The Tacoma area one (Pacific Harbors Council) was closer than our geographically assigned one, so we took a ride down there.
There I found a wonderfully helpful Senior District Executive, John Tupper. I explained our situation, and he interviewed us for 30 minutes. Yes, I know, that isn't required, but he seemed genuinely interested and wanting to help. Some of the reasons we disclosed for Lone Scouting included maturity (aka innocence) including the drug/alcohol discussions, religious reasons, superior math but below grade reading, and Paul's work schedule (swing shift). He was very understanding. After checking with membership, his determination was that since a Lone Scout is a troop unto himself and one of the specific reasons is travel, he didn't need to be registered in his geographical council. We registered through Pacific Harbors and David is on his journey!
The difference between the councils was night and day. Mr. Tupper did suggest that David transfer into a newly forming homeschool-only troop (in his area; we are right on the border) when he got a little older and was ready to work toward Eagle. It's something that we will definitely consider since so much of the Eagle and related awards are leadership-driven. Of course, by then our church may have its own troop.
Now the task is rounding up Merit Badge Counselors for David's many interests. We decided that, as parents, we will be the last resort for the MBCs so that there is no question as to their legitimacy. Because Paul is a policeman, his contacts are many! That makes it so much easier. But even for the difficult ones, having no question of their integrity makes it worthwhile.
Lone Scouting is the perfect answer for homeschoolers who do not have a suitable Scout Troop in their area.
Thought for the day:
A gentle answer turns away wrath. Prov 15:1
David driving the boat at Crater Lake, OR