Boy Scouts ban obese kids from Jamboree
Replies
-
Does BSA carry defibrillators around with them at Jamboree events?
I don't know, but I suspect they do. That said, I'd guess they're far more likely to need to use them for their leaders than the Scouts...
...(and I say that having spent 6+ years as an Asst Scoutmaster).0 -
"You don't have to belong to BSA, you don't have to support them, and if you don;t like it, you can always form a new group that will satisfy little egos (parent and child). Sometimes exclusion from an event the most powerful motivator. "
and this is why the BSA has lost it's way...
what a garbage attitude.0 -
My first to all who are critiquing this decision: How many of you have gone out and actually done any of this stuff?
My husband and I have been invovled in scouting locally for 15 years and we are a THREE EAGLE SCOUT family. My husband grew up in the as well, totaling over 30 yrs.
1. There is a health form that has to be signed off by the physicians and I, as Mom, HAD to make sure it was filled out correctly (that was MY RESPONSIBILITY).
2. There have been weight/height requirements on said health forms for many years now. No surprise there.
That having been said, I will make my main point.
We run a high adventure troop and go out into areas where we don't even have cell phone coverage. Evacuating ANY kid or adult from those situations is very difficult and we need to take into consideration the health and safety of the rescuers.
Not everyone (parents especially) wants to admit that their kids may not be able to do everythng that they want to do and would send them to an event where they may not only put the child's life at risk, but risk those who may have to help them. I have had to deal with these kids and it is very stressful for everyone concerned.
I see this as BSA trying to protect the safety and well being of ALL participants.
You don't have to belong to BSA, you don't have to support them, and if you don;t like it, you can always form a new group that will satisfy little egos (parent and child). Sometimes exclusion from an event the most powerful motivator.
Thanks so much for posting this! I couldn't have said it better myself.
Those who have experienced things such as Philmont or Jambo understand, whereas others who have never experienced these strenuous trips really can't see it from the BSA perspective.0 -
My first to all who are critiquing this decision: How many of you have gone out and actually done any of this stuff?
My husband and I have been invovled in scouting locally for 15 years and we are a THREE EAGLE SCOUT family. My husband grew up in the as well, totaling over 30 yrs.
1. There is a health form that has to be signed off by the physicians and I, as Mom, HAD to make sure it was filled out correctly (that was MY RESPONSIBILITY).
2. There have been weight/height requirements on said health forms for many years now. No surprise there.
That having been said, I will make my main point.
We run a high adventure troop and go out into areas where we don't even have cell phone coverage. Evacuating ANY kid or adult from those situations is very difficult and we need to take into consideration the health and safety of the rescuers.
Not everyone (parents especially) wants to admit that their kids may not be able to do everythng that they want to do and would send them to an event where they may not only put the child's life at risk, but risk those who may have to help them. I have had to deal with these kids and it is very stressful for everyone concerned.
I see this as BSA trying to protect the safety and well being of ALL participants.
You don't have to belong to BSA, you don't have to support them, and if you don;t like it, you can always form a new group that will satisfy little egos (parent and child). Sometimes exclusion from an event the most powerful motivator.
Thanks so much for posting this! I couldn't have said it better myself.
Those who have experienced things such as Philmont or Jambo understand, whereas others who have never experienced these strenuous trips really can't see it from the BSA perspective.
the flipside is that kids can help each other along the way...which is the point of scouting. Now it is just exclusionary, religious, paramilitary group for kids. what a joke....
Eagle Scout '850 -
"You don't have to belong to BSA, you don't have to support them, and if you don;t like it, you can always form a new group that will satisfy little egos (parent and child). Sometimes exclusion from an event the most powerful motivator. "
and this is why the BSA has lost it's way...
what a garbage attitude.
I agree with you completely. What is it that they are really teaching their kids?0 -
As others have pointed out, the article clearly states the BMI cutoff is 40. I'm sure there are exceptions, but by and large as a Scout parent I don't recall ever seeing any kid of scouting age even close to this morbidly obese at scouting functions where we're mingling with other troops. I'm not saying they aren't out there, but I don't think this rule affects as many boys as people would expect from simply reading the article tagline.
I've seen a few. There was a guy who sunk the docks at the lake everytime he walked on them. But no, it doesn't affect that many. It's just a weird policy. If you start banning more and more types of people, who will be left? That's my concern.0 -
I'll bet lawsuits due to injury or teasing might be the root but sadly
they should be adopting ways to help and not discourage youngsters
to lose the obesity labels .. They should promote making unfit kids ..
awesome-fit kids. Jmho.0 -
I agree with you completely. What is it that they are really teaching their kids?
They're trying to teach people how to become self-reliant, to work well with others when needed, to be able to survive outside, to be physically fit, and also a little of everything.
But a lot of it is overshadowed by a rustic, outdated MO (and I'm being nice). The organization can get a bit shortsighted and claustrophobic feeling at times.
And you can't just legislate your way around everything...which is what they're doing.0 -
My first to all who are critiquing this decision: How many of you have gone out and actually done any of this stuff?
My husband and I have been invovled in scouting locally for 15 years and we are a THREE EAGLE SCOUT family. My husband grew up in the as well, totaling over 30 yrs.
1. There is a health form that has to be signed off by the physicians and I, as Mom, HAD to make sure it was filled out correctly (that was MY RESPONSIBILITY).
2. There have been weight/height requirements on said health forms for many years now. No surprise there.
That having been said, I will make my main point.
We run a high adventure troop and go out into areas where we don't even have cell phone coverage. Evacuating ANY kid or adult from those situations is very difficult and we need to take into consideration the health and safety of the rescuers.
Not everyone (parents especially) wants to admit that their kids may not be able to do everythng that they want to do and would send them to an event where they may not only put the child's life at risk, but risk those who may have to help them. I have had to deal with these kids and it is very stressful for everyone concerned.
I see this as BSA trying to protect the safety and well being of ALL participants.
You don't have to belong to BSA, you don't have to support them, and if you don;t like it, you can always form a new group that will satisfy little egos (parent and child). Sometimes exclusion from an event the most powerful motivator.
Thanks so much for posting this! I couldn't have said it better myself.
Those who have experienced things such as Philmont or Jambo understand, whereas others who have never experienced these strenuous trips really can't see it from the BSA perspective.
the flipside is that kids can help each other along the way...which is the point of scouting. Now it is just exclusionary, religious, paramilitary group for kids. what a joke....
Eagle Scout '85
yea, other kids should help kids who are 100 or more pounds overweight hike 50 miles, kayak (swim if you tip over) and zipline. That doesn't have injury written all over it.0 -
Well said.This is another example of well meaning, but uninformed, people doing more harm than good. If the physical challenges are really that challenging then the only reasonable way to make the determination is to require a physical fitness evaluation. BMI is going to cut out some very fit but muscular kids. That said, I don't think excluding kids from the entire event makes any sense whatsoever.0 -
....0
-
I agree with you completely. What is it that they are really teaching their kids?
They're trying to teach people how to become self-reliant, to work well with others when needed, to be able to survive outside, to by physically fit, and also a little of everything.
But a lot of it is overshadowed by a rustic, outdated MO (and I'm being nice). The organization can get a bit shortsighted and claustrophobic feeling at times.
And you can't just legislate your way around everything.
That's what I'm talking about. Earlier someone pointed out that physical testing to qualify would have worked better than to just say "hey, if you're fat, don't even think about it". That's really sending a bad message to the kids as a whole.
You know, you tell the kids they have to be able to do X push-ups and run X miles in X minutes. That way the heavier kids can at least try if they want to. If they fail at the testing, then they know they will have to work harder for next time.0 -
:noway:0
-
OMG Logic people!
IF all our kids are obese AND boy scouts teaches how to make fires and camp and stuff AND they want to exclude all the kids, THEN how will our species survive the zombie apocalypse?0 -
I agree with you completely. What is it that they are really teaching their kids?
They're trying to teach people how to become self-reliant, to work well with others when needed, to be able to survive outside, to be physically fit, and also a little of everything.
But a lot of it is overshadowed by a rustic, outdated MO (and I'm being nice). The organization can get a bit shortsighted and claustrophobic feeling at times.
And you can't just legislate your way around everything...which is what they're doing.
Thank you! That is what I didn't say correctly.0 -
OMG Logic people!
IF all our kids are obese AND boy scouts teaches how to make fires and camp and stuff AND they want to exclude all the kids, THEN how will our species survive the zombie apocalypse?
Rule Number 1 in Zombieland: CARDIO :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:0 -
If you people are so up in arms about a private, faith based organization having exclusions, get off your computers and either form your own group or actually spend some time with your kids and teach them the same things.
P.s. You can buy a Boy Scout manual and use it as a guide even if you don't agree with their policies, or use a library.....0 -
I agree with you completely. What is it that they are really teaching their kids?
They're trying to teach people how to become self-reliant, to work well with others when needed, to be able to survive outside, to by physically fit, and also a little of everything.
But a lot of it is overshadowed by a rustic, outdated MO (and I'm being nice). The organization can get a bit shortsighted and claustrophobic feeling at times.
And you can't just legislate your way around everything.
That's what I'm talking about. Earlier someone pointed out that physical testing to qualify would have worked better than to just say "hey, if you're fat, don't even think about it". That's really sending a bad message to the kids as a whole.
You know, you tell the kids they have to be able to do X push-ups and run X miles in X minutes. That way the heavier kids can at least try if they want to. If they fail at the testing, then they know they will have to work harder for next time.
BMI of 40 isn't "fat", it's morbidly obese, especially amongst children. Also, it's already stated that there are exceptions with a Dr's approval.0 -
I agree with you completely. What is it that they are really teaching their kids?
They're trying to teach people how to become self-reliant, to work well with others when needed, to be able to survive outside, to by physically fit, and also a little of everything.
But a lot of it is overshadowed by a rustic, outdated MO (and I'm being nice). The organization can get a bit shortsighted and claustrophobic feeling at times.
And you can't just legislate your way around everything.
That's what I'm talking about. Earlier someone pointed out that physical testing to qualify would have worked better than to just say "hey, if you're fat, don't even think about it". That's really sending a bad message to the kids as a whole.
You know, you tell the kids they have to be able to do X push-ups and run X miles in X minutes. That way the heavier kids can at least try if they want to. If they fail at the testing, then they know they will have to work harder for next time.
BMI of 40 isn't "fat", it's morbidly obese, especially amongst children. Also, it's already stated that there are exceptions with a Dr's approval.
Like I said, if someone's BMI is that high, it's not likely they can do X push-ups or run X miles in X minutes. Then, they can see their own defeciencies without the organization pointing it out for them.
But it's always so pleasant talking to you. Please tell me again why my opinion is less valid than yours.
And BTW... that's how most ROTC's go about handling things of this nature...0 -
I have a co worker who is at the Jamboree now. I honestly know nothing about scouting, other than what I read, but the co worker of mine who is there AND a leader is morbidly obese. So what kind of example is THAT setting? The kids can't come but the adults can? Doesn't seem fair to me.0
-
So if they can't discriminate against gay kids, then they are going to discriminate against the fat kids?? :huh: :noway:
Don't they realize that 'physically demanding' is what these kids need????
I thought they had the gay discrimination down to a science already--0 -
sigh that's so sad
0 -
I have a co worker who is at the Jamboree now. I honestly know nothing about scouting, other than what I read, but the co worker of mine who is there AND a leader is morbidly obese. So what kind of example is THAT setting? The kids can't come but the adults can? Doesn't seem fair to me.
The adults are just that, adults and are free to make their own decisions. Lawsuits can rise much more quickly when kids get injured and the insurance premiums also take a big jump too.0 -
I agree with you completely. What is it that they are really teaching their kids?
They're trying to teach people how to become self-reliant, to work well with others when needed, to be able to survive outside, to by physically fit, and also a little of everything.
But a lot of it is overshadowed by a rustic, outdated MO (and I'm being nice). The organization can get a bit shortsighted and claustrophobic feeling at times.
And you can't just legislate your way around everything.
That's what I'm talking about. Earlier someone pointed out that physical testing to qualify would have worked better than to just say "hey, if you're fat, don't even think about it". That's really sending a bad message to the kids as a whole.
You know, you tell the kids they have to be able to do X push-ups and run X miles in X minutes. That way the heavier kids can at least try if they want to. If they fail at the testing, then they know they will have to work harder for next time.
BMI of 40 isn't "fat", it's morbidly obese, especially amongst children. Also, it's already stated that there are exceptions with a Dr's approval.
Like I said, if someone's BMI is that high, it's not likely they can do X push-ups or run X miles in X minutes. Then, they can see their own defeciencies without the organization pointing it out for them.
But it's always so pleasant talking to you. Please tell me again why my opinion is less valid than yours.
And BTW... that's how most ROTC's go about handling things of this nature...
That's awesome, this isn't ROTC, it is a private organization. Fat vs morbidly obese isn't an opinion BTW, it is factual.0 -
From a practical stand point I get the logic. From an emotional stand point all I can think is: "Way to go BS. Since you can't publicly hate the gays anymore, let's pick on the fat kids instead."
A lot of people are saying this, but this rule has been in effect for longer than the BSA has been allowing gay members.
Notice how I said EMOTIONAL standpoint. Logic doesn't belong there. That's why I expressed both standpoints seperately.
I don't do so good with emotions. Sorry!0 -
This makes me soooooo mad, my 10 year old daughter is heavy but very very active, she plays soccer and basketball and loves to swim. She may not be able to run fast or do some things but just because she is chunky doesn't mean she can't do a lot of things that my twig of a daughter couln't do because she is not as active. People need to wake up and think about things before they take a stupid action like this---makes me want to scream in there face.0
-
This makes me soooooo mad, my 10 year old daughter is heavy but very very active, she plays soccer and basketball and loves to swim. She may not be able to run fast or do some things but just because she is chunky doesn't mean she can't do a lot of things that my twig of a daughter couln't do because she is not as active. People need to wake up and think about things before they take a stupid action like this---makes me want to scream in there face.
Is your dauhter a BMI of 40+, morbidly obese? If she plays soccer I am willing to bet that she isn't. If not, then this rule effects her 0%. You sell insurance, you should know that these risks, as well as obesity, the chance of getting sued, etc raise these insurnace premiums. Why should a PRIVATE organization take on more costs, risks, etc in order to cater to children who are dangerously obese?0 -
bump to read later...0
-
From a practical stand point I get the logic. From an emotional stand point all I can think is: "Way to go BS. Since you can't publicly hate the gays anymore, let's pick on the fat kids instead."
A lot of people are saying this, but this rule has been in effect for longer than the BSA has been allowing gay members.
Notice how I said EMOTIONAL standpoint. Logic doesn't belong there. That's why I expressed both standpoints seperately.
I don't do so good with emotions. Sorry!
Sadly, that is what most people base decisions on instead of logic.0 -
I grew up in Scouts, that's so not cool, discrimination never is.....0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.6K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 430 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.8K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions