As an 18 year old Assistant Scoumaster who just recently aged out Scouts, I can share some first-hand experiences. For one thing, I notice a trend currently going on in my troop: the youngest and oldest scouts tend to use little to no foul language, while the Scouts in the middle tend to use the most. Now, I’m pretty sure our troop is the exception here, because I’ve heard just how often highschoolers will swear. Normally, the Scouts who do swear do not do so when around the adults.

Perhaps most surprisingly, I hear approximately equal amounts of sexual references as I do swearing. Now, mind that it’s not constantly brought up, but it is often the topic of jokes. It really angers me when I hear Scouts talk so carelessly about these things. But most of all, I’m ashamed when I hear adults leaders make similar jokes and references.

I’m part of a group of Scouts (though, as previously stated, I’m technically an adult now) who never swear and never discuss adult topics. It is important to note that we all have strong Christian convictions and have been homeschooled throughout our lives – avoiding the influences of public school swearing that you mentioned. We know that swearing is never appropriate and we believe that all careless talk about sexual topics is immoral. One of these Scouts has approached others about his disdain for their “adult” jokes. Of course, that wasn’t the end of the problem, but it is important for Scouts to be confronted about these things by their peers, and not just by adult leaders.

Perhaps one of the best things you could do to prevent bad language would be to instill strong morals within your boys, especially the older ones who will inevitably set the example.

I hope my comments prove helpful to you, Jerry.

Yours in Scouting,
Andrew

A few thoughts:

Without “Character, Integrity, Standards and Values” as a Leader you both have no credence in your position and essentially will not evolve as a respected leader. Therefore, no valid followers!

Simply writing or proliferate about leadership traits is one thing; living them is quite another.

As we witness daily in our contemporary lives; the “Lack of these Traits” in (Government, The Military, Schools and in general our daily Social and Professional contacts) the search for real Leadership is becoming a full time effort and possibly a loosing battle. What is the expectation that “Scout Leadership be any different”?

The difference simply stated; The BSA Future is on the line.
The Values taught in the BSA programs are not something that we see fostered or perpetuated in our Schools, our Government or Society in General. Therefore, the BSA seems to have been “Burdened” with one of the only viable Societal Youth Leadership Programs available for Americas Youth” anymore. Where in our contemporary Society does one hear the “Values” cited in the Scout Law; where in our daily lives are there acceptable standards expounded; where in our daily lives is there an expectation that these values be a part of our daily routine?

If we want to make a difference, if we truly want to participate in the development of our youth, then the “Core Leadership Values of Character, Integrity and Viable Standards”, must evolve as “Living these Traits”. Simply writing about them will make them so. Raising Three Fingers and from rote, professing the Oath may not be enough… Living them by example demonstrates “Leadership”.

The concept as I understand it; belonging to the BSA Leadership Corps dictates that the “Scout Oath, Law and Training Standards” be adhered to and provided for all members; Leaders and Scouts.

… are these very standards expected to be a part of the “BSA Leadership Lifestyle”. There is no binding or legal requirement to live Scout Leadership Traits; therefore, it becomes a “Choice of Adherence” on the part of each leader. The crux of that statement is “Choice”… “Character and Living with Leadership Traits and Values” is basic to the expectation of becoming a Leader in the BSA…a commitment to be; trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent is the “Scouters Life Style”. It means a personal acceptance and a willingness to live and hike the scouters trail. If one is not willing to accept the principles and standards of scouting, then the program is not for you. If your not willing to “Lead by Example” then the program is not for you; and if you compromise your “Integrity” at any level, the program is not for you. Personal Integrity equates to Personal Identification to this writer. Everyone knows leadership values once compromised, renders a leader ineffectual. Teaching the Honored Values of Scouting to youth, means you must have in your “Ruck Sack of Leadership Traits” the same and consistent standards enacted daily in your lives. If you cut corners, lessen standards, expectations or violate the Scout Law… you’ve wandered off the Scouting Grid.

Of course there are always options and alternatives: One can always consider your dedicating volunteer time to local, state or federal Politics. I’m just sayin!