The news is all abuzz with news of a six year old Cub Scout, who has been suspended from school for bringing a pocketknife. He’s a six year old, in First Grade, Tiger Cub, and straight-A student. He’s been sentenced to 45 days at a reform school.
The Guide to Safe Scouting states "Remember—knives are not allowed on school premises, nor can they be taken aboard commercial aircraft." Why did he have a knife at school, when the BSA reminds you that they aren’t allowed?
The Cub Scout Whittling Chip states "___ has demonstrated knowledge of, and skill in, the use of a personal pocketknife. By completing these safety requirements, he has earned the right to carry a pocketknife to designated Cub Scout functions." emphasis mine. Once again?
The Age Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities chart shows that a Tiger Cub is not allowed to use a pocketknife. Why does this first grade Tiger Cub have a pocketknife? In our Pack, we don’t allow it until the Bear year (third grade), even though it is officially allowed in the Wolf year, if they have met the requirements.
There are a number of failures here. The first and foremost is by the parents. The parents bought the knife, the parents authorized its use, the parents didn’t explain the rules (or worse, were ignorant of them), at Scouts or at school, and yet, the parents haven’t been punished, and are attempting to circumvent the “zero tolerance” policy at the school district. The parents must be held culpable. The second failure is by the Scout Pack. Granted, his Den Leader probably doesn’t know the rules yet either, but that’s no excuse. All Scouting Units need to ensure that they are following the Guide to Safe Scouting, and to ensure that they are communicating what the rules are. Action – Rick, ensure my Pack understands the rules for pocketknife use in Cub Scouting. The third failure, and the one which will have the longest lasting impression on the boy, is by the school and the school district. What do they think the boy will gain by sitting in a reform school for 45 days? Do they think the influence of the other kids in the reform school will be good for him? Do they think that the teachers there will be able to adequately teach him? I think the parents and the child both need to be punished, but it needs to be commiserate with the "crime".
