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[eilithyia]

So... we are going through little w's webelos badge/pin requirements and we noticed something- we've already done most of these requirements...just on an everyday basis. We've gone camping numerous times, w already helps with chores, he's seen plays, zoos, fairs, and participated in various activities. I don't know if this means we're good

Comments

[celestrata]

While, yes, you are a better more earth based parent than most, there is a bit more to the badge than that.

When I was a Brownie leader, a LOT of stuff should have been "common knowledge" This is partly to help kids whose parents aren't as motivated, but it also helps kids whose parents ARE not feel "weird" with their peers. Many parents like yourself opt for homeschool, and those kids sometimes feel different. By making badges like this, more kids get included, from both sides of the fence. It creates community, which is a big part of girl scouting at least!

And sadly, public school kids with working parents (or working parent) do miss a lot of this good stuff! Some parents who recognize the void put their kids in scouting for that very reason. (too many put their kids in scouting as a babysitter too, but at least they get some godd stuff while they are there)

[eilithyia]

I agree there is much more to a badge and the process of earning one... I just find it sad that some of these kids are being introduced to this for the first time. Scouts is wonderful, and I think you gave a good explanation for why some of this is new to some children. My kids do go to public school-I would homeschool but I am very pro public education, it scares me to think only certain members of society would receive an education if we did not offer public education. I feel I can't be pro public education and then homeschool/private school my own children ya know? We do not use public school as a catch all though...we teach him subjects at home, and reinforce what he is learning in school as well as introduce new topics. A lot of my friends homeschool, but I feel like we homeschool in part. I would just feel like a prolifer secretly getting an abortion if I homeschooled. I think education is a right, not a priveledge-although I do understand why many parents do homeschool.

[celestrata]

I was always pro-public school too, but my kids were in Duval county which was such a mess. I did both: sent them to school, but taught them at home. Now I live in VA, and my last school age child is in the number one rated middle school in VA, and she is making A's and keeping up nicely!