Just out of interest, was the knife deemed unsuitable or was your son using it deemed unsuitable?
I am an Explorer Scout Leader, and prior to this was a Scout Leader. Knives are always a difficult subject to cover at scouts, mainly due to over worried parents. I operate a simple process, no Scout, or Explorer Scout can use a Knife, Axe, or Saw until having done the Knife/Axe/Saw training run by one of the troop leaders. This way, we know that the best practices and safe handling have been covered, and the Scouts or Explorers do not pass until demonstrating saw use of every tool. We as Leaders can be safe in our minds that every Scout/Explorer we pass is capable and will use the tools in the correct manner. If an Explorer joined my unit, had many carving knives, and could make outstanding things with them, and had Ray Mears as a father,I would still make them do the training mentioned and demonstrate they have an understanding, as, ultimately, as Explorer Scout Leader, all the time he is under my dare, I am responsible for him, and making sure things are safe.
Could it be that your son was simply not allowed to use his knife at this camp as he had not gone through a similar process, demonstrating to the Leaders that he had suitable knowledge, and understanding to use said knife, and that when the Leaders get time to satisfy themselves that he has, he'll be able to use it?
As Lord poncho has been illustrating, please people, I urge you to remember that Scouting varies very much from Group to group. We are governed by a set of rules and regs, laid out by HQ, but the interpretation can be very different from place to place. It may simply be a case of misinterpretation and understanding that your son couldn't use his knife. Maybe they didnt have time to cover it with him this camp. Who knows, I can't speak for the troop on that.
I have found that, in my somewhat "young" experience (I have only had a leader warrant for 7 years), that a lot of the nervousness of parents and knives, is down to the media, and the media's attitude to youths and knives. The Red tops seems to use the sum Yoof + Knife = Big bad trouble. This can, also instill a lack of confidence in the Leaders (who we must remember are volunteers), resulting in an over reaction and interpretation of guidelines, and severely limited knife use within their groups.
The key is to be confident as leaders in the use of knives, and educate not only the Scouts, but the parents too. Like anything, if they understand that we are encouraging the young people to respect and use knives correctly, then you'll find that 99% of parents will support you.
I feel for your Son, it must have been very disappointing, but I do hope that you are able to work with his Leader team, and help them understand the benefits, and educate them better, so that they can deliver a better focused program when it comes to knives and carving.
Rob
(phew! I think that was my longest ever forum post! Sorry if its an essay!!)
I am an Explorer Scout Leader, and prior to this was a Scout Leader. Knives are always a difficult subject to cover at scouts, mainly due to over worried parents. I operate a simple process, no Scout, or Explorer Scout can use a Knife, Axe, or Saw until having done the Knife/Axe/Saw training run by one of the troop leaders. This way, we know that the best practices and safe handling have been covered, and the Scouts or Explorers do not pass until demonstrating saw use of every tool. We as Leaders can be safe in our minds that every Scout/Explorer we pass is capable and will use the tools in the correct manner. If an Explorer joined my unit, had many carving knives, and could make outstanding things with them, and had Ray Mears as a father,I would still make them do the training mentioned and demonstrate they have an understanding, as, ultimately, as Explorer Scout Leader, all the time he is under my dare, I am responsible for him, and making sure things are safe.
Could it be that your son was simply not allowed to use his knife at this camp as he had not gone through a similar process, demonstrating to the Leaders that he had suitable knowledge, and understanding to use said knife, and that when the Leaders get time to satisfy themselves that he has, he'll be able to use it?
As Lord poncho has been illustrating, please people, I urge you to remember that Scouting varies very much from Group to group. We are governed by a set of rules and regs, laid out by HQ, but the interpretation can be very different from place to place. It may simply be a case of misinterpretation and understanding that your son couldn't use his knife. Maybe they didnt have time to cover it with him this camp. Who knows, I can't speak for the troop on that.
I have found that, in my somewhat "young" experience (I have only had a leader warrant for 7 years), that a lot of the nervousness of parents and knives, is down to the media, and the media's attitude to youths and knives. The Red tops seems to use the sum Yoof + Knife = Big bad trouble. This can, also instill a lack of confidence in the Leaders (who we must remember are volunteers), resulting in an over reaction and interpretation of guidelines, and severely limited knife use within their groups.
The key is to be confident as leaders in the use of knives, and educate not only the Scouts, but the parents too. Like anything, if they understand that we are encouraging the young people to respect and use knives correctly, then you'll find that 99% of parents will support you.
I feel for your Son, it must have been very disappointing, but I do hope that you are able to work with his Leader team, and help them understand the benefits, and educate them better, so that they can deliver a better focused program when it comes to knives and carving.
Rob
(phew! I think that was my longest ever forum post! Sorry if its an essay!!)
