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Boy Scouts organization places weight restrictions on some outings
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If the leaders have to park more than 100 feet from their campsite, they balk because that's too far to carry their Camp Chef grills for the breakfast they fix for their boys. The boys deserve better.
This regulation is stupid, it fails to take in your actual physical condition as well as body type. Long and short of it if your BMI is over about 32, then stick to driving your car to camp grounds, is what BSA is telling us.
I guess I will stick to running marathons and Ironman Triathlons.
But who knows? Maybe this is attorneys talking, as well. Maybe they're worried about liability issues in our overly-litigious society. Think about it: overweight, unhealthy, clogged-artery leader has a heart attack on the trail where no help can be found. Then something happens to one of the boys, too, as a result of the incident. Ambulance chasers are busting down the doors of the families of those involved, looking to make a quick buck off the BSA.
It could happen. It wouldn't surprise me if that's part of the BSA's motivation.
People appreciated his service, enthusiasm and loyalty, but the wiser ones didn't follow his example with regard to eating.
His choice of obesity cost him his life before reaching 50.
And that cost his troop (and family) an otherwise great leader.
The problem here is serious. I personally know of scoutmasters who can't hike a short trail with their troop because they are simply too fat.
Being overweight causes knee and back problems, puts you at higher risk of diabetees, heart disease, stroke and a multitiude of other problems.
Most scout troops I work with don't even go backpacking any more because the scoutmaster can't do it. That is pathetic.
No wonder many boys loose interest in scouting so quickly...what do they have to look up too? That fat guy in kakhi shorts who can't walk? Nice...
I for one applaud the BSA for taking this step. A scoutmaster should be the example of fitness and health as well as knowledge and spirituality. In short, he should live the Scout Law and Oath.
This is a good move to fight obeseity. Much better than government regulations over fast food restruants like they do in the liberal cities.
The quote from the 40-year-old scout leader is classic. "I understand and support it but it's sad that it will exclude many good leaders." Wouldn't they be even better leaders if they led by example? Obesity is rapidly becoming the number one health issue in the United States due to all the risks involved with it.
When are we as a people and individuals going to start taking personal responsibility for our actions instead of blaming someone else for our problems?
Fat people have serious health hurdles that may not be conducive to the activities boyscouts have to do. The boys aren't stupid, they pick up on any weakness.
I've noticed that in the church scouting program the leaders generally avoid calling those who are significantly overweight. I think this rule has been in place informally for a while now.
Even though me losing weight was all about me it grew to be about all of the students. They are more aware of obesity, it's consequences, and the importance of a helathy life style.
Good job Boy Scouts.
i'm glad boys get inpired by scout leaders to overcome problems and temptatons, not just give in to apetites.
Anything to encourage leaders to wake up and take charge of thir own behaviros would be a boon for the young men they lead.