LB> Having no experience in the Scout section as yet I'm completely
LB> unfamilliar with the responsibilities of the leaders and Scouts of
LB> various ranks. 
From your other messages, it looks like you'll learn soon enough.  :)
LB> From what I've picked up though I think you're on the right track.
LB> My only caveate would be that logical consequences (the "expressed"
LB> kind not the "obvious" kind) should be the basis of discipline. Peer
LB> pressure is really a problem to be overcome. If it is used as a tool
LB> of discipline you must be prepared to accept the other edge of the
LB> sword.
I think that one of the basic ideas of Scouting is to use peer
pressure, which is generally thought of as a negative influence, as
something positive.  This is the role of the leaders..  to make sure
that the peer pressure exerted is positive, not negative.  As a Scout
leader, you try to get the Scouts to make the right decisions about,
say, discipline.  And, if necessary, you change the Scouts' plans if
they're trying to enforce discipline in a dangerous or just generally
bad way.
Here's a quote from my Scout Handbook (not today's handbook, the one
before that)
*begin* 
	The Patrol-in-Council may also be used to discipline a member.  For
example, the patrol leader may consult the patrol on what should be
done about Joe who just won't work on his Achievement Badges, or the
patrol may ask the patrol leader what he intends to do about Joe, since
he is obviously letting the patrol down. *end*
(Don't forget that a lot of Achievement badges have requirements like,
"With your patrol, do...")  
BTW, one of the big differences between Canadian & American Scouting
is the amount of things that adult Scouters can get.  A Cdn Scouter
probably won't get more than 3 or 4 awards (Medal of Merit, etc..)  but
a USA Scouter can get a lot of square knots; there are more than 20
available.  Thus they talk about 'Christmas trees', which doesn't
really apply to us much.
pat
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