The parents did it to their children.

I’ll never understand why parents allow strangers to babysit their children whether by using organizations like BSA, schools, extra-curricula activities, etc.

PARENTS are supposed to be responsible for their children.

My children were part of the BSA. But, they weren’t dropped off at meetings or camps without parental involvement. The BSA NEEDS parents to be involved. Many are not involved at all.

With parental involvement, the kids (and father) learned how to survive outside through local camping trips and high adventure trips including mountain climbing at Philmont Ranch, diving at BSA Sea Base in FL, etc. They learned how to work with others as well as learn some basic life indoor/outdoor skills through the Merit Badge program. Both learned Leadership Skills - son had to be a strong leader to become an Eagle Scout and daughter learned it by becoming president of her Venture Crew (branch of the BSA).

This kind of experience varies from one troop to the next, so it is the PARENT’S responsibility to choose a group that is involved - which means being highly organized. It is also the parent’s responsibility to BE INVOLVED - meaning - participate in troop meetings, outings, etc.

Maybe parents need to start babysitting their own children instead of dumping them off with strangers and hoping all goes well.