I think parents....
Possible, could be cost too, scouting aint cheap. POWDERMAN.
It may not be cheap, but it can be affordable. We sell popcorn every year, and the den gets a large percentage of the sales. We have public sale days at Walmart, and if the boys show up in uniform, and participate, after about two days they will have enough "scout bucks" to pay their dues, buy uniforms, pay for camp, etc.
The pack furnishes the kits for the pinewood derby cars and whatever crafts they do in den.
When we hike, I give a list to the parents of what to send along...then I go ahead out of my pocket and buy enough for them all because only a few if any will bring anything.
I get a little miffed at the parents, but have to keep it in check for the boy's sake. Some of them want to do well, so I don't mind helping. Last year I bought some shirts and such so some of those who said they didn't have money could come to the popcorn sales and make some. Those scouts didn't come to the sale. From now on, I will furnish some "loaner" shirts they can put on at the sale site and then give back. Shirts are $39.00 each so I know thats hard for some, but with just a little effort, it can cost them nothing but time.
I've loaned tents, lanterns, etc. and its the PARENTS who I have to chase down to get them back.
So I would agree, parents are the biggest obstacle to their son's success in most cases.
If I see a boy and his parents are trying, I don't mind going the "extra mile", but having been snake bit a couple times, I'm learning to do so with stipulations.
Scouting is a wonderful program for this day and age, when so many "men" don't know how to be men, and so many kids live with mama only. It teaches self reliance, personal responsibility, and yes, manhood and wraps it all up in fun! It's more needed today than in 1910 when it began.
Ben